{"id":303379,"date":"2026-10-13T09:17:15","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T03:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/?p=303379"},"modified":"2026-10-13T09:17:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T03:47:15","slug":"large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks With a Strong Future Roadmap: ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"border-left:4px solid #1F4E79;background:#EBF3FB;padding:10px 16px;font-style:italic;\"><em>ICICI Bank Rs 1,340.00, P\/E 16.27. Central Bank of India Rs 30.07, P\/E 5.94. Bank of Maharashtra Rs 83.00, P\/E 8.37. Closing prices of 12 Oct 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#F0F9FF;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;border-radius:6px;padding:14px 18px;margin:18px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin:0;color:#1F4E79;font-size:14px;\"><strong>Quick Answer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:8px 0 0;\">Large private and public sector bank stocks with the clearest long-term roadmaps today include ICICI Bank in retail, business and corporate banking with a digital platform, Central Bank of India in retail, agriculture and MSME lending through a public sector network and Bank of Maharashtra in retail, MSME and agriculture lending with a strong base in Maharashtra. FY26 revenue growth was 6.0% at ICICI Bank, 7.9% at Central Bank of India and 15.6% at Bank of Maharashtra. P\/E stands at 16.27 for ICICI Bank (industry 12.00), 5.94 for Central Bank of India (industry 12.00) and 8.37 for Bank of Maharashtra (industry 12.00). Demand cycles, input costs and valuation decide how much of that growth the market keeps paying for, so each company&#8217;s risks need equal attention.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Large private and public sector bank stocks give investors exposure to deposits and loans for households, farmers, small firms and large companies. Credit growth, funding costs and asset quality decide how much of that reach turns into profit.<\/p>\n<p>This list covers three large private and public sector bank stocks: ICICI Bank for retail, business and corporate banking with a digital platform, Central Bank of India for retail, agriculture and MSME lending through a public sector network and Bank of Maharashtra for retail, MSME and agriculture lending with a strong base in Maharashtra. Every figure comes from the latest reported financials and the 12 October 2026 market close. Companies without complete current figures were left out.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/user\/log-in?utm_source=blogs&#038;utm_medium=large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\"><strong>Click Here &#8211; Get Free Investment Predictions<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#What_Are_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks\" title=\"What Are Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks?\">What Are Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_at_a_Glance\" title=\"Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks at a Glance\">Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Why_Do_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_Have_a_Strong_Roadmap_in_India\" title=\"Why Do Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks Have a Strong Roadmap in India?\">Why Do Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks Have a Strong Roadmap in India?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#ICICI_Bank_Retail_Banking_and_Digital_Reach_Drive_the_Pipeline\" title=\"ICICI Bank: Retail Banking and Digital Reach Drive the Pipeline\">ICICI Bank: Retail Banking and Digital Reach Drive the Pipeline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Central_Bank_of_India_Wide_Branch_Network_Anchors_the_Roadmap\" title=\"Central Bank of India: Wide Branch Network Anchors the Roadmap\">Central Bank of India: Wide Branch Network Anchors the Roadmap<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Bank_of_Maharashtra_Maharashtra_Deposit_Strength_Drives_the_Pipeline\" title=\"Bank of Maharashtra: Maharashtra Deposit Strength Drives the Pipeline\">Bank of Maharashtra: Maharashtra Deposit Strength Drives the Pipeline<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Best_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_in_India_ICICI_Bank_vs_Central_Bank_of_India_vs_Bank_of_Maharashtra_on_Key_Financials\" title=\"Best Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks in India: ICICI Bank vs Central Bank of India vs Bank of Maharashtra on Key Financials\">Best Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks in India: ICICI Bank vs Central Bank of India vs Bank of Maharashtra on Key Financials<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#How_to_Evaluate_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_to_Buy_Before_You_Invest\" title=\"How to Evaluate Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks to Buy Before You Invest\">How to Evaluate Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks to Buy Before You Invest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Risks_to_Consider_Before_Investing_in_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks\" title=\"Risks to Consider Before Investing in Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks\">Risks to Consider Before Investing in Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Final_Take_Which_Stock_Has_the_Strongest_Roadmap\" title=\"Final Take: Which Stock Has the Strongest Roadmap?\">Final Take: Which Stock Has the Strongest Roadmap?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#FAQs_on_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks\" title=\"FAQs on Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks\">FAQs on Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Which_are_the_best_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_in_India_with_a_strong_roadmap\" title=\"Which are the best large private and public sector bank stocks in India with a strong roadmap?\">Which are the best large private and public sector bank stocks in India with a strong roadmap?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Is_ICICI_Bank_a_good_stock_to_buy_now\" title=\"Is ICICI Bank a good stock to buy now?\">Is ICICI Bank a good stock to buy now?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#What_is_the_PE_ratio_of_ICICI_Bank_Central_Bank_of_India_and_Bank_of_Maharashtra\" title=\"What is the P\/E ratio of ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra?\">What is the P\/E ratio of ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Which_of_these_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_has_the_highest_return_on_equity\" title=\"Which of these large private and public sector bank stocks has the highest return on equity?\">Which of these large private and public sector bank stocks has the highest return on equity?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#What_are_the_risks_of_investing_in_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks\" title=\"What are the risks of investing in large private and public sector bank stocks?\">What are the risks of investing in large private and public sector bank stocks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#How_did_ICICI_Bank_Central_Bank_of_India_and_Bank_of_Maharashtra_perform_in_Q1_FY27\" title=\"How did ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra perform in Q1 FY27?\">How did ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra perform in Q1 FY27?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#Do_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_pay_dividends\" title=\"Do large private and public sector bank stocks pay dividends?\">Do large private and public sector bank stocks pay dividends?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-forward-growth-shortlist\/#How_can_I_invest_in_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_in_India\" title=\"How can I invest in large private and public sector bank stocks in India?\">How can I invest in large private and public sector bank stocks in India?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks\"><\/span><strong>What Are Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Large private and public sector bank stocks are shares of companies that take deposits and lend to retail, farm, small business and corporate borrowers. Results depend on credit growth, funding costs and asset quality, so asset quality and funding costs separate the stronger names.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_at_a_Glance\"><\/span><strong>Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks at a Glance<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The table compares size, valuation, return on equity and debt for the three large private and public sector bank stocks as of the 12 Oct 2026 close.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">Company<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">CMP (Rs)<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">Market Cap (Rs Cr)<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">P\/E<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">Industry P\/E<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">ROE<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/stocks\/icicibank\/icici-bank-ltd-share-price-today\">ICICI Bank<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">1,340.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">972,030<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">16.27<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">12.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">15.00%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/stocks\/centralbk\/central-bank-of-india-share-price-today\">Central Bank of India<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">30.07<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">27,154<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">5.94<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">12.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">12.31%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/stocks\/mahabank\/bank-of-maharashtra-share-price-today\">Bank of Maharashtra<\/a><\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">83.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">63,109<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">8.37<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">12.00<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">22.24%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Among banking stocks, ICICI Bank trades at a premium to the industry P\/E, while Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra trade at a discount.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_Have_a_Strong_Roadmap_in_India\"><\/span><strong>Why Do Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks Have a Strong Roadmap in India?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Large private and public sector bank stocks have a strong roadmap in India because stronger balance sheets, steady deposit growth and rising credit demand support earnings at both private and public sector banks. Three drivers stand out.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cleaner books:<\/strong> Lower bad loans leave more earnings for growth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Deposit base:<\/strong> Wide branch networks bring in low-cost funds.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Credit demand:<\/strong> Retail, MSME and corporate loans keep growing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ICICI_Bank_Retail_Banking_and_Digital_Reach_Drive_the_Pipeline\"><\/span><strong>ICICI Bank: Retail Banking and Digital Reach Drive the Pipeline<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>ICICI Bank&#8217;s roadmap rests on retail, business and corporate banking supported by a strong digital platform, with a diversified loan book and a growing deposit base supporting growth.<\/p>\n<p>Revenue grew from Rs 157,536.32 crore in FY22 to Rs 312,118.36 crore in FY26, a 98.1% rise, and FY26 revenue was 6.0% higher than FY25. FY26 net profit rose 6.0% to Rs 57,673.39 crore. Over four years, net profit rose from Rs 25,783.83 crore in FY22 to Rs 57,673.39 crore. In Q1 FY27, revenue grew 6.9% to Rs 79,689.22 crore, and net profit rose 12.6% to Rs 16,209.74 crore.<\/p>\n<p>Return on equity is 15.00%. ICICI Bank paid a dividend of Rs 12 per share for FY26, a yield of 0.88%. At a P\/E of 16.27 against an industry P\/E of 12.00, the stock trades above its industry multiple.<\/p>\n<p>What to watch: The P\/E of 16.27 sits above the industry P\/E of 12.00, so earnings delivery matters for the valuation.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Central_Bank_of_India_Wide_Branch_Network_Anchors_the_Roadmap\"><\/span><strong>Central Bank of India: Wide Branch Network Anchors the Roadmap<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Central Bank of India&#8217;s roadmap rests on lending to retail, agriculture and MSME borrowers through a wide public sector bank network, with credit demand from households and small businesses supporting earnings.<\/p>\n<p>Revenue grew from Rs 25,870.83 crore in FY22 to Rs 42,583.14 crore in FY26, a 64.6% rise, and FY26 revenue was 7.9% higher than FY25. FY26 net profit rose 14.9% to Rs 4,530.80 crore. Over four years, net profit rose from Rs 1,082.95 crore in FY22 to Rs 4,530.80 crore. In Q1 FY27, revenue grew 3.1% to Rs 10,714.39 crore, and net profit rose 5.4% to Rs 1,328.95 crore.<\/p>\n<p>Return on equity is 12.31%. At a P\/E of 5.94 against an industry P\/E of 12.00, the stock trades below its industry multiple.<\/p>\n<p>What to watch: The P\/E of 5.94 against an industry P\/E of 12.00 leaves valuation less stretched, so the next quarters&#8217; growth is the figure to follow.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bank_of_Maharashtra_Maharashtra_Deposit_Strength_Drives_the_Pipeline\"><\/span><strong>Bank of Maharashtra: Maharashtra Deposit Strength Drives the Pipeline<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Bank of Maharashtra&#8217;s roadmap rests on retail, MSME and agriculture lending through a public sector bank with a strong base in Maharashtra, with steady deposit growth supporting the loan book.<\/p>\n<p>Revenue grew from Rs 15,672.17 crore in FY22 to Rs 32,823.72 crore in FY26, a 109.4% rise, and FY26 revenue was 15.6% higher than FY25. FY26 net profit rose 26.6% to Rs 7,016.86 crore. In Q1 FY27, revenue grew 15.0% to Rs 9,063.53 crore, and net profit rose 26.8% to Rs 2,020.54 crore.<\/p>\n<p>Return on equity is 22.24%. Bank of Maharashtra paid a dividend of Rs 1.2 per share for FY26, a yield of 1.46%. At a P\/E of 8.37 against an industry P\/E of 12.00, the stock trades below its industry multiple.<\/p>\n<p>What to watch: The P\/E of 8.37 against an industry P\/E of 12.00 leaves valuation less stretched, so the next quarters&#8217; growth is the figure to follow.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_in_India_ICICI_Bank_vs_Central_Bank_of_India_vs_Bank_of_Maharashtra_on_Key_Financials\"><\/span><strong>Best Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks in India: ICICI Bank vs Central Bank of India vs Bank of Maharashtra on Key Financials<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Among the best large private and public sector bank stocks in India, ICICI Bank ranks second on Q1 FY27 revenue growth and Q1 FY27 net profit growth; Central Bank of India leads on the lowest P\/E; Bank of Maharashtra leads on FY26 revenue growth and Q1 FY27 revenue growth. The table puts the numbers side by side.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow-x:auto;\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;\">\n<tr>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">Metric<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">ICICI Bank<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">Central Bank of India<\/th>\n<th style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;background:#F0F4F8;\">Bank of Maharashtra<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">FY26 revenue (Rs Cr)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">312,118.36<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">42,583.14<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">32,823.72<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">FY26 revenue growth<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">6.0%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">7.9%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">15.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">FY26 net profit (Rs Cr)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">57,673.39<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">4,530.80<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">7,016.86<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">FY26 net profit growth<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">6.0%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">14.9%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">26.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">Q1 FY27 revenue growth (YoY)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">6.9%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">3.1%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">15.0%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">Q1 FY27 net profit growth (YoY)<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">12.6%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">5.4%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">26.8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">Return on equity<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">15.00%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">12.31%<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">22.24%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">P\/E ratio<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">16.27<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">5.94<\/td>\n<td style=\"border:1px solid #DDDDDD;padding:8px 10px;text-align:left;\">8.37<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p>Bank earnings follow credit growth, funding costs and asset quality, so full-year numbers and quarterly trends together give a better view.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Evaluate_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks_to_Buy_Before_You_Invest\"><\/span><strong>How to Evaluate Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks to Buy Before You Invest<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A short checklist keeps the research consistent when you screen large private and public sector bank stocks and shortlist large private and public sector bank stocks to buy.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Compare each stock&#8217;s P\/E with its industry P\/E, which is 12.00 for all three here.<\/li>\n<li>Check gross NPA, capital adequacy and profit growth together.<\/li>\n<li>Check whether revenue growth is turning into profit growth, not only sales.<\/li>\n<li>Read loan growth against funding costs to see how growth is financed.<\/li>\n<li>Watch capital adequacy and asset quality before sizing a position.<\/li>\n<li>Spread exposure across companies and business lines instead of one demand cycle.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/univest.in\/screeners\"><strong>Check the Univest Screener for live data on these large private and public sector bank stocks<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Risks_to_Consider_Before_Investing_in_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks\"><\/span><strong>Risks to Consider Before Investing in Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Asset quality:<\/strong> A rise in bad loans can reduce profit.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Rate cycles:<\/strong> Changes in policy rates can move deposit costs and spreads.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Quarterly trends:<\/strong> A single weak quarter can change near-term earnings, so track results every quarter.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"margin-top:24px;\"><em>Download the <a href=\"http:\/\/apps.apple.com\/in\/app\/univest-stocks-investment\/id6443753518\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Univest iOS App<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.univest.capp&#038;hl=en_IN\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Univest Android App<\/a> to track ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra live.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Take_Which_Stock_Has_the_Strongest_Roadmap\"><\/span><strong>Final Take: Which Stock Has the Strongest Roadmap?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>These three banking stocks cover retail, MSME and corporate lending from a large private bank and two public sector banks. ICICI Bank ranks second on Q1 FY27 revenue growth and Q1 FY27 net profit growth; Central Bank of India leads on the lowest P\/E; Bank of Maharashtra leads on FY26 revenue growth and Q1 FY27 revenue growth.<\/p>\n<p>Across large private and public sector bank stocks, each roadmap still has to turn growth into steady profit, so independent research and position sizing matter. Investors should consult a SEBI-registered advisor before acting on any of the large private and public sector bank stocks to buy discussed here.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#CC0000;border-radius:8px;padding:16px 20px;margin:24px 0;\">\n<p style=\"color:#FFFFFF;font-size:13px;line-height:1.7;margin:0;\"><strong style=\"color:#FFFFFF;\">Disclaimer:<\/strong> Data and figures in this article are sourced from publicly available information. These may or may not be accurate. Please verify all data with the official NSE (nseindia.com) and BSE (bseindia.com) websites before making any investment decision. Investments in securities are subject to market risk. This content is for educational purposes only and is not investment advice by Univest (SEBI RA INH000013776).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_on_Large_Private_and_Public_Sector_Bank_Stocks\"><\/span><strong>FAQs on Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_are_the_best_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_in_India_with_a_strong_roadmap\"><\/span><strong>Which are the best large private and public sector bank stocks in India with a strong roadmap?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra stand out for their roadmaps in retail, MSME and corporate lending from a large private bank and two public sector banks. FY26 revenue growth was 6.0% at ICICI Bank, 7.9% at Central Bank of India and 15.6% at Bank of Maharashtra, and return on equity ranges from 12.31% to 22.24%.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_ICICI_Bank_a_good_stock_to_buy_now\"><\/span><strong>Is ICICI Bank a good stock to buy now?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> ICICI Bank has a return on equity of 15.00% and a P\/E of 16.27 against an industry P\/E of 12.00. Valuation, asset quality and rate cycles move results. This article is not investment advice, so consult a SEBI-registered advisor before deciding.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_PE_ratio_of_ICICI_Bank_Central_Bank_of_India_and_Bank_of_Maharashtra\"><\/span><strong>What is the P\/E ratio of ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> The P\/E ratio is 16.27 for ICICI Bank (industry 12.00), 5.94 for Central Bank of India (industry 12.00) and 8.37 for Bank of Maharashtra (industry 12.00). Only ICICI Bank trades at or above the industry multiple.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_of_these_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_has_the_highest_return_on_equity\"><\/span><strong>Which of these large private and public sector bank stocks has the highest return on equity?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> Bank of Maharashtra has the highest return on equity at 22.24%, followed by ICICI Bank at 15.00% and Central Bank of India at 12.31%.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_risks_of_investing_in_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks\"><\/span><strong>What are the risks of investing in large private and public sector bank stocks?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> The main risks are asset quality, rate cycles and quarterly trends. A rise in bad loans can reduce profit.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_did_ICICI_Bank_Central_Bank_of_India_and_Bank_of_Maharashtra_perform_in_Q1_FY27\"><\/span><strong>How did ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra perform in Q1 FY27?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> ICICI Bank reported revenue of Rs 79,689.22 crore, up 6.9% year on year, and net profit rose 12.6% to Rs 16,209.74 crore. Central Bank of India reported revenue of Rs 10,714.39 crore, up 3.1% year on year, and net profit rose 5.4% to Rs 1,328.95 crore. Bank of Maharashtra reported revenue of Rs 9,063.53 crore, up 15.0% year on year, and net profit rose 26.8% to Rs 2,020.54 crore.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_pay_dividends\"><\/span><strong>Do large private and public sector bank stocks pay dividends?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> ICICI Bank and Bank of Maharashtra pay dividends. The dividend yield is 0.88% for ICICI Bank and 1.46% for Bank of Maharashtra, based on dividends declared for FY26.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_I_invest_in_large_private_and_public_sector_bank_stocks_in_India\"><\/span><strong>How can I invest in large private and public sector bank stocks in India?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Ans.<\/strong> You can buy large private and public sector bank stocks through a demat and trading account on NSE or BSE after checking each company&#8217;s financials, margins and valuation. The Univest Screener lets you compare fundamentals before placing an order. Investments in securities are subject to market risk, so consider your risk profile first.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-schema\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Which are the best large private and public sector bank stocks in India with a strong roadmap?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra stand out for their roadmaps in retail, MSME and corporate lending from a large private bank and two public sector banks. FY26 revenue growth was 6.0% at ICICI Bank, 7.9% at Central Bank of India and 15.6% at Bank of Maharashtra, and return on equity ranges from 12.31% to 22.24%.\"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is ICICI Bank a good stock to buy now?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ICICI Bank has a return on equity of 15.00% and a P\/E of 16.27 against an industry P\/E of 12.00. 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Investments in securities are subject to market risk, so consider your risk profile first.\"}}]}<\/script><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICICI Bank, Central Bank of India and Bank of Maharashtra compared on growth, margins, debt and valuation, with the roadmap and risks investors should track.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":303378,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[845],"tags":[717,11189,1252,11444,11445],"class_list":["post-303379","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-best-stocks","tag-bank-of-maharashtra","tag-central-bank-of-india","tag-icici-bank","tag-large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks","tag-large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-to-buy"],"metadata":{"rank_math_internal_links_processed":["1"],"_thumbnail_id":["303378"],"rank_math_title":["Large Private and Public Sector Bank Stocks"],"rank_math_description":["Large private and public sector bank stocks with a strong roadmap compared on growth, margins, valuation and risks."],"rank_math_focus_keyword":["large private and public sector bank stocks"],"rank_math_robots":["a:2:{i:0;s:7:\"noindex\";i:1;s:8:\"nofollow\";}"]},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/3-large-private-and-public-sector-bank-stocks-with-a-strong-future-roadmap-icici.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303379","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=303379"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303379\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":303380,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303379\/revisions\/303380"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/303378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=303379"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=303379"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/univest.in\/blogs-2\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=303379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}