**ITC Market Brief: Q3 FY26 Update & Outlook** **Stock Performance: Bearish Grip** ITC stock has witnessed significant correction, plummeting nearly **20%** in January 2026. Currently trading around **₹318**, the scrip is hovering dangerously close to its 52-week low of **₹317.85**. Despite the broader market volatility, the stock remains under pressure primarily due to regulatory headwinds rather than fundamental deterioration. **Q3 FY26 Earnings: Resilient Operations, One-Off Hit** The December quarter delivered mixed headline numbers but stable underlying metrics. * **Revenue:** Consolidated revenue rose **6-7%** YoY to approximately **₹19,359 crore**, driven by steady demand. * **Net Profit:** Reported a decline of roughly **6%** YoY to **₹5,089 crore**. This dip was largely attributed to a one-time exceptional labor cost of nearly **₹274 crore**. Adjusting for this, operational performance remained steady. * **EBITDA:** Operating profit (EBITDA) grew **7.6%** to **₹6,271 crore**, with margins expanding by roughly **50 basis points** to **35.1%**. * **Dividend:** An interim dividend of **₹6.5** per share was declared. **Segment Breakdown** * **FMCG-Others:** The standout performer, clocking robust double-digit revenue growth of **11.1%** to **₹6,020 crore**. Margins in this segment improved significantly, driven by premiumization and cost efficiencies. * **Cigarettes:** Volume growth remained healthy at approximately **7%**, with revenue up **8%**. However, margin expansion was capped by elevated leaf tobacco prices. * **Agri & Paper:** Agri business grew **6%**, while the Paperboards segment remained muted with **2.7%** growth due to soft realizations. **Regulatory Headwinds: The February Tax Hike** Investor sentiment has been dampened by the looming tax changes effective **February 1, 2026**. * **New Tax Regime:** A sharp increase in excise duty and a revised GST structure (effectively **40%** on tobacco products) is set to kick in. * **Price Impact:** Street estimates suggest cigarette prices could rise by **₹2–3** for entry-level sticks and **₹5–8** for premium categories. * **Outlook:** While fundamentals are intact, brokerages remain cautious, citing the tax hike as a near-term ceiling on valuation multiples. The focus now shifts to how well volumes hold up against the price increases in Q4. ... [ITC Share Price Rises Amid Stock Market Today Rout After Q3 Results 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJQZtyHaIMk) ... The video provides context on the market reaction to ITC's performance and the tax hike impact in January 2026. http://googleusercontent.com/youtube_content/0