In the past week, notable banking institutions have made headlines for various reasons, from impressive quarterly earnings to investigations into financial discrepancies. Over the last month, the Bank Nifty has surged nearly 8% in just five days and boasts an overall gain exceeding 15% over the past year. As we step into 2025, banking stocks seem to be on an upward trajectory, prompting interest among investors.
Key Banking Stocks Trending Recently
Curious about the most talked-about banks online? Here are the top four banks that have captured attention on Google over the last week.
HDFC Bank’s Impressive Performance
HDFC Bank recently unveiled its fiscal fourth-quarter results, showcasing robust growth driven by strong loan demand. The private lender reported a 6.7% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit, reaching ₹17,616 crore for Q4FY25. Additionally, the bank’s net interest income (NII) climbed 10.3% to ₹32,070 crore, up from ₹29,080 crore the previous year. Notably, the gross non-performing asset (NPA) ratio improved to 1.33% as of March 31, 2025, from 1.42% at the end of 2024.
IDFC First Bank’s Strategic Moves
IDFC First Bank has announced plans to raise up to ₹7,500 crore by issuing preferential shares, targeting investments from private equity firm Warburg Pincus and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). An affiliate of Warburg Pincus, Currant Sea Investments BV, is set to invest ₹4,876 crore for a 9.8% stake in the bank. CEO V. Vaidyanathan highlighted that while this move will lead to a 15% dilution, the bank’s earnings are expected to grow at a faster rate. As of now, IDFC First Bank’s shares have risen 1.85%, trading at ₹67.88.
ICICI Bank’s Strong Earnings Report
ICICI Bank reported a solid 18% year-on-year growth in standalone net profit for Q4FY25, amounting to ₹12,629.58 crore. The sequential profit also increased by 7.1%. The bank’s NII reached ₹21,193 crore, marking an 11% year-on-year rise from ₹19,093 crore in Q4FY24. The net interest margin slightly improved to 4.41%. In addition, ICICI Bank announced a dividend of ₹11 per share, pending necessary approvals. Despite the positive results, shares dipped 0.17%, trading at ₹1,406.95.
IndusInd Bank Under Scrutiny
IndusInd Bank has recently enlisted Ernst & Young (EY) to conduct a second forensic audit, focusing on a ₹600 crore discrepancy related to accrued interest income from its microfinance sector. Following this announcement, shares of IndusInd Bank plummeted by 6%, reaching ₹776 on April 22. This audit will run concurrently with an investigation by Grant Thornton Bharat (GTB) regarding irregularities in the bank’s forex derivatives accounting.
As banking stocks continue to evolve, these developments underscore the dynamic landscape of the financial sector, making it essential for investors to stay informed.
