ITC hit by cigarette tax shock! Brokerages downgrade stock as hike darkens outlook. Should you buy, sell or hold?
The government’s surprise hike in cigarette excise duties has rattled the investment case for ITC, prompting a wave of brokerage downgrades, earnings cuts and valuation resets as analysts brace for pressure on volumes, margins and long-term profitability.ITC shares tumbled to a three-year low of Rs 345.35 on Friday, extending a two-day rout that has wiped…