CV Project
CV Project
1
Index
Executive Summary 3
Company Profiles 4
Rationale and Strategic synergies 6
ITC Valuation Approach 7
Farmley Valuation Approach 8
WACC Assumptions and Calculation 9
Deal Structure and Options 10
Synergies and Revenue Upside 11
Consolidated Impact 12
Appendix 13
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Executive Summary
ITC Limited, a diversified conglomerate with Valuation is carried out using a combination of
leadership in FMCG, has consistently expanded its methodologies: segment-wise growth projections and
portfolio beyond tobacco into food, personal care, and sales-linked estimates for ITC, and revenue multiples
health-focused categories. With strong financial for Farmley based on comparable transactions and
stability, a wide distribution network of over 7 million peer benchmarks. The value of synergies is explicitly
outlets, and robust free cash flows, ITC is well incorporated into cash flow projections, with ITC’s
positioned to scale new-age consumer brands and call option on the remaining stake providing
capture the growing health-conscious consumer long-term strategic upside. Overall, the deal is
segment. Farmley, founded in 2017, is a fast-growing expected to be strategically transformative and
clean-label snacking brand with 80+ SKUs across dry financially accretive, positioning ITC to capture the
fruits, trail mixes, and preservative-free snacks. structural shift towards health and wellness in the
Having built a strong presence in e-commerce and Indian FMCG market.
D2C, Farmley is now looking to expand into modern
trade and general trade channels but requires scale,
offline distribution, and supply chain efficiencies to
sustain momentum and defend its competitive
position.
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Company Profiles supported by value-added exports (spices, aqua,
nicotine derivatives). Paperboards & Packaging
ITC Limited remains resilient with 7% growth in FY26E,
ITC has demonstrated consistent growth across its supported by décor and sustainable packaging, while
diversified business segments, with FMCG emerging Hotels continue their recovery with double-digit
as the central driver of long-term expansion. growth, aided by strong occupancies and expansion
Cigarettes remain a steady cash generator, into leisure destinations.
contributing to profitability, while FMCG–Others
(branded packaged foods, personal care, and Forward projections suggest Cigarettes will maintain
stationery) has recorded double-digit growth over the a steady 6–7% CAGR, FMCG–Others will grow at
last five years. In FY2025, ITC’s FMCG segment ~10–12%, Agri Business in mid-to-high teens, and
registered strong performance, supported by Paperboards & Packaging at ~8–10%. These
Aashirvaad, Sunfeast, Bingo!, Fiama, and Savlon, and diversified drivers ensure ITC’s overall revenue
continued scaling of its health-focused brands like CAGR remains in the high single digits, with FMCG
Yoga Bar. Hotels and Paperboards also delivered emerging as the second growth engine beyond
margin expansion, while ITC Infotech contributed to cigarettes.
digital services growth. Backed by robust free cash
ITC Product Segments
flows, the company maintained a low debt-to-equity
ratio and continued its tradition of rewarding Segments FY25 Share
shareholders through consistent dividends. Going FMCG - Cigarettes 44%
forward, segment-wise projections suggest sustained FMCG - Others 30%
growth in FMCG (high teens), moderate recovery in Agri Business 27%
Hotels and Agri, and stable margins in Paper & Paperboards, Paper & Packaging 11%
Packaging, consolidating ITC’s leadership position in Hotels -
Indian consumer markets. Others ~0%
ITC Revenue Drivers
ITC’s revenue base is diversified across Cigarettes, Farmley
FMCG–Others, Agri Business, Paperboards & Farmley, though a relatively young brand founded in
Packaging, and Hotels. Cigarettes remain the largest 2017, has delivered impressive growth with a revenue
contributor (40–42% of revenues) and continue to CAGR of ~25–30% over the last three years, led by
deliver steady mid-single-digit growth supported by strong traction in e-commerce and D2C channels. The
premiumisation and stable taxation. FMCG–Others, company’s clean-label positioning and innovative
which includes packaged foods, personal care, and SKUs such as trail mixes, roasted snacks, and
digital-first acquisitions (Yoga Bar, Mother Sparsh, preservative-free pastas have resonated with urban
Meatigo, 24 Mantra), is growing at a high single to millennials and health-conscious families. While
low double-digit CAGR (~10–12%), driven by online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and Blinkit
premium products, new-age channels, and scaling remain the largest revenue contributors, Farmley has
digital-first brands (~₹1,000 Cr ARR). Agri Business recently expanded into modern trade and is piloting
has shown strong momentum with 25% YoY growth its presence in general trade and exports. Despite
in FY25 and further 39% growth in Q1FY26, rapid top-line growth, Farmley’s margins remain
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modest due to high logistics and marketing costs. Integration with ITC is expected to create revenue
With ITC’s backing, Farmley’s growth trajectory is synergies in three forms: (1) expanded offline
projected to accelerate, with revenue gains expected presence through ITC’s 7M+ retail outlets, (2)
from deeper offline penetration, cross-brand cross-brand promotion with Aashirvaad, Sunfeast,
promotions, and lower input costs through ITC’s and Bingo!, and (3) premiumisation through stronger
supply chain efficiencies. Over the next three years, marketing and brand positioning. These synergies
channel-wise projections highlight faster growth in drive an additional ~18–20% uplift in revenues,
modern trade and general trade, balancing the supported by ~9% COGS reduction and ~11%
e-commerce-heavy model into a true omnichannel savings in marketing and supply chain costs. As a
presence. result, Farmley’s revenue CAGR improves from
~30% standalone to ~35–40% post-acquisition, with
Farmley Revenue Drivers significant margin accretion
Farmley’s revenue model is channel-driven, with
strong traction across e-commerce (~35% of FY25
revenues), quick commerce (~38%), modern trade Farmley Product Segments
(~11%), general trade (~14%), and institutional/other Channels FY25 Share
channels (~3%). Historically, Farmley has delivered
E-Commerce 35%
~25–30% revenue CAGR, but projections indicate
Quick Commerce 38%
acceleration when synergies with ITC are
Modern Trade 11%
incorporated. Without synergies, total revenue is
General Trade 14%
expected to grow from ₹370 Cr in FY25 to ~₹1,578
Others 3%
Cr by FY30, representing a ~30% CAGR. With
synergies, revenue is projected to scale faster,
reaching ~₹2,006 Cr by FY30, implying a ~35%
CAGR. Rationale and Strategic synergies
Channel growth highlights include: The proposed acquisition of Farmley by ITC is driven
by a shared vision to capture the rapidly expanding
● E-commerce: CAGR ~20–25% through health and wellness snacking market in India, a
FY30, with leadership in marketplaces like segment growing at double-digit compound annual
Amazon and Flipkart. growth rates (CAGRs), far outpacing traditional
● Quick Commerce: Strongest driver with snacking. Structural shifts such as urbanization, rising
~30–36% CAGR initially, supported by disposable incomes, and increased consumer focus on
Blinkit, Zepto, and Instamart partnerships. nutrition and sustainability are fueling this
● Modern Trade: CAGR ~8–10%, reflecting transformation.
gradual offline penetration.
● General Trade: Fastest scaling offline While ITC has established scale, distribution, and
channel, with CAGR ~30–35%, enabled by credibility as one of India’s largest FMCG players,
ITC’s distribution backbone. Farmley contributes agility, digital-native branding,
● Others (institutions, airports): Remain a and strong consumer connect in the clean-label
small contributor (~3% of revenues). snacking space. Together, the acquisition enables a
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combination of portfolio diversification, accelerated modern trade.
market penetration, and profitability enhancement.
● Margin Uplift: Integration with ITC’s
Market Opportunity agri-sourcing, procurement scale, and logistics
network is expected to improve Farmley’s
● The Indian health-snacking market is valued
gross margins from ~35% to ~45–48%, while
at USD 4 billion, expected to grow at 3.5x the
EBITDA margins are projected to expand
rate of traditional snacking.
from ~5–8% to ~15–18%.
● Online orders for healthy food and snacks
grew 60% year-on-year in FY25, with Strategic Fit for Farmley
Tier-III cities registering 90% growth.
● Farmley generated ₹370 crore in FY25 ● Scale and Credibility: Partnering with ITC
revenues, with targets of ₹600–700 crore in provides Farmley access to capital, large-scale
the near term and aspirations of crossing supply chain infrastructure, and established
₹1,000 crore within three years. R&D capabilities, reducing its overhead
● Competitors such as True Elements (₹76 crore burden and accelerating product innovation.
FY24 revenue, +33% YoY) and Tata Soulfull ● Offline Penetration: Farmley can leverage
(₹95 crore FY24 revenue, +48% YoY) are ITC’s pan-India footprint across Tier-2 and
scaling, but Farmley’s 80–90 SKUs and Tier-3 cities, where its digital-first approach
omnichannel presence position it ahead of alone may not have been sufficient.
peers. ● Sustainability and ESG Leverage: ITC’s
strong ESG credentials, traceability in
agri-sourcing, and focus on sustainable
packaging add credibility to Farmley’s
clean-label promise, resonating with modern
Strategic Fit for ITC consumers.
● International Expansion : Farmley can tap
● Portfolio Diversification: ITC’s FMCG into ITC’s global presence across 90+
growth strategy has consistently focused on countries to accelerate exports of its
moving beyond its core tobacco business into clean-label snacks. With strong demand for
food, personal care, and wellness. Farmley healthy products in markets like North
offers a complementary high-growth product America and the Middle East, ITC’s trade
portfolio that strengthens ITC’s hubs provide a ready platform for scaling
health-forward positioning alongside earlier international sales without heavy new
acquisitions like Yoga Bar (2023) and investments.
Mother Sparsh (2022).
● Channel Expansion: Farmley’s e-commerce Learning from ITC’s Past M&A Moves
and D2C strengths plug into ITC’s relatively ITC has a track record of acquiring high-potential
weaker digital presence, while ITC’s offline niche FMCG brands and scaling them profitably:
distribution scale of over 7M outlets allows
Farmley to expand rapidly into general and
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● In 2023, ITC acquired 100% of Sproutlife stability. EBITDA margins are assumed to
Foods (Yoga Bar), strengthening its nutrition remain high at 60–62%.
and health-forward offerings. ● FMCG – Others:
● In 2022, ITC picked up a 26% stake in The FMCG-Others segment (packaged foods,
Mother Sparsh, a D2C mother and baby care personal care, stationery, and recent
brand, furthering its strategy in premium acquisitions such as Yoga Bar and Mother
personal care. Sparsh) is the second growth driver.
● These acquisitions highlight ITC’s approach Projections assume a CAGR of 10–12%,
of selectively targeting digital-first, supported by premiumisation, expansion into
high-growth brands and providing them with modern trade, and scaling of digital-first
the distribution, sourcing, and financial brands
muscle required for sustainable scaling ITC Limited Revenue Drivers
. Margins are forecast to improve gradually
ITC Valuation Approach from 9–10% to 12–13% by FY30, reflecting
operating leverage and portfolio mix
The valuation of ITC Limited was undertaken using a
improvements.
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) methodology, with
● Agri Business:
explicit segment-level forecasts for revenue and
The Agri segment has shown strong
operating margins, followed by the derivation of free
momentum with 25% YoY growth in FY25
cash flows. This approach is appropriate for a
and 39% growth in Q1 FY26. With
diversified conglomerate such as ITC, where
value-added exports (spices, aqua, nicotine
individual segments have distinct growth and margin
derivatives) scaling rapidly, near-term growth
trajectories. To ensure robustness, results were further
is assumed at 15–20%, moderating to 12% by
cross-checked with trading multiples of large-cap
FY28 as the base expands
FMCG peers.
ITC Limited Revenue Drivers
1. Segmental Revenue and Margin Forecasts . Margins are forecast to stabilise at 8–9%.
● Paperboards, Paper & Packaging (PPP):
Segment-level projections were developed based on Growth is projected at 8–10% CAGR, driven
historical performance, industry outlook, and ITC’s by capacity expansion in décor/specialty
stated strategy: papers and increased demand for sustainable
packaging
● Cigarettes: ITC Limited Revenue Drivers
Cigarettes remain ITC’s largest contributor, . Margins are expected to remain resilient at
accounting for 40–42% of consolidated 20–22%, supported by cost initiatives and
revenue. Forecasts assume a CAGR of 6–7% import duty protections.
over FY25–30, reflecting volume recovery, ● Hotels:
premiumisation benefits, and stable taxation. The Hotels business is projected to grow in
The rollout of the Union Budget 2025 Track double digits (12–14% CAGR) as
and Trace mechanism is expected to reduce post-COVID recovery continues, aided by
illicit trade, further supporting volume expansion in leisure and business travel.
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Margins are forecast to improve from 18–20% in the financial model (covered in a separate
to 25% by FY30 with rising occupancy and subsection).
operating leverage.
3. Enterprise and Equity Valuation
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From the Series C funding round in 2025, Farmley In terms of acquisition structuring, ITC’s acquisition
was valued at approximately INR 944 Cr, of a 51% stake corresponds to a consideration of INR
corresponding to a revenue multiple of around 4.67x. 996 Cr (without option), with the balance 49%
This multiple, consistent with sector peers such as structured as an option exercisable in FY28. This
True Elements, Yogabar, and Paper Boat, was taken results in an implied total enterprise valuation of
as the baseline for valuation. Multiplying this INR 1,952 Cr, reflecting both the control premium
sector-derived multiple with Farmley’s FY24 revenue and strategic synergies expected.
from operations results in an implied valuation of
INR 944 Cr for FY24. The valuation also highlights the creation of goodwill
of INR 1,587 Cr, with a book value of equity at INR
365 Cr (FY26E) and minority interest recognized at
INR 957 Cr. The option price associated with the
remaining 49% stake has been estimated at INR 179
Cr, aligning the acquisition structure with long-term
strategic intent.
Ke=Rf+β×(Rm−Rf)Ke=Rf+β×(Rm−Rf)
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re-levered for the assumed debt-to-equity ratio This valuation includes a control premium over
of 0.3, resulting in a levered beta of 1.05. Farmley’s standalone valuation from its most recent
funding round. The transaction results in recognition
Accordingly: of goodwill, reflecting the premium paid above the
book value of Farmley’s net assets, which will be
Ke=7.1%+1.05×6.5%≈13.9%Ke=7.1%+1.05×6.5%≈1
consolidated into ITC’s financial statements. This
3.9%
upfront investment ensures ITC’s ability to integrate
Cost of Debt (Kd): Farmley operationally, achieve synergies, and
Borrowing costs were assumed at 9.5%, in line with exercise strategic control from the outset.
recent sector transactions and ITC’s credit profile.
In the second stage, ITC has secured an option to
Post tax adjustment (effective corporate tax rate of
acquire the remaining 49% stake in FY28. The option
25.2%), the after-tax cost of debt is:
has been independently valued at ₹179 crore using an
Kdafter−tax=9.5%×(1−25.2%)≈7.1%Kdafter−tax=9.5 option pricing framework that incorporates expected
%×(1−25.2%)≈7.1% revenue growth, margin expansion, and market
conditions at the time of exercise. This design
Capital Structure: provides ITC with the right, but not the obligation, to
Based on Farmley’s financing profile and sector complete the acquisition once Farmley has matured
norms, a debt-to-equity ratio of 30:70 was assumed. further. If exercised, the total transaction
consideration would amount to approximately ₹1,175
WACC Computation: crore.
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Synergies and Revenue Upside Cost and Margin Synergies
Market Position and Strategic Fit Cost and margin improvements will arise from
procurement, supply-chain integration, and marketing
Farmley is a digital-first, health-snacking brand with efficiencies. ITC’s agri-sourcing network is expected
approximately 80 to 90 SKUs spanning nuts, seeds, to reduce Farmley’s raw material costs by
dry fruits, trail mixes, and makhanas. Its FY25 approximately 9% of sales. Consolidated
revenue was about ₹370 crore, with a short-term warehousing and distribution will reduce logistics and
target of ₹600–700 crore and a stated ambition to supply-chain costs, while ITC’s scale in ATL and
achieve ₹1,000 crore within three years. Farmley BTL advertising will lower marketing spend intensity
derives 35% of its revenue from e-commerce, 38% by about 11% of sales. These drivers support
from quick commerce, 11% from modern trade, 14% EBITDA margin expansion from 8–10% on a
from general trade, and the remainder from stand-alone basis to 15–17% post-acquisition by
institutional and other channels. This channel mix FY28.
highlights strong digital traction but limited offline
penetration. ITC’s acquisition addresses this gap by Quantified Financial Impact
leveraging its extensive retail network, agri-sourcing
expertise, and established export channels. The The quantified effect of these synergies is set out
strategic fit lies in portfolio diversification, below. All figures are expressed in Indian rupees (₹
distribution expansion into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, crore).
margin expansion through scale, and acceleration of
● Stand-alone FY25 revenue: ₹370 crore
international ambitions.
● Projected stand-alone FY28 revenue: ₹1,150
Revenue Synergies crore (based on 25–30% CAGR)
● Projected post-acquisition FY28 revenue:
The principal revenue synergies include distribution ₹1,600 crore (based on 35–40% CAGR)
expansion, cross-brand promotion, and ● Incremental revenue by FY28: ₹450 crore
premiumisation. ITC’s 6.5 million retail outlets and ● Stand-alone EBITDA margin: 8–10%
strong trade relationships can increase Farmley’s ● Post-acquisition EBITDA margin: 15–17%
offline penetration manifold. Cross-brand promotion ● Stand-alone FY28 EBITDA: ₹115 crore
opportunities exist in integrating Farmley products ● Post-acquisition FY28 EBITDA: ₹250 crore
into ITC’s existing portfolio, such as Aashirvaad, ● Incremental EBITDA by FY28: ₹135 crore
Sunfeast, and Bingo, which will boost adoption and
trial rates. Premiumisation through ITC’s marketing These projections indicate that ITC’s acquisition of
capabilities, packaging upgrades, and expanded Farmley will be both top-line accretive and margin
placement supports higher average selling prices. accretive, strengthening the FMCG-Others portfolio
Together, these levers are expected to accelerate and enhancing ITC’s long-term growth trajectory.
Farmley’s revenue CAGR from 25–30% on a
Consolidated Impact
stand-alone basis to 35–40% in the first three years
post-acquisition. The acquisition of Farmley has a material impact on
ITC’s consolidated balance sheet and financial
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performance. The consolidated financial statements ₹2,024 crore in FY25 to about ₹2,090 crore by
reflect the recognition of goodwill, the inclusion of FY29E.
Farmley’s assets and liabilities, the recognition of a
non-controlling interest, and the treatment of the call Non-current and Current Assets
option on the remaining stake. Total non-current assets had increased significantly,
from approximately ₹44,253 crore in FY25 to about
₹48,237 crore in FY27E, driven largely by goodwill
recognition. Current assets, including inventories,
also expand as Farmley’s operations are integrated.
Inventories had increased from ₹15,061 crore in
FY25 to more than ₹22,900 crore in FY29E,
reflecting both organic growth and the addition of
Farmley’s working capital requirements.
Option Valuation
The option to acquire the remaining 49% stake in
FY28 is recognized as a financial instrument on ITC’s
consolidated balance sheet. From FY27E onwards,
this option is carried at a value of approximately ₹179
crore, reflecting the fair value of the contractual right
to purchase the remaining equity.
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synergies, generating incremental consolidated mley-narrows-losses-to-24-crore-for-fy24-plans-retail
EBITDA of about ₹135 crore by FY28. -expansion/[Link]
Economic Times. (2025, May). Snack brand Farmley Economic Times. (2025, May). ITC Hotels Q4
raises $40 million in funding led by L Catterton results: FY25 PAT at Rs 698 crore, revenue at Rs
3,333 crore. The Economic Times.
[Link] [Link]
ealthy-snacking-brand-farmley-bags-40-million/articl news/itc-hotels-q4-results-fy25-pat-at-rs-698-crore-re
eshow/[Link]?from=mdr venue-at-rs-3333-crore/articleshow/[Link]
Inowert. (2024, May) Equity Risk Premium Economic Times. (2025, May). ITC Q4 results:
Adjusted PAT rises 3% YoY to Rs 5,155 crore; Rs 7.85
[Link]
per share dividend declared for FY25. The Economic
Economic Times. (2025, July). Healthy snacking Times.
brand Farmley aims to double revenue to Rs 600–700 [Link]
crore in FY26. The Economic Times. earnings/itc-q4-results-adjusted-pat-rises-3-yoy-to-rs-
[Link] 5155-crore-rs-7-85-per-share-dividend-declared-for-f
food/healthy-snacking-brand-farmley-aims-to-double- y25/articleshow/[Link]
revenue-to-rs-600-700-cr-in-fy26/articleshow/122767
FoodBev Media. (2025, May). Farmley secures $42M
[Link]
Series C funding to expand in India’s healthy
Hindu BusinessLine. (2025, [date]). Farmley narrows snacking sector. FoodBev Media.
losses to Rs 24 crore for FY24; plans retail [Link]
expansion. The Hindu BusinessLine. -series-c-funding-to-expand-in-india-s-healthy-snacki
[Link] ng-sector
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ITC Limited. (2025). Report and accounts 2025. ITC
Limited.
[Link]
accounts-2025-activity-7346037996867022849-7dW
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