Punjab National Bank (PNB) reported a remarkable 145% year-on-year earnings growth, driven by a significant 92% decline in provisions and a 10% increase in operating profit, achieving a return on assets of 1.0% and return on equity of 14.7%. The bank's net non-performing loan ratio improved to approximately 0.46%, the lowest in a decade, supported by strong bad loan recoveries. Despite a decline in core pre-provision operating profit and net interest margins, the outlook remains positive, with a target price of Rs. 125 as profitability is expected to be bolstered by ongoing recoveries from the substantial bad loan pool of around Rs. 140,000 crore.