Tag: PSU bank profitability recovery India

The quarter points to healthier lending, improved capital strength, and a more efficient operating base

Mumbai, January 2026: The third quarter financial results point to a quieter but firmer improvement underway at Central Bank of India, as the bank shows signs of healthier lending momentum, stronger capital buffers, and improving operational efficiency.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, the bank’s total business expanded to ₹7,74,106 crore, reflecting year-on-year growth of 15.77 percent. This was driven by balanced traction across deposits and advances, with total deposits rising 13.24 percent to ₹4,50,575 crore and gross advances increasing 19.48 percent to ₹3,23,531 crore.

Retail, agriculture, and MSME lending continued to anchor credit growth during the quarter, with the RAM portfolio expanding 17.89 percent on a year-on-year basis. Retail advances grew 20.93 percent, agriculture advances by 15.41 percent, and MSME lending by 15.90 percent, reinforcing the bank’s focus on diversified and granular credit expansion.
Asset quality indicators reflected a further easing of stress. Gross non-performing assets declined to 2.70 percent from 3.86 percent a year earlier, while net NPAs improved to 0.45 percent from 0.59 percent. The provision coverage ratio stood at 96.69 percent, underscoring continued balance sheet caution.

Profitability metrics also strengthened during the quarter. Net profit rose 31.70 percent year on year to ₹1,263 crore, while operating profit increased 16.76 percent to ₹2,292 crore. Return on assets improved to 1.01 percent, and return on equity rose to 14.47 percent, reflecting better utilisation of capital and improved operating leverage.
Net interest income for the quarter stood at ₹3,502 crore, while net interest margin was reported at 2.96 percent. Cost discipline remained visible, with the cost-to-income ratio at 57.84 percent, marking an improvement compared to the previous year.

On the capital front, the bank reported a Basel III capital adequacy ratio of 16.13 percent, with Tier I capital at 13.87 percent, providing headroom to support future growth. Business per employee also improved to ₹22.65 crore, pointing to gains in productivity.
With asset quality stabilising, capital ratios strengthening, and core business continuing to expand, the December quarter results suggest a more measured and sustainable operating trajectory for the bank.

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