Banking

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a modest yet stable performance in the third quarter, with net profit rising 4 percent year-on-year to Rs 3,446 crore. The lender’s earnings were supported by steady loan growth, resilient net interest income, and improved asset quality metrics. While operating expenses increased amid branch expansion and technology investments, core banking operations remained robust. Deposit mobilization and retail lending continued to anchor balance sheet strength.

India’s banking sector faces potential disruption as employee unions intensify demands for a five-day work week, reviving long-standing negotiations with government authorities and bank management. Union leaders argue that evolving work patterns, digital workloads, and employee well-being justify aligning banking schedules with other financial regulators that already operate on a five-day system. Industry executives, meanwhile, are weighing operational efficiency, customer service implications, and regulatory coordination.

Axis Bank reported a modest rise in third-quarter profit, reflecting stable asset quality and sustained expansion in its retail lending portfolio. The private-sector lender recorded a 4 percent year-on-year increase in net earnings, supported by healthy loan growth and improved interest income. Retail advances expanded 6 percent, highlighting continued consumer demand across home, personal, and vehicle loans. While margin pressures persisted amid competitive deposit rates, the bank maintained disciplined risk management and provisioning.

Kotak Mahindra Bank reported a 4% year-on-year increase in net profit for the third quarter, with earnings reaching Rs 3,446 crore. The steady growth was supported by resilient loan expansion, improved net interest income, and stable asset quality. While margins remained under pressure due to evolving interest rate dynamics, the bank maintained disciplined cost management and a diversified revenue mix. Analysts note that Kotak’s conservative lending approach and strong capital position continue to provide stability amid a competitive banking environment.

Bank of India (BoI) reported a 7.5 percent year-on-year increase in net profit for the third quarter, reaching Rs. 2,705 crore, driven by growth in interest income, improved asset quality, and disciplined cost management. The lender benefited from higher credit off-take, lower non-performing assets (NPAs), and operational efficiencies across branches. Analysts highlight that BoI’s performance reflects both sectoral recovery and the bank’s proactive risk management.

Dhanlaxmi Bank reported a 20 percent increase in net profit for the third quarter, with earnings rising to Rs. 23.9 crore, reflecting steady improvements in its core banking operations. The profit growth was supported by better asset quality, controlled expenses and a gradual pickup in business activity. The results indicate progress in the bank’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its balance sheet and enhance profitability.

AU Small Finance Bank reported a robust 26% increase in Q3 net profit, reflecting strong momentum in its lending operations and disciplined cost management. The bank’s interest income rose significantly, driven by higher loan disbursements across retail, microfinance, and small business segments. Non-interest income contributed positively, while asset quality remained stable with low non-performing asset ratios.

Punjab National Bank reported a 13 percent increase in net profit for the third quarter, with earnings rising to Rs. 5,100 crore, reflecting sustained improvement in its financial health. The state-owned lender benefited from stronger core income, reduced credit costs, and steady asset quality metrics. The results highlight PNB’s ongoing efforts to consolidate gains made over recent quarters, even as the banking sector faces evolving interest-rate and liquidity dynamics.

Shares of ICICI Bank declined in market trading following the release of its third-quarter earnings, as investors weighed strong headline numbers against emerging margin and cost concerns. While the private-sector lender reported stable growth in loans and maintained healthy asset quality, the market reaction underscored heightened sensitivity to valuation, operating expenses, and forward guidance. The stock’s movement reflected a broader trend in financial markets, where even fundamentally sound results are being scrutinized closely amid an uncertain interest-rate environment.

Punjab & Sind Bank reported a strong financial performance in the third quarter, posting a 19% year-on-year increase in net profit to Rs 336 crore. The improvement reflects better operational efficiency, steady growth in core income, and tighter control over expenses. Asset quality trends remained stable, supporting earnings momentum amid a competitive banking environment. The results underscore the lender’s ongoing recovery and its ability to navigate challenging market conditions while strengthening its balance sheet.