LIC Raises Stake in Sun Pharma Above 5% Through Open Market Purchase

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest institutional investor, has raised its stake in Sun Pharmaceutical Industries to above the 5% mark, according to an exchange filing dated January 14, 2026.

Details of the Share Purchase

LIC bought 2,02,500 shares of Sun Pharma from the open market on January 13. This purchase represents a 0.008% stake in the company.

Following this transaction, LIC’s total holding in Sun Pharma increased to 5.004%, up from 4.996% earlier.

LIC’s Previous Holding and Shareholding Pattern

As per BSE data, LIC held 10.12 crore shares, or a 4.22% stake, in Sun Pharma at the end of the September quarter. The shareholding pattern for the December quarter is yet to be announced.

As of Q2 FY26, promoters held a 54.48% stake in the company.

Sun Pharma Share Price Performance

Despite the stake increase by LIC, Sun Pharma shares closed lower on Wednesday. The stock ended 1.7% down at ₹1,700.55 on the BSE.

• 1-year performance: Down 4%
• 2-year performance: Up 28%
• 3-year performance: Up 65%
• 5-year performance: Up 180%
• 10-year performance: Up 115%

Sun Pharma Financial Performance Snapshot

In the first half of FY26, Sun Pharma reported a 9.3% rise in sales to ₹28,191.3 crore. Adjusted profit, excluding exceptional items, increased 4.1% to ₹6,114.1 crore.

The company invested ₹1,685.5 crore in research and development, which accounted for 6% of total sales.

Read more: Best Gold Stocks in India for January 2026: Titan, D P Abhushan, Thangamayil and More Based on 5-Yr CAGR.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the performance, Managing Director Kirti Ganorkar said that growth was led by India, emerging markets, and other global regions. He added that US sales from innovative medicines crossed generics for the first time, and the company remains focused on expanding its product portfolio and strengthening execution.

Conclusion

LIC’s move to raise its stake above 5% reflects long-term confidence in Sun Pharma’s business and growth prospects. While the stock has seen short-term weakness, its strong long-term returns and continued focus on innovation and global markets support its long-term outlook.

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