Anchor investors in Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd and Bharti Hexacom Ltd have become eligible to sell shares in the open market, following the expiry of their IPO lock-in period. This development triggered notable movements in both stocks, highlighting key sector trends and investor confidence in India’s commercial real estate and telecom infrastructure domains.
Anchor Lock-in Period: A Quick Recap
A lock-in period restricts major investors, like anchor institutions, from selling their allotted shares for a defined duration after an IPO. This stabilises the early trading environment and signals long-term commitment to the company’s growth prospects. With the completion of this period, anchor investors can now freely trade their shares.
Smartworks Coworking Spaces Ltd: Shares Hit Market
Smartworks, a leading provider of managed and flexible workspaces, specialises in modern, tech-enabled office solutions for startups, SMEs, and large enterprises. The company’s anchor investors can now sell 2% of their shares, marking a significant moment post-IPO. On the day of lock-in expiry, Smartworks stock traded at ₹565 per share, down by 4% from the previous session, with intraday lows touching ₹562.
Bharti Hexacom Ltd: Telecom Infrastructure Gains Momentum
Bharti Hexacom, a key player in India’s telecom infrastructure sector, witnessed 20% of anchor-held shares entering the market. This move comes as the company continues to expand its digital connectivity footprint through robust tower and fibre network services. Hexacom’s stock recorded an increase to ₹1,790 per share, rising nearly 3% intraday, with highs at ₹1,799.60 from its prior close of ₹1,751.90.
Market Reaction & Investor Sentiment
The end of the lock-in period typically attracts market attention due to the potential influx of available shares. For Smartworks, the initial selling pressure led to a dip in share value, while Bharti Hexacom saw an uptick as investor confidence in telecom infrastructure remains strong. Both responses reflect sector-specific trends and investor perceptions linked to company fundamentals and market demand.
The FlexInsights Take
The expiry of the anchor lock-in period for Smartworks and Bharti Hexacom is a critical event for tracking institutional investment behaviour and price movements in India’s commercial real estate and telecom sectors. Smartworks’ share dip signals caution amid a flexible workspace industry adjusting to post-pandemic realities. Conversely, Bharti Hexacom’s robust performance highlights resilience and growth potential in essential infrastructure. Investors should monitor these transitions for evolving opportunities within both sectors.
