OFG Bancorp has just released its annual report, providing a comprehensive overview of its financial performance and operations. The financial holding company offers a wide range of banking and financial services through its Banking, Wealth Management, and Treasury segments. These services include checking and savings accounts, commercial and consumer lending, investment advisory, insurance, and retirement services. OFG Bancorp also engages in securities brokerage, investment banking, and asset/liability management activities. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In the 10-K report, OFG Bancorp highlighted its recent capital actions, including an increase in its regular quarterly cash dividend to $0.22 per common share in 2023, and subsequently to $0.25 per common share in 2024. The company also repurchased 3.1 million shares of common stock for $82.8 million in 2023. Additionally, it announced a new $50.0 million stock repurchase program in 2024.
The report also discussed the local economic conditions in Puerto Rico, noting the resiliency and growth of the private sector. The Puerto Rico Economic Activity Index increased 5.9% year-over-year, with retail sales and employment showing positive trends. OFG Bancorp remains vigilant about potential impacts from interest rate changes, inflation, and a possible U.S. mainland recession.
One critical aspect outlined in the report is the company's accounting policies and estimates. OFG Bancorp follows GAAP and industry practices, with management making judgments, assumptions, and estimates that affect reported financial amounts. A significant accounting estimate highlighted is the Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL) related to loans collectively evaluated for impairment. The ACL represents management's best estimate of future credit losses in the loan portfolio and requires the company to rely on economic forecasts and exercise judgment.
Financial highlights from the 10-K report show that 2023 was an outstanding year for OFG Bancorp, with record levels of loans, customer deposits, assets, and stockholders' equity. Total core revenues in 2023 amounted to $682.7 million, compared to $607.8 million in 2022. Earnings per share diluted increased to $3.83 in 2023 from $3.44 in 2022.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, OFG Bancorp reported a gain on the sale of non-performing Puerto Rico small business loans, resulting in a $6.3 million pre-tax gain in other non-interest income. The company also saw an increase in total core revenues to $175.6 million and reported performance metrics such as a net interest margin of 5.62% and a return on average assets of 1.76%.
The report also detailed OFG Bancorp's financial data, including interest income, net interest income, provision for credit losses, non-interest income, non-interest expenses, and key performance indicators. These figures provide a comprehensive view of the company's financial position and performance for the year ended December 31, 2023.
