Metrobank 9-month bottom line eases to P36 billion
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) saw its earnings dip in the first nine months of 2026, weighed down by weaker trading gains, higher provisions and operating costs.
The group said Thursday its net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company eased down by 2.6 percent to P36.33 billion from P37.28 billion a year ago.
Net interest income rose by 11.9 percent to P102.7 billion. Net interest margin improved by 3.9 percent from 3.7 percent.
The bank’s lending activities remained robust, expanding by a double-digit 13 percent during the period as more clients took out loans.
Corporate loans alone increased by 14.2 percent, while consumer loans also grew by 8.9 percent.
However, the stronger segment failed to offset the P4.75-billion decline recorded in net trading, securities and foreign exchange gain as well as in miscellaneous income.
The company said other operating income dropped by 18.5 percent to P20.68 billion against the previous P25.38 billion.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses during the first three quarters also increased by 11.85 percent to P64.83 billion from P57.96 billion following additional manpower, occupancy and equipment-related costs, and miscellaneous expenses.
The firm likewise set aside more funds to cover potential credit losses, reaching P12.06 billion against the previous P8.69 billion.
“With the economic landscape still uncertain, we will continue to invest in our capabilities to better serve our customers, while managing risks prudently,” said Metrobank president Fabian Dee.
Meanwhile, total deposits hit P2.5 trillion on the back of the expansion of low-cost current and savings accounts.
The loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 83.8 percent, showing the lender’s capacity to finance its clients’ financial needs.
Fee and trust income likewise improved by 6.7 percent to P14.9 billion.
The bank’s nonperforming loans (NPL) ratio ended at 1.9 percent, well below the industry’s 3.4 percent. Metrobank also sustained its NPL cover high at 131.8 percent.
As of the end of September, its total assets stood at P3.7 trillion.
Metrobank has a network of 970 domestic branches across the country and 27 foreign branches.
