Metrobank 1H Income Rose 18% to PhP13B
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (PSE: MBT) reported PhP13.0 billion in net income for the first half of 2019, representing 18% growth from the PhP11.0 billion in the same period last year. For the second quarter, net income grew by 22% year-on-year.
Metrobank’s solid performance for the semester was driven by its double-digit growth in operating income on the back of consistent loan growth and margin expansion, higher fee based income, and prudent operational expenditures.
“We are pleased with the results as our initiatives are bearing fruit. We anticipate that the second half will bring even better opportunities as government spending on infrastructure projects continues to accelerate,” said President Fabian S. Dee. “We will continue to make strategic investments in key areas of people and technology so we can deliver more meaningful banking experiences to all our customers.” Mr. Dee added.
At the end of the first semester, Metrobank’s deposit base stood at PhP1.6 trillion, with CASA ratio stable at 61% to total deposits. This supported the 6% growth in net loans and receivables to PhP1.4 trillion. Credit demand was mainly broad-based, as both the commercial segment (comprised of corporate, middle market and SMEs) and consumer portfolio (including mortgage, auto, and credit cards) posted mid-single digit growth over the comparative period last year.
For the first half, Metrobank’s net interest margin improved by 6 basis points year-on-year to 3.83%. Net interest income grew 10% to PhP36.5 billion, and accounted for 73% of the Bank’s total revenues of PhP50.2 billion.
Rounding off the Bank’s growth trajectory was its non-interest income, which rose by 16% to PhP13.7 billion. This included an 8% increase in service fees and commissions to PhP6.6 billion, PhP3.6 billion in net trading and FX gains, and PhP3.5 billion in miscellaneous income. Fee-related revenues as well as trading income continue to benefit from increased customer business in fixed income and foreign exchange.
Meanwhile, operating expense growth decelerated to 7% (from the 10% in 1Q 2019), ending the first half at PhP27.8 billion. Manpower-related costs accounted for PhP11.3 billion of the full amount, while the balance was spent on systems and process improvements, as well as continuous investments in information technology, marketing, and training and development.
As the Bank realizes efficiency gains, and revenue growth continues to outpace cost formation, the cost-income ratio has significantly improved to 55.7% from 58.0% in the same period last year.
Asset quality metrics remained healthy, with non-performing loans (NPL) ratio lower than the previous quarter at 1.5%. To cover its credit risk, the Bank set aside PhP4.6 billion provisions for credit and impairment losses driven by the increase in its loan portfolio.
As of 30 June 2019, Metrobank’s consolidated assets stood at PhP2.3 trillion and equity at PhP296.5 billion.