Ratan Tata refused to list this company globally, his faith paid off, Indian investors got 20X returns in… on shares of…

This 20-year success story of TCS is not just about financial returns but about the vision of Ratan Tata who believed in inclusive growth and empowering the common investor.

On the 20th anniversary of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) investors are celebrating a remarkable twentyfold return on their initial investment.

This impressive growth can be attributed to the visionary leadership of former Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, whose strategic decisions ensured that even small investors could benefit from TCS’s success.  How Ratan Tata’s foresight transformed wealth creation in India?

TCS IPO 20-Year Journey

• IPO in 2004: TCS shares were initially issued at Rs 850 during its IPO in 2004. The company’s decision to list exclusively on the Indian stock market was a game-changer.
• Bonus Shares: Over the years, TCS issued bonus shares twice. In 2009 and 2018, the company issued 1:1 bonus shares, meaning an investor holding 1 share in 2004 now owns 4 shares.
• Current Share Value: Today, TCS shares are trading around Rs 4,200 on the Mumbai Stock Exchange, making early investors nearly 20 times wealthier if they held onto their shares over the last two decades.

Ratan Tata’s Vision

Former TCS CEO S. Ramadorai recently shared insights into how Ratan Tata’s vision played a crucial role in TCS’s IPO success. According to Ramadorai, Tata was committed to making TCS shares accessible to Indian retail investors, focusing on long-term value creation rather than quick gains.

Despite suggestions from several advisors to list internationally, Ratan Tata insisted on listing TCS exclusively in India. His goal was to empower Indian retail investors and ensure that they had access to the company’s growth potential.

Tata was determined to set an IPO price that allowed for future appreciation. He aimed to keep the shares affordable so that even small investors could participate in TCS’s success, making wealth creation accessible to all.

TCS IPO Journey & S. Ramadorai’s Role

During the IPO process, Ratan Tata and S. Ramadorai worked closely, traveling extensively to meet potential investors and stakeholders. This partnership was crucial in making the TCS IPO a success. Ramadorai joined TCS in 1996 as CEO and led the company through significant milestones, including its 2004 public listing. He continued to serve as Vice Chairman until 2014, dedicating over four decades to TCS. His leadership also extended to other Tata Group companies, including Bombay Stock Exchange, Tata Technologies, and Tata Elxsi.