IndusInd Bank (NS:INBK) reported a 40% year-on-year dip in net profit for the September 2024 quarter, posting earnings of INR 1,331 crore, a marked decrease from INR 2,202 crore a year ago, as higher provisions impacted profits. The stock tanked a massive 10% to INR 1,152 in the opening trade on the NSE amid a selling spree.
Provisions and contingencies surged by 87% to INR 1,820 crore, compared to INR 974 crore in the same period last year, primarily due to increased provisions against bad loans. The dip in profit missed analyst expectations, creating a more cautious outlook for the bank's financial trajectory.
Despite this, the bank's net interest income (NII) rose by 5% to INR 5,347 crore, supported by a steady expansion in loans and deposits, which grew by 13% and 15% year-on-year, respectively. However, the net interest margin (NIM) – a core profitability measure – declined to 4.08% from 4.29% in Q2 of the previous year, indicating some margin pressure amid rising competition in the banking sector.
IndusInd Bank’s asset quality showed some signs of strain, with gross non-performing assets (NPAs) increasing to 2.11% of gross advances, up from 1.93% in the same period last year. Net NPAs also rose slightly to 0.64%. However, the bank reported a healthy provision coverage ratio of 70%, aiming to maintain a strong buffer against loan defaults.
Capital adequacy remained stable, with the capital adequacy ratio (CRAR) at 16.51% and Tier 1 capital at 15.21%, signaling a solid capital position despite challenging market conditions. Liquidity coverage stood at 118%, well above regulatory thresholds, reflecting the bank's prudent liquidity management.
Commenting on the results, MD and CEO Sumant Kathpalia pointed to robust growth in deposits and a conservative approach to provisioning as strategic moves to mitigate economic volatility and position the bank for sustainable growth. Kathpalia also underscored the bank’s emphasis on growing its retail deposit base and maintaining traction in secured lending.
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