New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank remain among the most closely watched private-sector banking stocks, with their September-quarter results offering investors fresh insights into earnings growth, margins, asset quality and future profitability.

While both lenders reported improvements in asset quality, their performance differed on several key metrics, with ICICI Bank delivering faster profit growth and stronger margins, while HDFC Bank continued to report higher absolute earnings. Experts remain positive on both stocks, although their investment arguments differ, with ICICI Bank's growth momentum contrasting with HDFC Bank's potential recovery and valuation appeal.

Both stocks closed lower on Monday, with ICICI Bank declin...