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Aditya Birla Capital Q2 FY26: Lending Momentum Accelerates, but Profit Expansion Stays Mild

Aditya Birla Capital Q2 FY26: Lending Momentum Accelerates, but Profit Expansion Stays Mild

Aditya Birla Capital Q2 FY26: Lending Momentum Accelerates, but Profit Expansion Stays Mild

Aditya Birla Capital delivered a quarter of steady growth, led by strong momentum in lending and asset-growth businesses, while consolidated profit expansion remained modest. Revenue rose 4 % YoY to ₹12,481 crore, and PAT increased 3 % YoY to ₹855 crore. The NBFC and housing-finance portfolios grew materially (AUM up ~22-29 % YoY), while fee-income businesses (AMC, insurance) also posted healthy traction. Asset-quality remains under control (Gross Stage 2+3 at 3.03 % in lending). The business is scaling, but margin and profit lever remain mild.

*Key highlights*
* Consolidated Revenue: ₹12,481 crore (+4 % YoY)
* Consolidated Profit After Tax: ₹855 crore (+3 % YoY)
* Total Lending Portfolio (NBFC + HFC): ₹1,77,855 crore as on 30 Sept 2025 (+29 % YoY, +7 % QoQ)
* NBFC Disbursements: ₹21,990 crore (+14 % YoY, +39 % QoQ)
* NBFC AUM: ₹1,39,585 crore (+22 % YoY, +6 % QoQ)
* NBFC PBT: ₹956 crore (+13 % YoY, +3 % QoQ) & RoA 2.20%
* Gross Stage 2 + Stage 3 Ratio (lending): 3.03% (improved 121 bps YoY, 67 bps QoQ)
* Mutual Fund Quarterly Average AUM (QAAUM): ₹4,25,171 crore (+11 % YoY)
* Life Insurance Individual First Year Premium (H1 FY26): ₹1,880 crore (+19 % YoY)
* Health Insurance Gross Written Premium (H1 FY26): ₹2,839 crore (+31 % YoY)

*Revenue & profit analysis*
Revenue grew 4 % year-on-year to ₹12,481 crore, signalling steady scale. However, profit growth was only 3 % to ₹855 crore, meaning margin and cost pressures are limiting sharper bottom-line expansion.
On the lending front, while AUM and disbursements expanded strongly, profit gains are modest: the NBFC business delivered PBT ₹956 crore (up 13 % YoY) and RoA of 2.20%. That suggests the book growth is positive, but returns are still moderate given the scale.
Profit expansion is constrained likely by a mix of factors: rising cost of funds, investments in growth/ distribution and margin compression in newer segments. The modest 3% PAT growth despite healthy topline growth signals the need to monitor operating leverage and margins carefully.

*Segment performance*
* Lending/ NBFC & HFC: Disbursements ₹21,990 crore (14% YoY, 39% QoQ) and AUM ₹1,39,585 crore (22% YoY) highlight strong momentum. The housing-finance business did even better. Disbursements ₹5,786 crore (+44% YoY), AUM ₹38,270 crore (+65% YoY). Asset quality metrics improved (Stage 2+3 ratio 1.10% for HFC) indicating credit strength.
* Asset Management: The mutual fund business delivered an 11% YoY QAAUM growth to ₹4,25,171 crore. Folios serviced exceeded 1 crore (+5% YoY). Operating profit grew 13% YoY to ₹270 crore.
* Life Insurance: Individual first-year premium (FYP) in H1 rose 19% YoY to ₹1,880 crore. Market share in individual FYP rose 50 bps to 4.9%. Renewal premium grew 18% YoY to ₹4,664 crore, 13th-month persistency held at 86%.
* Health Insurance: Gross written premium up 31% YoY to ₹2,839 crore, stand-alone health insurer market share improved to 13.6% and combined ratio improved to 112%.

*Asset quality/ risk metrics*
For the lending business, the gross Stage 2+3 ratio improved to 3.03% (down 121 bps YoY, 67 bps QoQ). A RoA of 2.2% in the NBFC segment is respectable for scale-up businesses. In the HFC segment, the Stage 2+3 ratio was 1.1% (down 112 bps YoY) with RoA at 1.82% and RoE 13.95% in Q2. These figures suggest management is maintaining discipline in underwriting even while growing aggressively.

*Balance sheet & capital position*
On a standalone basis, ABCL posted PAT of ₹916 crore in Q2 FY26 (up ~12% YoY). Tier 1 ratio of 15.39% and total CRAR 17.98%. Return on equity was 14.2%. The lending portfolio across NBFC and HFC stands at ₹1,77,855 crore (+29% YoY). Total AUM (AMC + life + health) stood at ₹5,50,240 crore (+10% YoY) as on September 30, 2025. The company added 22 new branches, increasing its network to 1,712. Capital adequacy appears healthy and the company is investing in growth, which may moderate near-term margins but sustains long-term scalability.

*Management Commentary & Outlook*
Management emphasised that the quarter reflects “strong growth momentum and market share gains” in lending, insurance and funds businesses. The D2C and B2B platforms (76 lakh+ customers for ABCD, Udyog Plus AUM ₹4,397 crore) continue to expand the ecosystem. They believe that operating leverage will kick-in as investments made in distribution, data and digital mature. However, they cautioned that margin enhancement and cost discipline will be key to translating scale into stronger profits (credit cost is expected in the range ~1.2-1.3% for FY26). The company remains focused on deepening penetration into Tier 3/4 markets, continuing branch expansion.

*Conclusion*
Aditya Birla Capital has delivered a mixed but promising quarter. On one side, the business is firing on most cylinders: strong lending growth, expanding AUM, improved asset-quality and solid traction in fee-income verticals. On the other, the modest 3% PAT growth shows that scaling up is still absorbing costs and margin gains are yet to fully play out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The image added is for representation purposes only

Ambuja Cements Q2 FY26: Volume & Margin Drive Deliver a Strong Surge

Bajaj Finserv Q2 FY26: 11% Income Growth, 24% Stake Dividend Boost

Bajaj Finserv Q2 FY26: 11% Income Growth, 24% Stake Dividend Boost

Bajaj Finserv Q2 FY26: 11% Income Growth, 24% Stake Dividend Boost

* Consolidated revenue/ total income: ₹37,402.93 crore — +11.0% YoY.
* Profit after tax (PAT): ₹2,244.10 crore — +7.5% YoY.
* Profit before tax (PBT): ₹6,825.13 crore — +14.4% YoY.
* Interest/ finance income (group level driver): ₹19,599 crore — +18% YoY (driven by loan growth and consumer finance traction).
* AUM (where reported for group lending businesses): advanced strongly — media notes AUM growth of ~24% YoY (Bajaj Finance consolidation effect).

*What moved the top line and P&L*
* The group’s revenue rose ~11% because its lending and insurance subsidiaries continued to grow volumes (more loans, more fees and interest). The sharp growth in interest income (+18%) shows lending businesses were the key engine this quarter.
* PBT grew faster (+14.4%) than PAT (+7.5%), indicating items below PBT (tax, minority interest, and some non-operating items) moderated the PAT growth. The investor note/disclosure also highlights mark-to-market swings in insurance investments that affected PAT comparatives.

*Important segment/ subsidiary moves*
* Bajaj Life Insurance (Bajaj Life): Value of New Business (VNB) jumped to ₹367 crore — a ~50% increase YoY. New Business Margin (NBM) expanded sharply to 17.1% (19.3% excluding GST). However, Bajaj Life’s reported quarterly PAT fell (GST impact of ~₹112 crore was cited) — results here are mixed: strong sales economics but short-term PAT hit from tax/GST timing.
* Bajaj General/ Life MTM: The filings/investor note mention unrealised MTM losses (for the quarter) — around ₹70 crore (Bajaj General) and ₹91 crore (Bajaj Life) — this is a part of the lower-level volatility in PAT this quarter.

*Key ratios & efficiency*
* PBT growth (14.4%) > Revenue growth (11%) — suggests margin expansion at operating profit level (or one-off gains in PBT).
* AUM growth ~24% (for lending businesses) implies strong balance sheet expansion — this supports future interest income but requires watching asset quality and funding costs.

*Positive points*
* Healthy growth in underlying finance business (interest income up and AUM growth) — shows demand and distribution strength.
* Bajaj Life’s VNB/ NBM improvement — good for long-term value creation even if near-term PAT was hit by GST timing.

*Risks*
* MTM swings in insurance investments (₹70–₹91 crore style items) can cause quarter-to-quarter volatility in consolidated PAT — keep an eye on investment mark-to-market and any one-offs.
* Funding & asset quality: higher AUM is positive, but monitor loan-losses/ provisions and cost of funds in coming quarters (pressures there can compress margins). Company commentary and investor presentations will clarify management’s view.

*Conclusion*
Bajaj Finserv delivered a steady quarter — double-digit income growth (~11%) and stronger PBT (+14.4%), while PAT rose ~7.5%. The numbers show healthy franchise growth (AUM +24%, interest income +18%) and improving insurance economics (VNB up 50%), but near-term PAT was affected by MTM and GST items. Overall, operational momentum is visible but watch volatility in insurance investments and near-term tax/ GST impacts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The image added is for representation purposes only

Delhivery Q2 FY26 — Revenue Up 17% Yet Back in the Red

Devyani International Boosts Sky Gate Stake to Strengthen QSR Portfolio

The Parag Parikh Fund has more over ₹1 lakh billion in assets under management.

The Parag Parikh Fund has more over ₹1 lakh billion in assets under management.

A New Era in the History of Indian Mutual Funds

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund (PPFCF) has crossed ₹1 lakh crore in AUM, marking a major achievement in India’s mutual fund sector. This milestone demonstrates how the PPFAS Mutual Fund’s philosophy, consistent long-term performance, and rigorous investment approach have gained investors’ ongoing trust under the leadership of Neil Parikh, CEO.
The crossing of the ₹1 lakh crore threshold makes PPFCF one of the largest actively managed equity mutual funds in the country, placing it in an elite league of top-performing schemes that have gained immense traction among both retail and institutional investors.

A Decade of Growth and Stability

Launched in May 2013, the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund started with a unique philosophy that combined long-term value investing with a global perspective. Over the past decade, the fund has grown from a modest AUM to over ₹1,00,000 crore, reflecting not only market performance but also strong inflows from investors.
Unlike traditional funds that primarily invest in domestic equities, PPFCF adopted a multi-asset, multi-geography strategy early on. The fund invests not only in Indian large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap equities but also selectively in international equities like Alphabet (Google), Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, adding diversification to its portfolio.

Strong Returns and Robust SIP Growth

The fund has built its reputation on consistent, long-term outperformance. Since inception, it has delivered an annualized return of over 19%, making it one of the best-performing funds in the flexi-cap category. This performance has attracted investors looking for stability, transparency, and sustainable wealth creation.
One of the fund’s most talked-about statistics is its Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) performance. A ₹10,000 monthly SIP invested since inception would have grown to approximately ₹42.8 lakh by March 2025, translating to over 20% annualized returns—a figure that far exceeds most market peers.

Neil Parikh’s Visionary Leadership

Much of the credit for PPFCF’s success goes to Neil Parikh and his team at PPFAS Asset Management. Staying true to the investing principles of late Parag Parikh, the fund has emphasized value investing, low churn, and investor transparency.
The fund has a relatively concentrated portfolio with a long-term horizon, which sets it apart in an industry where frequent rebalancing is common. Under his guidance, the fund also practices skin in the game—the fund managers invest their personal wealth in the same schemes, aligning their interests with those of retail investors.

Transparent, Conservative, and Risk-Aware

Another distinctive aspect of PPFCF is its transparency. The fund publicly discloses portfolio holdings and detailed commentaries, helping investors understand the rationale behind investment decisions.
In addition, the fund’s conservative approach to risk has played a major role in its appeal. For example, it has maintained a relatively low allocation to small-caps and high-beta stocks, preferring to focus on companies with strong balance sheets, sustainable cash flows, and long-term growth potential.
This conservative stance proved beneficial during volatile periods such as the COVID-19 market crash in 2020 and subsequent corrections. PPFCF weathered these events with limited drawdowns and quickly regained ground—building investor confidence.

Diversified Yet Focused Portfolio

PPFCF maintains a core-satellite approach to portfolio construction. The core portfolio consists of dominant, well-established companies in India and abroad, while the satellite portion explores emerging opportunities.
As of March 2025, the fund held stocks like ITC, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Holdings, Hero MotoCorp, and international giants like Alphabet and Meta Platforms. Additionally, a portion of the portfolio remains in fixed income instruments and arbitrage opportunities to manage short-term volatility and provide liquidity.

Challenges Ahead and Managing a Growing Corpus

Crossing ₹1 lakh crore in AUM is undoubtedly a proud moment, but managing such a large corpus brings its own set of challenges. As fund size increases, so do liquidity constraints, especially when investing in mid- and small-cap companies. Deploying fresh inflows without compromising on quality and valuations requires careful attention.
Neil Parikh has acknowledged these challenges but remains confident in the fund’s ability to maintain its standards and adaptability. He stressed that size will not dictate strategy; disciplined investing will continue to be the fund’s backbone.

Investor Confidence and Industry Recognition

PPFCF’s massive inflows and growing investor base are a result of the trust built over years. The fund has been recognized multiple times for performance, governance, and innovation in the mutual fund space. Financial advisors and independent analysts often cite PPFCF as an example of what consistent, long-term investing can achieve.
Many seasoned investors and HNIs (High Net-Worth Individuals) now rely on the fund as a core portfolio holding, given its diversified exposure, stable management team, and track record of delivering on investor expectations.

Conclusion

The achievement of ₹1 lakh crore AUM is more than just a number—it represents the culmination of over a decade of disciplined investing, prudent management, and an unwavering focus on investor value. In addition to growing in size, the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund has become a symbol of success and confidence in the Indian mutual fund industry. With Neil Parikh at the helm, the fund appears well-positioned to navigate future market complexities while staying true to its foundational principles.

 

 

 

 

 

The image added is for representation purposes only

Alembic Pharma Q4 FY25: Profit Slips 12% Despite Strong Revenue Growth