First Ban(US:FBP)2026-01-27 16:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $87 million for Q4 2025, translating to $0.85 per share, with a return on assets of 1.8% and an efficiency ratio of 49% [4][6] - For the full year 2025, net income reached $345 million, or $2.15 per share, with a return on average assets of 1.81%, marking the fourth consecutive year above the target of 1.50% [7][15] - Adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision income for the full year was $499.2 million, a 10% increase from 2024 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans grew by $80 million, primarily driven by growth in commercial segments, despite a slight decrease in consumer loan production [4][5] - Core customer deposits increased by $267 million, with a notable 3.2% rise in core non-interest-bearing deposits [5][6] - The company repurchased $50 million in shares and declared $28 million in dividends during the quarter, with a total of $150 million in share repurchases for the year [6][28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The unemployment rate in Puerto Rico is approximately 5.7%, with strong tourism activity reflected in an 8% increase in passenger traffic, reaching a record high of 13.6 million [10] - The company anticipates a stable economic environment in 2026, despite some moderation in consumer confidence due to inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions [9][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic loan growth of 3%-5% and maintaining an efficiency ratio of 52% or better, while returning close to 100% of annual earnings to shareholders [11][12] - Investments in an omnichannel strategy are yielding positive results, with a 5% increase in active retail digital users compared to the previous year [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the stability of asset quality, with expectations for consumer credit quality to gradually return to pre-pandemic levels [12] - The company is well-positioned for growth in 2026, with ongoing investments to modernize and enhance its franchise [12][29] Other Important Information - The company achieved a 4% increase in tangible book value per share to $12.29, with regulatory capital ratios continuing to improve [28] - The board approved an 11% increase in the quarterly common stock dividend to $0.20 per share, effective Q1 2026 [6][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any more mix shift change with lower liquidity and levers that might aid NIM going forward? - Management indicated that cash flows from the investment portfolio and repricing of deposit components will be key drivers for net interest margin improvement [32][33] Question: What are the competitive dynamics and potential for lower cost of funds? - Management noted that wholesale funding and time deposits are being repriced lower, but transaction accounts may not see significant changes [34][36] Question: Insights on credit quality stability? - Management confirmed stability in credit quality, with some normalization in consumer delinquencies but no specific concerns [37] Question: Update on auto loan market? - Management observed a contraction in the auto loan portfolio but expects stabilization without significant growth unless pricing adjustments occur [44][46] Question: Thoughts on reinvestment of securities cash flows? - Management expects a 2-3 basis points pick up on reinvestment yields, focusing on agency investments [50][52] Question: Clarification on efficiency ratio calculation? - The efficiency ratio is calculated on a GAAP basis, including all components, and has been improving due to OREO property sales [64][66] Question: Details on non-interest-bearing deposit flows? - Management emphasized the importance of building core relationships and expanding branches to grow non-interest-bearing deposits [67][69]