Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BBVA Argentina's inflation-adjusted net income for Q4 2024 was ARS 64.7 billion, a decrease of 39.6% quarter-over-quarter [9] - The annual net income for 2024 was ARS 357.7 billion, down 0.4% from ARS 359.2 billion in 2023, resulting in an annualized ROE of 12.5% and ROA of 2.5% [13] - The efficiency ratio increased to 61.8% in Q4 2024, up from 58.6% in Q4 2023, due to a decrease in income [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail digital sales reached 91% in Q4 2024, representing 73.5% of total sales by monetary value [8] - Net interest income for 2024 totaled ARS 2.9 trillion, falling 17.3% year-over-year due to lower accrued average rates in loans and public securities [15] - The total loan portfolio increased by 36.6% in nominal terms during Q4 2024, surpassing inflation levels [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - BBVA Argentina's market share of private sector loans improved to 11.31% in Q4 2024 from 9.35% a year ago [26] - Total deposits reached ARS 9.9 trillion, increasing 7.8% quarter-over-quarter, with private non-financial sector deposits in pesos rising 23.5% year-over-year [26][27] - The bank's capital ratio stood at 19.5%, with a capital excess over regulatory requirements of 138.5% [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to sustain and expand its competitive position through increased digital customer acquisition, which reached 88% by the end of December 2024 [8] - BBVA Argentina is focusing on growing its market share, expecting private loan growth of 60% to 65% in real terms for 2025 [35] - The strategy has shifted towards commercial loans, which now represent over 50% of the portfolio, while still maintaining growth in retail segments [81] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a significant improvement in inflation moderation and economic recovery, with expectations of GDP growth around 5.5% in 2025 [5] - The forecast for inflation is around 30% for 2025, with a notable decrease in country risk from 1,900 bps to less than 700 bps [6] - Management expressed confidence in asset quality, with non-performing loans (NPLs) remaining low at 1.13% [67] Other Important Information - The bank's total operating expenses for 2024 were ARS 1.7 trillion, a decrease of 3.9% year-over-year in real terms [17] - The bank issued corporate bonds in both pesos and U.S. dollars, indicating a strategy to enhance funding without needing additional capital until at least 2026 [77] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for growth in loans, deposits, and profitability for 2025 - Management expects private loans to grow between 40% and 45% for the system, with BBVA Argentina targeting 60% to 65% growth in real terms [35] Question: Clarification on inflation forecast - Management confirmed the inflation forecast of 30% for 2025, which is more conservative than market consensus [44] Question: Profitability expectations in terms of ROE or ROA - Management indicated a realistic ROE range of 12% to 13% for 2025, slightly lower than peers [52] Question: Dividend plans for 2025 - Management is awaiting regulatory approval for dividends, expecting a smaller payout compared to the previous year [58] Question: Asset quality and loan loss reserves - Management reported low NPLs at 1.13%, with no significant concerns regarding asset quality despite increased loan growth [67] Question: Funding and deposit growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in liquidity, with deposits growing 25% in real terms and plans for further corporate bond issuance [75]