BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) President Nestor V. Tan reported that the Bank delivered a 51% increase in net income to P42.8 billion for full-year 2021, with the Bank sustaining its growth momentum through the first quarter of this year as earnings rose by 13% year-on-year to P11.7 billion during the Bank’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held virtually recently. These positive results were achieved on the back of the Bank’s strong core businesses. 

In the same meeting, BDO stockholders approved the declaration of stock dividends equivalent to 20% of the Bank’s outstanding capital stock, as well as an increase in the Bank’s authorized capital stock (common shares) from 5,500,000,000 to 8,500,000,000 shares, and the amendment to the Bank’s Articles of Incorporation to reflect the increase. The record and payment dates for the stock dividend are still subject to regulatory approvals. 

At the Bank’s Special Board of Directors meeting held earlier today, the Board also approved a P1.00 special cash dividend on the Bank’s common shares. Record date for the special cash dividend has been set on May 6, 2022 and payment date is on May 31, 2022. 

The special cash and stock dividend declaration is a testament to BDO’s commitment to provide consistent, steady returns and value to its shareholders on the back of the Bank’s positive performance in 2021 and 1Q 2022.

On the stock dividends, shareholders will gain additional shares which they may either keep for the long-haul and grow in value, or in case they need liquidity, sell through the stock market at their discretion. Record and payment dates of the stock dividends shall be fixed and disclosed after securing regulatory approval, within the periods provided by law. 

Meanwhile, the hike in BDO’s authorized capital stock provides the Bank flexibility to increase its capital during periods of rapid organic growth or in the event of inorganic opportunities. This will allow BDO to continue to expand its business, strengthen its franchise, and deliver quality earnings to position the Bank for long-term sustainable growth.

BDO’s Return on Average Common Equity (ROCE) for the 1Q 2022 increased to 11.09% from 10.56% in the same period last year. The Bank’s Book Value per common share rose to P96.47 as of end-March 2022 for a 7% year-on-year growth.

The Bank’s ability to expand its business is dependent on prevailing business conditions and the Bank’s financial position.