NHC Foods shares surged 5% on Thursday, September 16, 2026, hitting the 5% upper circuit limit after the company announced plans to acquire controlling stakes in two food and beverage companies. The company will acquire up to 88% stake in Lotmor Brands Pvt Ltd and 80% in Walya's Beverages Pvt Ltd at ₹6.50 per share, as disclosed in a regulatory filing. According to Investing.com India, this strategic move is designed to build on existing capabilities rather than operate businesses in isolation, creating stronger linkages between sourcing, processing, distribution and end markets. Managing Director Satyam Shirishchandra Joshi stated that the approach aims to participate in a wider part of the food business while making better use of existing capabilities and relationships.
NHC Foods shares have delivered exceptional returns of nearly 170% in six months and over 125% year-to-date, positioning it as one of the multibagger stocks in the Indian stock market for 2026. According to reports from Live Mint, the penny stock under ₹10 rupees opened at ₹2.05 on Thursday and touched an intraday high of ₹2.11 before settling at ₹2.03. The stock's stellar performance has made it one of the rare Indian stocks that have delivered stellar returns to shareholders during this period. Recent market data shows that 11 penny stocks recorded returns ranging from 27% to 156% over the same six-month period, with NHC Foods among the top performers in this category. As per Investing.com India, the stock has remained volatile but has delivered strong returns over the past six to twelve months, trading near ₹2.00–2.11 as of mid-September 2026 with a market capitalization of approximately ₹190–200 crore.
The proposed acquisitions will add significant financial strength to NHC Foods' operations. Lotmor Brands, incorporated in 2018, reported turnover of ₹246.11 crore in FY23, ₹260.43 crore in FY24, and ₹179.74 crore in FY25. According to Mint, Lotmor's established operations and positive cash flows could add complementary capabilities to NHC Foods' existing business and provide a platform for further expansion. Walya's Beverages, incorporated in 2021, reported no turnover in FY23, ₹71.48 crore in FY24, and ₹22.28 crore in FY25. NHC Foods stated that Walya's presence across the food and beverage segment could help broaden its product portfolio and market reach, with the company reporting that the consideration for acquisitions may be paid in cash or through equity shares at ₹6.50 per share.
On September 9, 2026, NHC Foods announced a significant milestone with its Liberian subsidiary, NHC Foods (Liberia) Limited, signing a binding Heads of Terms agreement for a fruit-juice and allied food-processing facility in the Monrovia Industrial Free Zone (Starbase), Bushrod Island. The facility will be located on an approximately 7,580 sq. m. industrial plot with an initial built-up area of 1,590 square meters. As reported by Investing.com India, this facility marks the company's first processing plant on the African continent and is initially designed to manufacture and process fruit juices and beverage products. The facility will operate under a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) regime, making it eligible for substantial fiscal benefits including 100% corporate tax exemptions, customs-bonded status, and streamlined Single Window Clearance for regulatory permits. The project is at the pre-implementation stage, with a definitive sublease targeted within 90 days, with funding expected from resources earmarked for international expansion.
NHC Foods has demonstrated exceptional financial performance with core operating revenue for Q1FY27-TTM at around ₹860 crore compared to ₹385 crore yearly and ₹601 crore sequentially, representing a 30.76% year-on-year growth and 43.09% sequential growth. The company's core operating EPS reached 0.38 versus 0.17 yearly and 0.21 sequentially, with average return on revenue of 36.68% sequentially. For FY26, the company achieved core operating revenue of ₹601 crore versus ₹348 crore yearly, with core operating EPS of 0.23 versus 0.17 yearly. As per Investing.com India, the company's core operating margin improved to 3.37% versus 2.60% yearly and 2.33% sequentially. The company has projected accelerated growth with consolidated revenue estimated to grow from ₹601 crore in FY26 to ₹3,944 crore by FY30, with operating profit margins projected to climb from 2.50% in FY26 to 9.30% by FY30. Investing.com India projects revenue growth to ₹1,502-2,254-3,381-4,226 crore for FY27-30, with core operating margins expanding to 4.65%-7.66%-10.92%-14.49% and core operating EPS reaching ₹0.64-1.15-1.68-1.98 respectively.
