Philippine National Bank (PNB) has approved a higher dividend payout for 2026, reflecting stronger earnings and continued confidence in its long-term strategy.

In a disclosure, the Lucio Tan-backed lender said its board authorized a cash dividend of P3.30 per share, up 20 percent from last year, equivalent to a 20 percent payout ratio based on its 2025 net income.

The bank said the dividend will be released in two equal tranches of P1.65 per share, in which the first payment will be distributed on 27 March 2026 to shareholders on record as of 10 March, while the second tranche will be paid on 1 October 2026 for shareholders on record as of 18 September.

The higher dividend follows a solid financial performance in 2025, when PNB reported a net income of P25.3 billion, likewise up 20 percent year-on-year, driven primarily by expansion in its core lending operations.

Loan growth played a central role in the bank’s performance. PNB’s loan portfolio rose 15 percent, with consumer lending leading the increase at 27 percent, while corporate and commercial loans expanded 13 percent.

Deposits also strengthened during the year, climbing 9 percent to P1.06 trillion, marking the first time the bank’s deposit base crossed the trillion-peso level.

At the same time, the bank improved asset quality and operating efficiency. Its non-performing loan ratio eased to 4.7 percent from 5.7 percent a year earlier as monitoring and risk management systems were strengthened.

The higher payout also marks the second straight year that Philippine National Bank has declared annual cash dividends, signaling stronger profitability and a renewed focus on shareholder returns after several years of limited distributions. In 2025, the bank paid P2.76 per share in cash dividends, released in two tranches during the year, reflecting improving earnings and capital position.

The latest increase continues that momentum and underscores management’s confidence that the bank’s balance sheet and income growth can support regular distributions moving forward.

PNB president and chief executive officer Edwin Bautista said the increase reflects the bank’s steady momentum and commitment to deliver value to investors.