Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., the country’s 4th largest lender by assets, posted a solid 2025 performance, booking net income of P49.7 billion on the back of steady loan growth, resilient margins, and a sharp pickup in trading gains.
Pre-provision operating profit jumped 17 percent to P78.4 billion, reflecting stronger core earnings and tight cost discipline.
Net interest income rose 9.2 percent to P124.6 billion, broadly in step with an 8.8 percent expansion in gross loans. Corporate and commercial lending grew 7.4 percent, tracking broader economic activity, while consumer loans expanded a faster 14 percent as retail demand stayed firm.
Total deposits inched up to P2.7 trillion, with low cost current and savings accounts making up 59 percent. A loan to deposit ratio of 74.9 percent suggests room to extend more credit without straining liquidity.
Non-interest income increased 12 percent to P33.5 billion. Fee and trust income rose 6 percent to P19.2 billion, while trading and foreign exchange income surged 47 percent to P8.2 billion, buoyed by strong client flows and favorable market conditions.
Operating expenses grew a modest 3.3 percent to P79.7 billion, pulling the cost to income ratio down to 50.7 percent from 53.8 percent a year earlier. Asset quality remained sound, with a non performing loan ratio of 1.7 percent, well below the industry average, and an NPL cover ratio of 140.8 percent.
Total assets expanded 10 percent to P3.88 trillion. Capital ratios stayed comfortably above regulatory floors.
The board approved total cash dividends of P5 per share for 2026, including a P2 special payout, signaling confidence in earnings durability. President Fabian S. Dee said the results reflect disciplined growth and a stronger balance sheet as the bank positions for sustained expansion.
