PSU banks have just engineered a fundamental turnaround once deemed impossible, dragging net non-performing assets (NPAs) down to historic lows that match or beat their private sector peers. Yet, despite state-owned lenders hitting record profit milestones, market insiders are heavily shifting preference toward leading private sector banks. As the market transitions into a tougher macroeconomic environment marked by global uncertainty and intensifying deposit pressures, analysts caution that flocking to cheaper PSU stocks solely for their low valuations could backfire, pointing instead to larger private banks as the more compelling risk-reward play for FY27.

Citing superior earnings compounding potential and more attractive risk-reward dynamics at current valuations, analysts are explicitly tilting toward larger private sector banks.

Shrikant Chouhan, Head of Equity Research at Kotak Securities, highlights this tactical preference by stating that while the favorable operating momentum is likely to continue because they do not see any significant near-term fundamental headwinds, they currently prefer leading private sector banks since they offer a more attractive risk-reward profile at current valuations.

The record books

By every financial metric, FY26 was a watershed year for government-owned banks. Finance Ministry data shows aggregate PSU bank net profit rose 11.1% year-on-year to a historic high of ₹1.98 lakh crore, the fourth straight year of aggregate profitability for the sector. Gross advances grew 15.7% to ₹127 lakh crore, while aggregate deposits climbed 10.6% to ₹156.3 lakh crore, reflecting what the ministry described as continued depositor confidence and strong resource mobilisation.Asset quality, once the sector’s Achilles heel, has been transformed. The gross NPA ratio fell to 1.93% as of March 31, 2026, and the net NPA ratio to 0.39%, levels that now match or beat several private sector peers. Every single PSB maintained a provisioning coverage ratio above 90%. Fresh slippages continued to decline, with the slippage ratio at 0.7% for FY26, and total recoveries, including from written-off accounts, reached ₹86,971 crore.

What drove FY26 and why it may not repeat

Chouhan identifies two structural tailwinds that powered last year’s performance. First, PSU banks gained loan market share from private sector peers because they operated with lower credit-deposit ratios at a time when deposit growth was a key industry-wide constraint, giving them the balance sheet flexibility to grow their loan books faster. Second, substantial recoveries from legacy stressed assets provided a meaningful boost to profitability that supported both earnings growth and valuation re-rating across several PSU bank stocks.

But both tailwinds are now largely played out. There simply isn’t as much legacy stress left to recover from, and the deposit-ratio advantage has narrowed. “While the favourable operating momentum is likely to continue, as we do not see any significant near-term fundamental headwinds, we currently prefer leading private sector banks,” Chouhan says.

The earnings divergence that matters most

Motilal Oswal’s banking team lays out the starkest version of the divergence case. Over FY26–28, they project private banks to deliver earnings at roughly a 21% CAGR against just 8% for PSU banks, a gap of more than 2.5 times. Net interest income is expected to follow a similar split, with private banks delivering around a 17% CAGR against 13% for state-owned lenders. For the full banking coverage universe, Motilal Oswal estimates a 15% earnings CAGR over the period, modestly ahead of consensus expectations of 14%. Their top picks for the cycle: ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and AU Small Finance Bank. SBI is the only PSU bank to make the cut.
Among private banks, Motilal Oswal expects mid-sized players to outperform on earnings, supported by improving net interest margins, easing stress in unsecured portfolios, and relatively stable credit costs driven by better asset quality trends.

The NIM problem

Elara Securities’ Prakhar Agarwal flags one of the sector’s most pressing structural concerns heading into FY27: the erosion of low-cost current and savings account deposits. “Sustained pressure points on low-cost deposits mean incremental growth will be funded by retail term and wholesale deposits, which will have pressure points on spreads,” he says. Some banks have already raised deposit rates, and incremental spreads are narrowing.

Agarwal argues that FY27 will favour banks with strong liability franchises and robust balance sheets. Large private banks with mid-teen returns on equity are best positioned to compound earnings even without a valuation re-rating. For smaller, less differentiated lenders, the combination of geopolitical uncertainty, margin compression, and tighter deposit competition could prove a difficult test. “Given near-term uncertainty, we prefer larger private banks with mid-teen ROE, justifying a case for earnings compounding if not for valuation re-rating,” he says.

Axis Direct’s Dnyanada Vaidya stops short of writing off the PSU bank space entirely. Most larger government-owned banks have maintained a 1% return on assets, a threshold that has historically supported strong stock performance, and the asset quality outlook remains constructive with no visible headwinds to credit costs. “Over the medium term, we expect PSU banks to replicate the performance of larger private banks on credit growth, while maintaining stable loan-to-deposit ratios,” she says.

But she flags the same NIM headwind: with the cost of funds having bottomed and the Reserve Bank’s rate-cut cycle underway, margin pressure is likely to persist near-term. Banks will need to reprice select lending segments to offset the squeeze, a process that takes time and carries execution risk. Her preference within the PSU space: SBI, and SBI alone.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

NEW YORK — ServiceNow Inc. shares climbed 9.03 percent to $135.60 in midday trading on Monday, June 1, 2026, as investors responded positively to the company’s expanding role in artificial intelligence workflow automation and robust enterprise cloud adoption.

The significant gain pushed ServiceNow’s market capitalization higher and reflected growing confidence in the software company’s ability to capitalize on the accelerating digital transformation across global businesses. Trading volume was notably elevated as the stock attracted attention from both institutional investors and retail traders seeking exposure to enterprise AI platforms.

ServiceNow, a leader in digital workflow solutions, has positioned itself at the forefront of AI-powered business process automation. Its Now Platform helps organizations streamline operations, improve service delivery and enhance employee experiences through intelligent automation tools that integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems.

Drivers Behind Today’s Movement

Analysts attributed the sharp rise to several positive developments. ServiceNow has reported strong subscription revenue growth in recent quarters, driven by demand for its AI-enhanced products such as Virtual Agent and AI Search capabilities. The company’s focus on helping enterprises automate complex workflows has resonated with large organizations seeking efficiency gains amid economic pressures.

Recent product announcements and customer wins in key verticals including finance, healthcare and government have reinforced investor optimism. ServiceNow’s ability to deliver measurable return on investment through automation has differentiated it from more generalized software providers. Management’s disciplined approach to innovation while maintaining strong margins has supported the positive sentiment.

Broader market interest in artificial intelligence applications for enterprise software has provided a favorable backdrop. As companies increase spending on digital transformation initiatives, platforms like ServiceNow’s that combine workflow management with AI capabilities have seen heightened demand. The company’s expansion into new use cases, including IT service management and customer service automation, has expanded its addressable market.

Company Background and Strategic Evolution

ServiceNow was founded in 2004 and went public in 2012. The company has grown from a niche IT service management provider to a comprehensive enterprise platform that powers digital workflows across multiple departments. Its cloud-native architecture allows for rapid deployment and scalability, making it attractive to organizations of all sizes.

Under current leadership, ServiceNow has accelerated its artificial intelligence integration while maintaining a customer-centric approach. The company’s Now Platform serves as a single system of record for digital operations, enabling organizations to connect disparate systems and automate processes end-to-end. This unified approach has helped clients reduce complexity and improve operational efficiency.

ServiceNow continues investing in research and development to enhance its AI capabilities. Recent updates have focused on generative AI features that assist with natural language processing, predictive analytics and automated decision-making. These advancements have positioned the company as a key enabler of intelligent automation across industries.

Financial Performance and Outlook

ServiceNow has delivered consistent revenue growth while improving profitability metrics. The company’s subscription-based model provides predictable revenue streams and high retention rates. Recent earnings reports have shown strong performance in core segments, with particular strength in its AI and workflow automation offerings.

Management has maintained guidance for continued growth while investing in product innovation and market expansion. The company’s focus on large enterprise customers has supported robust average contract values and long-term relationships. ServiceNow’s ability to expand within existing accounts through additional modules and use cases has been a key growth driver.

The stock’s valuation, while elevated following today’s gain, remains reasonable when compared to other high-growth enterprise software companies. ServiceNow’s strong cash flow generation and market leadership in workflow automation support premium multiples for many investors.

Analyst Perspectives

Wall Street analysts have generally maintained constructive views on ServiceNow. Most covering firms rate the stock as Buy or Outperform, citing its strong competitive position, recurring revenue model and growth potential in artificial intelligence. Average price targets suggest moderate upside from current levels, with some optimistic forecasts projecting higher valuations if AI adoption accelerates.

However, analysts also note challenges including competition from larger enterprise software providers and potential economic slowdowns affecting technology spending. ServiceNow’s ability to maintain high growth rates while expanding margins will be critical for sustaining current momentum.

The stock’s performance today stands out even within a stronger technology sector, suggesting company-specific catalysts at play. ServiceNow’s movement may also reflect broader rotation into enterprise software names with clear AI strategies.

Risks and Challenges Ahead

Despite today’s strong performance, ServiceNow faces several ongoing challenges. Competition in the enterprise software market is intense, with larger players commanding significant resources. The company must continue innovating to maintain its leadership position as artificial intelligence capabilities evolve rapidly.

Economic uncertainty and potential reductions in corporate technology budgets could impact growth rates. ServiceNow’s success will depend on its ability to demonstrate clear return on investment for customers while navigating these external pressures.

Regulatory developments around data privacy and artificial intelligence governance may also present both opportunities and risks. The company’s strong emphasis on security and compliance has been a competitive advantage, but evolving regulations require continuous adaptation.

Investment Considerations for 2026

Investors evaluating ServiceNow shares should consider its exposure to enterprise digital transformation trends balanced against the company’s strong execution track record. The stock may appeal to those bullish on artificial intelligence adoption in business operations and seeking quality growth in the software sector.

Risk management is important given the competitive landscape and macroeconomic sensitivities. Diversification and careful position sizing are recommended when investing in enterprise software companies. Analysts generally recommend a long-term perspective for ServiceNow, with attention to subscription revenue growth and customer expansion metrics.

Professional financial advice tailored to individual circumstances is recommended before making investment decisions in the technology sector. Market conditions can shift rapidly based on economic data and industry developments.

Broader Enterprise Software Sector Context

The enterprise software sector in 2026 has shown strong performance as organizations continue investing in digital transformation and automation technologies. Companies with proven platforms and clear artificial intelligence strategies have generally outperformed, with ServiceNow benefiting from its leadership position in workflow management.

ServiceNow’s performance today reflects continued investor willingness to reward firms demonstrating strong execution and sustainable growth models. As businesses prioritize operational efficiency and intelligent automation, platforms that deliver measurable outcomes are well-positioned to capture value.

The strong trading in ServiceNow shares on the first day of June underscores growing optimism about the company’s prospects in artificial intelligence and enterprise software markets. Whether this momentum sustains will depend on continued execution and favorable industry trends in the months ahead.

For now, today’s substantial gain highlights investor confidence in ServiceNow’s strategic direction and its potential to deliver value in critical business technology areas. As the company advances its offerings and customer relationships, it remains one of the more closely watched names in the enterprise software landscape.

Yum Brands is reportedly in exclusive talks to sell Pizza Hut to private-equity firm LongRange Capital, according to a report citing a source familiar with the matter.

The potential transaction would mark a significant shift for one of America’s most recognizable pizza chains and underscores growing consolidation across the restaurant industry as operators navigate slowing consumer demand and higher costs.

The discussions could result in a deal within several weeks, although no agreement has been reached and there is no guarantee the talks will lead to a transaction, Reuters reported Friday.

PIZZA HUT TO CLOSE AROUND 250 LOCATIONS

Yum said last year it was evaluating strategic alternatives for Pizza Hut, including a potential sale, as the chain worked to reverse a prolonged sales slump.

According to Reuters, Pizza Hut generated about 12% of Yum’s revenue in 2025 and has reported declining U.S. comparable sales for 10 straight quarters.

Reuters previously reported that LongRange Capital was among several firms interested in acquiring Pizza Hut. Apollo Global Management and Sycamore Partners were also reported to have explored potential bids for the chain.

RED LOBSTER TO CLOSE TIMES SQUARE RESTAURANT AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS

The reported talks come as restaurant companies face softer consumer demand and elevated operating costs, creating potential turnaround opportunities for investors focused on established brands.

Pizza Hut rival Papa John’s has also drawn acquisition interest. Reuters reported earlier this month that investment firm Irth Capital Management was working with the company’s largest U.S. franchisee on a proposal to take the pizza chain private.

Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
YUM	YUM! BRANDS INC.	147.95	-2.08	-1.39%

BAHAMA BREEZE TO CLOSE ALL ITS RESTAURANTS

Shares of Yum Brands rose roughly 3% in extended trading following reports of the discussions. Shares are down more than 5% year to date.

FOX Business has reached out to Yum Brands and LongRange Capital for comment.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

The potential Pizza Hut sale highlights how major restaurant brands are increasingly evaluating strategic transactions to improve performance and shareholder returns in a challenging operating environment.

The cities were twinned in 2001 and recently celebrated their economic and business ties

Bristol is planning to bolster its trading relationship with China’s Guangzhou as the two cities mark 25 years of twinning. A delegation from the Chinese port city, which is based to the north west of Hong Kong on the bank of the Pearl River, visited the West of England to celebrate the economic ties between the two locations.

The five-strong group from Guangzhou’s municipal government spent three days in London before travelling to Bristol to meet members of the city’s business, political and academic community.

Also present was Peter Insole, principal historic environment officer and urban design team manager at Bristol City Council, who created the Bristol history mapping resource Know Your Place.

The visit – organised by Bristol & West of England China Bureau – involved visits to the Clifton Suspension Bridge; Ashton Court; Wong’s Restaurant, on Denmark Street; and the Guangzhou Garden at the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden.

During the visit, Wen Yanji, deputy secretary-general of Guangzhou municipal government, proposed increased cooperation with Bristol across economic and trade activity, education and urban governance.

“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Guangzhou and Bristol,” he said.

“Over the past quarter of a century, our two cities have advanced hand in hand, witnessed each other’s development and forged a deep and enduring friendship.

“From trade and business to people-to-people exchanges, from educational cooperation to urban governance, our collaboration has delivered fruitful results and stands as a fine example of local cooperation between China and the UK.”

Councillor Yassin Mohamud, Lord Mayor of Bristol, said: “As we mark this anniversary year, we do so with pride in what we have achieved together, and with confidence in what the future holds.

“Bristol values its friendship with Guangzhou deeply, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

Dianne Francombe, chief executive of Bristol & West of England China Bureau, added: “We look forward to the next 25 years of engagement with Guangzhou and our partners in the Greater Bay area.”