Business
LIC Trims Stakes In HDFC, ICICI, Kotak; Bets On SBI, Yes Bank: Key Takeaways For Investors
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According to data, LIC added 6.41 crore shares of SBI during the quarter, amounting to an investment of roughly Rs 5,285 crore
LIC
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the country’s largest institutional investor with an equity portfolio worth over Rs 16 lakh crore, made bold portfolio moves in the September quarter, trimming its holdings in top private sector lenders—HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Kotak Mahindra Bank—while sharply increasing exposure to public sector giant State Bank of India (SBI) and the smaller Yes Bank.
According to data from Prime Database, LIC added 6.41 crore shares of SBI during the quarter, amounting to an investment of roughly Rs 5,285 crore. In a contrarian move, the insurer also quadrupled its stake in Yes Bank—from less than 1% in June to 4% by September—even as several domestic institutional investors reduced their exposure to the stock.
At the same time, LIC sold shares worth an estimated Rs 3,203 crore in HDFC Bank, Rs 2,461 crore in ICICI Bank, and Rs 2,032 crore in Kotak Mahindra Bank. The sell-down caused overall insurance company holdings in these lenders to drop by 8–10% sequentially, marking LIC’s sharpest pullback from India’s leading private banks in recent years, Prime Database noted.
“A significant trend in the market is the resilience of the PSU banking space. This segment is even now attractively valued in a market which is richly valued,” said VK Vijayakumar of Geojit. “The prospects of this segment look bright in the context of the coming merger of PSU banks.”
The timing of LIC’s shift is notable. Even as the insurer increases exposure to public lenders, foreign investors have been pouring capital into private banks in 2025. Emirates NBD acquired a 60% stake in RBL Bank for $3 billion, Sumitomo Mitsui boosted its holding in Yes Bank to 24.2% following a $1.6 billion investment, and Blackstone bought nearly 10% of Federal Bank for Rs 6,196 crore.
Market expert Neeraj Dewan cautioned that valuations of PSU banks already reflect high expectations. He noted that while smaller PSU banks have delivered decent results, sustaining momentum will depend on how well they capture loan demand amid easing interest rates and improved liquidity. Dewan warned that after a strong rally, even a slight earnings miss could trigger investor disappointment.
LIC’s broader equity strategy during the quarter underscored its value-oriented approach. The insurer increased stakes in 68 NSE-listed companies, with an average decline of 5.55% in their purchase prices—indicating opportunistic buying in beaten-down counters—while trimming positions in 94 firms that saw stable prices, consistent with profit-taking behavior.
Brokerage Motilal Oswal highlighted that both private and public sector banks delivered solid Q2 results. Private lenders benefited from stronger net interest margins and healthy credit growth, while PSU banks also reported robust performance. Many banks, it added, have guided for further margin expansion in the second half of FY26, supported by the recent cash reserve ratio (CRR) cut and improving growth momentum.
ArunaGiri N, CEO of Trustline Holdings, remarked that the recent wave of foreign direct investment could be an early sign of broader institutional inflows. He suggested that FDI often precedes renewed foreign institutional investor (FII) participation, implying a potential comeback of FIIs in India’s private banking space.
The performance gap between PSU and private banks has been evident in recent months. Over the past three months, the Nifty PSU Bank index has surged more than 21%, while the broader Nifty Bank index has gained just over 4%.
According to Shibani Sircar Kurian of Kotak Mahindra AMC, valuations in the banking sector remain attractive relative to historical levels. She maintained a positive view on the space, with a slight preference for private banks but a focus on larger PSU lenders that still offer improving return ratios and favorable valuations. Kurian also noted that bigger PSU banks are better positioned to benefit from rising retail credit demand and lower funding costs as deposit rates ease.
Meanwhile, the government is reportedly considering allowing direct foreign investment in state-run banks of up to 49%, more than double the current ceiling. Analysts at Nuvama estimate that such a move could trigger as much as $4 billion in passive inflows into PSU banks.
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a…Read More
Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, economy, a… Read More
November 10, 2025, 15:35 IST
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Business
‘Relieved from services’: Britannia CEO Varun Berry steps down; Rakshit Hargave to take over from December 15 – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: Britannia Industries Ltd announced on Monday that Varun Berry has resigned from his positions as executive vice-chairman, managing director and chief executive officer after leading the company through ten years of expansion and growth.Berry submitted his resignation on November 6, 2025, which the company’s board acknowledged and accepted during their meeting on November 10, agreeing to waive the notice period requirement.The company’s regulatory filing, cited by Economic Times stated, “Accordingly, he shall be relieved from the services of the company with effect from the close of business hours on November 10, 2025.”With his departure, Berry will no longer participate in board committees, including Stakeholders Relationship, CSR, Risk Management, Finance, Strategy and Innovation Steering, and IT Committees.The announcement signifies the exit of a prominent figure in India’s consumer goods sector. Since becoming managing director in 2014, Berry led the company’s transformation from a biscuit manufacturer of Good Day, Marie Gold and NutriChoice into a diverse food enterprise, venturing into dairy and snacking segments.Following recommendations from the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Britannia has selected Rakshit Hargave as the new CEO and MD for five years, starting December 15, 2025. Natarajan Venkataraman, executive director and chief financial officer, will serve as interim CEO until Hargave takes charge.ET previously reported Hargave’s resignation as Chief Executive Officer of Birla Opus on November 1, indicating his imminent move to Britannia Industries in a senior position.According to ET sources familiar with the matter, Hargave was expected to report to Varun Berry and assume the CEO position, replacing Rajneet Singh Kohli, who departed from Britannia in March this year.After Kohli’s departure, Berry had been performing CEO duties alongside his roles as chairman and managing director. ET also noted that Birla Opus, a Grasim Industries subsidiary, informed stock exchanges about Hargave’s planned departure on December 5. Hargave’s resignation letter mentioned his intention to “pursue career opportunities outside the company.” His tenure at Birla Opus began in November 2021.
Business
Tata Sierra 2025: Check Expected Price, Key Features And Stylish Design
Tata Sierra 2025: Tata Motors is all set to reintroduce its iconic SUV, the Tata Sierra, in 2025. The upcoming model brings back the beloved design of the original Sierra while adding a host of modern features, advanced technology, and multiple powertrain options, including electric. According to rumours, the SUV is expected to be priced between Rs 12 lakh to 25 lakh (ex-showroom).
Classic Design With a Modern Touch
The Tata Sierra 2025 comes with the classic boxy silhouette that made the original model a fan favourite. One of its most distinctive features, the “infinite window” design, also makes a comeback, preserving the SUV’s signature look. Tata has enhanced this retro design with modern styling elements such as LED light bars, flush door handles, and blackened C and D pillars, which give the Sierra a sleek appearance.
The blend of old-school charm and new-age detailing has generated strong excitement among SUV enthusiasts. With this launch, Tata aims to recreate the original Sierra while appealing to modern buyers seeking style and innovation.
Advanced and Tech-Focused Interior
The Tata Sierra 2025 features a high-tech triple-screen dashboard setup, consisting of a digital driver display, a central infotainment screen, and an additional screen for the co-driver. This setup offers easy access to key driving and entertainment functions.
The cabin will also feature Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), offering safety technologies such as a 360-degree camera, lane-keep assist, and dual-zone climate control. These features are designed to improve safety and convenience.
(Also Read: Oppo Reno 15 Series Set To Launch In China On Nov 17: Expected Models, Specs, Features)
Focus on Comfort and Luxury
Tata Motors is giving special attention to comfort in the Sierra 2025. The SUV will include features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and connected car technology, enhancing both comfort and convenience. With these additions, the Sierra aims to deliver a premium driving experience comparable to higher-end SUVs in its segment.
The Sierra will also come equipped with seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, and additional driver-assistance features, ensuring maximum safety for passengers.
Multiple Engine Options
The upcoming Sierra will be available with petrol, diesel, and fully electric variants, offering buyers flexibility based on their preferences and driving needs.
Competition and Market Position
Once launched, the Tata Sierra 2025 will compete with SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. While pricing is expected to be similar to these rivals, the Sierra’s latest design, advanced tech features, and the availability of an electric option are expected to set it apart in the crowded SUV market.
Business
Sensex, Nifty Snap 3-Day Losing Streak Amid Buying In IT, Auto Heavyweights
Mumbai: The domestic equity indices closed higher on Monday, snapping a three-day losing streak amid buying in IT, auto and selected banking stocks, along with optimism around the potential resolution of the US government shutdown.
Sensex ended the session at 83,535.35, up 319 points or 0.38 per cent. The 30-share index started the session flat at 83,198.20 against last session’s closing of 83,216.28. However, the index rallied around 500 points to hit an intra-day high of 83,754.49 amid heavy buying in tech and automobile heavyweights.
Nifty closed at 25,574.35, up 82 points or 0.32 per cent.
“The potential resolution of the US government shutdown, coupled with renewed FIIs buying driven by a favourable Q2 earnings season, supported a positive sentiment in the market. The rise in the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield reflects improving risk sentiment toward equities with the reopening of the federal government,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments Limited.
Domestically, strengthening macroeconomic indicators are expected to underpin upward revisions in earnings estimates for H2 FY26, he added.
Infosys, HCL Tech, Asian Paint, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle, TCS, Bharti Airtel, Titan, L&T, Tech Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki were the top gainers from the Sensex basket. Trent, Eternal, PowerGrid, Ultratech Cement, Mahindra and Mahindra and Axis Bank ended the session in negative territory.
The majority of sectoral indices ended the session green amid value buying. Nifty IT rose 570 points or 1.62 per cent, Nifty Auto increased 80 points or 0.30 per cent, Nifty Fin Services jumped 66 points or 0.24 per cent, and Nifty Bank ended the session 60 points up or 0.10 per cent. Nifty FMCG closed in negative territory.
Broader indices followed suit as well. Nifty Midcap 100 escalated 281 points or 0.47 per cent, Nifty Small Cap 100 rose 62 points or 0.35 per cent, and Nifty 100 jumped 86 points or 0.33 per cent.
Rupee traded flat near 88.66, as weakness in the dollar index was offset by continued FII selling, resulting in a muted session for the currency.
“The RBI’s likely intervention near the 88.75–88.90 zones helped cap further downside, keeping rupee movement within a narrow range. Market participants now await key CPI data releases from both the U.S. and India this week, which are expected to guide short-term direction. The rupee is likely to remain in a small but volatile band, with the trading range seen between 88.45–88.90,” said Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.
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