Lenskart Share Lists at a Discount: Should You Buy, Hold, or Sell?

Lenskart’s IPO was one of the most talked-about and controversial public listings in 2025. With a massive ₹7,278 crore issue size and a valuation of nearly ₹70,000 crore, it drew huge attention from investors and market watchers alike. The fact that promoters and early investors sold shares worth over ₹5,100 crore during the IPO added to the buzz and debate. Now that Lenskart has finally listed, the big question for retail investors is what to do next: should you buy more shares, hold what you have, or sell? This blog breaks down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

The IPO Hype, Valuation, and Promoter Cash-Out

Lenskart, India’s largest organized eyewear retailer, entered the market with a lot of excitement. Founded in 2008 by Peyush Bansal and others, it built a powerful omnichannel presence with over 2,000 stores across India and abroad, combining physical retail with a strong online platform. Its business model focuses on manufacturing, branding, and retailing eyewear, including glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses.

At the time of the IPO, Lenskart had shown steady revenue growth, reporting sales of ₹6,625 crore in FY25, up around 22% from the previous year, with a net profit of roughly ₹297 crore. This was a positive turnaround from a near break-even FY24. But despite these numbers, what raised eyebrows was the IPO valuation, which priced the company at nearly ₹70,000 crore - translating to a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 235, extremely high compared to listed peers.

Moreover, existing promoters and investors, including Peyush Bansal, SoftBank, and others, sold shares worth ₹5,128 crore through an Offer for Sale (OFS), cashing out substantial gains. While fresh capital of ₹2,150 crore was raised to expand retail stores and invest in technology infrastructure, the large promoter sale created concern about insiders’ confidence and share supply pressure.

Track the Lenskart live share price on its official page at INDmoney.

Listing Day Performance and Market Sentiment

When Lenskart listed on the stock exchanges, its shares opened at ₹395 per share, below the ₹402 IPO price, marking a 1.74% discount. The stock saw a significant drop soon after, hitting nearly an 11% fall from the IPO price. However, now at 1 PM, it's trading positive, a little above the IPO price. This weak debut surprised many, especially as the IPO had been oversubscribed 28 times overall. The grey market premium, which had been positive and around ₹70 per share days before, had dropped sharply to almost zero, signaling a sudden loss of investor enthusiasm.

Leading brokerages and analysts were cautious in their ratings. Ambit Capital and others warned of the high valuation risks, suggesting the market was pricing in very aggressive growth that might not materialize in the short term. Their expectation was that Lenskart’s stock could experience further volatility with possible price corrections if the company’s quarterly performance does not match investor expectations.

The large promoter share sale in the IPO offer for sale added to retail investors’ concerns, as it increased supply in the market and raised doubts about promoter confidence. While Lenskart’s core business is strong, the price drop on the listing day reflected a re-rating by the market based on the expensive valuation. Retail investors who subscribed at the IPO price have seen immediate paper losses, and analysts advise a cautious approach.

What Should Retail Investors Do Now?

For retail investors, the decision to buy, hold, or sell Lenskart shares depends on whether they are looking at short-term gains or long-term wealth creation.

• Short-term outlook: With an expensive valuation and an immediate listing day discount, Lenskart looks like a risky bet for quick profits. A sharp drop post-listing may occur if market conditions worsen or growth disappoints.
• Long-term potential: Lenskart commands a strong market position with a large retail footprint and growing revenue. Its focus on innovation, tech-driven customer experience, and expansion plans could deliver value over time. But the high valuation needs to be justified by consistent profit growth and margin improvement.

Retail investors should weigh Lenskart’s IPO fundamentals and broader market trends before making decisions. Monitoring quarterly earnings, market share gains, and competitor actions will be important.

Also, read a detailed Lenskart IPO Review to revisit key financials, strengths, and risks before deciding your next move.

For complete information, visit Lenskart’s official IPO page at INDmoney.

Final Word

Lenskart’s IPO saga highlights how valuation and market sentiment combine to shape listing outcomes. While the initial listing disappointed many retail investors, Lenskart’s core business and growth path remain promising if it can deliver results.

For those willing to hold long-term, patience and regular evaluation of company performance will be key. Those seeking short-term gains might consider booking profits or avoiding fresh exposure until clarity emerges. Ultimately, an informed approach backed by data and caution is recommended.

For more IPOs, check IndMoney’s IPO tracker here.

Disclaimer

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