What is Company Fixed Deposit ?
Company Fixed Deposit is the deposit placed by investors with companies for a fixed term carrying a prescribed rate of interest.
Why is interest from Company Fixed Deposit higher than Banks?
Company Fixed Deposits have always offered interest which is 2-3% higher than Bank Deposit rate, because they have to pay higher interest to banks for borrowing money.
How are interest payments made ?
Interest is paid on monthly/quarterly/half yearly/yearly basis or on maturity, and is sent either through cheque or through Electronic Clearing System basis.
When is TDS deducted on the interest from Company Fixed Deposits ?
TDS is deducted if the interest on fixed deposit exceeds Rs.5000/- in a financial year.
Is there any scope of appreciation of principal ?
No, at the end of deposit period, the principal is returned to the deposit holder.
How to choose a good company deposit scheme ?
Ignore the unrated Company Deposit Schemes. Ignore deposit schemes of little known manufacturing companies. For NBFCs, RBI has made it mandatory to have an “A” rating to be eligible to accept public deposits. One should go further and look at only AA or AAA schemes.
Within a given rating grade, choose the company with a better reputation.
Once you decide on a company, choose the schemes that have given a better return. Unless you need income regularly, you should prefer cumulative schemes to regular income options since the interest earned automatically gets reinvested at the same coupon rate, resulting in better yields. It also gives you a lump-sum amount at one go.
It is better to make shorter deposit of around 1 year to 3 years. This way, you can not only keep a watch on the company”s rating and servicing, but also have your money back in case of an emergency.
Check on the servicing standards of the company. You should not invest in companies that care little about investor services, like promptly sending interest warrants or the principal cheque.
Involve your Financial Planner / Investment Advisor for advice in all your transactions. Do not bypass and invest directly.
Check whether the company accepts outstation cheques and makes payment through at par cheques, especially if you do not live in the same city where the company is situated.
Which companies can accept a deposits ?
Companies registered under the Companies Act 1956, such as:
Upto what limits can a company accept deposit ?
A Non-Banking Non-Finance Company(Manufacturing Company) can accept deposits subject to following limits.
Upto 10% of the aggregate of paid-up share capital and free reserves if the deposits are from shareholders or guaranteed by the directors.
What is the period of the deposit ?
Company Fixed Deposits can be accepted by a Manufacturing Company having duration from 6 months to 3 years. Non-Banking Finance Companies can accept deposit from 1 year to 5 years period. A Housing Finance Company can accept deposit from 1 year to 7 years.
Companies where you should not invest
There is an old saying ["Don”t Put All Your Eggs In One Basket ".]
Company Deposits should be spread over a large number of companies. This will help you to diversify your risk among various companies/industries. Never put more than 10% of your total investible funds in one company.
