q3 fy25 earnings analysis a detailed analysis of indian stock performance
The Q3FY25 result season is over, and we have had a mixed bag in terms of earnings performance. This earnings season has been marked by a modest recovery in corporate performance in some pockets of the market, tempered by persistent challenges such as inflation, global uncertainties, and sectoral disparities. With a focus on year-on-year (YoY) sales growth across large caps, midcaps, and small caps, in this article, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the latest results, sectoral trends, market sentiment, and strategic investment considerations.
The Q3 FY25 earnings season has shown a muted yet steady performance for Indian companies. The Nifty 50 reported a 5% YoY profit after tax (PAT) growth, a figure that aligns with analyst expectations but reflects a slowdown from the 15.4% growth in Q3 FY24. Revenue growth for the index stood at 6% YoY, a slight improvement from the 5% in Q2 FY25, though still indicative of demand weakness in certain sectors.
According to brokerage estimates, the combined net profit of Nifty 50 companies reached approximately ₹1.97 trillion, up from ₹1.83 trillion in Q3 FY24, while net sales grew to ₹14.51 trillion from ₹13.81 trillion a year earlier.
Let's look at YoY growth numbers for stocks across various market caps.
Large-cap companies, primarily within the Nifty 100, recorded a YoY revenue growth of approximately 5.1%, driven significantly by the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector. Excluding BFSI, non-financial large caps saw a more modest 4.3% YoY sales growth. Companies like the State Bank of India (SBI) and ICICI Bank bolstered this segment, with SBI reporting a 42.4% YoY PAT increase and ICICI Bank showing an 11.4% rise.
However, global cyclicals like metals and oil & gas dragged down overall performance.
Midcap companies, tracked by indices like the Nifty Midcap 150, outperformed with a robust 8.8% YoY revenue growth. This segment benefited from strong performances in capital goods, healthcare, and real estate, with earnings growth reported at 26% YoY by some analysts.
However, the quarter also saw significant earnings downgrades, with 17% of midcaps facing EPS cuts exceeding 10%, reflecting pressures from rising input costs and uneven demand.
Small caps exhibited a YoY revenue growth of around 7%, but their earnings picture was less rosy, with a broad-based decline of 24% YoY in PAT. This disparity highlights the segment’s vulnerability to rising costs and weaker consumer demand. Niche players in renewable energy and specialty chemicals showed resilience, but liquidity constraints and high valuations left many small caps struggling, with 23% experiencing EPS cuts above 10%.
Let’s look at how key sectors performed in the Q3 result season.
The BFSI sector remained the cornerstone of India Inc.’s earnings, posting a 20% YoY net profit growth to ₹1.32 lakh crore, up from 15.2% in Q3 FY24. Revenue growth was equally strong, driven by credit expansion and improved asset quality. SBI and HDFC Bank exemplified this trend, with the latter reporting a 20% YoY increase in net interest income.
The IT sector saw a modest revenue uptick of 1.1% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ), with YoY PAT growth at 9%. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported a ₹12,380 crore net profit, supported by strong order intakes, though global demand uncertainties tempered broader gains.
Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer discretionary sectors faced headwinds, with sales growth slowing due to urban demand fatigue and rural market challenges from inflation and monsoon irregularities. Tata Consumer Products reported flat net profit growth despite revenue gains in its India business.
The auto sector saw a festive season boost, but YoY volume growth decelerated. Maruti Suzuki maintained revenue growth through higher average selling prices (ASPs), though its Q2 profit decline of 18% lingered as a concern heading into Q3 results.
This sector presented a mixed picture, with refining margins aiding companies like Bharat Petroleum (48.2% YoY PAT growth), while global oil price volatility hurt others. Reliance Industries posted a 7.7% YoY revenue increase to ₹2,67,186 crore, driven by digital services and retail.
We feel the market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. The underwhelming earnings have contributed to a 9.6% drop in midcaps and a 22% decline in small caps year-to-date in 2025, with a swift correction from overvalued levels.
Analysts from Motilal Oswal and JM Financial have highlighted a troubling trend: The downgrade ratio for earnings forecasts is at its worst since Q1 FY21, with 66% of companies seeing EPS downgrades for FY25. Midcaps and small caps bore the brunt, contrasting with more stable large-cap performance.
Large caps offer stability with fair valuations (around 18.5 times FY27 earnings), while midcaps and small caps, despite their growth potential, remain 15-20% above historical averages, suggesting a need for selective investment.
BFSI, healthcare, and telecom are favored for their resilience and growth prospects, while caution is advised in consumer staples, materials, and global cyclicals like metals and oil & gas.
Investors should prioritize companies with sustainable earnings growth and strong balance sheets, given the high valuations and macroeconomic pressures.
The third quarter of FY25 has shown that India’s large-cap stocks, especially in the BFSI sector, remain strong, while midcaps and small caps face pressure due to high valuations and weaker earnings.
Right now, the market is in a consolidation phase, meaning investors should focus on high-quality stocks and a well-diversified portfolio. The way forward will depend on domestic policies, global economic trends, and how companies adapt to changing conditions. With uncertainty ahead, smart, strategic decisions are more important than ever.
Note:
This analysis reflects data available as of March 5, 2025, and is intended for informational purposes as part of ongoing research. Investors should consult financial advisors and verify the latest figures before making decisions, given the dynamic nature of market conditions.