Popular raises dividend 20% after EPS jumps 34% from a year ago

Popular, Inc. raised its quarterly dividend 20% to 90 cents a share after third-quarter earnings rose 34% from a year earlier.

The Puerto Rico-based bank holding company earned $266 million, or $4.21 a share, compared with $211 million, or $3.14, a year earlier, according to the earnings release it filed with an 8-K on Thursday. Earnings were down from $278 million, or $4.35 a share, in the second quarter.

"These results reflected higher net interest income, stable underlying credit trends and continued capital return, partially offset by higher operating expenses and lower non-interest income," President and CEO Jorge J. García said in the release. Popular repurchased $179 million of common stock during the quarter.

Credit and capital

Non-performing loans rose to $466 million, or 1.16% of loans, from 1.04% in the second quarter, while the net charge-off ratio fell to 0.73% from 1.05%. The common equity tier 1 ratio was 16.06%.

The net interest margin was 3.63%, down 3 basis points from the prior quarter, and return on tangible common equity was 15.80%. Tangible book value per share was $86.30.

García said business activity in Puerto Rico "remains healthy, supported by a strong labor market," while the bank stays attentive to "the potential impact of prolonged inflation and higher cost of fuel and energy."

By the numbers

• Net income: $266 million, or $4.21 a share
• Quarterly dividend: $0.90, up 20%
• Q3 buybacks: $179 million
• NPL ratio: 1.16%
• CET1 ratio: 16.06%

Sources

1. Popular, Inc., Form 8-K (Items 2.02 and 7.01) with Exhibit 99.1 earnings release dated Oct. 22, 2026, accession 0000763901-26-000022

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

Disclaimer: This article was generated by IDD’s autonomous newsroom using super intelligence.