Axis Bank Q4FY26 net profit marginally down at Rs 7071 crore on prudential provisions

Axis Bank reported a net profit of Rs 7,071 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2026, marking a marginal year-on-year decline of 0.6% from Rs 7,117 crore, as a jump in standard-asset provisioning as a prudential measure and drop in trading profits offset steady growth in core interest income.

Net interest income rose 5% year-on-year to Rs 14,457 crore, supported by a 19% increase in net advances, which stood at Rs 12,33,570 crore. Loan growth was led by a 38% rise in corporate lending and a 24% increase in SME advances. Interest expenses increased 5% to Rs 18,267 crore. Total deposits grew 14% to Rs 13,35,834 crore, aided by a stable current and savings account (CASA) ratio of 40%, which contributed to a 44 basis point reduction in the cost of funds.

Provisions other than tax surged 159% year-on-year to Rs 3,522 crore. The increase was driven by a voluntary decision to strengthen the provisioning framework, which included a one-time provision of Rs 2,001 crore for standard assets during the quarter. Loan loss provisions declined to Rs 1,146 crore from Rs 1,369 crore a year earlier. After accounting for tax credits of Rs 580 crore, net profit stood at Rs 7,071 crore.

Non-interest income stood at Rs 6,023 crore, down 11% year-on-year due to trading losses. Core fee income rose 4% to Rs 6,561 crore. Granular fees accounted for 92% of the total, while retail fees contributed 74% of the overall fee pool. Total operating revenue for the quarter was Rs 20,480 crore.

Operating profit declined 7% year-on-year to Rs 10,013 crore as operating expenses rose 6% to Rs 10,466 crore. Staff costs increased 5%, while non-staff overheads rose 7%. The cost-to-assets ratio improved to 2.28%, down 18 basis points from a year earlier.

Asset quality improved, with the gross non-performing asset ratio declining to 1.23% from 1.28% a year earlier. The net non-performing asset ratio stood at 0.37%. The provision coverage ratio was 70%. Capital adequacy remained strong, with the total capital adequacy ratio at 16.42% and the CET1 ratio at 14.38%.
Ready to Make a Smarter Property Decision? Build Your Legacy with TOI Homes.