Popular(US:BPOP)2025-09-09 20:32Summary of Popular (NasdaqGS:BPOP) FY Conference Call - September 09, 2025 Company Overview - Company: Popular, Inc. (BPOP) - Industry: Banking and Financial Services - Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico Key Points and Arguments Economic Environment - The economy in Puerto Rico is described as strong, with significant momentum and resilience among Puerto Ricans, despite some uncertainties from federal policies and inflation [doc id='12'][doc id='13'] - The Bad Bunny residency has positively impacted local spending and tourism, contributing to economic activity [doc id='4'][doc id='10'] Transformation Program - The company is in the third year of a transformation program aimed at simplifying operations and enhancing shareholder value [doc id='5'][doc id='6'] - Three main objectives of the transformation include: 1. Being the number one bank for customers, focusing on trust and value [doc id='6'] 2. Achieving simplicity and efficiency in operations [doc id='6'] 3. Becoming a top-performing bank with a target ROTCE of 12% to 14% [doc id='7'][doc id='8'] Loan Growth and Financial Performance - The company maintains a loan growth guidance of 3% to 5% for the year, primarily driven by commercial activity [doc id='14'][doc id='15'] - There is an expectation of headwinds in the U.S. market, particularly in the construction portfolio, which may affect overall growth [doc id='16'] - The consumer portfolio is expected to contribute positively, especially in auto lending and mortgages [doc id='14'] Federal Funding and Public-Private Partnerships - The relationship between Puerto Rico and the federal government is described as strong, with ongoing federal funding for reconstruction and infrastructure [doc id='18'][doc id='19'] - The company has been actively involved in public-private partnerships (P3) and is positioned to support financing in the energy sector [doc id='20'] Consumer Health and Deposit Growth - Average deposit balances have increased significantly, with a 30% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels, driven by wage increases and federal stimulus [doc id='58'] - The company expects sustainable deposit growth, influenced by general economic activity and seasonal factors [doc id='61'] Credit Quality and Risk Management - Credit trends remain stable, with no significant concerns regarding the health of the consumer or commercial portfolios [doc id='62'] - The company emphasizes strong risk management practices, particularly in consumer lending [doc id='46'] Capital Management - The company aims to maintain higher capital levels than U.S. peers due to geographic concentration risks, while also focusing on improving profitability [doc id='63'] - CET1 capital levels have decreased slightly due to loan growth and capital management strategies [doc id='64] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about future growth in Puerto Rico, driven by investments and a resilient economy [doc id='49] - There is a focus on becoming a stronger bank to capitalize on future opportunities and navigate potential downturns [doc id='48'] Additional Important Insights - The potential for increased military spending in Puerto Rico could provide a stimulus for infrastructure improvements [doc id='23'] - The company is actively engaged in share repurchase programs, viewing its share price as attractive [doc id='31] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference call, highlighting the company's strategic focus, economic context, and outlook for growth and profitability.