Credicorp .(US:BAP)2026-02-13 15:32Financial 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 [18][46] - 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% [21][44] - The NPL ratio stood at 4.5%, indicating improved asset quality, while the cost of risk was 1.8% [21][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Universal Banking, BCP reinforced its leadership in Peru, serving over 3.2 million loan clients and achieving a full-year ROE of 24.7% [10][27] - Microfinance, through Mibanco, delivered double-digit loan growth and improved profitability, with a NPA ratio of 5.3% [11][35] - Grupo Pacífico in Insurance and Pensions achieved a solid ROE of 21.4%, with net income rising 13% due to the full consolidation of the Banmédica transaction [38][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Peru's GDP grew around 3.5% in 2025, supported by strong domestic demand and high commodity prices [6][24] - Inflation in Peru closed at 1.5%, the lowest in seven years, while Colombia's inflation accelerated to 4.51% [25][26] - The mining investment pipeline for 2025 was estimated at $64 billion, up 17% from 2024, indicating a favorable investment climate [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 [15] - A strategic acquisition of Helm Bank for $180 million was announced to enhance cross-border capabilities and strengthen the U.S. offering [16][17] - The company expects 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 Peru's economic stability and growth potential, despite political uncertainties, with expectations for GDP growth around 3.5% in 2026 [24][50] - The company anticipates loan growth of approximately 8.5% in 2026, driven primarily by retail banking and Mibanco [47] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining sound capital levels and improving operational efficiency, with an expected efficiency ratio between 45% and 46.5% in 2026 [48] Other Important Information - The company reported a risk-adjusted NIM of 5.28%, reflecting improved pricing and risk management capabilities [45] - Yape, the digital wallet initiative, closed the year with nearly 16 million monthly active users, significantly contributing to revenue growth [13][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on political outlook and upcoming elections - Management noted that López Aliaga is leading the polls with 12%, while Keiko Fujimori follows at 8%, with a significant portion of undecided voters [54][55] Question: Expectations for operating expenses growth - Management expects operating expenses to moderate compared to 2025, with continued investments in innovation and core business [61][62] Question: Insights on Yape's lending and cost of risk - Management confirmed that Yape is shifting towards longer-duration loans, which should keep the cost of risk controlled while enhancing revenue [70][73] Question: Growth expectations amid election year - Management indicated that economic activity is performing well, with consumer confidence at its highest since early 2020, suggesting potential upside risks for growth [75][76]