Mumbai: Private sector lender Axis Bank reported a decline in its March quarter profit at ₹7,117.5 crore as loans expanded at a rate slower than the broader industry. Analysts tracked by Bloomberg had estimated a profit of ₹6,601.2 crore. The lender had reported a profit of ₹7,129.7 crore in the same quarter last year.

Net interest income, the difference between interest earned and paid, was ₹13,811 crore at the end of the March 2025 quarter, a growth of 6%. Net interest margin slipped to 3.97% for the quarter versus 4.06% in the year-ago quarter.

“The bank prioritised profitability over growth, considering the uncertain macros and tight liquidity environment dominating most of FY25, while continuing to meaningfully invest in making the franchise more sustainable,” said Amitabh Chaudhry, MD, Axis Bank. “As we enter FY26, we believe the operating environment is improving, which should help us drive both growth and profitability. Our focus has been on profitable and sustainable growth, we continue to calibrate risk internally across portfolios.”

Total advances climbed 8% on year to ₹10.4 lakh crore during the quarter under review. Retail loans grew 7% on year to ₹6.2 lakh crore while corporate loans grew 8% to ₹2.9 lakh crore. Deposits grew 10% on year to ₹11.7 lakh crore during the March 2025 quarter.