Metropolitan Bank Raises Quarterly Dividend 40%

Metropolitan Bank Holding Corp. (NYSE: MCB) raised its quarterly dividend to $0.35 per share from $0.25, a 40% increase. The shares had an ex-dividend date of July 31, 2026.

At the new quarterly rate, the forward annual dividend is $1.40 per share. That represents a forward yield of 1.55% based on a share price of $90.78.

The New York-based company is the parent of Metropolitan Commercial Bank, which provides commercial and retail banking services primarily to small businesses, middle-market companies, public entities and affluent individuals in the New York metropolitan area. Its principal lending categories include commercial real estate and commercial-and-industrial loans, according to the company’s second-quarter regulatory filing.

The dividend increase comes as Metropolitan emphasizes shareholder returns alongside continued balance-sheet growth. The company said in its second-quarter results that its board had also authorized a $50 million common-stock repurchase program in June. Management reported year-over-year growth in net interest income and said the bank remained well capitalized under applicable regulatory guidelines. Chief Executive Mark DeFazio said the lending pipeline remained robust and that momentum in core operating trends was expected to continue.

Second-quarter earnings were tempered by a credit-loss provision tied mainly to a single commercial-and-industrial loan in a non-core portfolio segment, as well as isolated non-interest expenses. The company nevertheless pointed to progress in resolving legacy asset-quality matters, according to the same earnings release.

Metropolitan’s market capitalization was approximately $1.13 billion at the time reflected in the locked data. The dataset assigns the company zero consecutive years of dividend growth, so the latest increase does not represent an established annual growth streak.

What it means for income investors

The higher rate increases expected annual cash income by $0.40 per share compared with the previous quarterly payout maintained for a full year. Investors purchasing shares on or after the July 31 ex-dividend date would not qualify for the associated distribution. The 1.55% forward yield describes the annualized payout relative to the stated share price; it can change as the stock price moves, and future dividends remain subject to board approval.