Axis Bank Shares Defy Profit Slump with 4% Rally as Brokerages Affirm Confidence
Axis Bank shares surged 4% on Thursday, defying a 26% year-on-year net profit decline in Q2FY26. The market's bullish response reflects institutional confidence in the lender's operational resilience and stable asset quality. Net interest income edged up 2% to ₹13,745 crore, while improved GNPA/NNPA ratios signaled strengthening fundamentals.
Global brokerages unanimously reinforced their optimistic outlook. CLSA maintained an 'outperform' rating with a ₹1,400 target, while HSBC elevated its price objective to ₹1,460. Nomura and Jefferies echoed this sentiment with buy calls at ₹1,440 and ₹1,430 respectively. Motilal Oswal's neutral stance at ₹1,300 acknowledged sequential asset quality improvements and deposit growth traction.