Bladex (NYSE: BLX) reported Q3 EPS of $0.39, $0.02 better than the analyst estimate of $0.37. Revenue for the quarter came in at $25.2 million versus the consensus estimate of $24.27 million.

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

• Bladex's unique business model has unceasingly proven to be a key advantage in the current context, allowing it to maintain a sound asset quality and to swiftly re-balance its credit risk towards defensive sectors. The Bank resumed portfolio growth during the quarter and reports sustainable results and a solid financial position, denoted by the $15.4 million Profit for the 3Q20 (+9% QoQ), with a capitalization of 26.5% Tier 1 Basel III Capital Ratio.
• The Bank continued to collect almost all scheduled credit maturities (close to 100% during the 3Q20 and since the onset of Covid-19), evidencing the high quality of the Bank's borrower base and short-term nature of its business.
• 3Q20 loan origination more than doubled from the previous quarter (+120% QoQ), still under strict credit underwriting standards, resulting in a 3% Commercial Portfolio growth, reaching $5.1 billion as of September 30, 2020, at wider credit spreads (+14 bps over Libor vs the prior quarter), although the size of the Commercial Portfolio is still below pre-Covid levels (-18% YoY). Considering the increase in its investment securities portfolio, the Bank's total Credit Portfolio increased 6% QoQ.
• Bladex's portfolio remained well-diversified and focused on high quality exposures, with 59% in investment grade countries, 53% with financial institutions and 14% with sovereign and state-owned corporations. The Bank continued downsizing exposure to higher risk sectors, such as the airline industry, which has been decreased by $99 million or 67% since March 31, 2020, now representing less than 1% of total portfolio.
• In line with Bladex's strategy to maintain a solid and diversified funding base to support Commercial Portfolio growth, the Bank successfully placed a 144A/RegS bond in the U.S. and international capital markets, coupled with other medium-term bilateral, syndicated and capital market transactions, while its deposit base continued to grow. In turn, the Bank has gradually reduced its liquidity position, mostly consisting of cash and due from banks, which stood at $1.5 billion (23% of Total Assets) at the end of 3Q20, a still robust level given the prevailing market uncertainty and deep economic impact of Covid-19.
• Net Interest Income ("NII") and Margin ("NIM") experienced a positive quarterly trend (+4% and +14 bps QoQ, respectively), on the widening rate differential between loans and liabilities, but still below pre-Covid levels (-15% YoY and -35 bps YoY, respectively), mostly pressured by higher average cash position levels (27% of average assets) and decreased average loan balances (by design).
• Fees and commission income totaled $2.6 million for 3Q20, up 35% QoQ, mainly driven by higher fees from the letters of credit business (+28% QoQ) which is now performing at pre-Covid levels.
• Credit provision charges totaled $1.5 million in 3Q20, mainly on higher Credit Portfolio balances and the continuous assessment of the impact of certain country risk deteriorations on the Bank's exposure. Asset quality remained sound with no new credit impaired transactions during the quarter, resulting in zero non-performing loans as of September 30, 2020. As of the same date, the Bank's total allowance for credit losses represented a coverage ratio of 84 bps the total Credit Portfolio.
• Efficiency Ratio improved to 33% in 3Q20, due to higher total revenues (+27% QoQ) with stable operating expenses (+1% QoQ). YTD Operating expenses are still down $2.3 million, or 8%, YoY on lower personnel expenses, mostly due to a reduced performance-based variable compensation provision.

CEO's Comments

Mr. Jorge Salas, Bladex's Chief Executive Officer said: "Our third quarter results are, once again, a good reflection of our conservative approach and the resilience of our business model. The strong credit quality of Bladex's commercial portfolio, coupled with its short-term nature, resulted in the timely collection of almost 100% of all loans at maturity. Having said that, we remain prudently cautious in the face of the great deal of uncertainty that still lies ahead in the months to come.

Bladex resumed portfolio growth and, by working closely with its clients, the Bank was able to disburse over $2.2 billion, more than twice the volume disbursed in the previous quarter. This resulted in a $172 million growth, equivalent to a 3% increase of its commercial portfolio to $5.1 billion, while maintaining sound asset quality and portfolio diversification.

On the liability side, the Bank's deposit base increased by $169 million, or 6% quarter-on-quarter, with a relevant participation from our Class A shareholders, that represented 51% of total deposits by the end of September. During this last quarter, Bladex also successfully placed a new global syndication and its third issuance in the 144A/RegS market for USD $400 million, which was four times oversubscribed. At the same time, the Bank gradually reduced its liquidity position, mostly consisting of cash and due from banks, which stood at $1.5 billion at the end of 3Q20, a still robust level given the prevailing market uncertainty and deep economic impact of Covid-19.

With a gradual but positive trend in its levels of profitability, a strong capitalization, a resilient asset portfolio, robust levels of liquidity and a solid funding base, the Bank enjoys a strong financial position to face a challenging credit cycle in the Region. I am very proud of the way our team has come together to navigate the storm so far. There is no doubt that opportunities will keep arising as the economies re-open throughout the Region and Bladex will continue to support its clients during this uncertain time."

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Bladex (BLX) click here.