Metrobank posts record P37.3 billion profit in 9 months

MANILA, Philippines — Ty-led Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) booked a record net income of P37.3 billion from January to September, buoyed by sustained loan expansion, stronger margins and disciplined cost management.

Data from the bank’s quarterly report showed this was a four percent year-on-year rise from P35.7 billion a year ago. This translated to an annualized return on equity of around 12 percent, with consolidated assets reaching P3.63 trillion, up by 8.9 percent from end-2024.

Pre-provision operating profit climbed by 12.1 percent to P59.2 billion, while total equity grew by 7.2 percent to P407.6 billion.

In the third quarter alone, the listed bank reported P12.4 billion in net income, a slight increase from the P12.1 billion in the same period last year.

“Our prudent approach in expanding our core businesses continued to support our performance in the first nine months. We’re confident that the Philippines’ long-term growth story remains strong,” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said.

“We continue to be committed in helping our clients seize opportunities for growth as we navigate together any challenges and uncertainties on our journey ahead,” he added.

Net interest income rose by 7.1 percent to P91.8 billion, backed by a broad-based improvement across segments and a steady uptrend in margins.

Gross loans expanded by 10.8 percent to P1.9 trillion, with consumer lending growing by 15.8 percent and institutional loans up by 9.5 percent.

Deposits reached P2.5 trillion, higher by 7.6 percent, of which P1.5 trillion came from low-cost current and savings accounts. This brought Metrobank’s loan-to-deposit ratio to 76.6 percent, reflecting ample capacity to support funding needs.

Non-interest income grew by 5.3 percent to P25.4 billion, driven by growth in service fees and trust income. Trading and foreign exchange gains surged by 18 percent to P6.6 billion on continued customer activity and effective management of the investment securities portfolio.

Operating expenses grew a modest 1.7 percent year-on-year, lowering the cost-to-income ratio to 49.8 percent from 52.2 percent in the same period last year.

The lender’s asset quality remained strong, with its non-performing loan ratio at 1.7 percent as of end-September, well below the industry average. Provisions for credit and impairment losses amounted to P8.7 billion, keeping NPL coverage at a comfortable 147.4 percent.

Metrobank’s balance sheet stayed robust as capital adequacy ratio stood at 17 percent, while common equity tier 1 ratio was at 16.3 percent, both well above the minimum requirements.