HDB Financial Q3 Results Prompt Brokerage Downgrades Despite 36% Profit Jump
HDB Financial Services delivered strong Q3 profitability with 36% net profit jump to ₹644 crore and 22% growth in net interest income to ₹2,285 crore, supported by margin expansion and improved credit costs. However, loan growth decelerated to 12.2% from 13% previously, with disbursements growing only 10% year-on-year, falling short of management's 18-20% growth aspirations. The mixed performance led to brokerage downgrades, with Emkay Global cutting the stock to 'Reduce' and reducing price target to ₹750, while Motilal Oswal maintained 'Neutral' rating at ₹815.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
HDB Financial Services reported mixed third-quarter results that led to contrasting market reactions, with the company posting strong profit growth while facing concerns over loan growth momentum and asset quality metrics. The financial services subsidiary of HDFC Bank delivered a significant jump in profitability, though brokerage firms expressed caution about near-term prospects.
Financial Performance Overview
The company's Q3 performance showed robust profitability improvements alongside steady operational metrics:
| Metric | Q3 Performance | Previous Year | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net Profit | ₹644.00 crore | ₹472.00 crore | +36.44% |
| Net Interest Income | ₹2,285.00 crore | ₹1,871.00 crore | +22.13% |
| Assets Under Management Growth | - | - | +12.00% |
| Loan Growth | - | - | +12.20% |
Profitability and Margin Expansion
HDB Financial Services achieved a remarkable 36% year-on-year increase in net profit to ₹644.00 crore for the quarter ended December 31, compared to ₹472.00 crore in the corresponding period last year. Net interest income surged 22% to ₹2,285.00 crore, supported by easing pressure on funding costs. The company's net interest margins expanded by 14 basis points quarter-on-quarter, while credit costs improved by 20 basis points sequentially to 2.50%.
Asset Quality and Growth Concerns
Despite stable asset quality metrics, some performance indicators raised concerns among analysts:
| Parameter | Current Status | Previous Period | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross Stage 3 Loans | 2.81% | 2.81% | Unchanged |
| Credit Costs | 2.50% | 2.70% | -20 bps QoQ |
| Disbursement Growth | - | - | +10.00% YoY |
| Loan Growth Rate | 12.20% | 13.00% | -80 bps QoQ |
Loan growth decelerated to 12.20% from 13% in the previous quarter, falling short of management's stated aspiration of 18-20% compound annual growth rate over the next three to five years. Disbursements grew by only 10% year-on-year, reflecting challenges in the asset finance and enterprise lending segments.
Brokerage Reactions and Market Response
The mixed quarterly performance prompted varied responses from research firms. Motilal Oswal maintained its 'Neutral' rating with a price target of ₹815.00, citing that current valuations already factor in medium-term growth potential. The brokerage emphasized the need for clearer evidence of stronger loan growth execution and structural improvements in return ratios.
Emkay Global took a more cautious stance, downgrading the stock to 'Reduce' from 'Buy' and cutting its price target by 12% to ₹750.00 from ₹850.00. The firm trimmed its estimated assets under management growth by 2-4% and marginally raised credit cost assumptions, resulting in a 5-6% reduction in earnings per share estimates. Emkay highlighted near-term downside risks from potential stress in vehicle finance and unsecured lending segments.
Shares of HDB Financial Services closed 0.37% lower at ₹764.75, reflecting investor concerns about the company's growth trajectory despite strong profitability metrics.
Historical Stock Returns for HDB Financial Services
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.69% | -2.53% | -8.27% | -5.95% | -16.23% | -16.23% |


































