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Metrobank Posts P24.9B First-Half Income on Lending Growth
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. reported a net income of P24.9 billion for the first half of 2026, a slight increase from the previous year. Growth in its lending business and stable net interest margins helped offset volatile financial markets and higher provisions, with gross loans expanding 12.4%.
MANILA, Philippines — Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) posted a slightly higher net income in the first half of 2026 as growth in its lending business and stable margins helped cushion the impact of volatile financial markets and higher provisions. On Friday, the Ty-led bank reported a net income of P24.9 billion for the January-to-June period, up marginally from P24.8 billion a year earlier. READ: Asset growth lifts Metrobank profit to record P49.7B in 2025 Metrobank said its core businesses continued to deliver steady earnings despite what it described as a challenging situation for operations. “The operating environment remained challenging in the first half, requiring us to stay disciplined and focused,” Metrobank president Fabian Dee said. “Our results reflect the strength of Metrobank’s core businesses, the continued trust of our clients, and our prudent approach to balancing growth and risk,” Dee added. Net interest income rose 12.8 percent to P67.7 billion, while the bank maintained a stable net interest margin of 3.7 percent. Gross loans expanded 12.4 percent, driven by sustained demand from both corporate and retail borrowers. Corporate and commercial loans increased 12.8 percent as businesses ramped up investments and working capital spending, while consumer loans climbed 11.1 percent, supported by higher credit card and mortgage lending. Deposits likewise grew 10.4 percent to P2.6 trillion, with low-cost current and savings accounts accounting for 60.5 percent of the total deposit base. READ: GT Capital earns ‘A-’ credit rating from JCR The bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio edged up to 81.1 percent, leaving ample room for further lending expansion. Fee and trust income increased 9.3 percent to P10 billion, partly offsetting weaker trading income caused by volatile financial markets. Meanwhile, operating expenses rose 10.1 percent to P42.4 billion, mainly due to higher transaction volume-related taxes and continued investments in digital capabilities. Metrobank’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4 percent. Despite maintaining an industry-better nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio of 1.8 percent. INQ
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