Bharti Airtel reported a 34% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit for the fourth quarter, even as the telecom major posted strong growth in revenue driven by higher average revenue per user (ARPU) and continued expansion in its India business.
The company said net profit for the quarter stood at Rs 7,325 crore, compared with Rs 11,022 crore reported during the same period last year. Despite the decline in profit, consolidated revenue from operations rose 16% year-on-year, reflecting sustained customer additions and improved monetisation across mobile and broadband services.
Bharti Airtel said growth in its India operations remained the primary driver of revenue performance, supported by tariff revisions and increasing data consumption among subscribers. The company also continued to witness growth in its 5G customer base and home broadband segment during the quarter.
Analysts attributed the fall in profit largely to higher finance costs, spectrum-related expenses and exceptional items, even as operational metrics remained resilient. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) recorded healthy growth, with margins remaining broadly stable.
The telecom operator maintained that demand for digital services and data consumption continues to rise across urban and rural markets. The company has also accelerated investments in network expansion and next-generation connectivity infrastructure to strengthen its competitive position in India’s telecom sector.
Industry observers noted that the revenue growth highlights the sector’s improving pricing environment after years of intense competition and low tariffs. Airtel, alongside rivals, has increasingly focused on premium customers, 5G adoption and bundled digital offerings to improve profitability.
