Here’s a challenge. Using the five clues below, identify the company that is being talked about here.

1 I am known by the abbreviation of a company I acquired in the 1980s. I have done several business restructuring involving spinoffs, business exits and acquisitions to become what I am now.

2 My founder’s extended family has several entities in related businesses and own more than half the market share across the country in an industry with popular brands.

3 Before almost 50 per cent decline in my share price in January/February this year, I went up almost 20 times from Covid-lows to reach almost a billion-dollar market capitalisation.

4 Despite 16 per cent RoE and more than 33 per cent per annum growth in profits over the last three years, I still get valued at a PE of 17 times only.

5 While I have more than 50,000 shareholders, domestic institutions own less than 1 per cent stake.

Last week’s stock: South Indian Bank

Last week’s winner: Kala P K

Published on April 12, 2025