Statement on BBVA 4Q19 earnings from Group Executive Chairman Carlos Torres Vila

"BBVA achieved outstanding results in 2019. Thanks to record-high recurring revenue and exemplary cost management, we have reached an ex items profit of €4.83 billion -- the highest since 2009.

The NPL ratio was 3.8 percent - the lowest in the last decade, and the capital ratio stood at 11.74 percent, with a significant increase during the year And we have accomplished all of this in a very complex environment from a macroeconomic standpoint, marked by trade tensions and low interest rates.

Ultimately, in 2019, our diversified model and unique strategy, together with the continued focus on creating value for our shareholders, has allowed us to achieve a profitability of 12 percent - leading the European banking industry.

Looking toward the future, at BBVA, our goal will be to dig deeper into our strategy, integrating the interests of customers, employees, shareholders and society as a whole, balancing economic, social and environmental perspectives in everything we do".