Popular, Inc. (BPOP)

Popular, Inc. (BPOP) is the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico and a growing player in the mainland U.S. banking sector. Led by CEO Ignacio Alvarez, Popular’s mission is to "Be the financial heartbeat of the communities we serve." The company holds a dominant industry position, controlling over 40% of the Puerto Rican deposit market through its flagship Banco Popular. By late 2025, BPOP stock has been a standout performer in the regional bank sector, reporting a net income jump of 18% and a Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROTCE) of 13.26%. Its vision is to lead the digital banking transition in the Caribbean while expanding its specialized niche lending in Florida and New York.

The business operations of Popular are divided into Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (BPPR) and Popular Bank (U.S. mainland). The core growth driver in 2025 has been "Puerto Rican Economic Tailwinds," as federal recovery funds and local manufacturing growth boosted loan demand. In late 2025, BPOP reported an improved net charge-off ratio of 0.45%, reflecting superior asset quality. The 2026 strategic roadmap focuses on "Digital Ecosystem Monetization," aiming to convert its 2 million+ mobile app users into high-margin insurance and investment clients. By utilizing its "Deposit Franchise Moat"—having a lower cost of funds (1.78%) than almost any mainland peer—Popular achieves industry-leading net interest margins. This "Funding Advantage" is a primary driver for the BPOP stock price. The company’s strong capital position (CET1 ratio of 15.91%) has also allowed for aggressive share buybacks, enhancing value for BPOP stock holders.