Mumbai News, 27 February 2026: Shares of ITC Ltd. have fallen today, Friday. There is pressure on the shares on the day of dividend distribution, with prices dropping on both NSE and BSE. Investors are cautious due to the new tax impact on the company’s cigarette business and market uncertainty. By 1:00 PM today, ITC shares were priced at ₹315.25 on NSE, down ₹3.05 (-0.96%) from the previous close. On BSE, the price is ₹318.20, down ₹1.40 (-0.44%). This fall is in the backdrop of dividend distribution, where eligible shareholders will get ₹6.50 per share.
NSE and BSE live updates
As soon as the market opened this morning, ITC shares saw some ups and downs. On the NSE (National Stock Exchange), the opening price of the shares was ₹316.00, the day’s high was ₹317.75 and the low was ₹314.20. The volume is 41.94 lakh shares. The previous closing price was ₹318.30. The 52-week high is ₹444.20 (May 2025) and the low is ₹302.00 (February 2026). The market capitalization is ₹3,94,983.96 crore.
The opening price on BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) was ₹320.05, with a high of ₹321.90 and a low of ₹317.70. The volume is 3.79 lakh shares. The previous closing price was ₹319.60. The 52-week high is ₹444.15 and the low is ₹302.00. The market capitalization is ₹3,98,680.08 crore. Analysts say this drop is due to the impact of the cigarette ban, which could put pressure on the company’s profits.
Dividend distribution: From today, eligible shareholders will get ₹6.50 per share
ITC has announced an interim dividend for the financial year ending March 2026. The dividend is ₹6.50 per share. The record date was 4 February 2026 and the distribution will happen between 26 and 28 February. The amount will be credited to eligible shareholders’ accounts or sent via cheque. The announcement was made in January, which sparked some excitement in the shares, but selling pressure started due to profit booking. The dividend yield is around 4.51%. The company had previously paid a dividend of ₹7.85 per share in May 2025.
Dalal Street analysts and brokers’ opinion:
Analysts on Dalal Street are cautious about ITC shares. Due to the new tax (GST and excise duty) on cigarettes from February 2026, the company will have to raise prices, which could reduce volume. The average target price is ₹377.81 to ₹432.75, indicating an increase of 19% to 36% from current prices. The high target is ₹505 and the low target is ₹314.
- Motilal Oswal: ‘Neutral’ rating, target ₹365 (15% increase). Cigarette margins under pressure due to taxation.
- Nuvama: ‘Hold’ rating, target ₹365.
- CLSA: ‘Outperform’, target ₹367 (reduced by 24%).
- MK Global: ‘Reduce’, target ₹350.
- Nimesh Thakkar: ‘Buy’, target ₹420 to ₹450 (medium to long term).
- Others: Nomura ‘Sell’ rating, target ₹318.
- UBS: ‘Buy’, target ₹395 to ₹420.
Analysts say that from February 1, due to 40% GST and additional excise duty, cigarette prices will have to go up by 30-40%, which could reduce volume by 10-15%. But growth is expected in the company’s FMCG and hotel business.
Other news about ITC Limited
Capex plan:
ITC chairman Sanjiv Puri said the company will invest ₹20,000 crore in the medium term, including tech, FMCG growth and hotel expansion. This investment will boost the company’s growth.
Use of AI:
ITC AI is empowering 10 million Indian farmers. Through the ITC MAARS programme, farmers are getting advice and resources.
Q3 results:
Revenue in December 2025 quarter was ₹19,089 crore (up 5.2%), but net profit was ₹5,089 crore (down 9.7%). Impact due to expenses and taxation.
BAT stake sale:
In May 2025, BAT sold a 2.5% stake, causing shares to drop 4%.
Market sentiment:
MarketsMojo gave a ‘sell’ rating on 9 February. Institutional investors are cautious, but there are opportunities in FMCG and hotels in the long term.
ITC is a company with diverse businesses, and its cigarette business provides 40% of the revenue. There are challenges due to taxes, but growth is expected in FMCG and other sectors.
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