Central Bank Q3 Net Profit Jumps 32% to ₹1,263 Cr, Declares ₹0.20/Share Dividend
MUMBAI: Public sector lender Central Bank of India on Friday reported a robust 31.6% year-on-year increase in its standalone net profit for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025 (Q3 FY26), driven by a combination of strong operating performance and a notable improvement in asset quality.
The bank’s Board of Directors also approved the third interim dividend for FY 2025-26 at a rate of 2% (₹0.20 per share) on equity shares of face value ₹10 each.
Key Financial Highlights (Standalone, Q3 FY26 vs Q3 FY25):
| Metric | Q3 FY26 (₹ Cr) | Q3 FY25 (₹ Cr) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Profit | 1,262.60 | 958.93 | +31.6% |
| Net Interest Income (NII) | 3,502.41 | 3,540.12 | -1.1% |
| Operating Profit | 2,292.50 | 1,963.31 | +16.8% |
| Provisions & Contingencies | 704.29 | 555.64 | +26.7% |
| Gross NPA Ratio | 2.70% | 3.86% | 116 bps Imp. |
| Net NPA Ratio | 0.45% | 0.59% | 14 bps Imp. |
Asset Quality Shows Continued Strength
The bank’s balance sheet strengthened further as Gross Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) declined to 2.70% (₹8,726 crore) from 3.86% a year ago. Net NPAs improved to 0.45% (₹1,413.66 crore) from 0.59%.
The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) remained strong at 96.69% as of December 31, 2025, compared to 96.54% a year earlier. The bank stated it has made 100% provision for accounts under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
Capital Position Comfortable
The bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (Basel III) stood at 16.13% as of the quarter-end. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET-1) ratio was 13.87%.
Consolidated Performance and Segment Results
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The consolidated net profit for the quarter, which includes subsidiaries like Cent Bank Home Finance and associates such as Generali insurance ventures, stood at ₹1,264.29 crore.
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The Retail Banking segment was the largest contributor to profit (₹873.82 cr), followed by Treasury (₹433.74 cr) and Wholesale Banking (₹377.20 cr).
Other Key Details from Notes to Accounts:
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Change in Depreciation Method: The bank shifted from the Written Down Value (WDV) to the Straight Line Method (SLM) for fixed assets from April 1, 2025. This change decreased depreciation and increased net profit by ₹0.94 crore for the nine-month period.
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Deferred Tax Asset: The bank recognized a net Deferred Tax Asset of ₹2,155.62 crore as of December 31, 2025.
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Fraud Cases: The bank reported 12 fraud cases (borrowal and non-borrowal) involving ₹23.10 crore during Q3 FY26, with full provision held against the outstanding amount.
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Security Cover & Compliance: The bank submitted a 'Nil' deviation statement on fund utilization and provided the requisite security cover certificate for its ₹1,500 crore listed unsecured debt securities, confirming compliance with SEBI regulations.
Stock Exchange Information
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BSE Scrip Code: 532885
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NSE Symbol: CENTRALBK
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The Board meeting was held on January 16, 2026, commencing at 11:30 AM and concluding at 1:30 PM.
The results underscore Central Bank of India's sustained trajectory of improved profitability and a cleaner, stronger balance sheet, allowing it to reward shareholders with an interim dividend.