OFG Bancorp(US:OFG)2025-10-22 15:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported diluted EPS of $1.16, a 16% increase year over year, with total core revenue rising by 5.6% [3] - Total interest income reached $200 million, up $6 million, while total interest expense increased to $45 million, up $3 million [7][8] - Net interest margin was 5.24%, down from 5.31% in the previous quarter [11] - Return on average assets was 1.69%, and return on tangible common equity was 16.39% [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans and core deposit balances increased year over year, with a particular focus on commercial loans [3] - Average loan balances were $8 billion, up nearly 2% from the second quarter, while end-of-loans held for investment totaled $8.1 billion, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase [9][10] - Core deposits were up $287 million or 3% year over year, with average core deposits at $9.9 billion [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Puerto Rico economy is performing well, with high levels of wages and employment, and a boost from tourism [16] - The company is seeing strong business activity in Puerto Rico, contributing to its growth outlook [3][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pursuing a digital-first strategy, enhancing its position in banking innovation in Puerto Rico [4] - New product offerings, such as the Libre and Elite accounts, are aimed at attracting deposits from new and existing customers [5] - The company is leveraging AI to provide tailored insights to customers, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the commercial pipeline and credit trends, anticipating annual loan growth of 5% to 6% [14][16] - The company remains watchful of global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties but is optimistic about its growth prospects [17] - The anticipated effective tax rate for the year has been adjusted to 23.06% from a previous estimate of 24.9% [15] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $20.4 million of common shares during the quarter [3] - Credit quality remains stable, with a non-performing loan rate of 1.22% [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Dynamics impacting deposit costs - Management indicated that higher deposit costs are driven by a strategic focus on attracting mass affluent clients through competitive rates on accounts [20][21] Question: Outlook for commercial loan growth - Management noted that while there were paydowns on lines of credit, the commercial pipeline remains solid, with confidence in future growth [22][23] Question: Credit quality and charge-offs - Management clarified that recent charge-offs are idiosyncratic and not indicative of broader market issues, with a focus on managing risk within the portfolio [31][32] Question: Guidance on net interest margin - Management provided guidance for the fourth quarter net interest margin at 5.10% to 5.20%, influenced by recent Fed rate cuts [42][45] Question: Investments in AI and operational efficiencies - Management discussed ongoing investments in AI to enhance customer service and operational efficiencies, with a focus on delivering unique insights to customers [46][47] Question: Capital management priorities - Management emphasized that capital priorities include funding loan growth, share buybacks, and dividends, supported by a strong economic outlook in Puerto Rico [49][50]