Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Grupo Galicia reported a net income of ARS 196 billion for 2025, which is 91% lower than the previous year, resulting in a 0.4% return on average assets and a 2.5% return on average shareholders' equity [5][6] - Excluding integration expenses, the adjusted net income would have been ARS 333 billion, leading to a return on equity (ROE) of 4.2% [6] - The financial margin was negatively impacted by changes in reserve requirement regulations and a significant increase in interest rates, affecting the cost of funding [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banco Galicia recorded a net loss of ARS 84 billion in the fourth quarter, with losses attributed to asset quality deterioration [7] - Galicia Asset Management and Galicia Seguros reported profits of ARS 36 billion and ARS 27 billion respectively, while Naranja X incurred a loss of ARS 49 billion [7] - The bank's estimated market share of loans to the private sector was 14.3%, down 50 basis points from the previous quarter, while the market share of deposits was 16.2%, down 20 basis points [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average exchange rate in December 2025 was ARS 1,448 per dollar, reflecting a 29.5% year-on-year depreciation [3] - Private sector dollar-denominated deposits amounted to $36.4 billion, increasing by 11.7% during the quarter and 14.6% year-over-year [5] - The average interest rate on peso-denominated private sector time deposits was 26.6%, down 6.4 percentage points from December 2024 [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain and potentially increase its market share, focusing on commercial lending while managing asset quality [23][24] - The strategy includes targeting sectors such as agribusiness, oil and gas, and automotive for growth opportunities [73] - The company expects to see a gradual improvement in profitability during 2026, with a projected ROE in the low double digits [18][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes Argentina is entering a phase of stability with a more predictable policy framework, expecting GDP growth of 3.7% and inflation at 23% for 2026 [16] - The peak of non-performing loans (NPLs) is anticipated in March 2026, with expectations of a decrease in credit loss charges thereafter [17] - Management expressed confidence in achieving both growth and improved ROE, contingent on economic conditions [46] Other Important Information - The bank's total regulatory capital ratio reached 25.2%, increasing 310 basis points from the previous quarter [14] - The coverage ratio with allowances was 97.4%, down from 101.5% in the previous quarter [14] - The company plans to propose a dividend payment of ARS 190 billion, subject to central bank approval [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: 2026 guidance on deposit growth - Management indicated that deposit growth is expected to be between 15% and 20% [21] Question: Changes in growth strategy and market share - Management aims to defend and potentially increase market share, with a slower growth pace expected in the first half of 2026 [23][24] Question: Cost of risk and credit quality improvement - Management expects the cost of risk to decrease, projecting an end-of-year rate of 8% for 2026 [35] Question: Restructuring or acquisition costs - Management stated that one-off costs are largely behind, with a focus on improving efficiency [39] Question: Growth expectations in specific segments - Management anticipates more growth in the commercial portfolio, particularly in agribusiness and oil and gas sectors [73]