Bancolombia S.A. (NYSE:CIB) Q1 2024 Earnings Call Transcript May 10, 2024

Bancolombia S.A. isn’t one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here).

Operator: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Bancolombia's First Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call. My name is Daryl, and I will be your operator for today's call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Following the prepared remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions] Please note that, this conference is being recorded. Please note that, this conference call will include forward-looking statements, including statements related to our future performance, capital position, credit-related expenses and credit losses. All forward-looking statements whether made in this conference call and future filings and press releases or verbally address matters that involve risks and uncertainties.

Consequently, these are factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements, including changes in general economic and business conditions, changes in currency exchange rates and interest rates, introduction of competing products by other companies, lack of acceptance of new products or services by our targeted clients, changes in business strategy and various other factors that we described in our reports filed with the SEC. With us today are Mr. Juan Carlos Mora, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Julian Mora, Chief Corporate Officer; Mr. Jose Humberto Acosta, Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Rodrigo Prieto, Chief Risk Officer; Mrs. Catalina Toba, Investor Relations and Capital Markets Director; and Mrs.

Laura Clavijo, Chief Economist. I will now turn the call over to Mr. Juan Carlos Mora, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Juan Carlos, you may begin.

Juan Carlos Mora: Good morning, and welcome to Bancolombia's first quarter results conference call. Please turn to slide 2. During the first quarter of the year, Colombia encounter economic challenges marked by elevated interest rates and reduced consumer confidence. Despite subsequent declines in inflation and interest rates, consumer demand and investments remain restrained. Nevertheless, by utilizing our commercial expertise and conducting comprehensive risk assessments, we accomplished a not notable 2.5% quarterly loan growth. However, this growth is offset by a 2.6% annual contraction resulting from the substantial appreciation of the peso by 17.3% during the quarter. Efforts to reduce credit deterioration resulted in a notable 24% decrease in provision expenses compared to the previous quarter.

Consequently, the cost of risks for the reporting period was recorded at 2%. Additionally, an 8% quarter-over-quarter reduction in operating expenses contributed to achieve a net income of COP1.7 trillion, representing an approximate 15% increase compared to the preceding quarter. However, it is worth noting that these figures still reflects a 3% decline year-over-year. Furthermore, the efficiency ratio decreased to 46%. ROE rebounded to 17%, and our capital position remains robust with a total solvency ratio of 12.3% and a core equity Tier 1 ratio of 10.4%. The Central American banks and offshore operations sustained their positive performance, contributing to the overall group's results and diversification strategy. On the other hand, we believe that the declining trend on inflation in Colombia will solidify in the coming months.

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