Why InCred Is Emerging as a Strong NBFC in the Unlisted Market

Key Takeaways

●     InCred has transitioned from a high-growth lender to a more balanced and profitable NBFC.

●     Strong EPS growth and improving return ratios indicate maturing fundamentals.

●     A diversified business model reduces reliance on any single lending vertical.

●     In the unlisted market, InCred stands out for execution rather than hype.

Introduction

Most NBFC stories in India follow a familiar arc.

Early excitement. Rapid loan growth. Aggressive capital raising. Then, sooner or later, stress shows up. Asset quality weakens. Margins compress. The story changes.

InCred has followed a different path.

Its growth has been steady enough to avoid attention in the early years, yet strong enough to compound meaningfully over time. Today, when investors discuss opportunities in the unlisted market, InCred is increasingly mentioned alongside far larger names. Not because of noise, but because the numbers have started to speak for themselves.

How InCred Is Structured

InCred operates through a clean holding structure under InCred Holdings Limited. This matters more than it appears on paper.

At the centre of the group sits InCred Financial Services Limited, the regulated lending entity. This is where risk is taken, capital is deployed, and profits are generated. Around it sit support and advisory businesses that exist to improve efficiency rather than chase unrelated revenue.

The InCred Group did not try to build everything at once. Lending came first. Discipline followed. Only then did diversification expand.

This approach is uncommon in a sector where many platforms expand before proving unit economics.

Lending First, Everything Else Second

At its core, InCred Financial is a lending business. Retail borrowers, education loans, and SME financing. These are not exotic products, but they are large markets with persistent demand.

What differentiates InCred is not the segment, but the execution.

Credit assessment is data-led. Underwriting decisions are faster than traditional banks, but not reckless. Portfolio monitoring is continuous rather than reactive. These choices do not make headlines, but they determine survival.

Over time, this discipline shows up where it matters. Lower credit surprises. Predictable margins. Gradual improvement in profitability.

Financial Growth Without Distortion

Revenue growth at InCred has been strong, but what matters more is how profits have grown alongside it.

Operating leverage has improved year after year. Costs have not expanded at the same pace as assets. This is a sign of an NBFC moving from expansion mode to consolidation mode.

The clearest signal of this shift is earnings per share (EPS).

EPS growth tells a story that topline numbers cannot. It shows whether shareholders are actually benefiting from growth. In InCred’s case, EPS has increased meaningfully over time, reflecting real profit creation rather than accounting optics.

This is where many fast-growing lenders fail. InCred has not.

Balance Sheet Discipline

Every NBFC lives with leverage. The question is not whether leverage exists, but whether it is controlled.

InCred’s debt-to-equity ratio has risen and fallen with growth cycles, but it has remained within a range that suggests intent rather than desperation. Borrowings have increased to fund earning assets, not to cover operational losses.

This distinction is critical.

A rising debt-to-equity ratio driven by growth is very different from one driven by stress. InCred’s balance sheet reflects the former.

Why the Unlisted Market Is Paying Attention

The unlisted market is not patient with weak fundamentals. Liquidity is limited. Investors cannot exit easily. As a result, capital tends to favour businesses with visible execution.

InCred fits that profile.

Its unlisted shares are discussed not as speculative bets, but as long-term holdings. Investors are not chasing a quick listing pop. They are looking at earnings durability, capital discipline, and the ability to scale without breaking.

That is why InCred has gradually earned credibility in the unlisted market rather than being pushed into it by marketing narratives.

Scale Without Losing Control

One of the most difficult transitions for any NBFC is moving from mid-sized to large without losing underwriting discipline.

InCred appears aware of this risk.

Growth has been selective. Product expansion has followed data, not trends. New verticals have been added only when existing ones have reached stability. This pacing reduces the probability of unpleasant surprises.

For long-term investors, this matters more than speed.

How InCred Compares Within the NBFC Space

Compared to legacy NBFCs, InCred benefits from technology and agility. Compared to younger fintech lenders, it benefits from balance sheet maturity.

It sits in a narrow middle ground that is difficult to occupy.

This positioning allows InCred to grow faster than very large players while avoiding the fragility of early-stage lenders. It also explains why its valuation in the unlisted market reflects confidence rather than optimism.

Investment Perspective

Investing in unlisted shares requires a different mindset. Liquidity is limited. Timelines are uncertain. Fundamentals matter more than narratives.

InCred appeals to this mindset because it behaves like a business that plans for continuity, not headlines.

Profitability is improving. EPS growth is visible. Leverage is managed. Governance structures are in place.

These are not exciting traits. They are valuable ones.

Looking Ahead

If InCred continues on its current path, its future will likely be shaped by execution rather than environment. Credit cycles will come and go. Regulations will evolve. Competition will intensify.

What will matter is whether discipline holds.

So far, InCred has shown that it understands this better than most.

FAQs

Is InCred a registered NBFC?

Yes. InCred Financial Services Limited operates as a registered Non-Banking Financial Company.

Why are investors interested in InCred’s unlisted shares?

The business combines profitability, growth, and balance sheet discipline, which is rare at this stage.

Does EPS growth really matter for NBFCs?

Yes. Earnings per share (EPS) growth indicates that expansion is creating shareholder value, not diluting it.

Is leverage a concern for InCred?

Leverage exists, as it does for all NBFCs, but the debt-to-equity ratio suggests controlled growth rather than excess risk.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Investments in unlisted shares involve risks, including limited liquidity and valuation uncertainty. Always conduct independent research or consult a qualified advisor.