Bladex Secures US$700 Million Syndicated Loan as Joint Lead Arranger for YPF to Support Export Financing
Syndicated Loan Announcement: Bladex has successfully closed a US$700 million syndicated loan to YPF to support its export activities, structured as a three-year Pre-Export Facility, highlighting strong market confidence in Argentina's energy sector.
Vaca Muerta Project Significance: The financing is aimed at developing the Vaca Muerta project, which is crucial for Argentina's energy self-sufficiency and is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including billions in annual exports and over 50,000 jobs by 2030.
Bladex's Commitment: Bladex reaffirms its commitment to financing initiatives that promote economic development in Latin America, positioning itself as a key financial partner for energy companies in the region.
About Bladex: Established in 1979, Bladex is a multinational bank focused on trade finance and economic integration in Latin America, with a diverse shareholder base and a presence in multiple countries across the region.
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- Quarterly Dividend Increase: Banco Latinoamericano has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.6875 per share, marking a 10% increase from the previous $0.6250, indicating ongoing improvements in profitability and cash flow, which enhances investor confidence.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 5.54% not only attracts income-seeking investors but also potentially boosts the stock's market appeal, further driving up the share price as demand increases.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend is payable on March 12, with a record date of February 25 and an ex-dividend date also set for February 25, ensuring shareholders receive timely returns and reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder value.
- Long-Term Strategic Execution: The increase in dividends aligns with Banco Latinoamericano's long-term financial strategy, demonstrating effective execution in achieving stable earnings and sustainable growth, which may attract more institutional investors' interest.
- Profitability Improvement: Bladex reported a net profit of $56 million in Q4 2025, a 9% increase year-over-year, with full-year profits reaching $226.9 million, reflecting sustained business growth and enhanced revenue generation capabilities.
- Net Interest Income Growth: The bank's net interest income for Q4 stood at $70.8 million, up 6% year-over-year, while the full-year figure was $271.2 million, a 5% increase, primarily driven by higher business volumes despite a slight decline in net interest margin.
- Significant Increase in Fees and Non-Interest Income: Non-interest income surged to $18 million in Q4, a 57% year-over-year increase, totaling $68.4 million for the year, indicating strong performance in core trade finance and structuring activities, thereby enhancing revenue diversification.
- Robust Capital Adequacy Ratios: As of Q4 2025, Bladex's Tier 1 capital ratio was 17.4%, well above regulatory minimums, demonstrating a strong capital base and flexibility for future capital deployment.
- Dividend Increase: Bladex's Board of Directors has approved a rise in the quarterly cash dividend from $0.625 to $0.6875 per share, reflecting the bank's record financial performance in 2025 and its ongoing commitment to attractive shareholder returns.
- Financial Strength: The new dividend represents 46% of fourth-quarter 2025 net income, indicating Bladex's disciplined and balanced capital allocation strategy aimed at maintaining financial strength and flexibility.
- Payment Schedule: The increased dividend will be payable on March 12, 2026, to shareholders on record as of February 25, 2026, ensuring timely returns to investors and bolstering investor confidence.
- Regional Expansion Context: Established in 1979 to promote foreign trade and economic integration in Latin America and the Caribbean, Bladex has expanded its operations across multiple countries, enhancing its market competitiveness and supporting its customer base.
- Earnings Per Share Growth: Banco Latinoamericano reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of $1.50, reflecting a significant increase compared to the previous year, which indicates a sustained enhancement in profitability and is likely to positively influence shareholder confidence.
- Revenue Increase: The company achieved revenues of $88.8 million in Q4, marking a 13.3% year-over-year growth, primarily driven by higher business volumes, suggesting strong market demand and the potential for continued growth in the future.
- Net Interest Income Improvement: Q4 net interest income (NII) rose to $70.8 million, up 6% year-over-year, while total NII for FY25 reached $271.2 million, a 5% increase, demonstrating the company's ability to adapt to changing interest rate environments and steadily enhance profitability.
- Long-Term Strategic Execution: Banco Latinoamericano has shown practically perfect execution on its long-term plan, continuously optimizing its business structure and improving operational efficiency, which is expected to lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth in the future.
- Conference Call Schedule: Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) is set to hold a conference call on February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its Q4 2025 results, which is expected to attract attention from investors and analysts.
- Earnings Release Preview: Bladex will announce its fourth-quarter earnings after market close on February 12, 2026, and will provide related information and a webcast on its corporate website, ensuring transparency and timely information dissemination.
- Company Background: Established in 1979, Bladex aims to promote foreign trade and economic integration in Latin America and the Caribbean, headquartered in Panama with offices in multiple countries, highlighting its significant role in the regional economy.
- Shareholder Structure Overview: Since its listing on the NYSE in 1992, Bladex's shareholders include central banks and state-owned banks from 23 Latin American countries, commercial banks, and financial institutions, reflecting its extensive influence in the regional financial market.
- Successful Financing: Bladex has successfully closed a US$150 million global syndicated loan, with Nexent Bank N.V. as the Sole Lead Arranger, involving ten financial institutions from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, further solidifying its international funding channels.
- Market Expansion: This transaction not only provides Bladex with competitively priced financing but also opens opportunities in regions where it previously had no presence, enhancing connections with international investors.
- Strategic Importance: Bladex's CEO Jorge Salas stated that the funds will support the development of the Latin American region and the growth and expansion of clients, reflecting its strategic positioning as a bridge between Latin America and global financial markets.
- Historical Context: Established in 1979, Bladex focuses on promoting foreign trade and regional integration, and has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1992, becoming a key financial institution in Latin America and the Caribbean.








