ICICI Bank profit jumps

ICICI Bank Profit Jumps 18% in Q4 FY25
ICICI Bank profit jumps – that’s the headline grabbing attention across India’s financial circles this quarter. The private sector lender reported a net profit of ₹11,627 crore in Q4 FY25, an 18% YoY rise, reflecting strong credit growth and cost discipline.

But while the profit growth looks impressive, market experts are now closely watching one key metric – Net Interest Margin (NIM).

What is NIM and Why Does it Matter?

Net Interest Margin (NIM) = (Interest earned – Interest paid) ÷ Average earning assets

It’s a key indicator of how efficiently a bank earns from its core lending operations.

  • Higher NIM = better profitability from loans
  • Lower NIM = margin pressure due to rising cost of funds

In Q4 FY25:

  • NIM was 4.4%, slightly down from 4.5% in Q3
  • Rising term deposit rates and liquidity tightening are eating into margins

Breakdown of ICICI’s Q4 Numbers

MetricQ4 FY25Q4 FY24Growth
Net Profit₹11,627 Cr₹9,122 Cr↑ 18%
NII (Net Interest Income)₹19,093 Cr₹17,667 Cr↑ 8%
NIM4.4%4.9%
Advances₹12.68 lakh Cr₹11.09 lakh Cr↑ 14%
Deposits₹14.52 lakh Cr₹12.89 lakh Cr↑ 13%

Regulatory and Economic Context

According to RBI’s Monetary Policy Report (April 2025):

  • Repo rate unchanged at 6.5%
  • Liquidity tightening expected through H1 FY26
  • Credit demand strong, but funding costs rising

Legal & Regulatory Reference:

  • RBI Master Direction – Interest Rate on Advances
  • ICICI’s disclosures in line with SEBI (LODR) Regulations

Watch for Margin Compression

According to industry analysts, NIM compression could continue if deposit rates stay high:

“Retail term deposits are repricing faster than loan books. Banks like ICICI may face margin headwinds unless they diversify income streams.” – Banking Sector Analyst, Mumbai

What Should Indian Investors and Businesses Track?

  • NIM trends in upcoming quarters
  • Loan-to-deposit ratios
  • Growth in fee-based income
  • RBI’s stance on liquidity and inflation

If you’re a business seeking a loan or planning a deposit strategy, this is the time to re-evaluate your banking relationships.