Chinabank (PSE: CBC) continued its upward trajectory in the first quarter of 2026, posting a net income of P6.8 billion, up 4% year-on-year (YoY), on the back of strong core business growth. This performance translated to a 14.2% return on equity and a 1.5% return on assets.
Net interest income served as the primary growth engine, rising 14% YoY to P19.5 billion, supported by higher topline revenues and lower interest expenses. As a result, net interest margin improved by 12 basis points to 4.61% from a year earlier.
Operating expenses for the period rose by a manageable 5% to P8.8 billion, largely due to ongoing investments in human capital and digital transformation. The bank’s cost-to-income ratio remained efficient at 49%.
Chinabank maintained its position as the country’s fourth-largest private universal bank, with total assets reaching P1.9 trillion—a 12% increase driven by the strategic build-up of high-quality earning assets. Gross loans reached P1.1 trillion, a 16% increase compared to the previous year, fueled by strong demand across both corporate and consumer segments. On the funding side, total deposits grew 13% to P1.5 trillion, with checking and savings accounts (CASA) increasing by 20% YoY, improving the CASA ratio to 48% from 46% a year ago.
Despite steady asset quality, with a non-performing loans (NPL) ratio of 1.6%, Chinabank remained committed to prudence, increasing loan loss provisions to P684 million, resulting in an NPL coverage ratio of 110%.
Total equity grew by 10% to P192.3 billion, with a book value per share of P71.42, up 10%.
During the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting on April 15, 2026, stockholders approved the declaration of cash dividends totaling P7.5 billion, composed of a P1.80 per share regular dividend and a P1.00 per share special dividend. This total payout is 12% higher than the previous year’s P2.50 per share distribution, underscoring Chinabank's financial resilience and commitment to disciplined capital management.