Central Bank of India reported a standalone net profit of ₹1,468.86 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2026, marking a 21.1% increase from the corresponding period last year. The bank's performance was driven by robust interest income growth and improved asset quality metrics.

The Board of Directors approved the unaudited standalone and consolidated financial results on October 17, 2026. Total income for the quarter rose to ₹11,737.21 crore, up from ₹10,212.31 crore in Q2FY26. Interest earned, a key driver of revenue, increased by 18.4% year-on-year to ₹10,356.87 crore. On a consolidated basis, net profit stood at ₹14,700 crore, compared to ₹12,100 crore in Q2FY26, while consolidated revenue reached ₹10,360 crore against ₹8,700 crore in the previous year.

Financial Performance Highlights

The bank demonstrated strong operational momentum in the second quarter of FY27. Net interest income (NII) stood at ₹4,145.21 crore, reflecting significant expansion compared to the previous year. Operating profit before provisions reached ₹2,268.30 crore, a substantial jump from ₹1,785.62 crore in Q2FY26.

Asset Quality and Capital Adequacy

Asset quality indicators showed marked improvement during the quarter. Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) declined to 2.39% from 3.01% in Q2FY26 and 2.60% in Q1FY27. Net Non-Performing Assets (NNPA) also reduced significantly to 0.31% from 0.48% in the same period last year and 0.49% in the previous quarter. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) strengthened to 97.16%, indicating a conservative approach to provisioning. Slippage ratios improved to 0.24% for the quarter and 0.45% for the half-year. Provisions for NPAs in Q2FY27 stood at ₹490 crore, up from ₹350 crore in Q1FY27.

The bank maintained a healthy capital position with a Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) under Basel III norms at 17.68%. The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio stood at 15.97%, providing ample buffer against potential risks.

Business Growth and NIM Expansion

Global advances grew by 29.83% YoY to ₹3,81,032 crore, significantly outpacing the deposit growth of 14.41% to ₹5,08,509 crore. This aggressive lending push lifted the Credit Deposit (CD) ratio to 75.02% from 66.20% in Q2FY26. Retail loans surged 24.49% YoY to ₹1,12,299 crore, while corporate credit expanded 42.05% to ₹1,18,666 crore. CASA deposits constituted 44.65% of total deposits.

The bank's Net Interest Margin (NIM) expanded to 3.01% in Q2FY27 from 2.89% in Q2FY26. This improvement was supported by a decline in the cost of deposits to 4.60% from 4.88%, despite a slight dip in yield on advances to 7.87% from 8.36%. The return on equity (ROE) improved to 15.78% from 14.22% in the previous year.

Half-Year Performance

For the half-year ended September 30, 2026, net profit increased by 17.25% to ₹2,793 crore from ₹2,382 crore in the corresponding period last year. Operating profit for the half-year stood at ₹4,454 crore, registering a growth of 8.90%. Net Interest Income for the half-year grew by 20.91% to ₹8,060 crore. Return on Assets (ROA) remained stable at 1.02%, while ROE improved to 15.50% from 14.24%.

What the Numbers Show

A divergence between operating expense growth and revenue growth highlights improving efficiency. While total income grew by 14.9% YoY, operating expenses rose by only 9.8% (from ₹2,966.40 crore to ₹3,257.25 crore). This spread contributed to a wider operating margin, which expanded to 19.33% in Q2FY27 from 17.48% in Q2FY26. Additionally, the sharp reduction in NNPA from 0.48% to 0.31% suggests successful recovery efforts or effective resolution of stressed assets, directly boosting bottom-line profitability beyond just top-line growth.

Central Bank of India disclosed its statement of outstanding debt securities for the half year ended September 30, 2026. The filing highlights a single outstanding bond issue with a principal amount of ₹1,500 crore.

The disclosure was submitted to the National Stock Exchange and BSE on October 7, 2026, pursuant to SEBI Master Circular No. SEBI/HO/DDHS/DDHS-PoD/P/CIR/2025/0000000137 dated October 15, 2025. The document was signed by Chandrakant Bhagwat, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer.

Outstanding debt securities details

The bank reported one active debt instrument during the period. The security was issued in August 2023 with a maturity date in August 2033. It carries an annual coupon rate of 8.80%.

What the numbers show

The amount outstanding remains unchanged at ₹1,500 crore, matching the original issuance size. This indicates no partial redemptions or buybacks occurred during the reporting period. The presence of a call option exercisable on August 30, 2028, provides the issuer with flexibility to redeem the debt prior to the final maturity date in 2033.