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TL;DR
India’s largest public sector lender, State Bank of India, delivered a solid set of numbers for the December quarter of FY26, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the Indian banking system. The lender reported a sharp rise in profitability, steady core income growth and stable asset quality, even as the broader banking sector navigates margin pressures and evolving liquidity conditions.
The Q3 performance highlights how SBI continues to benefit from scale, diversified lending and improved credit discipline, factors that are increasingly important in a competitive financial landscape.
State Bank of India reported a 24% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit, reaching an all-time high of ₹21,028 crore in Q3 FY26. On a consolidated basis, profit rose 13.06% to ₹21,317 crore, reflecting steady performance across subsidiaries.
The results underscore consistent execution in core banking operations and improving recovery trends across loan portfolios.
Net interest income remains the backbone of SBI’s earnings profile. During the quarter, standalone NII rose 9.04% YoY to ₹45,190 crore, supported primarily by healthy loan expansion.
Loan growth stood at 15.14%, indicating continued credit demand across retail, corporate and MSME segments. This expansion helped offset modest pressure on margins, which is being felt across the banking sector due to higher funding costs and competitive deposit pricing.
Domestic net interest margin dipped marginally by 0.03% to 3.12%, while overall NIM stood at 2.99% for Q3 FY26. For the nine months ended December 2025, domestic NIM averaged 3.08%, suggesting margin stability over a longer horizon.
Beyond interest income, SBI saw healthy traction in fee-based and treasury-related earnings. Non-interest income increased 15.65% YoY to ₹8,404 crore, helping diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on interest margins alone.
This growth reflects steady activity in transaction banking, commissions and investment income, areas that provide resilience during periods of margin compression.
Total expenses rose to ₹1,08,052 crore in Q3 FY26 compared with ₹1,04,917 crore in the year-ago quarter. The increase reflects higher operating costs associated with business expansion, employee expenses and technology investments.
However, expense growth remained proportionate to income expansion, helping SBI protect profitability while continuing to invest in long-term capabilities.
Asset quality remained broadly stable during the quarter. Fresh slippages were reported at ₹4,458 crore, slightly higher sequentially but well within manageable levels given the size of SBI’s balance sheet.
Improved recovery mechanisms, better underwriting standards and proactive monitoring have helped keep stress under control. This is particularly relevant as Indian banks continue to navigate evolving regulatory norms under the RBI’s prudential framework.
For investors, stable asset quality combined with strong provisioning discipline remains a key comfort factor.
Deposits grew 9.02% year-on-year during the October to December period, reflecting continued trust among retail and institutional depositors. While deposit growth has been relatively slower than loan growth, SBI’s extensive branch network and brand strength provide a competitive advantage in mobilising low-cost funds.
This balance between deposit mobilisation and credit growth is crucial as liquidity conditions tighten across the system.
SBI’s strong quarterly performance carries broader implications for Indian financial markets:
Given SBI’s weight in benchmark indices, sustained performance often influences sectoral trends and investor confidence.
For long-term investors, SBI’s Q3 results reflect a blend of growth and stability. Strong profit growth, steady credit demand and controlled asset quality indicate improving fundamentals. Short-term market reactions may depend on margin trends and deposit growth, but the broader narrative remains constructive.
Platforms like Swastika Investmart, a SEBI-registered brokerage, help investors decode such earnings with in-depth research, sector comparisons and actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making rather than headline-driven reactions.
Why did SBI’s profit rise sharply in Q3 FY26
Higher loan growth, steady net interest income and improved recovery trends contributed to the rise in profit.
Did SBI face margin pressure during the quarter
Yes, domestic NIM saw a marginal compression, but it remained stable overall due to strong core income growth.
How was SBI’s asset quality in Q3 FY26
Asset quality stayed stable, with manageable fresh slippages and improved recovery mechanisms.
Is deposit growth a concern for SBI
Deposit growth was moderate but remains supported by SBI’s strong franchise and nationwide reach.
How do SBI’s results impact PSU bank stocks
Strong results from SBI often improve sentiment across the PSU banking space and support sector valuations.
SBI’s Q3 FY26 performance reinforces its position as a bellwether for India’s banking sector. The combination of record profitability, stable asset quality and steady credit growth highlights the bank’s ability to navigate evolving economic conditions.
For investors tracking banking stocks, understanding such results in context is key. With robust research tools, investor education initiatives and responsive customer support, Swastika Investmart helps market participants analyse earnings trends and align them with their financial goals.
Open an account today and access expert insights on banking stocks and beyond:
TL;DR
India’s largest public sector lender, State Bank of India, delivered a solid set of numbers for the December quarter of FY26, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of the Indian banking system. The lender reported a sharp rise in profitability, steady core income growth and stable asset quality, even as the broader banking sector navigates margin pressures and evolving liquidity conditions.
The Q3 performance highlights how SBI continues to benefit from scale, diversified lending and improved credit discipline, factors that are increasingly important in a competitive financial landscape.
State Bank of India reported a 24% year-on-year increase in standalone net profit, reaching an all-time high of ₹21,028 crore in Q3 FY26. On a consolidated basis, profit rose 13.06% to ₹21,317 crore, reflecting steady performance across subsidiaries.
The results underscore consistent execution in core banking operations and improving recovery trends across loan portfolios.
Net interest income remains the backbone of SBI’s earnings profile. During the quarter, standalone NII rose 9.04% YoY to ₹45,190 crore, supported primarily by healthy loan expansion.
Loan growth stood at 15.14%, indicating continued credit demand across retail, corporate and MSME segments. This expansion helped offset modest pressure on margins, which is being felt across the banking sector due to higher funding costs and competitive deposit pricing.
Domestic net interest margin dipped marginally by 0.03% to 3.12%, while overall NIM stood at 2.99% for Q3 FY26. For the nine months ended December 2025, domestic NIM averaged 3.08%, suggesting margin stability over a longer horizon.
Beyond interest income, SBI saw healthy traction in fee-based and treasury-related earnings. Non-interest income increased 15.65% YoY to ₹8,404 crore, helping diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on interest margins alone.
This growth reflects steady activity in transaction banking, commissions and investment income, areas that provide resilience during periods of margin compression.
Total expenses rose to ₹1,08,052 crore in Q3 FY26 compared with ₹1,04,917 crore in the year-ago quarter. The increase reflects higher operating costs associated with business expansion, employee expenses and technology investments.
However, expense growth remained proportionate to income expansion, helping SBI protect profitability while continuing to invest in long-term capabilities.
Asset quality remained broadly stable during the quarter. Fresh slippages were reported at ₹4,458 crore, slightly higher sequentially but well within manageable levels given the size of SBI’s balance sheet.
Improved recovery mechanisms, better underwriting standards and proactive monitoring have helped keep stress under control. This is particularly relevant as Indian banks continue to navigate evolving regulatory norms under the RBI’s prudential framework.
For investors, stable asset quality combined with strong provisioning discipline remains a key comfort factor.
Deposits grew 9.02% year-on-year during the October to December period, reflecting continued trust among retail and institutional depositors. While deposit growth has been relatively slower than loan growth, SBI’s extensive branch network and brand strength provide a competitive advantage in mobilising low-cost funds.
This balance between deposit mobilisation and credit growth is crucial as liquidity conditions tighten across the system.
SBI’s strong quarterly performance carries broader implications for Indian financial markets:
Given SBI’s weight in benchmark indices, sustained performance often influences sectoral trends and investor confidence.
For long-term investors, SBI’s Q3 results reflect a blend of growth and stability. Strong profit growth, steady credit demand and controlled asset quality indicate improving fundamentals. Short-term market reactions may depend on margin trends and deposit growth, but the broader narrative remains constructive.
Platforms like Swastika Investmart, a SEBI-registered brokerage, help investors decode such earnings with in-depth research, sector comparisons and actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making rather than headline-driven reactions.
Why did SBI’s profit rise sharply in Q3 FY26
Higher loan growth, steady net interest income and improved recovery trends contributed to the rise in profit.
Did SBI face margin pressure during the quarter
Yes, domestic NIM saw a marginal compression, but it remained stable overall due to strong core income growth.
How was SBI’s asset quality in Q3 FY26
Asset quality stayed stable, with manageable fresh slippages and improved recovery mechanisms.
Is deposit growth a concern for SBI
Deposit growth was moderate but remains supported by SBI’s strong franchise and nationwide reach.
How do SBI’s results impact PSU bank stocks
Strong results from SBI often improve sentiment across the PSU banking space and support sector valuations.
SBI’s Q3 FY26 performance reinforces its position as a bellwether for India’s banking sector. The combination of record profitability, stable asset quality and steady credit growth highlights the bank’s ability to navigate evolving economic conditions.
For investors tracking banking stocks, understanding such results in context is key. With robust research tools, investor education initiatives and responsive customer support, Swastika Investmart helps market participants analyse earnings trends and align them with their financial goals.
Open an account today and access expert insights on banking stocks and beyond:
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Indian equity markets began Monday, 9 February 2026 on a confident note. The Nifty 50 opened at 25,888.70, up 0.76%, while the Bank Nifty started at 60,805.20, advancing 1.14%. The positive start reflects improving investor sentiment backed by supportive global markets and renewed strength in heavyweight banking stocks.
A firm opening after recent consolidation signals that buyers are willing to accumulate at current levels. However, sustaining these gains will depend on intraday participation from FIIs, sector rotation, and news flow through the session.
The standout performer on 9 Feb 2026 has been the banking pack. Private sector lenders and select PSU banks attracted strong buying, supported by expectations of steady credit growth and healthy asset quality. Stability in bond yields further aided sentiment.
Asian peers traded with a positive bias following a stable close on Wall Street. Cooling concerns around global inflation and steady crude prices provided comfort to emerging markets, including India.
Consistent SIP inflows and buying from domestic institutions continue to act as shock absorbers. This structural liquidity has helped benchmarks defend key levels despite intermittent volatility.
The market breadth remained positive in the first hour, indicating participation beyond index heavyweights.
Traders should track India VIX, FII futures data, and the rupee for directional confirmation.
For long-term investors, today’s opening is a reminder to stay aligned with quality businesses rather than chase intraday excitement. Systematic investors benefit the most from such phases when markets reward discipline over speculation.
Short-term traders must respect risk management as gap-up sessions often witness mid-day profit booking.
Indian markets function within SEBI’s robust regulatory framework with transparent settlement and risk systems. Healthy GST collections, stable inflation trajectory, and improving corporate earnings continue to provide a strong base for equities in 2026.
Platforms that combine technology with credible research give investors a clear edge in such market conditions. Swastika Investmart’s SEBI-registered research, smart trading tools, and investor-first approach help navigate days like today with confidence.
1. How did markets open on 9 Feb 2026?
Nifty 50 opened at 25,888.70 (+0.76%) and Bank Nifty at 60,805.20 (+1.14%).
2. Which sector led the rally today?
Banking and financial services were the top contributors.
3. Is today’s gap-up a bullish signal?
It is positive, but follow-through volumes are necessary for confirmation.
4. What should beginners do on such days?
Avoid impulsive trades and rely on research-backed decisions.
The 9 February 2026 market opening sets an optimistic tone with banking strength driving benchmarks higher. Whether you are a trader or investor, decisions anchored in research and discipline remain the real differentiator.
Start your investment journey with a trusted, tech-enabled partner.
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Every trading session brings a fresh set of corporate developments that shape market sentiment. The Stocks in News 9 February 2026 list highlights action from heavyweights across metals, banking, power and consumer segments. These announcements are not just headlines; they influence sector trends, fund flows and trading strategies on Dalal Street.
Understanding the business context behind these updates helps investors separate short-term noise from long-term opportunity. Let us break down what these developments mean for the broader Indian market.
Tata Steel has announced an investment of ₹515 crore to set up a new iodised vacuum salt dried manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu. The move signals the company’s push toward value-added and diversified product lines beyond traditional steel.
For the metals sector, such capex shows confidence in domestic demand despite global volatility. If execution remains on track, this could gradually improve earnings visibility for Tata Steel.
State-run SJVN achieved its fastest-ever 2,000 MU generation from the Rampur Hydro Power Station. This operational milestone highlights improved efficiency and asset utilisation.
With India focusing heavily on clean energy targets, such performance boosts investor confidence in PSU power utilities. The stock may witness renewed interest from ESG-oriented funds.
State Bank of India reported an exceptionally strong performance for the December quarter despite a challenging operating environment. Domestic loan growth stood at 15.6% year-on-year, reflecting healthy credit demand.
Banking remains the backbone of the market rally, and SBI’s numbers reaffirm the resilience of India’s financial system under SEBI-regulated transparency norms. Strong PSU bank performance often sets the tone for the entire sector.
On the flip side, Sula Vine, India’s largest winemaker, reported a sharp fall in net profit for the fifth consecutive quarter ended December 31.
The consumer discretionary space is seeing selective stress as urban spending normalises after earlier surges. Investors may remain cautious until the company shows a turnaround in profitability.
The mix of news reflects the diverse nature of the Indian economy. Capital expenditure by Tata Steel supports industrial growth, SJVN’s milestone strengthens the renewable narrative, SBI’s results underline banking stability, while Sula Vine reminds investors about consumption headwinds.
Such cross-sector signals often guide index movement. Positive traction in metals and banks can support Nifty and Bank Nifty, whereas weakness in consumer names may cap broader enthusiasm.
For retail investors, tracking these stories helps in building a balanced portfolio rather than reacting to isolated price moves.
Technology-enabled platforms that combine real-time news with analytics make this process easier for modern investors.
Navigating daily corporate news requires more than just information. Investors need interpretation, timely alerts and seamless execution. Swastika Investmart, a SEBI-registered broker, offers strong research tools, investor education initiatives and responsive customer support to help participants act with confidence.
1. How do corporate announcements impact stock prices?
Major investments, earnings updates or operational milestones can change future cash-flow expectations, leading to price re-rating in the short to medium term.
2. Is Tata Steel’s new facility positive for long-term investors?
Yes, value-added manufacturing improves product mix and can enhance margins if demand in southern markets remains strong.
3. What does SJVN’s 2,000 MU milestone indicate?
It reflects better plant efficiency and reliable generation, which supports revenue stability for the power producer.
4. Why is SBI’s loan growth important?
Credit growth of 15.6% shows healthy economic activity and strengthens the outlook for the banking sector.
5. Should investors avoid Sula Vine after weak results?
Investors may wait for signs of margin recovery and demand revival before taking fresh exposure.
The Stocks in News 9 February 2026 showcase how varied corporate actions shape market direction each day. From industrial expansion to banking strength and consumer challenges, these updates offer valuable cues for portfolio decisions. Staying informed and disciplined is the key to benefiting from such opportunities.
At Swastika Investmart, investors gain access to credible research, advanced trading technology and continuous learning support, empowering them to respond wisely to market-moving news.
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Indian markets enter the new week with encouraging global signals. US indices closed firmly in the green, Dow futures are trading higher and Asian markets are largely positive. The GIFT Nifty surge of nearly 190 points suggests that Dalal Street may witness a strong gap-up opening today.
After a phase of consolidation, sentiment appears to be turning constructive. However, sustainability of the move will depend on how Nifty behaves near key resistance zones and whether domestic institutions continue to absorb supply from foreign investors.
Overnight strength in Wall Street has improved risk appetite worldwide. The Dow Jones ended more than 1200 points higher, reflecting renewed confidence in growth and easing concerns around interest rates. Dow futures are adding another 72 points, while most Asian indices are trading in positive territory.
For Indian markets, such global stability is crucial. Historically, whenever US markets deliver a broad-based rally, emerging markets including India tend to attract fresh flows. Export-oriented sectors such as IT and pharma could particularly benefit from the improved global mood.
Institutional participation remains the key swing factor. On Friday, Foreign Institutional Investors bought equities worth ₹1,951 crore, while Domestic Institutional Investors sold ₹1,265 crore, resulting in a net inflow of ₹686 crore.
This shift from persistent FII selling to selective buying is an important development. It indicates that valuations around the 25,000 zone in Nifty are becoming attractive for long-term money. DIIs, on the other hand, continue to book profits after the recent bounce.
In the derivatives segment, FIIs showed mixed behaviour:
Such data suggests that large players expect volatility around higher levels rather than a one-sided rally.
For traders, a declining VIX along with rising PCR usually supports buy-on-dip strategies. Yet the heavy call OI near 26,000 could act as a stiff hurdle for the index today.
The index is likely to open with a gap above recent consolidation. The immediate challenge lies between 25,800 and 26,000. A decisive move above this band can trigger short covering towards 26,100 and 26,300.
On the downside, 25,640 acts as the first support. If profit booking emerges after the gap-up, the next cushion is placed at 25,500–25,450. Traders should watch the first hour range for confirmation.
Trading approach for the day
Banking stocks have been the pillar of the recent recovery. Bank Nifty is expected to open above the psychological mark of 60,500. Sustaining above this level could take the index towards 61,000–62,000.
Support is placed at 59,800 and 59,500. PSU banks and select private lenders are showing improved chart structure backed by better credit growth commentary.
Investors should prefer quality names with healthy balance sheets rather than speculative counters.
For retail participants, the message is clear: the trend is improving but the market is not yet in a runaway bull phase. SIP investors can continue staggered buying, while short-term traders must respect risk management.
Regulatory safeguards by SEBI around margin norms and disclosure standards have made markets more transparent. Choosing a broker with strong compliance, research support and technology becomes essential in such phases.
Remember that one positive global session does not change the long-term trend; consistency of flows will.
Markets in 2026 are increasingly data driven. Access to real-time analytics, F&O insights and expert interpretation helps investors stay ahead. Platforms offering integrated research, education and seamless execution provide a significant edge, especially for new participants.
1. Will today’s gap-up sustain?
Sustainability depends on Nifty holding above 25,800. Follow-up buying from FIIs and lower VIX would support the move.
2. What is the key level for Bank Nifty?
60,500 is the immediate hurdle; closing above it can open the path to 61,500+.
3. Should beginners trade on opening tick?
It is safer to wait for the first 15–30 minutes to avoid volatility traps.
4. Which sectors look strong?
IT, banking and capital goods are showing better risk-reward currently.
5. Is this a good time for long-term investing?
Staggered accumulation in quality stocks remains advisable despite short-term swings.
The Market Outlook 9 February 2026 clearly tilts in favour of the bulls with supportive global cues, improving FII participation and falling volatility. Yet disciplined execution is essential near crucial resistance zones.
At Swastika Investmart, investors get access to SEBI-registered research, advanced trading technology, educational resources and dedicated customer support to navigate such market phases confidently.
Quick Takeaways
• Earnings growth remained selective, with sharp divergence across sectors
• Consumption and insurance showed resilience, while autos and commodities struggled
• Margin pressure and one-off costs played a major role in earnings volatility
• Stock-specific action dominated Dalal Street over broader index moves
The Q3 earnings season has once again underlined a familiar theme in Indian markets: results matter more than narratives. As companies wrapped up their December quarter numbers, investors were forced to separate structural growth stories from short-term disruptions.
While topline growth remained healthy across several sectors, profitability told a more complex story. Rising costs, regulatory changes, and one-off events created sharp winners and laggards, making this earnings season particularly stock-specific.
For investors, the takeaway is clear. Blanket sector calls are losing relevance, while bottom-up analysis is gaining importance.
Hero MotoCorp delivered a strong performance, reflecting improving rural demand and stable export traction. Consolidated profit after tax rose 15 per cent year-on-year to ₹1,275 crore, supported by higher volumes and better cost control.
Revenue growth from ₹10,260 crore to ₹12,487 crore highlighted renewed momentum in the two-wheeler space. The announcement of a generous interim dividend further boosted investor confidence, reinforcing Hero MotoCorp’s strong balance sheet and shareholder-friendly approach.
Life Insurance Corporation of India continued to leverage its scale advantage. Net profit climbed 17.2 per cent year-on-year to ₹12,958.2 crore, backed by solid growth in premium collections and investment income.
With net premium income crossing ₹1.25 trillion and investment income above ₹1.07 trillion, LIC showcased its ability to perform steadily even in volatile market conditions. For long-term investors, the results reinforced the insurer’s role as a defensive compounder in uncertain times.
PhysicsWallah’s numbers surprised many on the Street. A 33 per cent jump in net profit and 34 per cent revenue growth indicated that the edtech firm is transitioning from a growth-at-any-cost model to sustainable profitability.
At a time when several digital-first companies are struggling to balance growth and margins, PhysicsWallah’s performance stood out as a sign of operational discipline.
Sai Life Sciences emerged as one of the quiet outperformers this quarter. Net profit surged 86 per cent year-on-year to ₹100 crore, while revenue and Ebitda growth remained robust.
The performance reflects strong demand for contract research and manufacturing services, a space benefiting from global supply chain diversification and increased pharmaceutical outsourcing.
Bharti Airtel reported a sharp 55 per cent year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to ₹6,631 crore, despite a healthy 19.6 per cent rise in revenue.
Higher depreciation, finance costs, and spectrum-related expenses weighed heavily on the bottom line. While Ebitda growth of over 25 per cent indicates operational strength, the profit decline reminded investors that capital-intensive sectors can still deliver earnings volatility even amid revenue growth.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders posted steady growth, with profit rising 9 per cent and revenue increasing nearly 15 per cent. While the numbers were respectable, they largely met expectations rather than exceeding them.
The results reaffirmed the company’s order book visibility but lacked the surprise factor that typically drives sharp stock reactions during earnings season.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported a net loss of ₹3,483 crore, compared with a profit in the year-ago quarter. The loss was driven by exceptional expenses linked to a cyberattack at Jaguar Land Rover, labour code provisioning, and stamp duty adjustments following the demerger.
While these are largely non-recurring in nature, the results reminded investors of how external disruptions can quickly alter quarterly outcomes in global auto businesses.
JK Paper’s earnings took a hit due to an annual shutdown at key manufacturing units and higher expenses. Net profit fell sharply to ₹27.53 crore, even as total income showed modest growth.
The performance highlighted how cyclical and operational challenges continue to affect commodity-linked businesses, especially during periods of rising costs.
One of the biggest surprises was how sharply profits diverged despite broadly stable demand conditions. Companies with cost discipline and pricing power outperformed, while those exposed to regulatory changes or one-time events struggled.
Another notable trend was the market’s willingness to look through temporary disruptions. Stocks with credible long-term narratives found support despite weak quarterly numbers, while expensive names faced sharp corrections even on modest misses.
The Q3 earnings season reinforced the shift toward selective investing. Broader indices remained range-bound, but individual stocks witnessed heightened volatility.
From a regulatory perspective, SEBI’s emphasis on timely disclosures and transparency helped investors react swiftly to earnings data. For retail participants, this season highlighted the importance of research-backed decision-making rather than momentum-driven trades.
Platforms that combine fundamental insights, earnings analysis tools, and investor education continue to gain relevance in such markets.
In volatile earnings seasons, having access to structured research, analyst insights, and real-time market tools becomes critical. SEBI-registered intermediaries like Swastika Investmart focus on combining technology with in-depth research to help investors navigate earnings-driven volatility with confidence.
Whether it is tracking margin trends, understanding sectoral shifts, or identifying long-term opportunities hidden behind short-term noise, informed investing remains the strongest edge.
Why is Q3 earnings season important for investors?
Q3 results capture festive demand, cost pressures, and year-end trends, making them a key indicator of full-year performance.
Why did some companies report revenue growth but profit decline?
Higher input costs, interest expenses, depreciation, and one-off charges often impact profits even when revenues grow.
Which sectors stood out this quarter?
Insurance, select consumption plays, and contract research services showed relative strength, while autos and commodities faced pressure.
How should retail investors react to earnings volatility?
Focus on long-term fundamentals, avoid knee-jerk reactions, and use staggered investing strategies during volatile phases.
Do one-time losses change long-term investment outlooks?
Not always. Investors should assess whether losses are structural or temporary before making decisions.
This Q3 earnings season proved that markets reward clarity and punish complacency. Winners demonstrated pricing power, cost control, and strategic execution, while laggards highlighted the risks of operational and regulatory surprises.
For investors, the message is simple. Stay selective, stay informed, and rely on credible research rather than headlines.
If you are looking to invest with confidence backed by research, technology, and strong customer support, consider opening an account with Swastika Investmart and take a more structured approach to navigating earnings-driven markets.
After a long lull, India’s mainboard IPO market is finally showing signs of revival. February 2026 brings not one but two mainboard IPOs, offering investors a clear choice between a high-growth technology story and a steady financial services play. Fractal Analytics and Aye Finance may be opening in the same window, but they cater to very different risk profiles and investment philosophies.
In this blog, we break down both IPOs in a simple, investor-friendly way and help you decide which one aligns better with your goals.
The return of mainboard IPOs is significant for Indian equity markets. Over the past year, volatile global conditions, sticky inflation and cautious investor sentiment had slowed down large IPO launches. With domestic liquidity still strong and retail participation stable, February 2026 could mark the beginning of a more active primary market phase.
These two IPOs also reflect where India’s growth stories are coming from. One is driven by artificial intelligence and global enterprise demand, while the other rides on India’s MSME credit expansion. Both themes are aligned with long-term economic trends but carry different risk and reward profiles.
Fractal Analytics is a global enterprise AI and analytics company founded in March 2000. It works with large corporations across sectors such as banking, retail, healthcare and technology to help them make smarter, data-driven decisions.
What sets Fractal apart is its positioning as a Decision Intelligence company. Along with traditional AI and analytics services, it has incubated SaaS platforms under Fractal Alpha, giving it a blend of services-led revenue and scalable product offerings. This hybrid model is relatively rare in the Indian listed space, which explains the strong investor interest.
Fractal has seen a sharp turnaround in recent years. After reporting a loss of around ₹55 crore in FY24, the company delivered a strong comeback in FY25. Revenue grew by about 26 percent, and the company reported a profit of approximately ₹221 crore. This improvement highlights better cost control, improved execution and strong demand for AI-led solutions.
At the upper price band of ₹900, Fractal is valued at around 79 times its FY25 earnings on a post-IPO basis. This is expensive by traditional valuation standards. However, investors are factoring in a scarcity premium, as there are very few listed AI-first platforms in India.
That said, risks remain. Earnings visibility can be impacted by global tech spending cycles, and high valuations leave little room for short-term disappointments. This IPO is not designed for quick listing gains but for investors willing to stay invested through cycles.
Aye Finance Limited operates as a non-banking financial company focused on providing business loans to micro, small and medium enterprises. These are businesses that often struggle to access formal credit due to lack of collateral or thin credit histories.
India’s MSME sector contributes significantly to employment and GDP, and improving credit access remains a policy priority. This creates a strong long-term backdrop for lenders like Aye Finance.
Aye Finance has built its model around understanding cash flows of small businesses rather than relying purely on traditional documentation. This approach allows it to serve an underpenetrated segment while managing credit risk through diversification and underwriting discipline.
The company has shown consistent growth in both revenue and profitability over the years. Unlike cyclical businesses, MSME lending offers relatively predictable demand, provided asset quality is managed well.
Based on FY25 earnings, Aye Finance is coming to the market at an implied P/E of around 14 times. Compared to several listed NBFC peers, this valuation appears reasonable. It offers investors a chance to participate in MSME credit growth without paying an aggressive premium.
Risks include economic slowdowns impacting borrower cash flows and sector-wide concerns around asset quality. However, these are well-understood risks within the NBFC space.
Choosing between these two IPOs is less about which company is better and more about which story suits your portfolio.
Fractal Analytics is suited for investors with a higher risk appetite who believe in the long-term global adoption of AI and are comfortable with premium valuations. Volatility in the short term should be expected.
Aye Finance, on the other hand, fits investors looking for steady compounding linked to India’s domestic growth story. It may not deliver explosive returns overnight, but it offers relative valuation comfort and business predictability.
Navigating IPOs requires more than just reading headlines. At Swastika Investmart, investors benefit from SEBI-registered research, detailed IPO analysis, and technology-enabled investing platforms that make application and tracking seamless.
With a strong focus on investor education, real-time support and robust research tools, Swastika Investmart helps investors align IPO decisions with their financial goals rather than market noise.
If you are considering participating in upcoming IPOs, you can explore opportunities and open your account here:
https://trade.swastika.co.in/?UTMsrc=TwoMainboardIPOsFeb2026
When do the Fractal Analytics and Aye Finance IPOs open?
Both IPOs open on February 9, 2026, and close on February 11, 2026.
Is Fractal Analytics the first AI company to list in India?
Yes, Fractal is India’s first pure-play AI and analytics company to list on the mainboard.
Is Aye Finance IPO suitable for conservative investors?
It may suit relatively conservative, long-term investors who understand NBFC risks and believe in MSME credit growth.
Which IPO is better for short-term listing gains?
Neither IPO is clearly positioned for short-term gains. Both are better evaluated from a long-term perspective.
Can retail investors apply to both IPOs?
Yes, eligible retail investors can apply to both, subject to capital availability and risk appetite.
The return of mainboard IPOs is a positive sign for Indian markets. Fractal Analytics and Aye Finance represent two very different but equally relevant growth themes. One taps into global AI adoption, while the other supports India’s grassroots businesses.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Investors should assess their risk tolerance, time horizon and portfolio allocation before making a choice. With the right research and guidance, IPOs can be a meaningful addition to a long-term investment strategy.
For expert insights, seamless execution and continuous support, Swastika Investmart remains a trusted partner for investors navigating India’s evolving capital markets.
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