ITC shares surge as BAT sells 3.5% stake for ₹17,500 crore and stock gets an UPGRADE

ITC shares surged over eight percent in early trade on Wednesday amidst reports of a block deal involving British American Tobacco likely selling its stake in the company.

Reports suggest that BAT may have sold up to 3.5% of its holdings in India's ITC for around 17,500 crore rupees. Meanwhile, brokerage house HSBC has upgraded ITC to a 'buy' rating, setting a price target of 480 rupees per share.

HSBC cited the recent correction in the stock as indicative of an attractive valuation, presenting a favorable buying opportunity.

BAT's block trade deal in ITC

BAT's initial investment in ITC dates back to the early 1900s and the two companies have a longstanding, mutually beneficial relationship, the statement said.

The company said it intends to use the net proceeds of the block trade to buy back BAT shares over a period ending December 2025, starting with 700 million pound in 2024. It will also continue to allocate operating cashflow to fund investment in its transformation and to further deleverage.

"I am confident that ITC, under the stewardship of its current management, will continue to create further value for its shareholders. We look forward to remaining important shareholders in ITC as it continues its journey of growth," BAT Chief Executive Tadeu Marroco said.

He further said, "With this transaction BAT can accelerate the start of a sustainable buyback, while enabling us to continue to deleverage towards a new target range of 2-2.5x adjusted net debt/adjusted EBITDA." "ITC is a valued associate of BAT in an attractive market with long-term growth potential where BAT benefits from exposure to the world's most populous market," the company said.

As one of India's leading FMCG enterprises, ITC has delivered significant value for its shareholders and BAT continues to be fully supportive of ITC's management team, performance and strategy, the statement by BAT said.