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ITC shares tumble 3% after massive block trade of near 3% stake

A single large transaction involving over 366 million ITC shares, equivalent to nearly 3% of the company's equity, triggered a sharp decline in the stock price. The substantial block trade has raised questions about potential changes in shareholding patterns at the diversified conglomerate.

LSN India · 8 October 2026

ITC shares tumble 3% after massive block trade of near 3% stake

ITC Limited's shares fell 3% following an unusually large block trade that saw 366.7 million shares, representing 2.93 per cent of the company's total equity, exchange hands in a single transaction. The magnitude of the trade, confirmed through Bloomberg data, marks one of the larger equity transfers in the company's recent history.

The sudden shift in such a significant chunk of ITC's shareholding pattern triggered immediate selling pressure in the market, with investors reacting to the unexpected transaction. Block trades of this magnitude typically signal changes in major shareholding positions or strategic portfolio adjustments by institutional investors.

ITC, one of India's largest conglomerates with interests spanning cigarettes, hotels, agribusiness, and packaged foods, has traditionally been closely watched by market participants due to its substantial market capitalisation and diverse investor base. The company's share price movements often reflect broader sentiment in the Indian equity markets.

While the precise buyer and seller details of the block trade remain unclear, such large transactions are typically executed between institutional investors or substantial shareholders seeking to rebalance their portfolios. Market analysts are likely to scrutinise any regulatory filings related to the transaction for clarity on the change in shareholding composition.