ICICI Bank witnessed significant institutional trading activity with a substantial block trade executed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The transaction involved a considerable volume of shares, highlighting active participation from large investors in the banking sector.

Block Trade Details

The block trade executed on NSE involved specific parameters that demonstrate the scale of institutional activity in ICICI Bank shares.

Transaction Significance

Block trades represent large-volume transactions typically executed by institutional investors, mutual funds, or other significant market participants. These transactions are conducted outside the regular market to avoid impacting the stock's market price during execution. The substantial value of ₹23.57 crores indicates meaningful institutional interest in ICICI Bank shares.

Market Activity

The execution of this block trade at ₹1,398.40 per share reflects the current trading dynamics for ICICI Bank on the NSE. Such transactions often provide insights into institutional sentiment and can indicate portfolio rebalancing activities by large investors. The volume of approximately 168,567 shares represents a significant quantum of trading activity in a single transaction.

ICICI Bank has received strong analyst backing following its third quarter results, with an overwhelming majority maintaining positive ratings on the stock. The bank's performance, recent leadership developments, and forward guidance have drawn favorable commentary from major brokerages.

Analyst Rating Overview

The analyst sentiment towards ICICI Bank remains highly positive, as demonstrated by the rating distribution:

Q3 Results and Forward Guidance

The lender reported its third quarter results on Saturday, which were largely in-line with expectations. However, the bank had to make standard asset provisions based on directions given by the Reserve Bank of India. A major highlight was the two-year extension granted to Sandeep Bakhshi, the incumbent MD & CEO, who will now remain in office till October 2028.

The bank has provided forward guidance indicating expectations of stable net interest margins from Q4 FY26 amid ongoing retail deposit adjustments. Additionally, loan growth momentum, excluding credit cards, is expected to continue into Q4 FY26 following a rise in Q3.

Price Target Analysis

Brokerages have set varied price targets for ICICI Bank, with BNP Paribas leading with the most optimistic outlook:

Key Analyst Commentary

CLSA highlighted that the biggest overhang on the stock, which was Sandeep Bakhshi's tenure uncertainty, is now resolved with the two-year extension. The brokerage maintains an "outperform" rating.

Morgan Stanley emphasized that with leadership clarity now established, the focus will shift solely to loan growth where traction is improving. They maintain an "overweight" rating.

Jefferies noted that the stock's recent rise reflected anticipation of Sandeep Bakhshi's potential extension as MD & CEO. They raised their price target to ₹1,730.00 from ₹1,630.00 earlier while maintaining a "buy" rating. The brokerage expects improvement in unsecured retail lending and stable asset quality.

Bernstein, one of the two firms without a "buy" rating, believes that Sandeep Bakhshi's re-appointment lifts a key overhang and should offset an otherwise weak quarter. They maintain a "market-perform" rating.

Kotak Institutional Equities emphasized the bank's superior liability profile and its ability to deliver superior growth and profitability metrics as drivers of their positive view.

Stock Performance

Shares of ICICI Bank ended 0.40% lower on Friday at ₹1,413.00. Despite the recent decline, the stock has gained 15.00% over the last 12 months, reflecting overall positive investor sentiment.