Metrobank Posts PHP12.3-B Q1 Income

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) reported a net income of PHP12.3 billion for the first quarter of 2025, driven by robust loan growth, strong fee and trading income, and a moderate increase in operating costs.

Metrobank's president cited strong capitalization and a healthy portfolio, giving the bank and its clients assurance of its ability to navigate the changing economic landscape. I Photo: Federal Land

The bank’s pre-provision operating profit rose by 8.8% year-on-year to PHP18.8 billion.

“Our first-quarter performance keeps us on track to achieve our medium-term growth strategies, even as global uncertainties persist. Our strong capitalization and healthy portfolio give us and our clients assurance of our ability to navigate the changing economic landscape,” said Metrobank President Fabian S. Dee.

Metrobank’s net interest income rose to PHP29.4 billion, supported by sustained lending growth. Gross loans expanded by 16.1% year-on-year, with strong performance across all segments.

Commercial loans grew by 16.1%, driven by continued increases in corporate capital expenditures.

The consumer loan portfolio also grew significantly by 16.0%, led by auto loans and gross credit card receivables, which surged by 21.4% and 17.9% year-on-year, respectively.

Total deposits stood at PHP2.2 trillion, with 64.4% comprising low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA).

Non-interest income posted strong growth of 31.9%, reaching PHP8.7 billion. Fee income rose by 10.5% to PHP4.3 billion, supported by the expanding consumer business, while trading and foreign exchange gains jumped nearly fourfold to PHP2.6 billion.

Operating costs grew moderately by 7.0%, keeping the cost-to-income ratio at 50.8%.

Non-performing loans (NPLs) accounted for only 1.6% of total loans, well below the industry’s 3.5% NPL ratio as of February.

The bank booked PHP2.6 billion in provisions during the quarter, maintaining a high NPL cover of 150.9% to buffer against potential portfolio risks.

Metrobank’s consolidated assets grew by 9.1% to PHP3.5 trillion, making it the second-largest private universal bank in terms of assets. Total equity stood at PHP377.2 billion, with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.4% and a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of 14.7%, both well above regulatory requirements.