ITC CIGARETTE BUSINESS
Amul milk, Cigarettes, Surf Excel: From dairy to detergent, check what has become costlier and how much more you will pay after price hikes
Milk, ghee, butter, curd, detergents, soap and cigarettes have become costlier following a series of price revisions in the last two months. Amul, Mother Dairy and Nandini have raised dairy prices, while HUL has revised rates of Surf Excel, Rin and Wheel products. ITC has increased Gold Flake Premium prices, and commercial LPG rates have risen for two consecutive months. Here is a product-wise breakdown of the old and new prices, the amount of each increase and when the revisions took effect.
Cigarettes to get costlier: ITC hikes Gold Flake Premium prices for the second time this year; here's how much a pack will now cost
ITC Ltd has raised the price of its Gold Flake Premium cigarettes by Rs 10 per pack, taking the MRP of a 10-cigarette pack to Rs 135 from Rs 125. This is the second price increase for the brand in 2026, following a hike in June. The revision comes as cigarette makers face higher taxes and pressure on legal market volumes, while ITC looks to expand its FMCG and other non-cigarette businesses.
Stocks in news: Tata Power, Cupid, Garden Reach, ITC, Aurobindo Pharma and Vodafone Idea
Indian benchmark indices have extended their winning streak, closing positively after the Muhurat trading session. Key stocks such as life insurance companies and Tata Power reported notable quarterly earnings results. HDFC Life and LIC showed healthy premium growth, while Tata Power recorded a record profit in Q2 FY27. Other companies like Cupid and Mishra Dhatu Nigam also reported impressive profit increases during the quarter.
Q2 Earnings Scorecard: Which sectors outperformed and which fell behind?
The September quarter results indicate strong revenue and profit growth in sectors like automobiles and banking. In contrast, sectors such as IT and pharmaceuticals showed weakness amid inflationary pressures. Automobile sector leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Bajaj Auto reported significant growth in sales and exports. L&T's orders surged, while the cement sector faced challenges with fluctuating prices.
Digital brands, premium FMCG to drive ITC's growth ambitions
Amid challenges in its cigarettes business, ITC is focusing on expanding its non-cigarette offerings. The FMCG segment has shown significant growth, leading to an improved product mix and margins. Digital-first brands such as Yoga Bar and Prasuma have also reported strong revenue increases. The paperboard and agri businesses are benefiting from rising demand and exports of value-added products.
ITC shares jump 6% in two days after Q2 results. More upside ahead?
ITC shares rose to Rs 283.5 apiece on NSE on Wednesday morning, the highest level seen by the stock in nearly three months. The stock has now recovered more than 12% in five sessions after hitting a 52-week low of Rs 253 apiece in late October.
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ITC shares rise 2% after Q2 results. What are Jefferies, Nuvama and others saying?
ITC shares gained 2% despite an 18.5% year-on-year decline in Q2 net profit, as higher taxes and falling cigarette earnings weighed on profitability. However, its FMCG business delivered strong growth. Jefferies, Nuvama, Emkay and DAM Capital remain positive on the stock, with target prices ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 355.
ITC Q2 net profit falls 20% as high taxes keep margins in check
ITC reported a 20% decline in standalone net profit for the September quarter despite a 45% increase in revenue. The rise in cigarette taxation significantly impacted profitability, forcing ITC to absorb part of the price hikes. Non-cigarette businesses showed strong growth, achieving the highest revenue growth in 14 quarters. Factors such as inflation and geopolitical tensions continue to affect the operating environment.
Stocks in news: ITC, Marico, SBI, Yatra Online, NSE, Container Corp and Sun Pharma
Indian equity benchmarks experienced gains, with Nifty nearing the 23,500 resistance level and strong corporate earnings reported. ITC faced a decline in consolidated net profit, impacted by the cigarette business, despite revenue growth. Marico saw a significant rise in net profit and expanding EBITDA margins during the quarter. Container Corporation of India reported a subdued performance with a slight decline in net profit compared to last year.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
Oil prices matter to the Indian economy, and the market responded with a smart rally as Brent crude cooled significantly on Monday. The rally was broad-based and involved all segments. But too much should not be read into one day’s showing. The thing to watch remains the results of the US mid-term elections which will be known in India through Wednesday. It will decide which way the market will move in the coming days and weeks.
ITC flags illicit trade pressure on cigarettes; digital-first businesses grow over 70%
ITC Ltd has reported a significant increase in its digital-first and organic FMCG portfolio, achieving over 70% year-on-year growth. However, the company is facing considerable pressures due to rising illicit cigarette trade and increased taxation impacting legal volumes. The fresh food segment has also expanded significantly, reflecting ITC's focus on organized markets. Additionally, challenges in West Asia have disrupted agricultural exports, although value-added products showed better performance.
Yoga Bar maker Sproutlife Foods to merge with ITC; board approves scheme
ITC Ltd has received board approval for a scheme to merge Sproutlife Foods into its operations. This move is designed to streamline business processes and enhance value creation for ITC. Sproutlife, focusing on health-centric food products, achieved a turnover of Rs 451.71 crore in FY26. ITC clarified that no new shares will be issued in this merger, set to be effective from April 1, 2026.
ITC Q2 Results: Profit falls 18% to Rs 4,229 crore, revenue rises 5%
ITC Q2 Results: ITC Ltd reported an 18.5% decline in consolidated net profit for the September quarter on Monday as a sharp fall in earnings from its cigarette business weighed on overall profitability despite strong growth in its FMCG, agriculture and paper businesses.
ITC Q2 Results Preview: Profit seen falling nearly 30% YoY as cigarette tax hikes bite
ITC is expected to report a weak Q2, with brokerages forecasting an 8% decline in cigarette volumes and a drop of up to 29% in cigarette operating profit following tax hikes. Nuvama expects consolidated revenue to fall 3% YoY and EBITDA to decline 20%. Growth in FMCG and paper businesses could provide some support against the pressure.
Sun Pharma’s specialty portfolio, Organon deal to drive growth
Sun Pharmaceutical achieved notable revenue growth in the September quarter, driven by strong performance in India and specialty medicines. The company anticipates medium-term growth from therapies like Ilumya and ongoing innovative projects. Although profitability was affected by acquisition and litigation costs, the domestic market share increased to 8.6% from last year. R&D investments are expected to rise in the second half of FY27 as development accelerates.
Stocks in news: Reliance Industries, Jio Platforms, M&M, CDSL, ITC, NTPC, IOCL and Hero MotoCorp
Indian equity benchmarks closed higher on Friday, with significant gains recorded in the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex. Several major companies, including Reliance Industries and Jio Platforms, published positive quarterly earnings results. Reliance Industries saw a 41% increase in net profit, supported by strong performances in various sectors. Other companies like Sun Pharma and Indian Oil Corporation also reported significant changes in their net profits.
ITC, RIL, HDFC Bank among top laggards as Nifty falls over 12% in 2026: Time to buy beaten-down stocks or wait for a recovery?
In 2026, the Nifty 50 index faced significant drops, with 34 out of 50 stocks plummeting by as much as 34%. Analysts believe that the sell-off is driven by foreign institutional investor exits and a conservative outlook on earnings. This decline presents potential opportunities for long-term investors as valuations dip below historical norms.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%, according to analysts
At this juncture, what companies say about their Q2 results, and their outlook for Q3 and Q4, matters a great deal – but only to a certain extent. A company can plan only for what is in its control. No management can predict what the US President will decide, or which way the trouble in the Gulf will turn next.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25%
A piece of advice for those who still have the stomach to invest in the current volatile market. Don’t take any price action as the gospel truth; look beyond the index movements. And, finally, be both cautious and selective in your stock picks.
ITC shares rise 2% a day after hitting a 52-week low following GQG’s Rs 9,395 crore stake sale. What lies ahead?
ITC shares rose after Rajiv Jain-backed GQG sold shares worth Rs 9,395 crore, reducing its stake amid a sharp stock decline. Cigarette tax hikes, inflation and rising oil prices weighed on performance. Investors now await quarterly earnings, while brokerages remain divided on the stock’s outlook and valuation prospects.
Rs 9,395 crore block deal! GQG exits ITC shares after a sharp 30% crash this year
ITC witnessed a nearly Rs 9,437 crore block deal as a GQG-linked fund sold 36.51 crore shares, while Fidelity and major Indian mutual funds bought stakes. The transaction comes as ITC shares remain under pressure from taxation concerns and weak volume recovery.
ITC shares slide 3% on block deal buzz; FMCG giant down 29% in 2026
ITC shares witnessed a drop on Thursday amid reports of likely block deals, with nearly 39 crore shares changing hands across the NSE and BSE. The identities of the buyers and sellers involved in the reported transactions were not immediately known.
These large-caps have ‘strong buy’ & ‘buy’ recos and an upside potential of over 25% according to analysts
The coming earnings season will reflect the impact of the bad monsoon, higher oil prices, and, in pockets, higher inflation. Given that, in terms of valuation, stocks are still not cheap, the risk to the market stays high. But that is in the short term. But then who said investing is only about the short term?
Largecap safety trade? 8 Nifty stocks test investor patience with losses for two years
Over the past two years, eight Nifty stocks have experienced declines, with notable IT giants like TCS and Infosys pressured by shifts in client spending patterns. Additionally, Tata Motors faced a dip due to difficulties at Jaguar Land Rover, while valuation worries plagued Trent, alongside ITC's tax complications. Nevertheless, a faction of fund managers remains optimistic about large-cap stocks, indicating a mixed outlook for investors.
ITC Infotech to acquire 22.1% stake in Happiest Minds for Rs 1,330 crore; firms to merge
ET had first reported on March 20 about ITC Infotech potentially looking to pick a stake in Happiest Minds. On August 29, ET reported details of the proposed transaction, including a merger through a share swap that will effectively result in the backdoor listing of ITC Infotech.
Cigarette business weakness drags ITC margins in March quarter
ITC's cigarette business saw lower profits in the March quarter due to increased taxes. While other areas like FMCG improved, they could not fully compensate. The company is adjusting prices and products to protect its market share. However, higher taxes may boost illegal cigarette sales. ITC's stock has fallen significantly this year.
The Classic pivot: Charting ITC’s FMCG growth story
ITC, the 113-year-old company known for its cigarette business, has successfully diversified its revenue streams and achieved leadership positions in various FMCG categories. Its consumer business, supported by strong brands and cash flows from the cigarette business, has grown significantly over the past two decades. Additionally, ITC's agri-business and digital initiatives have contributed to its growth.
Five triggers that took ITC to 52-week high
The Budget 2022 held no negative surprises for ITC's cigarette business with tax on cigarettes largely unchanged for the second consecutive year. This along with decline in Covid cases and opening of public spaces augured well for the cigarette business.
ITC to counter illegal cigarette market with a pack of new brands: Kurush Grant, Executive Director
ITC Executive Director Kurush Grant tells ET that new cigarette brands are pitched against illegal cigarettes that account for 20% of the market.
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