ITC Q4 preview: Cigarette tax hike clouds earnings; FMCG seen growing 10%

Brokerages expect flat ~₹17,900 cr revenue and 3.5% EBITDA decline as Feb 2026 cigarette tax hike pressures volumes (cigarette revenue -3%, EBIT -7%). FMCG segment cushions with ~10% growth; agri profits recover despite -10% revenue. Stock down 28% YoY at ₹310.30.

— Source publishedThu, 21 May, 2026, 09:59 IST·First seen Thu, 21 May, 2026, 10:04 IST·Source Mint · Markets

What happened

ITC reports Q4FY26 results today; brokerages expect flat revenue and margin pressure as February 2026 cigarette tax hike weighs on volumes, while FMCG grows

Key facts

  • ₹310.30 stock price
  • 5% decline 3M
  • 24% decline 6M
  • 28% decline 1Y
  • cigarette revenue -3%
  • cigarette EBIT -7%
  • FMCG growth ~10%
  • agri revenue -10%
  • EBITDA -3.5% YoY
  • EBITDA margin ~34%
  • revenue ₹17,951.3 cr (Elara)
  • revenue ₹17,897 cr (Axis)
  • Q3 PAT ₹5,088.83 cr
  • Q3 revenue ₹19,359.46 cr
  • interim dividend ₹6.5/share

Why this matters

FMCG outperformance amid tobacco weakness strengthens the case for accelerating non-cigarette M&A to diversify the earnings mix and reduce regulatory exposure.