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MarketsEconomic TimesMay 29, 2026· 1 min read

HFCL Shares Surge on Defence Orders, Optical Fibre Demand

HFCL shares have surged 17% in two days and 170% year-to-date in 2026, driven by strong earnings recovery, major defence contracts, and increasing global demand for optical fibre amidst the AI boom. Analysts view the stock as high-risk, high-reward, with future performance contingent on sustained order momentum and execution.

HFCL (Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited) shares have experienced a significant rally, climbing 17% over the past two trading days and an impressive 170% since the beginning of 2026. This upward trajectory is attributed to several key factors, indicating a robust operational turnaround for the Indian telecom equipment and optical fiber manufacturer. The company's performance has been bolstered by a strong recovery in its earnings, suggesting improved operational efficiency and profitability. A major catalyst for the recent surge has been the securing of substantial defence contracts. These orders not only diversify HFCL's revenue streams but also position it favorably within a sector known for long-term project visibility and government backing. Furthermore, growing global demand for optical fibre, partly fueled by the accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) boom, is playing a crucial role. The expansion of AI infrastructure necessitates vast amounts of high-speed data transmission capabilities, directly increasing the need for optical fibre networks. HFCL, as a key player in this segment, stands to benefit from this secular trend. Despite the significant gains, market analysts caution that HFCL remains a high-risk, high-reward investment. The sustained performance and future valuation of the stock are highly dependent on the company's ability to maintain its order momentum and execute these projects efficiently. Continued strong order inflows and timely project completion will be critical determinants for the long-term sustainability of its current growth trajectory and investor confidence.

Analyst's Take

The sustained rally in HFCL, particularly linked to optical fiber demand, suggests broader capital expenditure increases within the digital infrastructure sector, potentially leading to a capex cycle across allied industries like data centers and network services. This signals a potential shift in investment towards core infrastructure supporting the AI boom, rather than solely direct AI hardware plays, which could be an early indicator of a more distributed investment landscape.

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Source: Economic Times