Thank you @LarryWink

Question 1 – Answer : Considering HFCL’s product offerings, its competitors can be classified based on the segments it operates in:

1. Telecommunications Equipment:

• Sterlite Technologies Limited
• Tejas Networks Limited
• Tata Communications Limited
• Bharti Airtel Limited
• Vodafone Idea Limited

2. Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) and Optical Transmission Equipment:

• Sterlite Technologies Limited
• Aksh Optifibre Limited
• Finolex Cables Limited
• Vindhya Telelinks Limited

3. Defence Electronics:

• Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
• Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T)
• Rolta India Limited
• Bharat Forge Limited

4. Railway Communication and Signaling Systems:

• Siemens Limited
• Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
• ABB India Limited
• Alstom India Limited

These companies compete with HFCL in their respective product segments, offering similar products and solutions to cater to the telecommunications, defense, and railway sectors.

Question 2 – Answer:

To analyze the trends and outlook for HFCL’s focus market segments (optical cables, 5G products, defense fuse, and defense optics) for the upcoming years, we need to consider various factors:

1. 5G Products and Optical Cables:

• Trends: The deployment of 5G networks is expected to accelerate globally, driving demand for related infrastructure such as optical cables, fiber optics, and network equipment.
• Outlook: The demand for 5G products and optical cables is likely to continue growing as telecom operators expand their 5G networks to meet increasing data traffic demands. The adoption of 5G technology in various industries, including automotive, healthcare, and smart cities, will further drive demand for related products and services.
• Opportunities: HFCL, as a manufacturer of optical fibers and cables, is well-positioned to benefit from the 5G rollout. The company can capitalize on the growing demand for high-speed, low-latency connectivity solutions.

2. Defense Fuse and Optics:

• Trends: Governments worldwide are focusing on strengthening their defense capabilities, leading to increased investments in defense modernization and indigenous manufacturing.
• Outlook: The defense sector’s emphasis on self-reliance and indigenous production presents opportunities for companies like HFCL that offer defense-related products such as fuses and optics. With rising geopolitical tensions and security threats, governments are expected to prioritize defense spending, driving demand for advanced defense technologies.
• Opportunities: HFCL can leverage its expertise in manufacturing defense-related components to cater to the growing demand from defense organizations. By focusing on innovation, quality, and timely delivery, the company can secure contracts and partnerships in the defense sector.

3. Overall Market Dynamics:

• Trends: Rapid technological advancements, increasing connectivity needs, and evolving security challenges are shaping the market dynamics in HFCL’s focus segments.
• Outlook: The outlook for HFCL’s focus market appears positive, with sustained demand expected in the coming years. However, the market is also competitive, requiring HFCL to continuously innovate, invest in R&D, and forge strategic partnerships to maintain its competitive edge.
• Opportunities: HFCL can explore opportunities for diversification, expand its product portfolio, and enter emerging markets to drive growth. Additionally, the company can leverage government initiatives supporting domestic manufacturing and defense self-reliance to enhance its market presence.

Additionally as HFCL mentioned that Bharat- Net III and other global opportunities which they are always seeking does show that this sector will have tailwinds. We will have to see how it unravels.

Most of the points from the Q3 concall + investor PPT are already covered above by @Simrat

I’ve captured a few cautionary points in addition to that below and also here

Few points to keep in mind going forward:

• Zomato’s Q3 revenue was high on the back of a festive season in India and the Cricket World Cup, leading to higher sales and food ordering. Q4 is expected to be lower / flattish compared to Q3.
• Fixed costs in the food delivery business increased due to server / tech infra — which will continue to be incurred going forward as well.
• Going-Out business is in the build out phase resulting in increase in employee costs. It will take some time before such expenses will bear fruit.
• Platform fees is unable to cover the cost of acquiring a Zomato Gold member. Pricing of Gold membership has been fluctuating which is a tactical decision to acquire / reacquire customers when membership renewal comes into the picture. The company is yet to reach a sustainable pricing model for it’s Gold membership.
• No comment by the management on the risk of ONDC biting into margins / business share.

Food delivery – as a business model is not a high margins biz. There’s a lot of competition and expanding margins will be difficult. Given that, the current valuation looks extremely expensive.

Disclosure: Not invested. Tracking quarterly results, might buy if the stock drops 30-40% from here

Anywhere between 20-25 days. As per concall Himanshu stated that Tarachand will be on NSE main board before end of this quarter.

Hello Nimit. The google Maps review led me to investigate since a company that doesn’t treat a customer well will not grow. the reviews are 4.1 which is rather decent and The reviews show that many bad comments come from people with Taufeeq as their surname, which could mean some agenda is in play and could be personal enmity. But yes, it would be better for company to refrain from giving back as it spoils their image.

This is really interesting. Most of the trading volume is in intraday and delivery volume has been consistently dropping. Seems like a clear case of stock manipulation by generating artificial demand considering the float is low. The next few weeks should present some answers. The stock can’t keep going up forever.