Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) reported a net income of ₱12.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, supported by steady asset expansion, improved margins, and strong growth in fee-based income, signaling continued resilience amid a shifting banking environment.
The bank said its first-quarter performance reflected the strength of its core businesses, with lending activity and deposit growth helping sustain momentum as it navigates evolving market conditions.
“Our first quarter results underscore the resilience of Metrobank’s core businesses and the consistency of our execution,” said Fabian S. Dee, president of Metrobank, in a press release.
“With strong capitalization, solid asset quality and healthy buffers, we remain well-positioned to manage risks while continuing to support the growth and funding needs of our customers,” he added.
Loan growth and margins lift Metrobank earnings
Fabian S. Dee, president of Metrobank
The bank’s net interest income rose 13.6% year-on-year to ₱33.4 billion, while net interest margin improved by 12 basis points to 3.7%, reflecting stronger profitability from its lending operations.
Gross loans climbed 9.2% from a year earlier, driven by continued demand across both business and consumer segments. Corporate and commercial loans expanded by 8.6%, while consumer loans posted faster growth of 11.2%, mirroring broader economic activity and sustained consumer spending.
Metrobank also saw its deposit base strengthen, with total deposits reaching ₱2.6 trillion. Low-cost current and savings account (CASA) deposits grew 8.4% year-on-year and accounted for 59.2% of total deposits, helping support the bank’s funding efficiency.
The bank’s loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 76.6%, indicating ample liquidity to support further lending.
Beyond lending, Metrobank’s fee and trust income rose 11.8% to ₱5.1 billion, helping offset the impact of volatile market conditions on trading income.
Operating expenses increased by 9.8% to ₱21.1 billion, largely due to higher transaction-related taxes and continued investments in technology infrastructure. Its cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.5%.
Asset quality remained one of Metrobank’s strongest indicators.
Its non-performing loan ratio was steady at 1.75%, significantly below the industry average of 3.44% as of February 2026, according to banking sector data. The bank’s NPL coverage ratio of 137.1% further underscored its capacity to absorb potential credit risks.
Metrobank’s total consolidated assets expanded 8.3% to ₱3.8 trillion, while equity increased 5.1% to ₱396.4 billion.
The bank maintained robust capital buffers, with a capital adequacy ratio of 14.9%, common equity tier 1 ratio of 14.2%, and liquidity coverage ratio of 151.1% — all well above regulatory minimums set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
The results reinforce Metrobank’s position as one of the Philippines’ strongest and most well-capitalized private universal banks as competition intensifies across the country’s financial sector.
