Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) have increased stake in every other company in March quarter. So far, 318 companies from the BSE-500 index have disclosed their March shareholding pattern to the exchanges. Of them, in 177 companies, FIIs have increased their holding. However, they have reduced stakes in 124 companies.

During the quarter, FIIs have pumped in Rs 43,950 crore. The BSE Sensex gained 12.6 per cent in the first three months of 2012.

FIIs increased their shareholding in Hathway Cable by a steep 19.93 per cent. It may be noted that during the same period, the promoters reduced their stake by 17.3 per cent. This reduction in stake marked the exit of News Corp, the Rupert Murdoch-led conglomerate from its investment in Hathway Cable.

FIIs also increased their stake significantly in Dewan Housing, Godrej Properties, Aqua Logistics and IDFC.

Reduced stakes

On the other hand, they have decreased stakes in Patni Computer (by 15.36 per cent), which is on the verge of delisting.

Other significant reductions include those in LIC Housing Finance, United Spirits, Max India and Educomp Solutions.

Small investors — who have shares worth Rs 1 lakh, it appears, were not bullish in the quarter.

They have reduced stake in as many as 183 companies.

But, they have increased their holding in 128 companies.

Among their prominent favourites were ARSS Infra, TVS Motor, Welspun Corp, Educomp Solution and Manappuram Finance.

Y-o-y figures

Promoters increased their stake in 54 companies while reducing in 66.

Their position remains unchanged in 198 companies.

But on a year-on-year basis, FIIs have decreased their stake in more companies. They have increased stake in 153 companies but reduced in 161of them. Some of their favourite companies include Arvind Rallis India, Va Tech Wabag, Praj Industries and GE Shipping.

On the other hand, in companies such as, Lanco Infratech, GVK Power Infra, Aurobindo Pharma, Firstsource Solutions and Educomp Solutions they have relaxed their grip.

Small investors have also reduced stakes in more number of companies compared to previous year.

They have reduced stakes in 182 companies even as they hiked holdings in 132 of them.

>priya.s@thehindu.co.in

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