State Bank of India is anticipated to post a muted Q2 FY26 performance amid margin pressures and weak treasury gains. Analysts estimate its profit after tax (PAT) may decline up to 17% y-o-y, with the figure likely to fall into the range of Rs. 17,700-18,800 crore.
Net interest income (NII) is expected to drop by as much as 2.7% y-o-y, driven by contracting net interest margins and elevated funding costs.
Key watch-points for investors include:
- Developments in asset quality (slippages, gross NPA ratios)
- Movement in operating profit (pre-provision operating profit) and cost efficiency
- Deposit mobilisation trends and loan growth, especially across retail and corporate segments
- Outlook commentary from the bank’s management regarding margin recovery and treasury strategy
In summary, although SBI continues to maintain a strong franchise and robust business growth potential, the near-term earnings outlook appears under pressure due to structural margin headwinds. The quarter will test the bank’s ability to protect profitability while navigating a tougher interest-rate and cost environment.
