Trading Activity and Price Movements
On 18 Feb 2026, ITC Ltd. opened at ₹326.00 and touched a day high of ₹329.75 before settling at ₹329.55, marking a 1.44% increase from the previous close of ₹325.45. The stock’s intraday volatility remained contained within a ₹5 range, reflecting measured investor sentiment. Notably, ITC’s 1-day return of 1.06% lagged behind the FMCG sector’s 1.99% gain, indicating relative underperformance despite positive price movement.
Over the past three consecutive trading sessions, ITC has delivered a cumulative return of 4.41%, signalling a short-term bullish trend. This momentum is supported by the stock trading above its 5-day and 20-day moving averages, although it remains below the longer-term 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day averages. Such positioning suggests that while near-term investor interest is rising, the broader trend remains cautious.
Institutional Interest and Delivery Volumes
Investor participation has notably intensified, with delivery volumes on 17 Feb 2026 surging to 2.47 crore shares—an increase of 174.36% compared to the five-day average delivery volume. This spike in delivery volume is a strong indicator of genuine buying interest rather than speculative intraday trading, often favoured by institutional investors. The liquidity profile of ITC remains robust, with the stock capable of supporting trade sizes up to ₹13.5 crore based on 2% of its five-day average traded value, making it an attractive option for large-scale investors.
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Mojo Score and Market Capitalisation Insights
ITC Ltd. currently holds a Mojo Score of 48.0, categorised under a 'Sell' grade as of 9 Feb 2026, a downgrade from its previous 'Hold' status. This rating reflects a cautious stance by MarketsMOJO analysts, who factor in the stock’s recent performance, valuation metrics, and sectoral pressures. The company’s market capitalisation stands at a substantial ₹4,07,576 crore, placing it firmly in the large-cap category, but its Market Cap Grade is rated at 1, indicating limited upside potential relative to its size.
The downgrade in Mojo Grade signals concerns over ITC’s near-term growth prospects and valuation stretch, despite its entrenched position in the FMCG sector. Investors should weigh this against the stock’s liquidity and trading activity, which remain healthy.
Sectoral Context and Comparative Performance
The FMCG sector has witnessed mixed fortunes recently, with the sector index outperforming ITC on the day by nearly 1%. This divergence suggests that while the broader sector benefits from favourable consumption trends, ITC’s specific challenges—such as regulatory pressures, input cost inflation, or competitive dynamics—may be tempering investor enthusiasm.
Moreover, ITC’s price action relative to the Sensex, which posted a marginal 0.03% gain on the same day, underscores its role as a defensive large-cap stock that is currently navigating a phase of consolidation rather than breakout.
Technical and Fundamental Considerations
From a technical perspective, ITC’s position above short-term moving averages but below longer-term averages suggests a potential inflection point. Should the stock sustain gains above the 50-day moving average, it could signal a resumption of a more sustained uptrend. Conversely, failure to breach these resistance levels may lead to sideways or downward pressure.
Fundamentally, ITC’s diversified FMCG portfolio, spanning cigarettes, packaged foods, and personal care, provides resilience. However, the current Mojo Sell rating reflects concerns over margin pressures and slower volume growth in key segments. Investors should monitor upcoming quarterly results and management commentary for clarity on margin trajectory and volume trends.
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Outlook and Investor Takeaways
ITC Ltd.’s recent trading activity highlights its continued appeal to institutional investors, evidenced by the surge in delivery volumes and substantial value turnover. However, the downgrade to a Sell grade by MarketsMOJO and the stock’s underperformance relative to its sector caution investors to remain vigilant.
For long-term investors, ITC’s entrenched market position and diversified FMCG portfolio remain strengths, but near-term headwinds such as input cost inflation and regulatory scrutiny could weigh on earnings growth. Traders may find opportunities in the stock’s liquidity and short-term momentum, but should be mindful of the broader technical resistance levels.
In summary, ITC Ltd. presents a complex investment case: strong liquidity and institutional interest contrast with a cautious fundamental outlook and sector-relative underperformance. Investors are advised to monitor evolving market conditions and company updates closely before making allocation decisions.
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