Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported strong growth in net revenue, maintaining the rapid pace achieved in 2024, with income from operations growing faster than revenue, particularly in Argentina [3][4] - Monthly active users reached 64 million, growing over 30% year on year [6] - EBIT margin improved by 70 basis points year on year, from 12.2% to 12.9% [95][96] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Argentina, GMV growth was 126% year on year, with items sold increasing by 52% [18][22] - The supermarket category grew 65% year on year, outpacing other categories [30] - The fintech segment, particularly Mercado Pago, is focused on democratizing financial services, with a strong emphasis on user experience and product offerings [6][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Brand preference metrics for the marketplace reached all-time highs in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile [4] - The credit book in Argentina grew significantly, with assets under management increasing by 69% year on year [22][58] - The company is seeing stabilization in Argentina's macroeconomic environment, contributing to improved performance [20][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become the largest and best digital account in Latin America, with a focus on integrating Mercado Pago into its ecosystem [12][10] - Strategic investments are being made in logistics and credit card offerings in Brazil and Mexico, while maintaining a strong focus on growth opportunities in commerce and fintech [99][44] - The company is adapting its credit models to local markets, with plans to launch credit cards in Argentina in the second half of the year [76][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in Argentina, citing lower inflation and decreasing interest rates as positive factors [20][22] - The company is focused on balancing growth and profitability, emphasizing the importance of long-term growth opportunities in Latin America [99][95] - Management noted that while there may be short-term margin pressures due to investments, the overall growth trajectory remains strong [98][95] Other Important Information - The company launched a new branding for Mercado Pago, aligning it with the overall ecosystem to enhance user confidence [10][11] - The logistics plan remains consistent, with ongoing investments to expand fulfillment centers as needed [44][45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of trends in Argentina - Management highlighted strong growth in Argentina, driven by recovery in demand and market share gains, with a focus on enhancing the value proposition [17][19] Question: Drivers behind 1P GMV growth - The growth was attributed to improved selection and price competitiveness across various categories, with supermarket growth being particularly strong [28][30] Question: Contribution margin evolution in Argentina - Management noted that growth allowed for efficient dilution of fixed costs, with improvements in logistics and credit business profitability contributing to margin enhancements [49][50] Question: Asset quality trends - The company reported strong asset quality in Argentina, with low delinquencies and a growing credit card portfolio [55][58] Question: Strategy regarding deposits in Brazil - The focus is on marketing and positioning as a leading digital bank, with competitive rates to enhance customer loyalty [60][61] Question: Update on logistics plan - The logistics plan remains unchanged, with ongoing investments to meet demand projections [43][44] Question: Impact of credit portfolio on marketplace - Management does not expect any negative repercussions on marketplace growth from tightening credit issuance [75] Question: Competition from TikTok Shop and others - Management is monitoring new entrants closely, viewing them as potential opportunities to attract new users to the online marketplace [116][120]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The quarterly net income reached COP 1.7 trillion, reflecting a 4.5% growth both quarterly and annually [5][29] - The return on equity (ROE) for the quarter was 16.3%, with a return on tangible equity of 20.4% [30] - The loan portfolio decreased slightly this quarter but grew 7% annually [5][21] - Deposits fell by 1% in the quarter yet increased almost 13% annually [6][22] - The cost of risk for the period was 1.6%, showing improved asset quality [6][27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail segment saw an increase in market share in savings accounts and time deposits by 110 basis points as of February 2025 [16] - NEKI's deposits experienced a significant growth of 70% year over year [18] - Credit card loans market share increased by 20 basis points, representing nearly 30% of transaction value [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Colombian economy showed signs of recovery with increased investment and domestic demand despite global trade tensions [4] - Inflation rates remained stable, leading to unchanged interest rates during the quarter [4] - The exchange rate depreciated up to 8% during March, impacting local assets [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The merger of Bancolombia ALA MANO with NEKI aims to enhance financial inclusion and meet evolving technological needs [14] - The company plans to distribute an extraordinary dividend of $6.24 per share, resulting in a total dividend payout of 69% for the year [7] - A share buyback program is planned for approval at an upcoming extraordinary shareholders meeting [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management maintains a GDP growth expectation of 2.6% for 2025, with a slight increase to 3% in 2026 [11] - The fiscal situation in Colombia is viewed as a significant challenge, with a projected fiscal deficit of 5.9% of GDP [51][53] - The company remains cautious regarding the cost of risk due to macroeconomic uncertainties [69] Other Important Information - The company achieved a total solvency ratio of nearly 13% and a core equity Tier one ratio of 11.2% [7][30] - The transition to the Mibanco Columbia App has enhanced customer experience, with 8.5 million users migrated [8] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding personal expenses and bonus line tracking above inflation - Management explained that the first quarter's higher provisions for bonuses were due to improved net income expectations compared to the previous year [39] Question: On margins and funding optimization - Management acknowledged the competitive environment for funding but expressed confidence in maintaining net interest margin (NIM) guidance of around 6.2% [37][38] Question: Political and economic outlook in Colombia - Management indicated that the fiscal situation is a key challenge, with expectations for a clearer political landscape by the end of the year [50][51] Question: ROE targets among subsidiaries - Management provided ROE targets of above 20% for Banco Agricola in El Salvador, above 10% for Banismo in Panama, and around 14-15% for BAM in Guatemala [57][59] Question: Impact of lower oil prices on GDP and fiscal forecast - Management maintained the GDP growth expectation of 2.6% but acknowledged potential revisions due to lower oil prices impacting fiscal revenues [66] Question: Provisions and growth relationship - Management confirmed guidance for commercial loans growing at 4%, mortgage loans at 4.5%, and consumer loans at 8% [83]

Core Insights - Nu Holdings has received regulatory approval to transition its Mexico operations into a full-service bank, expanding its banking footprint in Mexico [1][9] - This transition will enable Nu to offer a broader range of financial products and services, enhancing accessibility for unbanked and underbanked citizens in the region [2][12] Company Growth in Brazil - Nubank has significantly disrupted Brazil's traditional banking sector, where five banks previously controlled 80% of financial assets [3] - The company has adopted a digital-only neobank model, reducing operational costs and allowing for customer-friendly offerings such as free accounts and no annual fee credit cards [4] - Nubank has reached 101.8 million customers, representing 58% of Brazil's adult population, and has reduced the unbanked population to just 3% [5] Expansion in Mexico - Nubank is strategically focusing on expanding its operations in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Colombia, with its customer base in Mexico growing to 10 million, nearly doubling in one year [6] - Currently operating as a Popular Financial Society (SOFIPO), Nu Mexico offers basic financial services but faces limitations that hinder its growth [8][9] - The transition to a full-service bank will allow Nu to offer payroll accounts, mortgage loans, auto loans, and various investment products, addressing the needs of the 51% of the Mexican population that remains underbanked or unbanked [11][12] Financial Performance - Nu has demonstrated solid revenue growth and has achieved positive GAAP earnings per share for eight consecutive quarters [14] - Despite recent market volatility causing a 23% decline from its 52-week high, Nu's growth rate remains significantly higher than that of other banks, justifying its higher valuation multiples [15]

US$1 Million Funding to Accelerate Credilab’s Push Toward Unicorn Status and Regional Market LeadershipKUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global” or the “Company”) today announced that its fintech subsidiary, Credilab Sdn Bhd (“Credilab”), a fast-scaling digital lending platform, has secured a strategic investment worth US$1 million from Triple Helix Capital Ltd (“Triple Helix”), a leading Dubai-based private investment fund. Credilab is focuse ...