ING Groep(ING) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank reported a net profit of PLN 1,035 million, representing an 18% year-on-year growth for Q2 2025, and a 10% growth year-on-year for the first six months [26] - The cost of risk decreased by 39% year-on-year, indicating improved risk management and lower provisions [27][39] - The total assets and liabilities showed consistent growth across all segments, contributing positively to the net result [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail customer base increased by nearly 80,000 in Q2, with a total annual increase of 155,000 clients [3][4] - Mortgage loans reached a total value of €5 billion in Q2, with a market share of 21% for new production [5][6] - Cash loans grew by 13% year-on-year, marking one of the best quarters in the bank's history [6] - Corporate loans saw a modest growth of 1.3% quarter-on-quarter and 3% year-on-year, with a notable increase in loans to SMEs [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Polish economy is projected to grow by 3.5% in 2025, outperforming regional neighbors [10][11] - Household savings rates in Poland are solid, higher than pre-pandemic levels, which supports the bank's business model [12][13] - The bank's market share in mortgage loans is strong, but competition from alternative funding sources is impacting corporate lending margins [8][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank is focused on increasing market share through real growth based on active customers, emphasizing the importance of customer engagement [4] - A revision of the bank's strategy is underway, with plans to enhance customer service and reduce reliance on physical branches [52][53] - The bank aims to improve its private banking services and mutual fund offerings, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic approach to growth [54][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth potential in the retail segment, despite challenges in corporate lending due to competitive pressures [25][66] - The bank anticipates a rebound in corporate lending, supported by public sector investments and lower interest rates [22][25] - Inflation is expected to stabilize around 2.8%, which may influence interest rate sensitivity and profitability [19][20] Other Important Information - The bank's cost-to-deposit ratio improved to 76.3%, one of the highest in the sector [35] - The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remains stable at 3.9%, below the sector average, indicating strong asset quality [41][42] - Capital adequacy ratio stands at 15.66%, reflecting a solid financial position despite recent loan sales [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future evolution of profitability of interest assets - Management refrained from commenting on forward-looking profitability but noted that lower interest rates would impact net profit sensitivity [46][47] Question: Impact of obligatory provision on performance - The expected impact on the banking sector is between PLN 1.5 billion and PLN 2 billion, proportional to each bank's market share [48] Question: Interest in fixed-rate mortgage loans - The share of fixed-rate loans has decreased from 80% to 60%, as customers prefer floating rates amid declining interest expectations [49][50] Question: Strategic priorities for the near future - A revised strategy will be presented on November 19, focusing on customer service improvements and private banking initiatives [51][52] Question: Improvement in derivatives and FX - The growth in derivatives and FX was attributed to effective management and market volatility, leading to a 95% increase [56] Question: Cost of hedging and its impact - The cost of hedging remained flat despite rate reductions, with a focus on long-term analysis rather than short-term quarterly impacts [57][58] Question: Mortgage loans as a fundamental product - Management affirmed the importance of mortgage loans, citing ongoing demand despite demographic challenges [60][61] Question: Corporate lending margins and future expectations - Management expressed hope for a pickup in corporate lending in the second half of the year, influenced by regulatory factors and market conditions [62][66]