Overview
HDFC Bank has released its Q3 results for the fiscal year 2025. The bank met market expectations with a net profit of ₹167.36 billion.
Key financial metrics include a 4.2% quarter-on-quarter increase in deposits, reaching ₹24.53 trillion, and a 0.9% growth in gross advances, which now total ₹25.43 trillion.
Source: REUTERS
Net Revenue and Asset Quality
The bank’s net revenue for the quarter ending December 31, 2024, rose by 6.3%, reaching ₹42,110 crore, compared to ₹39,610 crore in the same quarter of the previous year.
However, the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio saw a slight increase, rising to 1.42% from 1.36% in the previous quarter, mainly due to non-performing agricultural loans.
Provisions for loan losses and other contingencies also increased by 17%, totaling ₹31.54 billion.
Source: ECONOMIC TIMES
Earnings Expectations and Metrics
As India’s largest private-sector bank, HDFC Bank’s earnings often set the tone for the financial sector. This quarter, the bank is expected to post a modest 8% year-on-year growth in net profit, but analysts are focusing on several critical metrics.
Margins: The Street's Focus
One of the key metrics to watch is the bank’s Net Interest Margins (NIM). Stagnation or decline in margins could impact market sentiment, as this is a crucial profitability indicator for banks.
Asset Quality: The Bellwether Metric
HDFC Bank is renowned for its strong asset quality. Maintaining this standard is essential, as any deterioration could negatively affect the stock due to increased risk in the bank’s loan book.
Key Forecasted Numbers
- Net Interest Income (NII): Expected to remain flat at approximately ₹30,400 crore.
- Operating Profit: Estimated at ₹25,000 crore.
- Provisions: Likely to increase to ₹3,000 crore from ₹2,700 crore in the previous quarter.
- Profit After Tax (PAT): Projected at around ₹17,000 crore.
The rise in provisions will be closely scrutinized, as it reflects the bank’s approach to managing credit risk.