Bladex posts $56.4M Q1 profit and declares $0.6875 dividend
Bladex reported Q1 net profit of $56.4 million, up 9% year-over-year, delivering EPS of $1.31 and an annualized ROE of 13.5%, supported by a 13% increase in credit portfolio to $13.49 billion and 25% deposit growth. The board approved a $0.6875 per share dividend payable May 27 to shareholders of record May 8.
1. Q1 Profit and Growth
Bladex reported net profit of $56.4 million for the first quarter, a 9% increase year-over-year. Earnings per share reached $1.31 after deducting AT1 coupon costs, while adjusted annualized ROE stood at 14.2% and ROE including AT1 instruments was 13.5%.
2. Balance Sheet Strength
The credit portfolio hit a record $13.49 billion (+13% YoY), comprising $12.05 billion in commercial loans and a new $234 million commercial bond portfolio. Deposits rose 25% to $7.31 billion, funding 63% of liabilities, and liquidity reserves totaled $1.99 billion. Tier 1 and regulatory capital ratios were 17.9% and 14.7%, respectively.
3. Dividend Declaration
The board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.6875 per share for Q1, payable May 27 to shareholders of record as of May 8, reflecting a distribution drawn from the quarter’s solid earnings performance.