Metrobank nets P24.8 billion in H1

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank), the Philippines' second-largest private universal lender by assets, reported a net income of P24.8 billion for the first half of 2025, driven by resilient loan growth, improved margins, higher trading gains, and stronger cost efficiency.

- Ehda M. Dagooc

Pre-provision operating profit climbed 16.3 percent year-on-year to P39.1 billion, underscoring the bank’s operational strength amid continued expansion across its core segments.

"Our first-half performance reflects the continuing strength of our core businesses," said Metrobank President Fabian Dee in a statement.

"We remain focused on executing prudent strategies that will support our clients' growth and help us achieve our medium-term objectives," Dee added.

Net interest income rose to PHP60.0 billion in the six-month period, buoyed by sustained expansion across business segments and a sequential improvement in net interest margin.

Gross loans advanced 13.2 percent year-on-year, with institutional lending up 12.7 percent on the back of robust corporate capital expenditure.