Bharti Airtel reported strong FY26 results with revenue at ₹2,10,973 crore, up 16.2%. EBITDAaL grew 15.7% to ₹1,07,946 crore. The company proposed a 50% higher dividend of ₹24 per share.
Bharti Airtel FY26: Strong Growth, Enhanced Returns
Bharti Airtel's FY 2025-26 performance shows consolidated revenue at ₹2,10,973 crore, a 16.2% increase. Net profit before exceptional items stood at ₹30,113 crore.
Reader Takeaway: Stellar revenue growth and a significant dividend hike signal strong operational performance and shareholder value focus.
What just happened
Bharti Airtel announced its financial results for FY 2025-26. Consolidated revenue reached ₹2,10,973 crore, a 16.2% year-on-year rise. Consolidated EBITDAaL grew by 15.7% to ₹1,07,946 crore, maintaining a healthy 51.2% margin. The company also proposed a dividend of ₹24 per share, a 50% increase from the previous year.
Why this matters
These results highlight Bharti Airtel's ability to expand its customer base and increase revenue while managing costs effectively. The substantial dividend increase reflects improved financial health and a commitment to returning value to shareholders. The growth in the Homes and Digital Services segments also indicates successful diversification.
The backstory
The company has been focusing on a 'Quality Customer' strategy, evident in its industry-leading Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) of ₹257 in the India Mobile segment. The Homes business has seen robust growth, with a 31.7% revenue increase. Financially, the company has significantly deleveraged, with the Net Debt to EBITDAaL ratio improving to 1.4x from 2.4x in FY 2021-22.
What changes now
The proposed dividend hike indicates management's confidence in sustained profitability and cash flow generation. The strategic focus on digital infrastructure through Nxtra Data Limited, aiming for 1 GW of capacity, is a key growth driver. The leadership transition with Gopal Vittal moving to Executive Vice Chairman and Shashwat Sharma taking over as MD and CEO of Airtel India is now complete.
Risks to watch
Bharti Airtel operates in competitive markets across India and 14 African countries, facing potential currency volatility, inflation, and regulatory challenges. Intense competition could continue to pressure ARPU and margins.
Peer comparison
While specific peer financial data for FY26 is not yet fully available, Bharti Airtel's reported ARPU of ₹257 is considered industry-leading in India. Its expansion in 5G users and data center capacity are strategic moves aiming to differentiate from competitors.