City Union Bank Limited (CUB.BO) Q3 FY2026 Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

February 2, 2026

BSE IN Financials Banks Earnings Calls 47 min

Earnings Call Speaker Segments

Operator

Operator
#1

Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the City Union Bank Limited Q3 9 Months FY '26 Earnings Conference Call hosted by AMBIT Capital Private Limited [Operator Instructions] I now hand the conference over to Mr. Jignesh Shial from AMBIT Capital Private Limited. Thank you, and over to you, sir.

Jignesh Shial

Analysts
#2

Yes. Thank you, [ Rutuja], and good evening, everyone. On behalf of AMBIT Capital, I would like to thank the management of City Union Bank for allowing us the opportunity to host Q3 FY '26 and 9 Months FY '26 earnings call. We have along with us Dr. N. Kamakodi, MD and CEO; Mr. R. Vijay Anandh, Executive Director; Mr. V. Ramesh, Executive Director; Mr. J. Sadagopan, CFO; and the management team of City Union Bank. I'll now hand over to call to Mr. D. N. Kamakodi, MD and CEO of City Union Bank for opening remarks. Over to you, sir.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#3

Good evening, everyone. Dr. Kamakodi here. Hearty welcome to all of you for this con call to discuss the unaudited financial results of City Union Bank for the third quarter 9 months ended 31st December 2025 for financial year 2026. The Board approved the results today, and I hope all of you have received the copies of the results and the presentation. As you all know, my tenure as MD and CEO of the bank will -- the 15 years will be completed on 30th April. As you all know, this is my 59th quarter today. So we have one more quarter to go. And based on the regulations currently in force, let's say, I have to complete my tenure on 30th April. Keeping that into account, our Board has sent the list of candidates to RBI. And once we receive the further approval, we will be in a position to communicate to you all the status. So far, everything is going as per the planning and all so far, so good. And we are also happy to note that our net worth has crossed INR 10,000 crore mark to date, which is an important milestone in the history of the bank. And we are also happy to inform you one of our Board members, Professor V. Kamakoti, who is also the Director of the IIT Madras, had been honored with the country's prestigious Padma award, Padma Shri and his significant contributions to our country science and technology sector, and we are happy to share with you all. And also we have a new introduction to our Board today. Shri K. Subramanian, Chartered Accountant and also an executive with almost 38, 39 years service with the Tata Consultancy Services has been inducted into our Board, let's say who -- we expect a good contribution from him in the future. Other details are available in the presentation. So with this, I hand over the mic to our Executive Director, Mr. Vijay Anandh, who will discuss the numbers. And also, we will be discussing the question and answers at the end. Over to Vijay Anandh.

R. Anandh

Executives
#4

Thank you, sir. Good evening all. During last con call, we had shared with you our expectations for the current financial year as below. We could see the visibility in achieving mid-teen to high-teen growth, at least 2% to 3% over and above that of the industry. Our deposit growth is aligning with credit growth, and this will continue. CRR cut is giving positive impact, and we are expecting some positive bias in the NIM during Q3 and Q4. ROA is expected to remain at our current level of 1.5% plus. Our cost-to-income ratio remains in the range of 48% to 50% for financial year '26. For the current quarter, 9 months ended FY '26, our performance is more or less aligned with our expectations, whatever we have shared with you all. You could see we have surpassed on some counts. Advance growth. We had registered 21% advance growth in Q3 financial year '26 Y-o-Y, and our advance have increased to INR 60,892 crores from INR 50,409 crores in Q3 FY '25. This growth is consistent starting from Q1 FY '25, and we had achieved double-digit credit growth all the quarters up to Q3 FY '26, which is the [indiscernible] for the last 7 consecutive quarters, we have achieved this double-digit growth. In Q3 alone, our advances have grown over by INR 3,300 crores, which is more or less similar to our Q2 growth. Also, the growth of 21% is the highest credit growth after financial year '80, which is almost after 28 quarters. As given earlier, we will continue with a targeted growth of mid-teens, which is 2% to 3% over and above the system growth. At the same time, we will not let go the opportunities when we encounter. The focus continues on core MSME, gold loans and secured retail. Deposit front. Our deposits also had a growth of 21%, similar to advances, and our deposits stood at INR 70,516 crores for Q3 FY '26 as compared to INR 58,271 crores in Q3 FY '25. Our average CD ratio for Q3 FY '26 stood at 86%. The CASA percentage to total deposits stood at 27%. The daily average CASA grew by 3% between Q2 FY '26 and Q3 FY '26 and 19% year-on-year, which is Q3 FY '25 and Q3 FY '26. As you know, we had received AA rating last quarter, which enhanced our opportunities to participate in the wholesale deposit market. To test the waters, we went for a certificate for INR 49 crores in Q2 FY '26 and around INR 1,150 crores in Q3 FY '26 to get a feel for the market. Anyway, our focus will be on granular retail deposits, and this participation in CD market is purely to get an experience. Asset quality status. In asset quality front, we are continuing with the trend of recoveries over and above slippages as we have seen in last several quarters. For Q3 FY '26, the slippage is around INR 193 crores, while the total recoveries is INR 219 crores, consisting of INR 164 crores from live NPA and INR 55 crores from technically written-off accounts, resulting in reduced NPA figures. Our gross NPA percentage had reduced to 2.17% from 2.42% in Q2 FY '26 and 2.99% in Q1 FY '26. Both gross NPA and net NPA in both percentage and absolute terms is reducing quarter-by-quarter for the last 11 quarters, I'll say, close to 3 years on a continuous basis. When compared to Q3 FY '25, the GNPA had reduced from 3.36%, which is almost 119 bps reduction. Similarly, our net NPA number had come below the INR 500 crore mark and decreased to INR 469 crores and our net NPA percentage to 0.78% in Q3 FY '26 as compared to 1.42%, resulting in 64 bps reduction in net NPA on a year-on-year basis. Net NPA was at 1.2% in Q1 FY '26 and 0.9% in Q2 FY '26. We are now at 0.78%, showing substantial sequential increase. In our last con call, we have stated that our overall SMA, including SMA 0, 1 and 2 put together are in decreasing trend for the past few quarters. The total SMA numbers for Q3 FY '26 stood at 3.68% compared to 5.06% in last quarter, showing significant improvement in these numbers. Overall, SMA-2 to total advance has come down below 1% and stood at 0.95% in Q3 FY '26 as compared to 1.34% to Q2 FY '26 and 1.59% in Q1 FY '26. As we speak today, we are at 0.95% for this quarter. For Q3 FY '26, PCR with technical write-off stood at 83%, which has improved from 77% in Q3 last year. Starting from Q1 FY '25, we have been increasing our PCR without TW to bring it closer to the industry levels. For the current quarter, PCR without technical write-off had improved to 64% compared to 59% in Q3 FY '25. Interest income. Our interest income had grown by 19% in Q3 FY '26 and improved to INR 1,756 crores from INR 1,479 crores in Q3 FY '25. For 9 months ended FY '26, our interest income stood at INR 5,014 crores as compared to INR 4,301 crores, showing 17% growth, INR 5,014 crores compared to INR 4,301 crores. Yield. On yield front, our yield on assets stood at 9.73% in Q3 FY '26 as compared to 9.81% in Q3 last year. Compared to Q2 FY '26, the yield has marginally improved by 7 bps. For 9 months FY '26, the same is 9.73% as against 9.74% similar period last year. On the cost side, the cost of deposits have reduced by 14 bps sequentially due to the repricing benefit and stood at 5.57% for the quarter compared to 5.71% in Q2 FY '26. As a result, our NIM has increased from 3.63% in Q2 FY '26 to 3.89% in Q3 FY '26. Faster repricing of deposits and increase in gold portfolio with fixed rate is driving this improved NIM. For the 9 months ended FY '26, the NIM is at 3.69% as compared to 3.59% for the same period in FY '25. We expect a stable NIM for Q4 as well with 10 bps plus or minus. The other income for 9 months FY '26 has increased by 16% from INR 748 crores -- sorry, to INR 748 crores from INR 647 crores last year. Further opportunities on treasury profits are getting limited, which we are working hard to compensate through other means like insurance income, processing charges, et cetera. Our operating profit had grown by 18% in Q3 FY '26 and stood at INR 513 crores compared to INR 436 crores in Q3 FY '25, which is in tune with 21% business growth. For year-to-date, that is 9 months ended FY '26, it had improved to INR 1,435 crores from INR 1,238 crores for 9 months ended FY '25, registering a 16% growth. The total PAT had grown by 16%. For 9 months ended FY '26, it stood at INR 967 crores as against INR 836 crores in the corresponding period in FY '25. And Q3 FY '26, our PAT was INR 332 crores as against INR 286 crores in Q3 FY '25. Cost to income. Our cost-to-income ratio for Q3 FY '26 stood at 48.56% compared to 49.16% in Q2 FY '26, showing some decrease. While for 9 months ended FY '26, it stood at 48.62%. ROA. Our ROA for Q3 FY '26 is at 1.53% and our 9 months FY '26 ROA is at 1.55%, which is over and above our long-term level of 1.5%. To sum up, we have achieved consistent double-digit growth in all the 4 quarters of FY '25 and also 3 quarters for the current financial year. We would end up in high-teen growth for FY '26, which will be over and above the industry level growth. Our focus continues to be in the areas of core MSME, gold loan and secured retail. Our deposit growth will be aligned with the credit growth with focus on CASA and granular deposits. The effects of CRR cut will have some positive bias in the next quarter as well as in our NIM levels. ROA is expected to remain at our current level of 1.5 plus and our cost-to-income ratio remains in the range of 48% to 50% for financial year '26. Thanks a lot to everyone. Happy to take the questions.

Operator

Operator
#5

[Operator Instructions] The first question is from the line of Sameer Bhise from Dymon Asia.

Sameer Bhise

Analysts
#6

Congrats on a fantastic set of numbers. Just wanted to understand the provisioning breakup for this quarter. Given that it is slightly higher on a sequential basis, does it also involve any floating or standard asset provisions? I can also see that PCR has gone up. But if you could elaborate the thought process here, I think it will be helpful.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#7

See, we had INR 74 crore provision for NPA vis-a-vis INR 40 crores for the last quarter. And the provision for tax is almost stable at INR 85 both years and the standard asset provision increased from INR 7 crores to INR 22 crores. See, the logic is when I hand over, I have to reduce the NPA level as much as possible. And we have achieved our targeted ROA of 1.3 percentage plus, and we are going for higher provision to improve the coverage ratio and also reduce the net NPA numbers.

Sameer Bhise

Analysts
#8

Yes. Okay. Fair enough. And secondly, if one were to look at incrementally, how should one look at slippage ratios going ahead because we are entering -- we are now on a reasonably strong growth trajectory and also share of retail assets continues to inch up. So if you could comment on that, especially for FY '27, if you can share some thoughts, that will be great.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#9

See, basically, for many quarters now, the total recoveries of live NPA and technically written off NPA together are more than the slippage numbers. And using that and also having, let's say, some incremental provision, let's say, we were slightly behind the pack in terms of gross and net NPA percentage even last year, which we have caught up to a greater extent. Whenever we feel that gross NPA and net NPA numbers are comfortable and we can go for higher profits, we'll be taking the call, and we will be reviewing that situation. And probably Vijay will also concur with me like based on that decision, the incremental credit provisioning will be decided.

Operator

Operator
#10

[Operator Instructions] The next question is from the line of Anand Dama from Emkay Global.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#11

Congratulations for a good set of results. Sir, what is basically driving up our margins? We saw your interest on advances actually shooting up this quarter despite most players reporting a rate cut. Is it that last year or basically earlier on, we had a lot of interest reversals, which is not happening now or the incremental loans are basically coming at a better yields. The MCLR-related regulatory issues that we had, that also seems to be largely behind. So what basically explains the jump in the interest on advances that you're seeing at this point of time?

R. Anandh

Executives
#12

So sir, basically, we had a repricing on deposits, as mentioned in my commentary, almost INR 14,200 crores got repriced. This is from the deposit side. And from the advances side, we have moved to fixed rate in gold loans. So that is now stable. And in MSME also, we are targeting the numbers what we are supposed to as well in retail secured. I think the combination of these factors is helping us in getting it right.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#13

So do you expect the interest on loans to go up further?

R. Anandh

Executives
#14

I don't think so, sir. Quite difficult.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#15

Okay. And your cost will keep coming down.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#16

Yes. One more thing which you have to keep in account, Anand Dama, the reduced CRR ratio also is helping us. And also we are operating at a slightly inched up average CD ratio, all are helping us to have a better margin.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#17

Okay. And that basically gives you confidence that in fourth quarter margin should be largely flattish.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#18

Yes. That's why we have -- like us -- as usual, we have given plus or minus 10 basis point band.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#19

And sir, how should we look at FY '27? Should the margins be in the range of about 3.9% or should inch up further some?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#20

Ask for 1 quarter at a time. The -- you are still not sure how the -- let's say, RBI rate cuts are, let's say, how it is going to move and all. Like we thought it is by and large -- I mean, there are multiple factors which we have to look into. But whatever that happens, our endeavor is to, let's say, have it, let's say, that 3.75% to 4% is what we had done in the, let's say, previous cycle for a few quarters. That stability is what we are targeting and trying to work out.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#21

But assuming there is no rate cuts, then you should expect a stable to better margins next year?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#22

Yes, yes.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#23

Sir, secondly, what is driving up your other OpEx during the current quarter? It was INR 254 crores versus INR 230 crores last quarter. Is it more related to business or there was some one-off over here?

R. Anandh

Executives
#24

No, I think it's almost same. It was flat. We are at INR 455 crores in Q2, and we are at INR 484 crores. So majorly, it's going to be technology expenses and salaries, nothing much.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#25

You've largely taken the labor code impact, right, this quarter itself?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#26

See, fortunately, let's say, right from the beginning, the changes in, let's say, you have to calculate based on the basic plus DA, we are not getting impacted because right from the beginning, our calculations on the retiral benefits and all are almost -- I mean, everything is based on the basic plus DA basis only. It was not purely based on the basic. And also that both the things would come above 50% is also not making any impact to us. Only thing is impacting us in a minor form is, let's say, the gratuity you have to give for even 1 year, unlike what it was 10 years in the past, for which we don't expect a big impact and all. We have not yet got the, let's say, actuarial calculations and all from our, let's say, LIC, which is managing our fund and all. Expecting those things, we have made a marginal provision of INR 2 crores for the current quarter.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#27

Okay. And sir, ECL provision you made last quarter. This quarter, you not made any ECL...

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#28

This quarter also about INR 4 crores, INR crores we have made. So this quarter, we have not made any incremental provision for ECL.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#29

Okay. So you expect you to make this quarter?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#30

Yes. See, basically, the -- after that SMA numbers are coming down, we are seeing some just keeping a tab on that and trying to look at how we can take it forward.

Anand Dama

Analysts
#31

Sure. And sir, lastly, RBI supervision would be over by now, hopefully, you would have got the final report. Any observations over there in terms of PSL or anything else?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#32

No. I think if you remember, we had that hit about 3 years back. After that, this cycle is over and nothing to -- so far so good and nothing to market.

Operator

Operator
#33

The next question is from the line of Haresh Kapoor from 360 One Capital.

Haresh Kapoor

Analysts
#34

So my first question is your gold loan portfolio in ag has declined 2% on a Q-o-Q basis. So anything to read into that? That's my first question. My second question is what proportion of the deposits are yet to be repriced in quarter 4? And my third and the last question is within the overall advances, last time around you quoted that there is a INR 500 crore renewable energy portfolio, which is slightly higher yielding than your core MSME portfolio. So just within the overall advances, what proportion is the high-yield portfolio? And what would be that proportion, say, 2, 3 quarters down the...

R. Anandh

Executives
#35

So gold loans we don't expect much. It's almost -- it's an agricultural gold loan, which has come down. And again, based on the season, harvesting and other things. So we don't expect that I think it should be back to normal. So nothing much materialistic in this. With respect to your next question of repricing of deposits, another INR 1,782 crores to go. This is a repricing which is going to happen in the next couple of quarters. So this is on your second question. Sorry, I missed your third question. I'm sorry, sir.

Haresh Kapoor

Analysts
#36

Yes. So third question was, so last time in the last quarter's con call, you had mentioned that you have started doing renewable energy portfolio, which was around INR 500 crores end of Q2. And there were certain other segments where you are earning slightly higher yield than trying to understand what are those segments? And what would be the proportion of those segments, say, 2, 3 quarters down the line?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#37

See, let's say, I think you are linking what we got from the IFC when we sold -- that is -- the purpose is kept for the solar. And many of our customers are asking and that is a slow and steady progress. And our expectation is that we should be able to complete that before the completion of the calendar year 2026. So the progress is slow and steady without much issues so far.

Operator

Operator
#38

The next question is from the line of from [indiscernible].

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#39

Congrats on a great set of numbers. Just a few questions. One is that what is the growth outlook from here on? So we've seen a very strong loan growth. You had guided in the last quarter that we may also do something around 18%, 20%, more than that. So how do you see that from here on?

R. Anandh

Executives
#40

Sir, as I explained in the summary, we are expecting it to high teen. So we will continue to grow like this, high teens, I think pre...

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#41

And sir, if I want to ask a follow-up on that is what CD ratio we are comfortable on from here on...

R. Anandh

Executives
#42

Want to be between 85% to 86%. That's the number we are looking at.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#43

85% to 86% is where we are comfortable at Right. Sir, can you give some data on this how much is EBLR fixed MCLR as a share in our loans?

R. Anandh

Executives
#44

SLR around 48 around 17% and 42% by way of fixed rate for gold loans and 3% towards gross NPA...

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#45

Quarter? Okay. Got it. And last question was on write-off. We've seen write-off going up a bit quarter-to-quarter. Last quarter, we had -- quarter-on-quarter, it has fallen, but a number still looks like we're growing about plus INR 1,000 crores. So what is the thought process there? And what is...

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#46

See, as I told, I think one of the earlier questions, Ai, we want to, let's say, have -- you may -- let's say, there are -- the thought process involved is like this. One, wherever we have made maximum provisions and all, we are using this opportunity to, let's say, reduce it so that the management of gross and net NPA will be better. And number two, it also helps in the, let's say, taxation purpose also. So considering both -- and you can also see that we continuously have a decent stream of recoveries from the woffets.ven this year also, we had a very reasonable technical write-off is one instrument, which we are using for quite some time, and we feel comfortable with that. And our future also, we feel we will be continuing with the same methodology.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#47

Sure. And sir, if I can squeeze one more. Our tax rate has been consistently lower at about 20%, and we managed to keep that for some time. So can that continue for some time given is there some there? You mentioned the write-off.

R. Anandh

Executives
#48

It will go as far as we are, let's say, once again, depending upon how much write-offs we are doing on how much incremental provision we are making. So it will take a comprehensive step on, let's say, all these -- this will, let's say, probably continue for at least another 2, 3 or 4 quarters, maybe even to be completed by next year. And further future will be depending upon, let's say, increase in, let's say, slippage cycle, which we hope we should be another -- not less than 4, 5 quarters.

Operator

Operator
#49

The next question is from the line of Rohan Mandora from Equirus Securities.

Rohan Mandora

Analysts
#50

In the now we have been able to manage by transfer the cut borrowers. So the...

R. Anandh

Executives
#51

Yes. Whatever the rate cut which has happened by December, this has completely got transferred to the customers, and there is much left...

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#52

Loans which are 30 in gold loan, those portions will not get that thing. So that's why the overall impact will be less than, let's say, whatever, basis points. And just to give you our overall annual impact because of this rate cut comes to about INR 40-odd crores -- INR 45 crores, which translates into about INR 11 crores per quarter because of this last rate cut whatever we had. And one thing is that in this third quarter, it has happened only towards the, let's say, last 1 month or so. But this impact will be there for the -- all the 3 months in the current quarter, but we will be having that compensation from the benefits we are getting on the repricing of term deposits, which [indiscernible] something that. So with that, taking both these things into account only, we are -- let's say, we said based on our expectation that our NIM will be, by and large, stable, may even have an upward bias, but will be in the band of plus or minus 10%.

Rohan Mandora

Analysts
#53

And sir, just on the yield on the MSME portfolio, how would it have moved in the last 9 months, whether March to December MSME?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#54

MSME, we are maintaining at 9.5%. The yield is more or less same. So there is nothing much material. Broadly no changes in the quarter, sir.

Rohan Mandora

Analysts
#55

March it would have been at a similar in March?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#56

By and large, yes, same. So nothing plus or minus.

R. Anandh

Executives
#57

10, 15 bps. Nothing.

Rohan Mandora

Analysts
#58

[indiscernible] Crores this quarter, is it only linked to the increase in the balance sheet? Or is there any other component.

R. Anandh

Executives
#59

Only increase in the balance sheet.

Rohan Mandora

Analysts
#60

And sir, the reduction in SMA, where do we stand on the ECL require ECLisusquire?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#61

We have, in fact, discussed about this in the -- I think last quarter or I think even on the second quarter, we discussed that at length. And we are seeing, let's say, negative bias in that requirement in the last couple of hours because of the lower SMA numbers. You can probably get the details from the -- I think last quarter or first quarter -- last quarter only, last quarter con call, we have...

Rohan Mandora

Analysts
#62

As of 3Q.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#63

I also clearly said I will not be giving any exact number till other banks give the exact numbers. I stand to that statement. I will not be the one of the first banks to give that. But I can -- directionally, I have given everything possible with which you can make your own assessment. And after I declared that there is still downward bias on that requirement is what I can add.

Operator

Operator
#64

Our next question is from the line of [indiscernible].

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#65

My first question is what are the retail...

R. Anandh

Executives
#66

Sir, our major focus is on LAP and home loans. And of course, we are leveraging our rural branches for affordable home loans. LAP, I think we are down by 20, 25 bps what we used to do before. What advantage we are getting is our DSA sourcing, so-called third-party sourcing is negligible. We don't go beyond 10, 15 percentage. So that's giving us a benefit. So as we speak, the LAP is around 9.5%, 9.4%, 9.5%. Affordable in rural, we have been consistent basis the brand sourcing and that's giving us a double-digit yield. So there is -- in home loans, we are always at around 8.8% to 9%. That's been our core thing.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#67

Yes. Just to add to Vijay's comments and also just to give a perspective to -- after the rate cut in the, let's say, RBI rate cut, new -- at industry level, we are not seeing any, let's say, equal or substantial reduction on the new fees procured. So the -- by and large, let's say, old rates are holding up because of, let's say, liquidity position in the industry. But we had a few weeks when we could even negotiate increase in the rates also. Overall speaking, on weighted average basis, there is some downward push, but it is not, let's say, exactly correlating with the 25 basis point rate somewhere.

Unknown Analyst

Analysts
#68

My question is on the deposit is currently growing at a low. So going forward, how do you think it to be growing at a high base?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#69

See, we have given like the CD and other things, both have grown about 2 is what you are seeing on p-to-is.osits and the growth rate of advances will match. There are fluctuation here and there. As explained by [indiscernible] retail term deposits and we don't have anything to currently suggest that, let's say, the deposit growth will not be matching with the credit growth or whatever it is. Both deposit and credit growth on overall business basis on what you call 1 year full basis as suggested by [indiscernible] it will be in, let's say -- in fact, earlier, we used to say low to mid-teens. Now we are saying mid- to high teens. Some amount of positive base we are able to see. And we don't get any threatening now or to suggest that we will not be having sufficient deposit growth and all. That could be quarterly operations. To manage that liquidity position only, we have made trials on the certificate of deposits and understood the process and all 2 quarters liquidity management can be done by that. But overall growth rate of our business will be from the retail term deposits, granular CASA and also on advances, MSME, gold loan and secured retail.

Operator

Operator
#70

The next question is from the line of Param Subramanian from Investec.

Parameswaran Subramanian

Analysts
#71

First, on the quarter-on-quarter OpEx growth, so there is no meaningful change in our channel sourcing or payments to DSAs or any such thing, right? Because the quarter-on-quarter OpEx growth is up. And if not, what is driving this? Some color and how we should think about this going ahead?

R. Anandh

Executives
#72

Very negligible for DSA as I said a couple of minutes before, the DSA sourcing is hardly from 10% to 12% for us. So there is no...

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#73

See, just to give you a perspective, in third quarter, there will be a provision for the Diwali bonus and things like that. Last year, if you look into our salary increase between Q2 and Q3, it was, let's say, depending upon where we give, it was INR 178 crores to INR 196 crores about INR 18 crores last year, it happened in the fourth quarter and some amount of quarterly operations will be there based on when we give our -- let's say, the variable pay and other things for our bus. So there is an increase of about on salary between Q2 and Q3 about INR 6 crores, INR 7 crores and about INR 3 crores increase in the overall operating expendit. Depreciation also increased from INR 25.7 crores to INR 29 crores, another INR 4 crores. Like that in different items, another item basically on GST tax payment. So it increased from INR 2.25 crores in Q2 to INR 21 crores in the Q3 about INR 9 crores. So this INR INR crore breakup is coming from about Q2 to Q3 breakup of increase the salary is about INR 24 crores GST payment by about INR 8 crores, crores and the depreciation about INR 4 crores, INR 5 crores like that, it is getting segregated among multiple headcounts. But depending upon the situation, overall cost-to-income ratio, whatever we had indicated during the year beginning, it is holding up and we feel -- in fact, there is a small reduction in the overall cost-to-income ratio also.

Parameswaran Subramanian

Analysts
#74

Fair enough. So largely all business as usual. So nothing.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#75

Nothing abnormal in the pattern between Q2 and Q3.

Parameswaran Subramanian

Analysts
#76

Okay. Fair enough. Sir, next on the gold loans, if you can tell us what is the LTV on [indiscernible] roughly on...

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#77

It's around 65. When you add the interest for the full year period for all the non-agri gold loan, it comes to 72 or 73.

Parameswaran Subramanian

Analysts
#78

72%, including the interest. -- and on your book basis, on average, roughly, you would have an idea?

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#79

After the increase in the gold price around 5% is the overall portfolio.

Parameswaran Subramanian

Analysts
#80

Okay. A fair amount of equity there. Okay. That's fair. Thirdly, sir, how do you think about growth going into FY '27? I mean I heard in the opening commentary, we are clearly surpassing our normal trend line. This is our best growth since FY '18 as you called out. But how to think about growth going...

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#81

So we have given you a lot of sentences on this question asked. And you are asking a question for which we have not any -- we don't have any written answers with us. But what we can -- you have to -- you can infer is that earlier, we said we will be growing from low to mid-teens. So now we say mid- to high teens.

Operator

Operator
#82

[Operator Instruction] The next question is from the line of Gaurav Jani from Prabhudas Lilladher.

Gaurav Jani

Analysts
#83

Just one question on the gold book, right? You mentioned 30% of your total book is gold, right?

R. Anandh

Executives
#84

Yes.

Gaurav Jani

Analysts
#85

Okay. And that is fixed, right? So what would be the tenure of these loans?

R. Anandh

Executives
#86

For agri, it may be in the range of 18 months to 24 months, whereas non-agri, it's around 12 months.

Gaurav Jani

Analysts
#87

Okay. So within 12 months, these can be repriced.

Operator

Operator
#88

With that, I now hand the conference over to the management for closing comments.

N. V. Kamakodi

Executives
#89

Thank you all for attending this conference. And if you have any more questions, you can always contact Mr. Jairam or our ED, Mr. Vijay. And as I explained to you, like say, the -- I have successfully completed my 59th quarter. And so far, so good, things have been working out well. And I think going from here, on every parameter, you will start seeing improvement. So with this a few words, I once again thank you all for joining and also thanks to Amit...

R. Anandh

Executives
#90

Thank you all.

Operator

Operator
#91

Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of AMBIT Capital Private Limited, that concludes this conference. Thank you for joining us.

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