<h1>Public-sector bank Q2 consolidated net profit up 6.84% to Rs 21,137 crore; stake sale boosted results, FY26 credit target 12-14%</h1> A major public-sector bank reported a 6.84% rise in consolidated Q2 net profit to Rs 21,137 crore, driven by a Rs 4,593 crore gain from disposal of a stake in another bank, and revised its FY26 credit-growth target to 12-14% citing recent tax, GST and regulatory measures. Core NII growth was muted and NIM compressed slightly; the bank expects to reach a 3% NIM by year-end subject to liability-cost reductions. Asset quality improved with lower slippages and GNPA at 1.73%; provisions rose year-on-year. The bank flagged potential impacts from future rate cuts, expected-credit-loss provisioning proposals, and US tariffs as factors to monitor.