Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenue increased by 1.8%, adjusted gross profit rose by 3%, and adjusted profit from operations grew by 1.9% [8][24] - Adjusted diluted EPS increased by 1.7% [21] - The company anticipates full-year revenue at the top end of the 1% to 2% guidance [8][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Smokeless products now account for 18.2% of group revenue, up 70 basis points year-over-year, with 1.4 million new smokeless consumers added [3] - New categories revenue increased by 2.4%, driven by modern oral growth of over 40% and heated products growth of more than 3% [9] - Combustibles revenue increased by 0.8%, with volume decline offset by strong pricing [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S., combustibles revenue grew by 3.8%, marking a return to revenue and profit growth for the first time since 2022 [13] - The AME region saw revenue rise by 3.5%, with combustibles up nearly 3% [15] - APMEA region experienced a total revenue decline of 4.8%, with combustibles down 7.9% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on quality growth and balancing top and bottom line delivery, with a strong emphasis on cash generation [4][6] - A multi-category strategy is being pursued to capitalize on consumer trends towards new categories [26] - The introduction of the "Fit to Win" program aims to simplify operations and enhance agility, targeting £500 million in annualized savings by 2028 [20][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the pathway ahead, highlighting the transformation of the nicotine industry and the company's readiness to benefit from these changes [26] - The company remains optimistic about regulatory developments in the U.S. that could improve the market for smokeless products [40] - Future growth is expected to be driven by continued strength in the U.S. and the rollout of new products [24][45] Other Important Information - The company has increased its 2025 share buyback program by £200 million to £1.1 billion [3][23] - The company has delivered nearly £900 million in productivity savings since 2023 and aims to exceed £1.2 billion by year-end [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the early performance of the GloHilo launch in Japan? - Feedback from consumers has been positive, with competitive offers tailored for the Japanese market [53][54] Question: What is the momentum for VeloPlus in the U.S.? - VeloPlus is maintaining strong momentum with a high retention rate of 70% and increasing market share [56] Question: Can you clarify the Fit to Win program's costs? - There will be some costs in 2025, but these are included in the guidance, with £500 million in annualized savings targeted by 2028 [60] Question: What is the performance of the vape business in the AME region? - The vape business has faced challenges in Canada due to regulations, but there is potential for growth as the market transitions to closed systems [68] Question: How is the company addressing the illegal vapor market in the U.S.? - The company is seeing a 40% reduction in illicit vapor shipments, and there is optimism about regulatory enforcement improving the market [72][74]

Rentokil Initial (RTO) H1 2025 Earnings Call July 31, 2025 04:15 AM ET Company ParticipantsAndy Ransom - CEO & Executive DirectorPaul Edgecliffe-Johnson - CFO & DirectorAnnelies Vermeulen - Executive DirectorNicole Manion - Director - Equity ResearchWill Kirkness - Managing DirectorJames Beard - Director - Support Services ResearchConference Call ParticipantsSuhasini Varanasi - AnalystOllie Davies - Equities AnalystJames Rose - Equity Research Analyst - European Business ServicesAndy RansomGood morning, lad ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group revenues increased by 3.1% to $3,360 million, with organic growth of 1.6% [2][10] - Group adjusted profit before tax (PBT) was $418 million, with an operating margin of 15.2%, down 120 basis points year-on-year [2][10] - Cash flow conversion was strong at 93%, exceeding the guidance of 80% [10][20] - Net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio stands at 2.8 times, slightly up from the year-end [10][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue grew by 2% to $2,106 million, with organic growth of 1.1% [11][12] - Adjusted operating profit in North America decreased by 7.3% to $356 million, with an adjusted operating margin of 16.9% [11][12] - International revenue increased by 5.1% to $1,251 million, with organic growth of 2.7% [14][15] - Pest Control organic growth was strong at 3.8%, while Hygiene and Well-being grew at 1.1% [15][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The international region accounted for 37% of group revenues, with strong performance in Europe and Asia [31] - North America contributed 63% of group revenues, with pest control making up 81% of that [32] - The pest control market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 6.2% over the next ten years [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on improving customer retention, pricing, and winning new customer contracts to grow its contract portfolio [28][39] - Plans to optimize satellite branches and increase their number to around 150 by year-end [5][44] - The sale of the French workwear business is expected to enhance cash generation and focus on core pest control and hygiene sectors [18][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth of the pest control industry, driven by urbanization and increased hygiene standards [29][30] - The company is optimistic about improving lead flow and sales performance in the second half of the year [25][49] - Management acknowledged the challenges in contract revenue growth but emphasized ongoing efforts to address these issues [38][39] Other Important Information - The company acquired eight businesses with combined revenues of approximately $18 million in the year prior to purchase [12][17] - The predictive churn model is being developed to identify at-risk customers and improve retention strategies [75][76] - The door-to-door sales pilot generated approximately $12 million in annualized sales, with plans for full-scale deployment next year [46][78] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on termite provision claims and future changes - Management indicated that the increase in termite provision is based on a mechanistic calculation and future changes will depend on the cost per claim [56][57] Question: Insights on quarterly growth rates and changes in July - Management noted improvements in lead flow but did not provide specific insights on July performance [58] Question: Split between digital and organic leads - Management stated that they are shifting focus from paid search to organic channels, with overall lead performance improving [61][62] Question: Clarification on one-off jobs slowdown - Management acknowledged variability in one-off job revenues and emphasized the focus on improving contract sales [65] Question: Confidence in brand investments and funding - Management expressed confidence in reallocating marketing spend to support brand investments without needing additional funding [84][90] Question: Clarification on cost savings and integration timelines - Management confirmed the path to achieving cost savings and a 20% margin but noted that not all branches may be fully integrated by 2026 [92][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue grew by 4.9% year-on-year, with hospitals up 4.7% and adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.8% to £133 million [7][8] - Adjusted profit before tax declined by 11.2% to £23.8 million, primarily due to the phasing of savings and increased depreciation and finance costs [7][8] - Adjusted free cash flow decreased, attributed to the same phasing impacts, with a cash balance of £20.8 million at the period end [23][24] - Return on capital employed expanded by 50 basis points to 8.1% [7][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hospital revenue increased by 4.7% to £732.3 million, with adjusted EBITDA rising by 3.3% to £130 million, representing a margin of 17.8% [8][9] - Private business revenue grew just under 1%, with average revenue per case increasing by 5.4% [12][11] - NHS revenue saw strong growth of over 16%, with a 4.2% uplift in average revenue per case [15][16] - Primary Care revenue reached £64.4 million, a 6.5% increase, with adjusted EBITDA at £3.8 million [17][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The independent sector treated 500,000 patients since the start of the administration, highlighting the government's commitment to reducing waiting lists [45][46] - The market for integrated healthcare is valued at £12 billion, with a focus on preventative care and elective operative care [28][27] - Spire continues to lead in its addressable markets, conducting the largest number of hip and knee procedures across all patient groups [17][16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a diversified three-payer strategy, transformation, scaling primary care, and maintaining quality and innovation [3][28] - The transformation program aims to enhance efficiency and service delivery, with significant changes in hospital resourcing and administrative functions [19][20][32] - The company is pursuing targeted acquisitions to support growth, including the recent acquisition of Acorn Health and Physiolistic [36][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating a dynamic environment, with expectations for full-year performance in line with market expectations [4][25] - The government remains focused on reducing waiting lists, which supports the independent sector's role in healthcare delivery [45][46] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach to capital expenditure and M&A activities [25][88] Other Important Information - The company has invested £51 million in capital expenditures in the first half, focusing on growth and efficiency projects [21][22] - The company maintains a strong balance sheet, supported by a freehold portfolio valued at over £1.4 billion [22][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on budgetary pressures at the ICB level and mitigation opportunities? - Management noted that NHS England is focused on reducing waiting lists and balancing budgets, with ongoing discussions with local commissioners to navigate these pressures [43][45][46] Question: What is the M&A landscape for the Primary Care business? - Management indicated that they are pursuing targeted acquisitions while maintaining a disciplined approach, with a focus on integrating new businesses into their existing operations [49][50] Question: What are the potential impacts of doctor strikes on self-pay and PMI? - Management acknowledged that while strikes are undesirable, they have continued to deliver services and noted that increased waiting lists could support self-pay demand [57][58] Question: What are the expectations for volume growth in PMI in the second half? - Management expressed confidence in leveraging patient service centers to build on existing platforms, although specific volume growth figures were not provided [103][104] Question: Is there a plan to crystallize the value of the property portfolio? - Management highlighted the value of the property portfolio but did not indicate any immediate plans for crystallization, stating that it underpins their valuation [68][69]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank reported a net profit of PLN 1,035 million, representing an 18% year-on-year growth for Q2 2025, and a 10% growth year-on-year for the first six months [26] - The cost of risk decreased by 39% year-on-year, indicating improved risk management and lower provisions [27][39] - The cost-to-deposit ratio improved to 76.3%, one of the highest in the sector [35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail customer base increased by nearly 80,000, while corporate customers grew by 20,000, totaling an annual increase of 155,000 clients [3][4] - Mortgage loans reached a total value of €5 billion in Q2, with a market share of 21% for new production [5] - Cash loans saw a 13% year-on-year increase, marking one of the best quarters in the bank's history [6] - Corporate loans grew by only 1.3% quarter-on-quarter and 3% year-on-year, with SMEs showing faster growth compared to larger corporations [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Polish economy is projected to grow by 3.5% in 2025, outperforming regional neighbors like Romania and Hungary [10][11] - Household savings rates are solid, higher than pre-pandemic levels, which supports the bank's business model [12] - Investment in the construction sector is expected to rise slowly, with public investment beginning to increase [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank is focusing on increasing market share through active customer growth and digitization of processes [4][5] - A revision of the bank's strategy is underway, with plans to present it on November 19, emphasizing improved customer service and reduced reliance on physical branches [51][52] - The bank aims to enhance private banking services and mutual fund sales while maintaining a conservative approach to risk [54] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while corporate lending is facing challenges, there is optimism for a rebound in the second half of the year [63] - The bank is prepared for potential impacts from interest rate changes, with a belief that their sensitivity to these changes is low due to effective risk management [46][47] - The outlook for mortgage lending remains positive, despite demographic challenges, with a significant demand for residential properties still expected [60][61] Other Important Information - The bank's interest margin is stable despite fluctuations in interest rates, supported by effective management of interest rate risk [34][33] - The bank is actively participating in discussions for a model mortgage loan contract to enhance consumer protection and simplify processes [69][71] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future evolution of profitability of interest assets - Management refrained from commenting on forward-looking data but acknowledged that lower interest rates would impact net profit sensitivity [46][47] Question: Impact of obligatory provision on performance - Expected impact on the banking sector is between PLN 1.5 billion and PLN 2 billion, proportional to each bank's market share [48] Question: Interest in fixed-rate mortgage loans - The share of fixed-rate loans has decreased from 80% to 60%, as customers prefer floating rates amid declining interest expectations [49][50] Question: Strategic priorities for the near future - A revised strategy will be presented on November 19, focusing on customer service improvements and operational efficiency [51][52] Question: Improvement in derivatives and FX - The growth in derivatives and FX was attributed to market volatility and effective trading management [56] Question: Cost of hedging remaining flat - The impact of hedging on financial performance should be analyzed over a longer time perspective rather than quarterly [57] Question: Mortgage loans as a fundamental product - The bank views mortgage loans as essential and plans to continue offering them despite market challenges [59][60]

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) Q2 2025 Earnings Call July 31, 2025 03:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsPatricia Bueno Olalla - Global Head - Shareholder & Investor RelationsOnur Genç - CEO & Executive DirectorLuisa Gómez Bravo - Global Head of FinanceBenjamin Toms - Director - EquitiesMaksym Mishyn - Managing Director & Co-head of Equity ResearchFrancisco Riquel - Partner & Head - Equity ResearchHugo Cruz - DirectorConference Call ParticipantsCarlos Peixoto - Equity Research AnalystCecilia Romero - Dire ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The bank reported a net profit of PLN 1,035 million, representing an 18% year-on-year growth for Q2 2025, and a 10% growth year-on-year for the first six months [26] - The cost of risk decreased by 39% year-on-year, indicating improved risk management and lower provisions [27][39] - The total assets and liabilities showed consistent growth across all segments, contributing positively to the net result [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail customer base increased by nearly 80,000 in Q2, with a total annual increase of 155,000 clients [3][4] - Mortgage loans reached a total value of €5 billion in Q2, with a market share of 21% for new production [5][6] - Cash loans grew by 13% year-on-year, marking one of the best quarters in the bank's history [6] - Corporate loans saw a modest growth of 1.3% quarter-on-quarter and 3% year-on-year, with a notable increase in loans to SMEs [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Polish economy is projected to grow by 3.5% in 2025, outperforming regional neighbors [10][11] - Household savings rates in Poland are solid, higher than pre-pandemic levels, which supports the bank's business model [12][13] - The bank's market share in mortgage loans is strong, but competition from alternative funding sources is impacting corporate lending margins [8][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The bank is focused on increasing market share through real growth based on active customers, emphasizing the importance of customer engagement [4] - A revision of the bank's strategy is underway, with plans to enhance customer service and reduce reliance on physical branches [52][53] - The bank aims to improve its private banking services and mutual fund offerings, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic approach to growth [54][55] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the growth potential in the retail segment, despite challenges in corporate lending due to competitive pressures [25][66] - The bank anticipates a rebound in corporate lending, supported by public sector investments and lower interest rates [22][25] - Inflation is expected to stabilize around 2.8%, which may influence interest rate sensitivity and profitability [19][20] Other Important Information - The bank's cost-to-deposit ratio improved to 76.3%, one of the highest in the sector [35] - The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remains stable at 3.9%, below the sector average, indicating strong asset quality [41][42] - Capital adequacy ratio stands at 15.66%, reflecting a solid financial position despite recent loan sales [44] Q&A Session Summary Question: Future evolution of profitability of interest assets - Management refrained from commenting on forward-looking profitability but noted that lower interest rates would impact net profit sensitivity [46][47] Question: Impact of obligatory provision on performance - The expected impact on the banking sector is between PLN 1.5 billion and PLN 2 billion, proportional to each bank's market share [48] Question: Interest in fixed-rate mortgage loans - The share of fixed-rate loans has decreased from 80% to 60%, as customers prefer floating rates amid declining interest expectations [49][50] Question: Strategic priorities for the near future - A revised strategy will be presented on November 19, focusing on customer service improvements and private banking initiatives [51][52] Question: Improvement in derivatives and FX - The growth in derivatives and FX was attributed to effective management and market volatility, leading to a 95% increase [56] Question: Cost of hedging and its impact - The cost of hedging remained flat despite rate reductions, with a focus on long-term analysis rather than short-term quarterly impacts [57][58] Question: Mortgage loans as a fundamental product - Management affirmed the importance of mortgage loans, citing ongoing demand despite demographic challenges [60][61] Question: Corporate lending margins and future expectations - Management expressed hope for a pickup in corporate lending in the second half of the year, influenced by regulatory factors and market conditions [62][66]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The tangible book value per share plus dividends increased by 14.6% year over year and 2.9% quarter over quarter [4] - Return on tangible equity reached 20.4% and return on equity was 19.5% for the first half of 2025 [4] - Net attributable profit for the quarter was EUR 2,749 million, maintaining record profit levels despite falling rates and currency headwinds [5][7] - CET1 capital ratio improved by 25 basis points to 13.34% [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Core revenues showed robust growth with net interest income and fees increasing by 11% and 18% year over year, respectively [10] - Loan growth at the group level was 16% year over year, with Spain at 6.3% and Mexico at 11.7% [14][15] - Efficiency ratio improved to 37.6%, with costs growing at 10% below the average inflation rate [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Spain, net profit reached EUR 1,100 million, supported by positive dynamics in net interest income and lower operating expenses [24] - BBVA Mexico reported a net profit of nearly EUR 1,300 million, driven by strong lending activity [28] - Turkey's net profit increased by over 17% year over year, driven by higher core revenues [30] - South America achieved a net profit of EUR 421 million, representing a 33% year-on-year increase [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to strengthen its leadership position through customer service excellence and sustainable growth [38] - Focus on increasing contributions from sustainability and enterprise segments, with a target of channeling EUR 700 billion in sustainable finance by 2029 [23] - Plans to improve profitability and efficiency, targeting a cost-to-income ratio of around 35% by 2028 [47] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining strong profitability despite macroeconomic challenges [36] - Expectations for stable interest rates in the coming years, which will help improve margins and profitability [44] - Anticipated gradual decline in inflation and interest rates in Turkey and Argentina, with a focus on improving asset quality [42] Other Important Information - The company plans to distribute approximately EUR 36 billion of capital, with a maximum of EUR 24 billion allocated for regular payouts [56][80] - The integration of Banco Sabadell is expected to enhance earnings generation, with further details to be provided in September [86] Q&A Session Summary Question: What would your RoTE and CET1 available for distribution look like using current forward FX rates? - The company uses forward rates in every country except Turkey, where a range of depreciations is applied due to uncertainty [63][65] Question: Can you clarify the 40 to 50 basis points benefit from capital simplification? - The ECB has formally approved the simplification, which will reduce RWA density and positively impact capital ratios [66][68] Question: How much were the VAT gross impacts and the recognition of DTAs? - The total impact from VAT and tax rate adjustments was around EUR 250 million, with half attributed to VAT and half to tax rate impacts [75] Question: Is there a chance to start the buyback before launching the offer for Sabadell? - The buyback will likely occur after the completion of the Sabadell integration process [91] Question: What are the prospects for lending growth in Mexico? - Lending growth is expected to remain strong, supported by investments and improved banking penetration [92]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 2025 income increased by 15% year-on-year, excluding notable items, driven by double-digit growth across Global Banking, Global Markets, and Wealth Solutions [2][3] - Operating income for the group was $5.5 billion, up 14% or 15% excluding notable items [4] - Profit before tax for the quarter was $2.4 billion, up 34%, with a return on tangible equity (RoTE) of 19.7% [5][14] - Earnings per share for the first half was up 41% year-on-year, with a tangible net asset value (TNAV) per share of $16.8, up 16% year-on-year [14][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) income for the quarter was $3.3 billion, up 9%, driven by a 47% increase in Global Markets income [15] - Wealth and Retail Banking (WRB) income was up 4% to $2.1 billion, with Wealth Solutions income up 20% [17][18] - Non-interest income (Non NII) grew by 31% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in Global Markets and Wealth Solutions [7][8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Underlying customer deposits increased by 4% or $19 billion in the quarter, with strong net new money from affluent clients [12] - Risk-weighted assets (RWA) increased by $6 billion in the quarter, with over half attributed to foreign exchange impacts [13][14] - The overall credit portfolio remained resilient, with a loan loss rate of 12 basis points in Q2, benefiting from net recoveries in CIB [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company announced a new share buyback of $1.3 billion, aiming to exceed $8 billion in capital returns from 2024 to 2026 [3][14] - The strategy focuses on supporting clients through a diversified network and enhancing digital asset offerings [22][28] - The company is committed to sustainable finance, targeting to mobilize $300 billion by 2030 [31][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the underlying trends supporting the business, despite external uncertainties [38] - The outlook for net interest income (NII) is expected to decline by a low single-digit percentage year-on-year, with a recovery in HIBOR anticipated later in the year [7][21] - Management remains optimistic about the growth of Wealth Solutions and the transition of deposits into assets under management [52][70] Other Important Information - The Fit for Growth program has achieved $500 million in run-rate savings, with a revised phasing of spending expected to be between 35% to 45% in 2025 [9][10] - The company is actively engaging in digital asset solutions, including a joint venture to issue a Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoin [29][64] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on net interest income and deposit performance - Management provided details on HIBOR assumptions and the sustainability of deposit momentum, indicating that current deposits may transition into assets under management as uncertainty decreases [34][36][46] Question: Wealth Solutions and revenue guidance - Management acknowledged the current reliance on deposits but expressed confidence in the eventual shift towards higher-margin products as clients mature [50][52] Question: SC Ventures monetization and capital distribution - Management emphasized the strategic nature of SC Ventures and the focus on exceeding capital distribution targets, highlighting strong capital generation capabilities [73][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total income increased compared to the previous quarter, with commercial net interest income (NII) supported by the repricing of customer deposits and continued volume growth, which almost fully compensated for the impact of the lower ECB deposit facility rate and a stronger euro [2][3] - Fee income grew significantly by 12% year on year, with expectations for continued growth [2][10] - Total risk costs were €299 million this quarter, or 17 basis points of average customer lending, which is below the through-the-cycle average [13][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net core lending rose by €15.4 billion, driven by record growth in retail banking, which grew by over €11 billion [3][4] - Wholesale Banking also saw growth in net core lending, primarily driven by working capital solutions and short-term trade finance [4] - Fee growth in wholesale banking reached a quarterly record of $360 million, driven by strong fee income in lending, daily banking, and trade finance [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The retail banking business recorded strong commercial momentum, particularly in mortgages, with growth in loan books across most markets [3][4] - The demand for long-term corporate loans remained subdued due to ongoing economic uncertainty, impacting the wholesale banking segment [4][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to allocate more capital towards the more profitable retail banking business, with a target of 55% retail and 45% wholesale by 2027 [7][8] - The strategy includes diversifying services offered to existing customers and filling gaps in markets where the company is already active [44][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued commercial growth despite geopolitical and macroeconomic turmoil, expecting commercial NII to grow in the second half of the year [17][18] - The outlook for profitability in 2025 has improved, with an expected return on equity of around 12.5% [18] Other Important Information - The interim dividend for 2025 is set at $0.35 per share, to be paid on August 11 [16] - The company is focusing on expense management, with total expenses expected to end up at the lower end of the previously indicated range [12][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: FX sensitivity and corporate loan demand outlook - Management acknowledged the impact of an 8% reduction in the U.S. dollar against the euro, which affected NII and total revenue, and noted that corporate loan demand remains muted but could change with potential trade deals [21][25][36] Question: Commercial NII trends and guidance - Management confirmed that underlying trends in commercial NII are satisfactory, with positive volume growth, but long-term lending demand remains soft [30][36] Question: Deposit strategy and M&A focus - Management indicated that there were no major deposit campaigns in Q2, and the focus is on diversifying services and targeting specific customer segments [42][44] Question: Liability margin guidance - Management stated that with the end of the German campaign, the liability margin is expected to return to around 100 basis points [108][110] Question: ROE guidance and expense management - Management explained that the improved ROE guidance is due to a combination of higher fee intensity and lower costs, with ongoing investments in digitalization and efficiency [118][120]