KARACHI: Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited (HabibMetro Bank) reported a consolidated profit after tax of Rs5.15 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with Rs6.24 billion in the same quarter last year.
According to the bank’s unaudited consolidated financial statements, profit attributable to the holding company stood at Rs4.91 billion, while non-controlling interests accounted for around Rs221.6 million. The bank’s basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) declined to Rs4.69, compared with Rs5.80 in the corresponding quarter of 2025.
The bank’s consolidated net mark-up/interest income increased to Rs15.77 billion during the quarter from Rs18.08 billion a year earlier. Non-mark-up income was recorded at approximately Rs5.95 billion, compared with Rs5.45 billion in the same period last year.
On the expense side, consolidated non-mark-up/interest expenses rose to around Rs11.74 billion, compared with Rs9.58 billion in the first quarter of 2025. The increase in expenses, alongside lower net mark-up/interest income, contributed to the decline in quarterly profitability.
The bank reported profit before taxation of Rs6.46 billion, down from Rs7.02 billion in the corresponding quarter last year. Taxation amounted to approximately Rs1.31 billion, compared with Rs780.6 million a year earlier.
Balance Sheet Position
HabibMetro’s consolidated total assets stood at approximately Rs1.92 trillion as of March 31, 2026, compared with Rs1.84 trillion at December 31, 2025. Deposits and other accounts increased to around Rs1.19 trillion, from Rs1.19 trillion at the end of 2025, while borrowings rose to approximately Rs346.2 billion.
The bank’s unconsolidated financial statements also showed a decline in quarterly profitability. Profit after taxation came in at Rs4.89 billion, compared with Rs6.05 billion in the first quarter of 2025, while EPS fell to Rs4.67 from Rs5.78.
Rs2.50 Per Share Interim Dividend Announced
Alongside the financial results, HabibMetro’s board approved an interim cash dividend of Rs2.50 per share, equivalent to 25%, for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The company did not announce any bonus or right shares.
The bank also announced that its share transfer books would remain closed from May 6 to May 8, 2026, both days inclusive, according to the notice accompanying the financial results.
Overall, HabibMetro entered 2026 with a decline in quarterly earnings compared with the same period last year, despite growth in its asset base and non-mark-up income. The board’s decision to maintain a Rs2.50 per share interim dividend highlights the bank’s continued shareholder distribution during the period.
