Which stock, following Q3 earnings in 2025, should you purchase—ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, or Yes Bank? EXPLAINED

IDFC First Bank vs. Yes Bank vs. ICICI Bank: In the midst of muted corporate earnings growth,

major banks reported respectable financial performance in their October-December quarter results for fiscal 2024-25 (Q3FY25).

Market analysts have issued “buy” or “hold” ratings for ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Yes Bank

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Following their most recent Q3FY25 results verdict, even as D-Street investors debate whether stock to purchase, sell, or hold.

Leading private sector lenders Yes Bank and ICICI Bank reported strong earnings growth in the December quarter, according to market analysts. However, during the quarter, IDFC First Bank had more loan slippage, more provisions, and the disbursement of microfinance loans.

ICICI Bank vs IDFC First Bank vs Yes Bank Q3 Results

Compared to ₹715.7 crore in the same period previous year, IDFC First Bank recorded a steep decline in net profit of 53% to ₹339.4 crore, driven by higher provisions as a result of higher loan slippages. The difference between interest earned and paid, known as net interest income (NII), increased 14.4% to ₹4,902 crore from ₹4,286.6 crore during the same period last year.

With the help of robust loan growth and a boost in core income, ICICI Bank recorded a 15% increase in its standalone net profit to ₹11,792.4 crore, up from ₹10,271.6 crore during the same period last year.

In comparison to ₹18,678.6 crore in the same period last year, NII increased by 9% to ₹20,340.6 crore in the third quarter of the current fiscal year. In Q3FY25, the second-biggest private sector lender in India reported stable asset quality.

Together with a 10.2% increase in NII, Yes Bank reported an impressive 164.5 percent year-over-year (YoY) increase in profit after tax (PAT) to ₹612.27 million. With net interest margins (NIMs) staying steady at 2.4% both quarterly and annually, the NII was ₹2,224 crore.

ICICI Bank vs IDFC First Bank vs Yes Bank: Which stock to buy?

The strong loan growth in the Retail, Business Banking, and SME divisions propelled ICICI Bank’s 15% increase in net profit, according to Abhishek Pandya, Research Analyst at StoxBox.

“ICICI Bank maintained strong asset quality and stable NPA ratios while also slowing down margin compression, and return ratios remained the strongest among industry players,” stated Pandya.

However, despite robust credit growth of 22% YoY, IDFC First Bank reported a 53% drop in net profit due to increased microfinance provisions and margin compression. In the meantime, Yes Bank’s net profit increased by an astounding 164%, primarily due to lower provisions and gains from investments.

Abhishek Pandya of StoxBox remarked, “Among these performances, ICICI Bank stands out for its balanced growth, operational excellence, and ability to navigate challenging market conditions effectively.”

Yes Bank share price outlook

Mahesh M. Ojha, AVP—Research at Hensex Securities, stated that Yes Bank shares are currently encountering an immediate obstacle at ₹21.50. The closing price of Yes Bank’s shares could rise to ₹25 if it breaks above this.