Should I buy Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company stock in 2025?

What is Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company?

How much is Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company stock?

The price of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company stock is declining this week. As of today, MBT trades at PHP 74.90, reflecting a 0.13% decrease in the last 24 hours and a 0.73% drop over the past week.

The company holds a market capitalization of PHP 337.21 billion, with a 3-month average trading volume of 2.66 million shares.

Metrobank’s P/E ratio stands at 6.97, alongside a strong dividend yield of 6.67%, and the stock’s beta is 0.93, indicating slightly lower volatility than the market.

Despite mixed short-term trends, the attractive yield and healthy fundamentals make MBT an appealing option for investors focused on stability and income in the Philippine market.

Our full analysis on Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company stock

Having thoroughly reviewed Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (MBT)’s latest financial disclosure, analyzed the stock’s price evolution across the last three years, and synthesized proprietary insights from financial ratios, technical market signals, and competitive benchmarking, the overall narrative for MBT is increasingly constructive. Our integrated, multi-dimensional approach highlights both robust balance sheet quality and compelling valuation, set within a dynamic, evolving Philippine financial sector. So, why might Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company stock once again become a strategic entry point into the Philippine banking sector in 2025?

Recent Performance and Market Context

Despite a relatively subdued trailing one-year price performance—MBT has contracted by 8.23% over twelve months to close at PHP 74.90 as of May 27, 2025—the underlying context is far from discouraging. Notably, the 52-week trading range, from PHP 62.05 to PHP 82.60, illustrates both resilience and upside potential, while recent sessions have seen the price consolidate comfortably above key long-term technical markers.

Crucially, Q1 2025 earnings delivered a net income increase of 2.5% year-over-year, powered by both core interest operations and a standout 31.9% surge in non-interest revenue. Fee income (+10.5%) and robust trading performance underscore MBT’s diversified earnings base, even as the operating cost ratio edged higher. In a macro context, the Philippine banking sector has remained a relative safe haven amidst regional volatility. The combination of a still-healthy domestic economic expansion—backed by government infrastructure spending, resilient remittances, and improving private consumption—creates a favorable tailwind for banking growth.

A further catalyst for investor confidence is the recent upgrade of MBT’s Fitch viability rating to bbb-/stable, an explicit acknowledgment of the bank’s balance sheet strength and prudent risk management.

Technical Analysis

Turning to the technical landscape, MBT presents an interesting convergence of signals:

• Moving Averages: The price now sits above the 50-, 100-, and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs), indicating emerging medium- and long-term bullish structure. Specifically, the 200-day SMA at PHP 74.19—recently crossed on May 23—often signals institutional accumulation and a shift in sentiment.
• Support & Resistance: Immediate support is building at PHP 74.50 and PHP 73.95, with resistance slightly overhead at PHP 75.35 and PHP 76.20. The tight trading range means a breakout—supported by volume—could easily trigger a meaningful uptrend.
• Momentum Indicators: The 14-day RSI at 48.7 is neutral, conferring neither overbought nor oversold risk, whereas the Williams %R at -29.03 offers a soft buy signal. Although MACD (-0.48) emits a cautious note, the Stochastic RSI (95.90) is flashing an overbought condition, suggestive of short-term consolidation before a new advance.

The total technical picture, therefore, is one of constructive ambiguity but a bullish bias as longer timeframes increasingly align. Any sustained move above resistance zones, paired with improving volume, may mark the beginning of a fresh upward phase.

Fundamental Analysis

MBT’s fundamentals speak to a franchise both mature and growth-accretive:

• Profitability & Diversification: Q1 net interest income reached PHP 29.4 billion, while non-interest income soared. The cost-to-income ratio at 50.8% remains competitive, reflecting disciplined expense management even as the bank invests heavily in digital initiatives.
• Loan Book Expansion: Loans grew 16.1% year-over-year, supported nearly equally by commercial and consumer demand. Asset quality remains exceptional, with a 1.6% non-performing loan ratio—well below the industry norm and buffered by a best-in-class 150.9% NPL coverage.
• Valuation Appeal: With a trailing P/E of just 6.97 and a generous dividend yield of 6.67%, MBT is firmly in value territory relative to regional and global banking peers. For context, the stock’s consensus target price stands at PHP 97.50, pricing in nearly 30% upside from current levels.
• Structural Strengths:
• Balance Sheet: PHP 3.5 trillion in assets and a capital adequacy ratio of 15.4% offer robust loss absorption and credit extension firepower.
• Wealth Management & Brand: Recognition from Euromoney and a strengthened franchise among high-net-worth clients speak to revenue durability.
• Digital Leadership: Ongoing investments in technology position MBT at the leading edge of a sector increasingly defined by banking-as-a-platform innovation.

Volume and Liquidity

Trading liquidity is a core pillar for institutional and retail market attraction. While recent daily volumes (1.2 million shares) sit below the three-month average (2.66 million shares), MBT’s deep public float (2.15 billion shares) and substantial market cap (PHP 337.21B) ensure persistent, broad-based market participation.

Periods of lighter volume often precede material price action when combined with strong fundamentals, and may reflect patient accumulation or an emerging supply-demand shift. In this regard, MBT’s float and liquidity environment remain conducive to a dynamic valuation re-rating should a new wave of bullish momentum ensue.

Catalysts and Positive Outlook

Several compelling, multi-layered catalysts reinforce the positive outlook for MBT:

• Structural Growth: The Philippine economy is projected to maintain above-trend GDP growth, with accelerating credit demand from businesses and consumers.
• Digital Transformation: MBT continues to allocate capital toward digital transformation and customer experience, which could yield operational efficiencies and fee income growth ahead of sector peers.
• Asset Quality Leadership: MBT’s low NPL ratio, high coverage, and prudent lending underpin confidence during macro uncertainty.
• Recognition and Ratings: Improved Fitch credit ratings, Euromoney honors for ultra-high-net-worth banking, and multiple 2025 performance awards all validate market leadership and resilience.
• High Dividend Yield: With a payout of PHP 1.50/share and a forward yield of 6.67%, MBT presents an attractive case for dividend-focused portfolios, especially in an environment of moderate rates and softening inflation.
• Potential Regulatory Easing: Ongoing regulatory reforms and increased focus on financial inclusion may provide favorable environment for further banking sector growth.

Collectively, these drivers set the stage for renewed expansion and bolster the long-term narrative of Philippine financial sector modernization.

Investment Strategies

MBT’s equity profile offers notable strategic flexibility, with arguments to be made for each investment horizon:

• Short-Term: Near-term traders may capitalize on positioning at support (PHP 74.50–73.95), with upside potential upon breakout above near resistance levels (PHP 75.35–76.20). The stock’s post-earnings stability and dividend cushion also limit downside risk.
• Medium-Term: As MBT advances its digitalization agenda and benefits from sector tailwinds, investors may target an initial mean-reversion to the PHP 80–85 range, especially if trading volumes recover to historical averages.
• Long-Term: The multi-year thesis for MBT rests on three pillars: continued macro recovery, technology-enabled growth, and sector consolidation. The stock’s discount to fair value (as reflected in consensus price targets), capital strength, and diversified revenue stream suggest that patient, long-term holders may see attractive risk-adjusted total returns, compounded by reinvested dividends.

Optimal entry points are likely to be near major support, when the broader PSEi enters a risk-on phase, or in anticipation of market-moving catalysts such as quarterly earnings upgrades or significant regulatory shifts.

Is It the Right Time to Buy Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company?

Synthesizing our financial, technical, and strategic findings, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company appears well-positioned for renewed upside. The confluence of improving fundamentals, sector leadership, robust capitalization, healthy loan and deposit franchises, and a compelling sub-7x P/E valuation—combined with a historically high, sustainable dividend yield—frames MBT as an increasingly attractive component for investors seeking value, growth, and income in the Philippine market.

Technically, the stock’s emergence above key moving averages amidst steady institutional participation signals that the groundwork for a new bullish phase may be underway. The presence of multiple positive catalysts—including digital adoption, strong credit metrics, and external recognition—further supports the notion that the coming quarters could mark a turning point for capital appreciation.

While prudent investors should remain attentive to developments in domestic interest rates and macro conditions, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests MBT merits renewed consideration as a core position within a diversified Philippine equity allocation.

In summary, the alignment of sector momentum, institutional confidence, and intrinsic value put Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company at the forefront of opportunities in the Philippine banking space. For investors with a clear strategy and disciplined risk management, this stock seems to represent an excellent opportunity as we look ahead to 2025 and beyond—a period during which MBT may well distinguish itself as a prime beneficiary of the country’s next financial growth cycle.

How to buy Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company stock in PH?

Buying Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank, ticker MBT) stock online has never been simpler or more secure for investors in the Philippines. Whether you prefer to own shares directly (spot buying) or seek trading flexibility via Contracts for Difference (CFDs), regulated brokers offer a reliable, user-friendly experience. Spot buying allows investors to become actual shareholders, while CFD trading lets you speculate on price movements without owning the underlying asset. Each method comes with its own advantages and considerations—details to help you decide are outlined below. For a clear overview of leading online brokers, see our comparison further down this page.

Spot Buying

Cash or spot buying means purchasing actual MBT shares listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange, granting you direct ownership, voting rights, and potential dividend payouts. Filipino brokers commonly charge a fixed commission per order (around PHP 20–50), plus a small percentage (typically 0.25%) of the transaction amount.

Concrete Example

Suppose the MBT share price is PHP 74.90, and you invest PHP 56,000 (about USD 1,000). Excluding fees, you can buy approximately 747 shares (PHP 56,000 / PHP 74.90 ≈ 747). Adding a PHP 300 total brokerage fee (PHP 50 fixed + PHP 250 variable), your initial investment would be slightly over PHP 56,000.

✔️ Gain Scenario
If the MBT share price rises by 10% to PHP 82.39, your shares would now be worth PHP 61,545. Gross gain: +PHP 5,545 (about +10%), not including brokerage or tax.

Trading via CFD

CFD (Contract for Difference) trading enables you to speculate on MBT price direction—up or down—without actually buying the shares. CFDs are offered through regulated online platforms, and involve costs such as the spread (difference between buy/sell price) and overnight financing fees, especially when using leverage.

Example with Leverage

Suppose you open a CFD position on MBT using USD 1,000 (approx. PHP 56,000) with 5x leverage. This means your market exposure is PHP 280,000 (USD 5,000).

✔️ Gain Scenario
If the MBT stock rises 8%, your CFD position returns 40% (8% × 5 leverage), resulting in a PHP 22,400 gain (USD 400), before fees. Remember, higher risk comes with leverage—and losses are magnified similarly.

Final Advice

Before investing, it is essential to compare broker fees, trading platforms, and investment conditions, as charges and features vary significantly across brokers. Your best choice will depend on your financial goals and risk appetite—spot buying suits those seeking long-term growth and dividends, while CFDs are favored for short-term trading opportunities. You’ll find a detailed broker comparison further down this page to help you select the platform that fits your needs and strategy.

Our 7 tips for buying Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company stock

The latest news about Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company

Metrobank delivered strong Q1 2025 results, with net income up 2.5% and robust loan growth. Officially released financial results for the first quarter of 2025 show net income reaching PHP 12.3 billion, driven by healthy net interest income of PHP 29.4 billion and bolstered by a standout 31.9% year-over-year surge in non-interest income. The loan book expanded notably, up 16.1% from the prior year, with auto loans growing 21.4% and credit card receivables rising 17.9%. The bank’s non-performing loan ratio was a low 1.6%, half the industry average, and coverage reached an impressive 150.9%, underscoring superior asset quality relative to local peers.

Analysts maintain a consensus “outperform” rating, with a 30% upside to their PHP 97.50 target price. A strong buy-side sentiment prevails among thirteen covering analysts, buoyed by Metrobank’s attractive P/E of 6.97 and a generous dividend yield of 6.67%. The bank’s fundamentals—including a capital adequacy ratio of 15.4%—signal resilience, while the recently confirmed analyst target price points to significant potential returns for investors in the context of the Philippine market, particularly for those seeking both growth and reliable income.

Technical signals show mixed short-term caution but renewed medium- and long-term momentum for MBT shares. Although the stock’s near-term performance has softened, dropping 0.73% over the week with 24-hour volatility limited to -0.13%, medium- and long-term moving averages (50, 100, and 200-day) now provide consecutive buy signals. Notably, shares recently rose above their 200-day moving average (as of May 23, 2025), which is broadly interpreted as a bullish technical indicator, suggesting investor confidence returning to the stock despite neutral short-term oscillators.

Metrobank’s balance sheet strength is confirmed by robust capital ratios and a dominant funding position in the Philippines. Total assets advanced to PHP 3.5 trillion, a 9.1% increase year-over-year, with total deposits surpassing PHP 2.2 trillion and a CASA ratio of 64.4%, indicative of a solid and low-cost funding structure. The 14.7% CET1 ratio and capital adequacy well above minimum regulatory standards reinforce the bank’s capability to weather possible market or economic disruptions, providing local investors with reassurance of ongoing operational stability.

The bank’s market leadership and recognition continue to affirm its strategic strengths and resilience in the Philippine banking sector. Fitch Ratings recently upgraded Metrobank’s viability rating to bbb-/stable, citing strong asset quality and risk controls. The bank has also been recognized as the Philippines’ Best Bank for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients by Euromoney, and remains a top performer at the PDS Annual Awards. These accolades, in combination with its ongoing investments in digital transformation and wealth management, further bolster its attractiveness to investors prioritizing exposure to resilient, locally grounded institutions with strong growth potential.

FAQ

P. Laurore

Finance expert

Co-founder of HelloSafe and holder of a Master's degree in finance, Pauline has recognised expertise in personal finance, which she uses to help users better understand and optimise their financial choices. At HelloSafe, Pauline plays a key role in designing clear, educational content on savings, investments and personal finance. Passionate about financial education, Pauline strives, with every piece of content she oversees, to provide reliable, transparent and unbiased information for independent and informed financial management. To this end, she has tested over 100 trading platforms to help internet users make the right choices.