10 Large-cap Stocks Trading Above Industry P/E Ratios
Large-cap equities in the Indian market continue to trade at significant premiums, with several top-tier companies positioned well above their historical and industry averages. As of February 2026, the Nifty 50 Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is holding steady near 22.50, reflecting a market that is viewed as slightly overvalued but buoyed by strong domestic growth.
In the power and energy sector, companies like Adani Green Energy and Power Grid Corporation are seeing heightened interest. Adani Green Energy, for instance, is trading at a P/E exceeding 115.0, driven by the aggressive transition toward renewable energy. Despite high multiples, investor confidence remains firm due to the massive capital expenditure and infrastructure spending outlined in recent budget cycles.
The financial and insurance segments are witnessing a valuation divide. While private banking giants like HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank maintain P/E ratios in the 18.0 to 20.0 range, other financial services are commanding much higher premiums. HDFC Life and SBI Life Insurance are currently trading at P/E multiples above 83.0, signaling that investors are pricing in a long-term surge in insurance penetration across the country.
Consumer-focused stocks continue to be the most expensive on a relative basis. Standard-bearers like Hindustan Unilever and Nestle India are trading at P/E levels of 51.0 and 75.0 respectively. This defensive positioning by investors suggests a willingness to pay a premium for stability and brand equity, even as the broader FMCG industry P/E sits near 34.6.
High valuations are also evident in niche leaders and "new-age" large caps. Zomato, having achieved consistent profitability, now carries a P/E of approximately 1,159.0, highlighting extreme growth expectations. Similarly, Trent is trading at a P/E of 92.5, reflecting its dominance in the retail and lifestyle segment.
The persistence of these high multiples across power, finance, and consumer sectors underscores a market driven by "growth at any price" sentiments. While these levels indicate robust confidence in India's 7.4% GDP growth trajectory, they also leave narrow margins for error should earnings growth fail to meet these elevated expectations in the coming quarters.
[Nifty 50 PE Analysis](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrHTGPk-3n8)
This video provides an expert breakdown of why certain large-cap valuations are correcting or sustaining high levels in the current 2026 market cycle.
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