Annual Report (Form 10-K), fiscal year 1994

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
BanPonce Corporation (the "Corporation") is a diversified, publicly owned bank holding company, incorporated under the General Corporation Law of Puerto Rico in November 1984. It provides a wide variety of financial services through its principal subsidiaries: Banco Popular de Puerto Rico ("Banco Popular"), Vehicle Equipment Leasing Company, Inc. ("VELCO") and Popular International Bank, Inc. ("PIB"). The Corporation is subject to the provisions of the U.S. Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the "BHC Act") and, accordingly, subject to the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "Federal Reserve Board"). Banco Popular, the Corporation's principal bank subsidiary, is a member of the Federal Reserve System and is also subject to the supervision of the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Superintendent of Banks of the State of New York. Banco Popular's deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). Banco Popular is a full-service commercial bank and Puerto Rico's largest banking institution, with $11.6 billion in assets, $8.7 billion in deposits, and a delivery system of 166 branches throughout Puerto Rico, 30 branches in New York City, 1 in Los Angeles, California, 7 branches in the U.S. Virgin Islands and 1 branch in the British Virgin Islands. In addition,Banco Popular has two subsidiaries, Popular Leasing & Rental, Inc., Puerto Rico's second largest vehicle leasing and daily rental company, and Popular Consumer Services, Inc., a small-loan company with 27 offices in Puerto Rico operating under the name of Best Finance. VELCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation engaged in finance leasing and daily rental of motor vehicles to corporations and professionals. It is the leading leasing operation in Puerto Rico.
PIB, incorporated under the Puerto Rico International Banking Center Act ("IBC Act"), owns all issued and outstanding stock of BanPonce Financial Corp. ("Financial"), a Delaware Corporation. PIB does not engage directly in any activities other than providing managerial services to its subsidiaries. On March 31, 1994 Financial became the direct owner of all issued and outstanding shares of Pioneer Bancorp, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of Delaware and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and a registered bank holding company under the BHC Act, which through its wholly-owned subsidiary River Associates Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware corporation, owns and operates Pioneer Bank & Trust Company ("Pioneer"), a bank organized under the laws of the State of Illinois with two branches in that state. The deposits of Pioneer are insured by the FDIC. On August 31, 1994, Pioneer acquired most of the assets and assumed all of the liabilities of a branch of Banco Popular operating in Chicago. As of December 31, 1994 the assets of Pioneer were $385.4 million and its deposits were $325.8 million. Effective January 16, 1995 Banco Popular converted its branch in Chicago into an agency.
On January 20, 1995 Financial became the direct owner of all issued and outstanding shares of Banco Popular, FSB, a new federal savings bank which acquired from the Resolution Trust Corporation certain assets and all of the deposits of four New Jersey branches of the former Carteret Federal Savings Bank, a federal savings bank under the Resolution Trust Corporation conservatorship. The deposits of Banco Popular, FSB are insured by the FDIC. As a result of the acquisition of Pioneer and of becoming the owner of all shares of Banco Popular, FSB, Financial has become a registered bank holding company under the BHC Act and a registered savings and loan holding company under the Home Owners' Loan Act. On January 20, 1995, simultaneously with the organization of Banco Popular, FSB, Financial transferred the control of all the issued and outstanding shares of its wholly-owned subsidiary Equity One, Inc. (formerly Spring Financial Services, Inc.) to Banco Popular, FSB. Equity One, Inc. became an operating subsidiary of Banco Popular, FSB. Equity One, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a diversified consumer finance company engaged in the business of granting personal and mortgage loans and providing dealer financing through 73 offices located in 20 states with total assets of $620.5 million as of December 31, 1994.
The Corporation is a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. There are various legal limitations governing the extent to which the Corporation's banking subsidiaries may extend credit, pay dividends or otherwise supply funds to, or engage in transactions with, the Corporation or certain of its other subsidiaries. The rights of the Corporation to participate in any distribution of assets of any subsidiary upon its liquidation or reorganization or otherwise, are subject to the prior claims of creditors of that subsidiary, except to the extent that the Corporation may itself be a creditor of that subsidiary and its claims are recognized. Claims on the Corporation's subsidiaries by creditors other than the Corporation may include long-term debt and substantial obligations with respect to deposit liabilities, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and commercial paper, as well as various other liabilities.
The Corporation's business is described on pages 9 through 27 of the Business Review Section of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1994, information which is incorporated herein by reference.
REGULATION AND SUPERVISION GENERAL
The Corporation is a bank holding company subject to the supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act. As a bank holding company, the Corporation's activities and those of its banking and non-banking subsidiaries are limited to the business of banking and activities closely related to banking, and the Corporation may not directly or indirectly acquire the ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares or substantially all of the assets of any company, including a bank, without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. In addition, bank holding companies are generally prohibited under the BHC Act from engaging in non-banking activities, subject to certain exceptions.
Banco Popular is considered a foreign bank for purposes of the International Banking Act of 1978 (the "IBA"). Under the IBA and the BHC Act, neither the Corporation nor Banco Popular are permitted to operate a branch or conduct certain activities, or acquire more than 5% of any class of the voting shares of, or substantially all the assets of, or control of an additional bank or bank holding company that is located outside of their "home state", except that (i) the Corporation may acquire control of a bank in a state if the laws of that state explicitly authorize a bank holding company from such bank holding company s home state to do so and (ii) Banco Popular may continue to operate a "grandfathered" branch or agency. Puerto Rico is not considered a state for purposes of these geographic limitations. Banco Popular has designated the state of New York as its home state. In addition, some states have laws prohibiting or restricting foreign banks from acquiring banks located in such states and treat Puerto Rico's banks and bank holding companies as foreign banks for such purposes.
Banco Popular operates a branch in Los Angeles that is not grandfathered for purposes of the IBA. The Federal Reserve Board has required that Banco Popular conform said branch's existence to the legal requirements set forth above. Banco Popular has petitioned the Federal Reserve Board to permit it to continue to maintain this facility. There can be no assurance that the Federal Reserve Board will grant Banco Popular's request .
Banco Popular, Pioneer and Banco Popular, FSB are subject to supervision and examination by applicable federal and state banking agencies including, in the case of Banco Popular, the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico, in the case of Pioneer, the FDIC and the Illinois Commissioner of Banks and Trust Companies and in the case of Banco Popular, FSB, the Office of Thrift Supervision. Banco Popular, Pioneer and Banco Popular, FSB are subject to requirements and restrictions under federal and state law, including requirements to maintain reserves for deposits, restrictions on the types and amounts of loans that may be granted and the interest that may be charged thereon, and limitations on the types of other investments that may be made and the types of services that may be offered. Various consumer laws and regulations also affect the operations of Banco Popular, Pioneer and Banco Popular, FSB. In addition to the impact of regulations, commercial banks are affected significantly by the actions of the Federal Reserve Board as it attempts to control the money supply and credit availability in order to influence the economy.
F D I C I A
Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA") the federal banking regulators must take prompt corrective action in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIA and regulations thereunder established five capital tiers: "well capitalized", "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized", "significantly undercapitalized", and "critically undercapitalized". At December 31, 1994, Banco Popular was well capitalized.
A depository institution is deemed well capitalized if it maintains a leverage ratio of at least 5% a risk-based tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6% and a risk-based total capital ratio of at least 10% and is not subject to any written agreement or directive to meet a specific capital level. A depository institution is deemed adequately capitalized if it is not well capitalized but maintains a leverage ratio of at least 4% (or at least 3% if given the highest regulatory rating and not experiencing or anticipating significant growth), a risk-based tier 1 capital ratio of at least 4% and a risk-based total capital ratio of at least 8%. A depository institution is deemed undercapitalized if it fails to meet the standards for adequately capitalized institutions (unless it is deemed significantly or critically undercapitalized). An institution is deemed significantly undercapitalized if it has a leverage ratio of less than 3%, a risk-based tier 1 of less than 3% or a risk-based total capital ratio of less than 6%. An institution is deemed critically undercapitalized if it has tangible equity equal to 2% or less of total assets. A depository institution may be deemed to be in a capitalization category that is lower than the indicated by its actual capital position if it receives a less than satisfactory examination rating in any one of four categories.
FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to restrictions on borrowing from the Federal Reserve System. In addition,
undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. A depository institution's holding company must guarantee the capital plan, up to an amount equal to the lesser of five percent of the depository institution's assets at the time it becomes undercapitalized or the amount of the capital deficiency when the institution fails to comply with the plan. The federal banking agencies may not accept a capital plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution's capital. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized. Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to appointment of a receiver or conservator.
HOLDING COMPANY STRUCTURE
Banco Popular, Pioneer and Banco Popular, FSB are subject to restrictions under federal law that limit the transfer of funds between them and the Corporation, Financial, PIB and the Corporation's other non-banking subsidiaries, whether in the form of loans, other extensions of credit, investments or asset purchases. Such transfers by Banco Popular, Pioneer or Banco Popular, FSB, respectively, to the Corporation or any one non-banking subsidiary are limited in amount to 10% of the transferring institution's capital stock and surplus and, with respect to the Corporation and all non-banking subsidiaries, to an aggregate of 20% of the transferring institution's capital stock and surplus. Furthermore, such loans and extensions of credit are required to be secured in specified amounts.
Under the Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company such as the Corporation, is expected to act as a source of financial strength to each of its subsidiary banks and to commit resources to support each such subsidiary bank. This support may be required at times when, absent such policy, the bank holding company might not otherwise provide such support. In addition, any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks must be subordinated in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. Banco Popular, Pioneer and Banco Popular, FSB are currently the only subsidiary depository institutions of the Corporation.
Because the Corporation, PIB and Financial are holding companies, their right to participate in the assets of any subsidiary upon the latter's liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors (including depositors in the case of depository institution subsidiaries) except to the extent that the Corporation, PIB or Financial, as the case may be, may itself be a creditor with recognized claims against the subsidiary.
Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (FDIA), a depository institution (which definition includes both banks and savings associations), the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, can be held liable for any loss incurred by, or reasonably expected to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to any commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution "in danger of default". "Default" is defined generally as the appointment of a conservator or a receiver and "in danger of default" is defined generally as the existence of certain conditions indicating that a default is likely to occur in the absence of regulatory assistance. Banco Popular, Pioneer and Banco Popular, FSB are all currently FDIC-insured depository institutions. In some circumstances (depending upon the amount of the loss or anticipated loss suffered by the FDIC), cross-guarantee liability may result in the ultimate failure or insolvency of one or more insured depository institutions in a holding company structure. Any obligation or liability owned by a subsidiary bank to its parent company is subordinated to the subsidiary bank's cross-guarantee liability with respect to commonly controlled insured depository institutions.
DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
The principal regular source of cash flow for the Corporation is dividends from Banco Popular. Various statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends Banco Popular can pay to the Corporation without regulatory approval.
As a member bank subject to the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, Banco Popular must obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board for any dividend if the total of all dividends declared by the member bank in any calendar year would exceed the total of its net profits, as defined by the Federal Reserve Board, for that year, combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years. In addition, a member bank may not pay a dividend in an amount greater than its undivided profits then on hand after deducting its losses and bad debts. For this purpose, bad debts are generally defined to include the principal amount of loans that are in arrears with respect to interest by six months or more unless such loans are fully secured and in the process of collection. Moreover, for purposes of this limitation, a member bank is not permitted to add the balance in its allowance for loan
losses account to its undivided profits then on hand. However, it may net the sum of its bad debts as so defined against the balance in its allowance for loan losses account and deduct from undivided profits only bad debts as so defined in excess of that account. At December 31, 1994, Banco Popular could have declared a dividend of approximately $170,117,000 without the approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
The payment of dividends by Banco Popular may also be affected by other regulatory requirements and policies, such as the maintenance of adequate capital. If, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, a depository institution under its jurisdiction is engaged in, or is about to engage in, an unsafe or unsound practice (that, depending on the financial condition of the bank, could include the paymen of dividends), such authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such bank cease and desist from such practice. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement that provides that insured banks and bank holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. In addition, all insured depository institutions are subject to the capital-based limitations described under FDICIA.
FDIC INSURANCE ASSESSMENTS
Banco Popular, Pioneer and Banco Popular, FSB are subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments. Pursuant to FDICIA, the FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment system, under which the assessment rate for an insured depository institution, varies according to the level of risk incurred in its activities. An institution's risk category is based partly upon whether the institution is well capitalized, adequately capitalized or less than adequately capitalized. Each insured depository institution is also assigned to one of the following "supervisory subgroups": "A", "B" or "C". Group "A" institutions are financially sound institutions with only a few minor weaknesses; Group "B" institutions are institutions that demonstrate weaknesses which, if not corrected, would result in significant deterioration; and Group "C" institutions are institutions for which there is a substantial probability that the FDIC will suffer a loss in connection with the institution unless effective action is taken to correct the areas of weakness. Based on its capital and supervisory subgroups, each FDIC member institution is assigned an annual assessment rate varying between 0.23% and 0.31%. On January 31, 1995 the FDIC issued a proposal to reduce deposit insurance rate assessments for bank and thrift members of the Bank Insurance Fund which if adopted, could be effective for the second half of 1995.
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
Information about the capital composition of the Corporation as of December 31, 1994 and for the four previous years is presented in Table N "Capital Adequacy Data", on page in the "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" (MD&A) and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based capital guidelines for bank holding companies. Under the guidelines the minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets (including certain off-balance sheet items, such as standby letters of credit) is 8%. At least half of the total capital is to be comprised of stockholders' common equity, retained earnings, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and a limited amount of cumulative perpetual preferred stock less goodwill and other disallowed intangibles ("Tier 1 Capital"). The remainder ("Tier 2 Capital") may consist of a limited amount of subordinated debt, other preferred stock, certain other instruments and a limited amount of loan and lease loss reserves.
In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has established minimum leverage ratio (Tier 1 Capital to quarterly average assets) guidelines for bank holding companies. These guidelines provide for a minimum leverage ratio of 3% for bank holding companies that meet certain specified criteria, including that they have the highest regulatory rating. All other bank holding companies are required to maintain a leverage ratio of 3% plus an additional cushion of at least 100 to 200 basis points. The guidelines also provide that banking organizations experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions are expected to maintain strong capital positions substantially above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets. Furthermore, the guidelines indicate that the Federal Reserve Board will continue to consider a "tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio" in evaluating proposals for expansion or new activities. The tangible Tier 1 leverage ratio is the ratio of a banking organization's Tier 1 Capital, less all intangibles, to total assets, less all intangibles. The Federal Reserve Board has not advised the Corporation of any specific minimum leverage ratio applicable to it.
The Federal Reserve Boar has adopted regulations with respect to risk-based and leverage capital ratios that require most intangibles, including core deposit intangibles, to be deducted from Tier 1 Capital. The regulations, however, permit the inclusion of a limited amount of intangibles related to purchased mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card relationships and include a "grandfather" provision permitting the continued inclusion of certain existing intangibles.
Banco Popular is subject to similar risk-based and leverage capital requirements adopted by the Federal Reserve Board. As of December 31, 1994, Banco Popular had a tier 1 capital ratio of 11.87%, a total capital ratio of 13.29% and a leverage ratio of 6.99%.
Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank to a variety of enforcement remedies, including the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, and to certain restrictions on its business.
The federal banking agencies have issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit public comment on a proposal for incorporating an interest rate risk component into the existing risk-based capital standards. Under the proposal, banks and bank holding companies with greater than "normal" levels of interest rate risk would be required to have additional capital. The Corporation cannot determine whether, or in what form, such proposal may be enacted and, if enacted, what effect such regulations would have upon its capital ratios. The Federal Reserve Board revised its capital adequacy guidelines for state member banks and bank holding companies to establish a limitation on the amount of certain deferred tax assets that may be included in Tier 1 capital for risk-based and leverage capital purposes. Under the final rule deferred tax assets that can only be realized if an institution earns taxable income in the future are limited for regulatory capital purposes to the amount that the institution expects to realize within one year of the quarter-end report date based on its projection of taxable income or 10 percent of Tier 1 capital, whichever is less. This final rule is effective on April 1, 1995. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board has recently decided to exclude from regulatory capital the amount of net unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, except the net unrealized losses of equity securities available-for-sale with readily determinable fair values.
Bank regulators have, from time to time, indicated their desire to raise capital requirements applicable to banking organizations. However, management is unable to predict whether and when higher capital requirements would be imposed and, if so, at what levels and on what schedule.
Puerto Rico Regulation
As a commercial bank organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the "Commonwealth"), Banco Popular is subject to supervision, examination and regulation by the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth (the "Office of the Commissioner"), pursuant to the Puerto Rico Banking Act of 1933, as amended (the "Banking Law").
Section 27 of the Banking Law requires that at least ten percent (10%) of the yearly net income of Banco Popular be credited annually to a reserve fund. This apportionment shall be done every year until the reserve fund shall be equal to ten percent (10%) of the total deposits or the total paid-in capital, whichever is greater. At the end of its most recent fiscal year, Banco Popular had a fund established in compliance with these requirements.
Section 27 of the Banking Law also provides that when the expenditures of a bank are greater than the receipts, the excess of the former over the lattershall be charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if any, shall be charged against the reserve fund, as a reduction thereof. If there is no reserve fund sufficient to cover such balance in whole or in part, the outstanding amount shall be charged against the capital account and no dividend shall be declared until said capital has been restored to its original amount and the reserve fund to 20% of the original capital.
Section 16 of the Banking Law requires every bank to maintain a legal reserve which shall not be less than 20% of its demand liabilities, except government deposits (federal, state and municipal) which are secured by actual collateral. However, if a bank becomes a member of the Federal Reserve System, the 20% legal reserve shall not be effective and the reserve requirements demanded by the Federal Reserve System shall be applicable. Pursuant to an order of the Board of Governors dated November 24, 1982, Banco Popular has been exempted from such reserve requirements with respect to deposits payable in Puerto Rico but is subject to Puerto Rico regulatory reserve requirements.
Section 17 of the Banking Law permits Banco Popular to make loans to any one person, firm, partnership or corporation, up to an aggregate amount of fifteen percent (15%) of the paid-in capital and reserve fund of the Bank. As of December 31, 1994, the legal lending limit for the Bank under this provision was approximately $85 million. If such loans are secured by collateral worth at least twenty-five percent (25%) more than the amount of the loan, the aggregate maximum amount may reach one third of the paid-in capital of the Bank, plus its reserve fund. There are no restrictions under Section 17 on the amount of loans which are wholly secured by bonds, securities and other evidence of indebtedness of the Government of the United States or the Commonwealth, or by current debt bonds, not in default, of municipalities or instrumentalities of the Commonwealth.
Section 14 of the Banking Law authorizes Banco Popular to conduct certain financial and related activities directly or through subsidiaries, including finance leasing of personal property and operating a small loans company. Banco Popular engages in these activities through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Popular Leasing & Rental, Inc. and Popular Consumer Services, Inc., respectively, both of which are organized and operate solely in Puerto Rico.
IBC Act
Under the IBC Act, without the prior approval of the Office of the Commissioner, PIB may not amend its articles of incorporation or issue additional shares of capital stock or other securities convertible into additional shares of capital stock unless such shares are issued directly to the shareholders of PIB previously identified in the application to organize the international banking entity, in which case notification to the Office of the Commissioner must be given within ten business days following the date of the issue. Pursuant to the IBC Act, without the prior approval of the Office of the Commissioner, PIB may not initiate the sale, encumbrance, assignment, merger or other transfer of shares if by such transaction a person or persons acting in concert could acquire direct or indirect control of 10% or more of any class of the PIB's stock. Such authorization must be requested at least 30 days prior the transaction.
PIB must submit to the Office of the Commissioner a report of its condition and results of operation on a monthly basis and its annual audited financial statement as of the end of its fiscal year. Under the IBC Act, PIB may not deal with "domestic persons" as such term is defined in the IBC Act. Also, it may only engage in those activities authorized in the IBC Act, the regulations adopted thereunder and its license.
The IBC Act empowers the Office of the Commissioner to revoke or suspend, after a hearing, the license of an international banking entity if, among other things, it fails to comply with the IBC Act, regulations issued by the Office of the Commissioner or the terms of its license or if the Office of the Commissioner finds that the business of the international banking entity is conducted in a manner not consistet with the public interest.
Employees
At December 31, 1994, the Corporation employed 7,549 persons. None of its employees are represented by a collective bargaining group.
ITEM 2.



ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of December 31, 1994, Banco Popular owned (and wholly or partially occupied) approximately 68 branches and other facilities throughout the Commonwealth, 15 branches in New York, and a branch in Los Angeles. In addition, as of such date, Banco Popular leased properties for branch operations in approximately 103 locations in Puerto Rico, 15 locations in New York, 7 locations in the U.S Virgin Islands and one location in the British Virgin Islands. The Corporation's management believes that each of its facilities is well-maintained and suitable for its purpose. The principal properties owned by Banco Popular for banking operations and other services are described below:
Popular Center, the metropolitan area headquarters building, located at 209 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, a 20 story office building. Approximately 60% of the office space is leased to outside tenants.
Hato Rey Center, a 23 story office structure located at 268 Munoz Rivera Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. The office space is mostly rented to outside tenants.
Cupey Center Complex, two buildings of three and two stories, respectively, located at Cupey, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. The computer center, operational and support services, and a recreational center for employees are some of the main activities conducted at these facilities. The facilities are fully occupied by Banco Popular's personnel.
Stop 22 - Santurce building, a twelve story structure located in Santurce, Puerto Rico. A branch, the accounting department, the human resources division, the auditing department and the international division are the main activities conducted at this facility.
San Juan building, a twelve story structure located at Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Bank occupies 50% of the basement, the entire ground floor, the mezzanine and the 10th floor. The rest of the building is rented to outside tenants.
Mortgage Loan Center, a seven story building located at 153 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, is fully occupied by the mortgage loans and mortgage servicing departments. During 1994, a four story building, located at 167 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico was acquired for expansion of mortgage loans and mortgage servicing activities.
Los Angeles building, a nine story structure located at 354 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, California in which office space is mostly rented to outside tenants.
New York building, a nine story structure with two underground levels located at 7 West 51st. Street, New York City, where approximately 54% of the office space is used for banking operations. The remaining space is rented or available for rent to outside tenants.
ITEM 3.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Corporation and its subsidiaries are defendants in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is of the opinion that the aggregate liabilities, if any, arising from such actions would not have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Corporation.
ITEM 4.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not Applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Corporation common stock is traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (NASDAQ) National Market System under the symbol BPOP. Information concerning the range of high and low sales prices for the Corporation's common shares for each quarterly period during 1994 and the previous four years, as well as cash dividends declared is contained under Table O, "Common Stock Performance", and under the captions "Common Stock" and "Dividends" on page in the MD&A, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Information concerning legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by the Corporation and Banco Popular is contained under the caption "Regulation and Supervision" in Item 1 herein.
The Corporation currently has outstanding Senior Notes due January 14, 1997 in the aggregate principal amount of $30,000,000 (the "1997 Senior Notes"). The 1997 Senior Notes contain various covenants, which, among other things, restrict the payment of dividends. The 1997 Senior Notes prohibit the Corporation from paying dividends or making any other distributions with respect to the Corporation's Common Stock if such aggregate distribution exceeds $50,000,000 plus 50% of consolidated net income (or minus 100% of consolidated net loss), computed on a cumulative basis from January 1, 1992 to the date of payment of any such dividends or other distributions or if an event of default has occurred and is continuing.
As of February 28, 1995, the Corporation had 5,239 record holders, not including beneficial owners whose shares are held in record names of brokers or other nominees. The last sales price for the Corporation's Common Stock on such date, as quoted on the NASDAQ was $30.25 per share.
The Puerto Rico Income Tax Act of 1954, as amended, generally imposes a withholding tax on the amount of any dividends paid by corporations to individuals, whether residents of Puerto Rico or not, trusts, estates and special partnerships at a special 20% withholding tax rate (10% beginning on July 1, 1995, due to the Tax Reform Act enacted in Puerto Rico in October 1994). If the recipient is a foreign corporation or partnership not engaged in trade or business within Puerto Rico the rate of withholding is 25% (also 10% beginning on July 1, 1995).
Prior to the first dividend distribution for the taxable year, individuals who are residents of Puerto Rico may elect to be taxed on the dividends at the regular rates, in which case the special 20% tax (10% beginning on July 1, 1995), will not be withheld from such year s distributions.
United States citizens who are non-residents of Puerto Rico will not be subject to Puerto Rico tax on dividends, if said individual's gross income from sources within Puerto Rico during the taxable year does not exceed $1,300 if single, or $3,000 if
married, and Form AS2732 of the Puerto Rico Treasury Department "Withholding Tax Exemption Certificate for the Purpose of Section 143", is filed with the withholding agent.
U.S. income tax law permits a credit against U.S. income tax liability, subject to certain limitations, for certain foreign income taxes paid or deemed paid with respect to such dividends.
ITEM 6.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The information required by this item appears in Table B, "Selected Financial Data" on pages and and the text under the caption "Earnings Analysis", on pages and in the MD&A, and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Corporation's ratio of earnings to fixed charges on a consolidated basis for each of the last five years is as follows:
For purposes of computing these consolidated ratios, earnings represent income before income taxes, plus fixed charges excluding capitalized interest. Fixed charges represent all interest expense (ratios are presented both excluding and including interest on deposits), the portion of net rental expense which is deemed representative of the interest factor, the amortization of debt issuance expense and capitalized interest.
The Corporation's long-term senior debt and preferred stock on a consolidated basis for each of the last five years ended December 31, is as follows:
ITEM 7.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The information required by this item appears on pages through under the caption MD&A, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Table K, "Maturity Distribution of Earning Assets", on page in the MD&A, has been prepared on the basis of contractual maturities. The Corporation does not have a policy with respect to rolling over maturing loans but rolls over loans only on a case-by-case basis after review of such loans in accordance with the Corporation's lending criteria.
ITEM 8.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this item appears on pages through, and on page under the caption "Statistical Summary - Quarterly Financial Data", in the MD&A and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 9.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10.



ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The information contained under the captions "Shares Beneficially Owned by Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers of the Corporation", and "Board of Directors and Committees" on pages 3 through 8 and "Nominees for Election as Directors" on page 9 of the Corporation's definitive proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 13, 1995 (the "Proxy Statement"), and under the caption "Executive Officers", on pages 9 and 10 of the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information under the caption "Executive Compensation Program", on pages 11 through 16 and under the caption "BanPonce Corporation Performance Graph" on page 17 of the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information under the captions "Principal Stockholders", on page 2 and under "Shares Beneficially Owned by Directors, Nominees and Officers of the Corporation", on pages 3 and 4 of the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information under the caption "Family Relationships" and "Other relationships and transactions", on page 11 of the Proxy Statement, is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14.

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
A. The following documents are part of this report and appear on the pages indicated.
(1) Financial Statements:
(2) Financial Statement Schedules: No schedules are presented because the information is not applicable or is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements described in A.1 above or in the notes thereto.
(3) Exhibits
The exhibits listed on the Exhibits Index on page 14 of this report are filed herewith or are incorporated herein by reference.
B. The Corporation filed one report on Form 8-K for the quarter ended December 31, 1994.
Dated: December 22, 1994
Item reported: Item 5 - Other Event
Item 7 - Financial Statements , Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
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BANPONCE CORPORATION INDEX TO FINANCIAL DATA
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY
The year 1994 was one of great challenges to the banking industry. As a result of the strong growth in the economy and in anticipation of inflationary pressures, the Federal Reserve Board (FED) began to raise the discount and federal funds rates on February 4, 1994. The FED raised these short-term rates six times throughout the year, totalling 250 basis points. In February 1995, the FED raised another 50 basis points, completing the most significant rate increase within a 12-month period since World War II. This volatility in the interest rate scenario highlights the importance of performing an adequate asset/liability management to avoid significant setbacks in the net interest margin.
Notwithstanding this environment, BanPonce Corporation (the Corporation) was able to improve its performance during 1994. Net earnings for the Corporation in 1994 totaled $124.7 million, an improvement of 14% from the net earnings of $109.4 million reported in 1993. Earnings per common share (EPS) for 1994 were $3.67 compared with $3.35 in 1993. The results obtained in 1993 include $6.2 million in additional income resulting from the one-time cumulative effect of the adoption of two accounting standards (SFAS 106 and 109). Excluding the effect of these adjustments, EPS for 1993 were $3.16. Average common shares outstanding for 1994 and 1993 were 32,798,243 and 32,701,236, respectively. The results obtained in 1994 represented returns of 1.02% on assets (ROA) and 13.80% on stockholders' equity (ROE), the same as in 1993. However, ROA and ROE for 1993 adjusted to exclude the cumulative effect mentioned above were 0.97% and 13.02%, respectively.
As presented in Table A, the Corporation was able to reduce its provision for loan losses. In addition, as a percentage of average assets, operating expenses and net interest income decreased, while non-interest revenues remained stable and the income tax expense increased.
In 1994, the Corporation continued experiencing balance sheet growth with total assets reaching $12,778 million at December 31, 1994, up 11% over the 1993 level of $11,513 million. At September 30, 1994, the Corporation was the 51st. largest bank holding company in the U.S. To attain this growth and in order to diversify its sources of income the Corporation has expanded into new markets and entered into new businesses. On March 31, 1994, the Corporation acquired Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. (Pioneer), a full-service banking operation with two branches and assets of $333.7 million in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, Equity One, the Corporation's diversified consumer financial services subsidiary, continued with its aggressive expansion in the mainland, operating 73 branches in 20 states with total assets of $620.5 million at the end of 1994, compared with 58 branches in 14 states and total assets of $385.1 million a year before. The Corporation also began an investment products sales program at selected banking locations and participated actively in the organization and distribution of the first mutual fund registered and developed under the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act.
The increase in the Corporation's assets was mostly reflected in loans, which grew $1,434 million or 22.6%. The mortgage and commercial loan portfolios showed the major increases. At September 30, 1994, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (Banco Popu-
TABLE A A Components of Net Income as a Percentage of Average Total Assets --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- lar), the Corporation's principal subsidiary, had increased its market share on the Island to 30.6% of total loans from 28.5% at the same date in 1993.
Despite the loan growth, the Corporation's credit quality statistics continued improving markedly. Non-performing assets (NPA) at December 31, 1994 decreased to $107.6 million, from $111.2 million a year before. The ratio of NPA to total assets improved further from 0.97% at the end of 1993 to 0.84% in 1994. Assuming the standard industry practice, NPA represented 0.61% of total assets at the end of 1994, compared with 0.70% in 1993.
Also, net loan charge-offs during 1994 were $36.9 million, or 0.52% of average loans, compared with $51.7 million or 0.91% of average loans in 1993. These improvements allowed the Corporation to reduce its provision for loan losses by $19.1 million or 26.2%, from $72.9 million in 1993 to $53.8 million in 1994. Notwithstanding the lower provision, the allowance for loan losses rose from $133.4 million in 1993 to $153.8 million in 1994. The allowance for loan losses was 142.89% of non-performing assets at December 31, 1994 compared with 120.04% at December 31, 1993.
Total deposits were $9,012 million at December 31, 1994 compared with $8,523 million a year ago. This increase was mainly due to the deposits acquired in Pioneer's transaction and the sustained growth of Banco Popular. At September 30, 1994, Banco Popular's market share of deposits in Puerto Rico was 31.1% compared with 30.4% in 1993.
At December 31, 1994, the stockholders' equity of the Corporation reached $1,002 million. Excluding the $19.4 million allowance for unrealized losses on securities available-for-sale, net of deferred taxes required by SFAS 115, that will be further explained in this financial review, stockholders' equity grew $187.8 million or 22.5% to $1,022 million, from $834.2 million reported a year earlier. The growth was mainly attributed to the retention of earnings generated during the year and the issuance of 4,000,000 shares of non-cumulative preferred stock on June 27, 1994, which added $96.7 million in additional capital.
At December 31,1994, the Corporation's Tier I capital ratio was 12.85%, compared with 12.29% at December 31, 1993. Total risk-based capital ratio was 14.25%, compared with 13.95% in 1993. Both of these measures compare favorably with the regulatory minimums of 4% for Tier I and 8% for total risk-based capital. The Corporation's leverage ratio was 7.62% at December 31, 1994 compared with 6.95% at December 31, 1993.
The Corporation paid annual dividends of $1.00 per share on its common stock during 1994, compared with $0.90 and $0.80 in 1993 and 1992, respectively. The dividend payout ratio to common stockholders increased to 27.20% from 25.39% in 1993. The Corporation also paid $4.2 million in dividends on its preferred stock in 1994.
The Corporation looks forward with optimism to the recent and expected statutory and regulatory developments that should have a positive impact on its development and performance. The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act approved in 1994 will allow bank holding companies to expand into different states in the U.S. The Puerto Rico Tax Reform Act enacted in 1994 reduces corporate and individual tax rates and lowers the tax on dividends received from domestic corporations on the Island to 10%. Undoubtedly, this decrease in the dividends tax rate will benefit the Corporation's stockholders, since effective for dividends paid after June 30, 1995, the Corporation's shareholders, residents and non-residents of Puerto Rico, will enjoy the lower withholding tax rate of 10% instead of the current rates which vary from 20% to 29%.
In addition, on January 31, 1995, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a proposal to reduce deposit insurance rate assessments for bank and thrift members of the Bank Insurance Fund. The proposal would drop the lower premium rate to four basis points and thereby expand the range to 4 thru 31 basis points, compared with the current range of 23 thru 31 basis points. This proposal, if adopted, could be effective during the second half of 1995.
The Corporation continues expanding and developing new ways to maintain its leadership position. Early in 1995, Banco Popular, FSB, a new subsidiary of BanPonce Corporation, acquired from the Resolution Trust Corporation (RTC) four branches of the former Carteret Federal Savings Bank in New Jersey. In addition, the Corporation entered into an agreement to acquire the assets of Puerto Rico Home Mortgage, a mortgage origination and servicing operation with approximately $1,800 million in its servicing portfolio. With this acquisition, the Corporation will be the largest mortgage loan servicer on the Island. In addition, as part of our strategy to diversify the sources of income, the Corporation signed a letter of intent to acquire the operations of CS First Boston, Puerto Rico, Inc. This acquisition will allow the Corporation to enter in the securities and investment banking business.
This financial review contains an analysis of the performance of BanPonce Corporation and its subsidiaries, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico including its wholly-owned subsidiaries Popular Leasing and Rental, Inc. (Popular Leasing) and Popular Consumer Services, Inc. ( Popular Consumer) , Vehicle Equipment Leasing Company, Inc. (VELCO), Popular International Bank, Inc. and
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TABLE B Selected Financial Data
* Per common share data is based on the average number of shares outstanding during the periods, except for the book value which is based on total shares at the end of the periods. All per common share data has been adjusted to reflect a stock split effected in the form of a dividend on April 3, 1989.
*Used to reflect the effect of the issuance of 2,458,740 shares of common stock through a subscription offering in November 1992. Also reflects the effect of the issuance of shares of common stock through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan in the years presented. The average common shares outstanding used in the above computation were 32,798,243 for 1994; 32,701,236 for 1993; and 30,461,494 for 1992. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
its wholly-owned subsidiaries BanPonce Financial Corp. (BanPonce Financial), Equity One, Inc., formerly Spring Financial Services, Inc. (Equity One), and Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. (Pioneer), second tier subsidiaries.
On December 31, 1990, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and the former BanPonce Corporation merged. Due to the effective date of the merger, the financial information for 1990 and prior years included in this financial review is presented as follows:
- The statement of condition as of December 31, 1990, and all references to assets and liabilities as of the end of that period reflect the figures for the combined entity immediately after the merger. Average figures for 1990 are those of Banco Popular and its subsidiaries. - All historical asset and liability information, including both averages and end of period information, for the years before 1990 are those of Banco Popular and its subsidiaries, Popular Leasing (organized in mid -1989) and Popular Consumer (acquired in December of 1989). - The results of operations for 1990 and prior years and all historical income and expense information are those of Banco Popular and its subsidiaries.
Table B presents a ten year summary of selected financial information.
EARNINGS ANALYSIS
The Corporation's net earnings for 1994 amounted to $124.7 million, compared with $109.4 million a year before. The net income applicable to common stock for 1994 was $120.5 million. Table C shows the variances, in dollar and per common share amounts, of the major captions of the Corporation's income statement for the last three years. A discussion of the key factors that contributed to the rise in net earnings follows:
- Increase in net interest income due to the growth of $1,495 million in the average volume of earning assets, partially offset by a decrease of 46 basis points in the net interest yield, on a taxable equivalent basis. - Increase in other operating income, principally in other service fees and other operating income. The rise in other service fees results from higher credit card fees, credit life insurance fees and other fees collected by the Corporation on new products and services. - Decrease in the provision for loan losses due to the improved credit quality of the loan portfolios which resulted in a reduction in net charge-offs. - Higher income tax expense due to a higher pre-tax income, and to a lower tax exempt income net of its related expenses. The decrease in exempt income results from lower yields on the investment portfolio and a lower average balance of tax-exempt securities.
- Higher other operating expenses, mainly personnel costs, principally due to the inclusion of the salaries and benefits of Pioneer and annual merit increases. Equipment expenses and professional fees also increased due mainly to the implementation and usage of advanced technology in order to provide a broader variety of products and services to customers. - Last year's recognition of the one-time cumulative effect of accounting changes due to the implementation of SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" and SFAS 106, "Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions". The net effect of these changes last year was an increase of $6.2 million in net income. - Dividends declared on preferred stock issued this year.
NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income, the principal source of earnings for the Corporation, represents the excess of the interest earned on earning assets over the interest paid on rate-related liabilities. The net interest income is affected by the changes in the balance sheet structure of the Corporation, principally in the volume and composition of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, the rates earned or paid on these assets and liabilities, and the maturity and repricing of these financial instruments. The latter is of particular significance in years such as 1994 when the interest rates had a significant increase after being at their lowest level in three decades. The Corporation constantly monitors and manages the composition and maturity structure of its assets and liabilities in order to minimize the impact of the above circumstances on its net interest income.
For the year ended December 31, 1994, net interest income reached $533.5 million, an increase of $41.4 million over the $492.1 million reported in 1993. In 1992, net interest income totaled $440.2 million. On a taxable equivalent basis, the net interest income rose to $574.6 million, from $544.5 million in 1993 and $536.5 million in 1992. The increase of $30.1 million results from the rise of $83.2 million due to the growth in average earning assets, partially offset by a reduction of $53.1 million due to a lower net interest margin on a taxable equivalent basis. The net interest yield, on a taxable equivalent basis, was 5.04% compared with 5.50% in 1993 and 6.11% in 1992.
In order to present all the interest data on a comparative basis, interest income on tax-exempt assets has been converted to a taxable equivalent basis assuming an income tax rate of 42%. Table D presents a comparative analysis of the net interest income and rates for the past five years.
Average earning assets increased $1,495 million to $11,390 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, from $9,895 million in 1993 and $8,780 million in 1992. On a taxable equivalent basis, interest income amounted to $926.2 million, compared with $824.5 million in 1993 and $836.6 million in 1992. The yield on earning assets, on a taxable equivalent basis, was 8.13% in 1994, or 20 basis points lower than the 8.33% reported in 1993. The yield on earning assets, on a taxable equivalent basis, for 1992 was 9.53%.
Average loans for the year ended December 31, 1994 totaled $7,108 million and represented 62.4% of total average earning assets. For the years 1993 and 1992 average loans amounted to $5,700 million and $5,150 million, and represented 57.6% and
Note: The changes that are not due solely to volume or rate are allocated to volume and rate based on the proportion of the change in each category. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
58.7% of average earning assets, respectively. The categories that increased the most were mortgage loans, rising $770.5 million or 65.9% and commercial and construction loans, growing $421.4 million or 17.8%. In addition, average consumer loans increased $141.4 million or 7.7% , and average lease financing receivables grew $74.3 million or 21.9%.
Banco Popular and Equity One experienced significant mortgage loan origination and refinancing activity during 1993 and the beginning of 1994, as a result of the low interest rates that prevailed during those periods. The largest increase in mortgage loans was realized in the operations of Banco Popular in New York which averaged approximately $342 million more than in 1993. The latter resulted from portfolio acquisitions and the start up of a Mortgage Loan Origination Department in 1993. The increase in the commercial loan portfolio was mostly attained at Banco Popular. The acquisition of Pioneer, on March 31, 1994, contributed with $115.7 million to the Corporation's commercial loan portfolio.
The average yield on loans was 9.44%, on a taxable equivalent basis, compared with 9.75% in 1993, a decrease of 31 basis points. The yield on mortgage loans declined 102 basis points due to the origination and refinancing of loans in a lower interest rate scenario. Conversely, the taxable equivalent yield of commercial and construction loans, increased 65 basis points, since approximately 55% of the portfolio has floating rates tied to the prime rate, which increased 250 basis points throughout 1994.
The increase in consumer loans was realized mainly in the categories of home modernization and auto loans. The yield reported during 1994 and 1993 for consumer loans was 11.95% and 12.48%, respectively. Prior to February 1992 the interest rates on personal loans were regulated in Puerto Rico. The maximum interest rate on these loans was set as a multiple of the prime rate. Effective on February 1992 interest rates were deregulated in order to allow the market to establish the interest rates to be charged on these loans. Due to the low interest scenarios, the strong competition on the Island and the higher share of secured loans which carry a lower yield, the yield on consumer loans has not increased with the rise in interest rates. The yield on lease financing receivables declined from 12.28% in 1993 to 11.68% in 1994, particularly due to the origination of leases during periods of low interest rates.
Average investment securities for 1994 totaled $4,157 million, an increase of $145.7 million from the $4,011 million reported in 1993. Average investment securities for 1992 amounted to $3,262 million. The increase is mainly attributed to the $114 million securities acquired from Pioneer. The yield on investment securities, on a taxable equivalent basis, decreased from 6.53% reported in 1993 to 6.01% in 1994. The decrease in yield was affected by the maturity of securities and the reinvestment of the proceeds during the low interest rate scenarios of 1993 and the beginning of 1994. During 1994, following an asset/liability management strategy designed to benefit from expected higher interest rates, the Corporation acquired primarily short and mid-term securities which resulted in relatively low yields. The taxable equivalent yield on investment securities in 1992 was 9.04%. The decrease in the taxable equivalent yield on investments from 1992 to 1993 resulted from the maturity at the end of 1992, of approximately $400 million in investment securities which were not
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- subject to the interest expense disallowance under the Puerto Rico Income Tax Act, and whose yield, on a taxable equivalent basis, exceeded 10%.
Average money market investments decreased $56.3 million to $119.5 million from the $175.8 million reported in 1993 and $362 million in 1992. The average yield on these instruments, increased from 3.66% in 1993 to 4.34% in 1994. The increase relates directly to the rise in the interest rate scenario that took place in 1994.
Average interest bearing liabilities were $9,330 million, compared with $8,097 million reported in 1993. In 1992, these liabilities averaged $7,277 million. Interest expense increased $71.6 million to $351.6 million compared with $280.0 million in 1993 and $300.1 million in 1992. Average deposits at December 31, 1994 were $8,837 million compared with $8,125 million in 1993 and $7,641 million in 1992. Interest bearing deposits averaged $551.2 million more than in 1993, reaching $7,041 million, while average non-interest bearing deposits grew $161.1 million. During the third and fourth quarters of 1993 the Corporation acquired some branches in New York and the Virgin Islands which added approximately $354.8 million in deposits. Also, the acquisition of Pioneer contributed with $292.7 million in deposits.
Average savings accounts increased $345.7 million and NOW, Super NOW and money market accounts also increased by $55 million, further strengthening the Corporation's core deposit base. Average time deposits, including certificates of deposits and other time deposits, rose $150.7 million in 1994. The cost of savings accounts decreased 16 basis points, due mainly to adjustments made to the pricing structure of these products throughout 1993. On the other hand, the cost of NOW, Super NOW and money market accounts increased by 15 basis points. The average cost of certificates of deposits rose 36 basis points from 3.80% in 1993 to 4.16% in 1994. In addition, the average cost of other time deposits increased 67 basis points to 4.80%. The increase in the average cost of these deposits resulted from the higher interest rate scenario that has prevailed during 1994. As a result, the average cost of interest bearing deposits reached 3.52%, from 3.38% reported in 1993 and 4.11% reported in 1992.
Average short-term borrowings rose $518.7 million. Most of the increase was due to higher balances of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase in Banco Popular and a higher average of commercial paper issued by the holding company. The average rate of short-term borrowings increased 101 basis points to 4.18% compared with 3.17% in 1993. During 1992 average short-term borrowings amounted to $903.9 million at an average cost of 3.51%.
Average long-term debt increased $163.2 million, due to a higher amount of medium-term notes issued by BanPonce Financial to finance Equity One operations. The average cost of long-term debt in 1994 was 6.10% compared with 6.74% in 1993.
The average cost of funding earning assets increased to 3.09% compared with 2.83% reported in 1993 and 3.42% in 1992.
SECURITY AND TRADING GAINS
During the first quarter of 1994, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 (SFAS 115), "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities", which addresses the accounting and reporting for certain investments in debt and equity securities. SFAS 115 requires financial institutions to segregate their securities holdings among three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading securities based on management's intent as defined by the SFAS 115 as further explained in the "Balance Sheet Comments" section of this financial review.
In 1994, the Corporation sold $293.4 million of the investment securities available-for-sale for a net gain of $0.3 million. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 115, the Corporation may sell or transfer held-to-maturity securities, only as a result of non-recurring, unusual events that could not have been reasonably anticipated. In 1994, $13.6 million of the securities classified as held-to-maturity were called by the issuer or sold due to a significant deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness, for a net loss of $0.05 million. During 1993, $83.2 million of the investment securities available-for-sale and $11.6 million of the investment securities were sold for a net gain of $0.9 million. Also, trading account activities for the year ended December 31, 1994, resulted in profits of $0.2 million compared with profits of $0.6 million in 1993.
OTHER OPERATING INCOME
Other operating income, consisting mainly of service charges on deposit accounts, credit card fees, other fee-based services and other revenues, grew to $142.9 million in 1994 from $123.8 million in 1993, a 15.4% increase. In 1992 other operating income amounted to $123.9 million.
The rise in other operating income was mainly a result of the Corporation's continuing efforts to build stable sources of fee income, which include service charges on deposit accounts and revenues from electronic banking and credit card services. This
growth is being accomplished through the aggressive marketing of existing products and development of innovative products. As Table F shows, this increase has resulted in a ratio of other operating income to operating expenses of 31.90% in 1994 compared with 30.02% in 1993. In addition, the ratio of other operating income to average assets increased slightly to 1.17% in 1994 from 1.16% in 1993.
Service charges on deposit accounts, the principal component of other operating income, rose 5.1% to $71.7 million in 1994, from $68.2 million in 1993 and $63.1 million in 1992. The rise in service charges was primarily attributed to an increase in automated teller machine fees, which were implemented during the second quarter of 1993, fees collected on returned checks, service charges on new deposit products introduced during the year and a higher customer deposit base due to growth and acquisitions. Pioneer contributed with $0.8 million in deposit fees.
Other service fees which represented 35.9% of other operating income for the year, improved significantly to $51.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, from $42.9 million in 1993 and $42.5 million in 1992. This increase was principally reflected in Banco Popular where credit card fees rose by $1.8 million, electronic banking fees $1.1 million and credit life insurance fees $0.6 million. Other fees collected on new services offered to Banco Popular customers during 1994, such as the sale of securities, annuities and mutual funds amounted to approximately $0.4 million. In addition, Pioneer contributed $1.2 million in other service fees. Also, in December 1994, Banco Popular and Paine Webber de P.R., Inc. organized the Puerto Rico Investors Tax Free Fund, Inc. The Fund is a closed-end fund and is the first one registered and developed under the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act. The sale of the fund's shares contributed with $0.8 million in additional fees.
Other operating income for the year ended December 31, 1994 amounted to $19.9 million as compared with $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1993 and $18.3 million in 1992. In 1992, the Corporation realized a $4.4 million gain on the sale of $86 million on mortgage loans through a grantor trust. During 1993 and 1994, Banco Popular recorded adjustments totaling $2.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively, to reflect the reduction in the market value of the excess servicing recognized in 1992 upon the sale of mortgages previously mentioned. These adjustments resulted from higher than expected mortgage prepayments due to the declining interest scenario that prevailed in 1993.
The rise of $5.2 million in other operating income, excluding the effect of the adjustments described above, relates mainly to an increase of $3.3 million in the gains recognized from the sale of mortgage loans principally by Equity One. In addition, the other operating revenues of the Corporation's leasing subsidiaries increased $1.2 million mostly related to the gains on sales of daily rental units and a higher daily rental income.
OPERATING EXPENSES
The Corporation continues investing in personnel, new products and the technology it needs to remain competitive. Consistently, Banco Popular has been the first in Puerto Rico to implement new approaches and the use of the latest available technology.
Total operating expenses for 1994 amounted to $447.8 million, compared with $412.3 million in 1993 and $366.9 million in 1992. These amounts represent increases of 8.6% in 1994 and 12.4% in 1993. As a percentage of average assets, operating expenses decreased from 3.86% in 1993 to 3.66% in 1994. Table G presents the composition of operating expenses for the past five years.
Personnel costs for the period ended December 31, 1994 totaled $225.7 million compared with $215.9 million recorded in 1993 and $188.2 million in 1992. Salaries, which represent 71.3% of total personnel costs, rose $9.6 million or 6.3% to $161 million in 1994 from $151.4 million in 1993. This rise resulted primarily from annual merit increases, higher incentive payments tied to performance and the growing number of employees due to increased business activity and acquisitions. Included in the salaries expense for 1994 are $4.0 million pertaining to Pioneer. At December 31, 1994, BanPonce Corporation had 7,549 full-time equivalent employees (FTE) up 110 from the 7,439 FTE at the end of 1993.
Employee benefits, including profit sharing, rose to $64.8 million compared with $64.5 million for the same period in 1993 and $53.5 million in 1992. As we continued implementing "Total Quality Management" philosophy and new technology , staff training expenses increased $0.8 million, from $1.5 million in 1993 to $2.3 million in 1994. Partially offsetting the increase in staff training is a reduction in the profit sharing expense of $0.6 million due to a lower contribution resulting from an amendment to the plan in 1994, in which non-vested participations of resigning employees are credited to the Corporation's annual contribution, reducing the profit sharing expense.
During 1993, the Corporation adopted SFAS 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions". This statement requires that employers accrue the expected cost of retiree health care and other postretirement benefits, which represents the actuarial present value of the anticipated benefits the employer expects to provide employees upon retirement. In 1994, the Corporation recorded $7.9 million for postretirement benefits, compared with $5.2 million in 1993.
The remaining components of operating expenses, in the aggregate, amounted to $222.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1994, compared with $196.4 million in 1993 and $178.7 million in 1992. Equipment expenses amounted to $35.5 million in 1994 compared with $28.0 million in 1993, an increase of $7.5 million or 26.9%. Professional fees rose from $27.3 million in 1993 to $33.8 million in 1994, an increase of $6.5 million or 23.6%. The increase in both expense categories was mostly attributed to the depreciation and software costs related to the expansion of the electronic payment system, the network expansion of point of sale (POS) terminals and the development of new products and services. During 1994, as part of the initiatives related to the Corporation's strategy of transforming Puerto Rico's payment system, 2,117 additional POS terminals and 43 ATM machines were installed.
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Other taxes also reflected a significant increase of $3.8 million or 23.8%, due to the increased business activity of the Corporation, higher tax rates for property and municipal license taxes in Puerto Rico and other state taxes paid in the U.S. Net occupancy expense, communications and amortization of intangibles also rose in 1994 due to the expansion in the Corporation's business activities.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased $21.9 million, totaling $50 million compared with $28.1 million reported in 1993. This increase is principally the result of higher pre-tax earnings by $43 million and lower exempt income that results from lower yielding securities and a lower average balance of tax exempt assets for the year. Income tax expense reported in 1992 was $14.3 million.
Effective January 1, 1993, the Corporation adopted SFAS 109. This statement requires an asset and liability approach to accounting for income taxes. The objective of SFAS 109 is to recognize the amounts of taxes payable or refundable in the current year and to recognize deferred tax liabilities and/or assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities or assets is based on the regular tax rates and provisions of the enacted tax laws. At the date of adoption of SFAS 109 the Corporation recorded a credit to income and a deferred tax asset of $28.9 million mainly due to alternative minimum tax credits and tax loss carryforwards that the Corporation had available. Prior to 1993, the Corporation determined its income tax provision under SFAS 96 whereby the income tax expense was basically the same as the Corporation's income tax liability.
At December 31, 1994, the Corporation net deferred tax asset amounted to $22.9 million. The Corporation has recorded this deferred tax asset because, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that the asset will be realized.
The effective tax rate rose to 28.6% from 21.3% in 1993 and 14.2% in 1992. The difference between the effective tax rates and the statutory rate, which in Puerto Rico is 42%, is primarily due to the interest income earned on certain investments and loans which are tax-exempt, net of the related interest expense disallowance.
On October 31, 1994, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law the Puerto Rico Tax Reform Act of 1994. The Act has made comprehensive and important changes in several major areas of the tax law. In general, the provisions of the Act are effective for taxable years beginning after June 30, 1995. The changes that most significantly affect the Corporation can be summarized as follows:
- The maximum tax rate for Corporations is reduced from 42% to 39%. - Repeal of the reserve method for computing losses on bad debts. The taxpayer will be required to use the direct write-off method. In addition, the reserve balance is to be recaptured to income ratably over the succeeding four-year period. - Deduction permitted for the amortization of goodwill on assets acquired after June 30, 1995, using a straight-line method of amortization over a fifteen-year period. - Dividends from local corporations will be taxed at 10%. This change will be effective on July 1, 1995. The 85% dividend received deduction will continue to be available for corporations. - Repeal of the 29% withholding tax on interest payments to non-resident and unaffiliated parties. This provision is also effective on July 1, 1995.
During the year, the Corporation recorded an adjustment of $1.5 million, reducing its deferred tax assets, giving effect to the change in tax rates enacted in 1994 due primarily to the reversal of temporary differences after December 31, 1995.
Please refer to Note 21 of the Financial Statements for additional information on the deferred tax asset and the provision for income tax.
BALANCE SHEET COMMENTS
The Corporation's total assets at December 31, 1994 reached $12,778 million, reflecting an increase of 11% as compared with $11,513 million at December 31, 1993. Total assets at the end of 1992 amounted to $10,002 million. Average total assets for 1994 amounted to $12,226 million compared with $10,684 million in 1993 and $9,529 million in 1992. The acquisition of Pioneer contributed to this increase, adding $333.7 million in assets and $292.7 million in deposits to the Corporation.
Earning assets at December 31, 1994, amounted to $11,844 million, compared with $10,658 million at December 31, 1993 and $9,236 million at December 31, 1992. Total loans, amounted to $7,781 million as of December 31, 1994 compared with $6,347 million at the end of 1993 and $5,252 million at the end of 1992. This increase resulted mainly from the growth in the mortgage and commercial loan portfolios. During the year, mortgage loans increased $601.7 million or 38.2%, from $1,576 million at December 31, 1993 to $2,178 million at December 31, 1994. Commercial loans grew $524.0 million or 22.1%.
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Money market, investment and trading securities totaled $4,062 million at December 31, 1994 compared with $4,311 million at the same date last year. The decrease of $248.6 million or 5.8% was reflected mainly in the investment securities, which totaled $3,795 million at the end of 1994 and $4,045 million in 1993. These figures include $839.2 million in investment securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1994 and $715.6 million as of December 31, 1993. These securities are currently carried at market value under the provisions of SFAS 115, adopted in the first quarter of 1994. Prior to the adoption of this statement, these securities were carried at the lower of cost or market.
SFAS 115 requires financial institutions to segregate their securities holdings as follows:
- Those securities which management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost. - Those that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term, are classified as trading and continue to be reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. - All other securities are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity.
As a result of the adoption of this statement, the Corporation's stockholders' equity at December 31, 1994 includes $19.4 million in unrealized losses, net of deferred taxes, on securities available-for-sale.
Total deposits at December 31, 1994, amounted to $9,012 million compared with $8,523 million at December 31, 1993. The increase of $489.8 million over the prior year is mainly due to the acquisition of Pioneer and the launching of new deposit products during 1994. Total deposits as of December 31, 1992 amounted to $8,039 million.
Core deposits reached $7,345 million by the end of 1994, compared with $6,966 million the prior year. The increase of $378.7 million resulted principally from a growth of $183.3 million in certificates of deposit under $100,000, $112.4 million in savings accounts and $102 million in demand deposits. NOW and money market accounts declined $19 million.
Borrowings increased $601.6 million to $2,501 million at December 31, 1994. The rise is mainly due to an increase of $396.0 million in federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings. Commercial paper increased $30.9 million and $231.1 million in medium-term notes were issued by BanPonce Financial to finance Equity One's business growth.
Subordinated notes decreased to $50 million from $62 million outstanding a year ago, due to the prepayment in July 1994 of an 8.50% note due in 1996. In addition, $11 million in preferred stock of Banco Popular were redeemed at par value on June 30, 1994.
The analysis of the Corporation's balance sheet components will focus on the three major topics: Credit Risk Analysis, Asset and Liability Management and Stockholders' Equity.
CREDIT RISK ANALYSIS CREDIT MANAGEMENT
The successful management of risk is essential to the continued growth and profitability of the Corporation. The Corporation employs many tools to monitor and control the credit risks to which it is exposed. The strategies for managing credit risk include among others, the establishment of strict credit underwriting standards to monitor the loan granting process and the subsequent performance of the loan portfolio. In addition, the Corporation continues enforcing the policies of maintaining a highly skilled and experienced staff to continue improving the credit processing technology.
The Corporation has an independent Credit Review and Audit Division which oversees the management of credit risk. This division provides an independent and objective assessment of the loan portfolio's credit quality. It also manages the credit rating system, the major credit risk monitoring tool, and tests the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
The Corporation receives collateral to support credit extensions and commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The most significant categories of collateral are real and personal property and cash on deposit.
At December 31, 1994, the Corporation's credit risk was centered in its $7,781 million loan portfolio, which represented 65.7% of earning assets. The portfolio composition at the end of 1994 was as follows: 37% in commercial loans, 28% in residential mortgage loans, 27% in consumer loans, 6% in lease financing and 2% in construction loans as compared with 37%, 25%, 30%, 6% and 2%, respectively, in 1993.
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The commercial portfolio continues showing an improvement in the level of delinquency, charge-offs and recoveries. This was attained through the development of a strong credit culture, through revamped credit training programs, geared at the rehabilitation and effective collection of trouble and charged-off loans, coupled with the sustained economic recovery during 1994.
As in the previous three years, the Consumer Credit Area also continues reflecting a considerable improvement in the delinquency and net credit losses. The lower net charge-off level reflects the consistent application of prudent credit standards through officer training and periodic lending reviews, plus enhanced collection systems. Furthermore, a shift in the consumer portfolio from an unsecured to a secured basis, primarily mortgage and cash-secured loans, has been achieved over the last years. During 1995, management is directing its efforts to continue emphasizing the secured portion of the portfolio, as part of the tools to continue improving credit quality.
The Corporation's credit risk is well balanced since its credit policies and procedures emphasize diversification among geographic areas, business and industry groups, to minimize the adverse impact of any single event or set of occurrences. The loan risk exposure is spread among individual consumers, small commercial loans and a diverse base of borrowers engaged in a wide variety of businesses.
The Corporation has over 773,000 consumer loans and over 40,000 commercial lending relationships. Of these, only 34 relationships have loans outstanding over $10 million. Highly leveraged transactions and credit facilities to finance speculative real estate ventures are minimal and there are no LDC loans.
The following risk concentration categories existed at year-end. Only those concentrations with portfolio totals in excess of the Corporation's stockholders' equity are presented.
Geographic Risk - Most of the Corporation's business activities and credit exposure is concentrated with customers in Puerto Rico. The Island's economic prospects are generally regarded as stable to improving and the Government of Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities are all investment-grade rated borrowers in the United States capital markets. However, the Corporation has been increasing its market outside Puerto Rico, which now represents 24% of the Corporation's total assets. Within the last two years, Banco Popular, the Corporation's largest subsidiary, has doubled its 33 year presence in New York where it now operates 30 branches. It also operates one branch in Los Angeles and eight branches in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, where it is the largest bank. Furthermore, the Corporation acquired Pioneer, in the State of Illinois, which as of December 31, 1994 had three branches with $233.5 million in loans and $325.8 million in deposits. Equity One, a consumer finance operation acquired in 1991, now has 73 branches in 20 states, primarily in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In addition, in January 1995 the Corporation incorporated Banco Popular, FSB, which operates four branches acquired from the RTC of the former Carteret Federal Savings Bank in New Jersey, with approximately $182 million in deposits. It has been the Corporation's philosophy to generally limit its lending activities to projects and borrowers within its geographic regions. This has consistently resulted in acceptable credit quality.
Consumer Credit Risk - Consumer credit arises from exposures to credit card receivables, home mortgages, personal loans, and other installment credit facilities. At December 31, 1994, consumer and residential mortgage loans amounted to $2,101 million and $2,178 million, respectively, with $741 million in unused credit card lines. At the same date, non-performing consumer and mortgage loans amounted to $28.7 million and net charge-offs in the consumer portfolio totaled $11.3 million, including $8.6 million in credit card loans and $2.7 million in other consumer loans. Mortgage loans net charge-offs amounted to $1.3 million in 1994. As previously mentioned, management continues emphasizing the growth in the secured portion of the portfolio. At December 31, 1994, the secured consumer loan portfolio was $923.8 million or 44% of the total portfolio compared with 38% at December 31, 1993.
Industry Risk - Total commercial loans, including commercial real estate loans, amounted to $2,894 million at year-end. Commercial loans secured by real estate, consisting primarily of residential, owner-occupied and income producing properties, represented $1,047 million or 36% of the commercial portfolio. Construction loans amounted to $161 million at year-end. The non-real estate-related portion of the commercial loan portfolio amounted to $1,847 million, with $1,122 million in unused commitments under lines of credit to commercial, industrial and agricultural concerns. Commercial and stand-by letters of credit totaled $90.2 million at year-end. As previously mentioned, there are no significant concentrations in any one industry, with a substantial portion of the customers having credit needs of less than $100,000.
Government Risk - As of December 31, 1994, $3,481 million of the investment securities represented exposure to the U.S. Government in the form of U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies and corporations. In addition, $100.3 million of residential mortgages and $202.2 million in commercial loans are insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. Furthermore, there are $221.4 million of investment securities representing obligations of the Puerto Rico Government and political subdivisions thereof, with another $157.4 million of loans issued to or guaranteed by these same entities and $32.3 million of loans issued to or guaranteed by the United States Virgin Islands' Government.
*Includes loans held-for-sale. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOANS
Total loans increased $1,434 million to $7,781 million at December 31, 1994, compared with $6,347 million at December 31, 1993. Total loans at December 31, 1992 amounted to $5,252 million. All loan categories demonstrated increases in 1994. The mortgage loan portfolio accounted for $601.7 million or 42% of the total rise followed by the commercial loan portfolio, which accounted for $524.0 million or 36.5% of the increase. Consumer, lease financing and construction loan portfolios increased $228.3 million or 12.2%, $72.5 million or 19.3% and $7.8 million or 5.1%, respectively, as compared with the balances a year ago.
The increase of 38.2% in the mortgage loan portfolio compared with the prior year balance of $1,576 million, was achieved through a significant mortgage loan origination and refinancing activity during 1993 and the beginning of 1994 in Banco Popular and Equity One. Banco Popular's mortgage loans increased $363.7 million and Equity One's portfolio rose $201.4 million. The mortgage loan portfolio amounted to $790.8 million at December 31, 1992. Included in the mortgage loan portfolio at December 31, 1994, are $36.6 million in loans of Pioneer. Due to the increase in interest rates during 1994, mortgage application indices have been showing a drop in total application volume which indicate a possible slowdown in originations in 1995.
The commercial loan portfolio increased from $2,370 million at December 31, 1993 to $2,894 million at the same date this year. Commercial loans totaled $2,133 million at December 31, 1992. The rise was mainly due to the sustained economic recovery and strong marketing efforts geared at the retail and middle market with emphasis on the origination of government guaranteed loans, primarily Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. These factors led to increases of $206.2 million in Fortune 500 corporate loans, $124.1 million in the retail and middle market portfolio and $47.7 million in Government-guaranteed loans. Over the last three years, Banco Popular has been the top SBA lender among commercial banks in the United States. In addition, Pioneer had $141.3 million in commercial loans at year-end.
It is expected that the commercial loan portfolio will continue to grow during 1995, primarily in economic sectors such as: service industries, middle market and corporate loans, and pre-export and export financing. Furthermore, significant increases in loan demand are expected in the tourism industry sector and privately-developed infrastructure projects.
The lease financing portfolio amounted to $448.2 million as of December 31, 1994, compared with $375.7 million and $314.9 million as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, respectively. The rise in truck and vehicle sales in Puerto Rico contributed to the growth in this loan category.
Total consumer loans, which include personal, auto and boat, credit cards, reserve lines and student loans, amounted to $2,101 million at December 31, 1994, compared with $1,872 million at year-end 1993 and $1,841 million as of December 31, 1992. This growth reflects the personal loans acquired from Pioneer, which totaled $55.5 million at December 31, 1994, the economic recovery and strong marketing efforts during the year.
The personal loan portfolio amounted to $1,033 million or 49% of the total consumer portfolio at December 31, 1994. The personal loan portfolio was comprised of approximately 23% in mortgage secured loans, 11% with cash collateral and the remainder was unsecured. The Corporation's strategy to emphasize the secured portion of the portfolio has resulted in a secured personal loan portfolio of 34% at the end of 1994, as compared with 20% three years ago.
Auto and boat secured loans represent about 19% of the total consumer loan portfolio, revolving credit (credit cards plus reserve lines of credit) represents 21% and home improvement loans represent 6%. The remaining 5% is student loans and small dealer contracts.
In 1995, credit and service quality continues to be emphasized through additional training, continued personnel specialization and improved processing technology. Continuous marketing efforts should spur growth in most consumer portfolios due to the improved economic conditions.
NON-PERFORMING ASSETS
Non-performing assets consist of past-due loans on which no interest income is being accrued, renegotiated loans, other real estate and in-substance foreclosed assets. The Corporation reports its non-performing assets on a more conservative basis than most U.S. banks. The Corporation's policy is to place commercial loans on non-accrual status if payments of principal or interest are delinquent 60 days rather than the standard industry practice of 90 days. Financing leases, conventional mortgages and closed-end consumer loans are placed on non-accrual status if payments are delinquent 90 days. Closed-end consumer loans are charged-off against the allowance when delinquent 120 days. Open-end (revolving credit) consumer loans are charged-off if payments are delinquent 180 days. Certain loans which would be treated as non-accrual loans pursuant to the foregoing policy, are treated as accruing loans if they are considered well secured and in the process of collection. Under the standard industry practice, closed-end consumer loans are charged-off when delinquent 120 days, but these consumer loans are not customarily placed on non-accrual status prior to being charged-off.
As of December 31, 1994, non-performing assets amounted to $107.6 million or 1.38% of loans, compared with $111.2 million or 1.75% of total loans and $132.3 million or 2.52% at the end of 1993 and 1992, respectively. Non-performing loans at December 31, 1994, totaled $94.3 million or 1.21% of loans as compared with $92.8 million or 1.46% a year earlier. As of December 31, 1992 non-performing loans were $108.3 million or 2.06% of loans.
The reduction in non-performing assets was reflected mainly in non-performing consumer loans which decreased $4.1 million due to improved collection efforts. In addition, other real estate decreased $2.3 million mainly due to the aggressive efforts directed at the orderly disposition of other real estate and the sustained economic recovery. Renegotiated loans decreased $2.6 million, from $5.6 million at December 31, 1993 to $3.0 million this year. Non-performing lease financing and construction loans also showed reductions of $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively. On the other hand, non-performing commercial and mortgage loans increased $4.0 million and $2.1 million, respectively , mainly due to the significant rise in the portfolios. Table I presents the composition of non-performing assets by category at the end of 1994 and the previous four years.
Assuming the standard industry practice of placing commercial loans on non-accrual status when payments are past due 90 days or more and excluding the closed-end consumer loans from non-accruing, the Corporation's non-performing assets at December 31, 1994, would have been $78.2 million or 1.01% of loans, and the allowance for loan losses would be 196.63% of non-performing assets. At December 31, 1993, and 1992 adjusted non-performing assets would have been $80.9 million or 1.27% of loans and $105.7 million or 2.01% of loans, respectively.
Accruing loans that are contractually past-due 90 days or more as to principal or interest as of December 31, 1994, amounted to $15.0 million as compared with $15.5 million in 1993.
Once a loan is placed on non-accrual status the interest previously accrued and uncollected is charged against current earnings and thereafter, income is recorded only to the extent of any interest collected. The interest income that would have been realized had these loans been performing in accordance with their original terms amounted to $5.4 million for 1994 compared with $5 million for 1993.
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PROVISION AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
The Corporation maintains the allowance for loan losses at a level which is considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance is reviewed regularly by management. In determining the allowance, management considers the composition of the loan portfolio, past loan loss experience, loan risk classifications and prevailing and projected economic conditions.
The provision for loan losses was $53.8 million for 1994, compared with $72.9 million in 1993, a decrease of $19.1 million or 26.2%. The provision for loan losses for 1992 was $97.6 million. The decrease in the provision is the result of the loan quality improvement and the lower ratio of net charge-offs during the last three years. Net charge-offs for the year totaled $36.9 million or 0.52% of average loans, compared with $51.7 million or 0.91% in 1993 and $81.1 million or 1.58% in 1992.
All major loan categories, except mortgage, showed reductions in net credit losses, with the consumer loan portfolio reflecting the largest reduction. Consumer loans net charge-offs decreased $7.2 million or 38.9% compared with prior year, from $18.5 million in 1993 to $11.3 million. In 1992, consumer loans net charge-offs totaled $37.9 million. As a percentage of average consumer loans, net charge-offs amounted to 0.58% in 1994, compared with 1.02% in 1993 and 2.0% in 1992.
The decrease in the consumer loans net charge-offs was mainly in personal loans where net charge-offs declined 63% from $5.7 million or 0.65% of average loans in 1993 to $2.1 million or 0.10% this year. In 1992, personal loans' net charge-offs were $21.5 million or 2.28% of average loans. The lower net charge-off amounts for consumer credit in 1994 reflects, as previously mentioned, the consistent application of prudent credit standards plus enhanced collection systems.
Lease financing, commercial and construction loans net charge-offs also showed reductions of $3.7 million, $2.7 million and $2.0 million, respectively, compared with 1993. All these reductions are the result of the sustained economic improvement, the implementation of upgraded collection systems in 1992 and 1993 and the improvement in collection efforts of troubled and charged-off loans. Mortgage loans net charge-offs rose $0.9 million, compared with prior year mainly as a result of Equity One's portfolio expansion.
The recent trend in the loan portfolio quality and the sustained economic recovery portend more improvement in the Corporation's net credit losses in 1995, in spite of a higher interest rate scenario and potential inflationary pressures.
At December 31, 1994, the allowance for loan losses was $153.8 million, representing 1.98% of loans. At the same date in 1993 the allowance for loan losses amounted to $133.4 million or 2.10% of loans. At December 31, 1992, the allowance was $110.7 million or 2.11% of loans. Although the ratio of allowance for loan losses to loans shows a small decrease, the Corporation continues enjoying a strong allowance position since most of the increase in loans has been experienced in the mortgage loan portfolio where the Corporation, based on its historical experience and expected economic conditions, does not foresee significant losses. Broken down by major loan categories, the allowance for the last five years was as follows:
Table J summarizes the movement in the allowance for loan losses and presents selected loan loss statistics for the past five years.
In May 1993 the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan" as amended by SFAS 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-Income Recognition and Disclosures". These statements address the accounting by creditors for impairment of a loan by specifying how the allowance for loan losses related to certain loans should be determined. Under these statements a loan impairment should be determined based on the present value of the loan's expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's market price or the fair value of the collateral. SFAS 114 and 118 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1994. Management estimates that the adoption of these statements will have no material effect on the financial statements of the Corporation.
ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT
A major consideration in the financial management of commercial banking institutions is the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income. The Corporation manages its balance sheet structure to minimize the impact of interest rate volatility on earnings. Conservative interest rate risk management is institutionalized in policies approved by the Board of Directors and implemented by the Asset/Liability Management Committee (ALCO), which is comprised of senior officers.
The maximization of the Corporation's net interest income while maintaining interest rate risk within policy guidelines, is the ALCO's mandate. The Asset/Liability Management Policy Manual, which is approved by the Board of Directors, sets the specific risk parameters that must be maintained. Usually, compliance with the policy calls for a balanced position between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities. Notwithstanding, temporary mismatches may be assumed to take advantage of market conditions. Mismatched positions may be assumed only under policy guidelines, and these are monitored closely by the ALCO. In addition, they are structured so that the position can be adjusted quickly if market conditions change.
The ALCO holds meetings on a monthly basis to review the Corporation's earnings, interest rate risk position, and to assess current market conditions as well as the outlook for interest rates. Financial strategies are presented and adopted at these meetings, with the purpose of ensuring the attainment of the Corporation's financial objectives. Monthly simulations of the Corporation's financial results under various economic and financial scenarios are prepared for review by the ALCO. These include measures of the extent to which net interest income is affected by proposed financial strategies as well as interest rates forecasts.
LIQUIDITY
Besides prudent rate risk management, liquidity management is of paramount importance in the complete management of financial institutions. The main objective of liquidity management is to ensure that sufficient funds are always available to finance the loan demand of customers, deposit withdrawals, the maturities of wholesale borrowings and the Corporation's operations. In a positive yield curve environment it is costly to hold excessive amounts of liquidity. Particularly under such conditions, an important issue is to maintain an optimal level of liquid assets. Such asset level must be cost effective and provide adequate coverage for most foreseeable scenarios with a reasonable cushion for unforeseen events.
Both the Corporation's assets and liabilities are sources of substantial liquidity. The investment portfolio is comprised mostly of high quality securities. In addition, the Corporation's position as primary competitor in the local funds market provides wide access to retail deposits. Moreover, considerable credit lines have been established in the U.S. money and capital markets, which give the Corporation the ability to raise funds on short notice.
The Corporation's investment portfolio, a significant source of liquidity, consists mostly of U.S. Treasury and Agencies securities. As of December 31, 1994, the portion of the Corporation's investment portfolio classified as available-for-sale totaled $839.2 million.
This portfolio is an easily accessible liquidity source since it can be sold promptly in the secondary markets with minimal transaction costs. The investment securities held-to-maturity are also another source of liquidity. As of year-end, this portfolio totaled $2,956 million, of which 70.6%, represented U.S. Treasury and Agencies obligations, with 47.3% maturing within one year. These securities are easily financed in the money markets at competitive rates.
Significant cash is generated from the Corporation's loan portfolio due to its stream of principal and interest payments. As of December 31, 1994 the loan portfolio maturing in less than one year amounted to $2,363 million, or 30.4% of the total loan portfolio.
The Corporation's dominant position in the local funds market has resulted in a substantial base of core deposits, also a main liquidity source for the Corporation. These deposits comprise consumer and commercial demand deposits, savings deposits and time deposits under $100,000. As compared with institutional funds, core deposits are more stable and reliable since they are not as sensitive to changes in interest rates and market conditions. Core deposits at year-end amounted to $7,345 million, or 81.5% of total deposits, increasing 5.4% from the balance at the end of 1993. As of December 31, 1994, certificates of deposit with denominations of $100,000 and more amounted to $1,667 million, or 18.5% of total deposits, and had the following distribution:
(In thousands) 3 months or less.............. $1,271,042 3 to 6 months................. 197,366 6 to 12 months................ 115,304 over 12 months .............. 83,629 ---------- $1,667,341 ==========
Part of the Corporation's deposit base encompasses Section 936 deposits which amounted to $922.4 million as of December 31, 1994, or 10.2% of total deposits. The Corporation has implemented internal limitations on the maximum amount of Section 936 funds which may be borrowed, with the purpose of avoiding any undue dependence. As of December 31, 1994, total Section 936 funds including certificates of deposits and repurchase agreements amounted to $1,842 million, or 15.7% of total liabilities.
The reductions in the benefits of Section 936 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, which were enacted in 1993, became effective in 1994 and will be phased in gradually throughout a five-year period. The Corporation's portfolio of Section 936 funds was not affected negatively, as it reflected an increase during 1994. Furthermore, the economy of Puerto Rico is not expected to be significantly affected by the changes to the Code, given the level of benefits retained.
To further enhance the Corporation's and its subsidiaries' ability to secure financing in the U.S. money and capital markets, on June 24, 1994 a "shelf" registration was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under this registration, the Corporation and various of its subsidiaries may issue unsecured debt securities, which may be either senior or subordinated notes, or shares of preferred stock in an aggregate amount of up to $500 million. The amounts, terms and timing of offerings will be determined in the future when and as the Corporation decides to sell debt securities and/or shares of preferred stock under the registration. At the beginning of 1994, Banco Popular became a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, which represents a source of long-term funding at competitive rates.
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY
The rising interest rate environment that characterized most of 1994, highlighted the sensitivity of many financial institutions' net interest income to interest rate fluctuations. Since a significant portion of the Corporation's earnings is derived from net interest income, management closely monitors the Corporation's interest rate sensitivity together with the developments in the financial market. These factors are examined continuously, specially during extremely volatile interest rates scenarios, to ascertain their potential impact on the Corporation's profitability.
The degree to which interest rate fluctuations affect net interest income depends upon the maturity, duration and repricing characteristics of the Corporation's assets and liabilities. It is also affected by the direction of interest rate movements as well as changes in the shape of the yield curve. An asset sensitive position occurs generally when a higher volume of assets than liabilities matures or reprices within a certain period of time. Conversely, a liability sensitive position occurs when a higher volume of liabilities than assets matures or reprices within a certain time period.
The FED, in an attempt to maintain price stability by reducing the growth rate of the U.S. economy, increased interest rates dramatically during 1994. Significant increases in rates affect financial institutions differently, depending upon the type and degree of interest rate
sensitivity. When interest rates rise, an asset sensitive position usually results in increased net interest income. Under such a position, more assets than liabilities reprice at a higher interest rate, therefore increasing net interest income. On the other hand, a liability sensitive position generally results in a lower net interest income. As rates increase, more liabilities than assets reprice at a higher rate, therefore increasing the cost of funds faster than interest revenue.
The Corporation's interest rate risk position as of December 31, 1994 is presented in Table M. At year-end, the Corporation presented a negative cumulative one-year gap of $697.8 million, or negative 5.9% of total earning assets, compared with a positive cumulative gap of $253.2 million, or 4.85% of earning assets, at December 31, 1993. The change was due to a decrease of $678.3 million in investment and trading securities, increases of $243.9 million in other time deposits and $385.0 million in short-term liabilities, all repricing within one year. This change was partially offset by an increase of $333.4 million in loans repricing within one year.
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
At December 31, 1994, stockholders' equity amounted to $1,002 million, an increase of $168.2 million or 20.2% compared with the balance of $834.2 million at year-end 1993. This increase is due to the issuance of preferred stock that raised $96.7 million in additional capital, the issuance of additional shares amounting to $3.2 million under the Corporation's Dividend Reinvestment Plan, and earnings' retention. As previously mentioned, during the first quarter of 1994, the Corporation adopted SFAS 115 and as a result stockholders' equity at December 31, 1994 includes $19.4 million in unrealized losses, net of deferred taxes, on securities available-for-sale.
On June 27, 1994 the Corporation issued 4,000,000 shares of Series A preferred stock. These shares are non-convertible and are redeemable at the option of the Corporation on or after June 30, 1998. Dividends are non-cumulative and are payable monthly at an annual rate per share of 8.35% based on the liquidation preference value of $25 per share.
The Corporation exceeds the regulatory risk-based capital requirements for well capitalized institutions by wide margins, due to the high level of capital and the conservative nature of the Corporation's assets. Tier I capital to risk-adjusted assets and total capital ratios at December 31, 1994 were 12.85% and 14.25%, compared with 12.29% and 13.95%, respectively, at year-end 1993. The Corporation's leverage ratio was 7.62% at December 31, 1994, compared with 6.95% for the previous year. Table N shows capital adequacy information for the current and previous four years.
The average tangible equity increased to $792 million for the year ended December 31, 1994 from $663.6 million a year before, an increase of $128.4 million or 19.4%. Total tangible equity at December 31, 1994 was $873.7 million compared with $701.4 million at December 31, 1993. The tangible equity to assets ratio increased as well, to 6.55% in 1994 from 6.29% in 1993. Book value per share increased to $27.48 at December 31, 1994, compared with $25.49 at year-end 1993. Furthermore, the Corporation's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. Under this program the Corporation may repurchase up to one million shares of the outstanding common stock of the Corporation at such times and prices as market conditions shall warrant.
COMMON STOCK
The Corporation's stock is traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (NASDAQ) National Market System under the symbol BPOP. Table O shows the range of market quotations and cash dividends declared for each quarter during the last five years.
The Corporation has a Dividend Reinvestment Plan for its stockholders. This plan offers the stockholders the opportunity to automatically reinvest their dividends in shares of common stock at a 5% discount from the average market price at the time of issuance. During 1994, 105,706 shares, equivalent to $3.2 million in additional capital, were issued under the plan. A total of 565,106 shares have been issued under this plan since its inception in 1989, contributing $12.3 million in additional capital.
PREFERRED STOCK
The preferred stock of the Corporation is also traded on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol BPOPP.
DIVIDENDS
Dividends declared on common stock during 1994 totaled $32.8 million, compared with $29.4 million in 1993. The Corporation, following its policy of maintaining a dividend payout ratio close to 30%, increased its quarterly dividend from $0.20 to $0.25 per common share, effective on October 1, 1993. The annual dividend declared per common share for 1994 was $1.00 compared with $0.90 in 1993 and $0.80 in 1992.
The dividend payout ratio to common stockholders for the year increased to 27.20% compared with 25.39% a year before, as a result of the growth in dividends paid per common share during the year.
Dividends declared on the preferred stock issued this year amounted to $4.2 million.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INFLATION ACCOUNTING
SFAS 89 makes optional the disclosure of supplementary information on the effects of inflation.
The Corporation has decided not to prepare the supplementary data for the following reasons:
- The impact of inflation on the banking industry differs significantly from that on industries that require a higher proportion of investment in fixed assets. Our asset and liability structure is composed mainly of monetary assets and liabilities. - Changes in interest rates that may significantly impact the Corporation's earnings do not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of other goods and services. - Information included in this annual report such as Interest Variance Analysis, Interest Rate Sensitivity Table, Average Balance Sheet, Summary of Net Interest Income and the market value disclosures required by SFAS 107, provides more insight as to the effects on the Corporation of changes in interest rates than the supplementary data on inflation accounting.
*The average common shares used in the computation of earnings and cash dividend per common share were 32,798,243 for 1994; 32,701,236 for 1993; 30,461,494 for 1992; 30,035,601 for 1991, and 20,116,970 for 1990.
*Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of some loans and investments on their yield. A 42% tax rate was used for 1994 through 1990. The computation considers the interest expense disallowance as required by the Tax Reform Act enacted in 1987. This adjustment is shown in order to compare the yields of the tax exempt, and taxable assets on a taxable basis.
Note: Average loan balances include the average balance of non-accruing loans. No interest income is recognized for these loans in accordance with the Corporation's policy.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 936 CORPORATIONS - Subsidiaries of U.S. firms operating in Puerto Rico and other offshore areas under Section 936 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Section 936 provides certain tax benefits on Puerto Rico source earnings from the active conduct of a trade or business or from qualified investments.
936 DEPOSITS - Funds of 936 corporations deposited in banks usually in the form of time deposits. The restriction that these funds must be reinvested in eligible assets, if income derived from them is to be considered tax-exempt for U.S. and Puerto Rico's Industrial Incentive Act purposes, lowers the rate on these funds as compared to interest rates paid on similar deposits.
BASIS POINT - Equal to one-hundredth of one percent. Used to express changes or differences in interest yields and rates.
CORE DEPOSITS - A deposit category that includes all non-interest bearing deposits, savings deposits and certificates of deposit under $100,000. These deposits are considered a stable source of funds.
EARNING ASSETS - Assets that earn interest, such as loans, investment securities, money market investments and trading account securities.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE - Net income less dividends on preferred stock of the Corporation, divided by the average number of common shares outstanding during the periods presented.
GAP - The difference that exists at a specific period of time between the maturities or repricing terms of interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities.
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES - Liabilities on which interest is paid such as saving deposits, certificates of deposit, other time deposits, borrowings and subordinated notes.
INTEREST-SENSITIVE ASSETS/LIABILITIES - Interest-earning assets/interest-bearing liabilities for which interest rates are adjustable within a specified time period due to maturity or contractual arrangements.
LEVERAGE RATIO - Ratio adopted by the Federal Reserve System to assist in the assessment of the capital adequacy of state member banks. This ratio is calculated by dividing Tier I capital by total assets reduced by goodwill and any other intangible asset deducted from Tier I capital.
LIQUIDITY - A combination of assets that assures currently available supplies of funds necessary to meet deposit withdrawals, loan demands and repayment of borrowings as they become due. The need for liquid funds is normally satisfied from daily operations and the maturity management of money market investments and investment securities.
NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK - Net income less dividends paid on the Corporation's preferred stock.
NET INTEREST INCOME - The difference between interest income and fees on earning assets and interest expense on liabilities.
NET INTEREST YIELD - A percentage computed by dividing net interest income by average earning assets.
NON-PERFORMING ASSETS - Includes loans on which the accrual of interest income has been discontinued due to default on interest and/or principal payments or other factors indicative of doubtful collection, renegotiated loans and foreclosed real estate properties, including in-substance foreclosures.
RETURN ON ASSETS - Net income as a percentage of average total assets.
RETURN ON EQUITY - Net income applicable to common stock as a percentage of average common stockholders' equity.
RISK-BASED CAPITAL - Guidelines for the regulatory measurement of capital adequacy. These guidelines set forth how capital is to be measured and how total assets are to be risk adjusted. Total risk adjusted assets include assets and off-balance sheet items adjusted by the appropriate credit risk category, based on the type of obligor or, where relevant, the guarantor, or the nature of the collateral.
SPREAD - A percentage difference or margin between the yield on earning assets and the effective interest rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - Excess of assets over liabilities that constitutes the stockholders ownership participation in the Corporation's financial resources.
SUPPLEMENTARY (TIER II) CAPITAL - Consists of the allowance for loan losses and qualifying term subordinated notes.
TANGIBLE EQUITY - Consists of stockholders' equity less intangible assets.
TAXABLE EQUIVALENT BASIS - An adjustment of income on tax-exempt earning assets to an amount that would yield the same after-tax income had the income been subject to taxation. The result is to equate the true earnings value of tax-exempt and taxable income.
TIER I CAPITAL - Consists of common stockholders' equity (including the related surplus, retained earnings and capital reserves), non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock less goodwill and any other non-qualifying intangible asset.
YIELD - Percentage denoting actual return on earning assets.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS BANPONCE CORPORATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PRICE WATERHOUSE [LOGO]
San Juan, Puerto Rico
January 27, 1995
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of BanPonce Corporation
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of condition and the related consolidated statements of income, of cash flows and of changes in stockholders' equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of BanPonce Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1994 and 1993, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1994, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
As discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Corporation changed its method of accounting for certain investments in debt and equity securities as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115. In 1993 the Corporation changed its method of accounting for postretirement benefits other than pensions to conform with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106 and for income taxes to conform with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109.
Price Waterhouse ---------------- Price Waterhouse
Stamp 1249295 of the P.R. Society of Certified Public Accountants has been affixed to the file copy of this report.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BANPONCE CORPORATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The accounting and reporting policies of BanPonce Corporation (the Corporation) and its subsidiaries conform with generally accepted accounting principles and with general practices within the banking industry. The following is a description of the more significant of these policies:
CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Vehicle Equipment Leasing Company, Inc. (Velco); Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (Banco Popular) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Popular Leasing and Rental, Inc. and Popular Consumer Services, Inc; Popular International Bank, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary BanPonce Financial Corp., including Equity One, Inc. (formerly Spring Financial Services, Inc.) and Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. (second tier subsidiaries). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The preferred stock of Banco Popular and dividends related thereto have been treated as minority interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
INVESTMENT SECURITIES
On January 1, 1994, the Corporation adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 (SFAS 115), "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities," which addresses the accounting and reporting for investments in equity securities that have readily determinable fair values and for all investments in debt securities. Those investments are classified in three categories and accounted for as follows:
- Debt securities that the enterprise has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as securities held-to-maturity and reported at amortized cost. - Debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. - Debt and equity securities not classified as either securities held-to-maturity or trading securities are classified as securities available-for-sale and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported net of taxes in a separate component of stockholders' equity.
The Corporation may sell or transfer held-to-maturity securities without calling into question its intent to hold other debt securities to maturity, only as a result of non-recurring, unusual events that could not have been reasonably anticipated.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 115, securities deemed available-for-sale were carried at the lower of aggregate amortized cost or market value.
The amortization of premiums is deducted and the accretion of discounts is added to interest income based on the interest method over the outstanding period of the related securities. Interest on investment securities is reported as interest income. Net realized gains or losses on sales of investment securities and unrealized loss valuation adjustments considered other than temporary, if any, on securities available-for-sale are reported separately in the statement of income. The Corporation anticipates prepayments of principal in the calculation of the effective yield and average maturity for collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities.
TRADING SECURITIES
Derivative financial instruments such as interest rate futures and options contracts and nonderivative instruments utilized by the Corporation in dealing and other trading activities are carried at market value. Realized and unrealized changes in market values are recorded separately in the trading profit or loss account in the period in which the changes occur. Interest revenue and expense arising from trading instruments are included in the income statement as part of net interest income rather than as net trading account profit.
RISK MANAGEMENT INSTRUMENTS
The Corporation occasionally uses derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate caps and swaps, in the management of its interest rate exposure, including hedging. These instruments are accounted for primarily on an accrual basis. Income and expenses arising from the instruments are recorded in the category appropriate to the related asset or liability. Gains and losses related to contracts that are effective hedges are deferred to be recognized in income in the same period as gains and losses on the hedged item. Amounts to be paid or received under interest rate swap agreements are recognized as interest income or expense in the periods in which they are realized. Gains and losses on early terminations of contracts that modify the characteristics of specified assets or liabilities are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the yield of the related assets or liabilities over their remaining lives.
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LOANS HELD-FOR-SALE
Loans held-for-sale are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined based on the outstanding loan balance less unearned income, and fair market value determined on an aggregate basis according to secondary market prices. The amount by which cost exceeds market value, if any, is accounted for as a valuation allowance with changes included in the determination of net income of the period in which the change occurs.
LOANS
Loans are stated at the outstanding balance, less unearned income and allowance for loan losses. Loan origination fees and costs incurred in the origination of new loans are deferred and amortized by the interest method over the life of the loans as an adjustment of interest yield. Unearned interest on installment loans is recognized as income on a basis which results in approximate level rates of return over the term of the loans.
Recognition of interest income on commercial and construction loans is discontinued when loans are 60 days or more in arrears on payments of principal or interest or when other factors indicate that collection of principal and interest is doubtful. For lease financing, conventional mortgage loans and close-end consumer loans, interest accrual is ceased when loans are 90 days or more past due. Such loans are designated as non-accruing and are not returned to an accrual status until interest is received on a current basis and those factors indicative of doubtful collection cease to exist. Close-end consumer loans are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses after becoming 120 days past due. Open-end (revolving credit) consumer loans are charged-off after becoming 180 days past due. Income is generally recognized on open-end loans until the loans are charged-off.
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
The Corporation follows a systematic methodology to establish and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to provide for inherent losses in the loan portfolio as well as in other credit-related balance sheet and off-balance sheet financial instruments. This methodology includes the consideration of such factors as economic conditions, portfolio risk characteristics, prior loss experience and results of periodic credit reviews of individual loans.
The provision for loan losses charged to current operations is based on an evaluation of the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio and the economic conditions. Loan losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses.
The Corporation will adopt, in the first quarter of 1995, SFAS 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan," as amended by SFAS 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosures." These statements address the accounting by creditors for impairment of certain loans and require that impaired loans, as defined, be measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective rate, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Management estimates that the adoption of this statement will have no material effect on the financial statements of the Corporation.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each type of asset. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Costs of maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets are expensed as incurred. Costs of renewals and betterments are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, their cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in the operations currently.
OTHER REAL ESTATE
Other real estate comprises properties acquired through both formal foreclosure proceedings and in-substance foreclosures. In-substance foreclosed properties are those properties where the borrower retains title but has little or no remaining equity in the property considering its fair value, where repayment can only be expected to come from the operation or sale of property, and where the borrower has effectively abandoned control of the property or it is doubtful that the borrower will be able to rebuild equity in the property. These properties are accounted for as if they were properties of the Corporation and carried at the lower of cost (outstanding loan balance) or estimated market value less estimated costs of disposal.
At foreclosure, the recorded amount of the loan is written-down, if required, to the appraised value of the real estate acquired by charging the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, gains or losses on the sale of these properties are credited or charged to expense of operating other real estate. The costs of maintaining and operating such properties are expensed as incurred.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets consist of goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets acquired, mainly core deposits. The fair values of credit cardholder relationships were computed as the net present values of the estimated future income streams to be obtained from them. The values of core deposits, credit cardholder relationships, assembled work force, credit customer relationships, and mortgage servicing rights, are amortized using various methods over the periods benefitted ranging from 4 to 12 years. Goodwill represents the excess of the Corporation's cost of purchased operations over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is being amortized on the straight-line basis over 15 years.
INCOME TAXES
In January 1993, the Corporation adopted SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS 109 requires an asset and liability approach to the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Corporation's financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, SFAS 109 generally considers all expected future events other than future enactments of changes in the tax laws or rates. Previously, the Corporation used the SFAS 96 asset and liability approach that gave no recognition to future events other than the recovery of assets and settlement of liabilities at their carrying amounts.
EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT PLANS
The Corporation has trusteed, non-contributory retirement and related plans covering substantially all full-time employees. Pension costs are computed on the basis of accepted actuarial methods. The related costs are charged to current operations and consist of several components of net pension cost based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plan. Actuarial assumptions are evaluated periodically. The funding policy is to contribute funds to the plan as necessary to provide for services to date and for those expected to be earned in the future. To the extent that these requirements are fully covered by assets in the plan, a contribution may not be made in a particular year.
OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
The Corporation provides certain health and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees and their dependents. The cost of postretirement benefits is accrued during the years that the employee renders the required service. Before 1993, the cost of providing these benefits was recognized as a charge to income in the period the benefits were paid.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
Earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income, reduced by dividends on preferred stock, by the weighted average number of common shares of the Corporation outstanding during the year.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and amounts due from banks.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain minor reclassifications have been made to the 1993 and 1992 consolidated financial statements to conform with the presentation of the 1994 consolidated financial statements.
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NOTE 2 - CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES:
Effective January 1, 1994, the Corporation adopted SFAS 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." As a result of the adoption, the Corporation recognized a net unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale, which are carried at market value, of $26,259,000 which was included in stockholders' equity at $19,366,000 on an after-tax basis at December 31, 1994.
Effective January 1, 1993, the Corporation implemented SFAS 106, "Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions" (OPEB). Under SFAS 106 the cost of retiree health care and other postretirement benefits is accrued during the employees' service periods. The Corporation elected to recognize the full transition obligation in 1993, which is the portion of future retiree benefit costs related to service already rendered by both active and retired employees up to the date of adoption, rather than amortizing it over future periods. The cumulative effect of this accounting change resulted in a reduction of net income of $22,736,000, or $0.70 per common share, net of $16,464,000 in deferred taxes.
Effective January 1, 1993, the Corporation adopted SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" which superseded SFAS 96. Under SFAS 109, the Corporation recognizes to a greater degree the future tax consequences of events which have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns. The adjustments to the January 1, 1993, Statement of Condition and the Statement of Income to adopt SFAS 109 netted to $28,921,000 or $0.89 per common share. This amount is reflected in 1993 net income as part of the effect of a change in accounting principle. It primarily represents the impact of recognizing a deferred tax asset for the benefit of certain credits and loss carryforwards that could not be recognized under SFAS 96.
NOTE 3 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY:
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and approximate market value of investment securities held-to-maturity (or fair value for certain investment securities where no market quotations are available) and related maturities as of December 31, 1994 and 1993 (1992 - only amortized cost is presented) are as follows:
The aggregate amortized cost and approximate market value of investment securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 1994, by contractual and estimated maturity, are shown below:
During 1994, investment securities held-to-maturity with an amortized cost of $13,603,000 were sold in response to isolated circumstances that could not have been reasonably anticipated by the Corporation. Proceeds from the sale of those securities during the year were $13,555,000 (1993 -$12,059,000; 1992 - $43,114,000). Gross realized gains and losses on those sales during the year were $189,000 and $237,000, respectively (1993 - $445,000 and $2,000; 1992 - $245,000 and $3,000).
Investments in obligations that are payable from and secured by the same source of revenue or taxing authority and that exceeded 10 percent of stockholders' equity were as follows:
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NOTE 4 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE:
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and approximate market value of investment securities available-for-sale (or fair value for certain investment securities where no market quotations are available) and related maturities as of December 31, 1994 and 1993 (1992 - only amortized cost is presented) are as follows:
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The aggregate amortized cost and approximate market value of investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 1994, by contractual and estimated maturity, are shown below:
Amortized Market Cost Value -------------------------- (In thousands) Within 1 year.................. $116,991 $116,118 After 1 to 5 years............. 712,139 688,195 After 5 to 10 years............ 9,317 8,734 After 10 years................. 27,038 26,179 -------------------------- $865,485 $839,226 ==========================
Proceeds from the sale of investment securities available-for-sale during 1994 were $293,712,000 (1993 -$83,621,000). Gross realized gains and losses on those sales during the year were $1,159,000 and $887,000, respectively (1993 -$421,000 and $0). The basis on which cost was determined in computing the realized gains and losses was the specific identification method.
NOTE 5 - PLEDGED ASSETS:
Investment securities and loans amounting to $2,244,617,000 are pledged to secure public and trust deposits and securities and mortgages sold under agreements to repurchase.
NOTE 6 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES:
The composition of the loan portfolio at December 31, is as follows:
As of December 31, 1994, loans on which the accrual of interest income had been discontinued amounted to $94,263,000 (1993 - $92,814,000; 1992 - $108,341,000). If these loans had been accruing interest, the additional interest income realized would have been approximately $5,441,000 (1993 - $4,992,000; 1992 - $7,548,000). In addition, there are $2,982,000 of renegotiated loans still accruing interest at December 31, 1994 (1993 - $5,643,000). Included in the non-accruing loans as of December 31, 1994 are $12,179,000 (1993 - $16,290,000) in consumer loans.
The changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:
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NOTE 7 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
The Corporation grants loans to its directors, executive officers and to certain related individuals or organizations in the ordinary course of business. The movement and balance of these loans were as follows:
These loans have been consummated on terms no more favorable than those that would have been obtained if the transaction had been with unrelated parties.
NOTE 8 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization as follows:
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment for the year was $38,654,000 (1993 -$28,535,000; 1992 - $28,155,000) of which $8,497,000 (1993 - $7,646,000; 1992 - $8,715,000) was charged to occupancy expense and $30,157,000 (1993 - $20,889,000; 1992 - $19,440,000) was charged to equipment, communications and other operating expenses. Occupancy expense is net of rental income of $15,631,000 (1993 - $14,097,000; 1992 - $13,067,000).
NOTE 9 - DEPOSITS:
Total interest bearing deposits as of December 31, consist of:
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NOTE 10 - FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED AND SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE:
The following table summarizes certain information on federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase as of December 31:
NOTE 11 - OTHER SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:
Other short-term borrowings as of December 31, consist of:
The weighted average interest rate of other short-term borrowings at December 31, 1994, was 4.83% (1993 - 3.40%; 1992 - 4.03%). The maximum aggregate balance outstanding at any month-end was approximately $869,505,000 (1993 - $695,314,000; 1992 - $208,738,000). The average aggregate balance outstanding during the year was approximately $738,005,000 (1993 - $527,523,000; 1992 -$172,729,000). The weighted average interest rate during the year was 4.75% (1993 - 3.66%; 1992 - 4.32%).
NOTE 12 - NOTES PAYABLE:
Notes payable outstanding at December 31, consist of the following:
NOTE 13 - Senior debentures:
Senior debentures at December 31, 1994 consist of a $30,000,000 obligation issued by the Corporation due in January 1997 with interest at 8.25%.
The senior debentures contain various covenants which, among others, restrict the payment of dividends. The restriction on the payment of dividends does not impose a limitation on the Corporation's current dividend policy.
NOTE 14 - SUBORDINATED NOTES:
Subordinated notes at December 31, consist of the following:
At December 31, 1994, the LIBID rate was 6.44% (1993 - 3.25%).
These notes are subordinated to the rights of Banco Popular depositors and other creditors and require Banco Popular to set aside from retained earnings an amount equal to the principal payment on each note to be used solely to increase capital. The capital reserve account was established to comply with the requirements of the subordinated notes. At the notes repayment date the balance in capital reserves is transferred to the surplus account. Banco Popular transferred to capital reserves from the retained earnings account $8,857,000 during 1994 (1993 and 1992 - $10,571,000) as a result of this requirement. In addition, during 1994, 1993 and 1992, $8,571,000, $12,000,000 and $20,000,000 were transferred from capital reserves to surplus upon prepayment of the 8.50%, 7.95% and 10% notes originally maturing in 1996, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
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NOTE 15 - Long-term debt maturity requirements:
The aggregate amounts of maturities of notes payable, senior debentures and subordinated notes are as follows:
NOTE 16 - PREFERRED STOCK OF BANCO POPULAR:
Banco Popular has 200,000 shares of authorized preferred stock with a par value of $100. This stock may be issued in series, and the shares of each series shall have such rights and preferences as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. On June 30, 1994, Banco Popular redeemed the 110,000 outstanding shares of Treasury Indexed Preferred Stock Series A (TIPS) at par value.
NOTE 17 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
The Corporation has a dividend reinvestment plan under which stockholders may use their quarterly dividends to reinvest in shares of common stock at a 5% discount from the average market price at the time of issuance. During 1994, 105,706 shares (1993 - 77,559; 1992 - 102,272), equivalent to $3,196,000 (1993 -$2,106,000; 1992 - $2,209,000) in additional equity, were issued under the plan.
On December 15, 1994, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved a stock repurchase program, which allows the Corporation to repurchase up to one million shares of its outstanding common stock. The repurchase would be made in the open market at such times and prices as market conditions shall warrant.
On May 3, 1993, the Corporation filed, and had ordered effective, a "shelf" registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission which registered up to $400 million in unsecured debt securities and/or shares of preferred stock. Under this "shelf" registration, the Corporation has 10,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock with no par value. This stock may be issued in one or more series, and the shares of each series shall have such rights and preferences as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. On June 27, 1994, the Corporation issued 4,000,000 shares of Series A preferred stock. These shares are non-convertible and are redeemable at the option of the Corporation on or after June 30, 1998. The redemption price per share is $26.25 from June 30, 1998 thru June 29, 1999, $26.00 from June 30, 1999 thru June 29, 2000, $25.75 from June 30, 2000 thru June 29, 2001, $25.50 from June 30, 2001 thru June 29, 2002 and $25.00 from June 30, 2002 and thereafter. Dividends on the Series A preferred stock are non-cumulative and are payable monthly at the annual rate of 8.35% of the liquidation preference of $25 per share, or $0.173958 per share per month.
On November 6, 1992, the Corporation issued 2,458,740 shares of common stock, which generated $57,600,000 of additional capital. All of the shares were purchased by existing shareholders who exercised their subscription rights. Net proceeds from the issuance have been used for general corporate purposes, including investment in and advances to existing subsidiaries.
The Corporation's average number of common shares outstanding used in the computation of net income per common share was 32,798,243 (1993 - 32,701,236; 1992 - 30,461,494). During the year cash dividends of $1.00 (1993 - $0.90 and 1992 - $0.80) per common share outstanding amounting to $32,796,000 (1993 - $29,434,000; 1992 - $24,624,000) were declared. In addition, dividends declared on preferred stock for the year amounted to $4,245,000.
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NOTE 18 - INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS:
Interest on investments consisted of the following:
Interest income on investment securities for the year ended December 31, 1994 includes tax exempt interest of $175,795,000 (1993 - $189,438,000; 1992 - $187,923,000).
NOTE 19 - EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
All regular employees of Banco Popular and its subsidiaries, and VELCO are covered by a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan. Pension benefits begin to vest after five years of service and are based on age, years of credited service and final average compensation, as defined. At December 31, 1994, plan assets primarily consist of U.S. Government obligations, high grade corporate bonds and listed stocks, including 1,418,215 shares of the Corporation which have a market value of approximately $39,887,000.
The following table sets forth the plan's funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements at December 31:
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Net pension cost for the year ended December 31, included the following components:
At December 31, 1994, the discount rate used in determining the actuarial present value of the projected benefit obligation was 8.75% (1993 - 7.5%; 1992 - 8.25%) and the rate of increase in future compensation levels was a 4% inflation assumption plus a merit component ranging from 0.5% to 4.5% (1993 and 1992 - 5.5%). The expected long-term rate of return on assets used in the computation was 9% for 1994, 1993 and 1992.
In addition, the Corporation provides a defined contributory retirement and savings plan pursuant to section 401k of the Internal Revenue Code for substantially all the employees of Equity One and Pioneer. The contributions are determined based on specific provisions of each plan. The cost of providing this benefit in 1994 was $558,000 (1993 - $214,000; 1992 - $86,000).
Effective January 1, 1995 the pension plan of VELCO and Banco Popular's subsidiaries, Popular Leasing and Popular Consumer was replaced by a defined contribution retirement and savings plan. The pension plan was frozen effective December 31, 1994 and employees with vested benefits will be entitled to those benefits based on the terms of the plan.
In addition to providing pension benefits, Banco Popular provides certain health care benefits for retired employees. Substantially all of the employees of Banco Popular who are eligible to retire under the pension plan and provided they reach retirement age while working for Banco Popular may become eligible for these benefits. The actual disbursement for providing these benefits during 1994 amounted to approximately $2,072,000 (1993 - $1,770,000; 1992 - $1,400,000).
The components of net postretirement benefit cost for the year ended December 31, are as follows:
The status of the Corporation's unfunded postretirement benefit plan at December 31, is as follows:
The weighted average discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1994 was 8.75% (1993 - 7.5%).
The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1994 was 12% decreasing by 1% every year until 5% is reached in the year 2001 and remain at that level thereafter. A one-
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percentage point increase in the health care cost trend rate would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1994 by $10,775,000 and the sum of the service and interest cost in 1994 by $1,469,000.
Banco Popular also has a profit sharing plan covering substantially all regular employees. Annual contributions are based on operating income, as defined in the plan, and are deposited in trust. Profit sharing expense for the year amounted to $19,967,000 (1993 - $20,594,000; 1992 -$17,736,000). Effective January 1, 1994, the profit sharing plan was amended to include as part of Banco Popular's annual contribution, the forfeitures allocated to participant employees.
Also, Banco Popular established two new non-qualified plans: the long-term incentive plan for senior management and the Puerto Rico benefit restoration plan. The latter is an unfunded supplementary pension and profit sharing plan for those employees whose compensation exceeds the limits established by ERISA.
The following table sets forth the the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 1994, for the benefit restoration plan:
Net supplementary pension cost for the year ended December 31, 1994, included the following components:
NOTE 20 - RENTAL EXPENSE AND COMMITMENTS:
At December 31, 1994, the Corporation was obligated under a number of non-cancelable leases for land, buildings, and equipment which require rentals (net of related sublease rentals) as follows:
Total rental expense for the year ended December 31, 1994 was $16,705,000 (1993 - $14,480,000; 1992 - $14,074,000).
NOTE 21 - INCOME TAX
As discussed in Notes 1 and 2, the Corporation adopted SFAS 109 on January 1, 1993, and the cumulative effect of this change is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 1993. Prior year's financial statements were not restated to apply the provisions of SFAS 109. This statement requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and
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liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Corporation's financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of current and deferred tax liabilities or assets is based on the regular tax rates which in Puerto Rico are 42% until 1995 and 39% thereafter, and the provisions of enacted tax laws. In October 1994, a Tax Reform Act was enacted in Puerto Rico. In general terms, the Tax Reform is effective for taxable years beginning after June 30, 1995. Among its provisions, the Act reduces the maximum tax rate for corporations from 42% to 39%. The deferred taxes of the Corporation were adjusted accordingly, to reflect this tax rate reduction on those temporary differences and tax attributes that are expected to reverse or settle on or after January 1, 1996, as required by SFAS 109.
Temporary differences and carryforwards which give rise to a significant portion of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, are as follows:
At December 31, 1994, the Corporation had $5,728,000 in alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits that can be carried forward indefinitely to reduce the regular income tax liability in future years. During 1994, the Corporation used AMT credits totaling $16,126,000 to reduce its regular tax liability. The Corporation also had, at the end of 1994, $308,000 in net operating losses (NOL) available to carry over to offset taxable income in future years. These NOL carryforwards will expire in 1999. During 1994, the Corporation used NOL carryforwards amounting to $4,249,000 to reduce its regular taxable income. The valuation allowance of $296,000 reflected in 1993 is related to a deferred tax asset arising from NOL carryforwards for which the Corporation could not determine the likelihood of its realizability. During 1994, the valuation allowance was reversed upon realization of most of the NOL carryforwards.
Under the Puerto Rico Income Tax Law, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns. Dividends received by the Corporation from the subsidiaries (net of an 85% dividend received deduction allowed by the Puerto Rico Income Tax Law) are subject to Puerto Rico income tax at the normal corporate tax rates.
Under the provisions of SFAS 109, the Corporation has not recognized a deferred tax liability on $174,013,000 of unremitted earnings of domestic subsidiaries arising after January 1, 1993, at the applicable dividend rate, since the Puerto Rico Income Tax Law provides certain alternatives to remit those earnings to the Corporation on a tax-free basis.
The aggregate income tax expense applicable to income before provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory rate as follows:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The provision for income tax has been reduced as a result of the elimination from the determination of taxable income of interest income from exempt securities, net of related expenses, for Puerto Rico income tax purposes.
The components of income tax expense for the year ended December 31, are as follows:
The income tax provision includes $64,000, $363,000 and $53,000 in 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, related to the gain on sale of securities.
The Corporation's federal income tax provision for 1994, 1993 and 1992 was $4,297,000, $2,230,000, and $481,000, respectively.
NOTE 22 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK:
The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to interest rates. These financial instruments include loan commitments, letters of credit, standby letters of credit, future contracts, options on future contracts, interest rate swaps and caps and foreign exchange contracts. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statement of condition. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments, which are not included in the statement of condition, are an indicator of the Corporation's activities in particular classes of financial instruments.
The Corporation's exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees written is represented by the contractual notional amounts of those instruments. The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for those reflected on the balance sheet. The derivative financial instruments are discussed in Note 24.
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at December 31, whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk are as follows:
Contractual commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend money to customers at predetermined interest rates for a specified period of time. Since many of the loan commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. To extend credit the Corporation evaluates each customer's credit worthiness. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Corporation upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation of the counterpart. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment and investment securities, among others.
In general, commercial letters of credit are short-term commitments used to finance commercial contracts for the shipment of goods. Standby letters of credit are also issued by the Corporation to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. In most instances, cash items are held by the Corporation to collateralize these instruments.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A geographic concentration exists within the Corporation's loan portfolio since most of the Corporation's business activity is with customers located in Puerto Rico. As of December 31, 1994, the Corporation had no significant concentrations of credit risk and no significant exposure to highly leveraged transactions in its loan portfolio.
NOTE 23 - DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The information about the estimated fair values of financial instruments required by generally accepted accounting principles is presented hereunder including some items not recognized in the statement of financial position.
A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that creates a contractual obligation or right to deliver to or receive cash or another financial instrument from a second entity on potentially favorable terms with the first entity. All nonfinancial instruments and certain other specific items are excluded from the fair value disclosure requirements.
For those financial instruments with no quoted market prices available, fair values have been estimated using present value or other valuation techniques. These techniques are inherently subjective and are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates, estimates of future cash flows and prepayment assumptions. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.
The fair values reflected herein have been determined based on the prevailing interest rate environment as of December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively. In different interest rate environments, fair value results can differ significantly, especially for certain fixed rate financial instruments and nonaccrual assets. In addition, the fair values presented do not attempt to estimate the value of the Corporation's fee generating businesses and anticipated future business activities, that is, they do not represent the Corporation's value as a going concern. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Corporation.
The estimated fair values of the Corporation's financial instruments, their carrying value and the methodologies used to estimate fair values are presented below.
Short-term financial instruments:
Short-term financial instruments, both assets and liabilities, have been valued at their carrying amounts as reflected in the Corporation's Statement of Condition. For these financial instruments, the carrying value may approximate fair value because of the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and their expected realization. Included in this category are: cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and securities and mortgages purchased under agreements to resell, time deposits with other banks, bankers' acceptances, customers' liabilities on acceptances, accrued interest receivable, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, acceptances outstanding and accrued interest payable.
Investment and trading securities:
Investment and trading securities are financial instruments which trade regularly on secondary markets. The estimated fair value of these securities was determined using either market prices or dealer quotes where available, or quoted market prices of financial instruments with similar characteristics. The fair value of investment securities available-for-sale and trading securities equals its carrying value since they are marked-to-market for accounting purposes. These instruments are detailed in the Statement of Condition and in notes 3, 4 and 24.
Loans held-for-sale:
Estimated fair value of loans held-for-sale as of December 31, 1994, was $10,600,000 based on secondary market prices.
Loans:
Estimated fair values have been determined for groups of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans were segregated by type such as commercial, construction, residential mortgage, consumer and credit cards. Each loan category was further segmented based on collateral, interest repricing and accrual vs. non-accrual status. For variable rate loans with frequent repricing terms and no significant change in credit risk, fair values were based on carrying values.
Commercial loans with fixed rates were segregated in commercial real estate, cash collateral and other. Consumer loans were segregated by type such as personal, auto, boat, student, reserve lines and home equity loans. Personal loans were further subdivided in mortgage-guaranteed, cash collateral and unsecured. The fair values of fixed-rate commercial, construction and consumer loans were estimated by discounting scheduled cash flows using prevailing market rates for those loans.
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For non-accruing loans, the estimated fair values were based on the discounted value of estimated cash flows. For these loans, principal-only cash flows were adjusted to reflect projected charge-offs. Interest cash flows were determined based on historical collection experience.
Residential mortgage loans were valued using quoted market prices, where available, and market prices of similar traded loans with similar credit ratings, interest rates and maturity dates adjusted for estimated prepayments. For credit card loans, fair value estimates were determined by discounting the projected income stream of the portfolio, after deducting operating expenses and estimated credit losses. The unfavorable valuation for the loan portfolio, in 1994, is due to the sharp increase in the interest rates during the year.
Generally accepted accounting principles do not require, nor the Corporation has performed, a fair valuation of its lease financing portfolio. Therefore, for presentation purposes only, leases are shown below with fair value equal to carrying value.
Deposits:
The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW and money market accounts, which at December 31, 1994 and 1993, comprised 65.8% and 67.3% respectively, of the Corporation's total deposits is equal to the amount payable on demand as of the respective dates. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates offered at December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively, for deposits with similar remaining maturities.
Borrowings and long-term debt:
Borrowings and long-term debt, which include other short-term borrowings, notes payable, senior debentures and subordinated notes, were valued using quoted market rates for similar instruments at December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Included within other short-term borrowings at December 31, 1994, are $150,000,000 (1993 - $119,000,000) in commercial paper issued by the Corporation which has been valued at its carrying amount because of the relatively short period of time between its origination and maturity.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit:
Commitments to extend credit were fair valued using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements. For those commitments where a future stream of fees is charged, the fair value was estimated by discounting the projected cash flows of fees on commitments which are expected to be disbursed, based on historical experience. The fair value of letters of credit is based on fees currently charged on similar agreements. At December 31, 1994, the Corporation had $1,863,270,000 and $90,229,000 in commitments to extend credit and letters of credit, respectively (1993 - $1,784,501,000 and $94,154,000). The estimated fair value of these financial instruments with no carrying value was $4,859,000 (1993 - $4,480,000).
NOTE 24 - TRADING AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES:
Risk management activities
The operations of the Corporation are subject to the risk of interest rate fluctuations to the extent that interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different times or in differing amounts. Risk management activities are aimed at optimizing net interest income, consistent with the Corporation's business strategies. The Corporation employs a number of methods to measure the risks generated by assets and liabilities arising from both core and risk management activities.
Asset/liability risk management activities are conducted in the context of the Corporation's sensitivity to interest rate changes. This sensitivity arises due to interest-earning assets repricing differently from interest-bearing liabilities. This means that if interest rates are increasing under a liability-sensitive position, margins usually will narrow as liabilities reprice upward more quickly than assets. The converse applies when rates are rising under an asset sensitive position.
The Corporation also carries out hedging strategies as part of its asset/liability risk management. Various assets and liabilities, such as investment securities financed by borrowings, are usually hedged to lock in spreads and reduce the risk of losses in value due to rate changes. The gains and losses from hedging activities are amortized over the remaining life of these securities being hedged. Currently, there are no deferred gains and losses from these activities.
The Corporation occasionally enters into various types of derivative financial instruments in managing its interest rate risk, as indicated in the following table:
For futures contracts, options on futures contracts and interest rate swaps and caps, the contract or notional amounts do not represent exposure to credit loss. Instead, the amount potentially subject to credit loss is substantially less.
The Corporation's credit exposure at December 31, 1994, from derivative financial instruments held or issued for trading purposes is represented by the fair value of instruments with a positive fair value at that date, and is presented along with the notional amounts of the instruments. Options written do not expose the Corporation to credit risk, except to the extent of the underlying risk in the debt instrument that the Corporation may be obligated to acquire under certain written put options. Caps and floors written do not expose the Corporation to credit risk, since the obligation to perform, if required, is on the Corporation.
The risk that counterparties to both derivative and cash instruments might default on their obligations is monitored on an on-going basis. To manage the level of credit risk the Corporation deals with counterparties of good credit standing, enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and, when appropriate, obtains collateral. Concentrations of credit risk, which arise through the Corporation's trading and nontrading activities, are presented in Note 22.
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A brief description of the Corporation's objectives for holding or issuing each class of derivative financial instrument follows:
Interest rate swaps
The Corporation enters into interest rate swap agreements in managing its interest rate exposure. Interest rate swap agreements generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying principal. At December 31, 1994, the Corporation had outstanding an interest rate swap agreement which was done with a commercial bank to change the Corporation's interest rate exposure. It was done for a notional principal amount of $10,000,000 covering the Corporation's interest rate exposure on half of a $20,000,000 fixed rate medium term note to a floating rate. This agreement ends at the time the related obligations mature. The expected weighted average interest rates to be received and paid in the interest rate swap approximate 6.72% and 6.94%, respectively. Non-performance by any of the counterparties on this agreement will expose the Corporation to an interest rate risk which management deems to be immaterial.
Interest rate futures
Financial futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell a notional amount of a financial instrument at a given time in the future. Options on futures contracts confer the right from seller to buyer to take a future position at a stated price. Risks arise from the possible inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from movements in securities values and interest rates.
Interest rate options and caps
Interest rate options are contracts that grant the purchaser, for a premium payment, the right to either purchase from or sell to the writer of the option a financial instrument at a specified price within a specified period of time or on a specified date. Interest rate caps and floors are option-like contracts that require the writer to pay the purchaser at specified future dates the amount, if any, by which a specified market interest rate exceeds the fixed cap rate or falls below the fixed floor rate, applied to a notional principal amount. The option writer receives a premium for bearing the risk of unfavorable interest rate changes. The caps outstanding at December 31, 1994, were acquired in order to minimize the interest rate risk associated with certain variable rate securities and end at the time the related securities mature in 1995. Cap rates range from 5.5% to 7.5%.
Interest rate swaptions
The Corporation enters into "swaption" derivative securities, which combine the characteristics of interest rate swaps and options, for hedging purposes. The Corporation's principal subsidiary issues certificates of deposit with returns linked to the Standard and Poor's 500 index (the index). In order to hedge the cost of these certificates, positions in swaptions are assumed. The swaptions assumed earn a return to the Corporation equal to the appreciation in the index throughout the life of the certificate of deposit issued. In exchange, the Corporation pays the counterparty a fixed rate of interest.
Foreign exchange contracts
Foreign exchange contracts generally involve the exchange of two currencies at an agreed rate. Spot contracts require the exchange to occur within two business days of the contract date. Forward and future contracts to purchase or sell currencies at a future date settle over periods of up to one year, in general.
Trading activities
The Corporation maintains limited trading positions in certain derivative and nonderivative financial instruments and nonfinancial contracts. Most of the Corporation's trading activities are limited to gains-trading and positioning securities for resale to retail customers. Trading activities in the Corporation are subject to strict guidelines approved by the Board of Directors and included in the investment policy.
In anticipation of customer demand, the Corporation carries an inventory of capital market instruments and maintains market liquidity by quoting bid and offer prices to and trading with other market makers. Positions are also taken in interest rate instruments, based on expectations of future market conditions. These activities constitute the proprietary trading business and are held by the Corporation to provide customers with financial products at competitive prices. As trading strategies depend on both market-making and proprietary positions, given the relationships between instruments and markets, those activities are managed in concert in order to maximize net trading revenue.
All trading instruments are subject to market risk, the risk that future changes in market conditions may make an instrument less valuable or more onerous. For example, fluctuations in market prices, interest rates or exchange rates change the market value of the
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instruments. As the instruments are recognized at market value, these changes directly affect reported income. Exposure to market risk is managed, in accordance with risk limits set by senior management, by buying or selling instruments or entering into offsetting positions.
The results of the Corporation's trading activities are summarized in the income statement as part of the trading account profit or loss and amounted to a $0.2 million net profit for 1994.
NOTE 25 - SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE ON THE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS:
During the year ended December 31, 1994, the Corporation and its subsidiaries paid interest and income taxes amounting to $339,329,000 and $27,052,000, respectively (1993 - $279,618,000 and $26,690,000; 1992 - $302,591,000 and $5,096,000). In addition, loans transferred to other real estate and other property for the year ended December 31, 1994, amounted to $4,378,000 and $3,173,000, respectively (1993 - $15,121,000 and $3,923,000). During 1992, the Corporation retained $8,500,000 of $94,000,000 securitized mortgage loans.
NOTE 26 - LEASE FINANCING RECEIVABLES SOLD:
During 1991 VELCO sold approximately $68,616,000 of lease financing receivables resulting in a gain of $3,092,000 net of related expenses and estimated losses for uncollectible receivables. Under the servicing agreements VELCO retained the servicing of the portfolio sold and Banco Popular was appointed trustee. At December 31, 1994, the Corporation and VELCO are liable under limited recourse provisions on the leases sold which do not exceed $4,500,000.
NOTE 27 - CONTINGENT LIABILITIES:
The Corporation is a defendant in a number of legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Management believes, based on the opinion of legal counsel, that the final disposition fo these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial position or results of operations.
NOTE 28 - BANPONCE CORPORATION (HOLDING COMPANY ONLY) FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
The following condensed financial information presents the financial position of the Holding Company only as of December 31, 1994 and 1993 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 1994.
STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENTS OF INCOME
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
The principal source of income for the Holding Company consists of dividends from Banco Popular. As a member subject to the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, Banco Popular must obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board for any dividend if the total of all dividends declared by it in any calendar year would exceed the total of its net profits for that year, as defined by the Federal Reserve Board, combined with its retained net profits for the preceding two years. The payment of dividends by Banco Popular may also be affected by other regulatory requirements and policies, such as the maintenance of certain minimum capital levels.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 29 - POPULAR INTERNATIONAL BANK, INC. (A SUBSIDIARY OF BANPONCE CORPORATION) FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
The following summarized financial information presents the consolidated financial position of Popular International Bank, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of November 30, 1994 and 1993, and the results of their operations, cash flows and changes in stockholder's equity for the two years ended November 30, 1994. Popular International Bank, Inc., is the holding company of BanPonce Financial Corp., Equity One, Inc. (formerly Spring Financial Services, Inc.) and Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. (second-tier subsidiaries).
STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 30 - BANPONCE FINANCIAL CORP. (A SECOND - TIER SUBSIDIARY OF BANPONCE CORPORATION) FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
The following summarized financial information presents the consolidated financial position of BanPonce Financial Corp. and its subsidiaries Equity One, Inc. (formerly Spring Financial Services, Inc.) and Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. as of November 30, 1994 and 1993, and the results of their operations, cash flows and changes in stockholder's equity for the two years ended November 30, 1994 and for the eleven month period from inception date to November 30, 1992 (the financial information of Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. is only included since its acquisition effective March 31, 1994).
STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY