Indian banks expected to post strong earnings growth for 4Q17

But there is one bank that might report a sharp decline in profits.

For 4Q, Maybank Kim Eng analysts estimate a recovery in asset quality and cut in provisions for SBI and ICICI Bank. For most other private banks and financiers, they estimate earnings expansion of 18-2200% YoY for 4Q.

"The only exception would be Axis Bank where we estimate a sharp decline. In our view, the private banks and financiers will continue to take market share from the weakened state owned banks. Stronger growth with better financial ratios will justify a premium valuation for the private banks," said Maybank Kim Eng.