Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share diluted increased by 17% year-over-year, driven by a 2% growth in total core revenues [3] - Total assets grew by 8.4% to a record $12.5 billion, with core deposits increasing by 5% to $9.9 billion [4] - Loans grew by 5.3% to $8.2 billion, with commercial loans now representing 43% of the loan book [4] - The efficiency ratio was reported at 56.7%, with a return on average assets of 1.81% and return on tangible common equity at 17.2% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues totaled $185 million, reflecting a slight increase of $1.4 million [7] - Total interest income decreased by $3 million to $197 million, influenced by higher average balances of loans and cash at lower average yields [8] - Non-interest expenses totaled $105 million, up $8.5 million from the previous quarter, primarily due to increased professional services fees and business sizing costs [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Puerto Rico economy remains steady with a positive outlook for economic growth, supported by public reconstruction funds and private investments [17] - The company reported a 4% growth in retail customers, attributed to the success of its digital-first strategy [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience through its digital-first strategy, which includes the introduction of the Libre and Elite accounts [5] - There is a strategic emphasis on commercial loan growth, with expectations of a 5%-6% increase in commercial loans during the year [26] - The company aims to continue investing in technology and improving operational efficiencies to support long-term growth [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustainable long-term growth, citing sound credit quality and asset management [18] - The company anticipates a net interest margin range of 4.95%-5.05% for 2026, considering potential rate cuts and changes in deposit funding [16] - The management highlighted the importance of monitoring global macroeconomic and political uncertainties that could impact Puerto Rico [17] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $40 million of common shares in the fourth quarter and increased its dividend by 20% [4] - The effective tax rate for 2026 is expected to be around 23%, excluding any discrete items [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide additional color into the larger Puerto Rico charge-offs this quarter? - The charge-offs were a result of a sale that released $17 million in non-performing loans, which triggered charge-offs but resulted in a gain of $3.9 million [21][24] Question: What is the outlook for loan growth? - The company expects low single-digit loan growth, with auto balances projected to decrease by 2%-3% and commercial loans to increase by 5%-6% [26] Question: Can you provide confidence in the expense guidance for 2026? - The expense range reflects continuous investment in technology and talent, with expectations for efficiencies to materialize in 2027 and 2028 [27][31] Question: What are the strategic initiatives for 2026? - The focus will be on enhancing retail efforts and investing in commercial growth, particularly targeting small and mid-sized clients [36][37] Question: What is the expectation for capital return in 2026? - The company plans to continue share buybacks as a primary method of returning capital to shareholders, alongside potential dividend considerations [38] Question: Has there been any price response from other players regarding new products? - There has been no significant price response from competitors, as the Libre account is non-interest-bearing and the Elite account offers competitive rates without aggressive pricing [87][88]