ITC FMCG BUSINESS
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.
Why did market rise today? Sensex jumps 773 pts, Nifty ends above 25,250 as rally continues. 4 factors behind Rs 4 lakh cr gains
Sensex and Nifty saw significant gains on Wednesday, buoyed by aggressive Foreign Institutional Investor purchases. Better-than-expected Q2 earnings from various sectors contributed to the optimistic market sentiment. The Indian rupee also rose against the US dollar, improving further economic conditions. Easing oil prices added a positive macroeconomic outlook for India. Overall, the market showcased strong resilience amid fluctuating global scenarios.
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.
The great Indian biscuit battle begins: Can Reliance crack the code?
Reliance Consumer Products Ltd is set to foray into India's competitive biscuit market, with an aim to leverage affordable pricing and a wide variety of products to attract consumers. Industry leaders Britannia and Parle dominate the market, making it challenging for new entrants like Reliance's Independence.
Trusted names, new game: India's FMCG giants reload old guns for changing tastes
India's FMCG companies are expanding into new product categories by leveraging the trust associated with their established brands. Hindustan Unilever has launched Horlicks Protein Powder, targeting consumers seeking protein-rich products. Emami is introducing new products across baby care and specialized scalp care under its existing brands. Marico has entered the shampoo market with Parachute Advansed Protein Shampoo, capitalizing on its hair-care equity.
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.
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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.
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.
Gen Z brands are breaching the last citadel of legacy consumer firms
India's Gen Z and D2C brands are challenging FMCG giants like Hindustan Unilever, ITC and Marico by expanding into kirana stores. New-age brands captured 21.7% of India's kirana market in H1 FY27, up from 14.8% a year earlier. As digital-first brands breach traditional distribution networks, legacy FMCG companies face growing competition for retail shelf space and consumer loyalty nationwide.
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.
Kirana stores make room for new generation FMCG brands as they muscle past legacy giants
India's kirana market has seen new-age consumer brands expand their market share to nearly 22%. This increase has impacted the dominance of established fast-moving consumer goods companies. The shift is largely driven by changing consumer preferences and greater access to online channels. New brands face challenges in sustaining their physical distribution network against legacy players. Established brands are adjusting their strategies in response to growing demand for premium products.
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.
FMCG majors in race for big bite of snacks brand Farmley
Multiple FMCG companies are expressing interest in acquiring stakes in the healthy snacking brand Farmley. A group of early investors with a 31% stake is looking to sell their shares. Founders Akash Sharma and Abhishek Agarwal currently hold a 32% stake in the company. Farmley successfully pivoted from a B2B business to a consumer-facing D2C brand in 2021.
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.
GST winners 2026: No rate cuts, but small businesses, exporters and taxpayers have plenty to gain. Here's how
GST Reform Winners 2026: The GST Council has greenlit key reforms intended to simplify compliance for businesses across the board. Small businesses now have the option to file just one GST return per year instead of a series of filings. Exporters stand to gain from expedited refunds and increased input tax credits on eligible manufacturing costs.
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.
Nifty 50 companies likely to log strong double-digit growth in Q2
Revenue and net profit of Nifty 50 companies are projected to grow by nearly 20% year-on-year. Analysts note that performance is driven by sectors like automobiles, banking, and oil. Operating margins, however, might contract slightly due to input cost pressures and inflation. Key sectors show varied conditions, balancing strong demand against potential challenges. Overall, medium to long-term outlook remains optimistic, despite some near-term volatility.
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?
Rs 4 lakh crore loss! Why India's storied consumer stocks are languishing near the bottom in 2026
In India, major consumer stocks have suffered a staggering drop, with market values plummeting by nearly Rs 4 lakh crore. Even with an uptick in demand, FMCG firms like ITC and Hindustan Unilever are facing profound losses in market cap this year. Rising input costs, despite signs of consumption recovery, are tightening margins.
ITC expands dairy play in East India, bets on branded milk
ITC is enhancing its Aashirvaad dairy brand in Eastern India to leverage growing market demand. The company aims to convert households from loose to packaged dairy products, especially curd and paneer. ITC's current operations cover Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand with several processing plants.
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