Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.’s (Metrobank) net income climbed 2.16 percent in the first quarter of 2025 to P12.3 billion from P11.99 billion in the same period last year, supported by robust loan growth, strong fee and trading income and moderated operating cost increases.
Net interest income reached P29.4 billion, up by 2.37 percent year-on-year, backed by the sustained expansion of the bank’s lending business.
“Our first-quarter performance keeps us on track in achieving our medium-term growth strategies even as global uncertainties continue to persist. Our strong capitalization and healthy portfolio give us and our clients the assurance on our ability to navigate the changing economic landscape,” said Metrobank president Fabian Dee.
Gross loans rose 16.1 percent year-on-year, with commercial loans up by the same rate due to increased corporate capital expenditures.
Consumer loans also grew 16 percent, driven by a 21.4-percent jump in auto loans and a 17.9-percent rise in gross credit card receivables.
Total deposits stood at P2.2 trillion, of which 64.4 percent came from low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA).
Non-interest income climbed 31.9 percent to P8.7 billion. Fee-based income rose 10.5 percent to P4.3 billion, boosted by the expanding consumer business, while trading and foreign exchange gains surged nearly fourfold to P2.6 billion.
Operating expenses increased 7 percent, resulting in a cost-to-income ratio of 50.8 percent.
Metrobank’s low non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stood at 1.6 percent, well below the industry average of 3.5 percent as of February.
Provisions during the quarter increased to P2.6 billion from P560 million provision in 2024, with an NPL coverage ratio of 150.9 percent.
The bank’s total consolidated assets rose 9.1 percent to P3.5 trillion, making it the second largest private universal bank in the Philippines by assets.
Total equity stood at P377.2 billion. Capital adequacy ratio was at 15.4 percent and common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio at 14.7 percent.
