Equitas Small Finance Bank reported a robust performance in the December quarter, with net profit rising 35.8% year-on-year to ₹90 crore, compared with ₹66.3 crore in the same period last year. Revenue grew a modest 4.1% to ₹851.6 crore.
The lender’s asset quality continued to improve, with gross NPAs declining to 2.75% from 2.92% sequentially, while net NPAs eased to 0.92% from 0.98%.
Credit costs reduced sharply to 1.88%, aided by lower slippages, which fell 126 basis points quarter-on-quarter to 2.52%.
Disbursements touched an all-time high of ₹6,557 crore, marking a 28% year-on-year and 22% quarter-on-quarter growth. The small business loans book expanded 14% year-on-year, led by a 22% rise in secured business loans. Used car and used commercial vehicle advances grew 36% and 23%, respectively.
Margins strengthened meaningfully, with net interest margin improving by around 43 basis points quarter-on-quarter to 6.72%. Cost-to-income ratio declined to 72.96%, reflecting operating efficiencies. Cost of funds fell to 7.13%, while the CASA ratio remained stable at 30%.
Liquidity remained comfortable, with the liquidity coverage ratio at 148.84% and the bank’s certificate of deposit programme retaining its top A1+ rating.
Post results, Equitas Small Finance Bank shares touched an intraday high of ₹71.70, before trading marginally lower at ₹69.39 on the NSE in afternoon trade.
