Metrobank (Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.) has posted a record net income of $635.77 million (PHP 37.3 billion) for the first nine months of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the Philippine bank’s financial performance. The bank attributed this strong performance to robust loan growth, improved margin trends, healthy trading income, and well-controlled cost management, according to a bourse filing.
Pre-provision operating profit surged 12.1% year-on-year (YoY), reaching $1.01 billion (PHP 59.2 billion) during the period. The bank’s net interest income also saw an increase of 7.1%, totalling $1.56 billion (PHP 91.8 billion) for the nine-month period. This growth was driven by gains across various business segments and continued quarterly improvements in margins.
Metrobank’s gross loans rose by 10.8%, reaching $32.39 billion (PHP 1.9 trillion). Consumer loans expanded by 15.8%, while institutional loans grew by 9.5%. The bank’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio stood at 1.7% as of September 2025, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.6% reported for August 2025.
Total deposits increased by 7.6%, reaching $42.61 billion (PHP 2.5 trillion), with low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA) accounting for $25.57 billion (PHP 1.5 trillion). The loan-to-deposit ratio was 76.6%, the bank said.
Non-interest income also grew by 5.3%, totalling $432.94 million (PHP 25.4 billion), driven by increases in service fees and trust income. Trading and foreign exchange gains rose by 18%, reaching $112.5 million (PHP 6.6 billion).
Operating costs rose by just 1.7%, and the bank’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.8% in 9M 2025, down from 52.2% in the same period last year.
The bank’s pre-provision operating profit rose 12.1% year-on-year (YoY) to $1.01 billion (PHP 59.2 billion), underscoring Metrobank’s operational resilience and strategic growth initiatives. Net interest income also expanded by 7.1% to $1.56 billion (PHP 91.8 billion), supported by gains across multiple business segments and steady quarterly improvements in net interest margins.
Metrobank’s gross loan portfolio increased by 10.8% to $32.39 billion (PHP 1.9 trillion), reflecting strong demand from both consumer and institutional clients. Consumer loans grew 15.8%, while institutional loans rose by 9.5%. Notably, the bank maintained a highly conservative asset quality profile, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio standing at just 1.7% as of September 2025, significantly below the industry average of 3.6% reported in August.
Total deposits grew 7.6% to $42.61 billion (PHP 2.5 trillion), with low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA) representing $25.57 billion (PHP 1.5 trillion) of the total. The bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio remained healthy at 76.6%, indicating strong liquidity and balanced lending strategies.
Non-interest income also contributed positively to earnings, rising 5.3% to $432.94 million (PHP 25.4 billion). This increase was largely driven by higher service fees, trust income, and trading gains. Foreign exchange and trading profits jumped 18% to $112.5 million (PHP 6.6 billion), demonstrating the bank’s diversified revenue streams and effective market strategies.
Operating expenses remained well-controlled, increasing by only 1.7% year-on-year. As a result, Metrobank’s cost-to-income ratio improved to 49.8% in the first nine months of 2025, down from 52.2% in the same period last year. This reflects the bank’s continued focus on operational efficiency while supporting growth initiatives.
Analysts note that Metrobank’s strong results come amid a challenging economic environment, with inflationary pressures and rising interest rates affecting both consumers and corporate borrowers. The bank’s ability to expand its loan portfolio while maintaining high asset quality and operational efficiency positions it well for sustainable growth in the coming quarters.
Metrobank’s management attributed the record earnings to a balanced strategy of expanding core banking activities, optimizing trading and fee-based income, and managing costs effectively. The bank’s diversified approach and disciplined execution across consumer, corporate, and treasury operations remain key drivers of its ongoing success.