Banco de Bogotá S.A. (BOGOTA) Earnings Call Transcript & Summary

Welcome to the fourth quarter 2021 consolidated results conference call. My name is Hilda, and I will be your operator during this conference call. [Operator Instructions] Please note that this conference is being recorded. We now ask that you take the time to read the disclaimer included on Page 2. When applicable, in this webcast, we refer to trillions as millions of millions and to billions as thousands of millions. Thank you for your attention. Mr. Alejandro Figueroa, CEO of Banco de Bogotá, will be the host and speaker today. Mr. Figueroa, you may begin your conference.

Thank you, Hilda. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Banco de Bogotá's Q4 2021 Earnings Call. Thank you all for joining us today. Although 2021 was a year marked by strong economic recovery, both at global and regional levels, we continue to face the loss of human lives due to the pandemic. This situation has affected many families in Colombia and Central America to whom we extend our solidarity and support. I would like to start by mentioning our annual attributable net income, which reached a level of COP 4.4 trillion in 2021, marking our strongest result in history. COP 3.1 trillion come from our recurring operations and COP 1.3 trillion from the extraordinary income from Porvenir's deconsolidation. Return on average equity was 13.4% when excluding Porvenir’s transaction one-off gain. Our key business ratios reflected positive performance, in line with economic growth. Annual net interest margin was 4.9%, below 2020's, which was 5.4%. Lending NIM, although stable for the quarter, came in at 5.7% for the year due to a persistent low rate environment throughout most of 2021. Investment NIM also reflected the effect of volatile market dynamics on fixed income investments. Fee income totaled COP 4.1 trillion in 2021, lower than 2020 as Porvenir’s deconsolidation led a reversion in pension fee income. Consequently, annual fee income ratio was 28.5%. Efficiency ratio for the year was 52.4%, excluding the onetime income from Porvenir. Operational expenditure increased in line with our gradual return to full-scale operation as economic activity resumed. Our balance sheet performance for the year is summarized as follows. Gross loans reached COP 156 trillion, increasing 15% annually. Deposits totaled COP 163 trillion, representing 81% of the funding mix. Deposits-to-net-loan ratio closed at 1.1x, converting to a historical level near to 1x. Moving on to credit. The 90-day past due loan ratio improved 61 basis annually to 2.7% as better payment dynamics reflected economic reactivation. This resulted in an annual net cost of risk at 2%, supported by [indiscernible] in 2020 and reflecting lower [indiscernible] than initially expected. Finally, capital adequacy ratio remains solid at Tier 1 capital, and total solvency ratio closed at 11.5% and 13.5%, respectively. Total solvency ratio maintains a 391 basis point buffer over regulatory minimums. Regarding the spin-off transaction, Banco de Bogotá currently owns 100% of BAC International Corporation. [indiscernible] owns 100% of BAC Credomatic group. We will spin off 75% of the holding company in favor of our shareholders. We are already in the execution stage this week. Our stock at Grupo Aval are suspended for trading until March 30. This time we will use to carry out spin-off operation to the beneficiary entities that were created to receive the holding company share and that will measure with BAC Holding International which will continue to own 100% of BAC Credomatic group after the transaction is complete. German Salazar will provide additional details. As we expect to complete BAC's spin-off in the next week, the 2022 guidance [indiscernible] to provide reflects our continued operation. That is the consolidating 75% of BAC Holding International for our balance sheet and P&L statement while retaining a 25% stake which will be held via equity method. Our guidance for 2022 is, for loan growth, we expect it to be around 15%. Our net interest margin target is 4.8%. Cost of risk should be around 1.8%. Our fee income ratio should be north of 20%. Efficiency ratio should come in below 50%. And in terms of profitability, our return on assets should come in at around 1.5%, while return on assets will be -- return on equity will be between 13% and 15%. Now I would like to hand over the presentation to our Executive Vice President, German Salazar, who will provide an overview of our strategic performance in 2021 as well as further updates on the spin-off transaction.

Thank you, Alejandro, and good morning to everyone who has joined our call. Let me begin on Slide 4, on which I would like to highlight the main initiatives undertaken as part of our corporate strategy and how they benefited our stakeholders in 2021. Banco de Bogotá's corporate strategy is customer-centric as we strive to constantly add value through our products and services. In 2021, we created a new experience management center, which centralizes efforts to permanently improve customer experience throughout the service journey. This center oversees a wide range of client-facing operations, ranging from process optimization to our customer attention. 2021's results in terms of experience management leverage an increased utilization and analytical capacity which allowed us to capture efficiencies across both our client-facing and back-office operations. To provide a few examples, we achieved a significant reduction on our onboarding process from 40 to 3 minutes for new customers as well as emphasize self-management features through our digital platforms which we redesigned to facilitate user experience. Furthermore, as a focal point of our customer journey is the experience provided at our branches. At year-end, we reached 59 digital store fronts that support a new banking experience. Increasing customer satisfaction has derived in sustainable business growth. We are aware of the role Banco de Bogotá plays in society at large, and we have decidedly contributed to economic reactivation. Our growth strategy plays particular focus on SME financing in order to support employment protection and activity recovery. We also participated in public aid programs as well as continue to strengthen lending to retail segment. Growth is also possible given our robust digital infrastructure [indiscernible] across different ecosystems, boosting market penetration and channel diversification. Our analytical capacity has also strengthened by implementing machine learning models and facilitating information access through Power BI tools, supported on a centralized, cloud-based data model. Greater digitalization and access to real-time data favors a more robust risk control framework as we adjusted analytical and fraud prevention models and improved cybersecurity to protect information confidentiality, integrity and availability. We are mindful that growth in our operations must be environment-friendly and generate positive social impact. As a result we have strengthened our sustainable product portfolio in which we direct funds towards financing a wide variety of green and social projects through specific credit lines with attractive interest rates. Also in 2021, we launched our Amazonía debit card and digital term deposit, which contribute to our larger initiative to support reforestation of the Colombian Amazon. Our commitment to the environment is also evidenced through the implementation of an energy efficiency plan, which includes increased use of renewable energy at our headquarters and administrative buildings, steps towards achieving carbon neutral and LEED certifications for our infrastructure and mitigation of our carbon footprint by installing photocatalytic billboards as part of our [ policy ] strategy. As a recognition to our commitment to ESG, Banco de Bogotá was included for the second year in S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook as part of the top 8% banks with best sustainability practices. None of the above results would have been possible without highly valued contribution of our employees. We received once again the Great Place To Work certification, which is a reputable third-party feedback on our human capital management efforts targeted towards employee satisfaction and ensuring quality, inclusion and diversity. Continuing on Slide 5, we present further detail of our digital strategy performance. Our efforts directed towards totally enhancing customer experience by developing new products and improving digital channels continue to deliver strong results. Digital sales reached a milestone of almost 2.1 million digital products sold in 2021 by Banco de Bogotá and BAC Credomatic, a 66.2% annual increase. This represents a 70% digital share of our total sales in Colombia and 30% in Central America, both levels among the best in their respective markets. Our digital platforms are our leading sales point, we have focused on streamlining sale processes by offering 100% digital experience characterized by shorter onboarding times, ranging from 4 minutes to open a savings account to 7 minutes for credit cards. Higher conversion rates and increased customer satisfaction are measured by our internal Net Promoter Scores. Furthermore, digitalization has been pivotal in attracting new customers and increasing market penetration in the specific segments while maintaining our risk appetite. For example, in consumer loans, we increased lending to clients without previous credit experience through advanced data analytics and biometric tools. As a result, at the end of 2021, we had 3.23 million active digital clients, 730,000 more than in 2020, and presenting annual growth rate of 31% over 2019's total. In order to increase digitalization, we have placed great emphasis on permanently improving our mobile banking experience. In 2021, we'll relaunch our mobile app in Colombia, which provides access to the most comprehensive financial portfolio in the market as well as facilitate transactionality through innovative cash management features. In Central America, we also perform constant updates to our mobile apps in each country as well as we introduced a personal financial manager functionality, supporting our customers' financial plan. As a consequence of improved digital platform, almost 2.3 billion transactions in 2021 were digital, representing an 86% share over total transactions performed in the year, exemplifying increased digital adoption. Finally, complementing our digital experience, we reached 59 digital branches in 2021, of which 52 are located in Colombia. In 2022, we expect to adapt 30 additional branches to this innovative format as we continue to optimize our physical footprint. As Alejandro previously mentioned, on Slide 6, I would like to provide an update on BHI's spin-off transaction announced on September 15, 2021. Briefly summarizing, the transaction consists on the 75% spin-off of BAC Holding International shares, ultimate and sole owner of BAC Credomatic banking group. The spin-off will prove beneficial for Banco de Bogotá as we will eliminate multi-traditional complexities, unlock value in our capital position and reinforce our growth strategy in the Colombian market. Moving to development regarding the transaction. On December 21, 2021, the Colombian Financial Superintendence approved the proposed spin-off. Following regulatory confirmation, we proceeded to obtain approval from both our local bondholders and our shareholders at separate extraordinary assemblies held on December 28, 2021 and January 18, 2022, respectively. During Q1 2022, Grupo Aval advanced on its own required approvals from regulators and shareholders as well as obtained consent from international bondholders to proceed with the transaction. As communicated to the market last week, the Colombian regulator granted its approval to Grupo Aval. And as a result, we are in the execution stage of the transaction. Yesterday, a trading suspension period began for both Banco de Bogotá's and Grupo Aval's shares until March 30, 2022. During the suspension period, we are expecting to execute the spin-off of BHI shares to a new company, NewCo, especially constituted to act as a recipient of the spun-off asset with an identical shareholder structure as Banco de Bogotá's. In turn, Grupo Aval's shares received from its participation in Banco de Bogotá's NewCo will be spun off to an additional NewCo constituted at Grupo Aval's level. After the spin-off is materialized, both Banco de Bogotá and Grupo Aval's NewCos will merge into BHI, which will be the surviving and absorbing company as Banco de Bogotá retains a 25% stake interest. Finally, BHI shares will be listed in the Colombian and Panamanian stock exchanges. As we further will elaborate in a few moments, the transaction will enhance our solvency ratios in around 130 basis points. However, maintaining a forward-looking view on capital management, our Board of Directors has proposed not to increase the cash dividend, anticipating headwinds from progress on Basel III adoption phase-in periods. Following with our Colombian macroeconomic outlook, please continue to Slide 7. The Colombian economy completely recovered from the pandemic shock in 2021 as growth came in at 10.6% annually and 2.8% over 2019, surpassing pre-pandemic production levels despite additional continuing waves and temporary slowdown in the second quarter due to the national strike. Satisfactory progress in vaccination rollout supported credit sectoral reactivation. In 2021, 64.7 million vaccines were applied, leading to completing immunization schemes on 28.3 million people, equivalent to 56% of the population. Economic recovery is expected to continue in 2022, although moderating its pace due to the exception of the statistical base effect. The projection of our economic research team is 5% for 2022, including some uncertainty due to the external and internal factors, such as the geopolitical landscape and the local electoral outcomes. Growth levers are expected to rebalance, reflecting credit contribution from services and investment sectors while durable goods demand slows. Higher economic activity has not fully extended to the labor market. Jobs lost due to the pandemic decreased its recovery pace, reaching an 84% level in December 2021. Seasonal adjusted unemployment rate totaled 12.3% in December, above pre-pandemic levels. Inflation accelerated significantly in 2021, reaching the 4% upper limit of the central bank's target range. Yearly inflation was 5.6% driven mainly by the [ food ] group with price increases above 17% for the year. Upside risks linger in 2022 as inflation is expected to continue above 4%. Our economic research team expects a 6.4% inflation for 2022. Accelerated increases on consumer prices supported central bank's decisions to add an expansionary policy which led to a higher reference rate. The first adjustment was made in September with a 25 basis points increase and continue in October and December with 50 basis points increases each, closing the year with a benchmark rate at 3%. Increases accelerated in January with an additional 100 basis point hike, reaching 4%. Our economic research team expects further adjustments through 2022 in order to reach 7.5%. Despite Colombia not longer being considered investment grade by S&P and Fitch, high economic growth and increased tax collection led to improvement on our fiscal metrics. Government disclosed a 7.1% GDP fiscal deficit in 2021, adjusting by 0.5% compared to 2020 level. Public debt closed at 63.8% of GDP, also improving when compared to 2020 in almost a full percentage point. For 2022, the adjustment would continue, projecting a 6.2% of GDP deficit and a debt level around 62.7% of GDP. Despite fiscal adjustments continuing in 2022, fiscal challenges remain in the medium term. External accounts deteriorated in 2021 with a widening current account deficit to 5.7% of GDP driven by the larger gap of goods trading. Imports increased in line with a rebound in domestic demand as exports continue to lag due to lower coal and oil production levels. Regarding external financing, we observed credit weight on external debt, placing foreign direct investment in second place. In the foreign exchange market, volatility was a constant in 2021, fluctuating between COP 3,395 per dollar and 4,105 per dollar, closing the year at COP 3,981 per dollar, devaluating 16% in the year. The first half of the year will focus on the presidential election. The baseline scenario considers a government maintaining orthodox macroeconomic policies which is reinforced by the results of congressional elections where no political party reached a majority in each of its chambers. Now let's continue with economic performance in Central America on Slide 8. Latest growth estimate for Central America by the International Monetary Fund suggests a regional 6.7% growth in 2021 after contracting 6.9% in 2020. Growth was supported by, first, greater dynamism of external demand in a context of fewer mobility restrictions to contain COVID-19 contagion; and second, a rebound in external demand driven by economic recovery of trading partners. Pressure in regional growth outlook is the rise in commodity prices, particularly 50% in oil, and the region is a net importer. In line with global economic trends, activity in Central America is expected to moderate in 2022, reaching a 4.2% growth rate. Nevertheless, growth will still be above the 2019 4% annual average for the region. Among individual 2022 growth projections, Panama and Guatemala stand out at 5% and 4.5%, respectively. Normalization on global monetary policy and subsequent economic effects will be relevant again in 2022, in addition to commodity prices. Vaccination progress has played an important role in economic activity recovery in Central America. Costa Rica leads with almost 75% of the population completing the vaccination scheme, followed by El Salvador, Nicaragua and Panama, which have 65%, 60% and 58%, respectively. Honduras with 45% level and Guatemala at 31% fall behind the region. Because of faster labor market recovery in developed economies, remittances inflows growing in the region, thus increasing available income and favoring domestic demand. El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua registered record heights in their monthly remittance inflows in Q4 2021, while annual fee was marked a new annual maximum for these countries. Recovery of the Central American economy will continue to be highly dependent on the performance of the developed economies which are the main source of remittances. This dependency is larger in El Salvador and Honduras, where net remittances flows increased from 21% and 22% of GDP before the pandemic to 29% and 28% of GDP in 2021, respectively. Global inflation pressures impact central Americas prices, particularly in recent months, due to the continued surge in oil prices and persistent disruptions in global supply chains, inflation in the region stood at 3.8% in December, higher than 1.7% registered in the previous year, except for Guatemala, which recorded an annual contraction from 4.8% to 2.9%, all point to significant inflation increases. Nicaragua at 7.7%, Honduras at 6.2% and El Salvador at 6.5% presented the highest inflation levels, while Panama's inflation went from minus 1.6% in 2020 to 2.6% in 2021, relatively low when compared to peers in the region and other emerging economies. Acknowledging inflationary pressures in the context of improved economic performance in the region, there is an upward bias in terms of monetary policy rates. Guatemala and Honduras maintained their policy rates unchanged during the past month at 1.75% and 3%, respectively. On the other hand, Costa Rica raised its rate to 50 basis points each in December '21 and January 2022, placing it at 1.75% while remaining broadly expansionary. Additional rate increases in 2022 are not discarded if a high inflation environment persists, and it has been above 3% target. From a political perspective, in November 2022, Xiomara Castro became Honduras' president with a 51.1% of the votes. While in Costa Rica, the first round of the presidential and legislative election was held last February. No candidate surpassed 40% of the vote threshold. Hence, a second round will be held on April 3 with 2 central candidates, Figueres from the Partido Liberación Nacional and Chaves from the Partido Progreso Social Democrático. I will now hand over the presentation to Mr. Javier Dorich, Head of Corporate Development, Financial Planning and Investor Relations, who will provide details on our financial results.

Thank you, German. Good morning, everyone. Starting on Slide 9, we present an overview of our consolidated asset structure. Banco de Bogotá's consolidated assets at the end of Q4 2021 totaled COP 232.3 trillion, increasing 3.5% in the quarter and 11.6% annually. Excluding exchange rate fluctuations, growth was 1% and 2.7%, respectively. In order to make a direct comparison to Q4 2020 figures which will still consolidated Porvenir's balance sheet, Q4 2021 assets, including Porvenir, would have reached COP 233.8 trillion, implying a 12.3% annual growth or 3.4% when isolating FX movements. Asset structure did not change significantly in the quarter, led by the net loan portfolio representing 64.6%, up 84 basis points in the quarter. Other assets followed in ranking with 19%, while investments explain 16.3% of consolidated assets, with 12.2% in fixed income and 4.1% in equity investments. Our gross loan portfolio closed at COP 156.2 trillion in Q4 2021, preserving a healthy diversification. More dynamic sectors that have driven economic growth have gained participation, such as construction and manufacturing. Growth was 15% for the year and 4.5% on a quarterly basis. Excluding the devaluation effects, gross loans increased 6.2% in 2021 and 2% over the previous quarter. On the bottom part of the slide, you will see that we continue to rebalance our loan portfolio mix towards a higher-yielding retail segment. Commercial loans represent 56.4% of our gross loan portfolio at Q4 2021, down from 58.3% in the previous year. Contrastingly, consumer and mortgage segment's participation increased to 28.6% and 14.8%, respectively. Commercial portfolio increased 11.1% in annual terms on a consolidated basis or 4.2% when adjusting for FX. Growth is mainly driven by a strong rebound in corporate financing needs in Central America, leading to a yearly increase of 9.2%. Panama, Costa Rica and El Salvador present the best commercial lending dynamics in the region, all reaching double-digit annual growth in dollar terms of 13.5%, 13.2% and 11.8% individually. In Colombia, we observed mixed dynamics within the commercial portfolio. Aggressive market pricing within larger corporate clients has led to a reduction in this specific segment as we maintain a stance on safeguarding profitability. On the other hand, the aforementioned reduction was mitigated by a strong 39.3% yearly growth on SMEs and 7.8% annual increase on medium to smaller corporate clients. Going forward, we expect that improved business confidence will drive an increased loan demand, thus defending and even improving our market share in this specific segment. Consumer loans growth was 20.2% in 2021 and 9.3% when excluding FX. Quarterly growth was 6.4% and 3.4%, respectively, driven by increased use of credit cards, both in Colombia and Central America, as well as higher originations in secured products, such as payroll and auto loans, mainly in Colombia. Unsecured consumer loans also contributed to both quarterly and annual growth, in line with higher economic activity. Mortgage markets continue to present dynamism across the region, particularly in Colombia. Consolidated growth was 21.4% for the year and 5.7% for the quarter, excluding FX. Annual and quarterly growth came in at 8.4% and 2.3%, respectively. In Colombia, homeownership subsidies provided by the government have maintained strong mortgage demand, leading to an annual growth rate of 22.6%, supporting our midterm goal of increasing market share in this product towards similar levels as in our commercial and consumer loans. In terms of guidance for 2022, we expect loan growth to come around 13%. Continuing on Slide 10, we present our loan portfolio quality indicators. Starting on the top right (sic) [ top left ], consolidated 30-day and 90-day PDL ratios show a quarterly reduction of 45 basis points and 24 basis points, respectively. Payment performance for the quarter was better than initially expected after the end of relief measures application in Panama last quarter. Moving to the top right, we observed a slight increase of 13 basis points in our quarterly net cost of risk to 1.9%, leading to an annual result of 2%, better than our previously guided figure of 2.1% for 2021. Increases in the quarter are due to the re-expression in pesos of our dollar-denominated provisions from Central America, as we will explain further in the next slide. Charge-off activity increased in Q4 2021 to 0.86x, our average 90-day PDLs, representing 2.4% of our average loan balance, explained mostly by our Central American consumer loans as a result of charging off the most impacted retail exposures after the relief program ended in Panama. In terms of coverage, quarterly contractions on our PDL ratios led to an increase on our allowances over 30- and 90-day PDL ratios to 1.24 and 1.82x, respectively. As a percentage of our gross loan portfolio, allowances were 4.9% in Q4 2021 as a result of loan growth outpacing that of provisions. On Slide 11, we present the regional breakdown of our loan portfolio quality metrics. In Colombia, continued economic reactivation has trickled down to improvements in our quality ratios. We saw a quarterly reduction of 52 basis points in 30-day PDLs, while 90-day PDLs contracted 30 basis points in the same period. Better performance was observed across both commercial and retail loans where no significant concentrations stand out. Q4 2021 net cost of risk contracted to 1.9% as improved economic performance has reduced pressures on provision expense. In annual terms, credit costs decreased 151 basis points to 2.2%. Charge-off ratio in Colombia was 0.68x in Q4 2021, increasing in the quarter, mainly due to lower 90-day PDLs, as noted earlier, considering that charge-off activity remained around COP 500 billion, slightly lower than Q3 2021. Charge-offs for the quarter represented 3% of the local average loan portfolio. Coverage ratios increased to 1.34x over 30-day PDLs and 1.69x over 90-day PDLs, taking in the previously explained improvements in loan quality. Regarding Central America, in Q4 2021, 30- and 90-day PDL ratios improved in 32 and 12 basis points, respectively, to 2.9% and 1.5%. Better performance responds to favorable economic activity, allowing borrowers to resume payments, mainly in Panama, after relief grace periods came to an end. On our 30-day ratio, we observed that consumer portfolio explains the bulk of the reduction, while at a 90-day delinquency, improved quality also comes from the commercial portfolio in addition to loan growth. Net cost of risk for the quarter remained at 1.9%. An increase in Panama's provision expense explained by grace periods conclusion was counterbalanced by reduced provisions in Costa Rica and El Salvador as well as loan portfolio growth. Charge-offs increased to 1.24x in the quarter related to consumer loans, mainly in Panama, as already explained. Charge-offs to average loans ratio was 2% in Q4 2021. A combination of improved loan performance and higher provision expenses led to higher coverage metrics, resulting in 1.1x for our 30-day PDLs and 2.1x for nonperforming loans. Following with Slide 12, we present our loan quality ratios by segments. Regarding our commercial portfolio, we observed a 14 and 18 basis points quarterly contraction on the 30- and 90-day PDL ratios, respectively, reaching 3.2% and 2.7%, favored by commercial loan growth, mainly in Central America as well as by controlled PDL formation. Consumer portfolio quality ratios closed at 4.9% for 30 days in arrears and 2.6% at the 90-day mark, a reduction of 112 and 50 basis points, respectively, illustrating healthy loan growth in this segment as well as proactive delinquency management. Mortgage loans 30-day PDLs ratio improved 45 basis points in Q4 2021 to 4.5% while remaining stable at 2.6% on its 90-day PDLs. On Slide 13, we present an update on our loan relief program. At the end of Q4 2021, loans with active relief periods continued to decrease to 1.1% of our consolidated loan portfolio, down from 2% in the previous quarter. This reduction is explained mainly by Panama as forbearances gradually expire. In terms of a percentage from our Central American loan portfolio, loans with an active relief account for 2%. Regarding second-generation reliefs, which relate to credit terms renegotiations, 10.7% of our loan portfolio is currently under an updated amortization schedule. Breaking down per region, loans under Programa de Acompañamiento a Deudores, PAD, in Colombia went down to 6.7% of our local portfolio, down 86 basis points from previous quarter, reflecting loan amortization. In Central America, renegotiated loans went up from 12.5% in Q3 2021 to 13.8% in Q4 2021, explained by Panama as second relief measures were more widely implemented after forbearances expiration in September 2021. On a consolidated level, 95% of our loans are performing or below 30 days in arrears, presenting a quarterly improvement of 1.4 percentile points. Current loans increased 0.5% quarterly in Colombia and 1.9% in Central America, reflecting positive payment performance. Now please move to Slide 14, where we present our funding structure. Funding totaled COP 200.8 trillion by year-end, growing 11.7% year-over-year. Excluding FX, annual growth was 3%. Quarterly growth came in at 3.4% or 1% when isolating devaluation impacts. Deposits continue to be our main source of funds with an 81.5% share, followed by banks and others accounting for 10.6% of our funding mix, while long-term bonds and interbank borrowings represent 7% and 0.8%, respectively. Regarding deposits, we observed an increase of 11.2% year-over-year and 3.4% in the quarter. Excluding exchange rate fluctuation, annual growth was 2.3% and 0.8% quarterly. Time deposits continue to lead with a 38.6% share, down 2 percentage points in Q4 2021, reflecting a preference for saving accounts, which increased 187 basis points in the quarter as checking accounts remained stable at 30%. Our deposit-to-net-loans ratio closed at 1.1x, contracting 442 basis points annually, converging towards our traditional historical levels of having our deposits fully matched with our net loans. In Colombia, we have already reached this balance. While in Central America, we continue to maintain a deposit surplus, in line with a more conservative liquidity risk management. On Slide 15, we continue with our equity and solvency metrics evolution. Total equity was COP 25.3 trillion at the end of 2021, increasing 12.6% annually and 3.2% in the quarter. Annual growth is explained by an increase of COP 2.2 trillion in attributable net income, reaching COP 4.4 trillion for the year and an increase in our OCI, mainly due to hedging of net foreign investments. Yearly reduction of our noncontrolling interest is explained by Porvenir's deconsolidation in Q3 2021. Tangible common equity increased 27.3% in 2021 and 3% in the quarter to COP 17.6 trillion as a result of the aforementioned increases in attributable net income and OCI as well as by a lower goodwill related to Porvenir's transaction. Tangible capital ratio closed Q4 2021 at 7.8%. Moving to capital adequacy presented at the bottom of the slide, consolidated solvency ratio came in at 13.5% for Q4 2021, illustrating stability on the bank's capital position when compared to the previous quarter. Annual increase of 148 basis points is explained by Basel III adoption, in addition to capital accretions from higher attributable net income and Porvenir's deconsolidation. 35 basis points quarterly increase in total Tier 1 ratio includes the capital treatment of our Q4 2021 net results as well as lower deductions in unconsolidated capital investments. At the end of the quarter, CET1 ratio was 10.2%, and AT1 remained at 1.3%. Tier 2 reductions are explained by a lower balance on our additional general provision which were proactively constituted throughout 2020. In terms of solvency ratios for 2022, as mentioned earlier, BHI's spin-off will have a positive net effect on our capital position as deconsolidation of RWAs and lower goodwill deductions will compensate lower equity, additional deductions of nonconsolidated investments and the exclusion of the AT1 instrument issued by BAC International Bank from our Tier 1. As we continue to move along the Basel III 3-year transition period, which annually increases minimum solvency requirements, our capital levels will face some headwinds in Q1 2022. First, depreciation of fixed income markets has led to higher unrealized losses in OCI. Second, changes in operational risk are expected to increase RWAs. And third, as we have mentioned in previous calls, during the first quarter, our Tier 2 debt issuances will have lower capital credit as well as we will observe reduced phased-in capital contribution from OCI accounts related to Basel III transition. In line with Banco de Bogotá's favorable position to capture potential growth and in order to maintain a robust capital profile, the Board of Directors will propose in the upcoming Shareholders' Meeting to not declare a cash dividend. As a reminder, dividend payout decisions remain at the Shareholders' Meeting level. Banco de Bogotá's ordinary Shareholders' Meeting will take place next March 29. On Slide 16, we began the presentation of our P&L figures. I would like to note that annual variations are calculated using a performance scenario which is shown in the presentation as 4Q '21 pre, which consolidates Porvenir. This scenario ensures comparability with Q4 2020 as it doesn't show Porvenir's deconsolidation carried out in Q3 2021. Regarding net interest margin ratios. Net interest income for Q4 2021 was COP 2.3 trillion, increasing 2% in the quarter or 1.6% when isolating FX fluctuations. Yearly total was COP 8.65 trillion, growing 4.8% without Porvenir's deconsolidation. Excluding exchange rate effects, annual growth is 4%. Quarterly total NIM remained at 5%, explained by a stable lending NIM at 5.8% and a 24 basis point decrease on investment NIM with marginal impacts on the aggregated figure. Total NIM for full year 2021 was 4.9%, contracting 52 basis points annually due to a generalized low interest rate environment, thus reducing yield on loans to 5.7% and to volatile market dynamics that impacted yields on fixed income investments. Q4 2021 shows a slight 4 basis points increase on yield on loans, starting the process of variable rate asset repricing, in line with upward movements in the benchmark interest rate. Higher rates also led to a quarterly increase of 10 basis points in cost of funds which adjusted faster to new rate levels. Yield on investments decreased 14 basis points in the quarter, reflecting a challenging market sentiment, as previously explained. Porvenir's transaction did not significantly impact our NIM figures, except for the yield on fixed income, resulting in a higher investment NIM. A higher investment yield is explained by a larger share of investments in inflation-linked debt securities issued by both private and public entities. Our guidance for 2022 is to reach a total NIM around 4.8%. Turning to Slide 17. We show our fee and other income performance. Gross fee income for Q4 2021 was COP 1.16 trillion, resulting in a ratio of 30.2% Quarterly increase of 11.1% -- or 11.2% when excluding FX is explained by higher income from banking services and credit card fees, in line with increased transaction levels due to typical seasonality. Therefore, banking fees represented 92.4% of our fee income in the quarter, with fiduciary activities, other fees and pension fees accounting for 3.2%, 3.1% and 1.3%, respectively. Fee income ratio for 2021 was 28.5%, equivalent to a fee income of COP 4.1 trillion. In the pre Porvenir's deconsolidation scenario, fee income would have increased 12% annually, equivalent to COP 1.2 trillion. Other operating income totaled COP 489.5 billion in Q4 2021, increasing 16.5% quarterly as a result of higher gains on derivatives and equity method income. Equity method income totaled COP 130.8 billion in the quarter, adding to the annual result of COP 563.3 billion. Results present a 2.4% yearly decrease, mainly from Corficolombiana's operation due to, first, the tax reform approved in Q3 2021 triggered a recalculation of deferred taxes, impacting bottom line results in around COP 139 billion, explaining an unusually low equity method income registered in that period; and second, in December 2021, we had a COP 69 billion contraction, mainly driven by goodwill deterioration in one of the road concession projects. It's also important to note that Porvenir's results are included as equity method starting in August. However, challenging market conditions that impacted the valuation of public debt securities led to a lower income contribution during Q4 2021. Lastly, total other operating income for 2021 was COP 3.17 trillion, COP 1.3 trillion is nonrecurring due to Porvenir's transaction. While at the same time, its deconsolidation led to lower net gains on negotiable derivative instruments and sale of investments. In terms of guidance, we expect a fee income ratio above 20%. Let's continue with our efficiency ratios on Slide 18. Efficiency ratio for 2021 is 48.5%. However, when isolating one-off impacts, such as Porvenir's COP 1.3 trillion extraordinary income on Corficolombiana's deferred tax adjustment of COP 139 billion, efficiency would have been 52.4% for the year. In pre-Porvenir's deconsolidation scenario, efficiency would have been 52.1% in 2021, which compares very similar to 2019's ratio, considering that both years have full-scale operations. 2020 OpEx levels reflected the impact of quarantines and lockdown measures which reduced administrative expenses. Thus, in 2021, we were expecting an uptick as operations gradually return to pre-pandemic levels. Higher expenses are explained by increased variable compensation for our commercial staff, in line with loan growth, larger expense on marketing and advertisement, as well as costs related to a full operation of our branch network. On the other hand, although total income grew via net interest income and fee income, it was partially offset by the impact of Porvenir's deconsolidation as we observed lower gains on derivatives and sale of investments, as previously explained, leading to increases on our efficiency ratio. In terms of our cost to average assets, we observed a 3.4% ratio in 2021 or 3.6%, considering our previous corporate structure, illustrating efficient growth. In 2022, we expect that our efficiency ratio will result below 50% as our commitment to cost control is unchanged. Lastly, on Slide 19, we present our net income and profitability ratios. In Q4 2021, net income attributable to shareholders was COP 770.6 billion, explained by a 2% quarterly increase on net interest income and 13.4% on net fee income while mitigated by an 8.1% increase in operational expense as well as a 10.5% surge on net provision expense. Results for the quarter led to an annual figure of COP 4.36 trillion, including the extraordinary income from Porvenir's deconsolidation in Q3 2021. Excluding this one-off, annual attributable net income would be COP 3.05 trillion. In terms of profitability, return on average assets for the quarter was 1.4%, while return on average equity was 12.4%. On annual terms, ROAA and ROAE from recurring operations were 1.5% and 13.4%, respectively, exceeding our previously guided figures of 1.3% and 12%. Including Porvenir's extraordinary income, annual ROAA and ROAE were 2.1% and 19.1%. The aforementioned results position Banco de Bogotá as the most profitable Colombian bank, proving our commitment to constant value generation for all of our stakeholders. In 2022, ROAA is expected to be 1.5% and ROAE to come in between 13% and 14%. Before starting the Q&A session, I would like to summarize our 2022 guidance which reflects recurring operations, that is Banco de Bogotá's Colombian banking operation, multi-financial group performance in Panama and including the 25% interest in BHI via equity method as the spin-off will be completed next week. For loan growth, we expect to be around 13%. Our net interest margin target is 4.8%. Cost of risk should be around 1.8%. Our fee income ratio should be north of 20%. Efficiency ratio should come in below 50%. And in terms of profitability, our ROAA should come in at around 1.5%, while ROAE would be between 13% and 14%. And now we are open to questions.

[Operator Instructions] We have a question from Nicolas Riva from Bank of America.

I have 2 questions. The first one on the tender offer on the '27, if you can confirm there is no related bond issuance that you're going to be paying for that using your cash position. So that's my first question. And then my second question, on the spin-off of Central America. Last week, Aval said in the earnings call, and I believe that you said the same thing earlier in your comments that there's going to be a positive impact on your capital, about 130 basis points. If that's the case and then assuming that the spin-off happens before the end of the month, and I also would like to have some confirmation there, are you expecting then the Tier 1 to increase to 12.8% by the end of March, everything else constant?

Thank you for the questions. First question is going to be answered by myself, and I have to tell you that there's no bond issuance connected with the payment of the current '27 bond outstanding that we have in our books. Basically [ innovates ] and excess liquidity that we have in dollars as a result of dividends paid back at the end of last year. And we believe that there is an interesting opportunity because of the secondary market price that we have. And secondly, because the negative carry that we may have by maintaining the bond at this moment in time and after the spin-off, we don't really "need it" to the extent that there was basically hedging a dollar-based position that we have in our books before the spin-off. So summary is no. No bond issue related to this prepayment of the bond.

Nicolas, thank you for your questions. In terms of your second question, the answer is no. There is not going to be a 130 basis point increase in our Tier 1 ratio, mainly because there are some headwinds, as we mentioned earlier. For example, we have a negative valuation effect due to our portfolio that is happening all across the world, as you know, for example, what's happening with inflation and with the fed. Second, we have an increase in operational risk that is increasing our RWAs. And third, as we mentioned already, we are not going to count anymore the COP 520 million of AT1 associated with BAC International Bank. So we expect that our Tier 1 ratio may increase a little but not the full 130 basis points.

The next question comes from Julian Ausique from Corredores Davivienda.

I have 3 questions. The first one is just to confirm that the guidance that you are giving us is considered already the deconsolidation of the operation of Banco de Bogotá. My second question is to know if you already talked with MSCI All Cap Index about how they will treat the new company that will be listed in the Colombia market if It's going to be already part of the index. So its' going to be -- we have to wait for the company to be listed on November. My third question is just to know if on the 30th of March when the shares of Banco de Bogotá and Grupo Aval will start trade again, BHI will trade also?

Well, in the first case, you asked about the guidance, and the answer is yes. It considers only recurring operations, so it excludes BAC from our figures. But it's also been -- it's also there in a 25% stake via equity method.

In connection with your second question about conversations with MSCI, no, we have not yet, so we could not give you color at this moment in time. And thirdly, what you're asking is whether the BHI share is going to be trading as of the end of the month, the answer is yes, in both stocks, in Panamanian and the Colombian Stock Exchange.

Our next question comes from Natalia Corfield from JPMorgan.

I have a question on your tender and another one on your capitalization. On the tender today, I understand that you're taking the '27, mainly because it's the one trading below par. But looking at your '26, it's also below par now. And so -- would you be considering a tender of this one as well? And how much has this bond contributed to your capital right now? And on your capitalization, I understand it's not going to increase much after the spin-off. And what are your plans? Are you -- do you intend to issue AT1s? I understand that there was a possibility of a capital injection. Where do you stand on those fronts? And those are my questions.

The answer to your first question is, yes, on the' 27, not on the '26 because those are the subordinated instruments that are providing contribution to our solvency ratios. So at the moment, there's only part of the '27. It is an issuance for $600 million. We aim at prepaying half of that amount. So that's what I could tell you as far as your first question is concerned.

Yes. Thank you, Natalia. And in terms of your second question, the answer is that we're not thinking in terms of an AT1 right now. We may in the future. But right now, we don't think we need that kind of instrument for our capital.

[Operator Instructions] The next question comes from Daniel Mora from CrediCorp Capital.

I have a couple of questions. The first one will be if you can confirm the exact number of shares that BAC Holding International will have and also to confirm the exchange terms between shares of Banco de Bogotá and the shares for BAC Holding International. I mean, for one share of Banco de Bogotá, how many shares of BAC Holding International would that be? And my second question will be what will be the net effect on the CET1 ratio, considering already the spin-off of BAC Holding International and also the headwinds that you have been mentioning during the conference call. And if you can provide a target of the CET1 that you want to reach under Basel III standards, considering also the capital ratio. The third question is related to the margins. I would like to know if you can break down the 4.8% margin for 2022. If you can give us what will be the yield on loans or the NIM of loans, the NIM of replacements and also the cost of fund, that would be great.

Thank you for the question. In connection with the first one, I could tell you that information in connection with the reference price that we will have for shares will be provided by the stock exchanges once this spin-off process is accomplished during the following days. So at this moment, we could not give you an amount on that particular regard. And secondly, Javier is going to get to your question.

Yes. So thank you, Daniel. First of all, in terms of our CET1 ratio, as I mentioned earlier, we expect to increase slightly from Q4 2021 to Q1 2022. Slightly means less than 50 basis points. You also asked for guidance in terms of what's our goal in terms of CET1, and I think that's a moving target. And we also want to have some room above the minimum regulatory. If you see our history, we always tend to be well above the minimum regulatory. But we don't have right now a specific number to give you. And in terms of last question, you asked about NIM. And what I can tell you, for example, is that, as you know and I mentioned earlier, in 2022, the bank is changing because that now we have to consider only the operation in Colombia and MFG in Panama. For example, in Colombia, we expect a NIM above 5%. But in Panama, it may be below 3%. So that mix gives you a 4.8% figure. And that is increasing against 2021 due to some factors, for example, an increase in interest rates. German mentioned in the first part of the presentation that we expect the central bank to increase to 7.5% and also due to a change in the mix of our loan portfolio since we expect consumer and mortgage loans increasing faster than our commercial loan portfolio.

We have a follow-up question from Natalia Corfield from JPMorgan.

In your 2026 note, how much does this note contribute to your capital? And just to confirm that you are not going to pay dividends relative to 2021. Those are my 2 questions.

Yes. In the first question, the answer is, this year, it counts as of 50%. So the $1.1 billion issuance is worth to us in terms of solvency to $550 million. And the second question is, the answer is -- as far as we can say, the answer is yes. We're not paying dividends. But as I already mentioned, it is not a decision of the management but of the shareholders' assembly, which is taking place next week, March 29.

Thank you very much, and now I would like to turn the call over to Mr. Figueroa for closing remarks.

Thank you very much all of you for attending the meeting. Any additional questions that you have, please call us, and we'll be very happy to answer. And see you next quarter.

Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference. Thank you for participating. You may now disconnect.