Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increased stakes in ITC, TCS, and HDFC Bank in April, alongside additions to 14 other firms including Indraprastha Gas and HCL Technologies. At the same time, it reduced exposure to Coal India and Power Grid Corporation of India. The fund also made a complete exit from Balkrishna Industries, signaling a clear shift in portfolio positioning.
ITC and Godfrey Phillips India shares jumped as much as 7% after a report suggested cigarette prices could rise by up to 17% in May. The expected increase comes on the back of higher excise duties announced earlier this year. Investors cheered signs that companies may keep passing cost hikes to consumers, lifting sentiment despite broader price-pressure risks.
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A steep tax increase is set to push cigarette prices up by more than 30%, likely hitting overall volumes immediately. But ITC’s bigger headache is competitive: Godfrey Phillips is still gaining share in the regular-sized cigarette market, raising the risk that ITC’s market position worsens even as consumers adjust to higher prices.
ITC is expected to conclude its Rs 3,498-crore acquisition of Century Pulp and Paper next week, according to sources. The deal completion hinges on transferring certain leases from Aditya Birla Real Estate, the entity holding Century Pulp and Paper, to ITC. Neither ITC nor the Aditya Birla Group responded to queries at the time of reporting.
ITC Ltd is expanding aggressively into protein-rich foods as part of its health and wellness strategy. The company plans to roll out affordable protein-focused products across categories, using consumer insights and innovation to make protein accessible to a wider audience. With the health segment growing quickly, ITC aims to capture future demand and scale this business further.
Budget proposals for FY 2023-24 suggest restricting input tax credit (ITC) on goods or services used to meet CSR obligations. Experts warn this could reduce the practical value of CSR benefits by raising effective costs for companies. Businesses are concerned the move may make it harder to sustain or expand CSR programs, especially where tax credit currently improves affordability.
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Shares of India’s major cigarette companies have surged over the past month, pushing ITC, Godfrey Philips, and VST Industries to record highs. The rally signals strong investor appetite, with the move linked to price increases paired with higher trading volumes. For markets watching consumer staples and volume trends, the sector’s momentum is now impossible to ignore.
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