Global brokerages raise target for ITC post Q4 nos; see up to 30% upside

Credit Suisse, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank raised their respective target price on the FMCG major to Rs 375, which translates into an upside of nearly 30 percent

Most brokerages have maintained their rating on ITC after March quarter results. Credit Suisse, Citigroup and Deutsche Bank raised their respective target price on the FMCG major to Rs 375, which translates into an upside of nearly 30 percent from May 13 closing price of Rs 289.85.


FMCG major ITC has reported 18.7 percent jump in its Q4 net profit to Rs 3,482 crore on the back of strong sales from the FMCG and cigarette units. The company had reported a profit of Rs 2,932.7 crore in a year ago period.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of the company was at Rs 4,572 crore, while margin was at 38.1 percent, which was lower than analyst estimates.

Reacting to the results, Deutsche Bank maintained its buy rating on ITC but raised its target price to Rs 375 from Rs 350 earlier.

Volumes are likely to improve further along with margin improvement. The Cigarette volumes grew at 8 percent which was highest in 30 quarters, but cigarette margins were down 73 bps as it is consuming higher price leaf tobacco.

Going forward, the pressure on cigarette margins are expected to abate going forward. There is a high probability of rational tax increase, said the Deutsche Bank note.

The stock is cheap with significant premiumisation potential. The global investment bank models earnings CAGR of 15 percent over FY19-22.

Also read: ITC Q4 net profit rises 18% to Rs 3,482 cr; Sanjiv Puri is new Chairman
Citigroup maintained its buy rating on ITC but raised its target price to Rs 370 from Rs 360 earlier.

The cigarette business continues to deliver healthy volumes. The global investment bank raised EPS estimates marginally by 1-3 percent. The stock is trading below its 5-year mean P/E valuation and almost at 30-35 percent discount compared to its peers.

Another global investment bank, Credit Suisse maintained its outperform rating on ITC but raised its target price to Rs 370 from Rs 360 earlier.

ITC Q4 review: Improving FMCG margin profile indicates operating leverage at work

The Cigarette business continues to show improvement on all metrics. The Company stands out within the FMCG space with improving growth along with reasonable valuations.

The global investment bank slashed FY21 earnings estimates by 2 percent. The March price hikes should help expand margin going ahead. Credit Suisse is of the view that the cigarette EBIT growth could move to 12-13 percent going forward.

Disclaimer: The above report is compiled from information available on public platforms. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

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