Corporate

The rating agency DBRS Morningstar has raised the long-term rating outlook of Banco de Crédito Social Cooperativo (BCC), Cajamar and Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar from stable to positive, reaffirming the level of BBB (low). In this review, it has considered the significant improvement in profitability over the recent quarters, the strengthening of its capitalization and the normalization of the cost of risk.

Income statement margins show double-digit growth, and all ratios are improving, showcasing improved efficiency, strengthening capital adequacy and higher profitability.

Grupo Cajamar has placed today, through the Banco de Crédito Social Cooperativo, a senior preferred debt issue for an amount of 500 million euros with a maturity of six years, and the orders received have exceeded 2.1 billion euros, 4.2 times more. Given the good reception of the market, the placement price of the issue has been set at 4,2 %, below the starting price.

In the first six months of the year, all the income statement margins show double-digit growth, contributing to an increase in capital adequacy and an improvement in efficiency, while also reinforcing the quality and diversification of the Group’s loan portfolio, lowering its risk profile and keeping its NPL ratio one of the lowest among the top Spanish banks.

Fitch Ratings has assigned Cajamar, Banco de Crédito Social Cooperativo and Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar a BBB- (investment grade) rating with a stable outlook.

In the first three months of the year, the strong numbers seen in Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar's commercial activity and in recurring revenue from the financial business, both in on-balance sheet funds and in performing loans, lifted all income statement margins, which recorded double-digit growth and allowed improvements in solvency, the cost-income ratio and the profit margin.

The rating agency S&P has raised, from stable to positive, the outlook for the long-term rating of Banco de Crédito Social Cooperativo (BCC) and Cajamar, affirming the BB+ level. For this increase in the long-term rating outlook, S&P has taken into account “the return of more solid profits, ability to build up capital internally and to invest in their digital transformation.”

Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar once again revalidates its leadership position for its performance in climate change and corporate transparency. This is recognized by the environmental organization CDP by granting it the highest 'Leadership' category, with an 'A' rating on its annual list. It thus becomes one of the few qualified companies that have achieved this score. Specifically in Spain, only 17 companies have achieved the maximum rating, including two financial entities, one of which is Grupo Cajamar.

In 2023, Grupo Cooperativo Cajamar increased its income statement, reflecting the solid advances seen in financial activity, which contributed to the rise in core banking business revenue and improved its credit quality. At year-end, it had completed the cleanup of non-performing assets, bringing the NPL ratio down to 2 %, one of the lowest amongst major banks, while strengthening coverage levels and provisions, and enhancing its solvency.

Cajamar Caja Rural has completed the placement of a new issue of covered bonds for an amount of 600 million euros and maturity on July 25, 2029 (5.5 years). The orders received have surpassed 875 million euros.