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The initial public offering (IPO) of Orkla India, the company behind iconic food brands like MTR, Eastern Condiments, and Rasoi Magic, has opened for subscription today, October 29, 2025. This Rs 1,667.54 crore issue marks a significant moment in the Indian packaged food sector, bringing a household name to the public markets. The Grey Market Premium (GMP), an unofficial but closely watched indicator of market sentiment, has become a focal point for investors trying to gauge the IPO's potential listing gains.
Decoding the Grey Market Premium (GMP)
The Grey Market Premium represents the extra amount investors are willing to pay over the IPO price for shares traded in an unofficial market before listing. It serves as a barometer of investor enthusiasm and potential short-term gains.
As of October 29, 2025, the GMP for Orkla India IPO shows some variation across different tracking sources, but generally indicates a positive sentiment:
| Source | GMP (₹) | Expected Listing Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Investorgain.com (Latest) | 64 | ~8.77% |
| Financial Express | 77 | ~10.55% |
| Market Sources | 77 | ~10.55% |
| Republic World | 63 | ~8.63% |
Based on the upper price band of ₹730, this translates to an estimated listing price range of approximately ₹793 to ₹807 [citation:1][citation:2][citation:8]. It's worth noting that the GMP has seen a minor correction from higher levels observed in previous days, which market observers attribute to normal profit-taking and market dynamics [citation:10].
Investor Note: GMP is an unofficial indicator and can be volatile. It should not be the sole factor in investment decisions but rather considered alongside fundamental analysis of the company.
Orkla India IPO: Essential Details
Before delving into the investment thesis, let's examine the fundamental details of the offering:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| IPO Dates | October 29 - 31, 2025 |
| Price Band | ₹695 - ₹730 per share |
| Lot Size | 20 shares |
| Minimum Investment | ₹14,600 (at upper price band) |
| Issue Size | ₹1,667.54 crore |
| Issue Type | 100% Offer for Sale (OFS) |
| Listing On | BSE and NSE |
| Tentative Listing Date | November 6, 2025 |
A critical aspect to note is that the IPO is entirely an Offer for Sale (OFS) of 2.28 crore shares by existing shareholders, including promoter Orkla Asia Pacific Pte and shareholders Navas Meeran and Feroz Meeran [citation:3][citation:4]. This means the company will not receive any proceeds from the IPO, with all funds going to the selling shareholders [citation:1].
Company Overview: A Food Powerhouse with Regional Dominance
Orkla India, formerly known as MTR Foods, is a multi-category food company with deep roots in Indian culinary traditions, particularly South Indian cuisine [citation:2]. The company's impressive portfolio includes:
- Iconic Brands: MTR, Eastern Condiments, and Rasoi Magic [citation:2]
- Product Range: Over 400 products spanning spices, ready-to-cook (RTC) and ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, vermicelli, breakfast mixes, and more [citation:4][citation:7]
- Market Presence: Strong dominance in South Indian states, commanding 31% market share in Karnataka and 42% in Kerala in the packaged spices segment [citation:4]
- Distribution Network: Extensive pan-India reach with 834 distributors, 1,888 sub-distributors, and presence across modern trade and e-commerce channels [citation:2][citation:4]
- Global Footprint: Exports to over 40 countries, with the Eastern brand being India's largest exporter of branded spices for 24 consecutive years [citation:4]
- Operational Scale: Sells an average of 2.3 million units daily [citation:4]
Financial Performance and Valuation
Orkla India has demonstrated a robust financial track record, which forms the basis of its valuation:
| Financial Parameter | FY25 Performance |
|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹2,455 crore [citation:2][citation:7] |
| Net Profit | ₹255.69 crore [citation:2][citation:7] |
| Net Margin | 10.7% [citation:2] |
| Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) | 32.7% [citation:2] |
At the upper price band of ₹730, Orkla India is seeking a market capitalization of approximately ₹10,000 crore [citation:4]. This translates to a P/E ratio of 31.68x based on FY26 annualized earnings (post-IPO) [citation:1][citation:7]. The only listed peer, Tata Consumer Products, trades at a significantly higher P/E of 90.1x, though direct comparisons should consider differences in business models and scale [citation:1][citation:3].
Brokerage Views: Mixed but Generally Positive
Leading brokerage firms have expressed varied but generally optimistic views on the IPO:
- Angel One: "Subscribe" - Valuations appear fairly priced considering diversified portfolio, strong market presence, and long-term growth visibility [citation:1][citation:7][citation:10].
- Mehta Equities: "Subscribe for long-term" - Reasonable valuation given market leadership, strong brands, and regional dominance, though notes concern about 100% OFS structure [citation:1][citation:4][citation:7].
- Anand Rathi: "Subscribe-Long Term" - Believes the IPO is fully priced but recommends for long-term horizons [citation:2][citation:7].
- SBI Securities: "Neutral" - Acknowledges strong fundamentals but suggests monitoring post-listing performance at current valuations [citation:4][citation:7].
Investment Thesis: Weighing the Opportunity
Strengths & Opportunities
- Powerful brand portfolio with deep consumer trust [citation:4]
- Market leadership in key South Indian states [citation:4]
- Capital-efficient business with high ROCE of 32.7% [citation:2][citation:4]
- Virtually debt-free company [citation:4][citation:7]
- Backed by global parent Orkla ASA with access to international expertise [citation:4]
- Well-positioned in India's growing packaged food market [citation:1][citation:3]
Risks & Concerns
- 100% OFS means no fresh capital for company growth [citation:1][citation:3]
- Vulnerability to raw material price fluctuations [citation:4][citation:5]
- Supply chain disruptions could impact operations [citation:4]
- Dependence on key suppliers [citation:5]
- Labor shortages or strikes could affect production [citation:5]
- Intense competition in the packaged food space [citation:5]
Conclusion: To Apply or Not to Apply?
The Orkla India IPO presents a compelling opportunity to invest in a well-established player in India's packaged food sector. The company's strong brand equity, regional dominance, robust financials, and extensive distribution network create a solid foundation for long-term growth.
The current GMP of ₹64-77 suggests modest listing gains of approximately 9-11%, reflecting cautious but positive market sentiment [citation:1][citation:2][citation:8]. However, the decline in GMP from earlier levels indicates that investors are carefully evaluating the valuation.
For long-term investors, the IPO appears reasonably priced considering the company's market position, growth potential in India's packaged food sector, and strong parentage. The 100% OFS structure is a point to note, but doesn't fundamentally diminish the company's operational strengths.
For short-term traders seeking significant listing pops, the moderate GMP suggests tempered expectations. The subscription data over the next three days will be crucial in determining final allotment probabilities and potential listing price movements.
Ultimately, the decision should align with your investment horizon and risk appetite. Orkla India represents a quality business in a defensive sector, making it potentially suitable for investors with a long-term perspective who can weather near-term market volatility.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should consult with certified financial advisors before making any investment decisions. IPO investments are subject to market risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.
Sources: Information compiled from Moneycontrol, Financial Express, Livemint, Business Standard, Business Today, Republic World, The Economic Times, and Zerodha.
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