SEB (OTCPK:SVKE.F) Update / Briefing Transcript

SEB Q4 2025 Pre-Close Call Summary Company Overview - Company: SEB (OTCPK:SVKE.F) - Date of Call: December 17, 2025 - Speaker: Paul Wyszyski, Head of Investor Relations Key Points Macro Environment - Average three-month STIBOR is lower in Q4 compared to Q3, with the Swedish central bank lowering the policy rate by 25 basis points effective October 1st [1] - SEB adjusted some lending and deposit rates in Sweden following the rate cuts [1] - The European Central Bank kept the deposit facility rate unchanged, affecting Baltic operations primarily on the deposit side [2] Interest Rate Sensitivity - SEB's equity is approximately SEK 220 billion, with private and corporate transaction accounts and savings accounts totaling around SEK 370 billion, and Baltic transaction accounts around SEK 200 billion, leading to a total of roughly SEK 800 billion sensitive to rate changes [2] - Net interest income (NII) is expected to bottom out three to six months after the last rate cut, influenced by balance sheet dynamics [3] Profit and Loss Overview - The P&L and balance sheet are impacted by FX movements; a stronger SEK results in lower income and costs, while a weaker SEK has the opposite effect [4] - The SEK strengthened marginally against the euro compared to Q3, resulting in a smaller headwind on the P&L [4] - NII increased slightly despite downward trending interest rates due to higher day count, positive FX effects, lower deposit insurance fees, and reduced short-term funding costs [6] Division Performance - Business and retail banking NII declined by around SEK 100 million compared to the previous quarter due to lower interest rates on deposit margins [6] - Baltic division's NII remained largely unchanged as lower rates were offset by higher lending and deposit volumes [6] - Treasury NII benefited from favorable yield curve and funding conditions [7] Net Fee and Commission Income - A significant portion of net fee and commission income is linked to assets under management, which correlates with stock market performance [7] - Advisory and securities-related fees were seasonally softer in Q3, with no larger transactions reported in Q4 [8] Expenses and Credit Losses - Total expenses target for 2025 is SEK 33 billion, with potential for acceleration in cost implementation programs [9] - Net expected credit losses reported at three basis points, with an additional SEK 100 million in portfolio overlays [10] Capital and Risk Exposure - Current share buyback program amounts to SEK 2.5 billion, expected to conclude by January 27, 2026 [10] - CET1 capital ratio is affected by share buybacks, with a dividend payout ratio target of around 50% [11] - Remaining impact from the risk exposure amount (REA) increase in the Baltics is around 70 basis points, expected to phase in over the next three quarters [12] Additional Notes - The call concluded with a reminder of the silent period starting January 1, with the Q4 2025 interim report scheduled for publication on January 29, 2026 [13] Conclusion - SEB is navigating a challenging macro environment with interest rate adjustments and FX movements impacting its financial performance. The bank is focused on managing its capital effectively while preparing for upcoming financial disclosures.