Credicorp .(BAP)2025-05-16 15:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a return on equity (ROE) of 20.3%, boosted by extraordinary gains from the acquisition of a joint venture stake, while the operating ROE was 18.4% [9][19] - Total assets contracted by 2% due to a revaluation of Bolivia's balance sheet [19][44] - Net interest income increased by 4.3%, driven by lower interest expenses and a growing share of low-cost deposits [21][44] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was robust at 1.5%, primarily in wholesale banking, with expectations for retail segments to accelerate [20][11] - Non-performing loans (NPLs) ratio improved to 5.1%, with a cost of risk falling to 1.6% [20][46] - Fee income rose by 16%, supported by increased transactional activity [21][44] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Peru's GDP grew by 3.9% in Q1 2025, indicating a strong economic recovery [23][14] - Inflation remained low at 1.7%, supporting private consumption [24] - High-frequency economic indicators, such as car sales and imports, showed rapid growth, reflecting a positive economic environment [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on modernizing core systems and expanding digital capabilities to enhance client journeys across various business lines [9][12] - Sustainability is integrated into the company's strategy, with initiatives aimed at financial inclusion and environmental risk management [13][98] - The company aims to achieve a structural ROE of 18% by 2026 while expanding access to financial services [98] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Peru's macroeconomic fundamentals and the potential for growth despite global uncertainties [5][15] - The company is closely monitoring global developments, particularly trade tensions and their potential impact on commodity prices [7][15] - The outlook for Peru's economy remains positive, with expectations for continued growth supported by private investment and recovering real wages [14][25] Other Important Information - The company announced a dividend payout of PEN 40 per share, reflecting strong solvency and long-term growth plans [12][22] - A one-off gain of approximately $236 million was recorded due to the revaluation of a previously held stake [13] - The company is committed to enhancing its risk management capabilities through ongoing projects [12][46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance Update - The management indicated that while current conditions suggest potential for higher ROE, global uncertainties, particularly related to trade, prevent immediate guidance updates [56][60] Question: Cost of Risk and Model Revisions - Management noted that improvements in the cost of risk are due to a positive macroeconomic environment and adjustments in credit models, with expectations for continued lower costs [67][70] Question: Loan Growth Acceleration - Management acknowledged a lag in loan growth recovery but expressed confidence in an upcoming acceleration due to improved economic conditions and increased lending activity [72][78] Question: Sensitivity to Interest Rates - The company provided insights on its sensitivity to interest rate changes, indicating a minor impact on NIM from potential rate cuts [84][87] Question: Lending Focus and Opportunities - The company is currently focusing on individual lending while also considering SME lending opportunities in the future [92][95]