Banombia S.A.(US:CIB)2025-11-07 15:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income grew nearly 20% quarter-over-quarter and 43% year-over-year, driven by resilient margins and a sharp decline in provision charges [4][28] - Return on equity (ROE) expanded by 288 basis points during the period, reaching 20.4% [5][28] - The standalone double leverage ratio was 106%, indicating strong creditworthiness and room for further leverage [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nominal loan growth was flat during the quarter, but adjusted for effects, loan growth would have reached 1.2% quarter-over-quarter and 5.9% annually [4][12] - Consumer loans were the main driver of growth, with credit card usage stimulated by marketing campaigns [12][22] - Mortgages registered strong growth, with an annual increase of 11% [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Colombian economy sustained a recovery with an expected annual growth rate of 2.4% for the third quarter [9] - Economic activity in Central America showed resilience, with El Salvador expected to grow 2.2% and Guatemala projected to expand 3.6% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is well-positioned to deliver sustained value creation for shareholders, supported by a new corporate structure under a holding company [5][30] - The share buyback program is progressing well, enhancing ROE performance and boosting key valuation metrics [6][28] - The launch of Nequi is seen as a significant step towards sustained profitability, with expectations of breakeven by Q1 of next year [5][56] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted the effectiveness of the business model and operational capabilities in navigating a competitive market [4] - The company anticipates continued improvements in asset quality and a stable cost of risk, with projections for loan growth revised to approximately 3.5% for 2025 [30][31] - The cost of risk is expected to be in the range of 1.5-1.7%, indicating ongoing improvements [31] Other Important Information - The company processed approximately 70 million transactions amounting to COP 7.2 trillion in flows within the new digital key system [8] - The asset quality continued to improve, with a significant reduction in past due loans and a 24% quarterly drop in net provisions [24][25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sustainability of funding costs and potential upward revisions to ROE - Management emphasized a structural advantage in funding costs due to a robust digital offer and physical presence, with guidance for ROE around 17% for 2025 [33][34] Question: Update on presidential elections and efficiency guidance - Management noted that clarity on candidates will improve by January, with efficiency guidance for 2026 set around 50% [37][40] Question: Loan growth breakdown and sustainable levels for new past due loans - Loan growth for 2026 is projected at 7%, with consumer loans expected to grow around 10% [42][44] Question: Model recalibration and tax rates - The model recalibration reflects improved credit risk across all countries, with an effective tax rate for Grupo Bancolombia around 28% [48][49] Question: Buyback program and Nequi's profitability roadmap - The buyback program is progressing well, and Nequi is expected to achieve profitability in 2026, with a strong performance in its loan book [56][58]