Chinabank hits record P28 billion net income in 2025

China Banking Corporation (Chinabank; PSE: CBC) delivered a banner performance in 2025, reporting a record net income of P28 billion, up 13% from the previous year. This robust bottom-line growth was driven by the bank’s core businesses, translating to a return on equity of 15.6% and a return on assets of 1.6%.

The bank’s core lending business served as a primary engine for growth, with interest income climbing 12% to P105.2 billion, fueled by strong demand across various loan segments. Meanwhile, sustained deposits growth and a more favorable deposit mix helped temper the increase in interest expense. This allowed the bank to maintain a healthy net interest margin of 4.6%. Fee-based income also improved, partly attributed to the sustained growth in transactional fees, trust fees, and bancassurance commissions.  As a result, total operating income jumped 16% to P75.7 billion.

Gross loans, which hit the P1 trillion mark for the first time, increased 13% to P1.1 trillion on strong demand from both the corporate and consumer segments. During the year, Chinabank demonstrated greater prudence while maintaining asset quality. Although the non-performing loans (NPL) ratio kept steady at 1.6%, the bank more than doubled its safety net, setting aside P7 billion in credit provisions. This proactive move resulted in an NPL coverage ratio of 109%, well above the industry average.

Operationally, the bank saw its cost-to-income ratio improve to 45%. Total operating expenses grew 12% to P34.4 billion driven by higher manpower costs, taxes, and IT spending.

Total assets rose 8% to hit P1.8 trillion, further solidifying Chinabank’s position as the country’s fourth largest private universal bank.  On the funding side, deposits grew 9% to P1.4 trillion, supported by a current account and savings account ratio of 48%.

The bank ended the year with a fortified capital position, up 13% to P191.3 billion. This strength is reflected in a common equity tier 1 ratio of 15.2% and a total capital adequacy ratio of 16.1%, providing a significant buffer to support the bank’s long-term strategic objectives.  Book value per share improved by 13% to P71.04.

In 2025, Chinabank affirmed its brand promise of being “Focused on You,” elevating customer experience and security with Google Pay for Chinabank credit and debit cardholders, Green PINs, and the Instant Card Lock/Unlock feature on My CBC App.  The bank also launched  Chinabank Ultra Rewards program, a unique offering that rewards clients for spending and saving, and Chinabank @Home Visa, a credit card designed to meet the evolving needs of Filipino households, solidifying the bank’s role as a resilient and responsive partner in the nation's progress. This foundational strength was recognized on the global stage, as Chinabank was included in the World’s Best Companies (2024 & 2025) and Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies (2025 & 2026) lists by TIME and Statista, as well as the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 (2024 & 2025).