LANDBANK end-2021 income rises 27% to P21.75-B

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) recorded a net income of P21.75 billion in 2021—a 27% expansion from P17.14 billion in 2020—on the back of lower cost of funds and provision for losses.

LANDBANK’s total assets likewise grew 9.5% year-on-year to P2.586 trillion from P2.362 trillion. This was propelled by deposits expanding by 8.39% to P2.269 trillion, mainly from the rise in deposits of government and private accounts.

Year-end capital significantly increased to P207.68 billion, 23.39% higher from P168.31 billion in 2020, attributed to the P27.5 billion equity infusion from the National Government in February 2021 and increase in retained earnings from annual net income.

“LANDBANK’s robust financial performance to close 2021 is a testament to resiliency and the capacity to thrive amid another challenging year. We will build on this momentum as we continue to take on an expanded role and a more holistic approach in supporting key development sectors and the nation at large,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Cecilia C. Borromeo.

In terms of financial ratios, LANDBANK posted an above industry-average return on equity of 11.57%. Return on assets improved to 0.88% from 0.78% in 2020, while net interest margin is 2.86%.

LANDBANK’s strong financial base places the Bank in prime position to support the whole agriculture sector and other development industries.

From January to December 2021, total LANDBANK loans translated to the delivery of various basic services and infrastructure facilities. These include the construction and improvement of 303 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 33 hospital buildings, 1,954 hospital beds, 9 school buildings, 96 classrooms, and 18,303 households connected with potable water.

LANDBANK strives to strike a successful balance in fulfilling its social mandate of promoting national development while remaining financially viable, making it unique among universal banks in the country.