RBL Bank Ltd.’s fourth-quarter earnings for the fiscal year 2025 were disappointing due to increased provisioning in the Microfinance (MFI) and credit card sectors. The bank’s loan growth slowed down to 10% year-over-year (YoY) for the fiscal year 2025, compared to 20% in the previous year. This decline was mainly driven by a decrease in unsecured lending segments.
The bank’s decision to make sustained and accelerated provisions in its MFI and credit card portfolios was a key factor in its muted earnings. This move was made in response to the continued elevated stress levels in these sectors. As a result, the bank’s provisioning costs increased, which negatively impacted its profitability.
The moderation in loan growth was a significant factor in the bank’s earnings performance. The 10% YoY growth in loans was slower than the 20% growth seen in the previous year. This decline was largely driven by a decrease in unsecured lending, which includes credit card and personal loans. The bank’s secured lending segments, such as mortgages and loans against property, may have seen more robust growth, but this was not enough to offset the decline in unsecured lending.
The rise in provisioning and moderation in loan growth are likely to be concerns for investors. The bank’s decision to make sustained provisions in its MFI and credit card portfolios suggests that it is taking a cautious approach to managing its asset quality. While this may be a prudent move, it could also impact the bank’s profitability in the short term.
Overall, RBL Bank’s Q4 FY25 earnings were muted due to the sustained accelerated provisioning and moderation in loan growth. The bank’s focus on managing its asset quality and reducing its exposure to stressed sectors is a positive step, but it may take some time for the benefits of these efforts to materialize. As the bank continues to navigate the challenges in the MFI and credit card segments, it will be important for it to balance its growth ambitions with the need to maintain a strong balance sheet and robust asset quality.