HDFC Securities starts Ather Energy at Buy, sees 31% upside

HDFC Securities has initiated coverage of Ather Energy with a Buy rating and projected 31% upside. The signal comes amid references to the EV maker’s muted IPO debut, a forthcoming lock-in expiry covering nearly 6% of shares and rare-earth supply risks.

— FiledWed, 29 Jul, 2026, 15:17 IST·First seen Wed, 29 Jul, 2026, 15:16 IST·Source Financial Express · BrandWagon

What happened

HDFC Securities initiated Ather Energy with a Buy rating and 31% upside potential. The news archive also references its tepid IPO listing, upcoming lock-in

Key facts

  • 31% expected upside
  • Nearly 6% of Ather Energy and Borana Weaves shares due to exit lock-in

Why this matters

The coverage validates strategic interest in Ather’s EV platform and growth prospects, while its upcoming share unlock and supply-chain dependencies remain important diligence considerations.

What to watch

  • Trading volumes, block-deal disclosures and price behavior around the lock-in expiry.
  • Monthly registration, delivery and market-share trends versus other electric-scooter brands.
  • Gross-margin trajectory, discounting intensity and evidence of reduced customer-acquisition costs.
  • New experience-center openings, service-network expansion and utilization of fast-charging infrastructure.
  • Updates on rare-earth sourcing, inventory buffers, motor redesigns or supplier concentration.
  • Management commentary on cash burn, capacity utilization, funding needs and path to profitability.
  • Accelerate sourcing localization and develop alternate suppliers for rare-earth-dependent components.
  • Use analyst coverage and improving public-market visibility to strengthen dealer, leasing, fleet and financing partnerships.
  • Prioritize high-throughput experience centers and service capacity in markets where charging density and premium scooter demand are strongest.
  • Protect conversion rates with financing offers, exchange programs, subscription-like service packages and transparent total-cost-of-ownership messaging.
  • Maintain capital discipline ahead of the lock-in expiry, limiting actions that could be interpreted as requiring near-term equity support.