Ather Energy IPO: Riding the Electric Wave—An Investment Opportunity?
The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is electrifying, and at the forefront of this revolution is Ather Energy. Known for its premium electric scooters and charging infrastructure, Ather Energy has now launched its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on April 28, 2025, with the subscription window closing on April 30, 2025. This IPO is not just a chance for the company to raise capital; it’s an opportunity for investors to be part of India’s burgeoning EV story. Let’s delve into the details of the Ather Energy IPO and analyze its potential.
Ather Energy IPO: Pioneering Electric Mobility in India
Founded in 2013 by Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, Ather Energy has established itself as a key player in the Indian electric two-wheeler segment. The company designs, develops, and manufactures high-performance electric scooters, along with its proprietary battery packs, charging infrastructure (Ather Grid), and connected software. Ather’s focus on innovation, quality, and a premium user experience has garnered significant attention in the market.
Ather Energy IPO: Key Highlights of the Ather Energy IPO:
- IPO Dates:
April 28, 2025, to April 30, 2025 - Price Band:
₹304 to ₹321 per equity share - Issue Size:
₹2,981.06 crore (Fresh Issue of ₹2,626 crore + Offer for Sale of ₹355.06 crore) - Lot Size:
46 shares - Minimum Investment:
₹14,766 (at the upper price band) - Listing Exchanges:
BSE and NSE - Tentative Listing Date:
May 6, 2025
Ather Energy IPO: Objectives of the IPO:
Ather Energy plans to utilize the net proceeds from the IPO for the following key objectives:
- Establishing a new electric two-wheeler manufacturing plant in Maharashtra:
This is a significant step to increase production capacity and meet the anticipated future demand for their vehicles. - Repayment/prepayment of certain borrowings:
Reducing debt will strengthen the company’s balance sheet and improve financial flexibility. - Investment in research and development (R&D):
Continuous innovation in battery technology, software, and vehicle design is crucial for Ather to maintain its competitive edge. - Expenditure towards marketing initiatives:
Enhancing brand visibility and expanding market reach are essential for growth. - General corporate purposes:
This includes various operational and strategic needs of the company.
Ather Energy IPO: Financial Performance and Market Position:
While Ather Energy has demonstrated strong revenue growth in recent years, it is still a loss-making company. For the nine months ended March 31, 2025, the company reported a net loss of ₹577.9 crore on a revenue of ₹1,617.4 crore. This is typical for companies in the growth phase, especially those investing heavily in R&D and expansion.
Ather Energy holds a significant position in the premium segment of the Indian electric two-wheeler market. As of December 31, 2024, it was the fourth-largest player by volume in the E2W sales in the first nine months of FY25. The company’s focus on quality and in-house technology development differentiates it from some competitors. Recent launches like the Ather Rizta are aimed at expanding its customer base by catering to a broader range of preferences.
Ather Energy IPO: Growth Drivers in the Indian EV Market:
Several factors are fueling the growth of the electric vehicle market in India, making Ather Energy’s IPO an interesting proposition:
- Government Support:
Favorable government policies, subsidies (although some are being reduced), and state-level EV policies are encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. - Rising Fuel Prices:
The increasing cost of petrol and diesel is making EVs a more economically viable option for consumers in the long run due to lower running costs. - Environmental Awareness:
Growing awareness about air pollution and the need for sustainable transportation is driving consumer preference towards EVs. - Technological Advancements:
Continuous improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle performance are making EVs more appealing. - Cost of Ownership:
Despite a higher upfront cost, the total cost of ownership of an EV is becoming increasingly competitive compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Ather Energy IPO: Potential Risks and Considerations:
Investing in the Ather Energy IPO, like any investment, comes with certain risks that investors should be aware of:
- Profitability:
The company is currently loss-making, and achieving profitability will be crucial for long-term sustainability. - Competition:
The electric two-wheeler market in India is becoming increasingly competitive, with the entry of established players and new startups. - Supply Chain Dependencies:
Ather relies on external suppliers for key components, including a significant portion from China, which exposes it to geopolitical and supply chain risks. - Regional Concentration:
A significant portion of Ather’s revenue is currently generated in South India, making it susceptible to regional demand fluctuations. - Valuation:
Some analysts believe that the IPO valuation, based on price-to-sales ratio, appears aggressive compared to established automotive players.
Grey Market Premium (GMP):
As of April 28, 2025, the Grey Market Premium (GMP) for Ather Energy’s IPO was around ₹3. This indicates that the shares are currently trading at or around the IPO price in the unofficial market, suggesting a neutral listing expectation. However, GMP is a dynamic figure and can change based on market sentiment.
Analyst Recommendations:
Analyst opinions on the Ather Energy IPO are mixed. Some brokerages recommend subscribing for listing gains, citing Ather’s strong position in the growing EV market, its focus on R&D, and potential for future growth. Others suggest caution due to the company’s current losses, high valuation, and increasing competition. Some analysts recommend avoiding the IPO altogether and suggest waiting for the company to achieve better financial metrics.
Conclusion: A Ride Worth Taking?
The Ather Energy IPO presents a unique opportunity to invest in a pioneering electric vehicle company in a rapidly expanding market. Ather’s focus on innovation, premium products, and its established charging infrastructure network position it well for future growth. However, investors must carefully consider the company’s current financial performance, the competitive landscape, and the potential risks involved.
The mixed analyst recommendations and the current neutral GMP suggest that the IPO’s listing performance might be moderate. Long-term investors with a higher risk appetite who believe in the future of electric mobility in India may find this IPO appealing. However, a thorough understanding of the company’s fundamentals and the evolving EV market dynamics is essential before making an investment decision. As the subscription window is currently open, potential investors should conduct their own due diligence and consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance before subscribing to the Ather Energy IPO.