The Bharti Airtel share price has been a hot topic of discussion for investors this week. Following the release of its Q3 FY26 financial results on February 5, 2026, the telecom giant’s stock has shown mixed movements. While the company reported a drop in net profit, its operational performance remains strong with a significant rise in Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).
If you are tracking the Bharti Airtel share price or planning to invest, here is a simple breakdown of what is happening, why the numbers look mixed, and what experts are predicting for the future.
What Happened to Bharti Airtel Shares?
In early trading on Monday, February 9, 2026, Bharti Airtel shares were trading in the range of ₹1,990 to ₹2,040. The stock has seen some volatility after the company announced its earnings for the quarter ending December 31, 2025.
Although the stock faced some selling pressure initially due to the reported profit decline, it has managed to hold above key support levels. This resilience is largely due to the company’s strong revenue growth and the successful addition of high-value 4G and 5G customers.
Key Highlights from Q3 FY26 Results
The latest financial report presents a “mixed bag” for investors. Here are the most important numbers you need to know:
- Net Profit Dropped: Bharti Airtel’s consolidated net profit fell by approximately 55% YoY to ₹6,631 crore. This sharp decline was mainly due to exceptional items and higher network operating costs compared to the same quarter last year.
- Revenue Increased: On the positive side, consolidated revenue from operations grew by 3.5% to ₹53,982 crore.
- ARPU is Up: The most encouraging metric for investors is the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). It rose to ₹259 per month, up from ₹256 in the previous quarter. This is a key indicator that the company is earning more from each customer.
- Subscriber Growth: The company added substantial new users, with its total customer base growing by nearly 11.8% globally.
Why Did Net Profit Fall?
Many new investors are confused: If revenue is up, why is profit down?
The drop in profit is largely technical. Last year, the company had a one-time gain from exceptional items (like the revaluation of stakes in subsidiary companies), which made last year’s base number look very high. Additionally, operating costs have risen as Airtel continues to invest heavily in expanding its 5G network across India.
When you look at the operational health of the business (money made from actual phone and data services), the company is performing very well.
Impact of Leadership Changes
Another factor influencing investor sentiment is the recent leadership transition. Gopal Vittal, who successfully led the company for over a decade, has moved to the role of Executive Vice Chairman as of January 1, 2026. Shashwat Sharma has taken over as the Managing Director and CEO.
Markets usually react cautiously to top-level management changes, but this transition was announced well in advance and is seen as a smooth handover.
Analyst View: What is the Target Price?
Despite the dip in headline profit, most market analysts remain bullish (positive) on the Bharti Airtel share price.
- Brokerage Ratings: Major brokerage firms have retained their “Buy” or “Accumulate” ratings.
- Reasoning: Analysts believe that the telecom sector is entering a “tariff repair” cycle, meaning mobile plan prices will likely go up further. This will directly boost Airtel’s profits in the coming quarters.
- Target Price: While some analysts have slightly trimmed their immediate targets due to the recent RBI policy stance, the consensus target price for the next 12 months remains significantly higher than the current trading price, with some eyeing levels above ₹2,200.
What Should Investors Do Next?
The telecom sector in India is currently a two-horse race between Jio and Airtel. With Vodafone Idea still struggling, Airtel is in a strong position to capture premium customers.
- For Long-term Investors: The dip might be seen as a buying opportunity. The rise in ARPU (to ₹259) proves that customers are willing to pay more for better service.
- For Short-term Traders: The stock may remain volatile for a few days as the market digests the Q3 numbers and global cues. Watch the support level around ₹1,900.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Bharti Airtel share price falling after Q3 results?
The share price saw a slight dip because the net profit dropped by about 55% compared to last year. However, this was expected due to one-time gains recorded in the previous year. The core business actually grew.
2. What is the current ARPU of Bharti Airtel?
As of the Q3 FY26 results declared in February 2026, Bharti Airtel’s ARPU (Average Revenue Per User) stands at ₹259 per month.
3. Is Bharti Airtel a good stock to buy now?
Most experts consider Airtel a strong long-term bet because it is gaining premium customers and increasing its revenue per user. However, you should always consult your financial advisor before investing.
4. Who is the new CEO of Bharti Airtel?
Shashwat Sharma became the MD & CEO of Bharti Airtel on January 1, 2026. Gopal Vittal is now the Executive Vice Chairman.
5. When will the share price go up?
Stock prices are unpredictable. However, analysts expect the price to rise if the company announces another tariff hike (price increase for plans) later this year.
