HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank: Contrasting Q2 Performances Reveal Diverse Strategies
HDFC Bank reported 11% profit growth, boosted by treasury gains, while ICICI Bank saw slower growth due to a 68% decline in treasury income. ICICI Bank led in loan expansion at 10.6% vs HDFC's 9.9%, but HDFC Bank outpaced in deposit growth at 12% vs ICICI's 9%. HDFC Bank's loan-to-deposit ratio rose to 98%, while ICICI maintained 87%. ICICI Bank showed stronger CASA ratio at 39.2% and higher net interest margin at 4.3%, compared to HDFC Bank's mid-30s CASA and 3.49% NIM. Both banks improved asset quality, with HDFC's improvement largely from a single corporate upgrade.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
In the September quarter results, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, two of India's leading private sector banks, showcased divergent performance profiles, highlighting their unique strategies and market positions.
Key Performance Indicators
| Metric | HDFC Bank | ICICI Bank |
|---|---|---|
| Profit Growth | 11.00% | Slower growth |
| Loan Expansion | 9.90% | 10.60% |
| Deposit Growth | 12.00% | 9.00% |
| Loan-to-Deposit Ratio | 98.00% | 87.00% |
| Net Interest Margin | 3.49% | 4.30% |
| CASA Ratio | Mid-30s | 39.20% |
Profit and Income Analysis
HDFC Bank reported an 11.00% growth in profits, bolstered by one-off treasury gains. In contrast, ICICI Bank experienced slower growth, with a substantial 68.00% year-on-year decline in treasury income. This stark difference in treasury performance significantly impacted the overall profitability of both banks.
Loan and Deposit Growth
ICICI Bank outperformed in loan expansion, achieving a 10.60% growth compared to HDFC Bank's 9.90%. However, HDFC Bank took the lead in deposit growth, recording a 12.00% increase against ICICI Bank's 9.00%. These figures indicate differing focuses in their growth strategies.
Loan-to-Deposit Ratio and Liquidity
ICICI Bank maintains a more comfortable loan-to-deposit ratio of 87.00%, suggesting a stronger liquidity position. HDFC Bank's ratio increased from 96.00% in the June quarter to 98.00%, potentially indicating higher pressure on its liquidity management.
Net Interest Margin and CASA
HDFC Bank experienced a drop in its net interest margin by 8 basis points to 3.49%, with its CASA (Current Account Savings Account) ratio in the mid-30s. ICICI Bank, however, maintained a stronger CASA franchise at 39.20% and a higher net interest margin of 4.30%, suggesting better cost management of funds.
Asset Quality
Both banks showed improvements in asset quality. HDFC Bank's improvement was primarily driven by a single large corporate upgrade, while ICICI Bank demonstrated a more balanced improvement across its portfolio.
Future Outlook
ICICI Bank has expressed expectations of better operational performance in the second half of FY26. Meanwhile, HDFC Bank is planning a growth push, despite the pressures on its loan-to-deposit ratio.
The contrasting performances of HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank in the September quarter highlight their different strategies and market positions. While HDFC Bank leveraged treasury gains for profit growth, ICICI Bank focused on loan expansion and maintaining a strong CASA ratio. As both banks navigate the evolving financial landscape, their diverse approaches will likely continue to shape their performance in the coming quarters.
Historical Stock Returns for HDFC Bank
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +0.11% | +1.45% | +5.39% | +4.87% | +16.23% | +63.26% |
















































