Bharti Airtel, India's second largest telecom operator, reported a 37.3% rise in first-quarter net profit to Rs 8,167.4 crore, powered by higher mobile tariffs, strong customer additions and growth across its India and Africa businesses, according to Business Today. The profit figure compares with Rs 5,947.4 crore in the same period last fiscal. Revenue for the quarter rose 18.4% to Rs 58,539 crore, against Rs 49,462.6 crore in April-June 2025-26, the report said.
Profit and revenue growth
Business Today reported that the double-digit revenue expansion was driven by higher mobile tariffs, strong customer additions and growth across the India and Africa businesses. Net profit growth of 37.3% outpaced the 18.4% revenue increase while revenue rose to Rs 58,539 crore, according to the report.
| Metric | Current quarter | Year-ago quarter | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Net profit | Rs 8,167.4 crore | Rs 5,947.4 crore | +37.3% |
| Revenue | Rs 58,539 crore | Rs 49,462.6 crore | +18.4% |
| ARPU | Rs 264 | Rs 250 | +Rs 14 |
Tariffs and premiumisation lift ARPU
Average revenue per user (ARPU) increased to Rs 264 during the quarter from Rs 250 a year earlier, according to Business Today. The India mobile business saw revenue grow 9.2%, driven by premiumisation. Smartphone data customers increased by 2.1 crore year-on-year and now account for 80% of the mobile customer base, the report said.
Management commentary
"We delivered yet another quarter of strong performance, supported by the resilience of our diversified portfolio and sharp execution across businesses," said Gopal Vittal, executive vice chairman and managing director of Bharti Airtel, according to Business Today.
Vittal added that India revenue grew 4.2% sequentially, while the Africa business posted 5.7% constant-currency growth over the previous quarter.
Airtel Africa stake increase
Bharti Airtel has completed a share swap transaction that increased its stake in Airtel Africa to more than 79%, Business Today reported. Vittal described the transaction as "a strong reflection of our conviction in Africa's long-term growth potential."
Market response
Bharti Airtel shares closed 0.3% higher at Rs 1,957 on BSE on Tuesday, while the broader market was down by 0.3%, according to Business Today.
The quarterly results provide a clear data point for investors and analysts tracking India's telecom sector: ARPU has moved from Rs 250 to Rs 264 in a year, smartphone data users have grown by 2.1 crore year-on-year to 80% of the mobile base, and group revenue has expanded 18.4% to Rs 58,539 crore.
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