BUSINESS

Metrobank H1 profit hits P24.8B amid brisk lending

Jason Mago

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) reported a strong financial performance in the first half of 2025, with net income reaching P24.8 billion, underscoring the bank’s resilience and continued momentum amid shifting market conditions.

The bank’s pre-provision operating profit rose by 16.3 percent year-on-year to P39.1 billion, driven by solid loan growth, recovering margins, and a surge in trading gains.

“Our first half performance reflects the continuing strength of our core businesses,” Metrobank President Fabian Dee said.

“As we enter the second half of the year, we remain focused on building on our fundamentals and implementing prudent strategies, which will allow us to continue helping our clients grow further as well as achieve our medium-term goals.”

The bank’s net interest income climbed to P60 billion, as gross loans expanded by 13.2 percent year-on-year.

Corporate lending jumped by 12.7 percent, fueled by increased capital expenditures from large firms, while consumer loans rose 15.3 percent, reflecting renewed household spending.

Credit card receivables and auto loans posted double-digit gains of 18.2 percent and 17.8 percent, respectively.

Total deposits reached P2.3 trillion, with low-cost current and savings accounts (CASA) making up P1.5 trillion — evidence of Metrobank’s continued strength in core funding.

Strong trading performance

Non-interest income also saw a sharp rise of 46.2 percent to P17.6 billion, lifted by strong fee-based revenues and trading performance. The bank earned P8.6 billion in fees and commissions, while trading and foreign exchange gains hit P5.4 billion, thanks to active customer flows and strategic portfolio shifts.