METROPOLITAN Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) on Thursday posted a 2.7-percent decline in net income to P36.3 billion in the first nine months of 2026, from P37.3 billion a year earlier, as higher expenses offset stronger lending activity and higher interest income.
The country’s third-largest bank by assets as of end-June this year said net interest income increased 11.9 percent to P102.7 billion from P91.8 billion while net interest margin improved to 3.9 percent from 3.7 percent.
Gross loans expanded 13 percent year on year, faster than last year’s 10.8-percent growth, as sustained investment spending and higher working capital requirements fueled demand from corporate borrowers.
Institutional loans grew 14.2 percent while consumer loans increased by 8.9 percent, supported by credit card and mortgage lending.
Earnings were tempered, however, by a nearly 12-percent increase in gross expense to P64.83 billion from P57.96 billion last year, reflecting continued investments in personnel and technology. Nonoperating expenses also ballooned by around 38.8 percent to P12 billion from about P8.7 billion previously.
Metrobank’s total deposits reached P2.5 trillion, with low-cost current and savings accounts accounting for 61.2 percent of the total. Its loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 83.8 percent.
Fee and trust income rose by 6.7 percent to P14.9 billion, helping cushion the impact of fluctuating market conditions on trading income.
“The resiliency and strength of the Bank come from the Bank’s robust fundamentals and prudent approach in managing its core businesses,” Metrobank President Fabian Dee said.
“With the economic landscape still uncertain, we will continue to invest in our capabilities to better serve our customers, while managing risks prudently,” he added.
Asset quality remained solid, with a nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio of 1.9 percent, below the industry average of 3.4 percent. NPL coverage ratio stood at 131.8 percent, while restructured loans accounted for 0.3 percent of total loans, compared with the industry’s 1.9 percent.
Metrobank’s total assets reached P3.7 trillion as of end-September, while shareholders’ equity increased to P410 billion from P407.6 billion.
Its capital adequacy ratio stood at 14.5 percent and its common equity Tier 1 ratio at 13.8 percent, both above regulatory minimum requirements. Its liquidity coverage ratio was 141 percent.
Metrobank shares on Thursday dropped P2.00, or 3.17 percent, to close at P61.00 each.
