India's largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI) on Thursday announced a 4% year-on-year rise in its net profit to Rs. 3,396 crore for the quarter ending December from Rs.3,263 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year due to a decline in interest income as bad loans in a slowing
economy bit into its performance.
Net interest income declined 3% to Rs.11,155 crore against Rs.11,519 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
The gross non-performing assets (NPAs) - loans that stop yielding interest - grew to Rs.53,457 crore during the quarter under review against Rs.40,098 crore in the year-ago period.
Gross NPA as a percentage of total loan rose to 5.30% from 4.61% in the year-ago period.
Non interest income jumped 76% to Rs.3,649 crore during the quarter from Rs.2,073 crore in the year-ago period.
The bank's shares declined 2% to close at Rs.2,214 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.