The State Bank of India (SBI) is projected to showcase a promising year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in net profit for the July-September quarter of FY25. Analysts predict the profit may increase by as much as 17%, although sequential performance may face challenges due to weaker treasury income, subdued loan recoveries, and slower loan growth.
These factors could impact the quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) results, providing a nuanced perspective for those looking to invest in stocks within the banking sector.
Financial reporting schedule
SBI, the largest public sector bank in India, is set to release its financial results for Q2 FY25 and H1 FY25 on November 8, 2024. This announcement will provide insights into the bank's operational performance and its broader financial standing.
For potential investors seeking to invest in stocks, this report could offer valuable data to gauge the bank’s profitability and growth trajectory.
Previous performance highlights
In Q2 FY24, SBI reported a robust net profit of ₹14,330 crore, which rose significantly to ₹17,035.2 crore in Q1 FY25. However, analysts anticipate a relatively tempered QoQ growth in Q2 FY25 due to operational challenges. For those planning to invest in stocks, these trends indicate potential volatility but also highlight SBI's resilience in achieving annual profit growth.
On the income front, the bank’s net interest income (NII) stood at ₹39,500 crore in Q2 FY24, increasing to ₹41,125.5 crore in Q1 FY25. Despite a slight dip in net interest margins (NIMs) from 3.2% in Q2 FY24 to 3.1% in Q1 FY25, SBI's operational profitability remained strong, with pre-provision operating profit (PPOP) of ₹19,416.6 crore in Q2 FY24 and ₹26,448.6 crore in Q1 FY25.
Loan book and deposit growth
SBI's loan book experienced significant expansion, growing from ₹33.45 trillion in Q2 FY24 to ₹37.49 trillion by the end of Q1 FY25. Similarly, deposits rose from ₹46.89 trillion in the corresponding quarter last year to ₹49.01 trillion in the most recent quarter.
This consistent growth underscores the bank’s ability to mobilise resources effectively. Aspiring investors keen to invest in stocks of banking giants like SBI should consider these figures as indicators of long-term potential.
Provisions could witness an uptick
While profit projections remain optimistic, SBI may encounter a rise in provisions during Q2 FY25. Increased provisioning could stem from regulatory requirements or higher non-performing assets, which might temporarily dampen net profit margins. For those deciding to invest in stocks, understanding these provisioning trends can be crucial to making informed investment decisions.
Why SBI's Q2 FY25 results matter for stock investors
SBI's performance in Q2 FY25 will serve as a bellwether for the banking sector. Investors considering whether to invest in stocks should evaluate the bank’s balance sheet, operational income, and provisioning trends. The expected profit growth, coupled with the challenges of QoQ performance, makes it essential to analyse the results holistically before making investment decisions.
By keeping a close watch on SBI's Q2 results, you can assess how India’s largest bank is navigating market dynamics and determine whether it aligns with your investment strategy in the dynamic world of stock markets.