Kotak Bank Q3 Preview: PAT may grow by up to 3% YoY, NII to rise up to 5%. 7 things to know
Kotak Mahindra Bank is expected to deliver steady Q3FY26 results with net profit projected to grow 1-3% YoY to Rs 3,340-3,480 crore range. Net interest income is likely to increase up to 5% YoY to Rs 7,565 crore, while pre-provision operating profit growth remains moderate. The bank's loan book is expected to reach Rs 4.80 lakh crore with 16% YoY growth, supported by healthy expansion in SME and retail segments. Asset quality metrics are anticipated to improve with GNPA declining to 1.39% from 1.45% in the previous quarter, while credit costs are expected to remain controlled.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Kotak Bank is expected to report a steady set of Q3FY26 numbers, with modest growth in profits and operating metrics, supported by healthy loan expansion, stable margins and benign asset quality trends. The earnings will be announced on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Profit After Tax Projections
The private lender is likely to report a 1%-3% year-on-year rise in its December quarter net profit, with estimates varying across brokerages:
| Brokerage: | PAT Estimate | YoY Growth | QoQ Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL Capital: | Rs 3,457 crore | +5% | +6% |
| Nuvama: | Rs 3,480 crore | +5% | +7% |
| Emkay Research: | Rs 3,340 crore | +1% | +3% |
| YES Securities: | Rs 3,411 crore | +3% | +5% |
Net Interest Income Growth
Net interest income is likely to go up by up to 5% YoY to Rs 7,565 crore in the quarter under review, according to brokerage estimates:
| Brokerage: | NII Estimate | YoY Growth | QoQ Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL Capital: | Rs 7,476 crore | +4% | +2.3% |
| Nuvama: | Rs 7,470 crore | +4% | +2.2% |
| Emkay Research: | Rs 7,514 crore | +4% | +3% |
| YES Securities: | Rs 7,565 crore | +5% | +3.5% |
Pre-Provision Operating Profit Outlook
While pre-provision operating profit growth is likely to remain moderate, estimates show consistent positive momentum:
| Brokerage: | PPoP Estimate | YoY Growth | QoQ Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| PL Capital: | Rs 5,490 crore | +6% | +4% |
| Nuvama: | Rs 5,500 crore | +6.1% | +4% |
| Emkay Research: | Rs 5,266 crore | +2% | Flat |
| YES Securities: | Rs 5,448 crore | +5% | +3% |
Net Interest Margin Trends
Net interest margins are expected to face pressure with sequential moderation anticipated:
- Nuvama: 4.60%, down 33 bps YoY, up 6 bps QoQ
- Emkay Research: 4.5%, down 42 bps YoY and 3 bps QoQ
- YES Securities: Sequential moderation expected as yield compression outpaces deposit cost decline
Loan and Deposit Growth
The bank's balance sheet expansion is expected to continue with healthy growth rates:
| Parameter: | Projection |
|---|---|
| Loans (Nuvama): | Rs 4.80 lakh crore, up 16% YoY and 4% QoQ |
| Deposits (Nuvama): | Rs 5.43 lakh crore, up 15% YoY and 3% QoQ |
| Sequential loan growth: | Around 4% (YES Securities) |
| Medium-term outlook: | Double-digit credit growth supported by SME, secured retail and improving unsecured demand |
Asset Quality and Credit Costs
Analysts expect controlled credit costs and improving GNPA/NNPA ratios to underpin earnings resilience:
Asset Quality Metrics:
- GNPA: Expected at 1.39% in Q3FY26 versus 1.45% in Q2FY26
- NNPA: Projected at 0.32% in Q3FY26 versus 0.37% in Q2FY26
- Provisions (Nuvama): Rs 880 crore, likely up 10.2% YoY and down 8% QoQ
Credit Cost Outlook:
- Nuvama: 0.73%, down 4 bps YoY and 9 bps QoQ
- Emkay Research: Lower loan loss provisions to support profitability
- YES Securities: Slight sequential moderation in credit costs expected
The brokerage estimates used in this preview include PL Capital, Nuvama, Emkay Research and YES Securities, providing a comprehensive view of the bank's expected performance across key financial metrics.
Historical Stock Returns for Kotak Bank
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -0.75% | +0.43% | -1.66% | -2.14% | +10.25% | +15.65% |


































