Metrobankreported P36.3 billion in net income for the first nine months of 2026, supported by double-digit loan growth and higher interest earnings.
Gross loans expanded by 13 percent year-on-year, outpacing industry growth as businesses borrowed more to fund investments and day-to-day operations.
Management’s view
"The resiliency and strength of the Bank come from the Bank’s robust fundamentals and prudent approach in managing its core businesses. With the economic landscape still uncertain, we will continue to invest in our capabilities to better serve our customers, while managing risks prudently,” Metrobank President Fabian Dee said in a statement on Thursday.
“We are making sure that we will sustain our ability to create long-term value to all our stakeholders,” he added.
Corporate lending drives growth
Loans to corporate and institutional customers rose 14.2 percent, reflecting stronger investment spending and demand for working capital, while consumer lending increased 8.9 percent on credit card and housing loans.
The expansion helped lift net interest income by 11.9 percent to P102.7 billion, with the bank earning a wider margin on its lending activities.
Its net interest margin improved to 3.9 percent from 3.7 percent a year earlier, while fee and trust income increased 6.7 percent to P14.9 billion.
Loan quality holds steady
Despite the rapid lending expansion, Metrobank's nonperforming loan ratio stood at 1.9 percent, below the banking industry's 3.4 percent, indicating that a relatively small share of borrowers had fallen behind on payments.
The bank maintained P2.5 trillion in deposits against its growing loan portfolio, giving it room to continue financing businesses and households.
With total assets of P3.7 trillion and equity of P410 billion, Metrobank enters the final quarter with a substantial capital base, although continued economic uncertainty could test demand for loans and borrowers' ability to repay.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
