Credicorp .(US:BAP)2026-02-13 15:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed the quarter with a 16.9% ROE and 19% for the full year, reflecting record high net income and diversification of revenue sources across various segments [17][21] - Net interest income increased by 4.2%, driven by loan portfolio growth and a contraction in interest expenses, resulting in a NIM of 6.6% [20][44] - The NPL ratio stood at 4.5%, indicating improved asset quality, while the cost of risk was 1.8% [19][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Universal Banking, BCP reinforced its leadership with over 3.2 million loan clients and strong retail lending growth [9] - Microfinance saw double-digit loan growth and increased profitability, with Mibanco achieving a 20% profitability rate this quarter [10][34] - Grupo Pacífico's ROE was 21.4%, supported by strong commercial dynamics, although net income dropped 1% due to decreased insurance underwriting results [37][38] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Peru's GDP grew around 3.5% in 2025, with domestic demand expanding close to 6%, supported by strong commodity prices and investment flows [5][23] - In Colombia, GDP growth was around 2.7%, while inflation accelerated to 4.51% following a minimum wage increase [7][25] - Chile's GDP also expanded around 2.7%, driven by investment, while Bolivia faced a contraction in GDP [7][8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand financial inclusion, deepen risk and capital discipline, scale AI and digital platforms, and build trust through operational excellence [13] - The acquisition of Helm Bank for $180 million aligns with the strategy to enhance cross-border capabilities and serve affluent clients in the U.S. [14][16] - The company plans to continue investing in data transformation and disruptive initiatives to bolster long-term competitive positioning [48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in entering 2026 from a stronger position, with expectations of continued economic growth and improved governance [6][23] - The outlook for Peru's GDP growth in 2026 is revised to around 3.5%, with total loan book growth expected to be around 8.5% [46][47] - Despite local political uncertainties, the fundamentals are in place to support profitability levels around 19.5% ROE in 2026 [49] Other Important Information - Yape closed the year with nearly 16 million monthly active users, significantly contributing to the company's risk-adjusted revenue [12][33] - The efficiency ratio for the year stood at 46.6%, with operating expenses growing 12% due to investments in innovation and core businesses [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on political outlook and upcoming elections - Management noted that López Aliaga is leading the polls with 12%, and there is a high level of undecided voters at around 42% [54][56] - The elections are scheduled for April 12, with expectations of a more stable political environment due to the return to a dual chamber system [56][57] Question: Expectations for OpEx growth and digital initiatives - Management expects OpEx growth to moderate compared to 2025, with a target of 42% in cost to income over the mid-term [61] - Non-credit-related revenues are anticipated to grow in the double digits, driven by digital initiatives [64] Question: Yape's lending and cost of risk - The shift towards multi-installment loans is expected to maintain a controlled cost of risk, with risk-adjusted NIM remaining comparable [72] - Management confirmed that digital initiatives are expected to become accretive to ROE starting this year [80]