PNB sustains strong profitability in 2024
Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB) posted its second year of high consolidated net income of P21.2 billion in 2024, increasing by 18% year-on-year as a result of sustained effort in strengthening the Bank’s core business. This translated to a return on equity of 10.39% percent, up from the 9.95% posted in 2023.
Comprising 83% of total operating income, the Bank’s net interest income surpassed its year-ago level by 11% to reach P49.3 billion. The double-digit expansion was propelled by a 13% growth in interest income arising from increased lending and investment activities combined with higher yields. Funding efficiencies were likewise achieved, driven by a 7% increase in CASA deposits which made up 84% of deposit liabilities. By the end of 2024, the Bank’s net interest margin widened to 4.5% compared to the 4.23% registered a year ago.
Income from the Bank’s fee-based business went up by 4% to P5.5 billion which is attributed to increase in the volume of transactions covering loans, credit cards, deposits, and trade.
“We are very pleased with what the Bank has achieved in terms of its financial results, which, in particular, showed a solid core income as the driver for the Bank’s bottomline. In particular, we were successful in increasing our NIM, supported by broad based loan expansion as well as efficient deployment of funds,” said PNB President Florido P. Casuela.
Trading and foreign exchange gains of P1.8 billion, which increased by 3%, supplemented the core income growth as the Bank was able to capitalize on market opportunities, despite the thinner volatility and liquidity in the foreign exchange market during the year. While lower than in 2023, the Bank also continued to aggressively dispose of its foreclosed assets in 2024 and contributed P2.0 billion to the Bank’s bottomline. Without the significant one-off gains from the sale of foreclosed assets in 2023, the Bank’s non-core income would have posted a strong growth of 31% year-on-year.
Operating expenses were prudently managed, rising only by 4% to P29.6 billion, with the Bank’s cost efficiency ratio maintained at 49.6%.
The Bank’s total assets stood at P1.3 trillion as of December 31, 2024, growing by 4% year-on-year, buoyed by higher loans and investment portfolio. Meanwhile, the Bank’s reported net income for the year raised its total equity to P216.6 billion, up by 13% from year-ago level. This resulted in stronger Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio and Capital Adequacy Ratio of 19.21% and 20.10%, respectively, which are way above the minimum regulatory requirements.
“2024 marks another milestone for the Bank as our net income continued its growth trajectory on the back of robust net interest income, prudent expense management and lower credit provisions,” added PNB President Florido P. Casuela. “The Bank’s performance indicates that our strategic initiatives are gaining traction that will solidify our market position among the leading banks.”
PNB recently received accolades in various areas from several award-giving bodies. The PNB Singapore Mobile App was recognized as “Digital Experience of the Year in the Philippines” during the 2024 Asian Experience Awards hosted by the Asian Business Review. The award was a recognition of PNB’s responsiveness to the ever-changing digital expectations of clients and the highly dynamic business landscape. PNB is also the only Filipino bank in Singapore that allows customers to remit to beneficiaries in the Philippines using their mobile device. Fund transfer is conveniently made from the customers’ local Singapore bank accounts to their designated bank accounts in the Philippines. PNB was also awarded as “Highly Commended” in the Top Investment Houses for Trust and Investment at the prestigious Asset Benchmark Research (ABR) Awards 2024 held in Singapore. This award recognized PNB’s strategic role in helping clients navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape while providing unparalleled service. The Bank’s ‘Every Step Together’ campaign was also recognized by the Catholic Mass Media Awards as Best Branded Digital Ad. The campaign showcased how PNB had been a faithful financial partner of many generations of Filipinos and further solidified its commitment to offer stability and security for Filipino families worldwide.