PHILIPPINE Business Bank (PBB) on Wednesday reported a net income of P1.9 billion in 2025, higher by P114.2 million compared to the previous year, which it attributed to improved margins and better asset quality despite a challenging operating environment.
In a disclosure, the bank said profit before tax rose to P2.5 billion, core income reached P3.5 billion and interest income grew to P11.4 billion.
Net interest income climbed to P7.3 billion, an increase of P587.3 million, attributed to higher interest earnings and better margin management.
The bank’s total resources stood at P168.8 billion as of end-December, with net loans and receivables at P127.7 billion and deposit liabilities at P134.9 billion.
Low-cost current account and savings account deposits amounted to P64.4 billion, while time deposits reached P70.6 billion.
Shareholders’ equity stood at P21.2 billion, translating to a book value per share of P25.10. Over the past five years, the bank said book value per share posted compounded annual growth of 9.1 percent.
Profitability indicators also improved, with return on assets at 1.12 percent and return on equity at 8.96 percent.
The bank’s capital adequacy ratio was at 13.0 percent, while its minimum liquidity ratio stood at 24.1 percent, both above regulatory thresholds. Asset quality also strengthened as the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio declined to 4.2 percent from 5.7 percent.
“PBB delivered a solid performance in 2025, closing the year with net income of P1.9 billion. This was achieved despite a challenging operating environment marked by weaker business sentiment, domestic issues that weighed on market confidence, and broader global uncertainties,” PBB Vice Chairman, President and CEO Rolando Avante said.
“With this backdrop, the bank further enhanced its focus on credit and asset quality, deliberately directing efforts more towards margin expansion rather than asset-base expansion. In particular, through better margin management, deeper client engagement, and a more deliberate focus on profitable business generation,” he added.
Looking ahead, PBB said it expected operating conditions to remain difficult due to elevated oil price risks, global uncertainties and fragile business sentiment, which could weigh on borrowers and intensify competition in the banking sector.
The bank said it would continue prioritizing profitability through deeper client relationships, improved operational efficiency, and selective expansion in higher-margin consumer loan segments.
Philippine Business Bank shares on Wednesday rose P0.10 or 1.43 percent, to close at P7.10 each.
