Eternal, the parent company of Zomato, has approved a fresh grant of employee stock options (ESOPs) worth approximately Rs 167 crore, according to recent regulatory filings. This move highlights the company’s continued focus on incentivising and retaining talent amid its growth phase.
The company has issued 74.18 lakh stock options, including 64.13 lakh options allocated to eligible employees under the Foodie Bay ESOP 2014, Zomato ESOP 2021, and Zomato ESOP 2024 schemes. Based on the current share price of Rs 224.7, the total value of the newly granted ESOPs stands at around Rs 167 crore. Notably, Eternal had carried out a similar ESOP grant in October last year, when it issued 64.13 lakh options under multiple schemes.
Each stock option is convertible into one fully paid-up equity share with a face value of Rs 1. Under the ESOP 2014 and ESOP 2021 schemes, employees can exercise their options within 10 years from the date of vesting or 12 years from the date of listing, whichever is later. Meanwhile, under the ESOP 2024 scheme, employees can exercise their options within 10 years from the date of vesting.
According to the latest shareholding pattern, employee trusts collectively hold 54.56 crore ESOP options, which account for approximately 6% of the company’s total capital structure. This significant allocation underscores the company’s long-term commitment to employee ownership and wealth creation.
On the financial front, Eternal reported strong performance in Q3 FY26, with revenue from operations reaching Rs 16,315 crore. However, the company posted a net profit of Rs 102 crore during the same period, reflecting a stable earnings trajectory.
As of the latest trading session on the National Stock Exchange, Eternal’s shares were priced at Rs 224.7, giving the company a market capitalisation of Rs 2,16,891 crore.
Eternal’s latest ESOP grant, therefore, reinforces its strategy to align employee interests with long-term business growth. Moreover, by continuing to offer equity-based incentives alongside steady financial performance, the company remains well-positioned to sustain momentum in India’s highly competitive foodtech and digital services landscape.
