EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1057706
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1057706_10-K_2021_0001057706-21-000006.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
GENERAL
First BanCorp. is a publicly owned financial holding company that is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board. The Corporation was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to serve as the bank holding company for FirstBank. The Corporation is a full-service provider of financial services and products with operations in Puerto Rico, the U.S., the USVI and the BVI. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had total assets of $18.8 billion, total deposits of $15.3 billion, and total stockholders’ equity of $2.3 billion.
The Corporation provides a wide range of financial services for retail, commercial and institutional clients. The Corporation has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: FirstBank and FirstBank Insurance Agency, Inc. (“FirstBank Insurance Agency”). FirstBank is a Puerto Rico-chartered commercial bank, and FirstBank Insurance Agency is a Puerto Rico-chartered insurance agency.
FirstBank is subject to the supervision, examination and regulation of both the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico (“OCIF”) and the FDIC. Deposits are insured through the FDIC Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”). In addition, within FirstBank, the Bank’s USVI operations are subject to regulation and examination by the United States Virgin Islands Banking Board; its BVI operations are subject to regulation by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission; and its operations in the state of Florida are subject to regulation and examination by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) regulates FirstBank’s consumer financial products and services. FirstBank Insurance Agency is subject to the supervision, examination and regulation of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Division of Banking and Insurance Financial Regulation in the USVI.
FirstBank conducts its business through its main office located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 73 banking branches in Puerto Rico, 11 banking branches in the USVI and the BVI, and 10 banking branches in the state of Florida (USA). FirstBank has 5 wholly owned subsidiaries with operations in Puerto Rico: First Federal Finance Corp. (d/b/a Money Express La Financiera), a finance company specializing in the origination of small loans with 28 offices in Puerto Rico; First Management of Puerto Rico, a Puerto Rico corporation, which holds tax-exempt assets; FirstBank Overseas Corporation, an international banking entity (an “IBE”) organized under the International Banking Entity Act of Puerto Rico; and two other dormant companies formerly engaged in the operation of certain other real estate owned (“OREO”) properties.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2020
Acquisition of Banco Santander Puerto Rico (“BSPR”)
Effective as of September 1, 2020, the Corporation completed its previously announced acquisition of Santander Bancorp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santander Holdings USA, Inc. and the holding company of Banco Santander Puerto Rico (“BSPR”), pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated as of October 21, 2019, by and among FirstBank and Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement and, in consideration for the acquisition, the Corporation paid cash in an amount of approximately $1.3 billion for all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Santander Bancorp, the sole shareholder of BSPR. BSPR operated 27 banking branches in Puerto Rico. As a result of the acquisition, the Corporation expanded its presence in Puerto Rico, with a growth of over 30% in our customer base, to approximately 675,000 banking customers, increased its operational scale and strengthened its competitiveness in consumer, commercial, business banking, and residential lending. The acquisition also allowed the Corporation to increase its deposit base at a lower cost, which enhanced FirstBank’s funding and risk profile.
At acquisition, including measurement period adjustments, the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed primarily consisted of the following:
 $2.5 billion of loans
 $1.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents
 $1.2 billion of investment securities
 $35.4 million of core deposit intangible
 $3.8 million of purchased credit card relationship intangible
 $4.2 billion of deposits
As part of the conditions to close, Santander Holdings USA, Inc. agreed to sell or otherwise transfer to Santander Holdings USA, Inc., any of its affiliates or any other third party (other than BSPR) (i) all non-performing assets (along with all collateral and rights to collection related thereto) of BSPR, and (ii) Santander Asset Management, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Santander Bancorp.
The Corporation continues to make progress in integration activities, with the mortgage banking systems and insurance business integration completed early in the fourth quarter of 2020, and the conversion of the commercial business systems completed in February 2021. The Corporation is on track to convert various other platforms and currently expects completion of all of the system conversions by the end of the summer of 2021. In addition, the Corporation expects to consolidate 9 to 10 banking branches during 2021.
The Corporation is also making progress in reducing personnel expense and service contract expenses and completing other business rationalization activities. The total amount of merger and restructuring costs related to the BSPR acquisition is estimated to be approximately $65 million. Cumulative merger and restructuring expenses of $37.9 million have been incurred through December 31, 2020, of which $26.5 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020 and $11.4 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2019. The Corporation anticipates that most of the remainder of the estimated expenses will be incurred in the first half of 2021. The Corporation also estimates that the combined entities will achieve total annual pre-tax savings of approximately $47 million, which are expected to be fully realized during 2022.
For additional information about the acquisition of BSPR, please see Note 2 - Business Combination, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and, since then, COVID-19 has spread widely to many countries and caused significant disruption in economic activity, including in the markets in which the Corporation operates. Both the extensiveness of the pandemic itself, as well as the measures taken to mitigate the virus' spread globally, are unprecedented in modern times and their effects continue to be pervasive. While vaccination efforts have begun, in many geographic locations, the virus continues to spread and new variants of the virus have emerged. Accordingly, nearly a year after the initial identification of the threat, all of the direct and indirect consequences and implications of COVID-19 and measures to mitigate its spread continue to be unknow and may not emerge for some time.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico’s government as well as governments in the other jurisdictions in which the Corporation operates have issued several orders including, among other things, stay-at-home orders, the lockdown of nonessential businesses and nightly curfews. In Puerto Rico, the stay-at-home mandate and the lockdown of non-essential businesses was implemented on March 15, 2020. On May 4, 2020, the Puerto Rico government began to implement a gradual reopening plan. While the economy of Puerto Rico has reopened, guidelines continue to affect how individuals interact and how businesses and the government operate and the operations and financial results of the Corporation have been and could continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent orders in Puerto Rico have loosened several COVID-19 restrictions, including shortening the nightly curfew, which is now from midnight to 5 a.m., expanding the permitted operating hours for businesses to until 11 p.m., and increasing the capacity limit of businesses to operate to 50%, with the exception of restaurants, which continues to operate with a 30% capacity limit. Refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Significant Events” of this Form 10-K for additional information about responses by governments in the other jurisdictions where the Corporation operates.
The Corporation was able to quickly execute multiple initiatives to adjust its operations to protect the health and safety of its employees and clients, while maintaining operational capabilities. The Corporation expanded remote-access availability to ensure that a greater number of employees have the capability to work from home or other remote locations without adversely affecting customer service. The Corporation also enhanced client awareness of its digital banking offerings to ensure that it continues to provide a superior level of customer service. During 2020, digital monetary transactions in our platforms increased over 55%, when compared to the prior year, and the number of the Corporation’s digital banking registered users increased by 45% since the beginning of the year. The Bank’s branches remained open with reduced office hours at the beginning of the crisis and are now operating in Puerto Rico from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays and following various government directives regarding social distancing and use of personal protective equipment.
Governments globally intervened with fiscal policies to mitigate the impact, including through the CARES Act of 2020 in the United States, which was intended to provide economic relief to businesses and individuals. Some of the provisions of the CARES Act of 2020 improved the ability of impacted borrowers, including Puerto Rico residents, to repay their loans, including by providing direct cash payments to eligible taxpayers below specified income limits, expanded unemployment insurance benefits and eligibility, and relief designed to prevent layoffs and business closures.
The Corporation supports its customers through various mechanisms including, but not limited, to:
Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (“SBA PPP”) - The Corporation was able to quickly establish its process for participating in the SBA PPP program beginning in April 2020. During 2020, the Corporation executed over 6,000 loans for approximately $390.3 million in the two rounds of the program. The acquisition of BSPR added $77.6 million of SBA PPP loans to the Corporation’s loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s SBA PPP loans portfolio, net of unearned fees of $6.8 million, totaled $406.0 million.
Temporary loan modification program for borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including payment deferrals and fee waivers - In keeping with regulatory guidance to work with borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation implemented a temporary loan payment deferral program, including interest-only payments, or full payment deferrals for clients that were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act of 2020 and the Revised Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus (the “Revised Interagency Statement”) addressed COVID-19 related modifications and specified that such modifications made on loans that were made in accordance with the provisions of such guidelines do not need to be identified as Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDR”). As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had under temporary deferred repayment arrangements 688 loans, totaling approximately $32.7 million, or 0.3%, of the total loan portfolio held for investment balance. Additionally, as of December 31, 2020, commercial loans totaling $244.3 million, or 2.07% of the total portfolio held for investment balance, were permanently modified under the provisions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020, as amended by Section 541 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. These permanent modifications on commercial loans were primarily related to borrowers in industries with longer expected recovery times, mostly hospitality, retail and entertainment industries.
Main Street loans - During 2020, the Corporation also participated in the Main Street Lending Program, authorized under the CARES Act of 2020 and established by the Federal Reserve, designed to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, the Corporation originated 23 loans totaling $184.4 million in principal amount and sold participation interests totaling $175.1 million to a special purpose vehicle organized by the Federal Reserve, the Main Street Facilities LLC (“Main Street SPV”), to purchase the participation interests from eligible lenders.
The Corporation’s financial results include a provision for credit losses on loans, finance leases and debt securities of $171.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $39.8 million for 2019. Among other things, the increase was largely related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on current and forecasted economic and market conditions. In addition, although increased customer activity was reflected in the third and fourth quarters of 2020, the preventative measures taken by local governments to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the Corporation’s transaction fee income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Despite the contribution of additional fee income related to the acquired operations of BSPR, total transaction fee income from credit and debit cards, automated teller machines (“ATMs”), and merchant and point-of-sale (POS) transactions decreased by approximately $1.0 million during 2020, as compared to 2019. Further, the lower interest rate environment adversely affected the Corporation’s net interest income and reduced the net interest margin by 70 basis points to 4.15% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 4.85% for 2019.
Given the fluidity of the situation, management cannot estimate the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this time. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Corporation’s business, asset valuations, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as its regulatory capital ratios, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including the scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adoption of CECL
On January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses” (“ASC 326”), which replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the CECL methodology to estimate the ACL for the remaining estimated life of certain financial assets. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans held for investment and held-to-maturity debt securities.
The Corporation adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method, and recorded a net decrease of $62.3 million to the beginning balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2020 for the cumulative effect adjustment, reflecting an initial adjustment to the total ACL of $93.2 million, net of related deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences. This adjustment to the ACL is reflective of expected lifetime credit losses associated with the composition of financial assets within the scope of ASC 326 as of January 1, 2020, which is comprised of loans held for investment, held-to-maturity debt securities, available-for-sale debt securities, and off-balance sheet credit exposures as of January 1, 2020, as well as management’s expectations of future economic conditions. As of the date of adoption, the majority of the increase in the ACL for loans held for investment was attributable primarily to the expected lifetime credit losses of loans with longer contractual maturities, such as residential mortgage and consumer loans. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded a charge to the provision for credit losses for loans, debt securities, and loan commitments of $171.0 million, which includes a $38.9 million charge resulting from the initial ACL required by CECL for loans acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of BSPR that were not purchased credit deteriorated (“non-PCD”). The remaining charges were significantly related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in forecasted economic conditions across all loan portfolio categories and geographic regions.
As part of its response to the impact of COVID-19, on March 31, 2020, the U.S. federal bank regulatory agencies issued an interim final rule that provided the option to temporarily delay the effects of CECL on regulatory capital for two years, followed by a three-year transition period. The interim final rule provides that, at the election of a qualified banking organization, the initial impact of the implementation of CECL on retained earnings plus 25% of the change in the ACL (excluding purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 would be delayed for two years and phased-in at 25% per year beginning on January 1, 2022 over a three-year period, resulting in a total transition period of five years. The Corporation and the Bank elected to phase in the full effect of CECL on regulatory capital over the five-year transition period.
Increase in the quarterly cash common stock dividends
On January 28, 2021, the Corporation declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, which represents an increase of $0.02 per common share, or a 40% increase from the prior quarter’s dividend level.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
The Corporation has six reportable segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking; Mortgage Banking; Consumer (Retail) Banking; Treasury and Investments; United States Operations; and Virgin Islands Operations. These segments are described below, as well as in Note 36 - “Segment Information,” to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Commercial and Corporate Banking
The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s lending and other services for large customers represented by specialized and middle-market clients and the government sector in the Puerto Rico region. FirstBank has developed expertise in a wide variety of industries. The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment offers commercial loans, including commercial real estate and construction loans, and floor plan financings, as well as other products, such as cash management and business management services. A substantial portion of the commercial and corporate banking portfolio is secured by the underlying real estate collateral and the personal guarantees of the borrowers.
Mortgage Banking
The Mortgage Banking operations consist of the origination, sale, and servicing of a variety of residential mortgage loan products and related hedging activities in the Puerto Rico region. Originations are sourced through different channels, such as FirstBank branches and purchases from mortgage bankers, and in association with new project developers. The Mortgage Banking segment focuses on originating residential real estate loans, some of which conform to the U.S. Federal Housing Administration (the “FHA”), U.S. Veterans Administration (the “VA”) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (the “RD”) standards. Originated loans that meet the FHA’s standards qualify for the FHA’s insurance program whereas loans that meet the standards of the VA or RD are guaranteed by those respective federal agencies.
Mortgage loans that do not qualify under the FHA, VA, or RD programs are referred to as conventional loans. Conventional real estate loans can be conforming or non-conforming. Conforming loans are residential real estate loans that meet the standards for sale under the U.S. Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and the U.S. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) programs. Loans that do not meet FNMA or FHLMC standards are referred to as non-conforming residential real estate loans. The Corporation’s strategy is to penetrate markets by providing customers with a variety of high-quality mortgage products to serve their financial needs through a faster and simpler process and at competitive prices. The Mortgage Banking segment also acquires and sells mortgages in the secondary markets. Residential real estate conforming loans are sold to investors like FNMA and FHLMC. Most of the Corporation’s residential mortgage loan portfolio consists of fixed-rate, fully amortizing, full documentation loans. The Corporation has commitment authority to issue Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”). Under this program, the Corporation has been selling FHA/VA mortgage loans into the secondary market since 2009.
Consumer (Retail) Banking
The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s consumer lending and deposit-taking activities conducted mainly through FirstBank’s branch network in the Puerto Rico region. Loans to consumers include auto loans, finance leases, boat and personal loans, credit card loans, and lines of credit. Deposit products include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing checking and savings accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) and retail certificates of deposit (“retail CDs”). Retail deposits gathered through each branch of FirstBank’s retail network serve as one of the funding sources for the lending and investment activities. This segment also includes the Corporation’s insurance agency activities in the Puerto Rico region.
Treasury and Investments
The Treasury and Investments segment is responsible for the Corporation’s treasury and investment management functions. The treasury function, which includes funding and liquidity management, lends funds to the Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, the Consumer (Retail) Banking and the United States operations segments to finance their respective lending activities and borrows from those segments. The Treasury and Investment segment also obtains funding through brokered deposits, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”), and repurchase agreements involving investment securities, among other possible funding sources.
United States Operations
The United States Operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by FirstBank on the U.S. mainland. FirstBank provides a wide range of banking services to individual and corporate customers, primarily in southern Florida through 10 banking branches. The United States Operations segment offers an array of both consumer and commercial banking products and services. Consumer banking products include checking, savings and money market accounts, retail CDs, internet banking services, residential mortgages, home equity loans, and lines of credit. Retail deposits, as well as FHLB advances and brokered CDs assigned to this segment, serve as funding sources for its lending activities.
The commercial banking services include checking, savings and money market accounts, retail CDs, internet banking services, cash management services, remote data capture, and automated clearing house, or ACH, transactions. Loan products include the traditional commercial and industrial and commercial real estate products, such as lines of credit, term loans and construction loans.
Virgin Islands Operations
The Virgin Islands Operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by FirstBank in the USVI and BVI regions, including consumer and commercial banking services, with a total of 11 banking branches serving the islands in the USVI of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, and the island of Tortola in the BVI. The Virgin Islands Operations segment is driven by its consumer, commercial lending and deposit-taking activities.
Loans to consumers include auto and boat loans, lines of credit, and personal and residential mortgage loans. Deposit products include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing checking and savings accounts, IRAs, and retail CDs. Retail deposits gathered through each branch serve as the funding sources for its own lending activities.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
First BanCorp. strives to be recognized as a leading and diversified financial institution, offering a superior experience to our clients and employees. We believe that the key for success is to care about our team as much as we care about our customers. Our Employer Value Proposition, “The Experience of Being 1,” means that we care about employee wellbeing, success, professional development, and work environment. Our goal is to be an "Employer of Choice" within our primary operating regions, which we believe is achieved and sustained by adding value to our employees’ lives and providing the right work experience.
Structure
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation and its subsidiaries had 3,317 regular employees, nearly all of whom are full time and located in the Puerto Rico region. The Corporation had 2,949 employees in the Puerto Rico region, 210 employees in the Florida region, and 158 employees in the Virgin Islands region. Approximately 67% of the total regular employees as of December 31, 2020 were women. This overall headcount was 20% higher than as of December 31, 2019, primarily as a result of the acquisition of BSPR. The Human Resources Division works with the Corporation’s Chief Operating Officer and manages all aspects related to the Corporation’s human capital, including talent recruiting and retention, training and development, and compensation and benefits.
The Human Resources Division efforts are overseen by the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the executive management team through regular work-related interactions. Our leaders focus on strengthening employee engagement and maximizing collaboration between departments and talents, promoting an open-door culture that stimulate frequent communication between employees and management. This provides more opportunity to identify employees' needs, obtain feedback about work experience and adapt our employee engagement as we believe is appropriate. In addition, the Corporation’s Board of Directors and the Board’s Compensation and Benefits Committee monitor and are regularly updated on the Corporation’s human capital management strategies.
Recruitment and Retention
First BanCorp is an equal opportunity employer, which considers for employment qualified candidates to fill its available positions. Our efforts are focused on attracting and retaining the best talent for the Corporation, including college graduates. The attraction and selection process includes:
 Building our employer brand by participating in professional events and job fairs and maintaining a relationship with universities through internship programs and career forums.
 A robust management information system to enhance the effectiveness of the recruitment process and provide candidates a unique experience.
 Engaging and supporting the new employee’s induction process with FirstPal, our mentorship program for new hires.
Our commitment to employee engagement continues throughout an employee’s time with the Corporation. Therefore, we have an internal posting program that enables current employees to apply for vacant positions before the Corporation seeks external resources. We believe that financial security is critical for our employees. First BanCorp. is committed to maintaining compensation levels that are competitive with comparable job categories in similar organizations. Our salary administration program is designed to provide compensation that is consistent with our employees’ assigned duties and responsibilities, to recognize differences in individual performance levels, and to attract the right talent for each job.
In addition to salary, some job positions are eligible to participate in variable pay programs. The Corporation has different incentive programs for most of the business units. These incentive programs are periodically reviewed to align them to the strategies and realities of the businesses. Further, the Corporation’s Management Award Program, that recognizes and rewards outstanding performance by employees at levels that do not participate in variable pay programs, and the Long-Term Incentive Plan for top performing leaders and employees with high potential, that provide awards based upon the Corporation’s and individual’s performance, are key for the attraction and retention of quality talent. The Corporation’s investment in its employees has resulted in a stable-tenured workforce, with average tenure of 10 years of service. The employee turnover rate for 2020 was 10%.
Talent Development
First BanCorp. believes that a culture of learning and development maximizes the talent of human capital and is the foundation for sustained business success.
The Corporation provides face-to-face, online and virtual training, development activities, special projects and partial tuition reimbursement to complete a bachelor’s or master's degree. Training is offered on various subjects that are classified into the following five main areas: fundamentals, compliance and corporate governance, specialized technical subjects, professional development, and leadership development.
We offer more than 5,700 training opportunities through online courses and in-person or virtual classes. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we transitioned over 70 training opportunities (both internal and external) to virtual and online modalities. This action allowed our employees to keep learning even when they were working remotely. For 2020, we delivered more than 115,000 hours of training with an average of 32 training hours per employee.
Every year around 100 new and existing supervisors and managers receive training. For new supervisors we offer a program intended to train in basic supervision, leadership and communication skills and our human resources policies and practices. We have delivered more than 3,000 of these training hours over the last three years. In addition, our program for active supervisors and managers encourages leaders to review their leadership skills with feedback received from instructors and coworkers. The program has been delivered to 86% of our existing leaders during the past five years, accounting for over 11,000 training hours since the program was launched.
Health & Wellness
Health and wellness programs are a strong component of the benefits we provide to our employees. First BanCorp. provides competitive benefits programs that are intended to address even the most pressing needs of our employees and their families to promote physical, emotional, and financial health. We offer different health insurance options that enable an employee to choose the one that best accommodates their needs and those of their family. First BanCorp. contributes a substantial portion towards the costs of these plans.
To promotes work life balance, we grant a variety of paid time-off for vacation, illness, maternity and paternity leave, bereavement leave, marriage and personal days. Other First BanCorp’s benefit programs include:
 Basic Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
 Long- and Short-Term Disability Insurance
 401(k) Retirement Plan with a competitive matching
 Health Services - Complementary first aid, occupational medicine, and preventive medicine onsite at our Service Center building
 Flu shot clinic on an annual basis
 A comprehensive wellness program including nutrition, fitness sessions, health fairs, and preventive healthcare activities, among others.
Initiatives for the safety and security of employees have always been an important priority. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, over 57% of the Corporation’s employees were able to work remotely. Furthermore, employees whose functions required them to be physically present, as well as certain critical employees were eligible for special compensation awards for services offered throughout the pandemic in the first half of 2020. Additional activities implemented by the Corporation to support employees included:
 COVID-19 testing for all employees who were working onsite as well as for contagious employees and co-workers.
 Paid leave for employees affected by the virus or who have vulnerable conditions, and special leave of absence without pay for extended and unique needs.
 Enhanced cleaning activities, the installation of barriers (plexiglass or similar materials) to comply with social distance guidelines and protect customers and employees, the provisioning of face masks, hand sanitizers and cleaning materials, and the taking of the temperature of all employees and customers who enter the Corporation’s facilities.
 Committing to no COVID-19-related layoffs during 2020.
 Training activities related to COVID-19, safety measures, stress management and remote work.
WEBSITE ACCESS TO REPORT
The Corporation makes available annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, and proxy statements on Schedule 14A, filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a), 14(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, free of charge on or through its internet website at www.1firstbank.com (under “Investor Relations”), as soon as reasonably practicable after the Corporation electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
The Corporation also makes available the Corporation’s corporate governance guidelines and principles, the charters of the audit, asset/liability, compensation and benefits, credit, compliance, risk, trust, corporate governance and nominating committees and the codes of conduct and independence principles mentioned below, free of charge on or through its internet website at www.1firstbank.com (under “Investor Relations”):
• Code of Ethics for CEO and Senior Financial Officers
• Code of Ethics applicable to all employees
• Corporate Governance Guidelines and Principles
• Independence Principles for Directors
The corporate governance guidelines and principles and the aforementioned charters and codes may also be obtained free of charge by sending a written request to Mr. Lawrence Odell, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, PO Box 9146, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00908.
MARKET AREA AND COMPETITION
Puerto Rico, where the banking market is highly competitive, is the main geographic service area of the Corporation. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation also had a presence in the state of Florida and in the USVI and BVI. Puerto Rico banks are subject to the same federal laws, regulations and supervision that apply to similar institutions in the United States mainland.
Competitors include other banks, insurance companies, mortgage banking companies, small loan companies, automobile financing companies, leasing companies, brokerage firms with retail operations, credit unions and certain retailers that operate in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the state of Florida, as well as emerging competition from digital platforms. The Corporation’s businesses compete with these other firms with respect to the range of products and services offered and the types of clients, customers and industries served.
The Corporation’s ability to compete effectively depends on the relative performance of its products, the degree to which the features of its products appeal to customers, and the extent to which the Corporation meets clients’ needs and expectations. The Corporation’s ability to compete also depends on its ability to attract and retain professional and other personnel, and on its reputation.
The Corporation encounters intense competition in attracting and retaining deposits and in its consumer and commercial lending activities. The Corporation competes for loans with other financial institutions, some of which are larger and have greater resources available than those of the Corporation. Management believes that the Corporation has been able to compete effectively for deposits and loans by offering a variety of account products and loans with competitive features, by pricing its products at competitive interest rates, by offering convenient branch locations, and by emphasizing the quality of its service. The Corporation’s ability to originate loans depends primarily on the rates and fees charged and the service it provides to its borrowers in making prompt credit decisions. There can be no assurance that in the future the Corporation will be able to continue to increase its deposit base or originate loans in the manner or on the terms on which it has done so in the past.
SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
The Corporation and the Bank, its bank subsidiary, are subject to comprehensive federal and Puerto Rican supervision and regulation. These supervisory and regulatory requirements apply to all aspects of the Corporation’s and the Bank’s activities, including commercial and consumer lending, deposit taking, management, governance and other activities of the Corporation and the Bank. As part of this regulatory framework, the Corporation and the Bank are subject to extensive consumer financial regulatory legal and supervisory requirements. Further, U.S. financial supervision and regulation is dynamic in nature, and supervisory and regulatory requirements are subject to change as new legislative and regulatory actions are taken. Future legislation may increase the regulation and oversight of the Corporation and the Bank. Any change in applicable laws or regulations, however, may have a material adverse effect on the business of commercial banks and bank holding companies, including the Bank and the Corporation.
Bank Holding Company Activities and Other Limitations
The Corporation is registered under, and subject to, supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Bank Holding Company Act”). Under the provisions of the Bank Holding Company Act, a bank holding company must obtain Federal Reserve Board approval before it acquires direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of another bank, or merges or consolidates with another bank holding company. The Federal Reserve Board also has authority under certain circumstances to issue cease and desist orders, and assess substantial civil money penalties, against bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries. In addition, the Corporation is subject to ongoing regulation, supervision, and examination by the Federal Reserve Board, and is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board periodic and annual reports and other information concerning its own business operations and those of its subsidiaries.
A bank holding company is prohibited under the Bank Holding Company Act, with limited exceptions, from engaging, directly or indirectly, in any business unrelated to the businesses of banking or managing or controlling banks. One of the exceptions to these prohibitions permits ownership by a bank holding company of the shares of any corporation if the Federal Reserve Board, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, by regulation or order has determined that the activities of the corporation in question are so closely related to the businesses of banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto.
The Bank Holding Company Act also permits a bank holding company to elect to become a financial holding company and engage in a broad range of activities that are financial in nature. The Corporation elected to be a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act. Financial holding companies may engage, directly or indirectly, in any activity that is determined to be (i) financial in nature, (ii) incidental to such financial activity, or (iii) complementary to a financial activity and does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally. The Bank Holding Company Act specifically provides that the following activities have been determined to be “financial in nature”: (a) lending, trust and other banking activities; (b) insurance activities; (c) financial or economic advice or services; (d) pooled investments; (e) securities underwriting and dealing; (f) domestic activities permitted for an existing bank holding company; (g) foreign activities permitted for an existing bank holding company; and (h) merchant banking activities.
A financial holding company that ceases to meet certain standards is subject to a variety of restrictions, depending on the circumstances, including precluding the undertaking of new financial activities or the acquisition of shares or control of other companies. Until compliance is restored, the Federal Reserve Board has broad discretion to impose appropriate limitations on the financial holding company’s activities. If compliance is not restored within 180 days, the Federal Reserve Board may ultimately require the financial holding company to divest its depository institutions or, in the alternative, to discontinue or divest any activities that are not permitted to non-financial holding companies. The Corporation and FirstBank must be well-capitalized and well-managed for regulatory purposes, and FirstBank must earn “satisfactory” or better ratings on its periodic Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) examinations for the Corporation to preserve its financial holding company status.
The potential restrictions are different if the lapse pertains to the CRA. In that case, until all the subsidiary institutions are restored to at least a “satisfactory” CRA rating status, the financial holding company may not engage, directly or through a subsidiary, in any new financial activities permissible under the Bank Holding Company Act or make additional acquisitions of companies engaged in new activities. However, the Bank Holding Company Act does not require divestiture of completed acquisitions and financial activities in which it has been engaged prior to such lapse.
Under federal law and Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company such as the Corporation is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to its banking subsidiaries and to commit required levels of support to them. This support may be required at times when, absent such policy, the bank holding company might not otherwise provide such support. 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 capital of a subsidiary bank will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and be entitled to a priority of payment.
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. As of December 31, 2020, and the date hereof, FirstBank was and is the only depository institution subsidiary of the Corporation. Federal law directs the Federal Reserve Board to adopt regulations implementing the statutory source-of-strength requirements; however, such regulations have not yet been proposed.
Regulatory Capital Requirements
The federal banking agencies have implemented rules for U.S. banks that establish minimum regulatory capital requirements, the components of regulatory capital, and the risk-based capital treatment of bank assets and off-balance sheet exposures. These rules currently apply to the Corporation and FirstBank, generally are intended to align U.S. regulatory capital requirements with international regulatory capital standards adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel Committee”), in particular, the most recent international capital accord adopted in 2010 (and revised in 2011) known as “Basel III.” The current rules increase the quantity and quality of capital required by, among other things, establishing a minimum common equity capital requirement and an additional common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer. In addition, the current rules revise and harmonize the bank regulators’ rules for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity and address weaknesses that have been identified, by applying a variation of the Basel III “Standardized Approach” for the risk-weighting of bank assets and off-balance sheet exposures to all U.S. banking organizations other than large internationally active banks.
International regulatory developments also can affect the regulation and supervision of U.S. banking organizations, including the Corporation and FirstBank. Both the Basel Committee and the Financial Stability Board (established in April 2009 by the Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors) have agreed to take action to strengthen regulation and supervision of the financial system with greater international consistency, cooperation, and transparency, including the adoption of Basel III and a commitment to raise capital standards and liquidity buffers within the banking system under Basel III. In addition, 12 U.S.C. 5371 (the “Collins Amendment”), among other things, eliminates certain trust-preferred securities (“TRuPs”) from Tier 1 capital. Preferred securities issued under the U.S. Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) are exempt from this change. Bank holding companies, such as the Corporation, were required to fully phase out these instruments from Tier 1 capital by January 1, 2016; however, these instruments may remain in Tier 2 capital until the instruments are redeemed or mature. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $178.3 million in TRuPs that were subject to a full phase-out from Tier 1 capital under the final regulatory capital rules discussed above.
Consistent with Basel Committee actions noted above, the Federal Reserve Board has adopted risk-based and leverage capital adequacy guidelines pursuant to which it assesses the adequacy of capital in examining and supervising a bank holding company and in analyzing applications to it under the Bank Holding Company Act. The historical risk-based capital guidelines were based upon the 1988 capital accord (“Basel I”) of the Basel Committee. These historical requirements, however, which included a legacy simplified risk-weighting system for the calculations of risk-based assets, as well as lower leverage capital requirements, were superseded by new risk-based and leverage capital requirements under Basel III that went into effect, on a multi-year transitional basis, on January 1, 2015. The FDIC has adopted substantively identical requirements that apply to insured banks under its regulation and supervision. The Corporation and FirstBank became subject to the U.S. Basel III capital rules beginning on January 1, 2015, and compute risk-weighted assets using the Standardized Approach required by these rules.
The Basel III rules require the Corporation to maintain an additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% to avoid limitations on both (i) capital distributions (e.g., repurchases of capital instruments, dividends and interest payments on capital instruments) and (ii) discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and heads of major business lines.
Under the fully phased-in Basel III rules, in order to be considered adequately capitalized and not subject to the above-described limitations, the Corporation is required to maintain: (i) a minimum common equity Tier 1 Capital (“CET1”) to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 4.5%, plus the 2.5% “capital conservation buffer,” resulting in a required minimum CET1 ratio of at least 7%; (ii) a minimum ratio of total Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, resulting in a required minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%; (iii) a minimum ratio of total Tier 1 plus Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, resulting in a required minimum total capital ratio of 10.5%; and (iv) a required minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average on-balance sheet (non-risk adjusted) assets.
The Basel III rules have increased our regulatory capital requirements and require us to hold more capital against certain of our assets and off-balance sheet exposures. The Corporation’s CET1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio, total capital ratio, and the leverage ratio under the Basel III rules, as of December 31, 2020, were 17.31%, 17.61%, 20.37%, and 11.26%, respectively.
On July 9, 2019, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (collectively “the agencies”) adopted a final rule that superseded certain regulatory capital transition rules and eliminated the transition provisions that are no longer operative. The final rule was effective on April 1, 2020, and eliminated: (i) the 10% CET1 capital deduction threshold, which applies individually to holdings of mortgage servicing assets, temporary difference deferred tax assets, and significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions in the form of common stock; (ii) the 15% CET1 capital deduction threshold, which applies to the aggregate amount of such items; (iii) the 10% threshold for non-significant investments, which applies to holdings of regulatory capital of unconsolidated financial institutions; and (iv) the deduction treatment for significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that are not in the form of common stock. Instead, the final rule requires non-advanced approaches banking organizations to deduct from CET1 capital any amount of mortgage servicing assets, temporary difference deferred tax assets, and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that individually exceeds 25% of CET1 capital of the banking organization (the 25% CET1 capital deduction threshold). The final rule retains the requirement that increased from 100% to 250% the risk-weighting of non-deducted mortgage servicing assets and temporary difference deferred tax assets.
Further, as part of its response to the impact of COVID-19, on March 31, 2020, the agencies issued an interim final rule that provided the option to temporarily delay the effects of CECL on regulatory capital for two years, followed by a three-year transition period. The interim final rule provides that, at the election of a qualified banking organization, the initial impact of the adoption of CECL on retained earnings plus 25% of the change in the ACL (excluding PCD loans) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 will be delayed for two years and phased-in at 25% per year beginning on January 1, 2022 over a three-year period, resulting in a total transition period of five years. The Corporation and the Bank elected to phase in the full effect of CECL on regulatory capital over the five-year transition period.
The Corporation and FirstBank compute risk-weighted assets using the Standardized Approach required by the Basel III rules. The Standardized Approach for risk-weightings has expanded the risk-weighting categories from the four major risk-weighting categories under the previous regulatory capital rules (0%, 20%, 50%, and 100%) to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets. In a number of cases, the Standardized Approach resulted in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories. Specific changes to the risk-weightings of assets included, among other things: (i) applying a 150% risk weight instead of a 100% risk weight for high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans, (ii) assigning a 150% risk weight to exposures that are 90 days past due (other than qualifying residential mortgage exposures, which remain at an assigned risk-weighting of 100%), (iii) establishing a 20% credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable, in contrast to the 0% risk-weighting under the prior rules and (iv) requiring capital to be maintained against on-balance-sheet and off-balance-sheet exposures that result from certain cleared transactions, guarantees and credit derivatives, and collateralized transactions (such as repurchase agreement transactions).
Set forth below are the Corporation's and FirstBank's capital ratios as of December 31, 2020 based on Federal Reserve and FDIC guidelines:
Banking Subsidiary
First BanCorp.
FirstBank
Well-Capitalized Minimum
As of December 31, 2020
Total capital (Total capital to
risk-weighted assets)
20.37%
19.91%
10.00%
CET1 Capital (CET1
capital to risk-weighted assets)
17.31%
16.05%
6.50%
Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital
to risk-weighted assets)
17.61%
18.65%
8.00%
Leverage ratio (1)
11.26%
11.92%
5.00%
_______________
(1) Tier 1 capital to average assets.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The CFPB has primary examination and enforcement authority over FirstBank and other banks with over $10 billion in assets with respect to consumer financial products and services.
CFPB regulations issued over the past few years implement 2010 amendments to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”), and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”). In general, among other changes, these regulations collectively: (i) require lenders to make a reasonable, good faith determination of a prospective residential mortgage borrower’s ability to repay based on specific underwriting criteria and set standards related to the determination by mortgage lenders of a consumer’s ability to repay the mortgage; (ii) require stricter underwriting of “qualified mortgages,” discussed below, that presumptively satisfy the ability to pay requirement (thereby providing the lender a safe harbor from non-compliance claims); (iii) specify new limitations on loan originator compensation and establish criteria for the qualifications of, and registration or licensing of, loan originators; (iv) expand the coverage of the Home Ownership and Equity Protections Act of 1994 to high-cost mortgage loans; (v) expand mandated loan escrow accounts for certain loans; (vi) establish appraisal requirements under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and require lenders to provide a free copy of all appraisals to applicants for first lien loans; (vii) establish appraisal standards for most “higher-risk mortgages” under TILA; (viii) combine in a single form required loan disclosures under TILA and RESPA; (ix) define a “qualified mortgage” ; and (x) afford safe harbor legal protections for lenders making qualified loans that are not “higher priced.”
The CFPB also has issued regulations setting forth new mortgage servicing rules that apply to the Bank. The regulations affect notices given to consumers as to delinquency, foreclosure alternatives and loss mitigation, modification applications, interest rate adjustments and options for avoiding “force-placed” insurance. Servicers are prohibited from processing foreclosures when a loan modification is pending and must wait until a loan is more than 120 days delinquent before initiating a foreclosure action. The servicer must provide direct and ongoing access to its personnel, and provide prompt review of any loss mitigation application. Servicers must maintain accurate and accessible mortgage records for the life of a loan and until one year after the loan is paid off or transferred. The regulations also address matters such as force-placed insurance notices, policies and procedures, early intervention, loss mitigation requirements and periodic statement requirements under the CFPB mortgage servicing rules, servicing requirements when a consumer is a potential or confirmed successor-in-interest, is in bankruptcy, or sends a cease communication request under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.. These mortgage servicing standards added to our costs of conducting a mortgage servicing business.
Further, the CFPB has adopted rules and forms that combine certain disclosures that consumers receive in connection with applying for and closing on a mortgage loan under the TILA and the RESPA. Consistent with this requirement, the CFPB amended Regulation X (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) and Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act) to establish disclosure requirements and forms in Regulation Z for most closed-end consumer credit transactions secured by real property. In addition to combining the existing disclosure requirements and implementing new requirements imposed by federal law, the rule provides extensive guidance regarding compliance with those requirements.
As a result of actual and expected changes in the U.S. presidential administration and leadership in the outgoing administration, the CFPB in the future may take regulatory actions that may have material effects on regulatory matters, including the reconsideration of existing CFPB regulations, and an assessment of the effectiveness of other regulatory actions. The nature, scope and impact of these actions, however, and their impact on the Corporation and FirstBank, cannot be predicted at this time.
Stress-Testing and Capital Planning Requirements
Federal regulations currently do not impose formal stress-testing requirements on banking organizations with total assets of less than $100 billion, such as the Corporation and FirstBank. The federal banking agencies have indicated through interagency guidance that the capital planning and risk management practices of institutions with total of assets of less than $100 billion will continue to be reviewed through the regular supervisory process. Although the Corporation will continue to monitor its capital consistent with the safety and soundness expectations of the federal regulators, the Corporation will no longer conduct company-run stress testing as a result of the legislative and regulatory amendments. However, the Corporation continues to use customized stress testing to support the business and as part of its capital planning process.
The Volcker Rule
Section 13 of the Bank Holding Company Act (commonly known as the Volcker Rule) , subject to important exceptions, generally prohibits a banking entity such as the Corporation or FirstBank from acquiring or retaining any ownership in, or acting as sponsor to, a hedge fund or private equity fund (“covered fund”). The Volcker Rule also prohibits these entities from engaging, for their own account, in short-term proprietary trading of certain securities, derivatives, commodity futures and options on these instruments.
Final regulations implementing the Volcker Rule have been adopted by the financial regulatory agencies and are now generally effective.
The Corporation and the Bank are not engaged in “proprietary trading” as defined in the Volcker Rule. In addition, the Corporation undertook a review of its investments to determine if any meet the Volcker Rule’s definition of “covered funds”. Based on that review, the Corporation concluded that its investments are not considered covered funds under the Volcker Rule.
Community Reinvestment Act and Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Regulations
The CRA encourages banks to help meet the credit needs of the local communities in which a bank offers their services, including low- and moderate-income individuals, consistent with the safe and sound operation of the bank.
The CRA requires the federal supervisory agencies, as part of the general examination of supervised banks, to assess a bank’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community, assign a performance rating, and take such record and rating into account in their evaluation of certain applications by such bank. The CRA also requires all institutions to make public disclosure of their CRA ratings. FirstBank received a “satisfactory” CRA rating in its most recent examination by the FDIC.
Failure to adequately serve the communities could result in the denial by the regulators of proposals to merge, consolidate or acquire new assets, as well as expand or relocate branches.
The federal bank regulatory agencies have amended their respective CRA regulations primarily to conform to changes made by the CFPB to Regulation C, which implements the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act.
Since 1995, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have conformed certain definitions in their respective CRA regulations to the scope of loans reported under Regulation C and believe that continuing to do so produces a less burdensome CRA performance evaluation process. In particular, the agencies have amended their CRA regulations to revise the definitions of “home mortgage loan” and “consumer loan,” as well as the public file content requirements. These revisions maintain consistency between the CRA regulations and amendments to Regulation C, which generally went effective on January 1, 2018.
In December 2019, the FDIC and the OCC proposed comprehensive revisions to the CRA’s implementing regulations. These proposals are intended to modernize and update CRA regulations to better achieve the CRA’s underlying purpose of encouraging banks to serve their communities, and make the regulatory framework more objective, transparent, consistent, and easy to understand. These proposals would, among other things, expand the types of banking activities that qualify for CRA credit, create additional CRA assessment areas tied to deposits, and create a more objective means to measure CRA performance through the creation of activity thresholds as a percentage of domestic deposits. In June 2020, the OCC adopted final revisions to its CRA regulations, but the FDIC as of this date has not taken further action on its 2019 proposed revisions, and the timing of future FDIC regulatory action is not known at this time.
USA PATRIOT Act and Other Anti-Money Laundering Requirements
As a regulated depository institution, FirstBank is subject to the Bank Secrecy Act, which imposes a variety of reporting and other requirements, including the requirement to file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports that are designed to assist in the detection and prevention of money laundering, terrorist financing and other criminal activities. In addition, under Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, also known as the International Money Laundering Abatement and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act of 2001, all financial institutions are required to, among other things, identify their customers, adopt formal and comprehensive anti-money laundering programs, scrutinize or prohibit altogether certain transactions of special concern, and be prepared to respond to inquiries from U.S. law enforcement agencies concerning their customers and their transactions.
On January 1, 2021, major legislative amendments to U.S. anti-money laundering requirements became effective through the enactment of Division F of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2021, otherwise known as the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020 (“AML Act”). The new legislation includes a variety of provisions that are designed to modernize the anti-money laundering regulatory regime and remediate gaps in the U.S.’s approach to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, including the creation of a national database of absence corporate beneficial ownership along with significantly enhanced reporting requirements, increased penalties for Bank Secrecy Act violations, clarification of Suspicious Activity Report filing and sharing requirements, and provisions addressing the adverse consequences of “de-risking,” namely, the practice of financial institutions’ termination or limitation of business relationships with clients or classes of clients in order to manage the risks associated with such clients.
Regulations implementing the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA PATRIOT Act are published and primarily enforced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), a bureau of the U.S. Treasury. Failure of a financial institution, such as the Corporation or the Bank, to comply with the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act or the USA PATRIOT Act could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution, including the possibility of regulatory enforcement or other legal action, including significant civil monetary penalties. The Corporation also is required to comply with federal economic and trade sanctions requirements enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), a bureau of the U.S. Treasury.
FinCEN regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act address customer due diligence requirements for: banks; brokers or dealers in securities; mutual funds; and futures commission merchants and introducing brokers in commodities (the “Rules”). The Rules contain explicit customer due diligence requirements and includes a requirement to identify and verify the identity of beneficial owners of legal entity customers, subject to certain exclusions and exemptions. Under the Rules, covered financial institutions must establish procedures to:
 Identify each natural person that directly or indirectly owns 25% or more of the equity interests of a legal entity customer (the “ownership prong”);
 Identify one natural person with “significant responsibility to control, manage, or direct” a legal entity customer (the “control prong”), which may be a person reported under the ownership prong; and,
 Verify the identities of those persons according to risk-based procedures, which procedures must include the elements currently required under the Customer Identification Rule at a minimum. Identification of those beneficial owners must be conducted at the time a new account is opened.
The Corporation believes it has adopted appropriate policies, procedures and controls to address compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, USA PATRIOT Act and economic/trade sanctions requirements, and to implement banking agency, FinCEN, OFAC and other U.S. Treasury regulations. Further, FinCEN is expected to propose regulations in the near future that implement the requirements of the AML Act, and the Corporation will adjust its policies, procedures and controls accordingly upon the adoption of any final regulations.
State Chartered Non-Member Bank and Banking Laws and Regulations in General
FirstBank is subject to regulation and examination by the OCIF, the CFPB and the FDIC, and is subject to comprehensive federal and state (Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) regulations that regulate, among other things, the scope of their businesses, their investments, their reserves against deposits, the timing and availability of deposited funds, and the nature and amount of collateral for certain loans. 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 supply of money and availability of credit in order to influence the economy. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve Board to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and target Federal Funds rate, and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our future business, earnings and growth cannot be predicted.
The OCIF, the CFPB and the FDIC periodically examine FirstBank to test the Bank’s conformance to safe and sound banking practices and compliance with various statutory and regulatory requirements. This regulation and supervision establish a comprehensive framework and oversight of activities in which the Bank can engage. The regulation and supervision by the FDIC also are intended for the protection of the FDIC’s insurance fund and depositors. The regulatory structure gives the regulatory authorities discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil monetary penalties, issue cease-and-desist or removal orders, and initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and for engaging in unsafe or unsound practices. In addition, certain bank actions are required by statute and implementing regulations. Other actions or failure to act may provide the basis for enforcement action, including the filing of misleading or untimely reports with regulatory authorities.
Dividend Restrictions
The Federal Reserve Board’s “Applying Supervisory Guidance and Regulations on the Payment of Dividends, Stock Redemptions, and Stock Repurchases at Bank Holding Companies” (the “Supervisory Letter”) discusses the ability of bank holding companies to declare dividends and to repurchase equity securities. The Supervisory Letter is generally consistent with prior Federal Reserve supervisory policies and guidance, although it places greater emphasis on discussions with the regulators prior to dividend declarations and redemption or repurchase decisions even when not explicitly required by the regulations. The Federal Reserve Board provides that the principles discussed in the Supervisory Letter are applicable to all bank holding companies.
The Supervisory Letter also includes a policy statement that, as a matter of prudent banking, a bank holding company should generally not maintain a given rate of cash dividends unless its net income available to common shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, has been sufficient to fully fund the dividends and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears to be consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality, and overall current and prospective financial condition. The Corporation is subject to certain restrictions generally imposed on Puerto Rico corporations with respect to the declaration and payment of dividends (i.e., that dividends may be paid out only from the Corporation’s capital surplus or, in the absence of such excess, from the Corporation’s net earnings for such fiscal year and/or the preceding fiscal year). Furthermore, the Federal Reserve Board’s regulatory capital rule (Regulation Q) limits the amount of capital a bank holding company may distribute under certain circumstances. Regulation Q helps ensure banks maintain strong capital positions that will enable them to continue lending to creditworthy households and businesses even after unforeseen losses and during severe economic downturn. A banking organization must maintain a capital conservation buffer of CET1 capital in an amount greater than 2.5% of total risk weighted assets to avoid being subject to limitations on capital distributions.
The principal source of funds for the Corporation’s parent holding company is dividends declared and paid by its subsidiary, FirstBank. The ability of FirstBank to declare and pay dividends on its capital stock is regulated by the Puerto Rico Banking Law, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”), and FDIC regulations. In general terms, the Puerto Rico Banking Law provides that when the expenditures of a bank are greater than receipts, the excess of expenditures over receipts shall be charged against undistributed profits of the bank and the balance, if any, shall be charged against the required reserve fund of the bank. If the reserve fund is not sufficient to cover such balance in whole or in part, the outstanding amount must be charged against the bank’s capital account. The Puerto Rico Banking Law provides that, until said capital has been restored to its original amount and the reserve fund to 20% of the original capital, the bank may not declare any dividends. In general, the FDIA and the FDIC regulations restrict the payment of dividends when a bank is undercapitalized (as discussed in Prompt Corrective Action below), when a bank has failed to pay insurance assessments, or when there are safety and soundness concerns regarding such bank.
On November 14, 2018, for the first time since July 2009, the Corporation’s Board of Directors, after receiving regulatory approval, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per common share, which was paid in December 2018. Since then, the Corporation has continued to pay a quarterly cash dividend on shares of common stock, and, on January 28, 2021, the Corporation declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, which represents an increase of $0.02 per common share, or 40% from the prior quarter’s dividend level. In addition, since December 2016, the Corporation has been making monthly dividend payments on its outstanding shares of Series A through E Preferred Stock. The Corporation intends to continue to pay monthly dividend payments on non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock and quarterly dividends on common stock. So long as any shares of preferred stock remain outstanding, we cannot declare, set apart or pay any dividends on shares of our common stock unless any accrued and unpaid dividends on our preferred stock for the twelve monthly dividend periods ending on the immediately preceding dividend payment date have been paid or are paid contemporaneously and the full monthly dividend on our preferred stock for the then-current month has been or is contemporaneously declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment. The Corporation is no longer required to obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Bank before paying dividends, receiving dividends from the Bank, making payments on subordinated debt or trust preferred securities, incurring or guaranteeing debt or purchasing or redeeming any corporate stock.
Financial Privacy and Cybersecurity
The federal financial institution regulations limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a non-affiliated third party. These regulations affect how consumer information is used in diversified financial companies and conveyed to outside vendors. In addition, consumers may also prevent disclosure of certain information among affiliated companies that is assembled or used to determine eligibility for a product or service, such as that shown on consumer credit reports and application information. Consumers also have the option to direct banks and other financial institutions not to share information about transactions and experiences with affiliated companies for the purpose of marketing products or services.
The federal banking regulators regularly issue guidance regarding cybersecurity intended to enhance cyber risk management standards among financial institutions. A financial institution is expected to establish multiple lines of defense and to ensure their risk management processes address the risk posed by potential threats to the institution. A financial institution’s management is expected to maintain sufficient processes to effectively respond and recover the institution’s operations after a cyber-attack. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations if a critical service provider of the institution falls victim to this type of cyber-attack. The Corporation’s Information Security Program reflects these requirements.
Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders
Certain transactions between FDIC-insured banks financial institutions such as FirstBank and its affiliates are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and by Federal Reserve Regulation W. An affiliate of a bank is, in general, any corporation or entity that controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the bank.
In a holding company context, the parent bank holding company and any companies that are controlled by such parent bank holding company are affiliates of the bank. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act (i) limit the extent to which the bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” (defined below) with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such bank’s capital stock and surplus, and contain an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such bank’s capital stock and surplus and (ii) require that all “covered transactions” be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the bank or affiliate, as those provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee, credit derivatives, securities lending and other similar transactions entailing the provision of financial support by the bank to an affiliate. In addition, loans or other extensions of credit by the bank to the affiliate are required to be collateralized in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act.
In addition, Sections 22(h) and (g) of the Federal Reserve Act, implemented through Regulation O, place restrictions on commercial bank loans to executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders of the bank and its affiliates. Under Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, bank loans to a director, an executive officer, a greater than 10% stockholder of the bank, and certain related interests of these persons, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such persons and affiliated interests, the bank’s limit on loans to one borrower, which is generally equal to 15% of the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus in the case of loans that are not fully secured, and an additional 10% of the bank's unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus in the case of loans that are fully secured by readily marketable collateral having a market value at least equal to the amount of the loan. Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act also requires that loans to directors, executive officers, and principal stockholders be made on terms that are substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons and also requires prior board approval for certain loans. In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a bank to insiders cannot exceed the bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Furthermore, Section 22(g) of the Federal Reserve Act places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.
Executive Compensation
The federal banking agencies have adopted interagency guidance governing incentive-based compensation programs, which applies to all banking organizations regardless of asset size. This guidance uses a principles-based approach to ensure that incentive-based compensation arrangements appropriately tie rewards to longer-term performance and do not undermine the safety and soundness of banking organizations or create undue risks to the financial system. The interagency guidance is based on three major principles: (i) balanced risk-taking incentives; (ii) compatibility with effective controls and risk management; and (iii) strong corporate governance. The guidance further provides that, where appropriate, the banking agencies will take supervisory or enforcement action to ensure that material deficiencies that pose a threat to the safety and soundness of the organization are promptly addressed.
In May 2016, the federal banking agencies, along with other federal regulatory agencies, proposed regulations (first proposed in 2011) governing incentive-based compensation practices at covered banking institutions, which would include, among others, all banking organizations with assets of $1 billion or greater. These proposed rules are intended to better align the financial rewards for covered employees with an institution’s long-term safety and soundness. Portions of these proposed rules would apply to the Corporation and FirstBank. Those applicable provisions would generally (i) prohibit types and features of incentive-based compensation arrangements that encourage inappropriate risk because they are “excessive” or “could lead to material financial loss” at the banking institution; (ii) require incentive-based compensation arrangements to adhere to three basic principles: (1) a balance between risk and reward; (2) effective risk management and controls; and (3) effective governance; and (iii) require appropriate board of directors (or committee) oversight and recordkeeping and disclosures to the banking institution’s primary regulatory agency. The nature and substance of any final action to adopt these proposed rules, and the timing of any such action, are not known at this time.
Prompt Corrective Action
The Prompt Corrective Action (“PCA”) provisions of the FDIA require the federal bank regulatory agencies to take prompt corrective action against any insured depository institution (“institutions”) that are undercapitalized. The FDIA establishes five capital categories: well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Well-capitalized institutions significantly exceed the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. Adequately capitalized institutions include institutions that meet but do not significantly exceed the required minimum level for each relevant capital measure. Undercapitalized institutions consist of those that fail to meet the required minimum level for one or more relevant capital measures. Significantly undercapitalized institutions are those with capital levels significantly below the minimum requirements for any relevant capital measure. Critically undercapitalized institutions have minimal capital and are at serious risk for government seizure.
Under certain circumstances, a well-capitalized, adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution may be treated as if the institution were in the next lower capital category. An institution is generally prohibited from making capital distributions (including paying dividends), or paying management fees to a holding company if the institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Institutions that are adequately capitalized but not well-capitalized cannot accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits except with a waiver from the FDIC and are subject to restrictions on the interest rates that can be paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions may not accept, renew or roll over brokered deposits.
The federal bank regulatory agencies are permitted or, in certain cases, required to take certain actions with respect to institutions falling within one of the three undercapitalized categories. Depending on the level of an institution’s capital, the agencies’ corrective powers include, among other things:
 prohibiting the payment of principal and interest on subordinated debt;
 prohibiting the holding company from making distributions without prior regulatory approval;
 placing limits on asset growth and restrictions on activities;
 placing additional restrictions on transactions with affiliates;
 restricting the interest rate the institution may pay on deposits;
 prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; and
 in the most severe cases, appointing a conservator or receiver for the institution.
An institution that is undercapitalized is required to submit a capital restoration plan, and such a plan will not be accepted unless, among other things, the institution’s holding company guarantees the plan up to a certain specified amount. Any such guarantee from an institution’s holding company is entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy.
The banking agencies’ Basel III rules, discussed above, revise the PCA requirements by (i) introducing a separate CET1 ratio requirement for each PCA capital category (other than critically undercapitalized) with the required CET1 ratio being 6.5% for well-capitalized status; (ii) increasing the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement for each PCA capital category with the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for well-capitalized status being 8% (as compared to the previous 6%); and (iii) eliminating the previous provision that allows a bank with a composite supervisory rating of 1 to have a 3% leverage ratio and still be adequately capitalized and maintaining the minimum leverage ratio for well-capitalized status at 5%. The Basel III rules do not change the total risk-based capital requirement (10% for well-capitalized status) for any PCA capital category.
A bank’s capital category, as determined by applying the prompt corrective action provisions of the law, may not constitute an accurate representation of the overall financial condition or prospects of a bank, such as the Bank, and should be considered in conjunction with other available information regarding the financial condition and results of operations of the bank.
Deposit Insurance
The increase in deposit insurance coverage to up to $250,000 per customer, the FDIC’s expanded authority to increase insurance premiums, as well as the increase in the number of bank failures after the 2008 financial crisis, resulted in an increase in deposit insurance assessments for all banks, including FirstBank. The FDIA further requires that the designated reserve ratio for the DIF for any year not be less than 1.35% of estimated insured deposits or the comparable percentage of the new deposit assessment base. In addition, the FDIC must take steps as necessary for the reserve ratio to reach 1.35% of estimated insured deposits by September 30, 2020. The FDIC managed to reach the goal early, achieving a reserve ratio of 1.36% in September 2018. However, in the third quarter of 2020, the FDIC announced that the reserve ratio of the DIF fell 9 basis points between the first and second quarters of 2020, from 1.39% to 1.30%. The decline was attributed to an unprecedented surge in deposits. The FDIC approved a plan that is expected to restore the DIF to at least 1.35% within eight years, as required by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. Under the plan, the FDIC will maintain the current schedules of assessment rates for all banks; monitor deposit balance trends, potential losses and other factors that affect the reserve ratio; and provide updates to its loss and income projections at least twice a year. The FDIC has also adopted a final rule raising its industry target ratio of reserves to insured deposits to 2%, 65 basis points above the statutory minimum, but the FDIC has indicated that it does not project that goal to be met for several years.
FDIC Insolvency Authority
Under Puerto Rico banking laws (discussed below), the OCIF may appoint the FDIC as conservator or receiver of a failed or failing FDIC-insured Puerto Rican bank, such as the Bank, and the FDIA authorizes the FDIC to accept such an appointment. In addition, the FDIC has broad authority under the FDIA to appoint itself as conservator or receiver of a failed or failing state bank, including a Puerto Rican bank. If the FDIC is appointed conservator or receiver of a bank upon the bank’s insolvency or the occurrence of other events, the FDIC may sell or transfer some, part or all of a bank’s assets and liabilities to another bank, or liquidate the bank and pay out insured depositors, as well as uninsured depositors and other creditors to the extent of the closed bank’s available assets. As part of its insolvency authority, the FDIC has the authority, among other things, to take possession of and administer the receivership estate, pay out estate claims, and repudiate or disaffirm certain types of contracts to which the bank was a party if the FDIC believes such contract is burdensome and its disaffirmance will aid in the administration of the receivership. In resolving the estate of a failed bank, the FDIC, as receiver, will first satisfy its own administrative expenses. The claims of holders of U.S. deposit liabilities also have priority over those of other general unsecured creditors.
Activities and Investments
The activities as “principal” of FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks, such as FirstBank, are generally limited to those that are permissible for national banks. Similarly, under regulations dealing with equity investments, an insured state-chartered bank generally may not directly or indirectly acquire or retain any equity investments of a type, or in an amount, that is not permissible for a national bank.
Federal Home Loan Bank System
FirstBank is a member of the FHLB system. The FHLB system consists of eleven regional FHLBs governed and regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. The FHLBs serve as reserve or credit facilities for member institutions within their assigned regions. They are funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB system, and they make loans (advances) to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the FHLB system and the board of directors of each regional FHLB.
FirstBank is a member of the FHLB of New York and, as such, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB of New York in an amount calculated in accordance with the requirements set forth in applicable laws and regulations. FirstBank is in compliance with the stock ownership requirements of the FHLB of New York. All loans, advances and other extensions of credit made by the FHLB to FirstBank are secured by a portion of FirstBank’s mortgage loan portfolio, certain other investments and the capital stock of the FHLB held by FirstBank.
Ownership and Control
Because of FirstBank’s status as an FDIC-insured bank, as defined in the Bank Holding Company Act, the Corporation, as the owner of FirstBank’s common stock, is subject to certain restrictions and disclosure obligations under various federal laws, including the Bank Holding Company Act and the Change in Bank Control Act (the “CBCA”). Regulations adopted pursuant to the Bank Holding Company Act and the CBCA generally require prior Federal Reserve Board or other federal banking agency approval or non-objection for an acquisition of control of an “insured institution” (as defined in the Act) or holding company thereof by any person (or persons acting in concert). Control is deemed to exist if, among other things, a person (or group of persons acting in concert) acquires 25% or more of any class of voting stock of an insured institution or holding company thereof. Under the CBCA, control is presumed to exist subject to rebuttal if a person (or group of persons acting in concert) acquires 10% or more of any class of voting stock and either (i) the corporation has registered securities under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) no person (or group of persons acting in concert) will own, control or hold the power to vote a greater percentage of that class of voting securities immediately after the transaction. The concept of acting in concert is very broad and is subject to certain rebuttable presumptions, including, among others, that relatives, business partners, management officials, affiliates and others are presumed to be acting in concert with each other and their businesses. The regulations of the FDIC implementing the CBCA are generally similar to those described above.
The Puerto Rico Banking Law requires the approval of the OCIF for changes in control of a Puerto Rico bank. See “Puerto Rico Banking Law” below for further detail.
Standards for Safety and Soundness
The FDIA requires the FDIC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies to prescribe standards of safety and soundness, by regulations or guidelines, relating generally to operations and management, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, stock valuation, and compensation. The implementing regulations and guidelines of the FDIC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies establish general standards relating to internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and compensation, fees and benefits. In general, the regulations and guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The regulations and guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder. Failure to comply with these standards can result in administrative enforcement or other adverse actions against the bank.
Brokered Deposits
FDIC regulations adopted under the FDIA govern the receipt of brokered deposits by banks. Well-capitalized institutions are not subject to limitations on brokered deposits, while adequately-capitalized institutions are able to accept, renew or rollover brokered deposits only with a waiver from the FDIC and subject to certain restrictions on the interest paid on such deposits. Undercapitalized institutions are not permitted to accept brokered deposits. In October 2020, the FDIC adopted revisions to its brokered deposit regulations that become effective on April 1, 2021, FirstBank is continuing its review and analysis of these changes, as adopted, although it appears that the revisions may, in some respects, expand the categories of deposits that FirstBank may accept without having to treat them as brokered deposits.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “ CARES Act of 2020”)
In response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 27, 2020, the U.S. Government enacted the CARES Act of 2020, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. The CARES Act of 2020, as amended, includes numerous provisions applicable to financial institutions, including (i) permitting banks to suspend requirements under GAAP for loan modifications to borrowers affected by COVID-19, provided that such loans were not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019, that would otherwise result in a loan’s classification as TDR or evaluation for impairment, until the earlier of 60 days after the termination date of the pandemic emergency or January 1, 2022, (ii) permitting borrowers whose loans are Federally backed to request a forbearance for up to 180 days, which can be extended for up to an additional 180 days at the borrower’s timely request, without incurring fees, penalties or interest beyond those the borrower would have incurred had the borrower made all scheduled payments, and without exposing the lender to adverse supervisory action, (iii) as discussed further above, permitting financial institutions that implement CECL during the 2020 calendar year the option to delay for two years an estimate of CECL's effect on regulatory capital, relative to the incurred loss methodology's effect on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period, and (iv) creation of the SBA PPP program under which small businesses may obtain loans guaranteed by the SBA to pay payroll and group health costs, salaries and commissions, mortgage and rent payments, utilities, and interest and other qualifying expenses. The SBA fully-guarantees SBA PPP loans, and SBA PPP loans may be forgiven by the SBA so long as, during the applicable loan forgiveness covered period, employee and compensation levels of the business are maintained and 60% of the loan proceeds are used for payroll expenses, with the remaining 40% of the loan proceeds used for other qualifying expenses. SBA PPP loans carry an interest rate of 1% and have a two-year term (or five years for loans made after June 5, 2020). For loans originated under the SBA’s PPP loan program, interest and principal payment on these loans were originally deferred for six months following the funding date, during which time interest would continue to accrue. On October 7, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (the “Flexibility Act”) extended the deferral period for borrower payments of principal, interest, and fees on all SBA PPP loans to the date that the SBA remits the borrower’s loan forgiveness amount to the lender (or, if the borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, 10 months after the end of the borrower’s loan forgiveness covered period). The extension of the deferral period under the Flexibility Act automatically applied to all SBA PPP loans. The Corporation has chosen to support its customers and the communities the Corporation serves by participating in the SBA PPP loan program and, loan modifications in compliance with the provisions of the CARES Act of 2020.
Main Street Lending Program
The Main Street Lending Program (the “MSLP”) is designed to help companies that were in sound financial condition prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain their operations and payroll until conditions normalize. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston set up the Main Street special purpose vehicle (“Main Street SPV”) to work with the U.S. banking sector to channel credit to small and medium-sized businesses across the country. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has made a $75 billion equity investment in the Main Street SPV, which will support up to $600 billion of lending. Main Street loans are to be made by private financial institutions, which will then sell a 95% participation in each loan to the Main Street SPV pursuant to certain participation-specific documents. The MSLP offers three different secured or unsecured five-year term loan options set at an adjustable rate of LIBOR (one or three month) plus 300 basis points. The MSLP, however, terminated on January 8, 2021.
MSLP principal payments are deferred for two years, and interest payments are deferred for one year. However, unlike PPP loans, Main Street loans are full-recourse loans and not forgivable; the Federal Reserve Board and other governmental entities have expressed in no uncertain terms that loans under the MSLP are not grants.
COVID-Related Regulatory Activities
During 2020, the federal banking agencies took several actions to mitigate the stress on regulated banks resulting from the COVID pandemic. These actions were generally designed to facilitate the ability of banks to provide responsible credit and liquidity to businesses and individuals affected by the COVID pandemic, and mitigate the distorting effects under regulatory capital and other requirements resulting from the pandemic. In addition to the CECL regulatory capital relief discussed above, the banking agencies adopted regulations that, among other things: neutralized the regulatory capital and liquidity effects of banks participating in certain COVID-related Federal Reserve liquidity facilities; deferred appraisal and valuation requirements after the closing of certain residential and commercial real estate transactions; provided temporary relief for banks from the FDIC’s audit and reporting requirements for banks that experienced large cash inflows resulting from participation in the Paycheck Protection Program and other COVID-related facilities, or otherwise resulting from the effects of government stimulus efforts. These regulatory actions were taken in conjunction with federal financial regulatory efforts to encourage banks and other depositories to provide responsible credit and other financial assistance to consumers and small businesses in response to the pandemic.
Puerto Rico Banking Law
As a commercial bank organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, FirstBank is subject to supervision, examination and regulation by the commissioner of OCIF (the “Commissioner”) pursuant to the Puerto Rico Banking Law of 1933, as amended (the “Banking Law”).
The Banking Law contains various provisions relating to FirstBank and its affairs, including its incorporation and organization, the rights and responsibilities of its directors, officers and stockholders and its corporate powers, lending limitations, capital requirements, and investment requirements. In addition, the Commissioner is given extensive rule-making power and administrative discretion under the Banking Law.
The Banking Law authorizes Puerto Rico commercial banks to conduct certain financial and related activities directly or through subsidiaries, including the leasing of personal property and the operation of a small loan business.
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) that are secured by actual collateral. The reserve is required to be composed of any of the following securities or a combination thereof: (1) legal tender of the United States; (2) checks on banks or trust companies located in any part of Puerto Rico that are to be presented for collection during the day following the day on which they are received; (3) money deposited in other banks provided said deposits are authorized by the Commissioner and subject to immediate collection; (4) federal funds sold to any Federal Reserve Bank and securities purchased under agreements to resell executed by the bank with such funds that are subject to be repaid to the bank on or before the close of the next business day; and (5) any other asset that the Commissioner identifies from time to time.
Section 17 of the Banking Law permits Puerto Rico commercial banks to make loans to any one person, firm, partnership or corporation in an aggregate amount of up to 15% of the sum of: (i) the bank’s paid-in capital; (ii) the bank’s reserve fund; (iii) 50% of the bank’s retained earnings, subject to certain limitations; and (iv) any other components that the Commissioner may determine from time to time. If such loans are secured by collateral worth at least 25% of the amount of the loan, the aggregate maximum amount may reach 33.33% of the sum of the bank’s paid-in capital, reserve fund, 50% of retained earnings, subject to certain limitations, and such other components that the Commissioner may determine from time to time. There are no restrictions under the Banking Law on the amount of loans that may be wholly secured by bonds, securities and other evidences of indebtedness of the government of the United States, or of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or by bonds, not in default, of municipalities or instrumentalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
The Banking Law prohibits Puerto Rico commercial banks from making loans secured by their own stock, and from purchasing their own stock, unless such purchase is made pursuant to a stock repurchase program approved by the Commissioner or is necessary to prevent losses because of a debt previously contracted in good faith. The stock purchased by the Puerto Rico commercial bank must be sold by the bank in a public or private sale within one year from the date of purchase.
The Banking Law provides that no officer, director, agent or employee of a Puerto Rico commercial bank may serve as an officer, director, agent or employee of another Puerto Rico commercial bank, financial corporation, savings and loan association, trust corporation, corporation engaged in granting mortgage loans or any other institution engaged in the money lending business in Puerto Rico. This prohibition is not applicable to any such position with an affiliate of a Puerto Rico commercial bank.
The Banking Law requires that Puerto Rico commercial banks prepare each year a balance summary of their operations and submit such balance summary for approval at a regular meeting of stockholders, together with an explanatory report thereon. The Banking Law also requires that at least 10% of the yearly net income of a Puerto Rico commercial bank be credited annually to a reserve fund until such reserve fund is in amount equal to the total paid-in-capital of the bank.
The Banking Law also provides that when the expenditures of a Puerto Rico commercial bank are greater than its receipts, the excess of the expenditures over receipts must be charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if any, 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 must be charged against the capital account and no dividend may be declared until said capital has been restored to its original amount and the amount in the reserve fund equals 20% of the original capital.
The Banking Law requires the prior approval of the Commissioner with respect to a transfer of capital stock of a bank that results in a change of control of the bank. Under the Banking Law, a change of control is presumed to occur if a person or a group of persons acting in concert, directly or indirectly, acquires more than 5% of the outstanding voting capital stock of the bank. The Commissioner has interpreted the restrictions of the Banking Law as applying to acquisitions of voting securities of entities controlling a bank, such as a bank holding company. Under the Banking Law, the determination of the Commissioner whether to approve a change of control filing is final and non-appealable.
The Finance Board, which is composed of nine members from enumerated Puerto Rico Government agencies, instrumentalities and public corporations, including the Commissioner, has the authority to regulate the maximum interest rates and finance charges that may be charged on loans to individuals and unincorporated businesses in Puerto Rico. The current regulations of the Finance Board provide that the applicable interest rate on loans to individuals and unincorporated businesses, including real estate development loans but excluding certain other personal and commercial loans secured by mortgages on real estate properties, is to be determined by free competition. Accordingly, the regulations do not set a maximum rate for charges on retail installment sales contracts, small loans, and credit card purchases. Furthermore, there is no maximum rate set for installment sales contracts involving motor vehicles, commercial, agricultural and industrial equipment, commercial electric appliances and insurance premiums.
International Banking Center Regulatory Act of Puerto Rico (“IBE Act 52”)
The business and operations of FirstBank International Branch (“FirstBank IBE” or the “IBE division of FirstBank”) and FirstBank Overseas Corporation (the IBE subsidiary of FirstBank) are subject to supervision and regulation by the Commissioner. FirstBank and FirstBank Overseas Corporation were created under Puerto Rico Act 52-1989, as amended, known as the “International Banking Center Regulatory Act” (the IBE Act 52), which provides for total Puerto Rico tax exemption on net income derived by an IBE operating in Puerto Rico on the specific activities identified in the IBE Act 52. An IBE that operates as a unit of a bank pays income taxes at the corporate standard rates to the extent that the IBE’s net income exceeds 20% of the bank’s total net taxable income. Under the IBE Act 52, certain sales, encumbrances, assignments, mergers, exchanges or transfers of shares, interests or participation(s) in the capital of an IBE may not be initiated without the prior approval of the Commissioner. The IBE Act 52 and the regulations issued thereunder by the Commissioner (the “IBE Regulations”) limit the business activities that may be carried out by an IBE. Such activities are limited in part to persons and assets located outside of Puerto Rico.
Pursuant to the IBE Act 52 and the IBE Regulations, each of FirstBank IBE and FirstBank Overseas Corporation must maintain in Puerto Rico books and records of its transactions in the ordinary course of business. FirstBank IBE and FirstBank Overseas Corporation are also required thereunder to submit to the Commissioner quarterly and annual reports of their financial condition and results of operations, including annual audited financial statements.
The IBE Act 52 empowers the Commissioner to revoke or suspend, after notice and hearing, a license issued thereunder if, among other things, the IBE fails to comply with the IBE Act 52, the IBE Regulations or the terms of its license, or if the Commissioner finds that the business or affairs of the IBE are conducted in a manner that is not consistent with the public interest.
In 2012, the Puerto Rico government approved Act Number 273 (“Act 273”). Act 273 replaces, prospectively, IBE Act 52 with the objective of improving the conditions for conducting international financial transactions in Puerto Rico. An IBE existing on the date of approval of Act 273, such as FirstBank IBE and FirstBank Overseas Corporation, can continue operating under IBE Act 52, or, it can voluntarily convert to an International Financial Entity (“IFE”) under Act 273 so it may broaden its scope of Eligible IFE Activities, as defined below, and obtain a grant of tax exemption under Act 273.
IFEs are licensed by the Commissioner, and authorized to conduct certain Act 273 specified financial transactions (“Eligible IFE Activities”). Once licensed, an IFE can request a grant of tax exemption (“Tax Grant”) from the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development and Commerce, which will enumerate and secure the following tax benefits provided by Act 273 as contractual rights (i.e., regardless of future changes in Puerto Rico law) for a 15-year period:
(i) to the IFE:
 a fixed 4% Puerto Rico income tax rate on the net income derived by the IFE from its Eligible IFE Activities; and
 full property and municipal license tax exemptions on such activities.
(ii) to its shareholders:
 6% income tax rate on distributions to Puerto Rico resident shareholders of earnings and profits derived from the Eligible IFE Activities; and
 full Puerto Rico income tax exemption on such distributions to non-Puerto Rico resident shareholders.
The primary purpose of IFEs is to attract Unites States and foreign investors to Puerto Rico. Consequently, Act 273 authorizes IFEs to engage in traditional banking and financial transactions, principally with non-residents of Puerto Rico. Furthermore, the scope of Eligible IFE Activities encompasses a wider variety of transactions than those previously authorized to IBEs.
Act 187, as amended, enacted on November 17, 2015, requires an IBE to obtain from the Commissioner a Certificate of Compliance every two years that certifies its compliance with the provisions of IBE Act 52.
As of the date of the issuance of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, FirstBank IBE and FirstBank Overseas Corporation are operating under IBE Act 52.
Future Legislation and Regulation
Financial legislation and regulation is dynamic in nature, and is subject to regular changes. With the change in presidential administrations and the possible assumption by the Democratic party of control of Congress, legislative and regulatory action of a “reregulatory” nature is possible, although the agenda of the Biden administration on financial services legislative and regulatory matters has not been specifically outlined at this time. Additional consumer protection laws may be enacted, and the FDIC, Federal Reserve and CFPB have adopted, and may adopt in the future, new regulations that address, among other things, banks’ credit card, overdraft, collection, privacy and mortgage lending practices. Similarly, changes in Puerto Rico law or actions by the Commissioner may have an impact on FirstBank’s financial condition and activities. Additional consumer protection regulatory activity is possible in the future.
Any proposals and legislation, if finally adopted and implemented, could change banking laws and our operating environment and that of our subsidiaries in ways that would be substantial and unpredictable. We cannot determine whether such proposals and legislation will be adopted, or the ultimate effect that such proposals and legislation, if enacted, or regulations issued to implement the same, would have upon our financial condition or results of operations.
Puerto Rico Income Taxes
Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended (the “2011 PR Code”), the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns and, thus, the Corporation is generally not entitled to utilize losses from one subsidiary to offset gains in another subsidiary. Accordingly, to obtain a tax benefit from a net operating loss (“NOL”), a particular subsidiary must be able to demonstrate sufficient taxable income within the applicable NOL carry-forward period. The 2011 PR Code provides a dividend received deduction of 100% on dividends received from “controlled” subsidiaries subject to taxation in Puerto Rico and 85% on dividends received from other taxable domestic corporations.
On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed Act 257 into law to amend some of the provisions of the of 2011PR Code. Act 257 introduced various changes to the income tax regime in the case of individuals and corporations, and the sales and use taxes, which took effect on January 1, 2019, including, among others: (i) a reduction in the Puerto Rico maximum corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%; (ii) an increase in the net operating and capital losses usage limitation from 80% to 90%; (iii) amendments to the provisions related to “pass-through” entities that provide that corporations that own 50% or more of a partnership will not be able to claim a current or carryover non-partnership NOL deduction against a partnership distributable share, adversely impacting a tax action taken in 2017 under which the Corporation and the Bank were previously allowed to offset pass-through income earned by pass-through entities with non-partnership net operating losses at the parent company level, particularly connection with pass-through income earned by FirstBank Insurance; and (iv) other limitations on certain deductions, such as meals and entertainment deductions.
The Corporation has maintained an effective tax rate lower than the maximum statutory rate in Puerto Rico, which has resulted mainly from investments in government obligations and MBS exempt from U.S. and Puerto Rico income taxes and from doing business through an IBE unit of the Bank, and through the Bank’s subsidiary, FirstBank Overseas Corporation, whose interest income and gain on sales is exempt from Puerto Rico income taxation.
United States Income Taxes
The Corporation is also subject to federal income tax on its income from sources within the United States and on any item of income that is, or is considered to be, effectively connected with the active conduct of a trade or business within the United States. The U.S. Internal Revenue Code provides for tax exemption of any portfolio interest received by a foreign corporation from sources within the United States; therefore, the Corporation is not subject to federal income tax on certain U.S. investments that qualify under the term “portfolio interest.”
On December 22, 2017, the United States president signed H.R.1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts, which was effective on January 1, 2018 and significantly revises individual, business and international taxes and has affected our branch operations in the U.S. and the USVI. The bill includes measures that reduce corporate taxes from 35% to 21%, repeal the corporate alternative minimum tax regime, change business deductions and NOLs, and impose a 15.5% tax on mandatory repatriation of liquid assets, a 10% tax on base erosion payments, and a minimum 10.5% tax on inclusion of global intangible low-tax income by U.S. shareholders, among other significant changes. The main provisions affecting our operations in the U.S. and the USVI include: the change in the tax rate to 21%, the limitation on the amount certain financial institutions, including the Bank, may deduct for premiums paid to the FDIC, and changes in permanent differences, such as meals and entertainment deductions. Other significant provisions, such as the base erosion and anti-abuse tax, do not affect the Corporation’s U.S. and USVI branch operations since these operations’ receipts do not exceed the annual threshold of U.S. effectively connected gross receipts.
Insurance Operations Regulation
FirstBank Insurance Agency is registered as an insurance agency with the Insurance Commissioner of Puerto Rico and is subject to regulations issued by the Insurance Commissioner and the Division of Banking and Insurance Financial Regulation in the USVI relating to, among other things, the licensing of employees and sales and solicitation and advertising practices, and by the Federal Reserve as to certain consumer protection provisions mandated by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and its implementing regulations.
Mortgage Banking Operations
In addition to FDIC and CFPB regulations, FirstBank is subject to the rules and regulations of the FHA, VA, FNMA, FHLMC, GNMA, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) with respect to originating, processing, selling and servicing mortgage loans and the issuance and sale of MBS. Those rules and regulations, among other things, prohibit discrimination and establish underwriting guidelines that include provisions for inspections and appraisals, require credit reports on prospective borrowers and fix maximum loan amounts, and, with respect to VA loans, fix maximum interest rates. Moreover, lenders such as FirstBank are required annually to submit audited financial statements to the FHA, VA, FNMA, FHLMC, GNMA and HUD and each regulatory entity has its own financial requirements. FirstBank’s affairs are also subject to supervision and examination by the FHA, VA, FNMA, FHLMC, GNMA and HUD at all times to assure compliance with applicable regulations, policies and procedures. Mortgage origination activities are subject to, among other requirements, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Federal Truth-in-Lending Act, and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder that, among other things, prohibit discrimination and require the disclosure of certain basic information to mortgagors concerning credit terms and settlement costs. FirstBank is licensed by the Commissioner under the Puerto Rico Mortgage Banking Law, and, as such, is subject to regulation by the Commissioner, with respect to, among other things, licensing requirements and the establishment of maximum origination fees on certain types of mortgage loan products.
Section 5 of the Puerto Rico Mortgage Banking Law requires the prior approval of the Commissioner for the acquisition of control of any mortgage banking institution licensed under such law. For purposes of the Puerto Rico Mortgage Banking Law, the term “control” means the power to direct or influence decisively, directly or indirectly, the management or policies of a mortgage banking institution. The Puerto Rico Mortgage Banking Law provides that a transaction that results in the holding of less than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a mortgage banking institution is not considered to be a change in control.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There follows a discussion about significant risks and uncertainties that could impact the Corporation’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition, including by causing the Corporation’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties, including those not currently known to the Corporation or its management and those that the Corporation or its management currently deems to be immaterial, could also affect the Corporation in a materially adverse way in future periods. Thus, the following should not be considered a complete discussion of all of the risks and uncertainties the Corporation may face. See the discussion under “Forward-Looking Statements,” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risks Related to the BSPR Acquisition
We may not be able to realize the anticipated benefits of the BSPR Acquisition.
Our future growth and profitability depend, in part, on the ability to successfully manage the operations we acquired in the BSPR Acquisition as well as our legacy operations. The success of the BSPR Acquisition will depend on, among other things, the accuracy of our assessment of the quality of the acquired assets, and our ability to realize anticipated cost savings and to integrate the acquired companies in a manner that permits growth opportunities and does not materially disrupt our or the acquired business’s existing customer relationships or result in decreased revenue resulting from any loss of customers. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the BSPR Acquisition may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected.
Loans that we acquired in the BSPR Acquisition may be subject to greater than anticipated impairment.
We have made fair value estimates of certain assets and liabilities in recording the BSPR Acquisition, including loans. Actual values of these loans could differ from our estimates, which could result in the Corporation not achieving the anticipated benefits of the BSPR Acquisition. In addition, BSPR’s loan scoring system was different than ours, and, if the loan portfolio differs from our initial evaluation, we may have to make additional adjustments.
Given the economic conditions in Puerto Rico, we may continue to experience increased credit costs or need to recognize greater than anticipated provisions to increase the ACL on the loans acquired that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in the future.
Our inability to fully integrate BSPR’s business into our operations could adversely affect our operations or results.
Our future growth and profitability depend on our ability to successfully integrate BSPR’s banking operations into our operations. Integration of an acquired business can be complex and costly, sometimes including combining relevant accounting and data processing systems and management controls and policies, as well as managing relevant relationships with employees, clients, suppliers and other business partners. Integration efforts have diverted and could continue to divert management attention and resources, which could adversely affect our operations or results. The loss of key employees in connection with this acquisition could adversely affect our ability to successfully conduct the combined operations. There can be no assurance that any of these executives will choose to continue working with us, or if they do, that we will be able to successfully integrate these executives as part of our management team in the combined business.
The BSPR Acquisition may result in business disruptions that cause us to lose customers or cause customers to move their accounts or business to competing financial institutions. It is possible that the integration process related to the acquisition could disrupt our ongoing business or result in inconsistencies in customer service that could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors and employees. Our inability to overcome these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. There is no assurance that our integration efforts will not result in other unanticipated costs.
We have incurred and expect to incur additional significant costs related to the BSPR Acquisition.
We have incurred and expect to incur certain one-time restructuring charges in connection with the BSPR Acquisition. The substantial majority of non-recurring expenses resulting from the BSPR Acquisition have consisted, and will continue to consist, of transaction costs related to the acquisition, systems conversion costs, financing arrangements and employment-related costs. We also will incur transaction fees and costs related to formulating and implementing integration plans. We continue to assess the magnitude of these costs, and additional unanticipated costs may be incurred in the business integration of the two groups of companies. Although we expect that the elimination of duplicative costs, as well as the realization of other efficiencies or synergies related to the integration of the businesses should allow us to offset incremental transaction and acquisition-related costs over time, this net benefit may not be achieved in the near term, or at all.
Risks Relating to the Corporation’s Business
Our level of non-performing assets may adversely affect our future results from operations.
As of December 31, 2020, we continued to have a high level of nonaccrual loans, even though the level decreased by $5.6 million to $205.1 million as of December 31, 2020, or 2.7%, from $210.7 million as of December 31, 2019. Our nonaccrual loans represent approximately 1.73% of our $11.8 billion loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020. In addition, we had a high level of total non-performing assets, even though they decreased by $23.9 million to $293.5 million as of December 31, 2020, or 7.5%, from $317.4 million as of December 31, 2019. If we are unable to effectively maintain the quality of our loan portfolio, our financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Certain funding sources may not be available to us and our funding sources may prove insufficient and/or costly to replace.
FirstBank relies primarily on customer deposits, the issuance of brokered CDs, and advances from the FHLB of New York to maintain its lending activities and to replace certain maturing liabilities. As of December 31, 2020, we had $216.2 million in brokered CDs outstanding, representing approximately 1% of our total deposits, and a reduction of $218.9 million from the year ended December 31, 2019. Approximately $115.9 million in brokered CDs mature over the twelve months ending December 31, 2021, and the average term to maturity of the retail brokered CDs outstanding as of December 31, 2020 was approximately 1.2 years. None of these CDs are callable at the Corporation’s option.
Although FirstBank has historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances, we may not be able to replace these funds in the future if our financial condition or general market conditions change. The use of brokered deposits has been particularly important for the funding of our operations. If we are unable to issue brokered deposits, or are unable to maintain access to other funding sources, our results of operations and liquidity would be adversely affected.
Alternate sources of funding may carry higher costs than sources currently utilized. If we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources, profitability would be adversely affected.
We may determine to seek debt financing in the future to achieve our long-term business objectives. Additional borrowings, if sought, may not be available to us, or if available, may not be on acceptable terms. The availability of additional financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as market conditions, the general availability of credit, our credit ratings and our credit capacity. In addition, the Bank may seek to sell loans as an additional source of liquidity. If additional financing sources are unavailable or are not available on acceptable terms, our profitability and future prospects could be adversely affected.
We depend on cash dividends from FirstBank to meet our cash obligations.
As a holding company, dividends from FirstBank have provided a substantial portion of our cash flow used to service the interest payments on our TRuPs and other obligations. Our banking subsidiary is limited by law in its ability to make dividend payments and other distributions to us based on its earnings and capital position. A failure by our banking subsidiary to generate sufficient cash flow to make dividend payments to us may have a negative impact on our results of operation and financial condition. Also, a failure by the bank holding company to access sufficient liquidity resources to meet all projected cash needs in the ordinary course of business may have a detrimental impact on our financial condition and ability to compete in the market.
Our allowance for credit losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses, and we may be required to materially increase our allowance, which may adversely affect our capital ratios, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject, among other things, to the risk of loss from loan defaults and foreclosures with respect to the loans we originate and purchase. We recognize periodic credit loss expenses on loans, which leads to reductions in our income from operations, in order to maintain our ACL on loans at a level that our management deems to be appropriate based upon an assessment of the quality of the loan and lease portfolios. Management may fail to accurately estimate the level of loan and lease losses or may have to increase our credit loss expense on loans in the future as a result of new information regarding existing loans, future increases in nonaccrual loans, foreclosure actions and loan modifications, changes in current and expected economic and other conditions affecting borrowers or for other reasons beyond our control. In addition, the bank regulatory agencies periodically review the adequacy of our ACL on loans and may require an increase in the credit loss expense on loans or the recognition of additional classified loans and loan charge-offs, based on judgments that differ from those of management.
The level of the allowance reflects management’s estimates based upon various assumptions and judgments as to specific credit risks, its evaluation of industry concentrations, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions, unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio and, since the beginning of 2020, reasonable and supportable forecasts. The determination of the appropriate level of the ACL on loans inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires management to make significant estimates and judgments regarding current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. If our estimates prove to be incorrect, our ACL on loans may not be sufficient to cover losses in our loan portfolio and our credit loss expense on loans could increase substantially.
The negative economic conditions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted our financial results during 2020 in various respects, including by requiring that we increase our provision for credit losses due to the deterioration on forecasted macroeconomic variables. Although management makes qualitative adjustments to determine an appropriate level of the ACL, changes in macroeconomic variables considered for the reasonable and supportable forecasts, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, may continue to cause significant quarter-to-quarter volatility in loss provisions, and have a significant negative effect on the ACL.
Any such increases in our credit loss expense on loans or any loan losses in excess of our ACL on loans could have a material adverse effect on our future capital ratios, financial condition and results of operations.
The Corporation’s force-placed insurance policies could be disputed by the customer.
The Corporation maintains force-placed insurance policies that have been put into place when a borrower’s insurance policy on a property was canceled, lapsed or was deemed insufficient and the borrower did not secure a replacement policy. A borrower may make a claim against the Corporation under such force-placed insurance policy and the failure of the Corporation to resolve such a claim to the borrower’s satisfaction may result in a dispute between the borrower and the Corporation, which if not adequately resolved, could have an adverse effect on the Corporation.
If all or a significant portion of the unrealized losses in our investment securities portfolio on our consolidated statement of financial condition is determined to be related to credit factors, we would recognize a material charge to our earnings and our capital ratios would be adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2020, we had an ACL on available-for sale debt securities of $1.3 million and an ACL on held-to-maturity debt securities of $8.8 million. Prior to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, credit-related impairment recognized in earnings was reported as part of net gain (loss) on investment securities, rather than as a provision for credit losses, in the consolidated statements of income. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, we recognized a total of $50 thousand and $0.5 million, respectively, in other-than-temporary impairments. To the extent that any portion of the unrealized or unrecognized losses in our investment securities portfolio of approximately $14.3 million as of December 31, 2020 is determined to be related to credit factors, we would recognize a charge to earnings through a provision for credit losses in the quarter during which such determination is made and capital ratios could be adversely affected. Even if we do not determine that the unrealized losses associated with this portfolio is related to credit factors, increases in unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities adversely affect our tangible common equity ratio, which may adversely affect credit rating agency and investor sentiment towards us. Any negative perception also may adversely affect our ability to access the capital or credit markets or might increase our cost of capital. Valuation and credit loss determinations will continue to be affected by external market factors including default rates, severity rates and macro-economic factors.
Downgrades in our credit ratings could further increase the cost of borrowing funds.
The Corporation’s ability to access new non-deposit sources of funding could be adversely affected by downgrades in our credit ratings. The Corporation’s liquidity is to a certain extent contingent upon its ability to obtain external sources of funding to finance its operations. The Corporation’s current credit ratings and any downgrades in such credit ratings can hinder the Corporation’s access to new forms of external funding and/or cause external funding to be more expensive, which could in turn adversely affect results of operations.
Defective and repurchased loans may harm our business and financial condition.
In connection with the sale and securitization of loans, we are required to make a variety of customary representations and warranties relating to the loans sold or securitized. Our obligations with respect to these representations and warranties are generally outstanding for the life of the loan, and relate to, among other things:
 compliance with laws and regulations;
 underwriting standards;
 the accuracy of information in the loan documents and loan files; and
 the characteristics and enforceability of the loan.
A loan that does not comply with the representations and warranties that we make may take longer to sell, may impact our ability to obtain third-party financing for the loan, and may not be saleable or may be saleable only at a significant discount. If such a loan is sold before we detect non-compliance, we may be obligated to repurchase the loan and bear any associated loss directly, or we may be obligated to indemnify the purchaser against any loss, either of which could reduce our cash available for operations and liquidity. Management believes that it has established controls to ensure that loans are originated in accordance with the secondary market’s requirements, but certain employees may make mistakes or may deliberately violate our lending policies.
Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented, our risk management policies and procedures may be inadequate and operational risks could adversely affect our consolidated results of operations.
We may fail to identify and manage risks related to a variety of aspects of our business, including, but not limited to, operational risk, interest-rate risk, trading risk, fiduciary risk, legal and compliance risk, liquidity risk and credit risk. We have adopted and periodically improve various controls, procedures, policies and systems to monitor and manage risk. Any improvements to our controls, procedures, policies and systems, however, may not be adequate to identify and manage the risks in our various businesses. If our risk framework is ineffective, either because it fails to keep pace with changes in the financial markets or our businesses or for other reasons, we could incur losses, suffer reputational damage, or find ourselves out of compliance with applicable regulatory mandates or expectations.
We may also be subject to disruptions from external events, such as the recent cybersecurity incident that we experienced on October 23, 2020, that are wholly or partially beyond our control, which could cause delays or disruptions to operational functions, including information processing and financial market settlement functions. In addition, our customers, vendors and counterparties could suffer from such events. Should these events affect us, or the customers, vendors or counterparties with which we conduct business, our consolidated results of operations could be negatively affected. When we record balance sheet reserves for probable loss contingencies related to operational losses, we may be unable to accurately estimate our potential exposure, and any reserves we establish to cover operational losses may not be sufficient to cover our actual financial exposure, which may have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition for the periods in which we recognize the losses.
Our businesses may be adversely affected by litigation.
We have, in the past, been party to claims and legal actions by our customers, or subject to regulatory supervisory actions by the government on behalf of customers, relating to our performance of fiduciary or contractual responsibilities. In the past, we have also been subject to securities class action litigation by our shareholders and we have also faced employment lawsuits and other legal claims. In any future claims or actions, demands for substantial monetary damages may be asserted against us, resulting in financial liability or an adverse effect on our reputation among investors or on customer demand for our products and services. A securities class action suit against us in the future could result in substantial costs, potential liabilities and the diversion of management’s attention and resources. We may be unable to accurately estimate our exposure to litigation risk when we record balance sheet reserves for probable loss contingencies. As a result, reserves we establish to cover any settlements or judgements may not be sufficient to cover our actual financial exposure, which has occurred in the past and may occur in the future, resulting in a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
In the ordinary course of our business, we are also subject to various regulatory, governmental and law enforcement inquiries, investigations and subpoenas. These may be directed generally to participants in the businesses in which we are involved or may be specifically directed at us. In regulatory enforcement matters, claims for disgorgement, the imposition of penalties and the imposition of other remedial sanctions are possible.
The resolution of legal actions or regulatory matters, when unfavorable, has had, and could in the future have, a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations for the quarter in which such actions or matters are resolved or a reserve is established.
Our businesses may be negatively affected by adverse publicity or other reputational harm.
Our relationships with many of our customers are predicated upon our reputation as a fiduciary and a service provider that adheres to the highest standards of ethics, service quality and regulatory compliance. Adverse publicity, regulatory actions, litigation, operational failures, the failure to meet customer expectations and other issues with respect to one or more of our businesses could materially and adversely affect our reputation, or our ability to attract and retain customers or obtain sources of funding for the same or other businesses. Preserving and enhancing our reputation also depends on maintaining systems and procedures that address known risks and regulatory requirements, as well as our ability to identify and mitigate additional risks that arise due to changes in our businesses, the market places in which we operate, the regulatory environment and customer expectations. If we fail to promptly address matters that bear on our reputation, our reputation may be materially adversely affected and our business may suffer.
Changes in accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board may adversely affect our financial statements.
Our financial statements are subject to the application of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), which are periodically revised and expanded. Accordingly, from time to time, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Changes to financial accounting or reporting standards or interpretations, whether promulgated or required by the FASB or regulators, could also present operational challenges and could require the Corporation to change certain of the assumptions or estimates it previously used in preparing its financial statements, which could negatively impact how it records and reports its financial condition and results of operations generally and/or with respect to particular businesses. For additional information on the key areas for which assumptions and estimates are used in preparing the Corporation’s financial statements, see Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Any impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets may adversely affect our operating results.
If our goodwill or other intangible assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings. Under GAAP, we review our amortizable intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Goodwill and other intangible assets are tested for impairment on an annual basis, and more frequently if events or circumstances lead management to believe the values of goodwill or other intangibles may be impaired. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances, indicating that the carrying value of the goodwill or amortizable intangible assets may not be recoverable, include reduced future cash flow estimates and slower growth rates in the industry.
Based upon an annual comparison, if the estimated fair value of a reporting units exceeds its carrying value, the goodwill impairment evaluation process requires us to make a qualitative assessment of events and circumstances that may affect the fair value of the reporting unit. Actual values may differ significantly from this assessment. Such differences could result in future impairment of goodwill that would, in turn, negatively impact our results of operations and the reporting unit to which the goodwill relates. Given the volatility in economic conditions and equity markets observed during 2020, triggered by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation performed qualitative assessments during the first three quarters of 2020 to determine whether the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic constituted a triggering event that would indicate that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Florida reporting unit was impaired. The Corporation concluded that the COVID-19 event was not a triggering event that required the performance of a quantitative test. With respect to the test for impairment of the goodwill of the Florida reporting unit for 2020, the Corporation bypassed the qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative analysis. Based on analyses under both the market and discounted cash flow approaches, the estimated fair value of the Florida reporting unit well exceeded the carrying amount of the entity, including goodwill as of the evaluation date. As of December 31, 2020, the book value of our goodwill was $38.6 million, which was recorded at the Bank. With respect to the BSPR acquisition, the Corporation concluded that there had been no significant events since the acquisition date related to the reporting units to which the goodwill recorded in connection wit the acquisition was allocated that could indicate potential goodwill impairment.
If an impairment determination is made in a future reporting period, our earnings and book value of goodwill will be reduced by the amount of the impairment. If an impairment loss is recorded, it will have little or no impact on the tangible book value of our Common Stock, or our regulatory capital levels, but such an impairment loss could significantly reduce the Banks’ earnings and thereby restrict the Bank’s ability to make dividend payments to us without prior regulatory approval, because Federal Reserve policy states that the bank holding company dividends should be paid from current earnings.
Recognition of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income by the Bank.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had a deferred tax asset of $329.3 million (net of a valuation allowance of $102.0 million, including a valuation allowance of $59.9 million against the deferred tax assets of the Corporation’s banking subsidiary FirstBank). Under Puerto Rico law, the Corporation and its subsidiaries, including FirstBank, are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns. Accordingly, to obtain a tax benefit from NOLs, a particular subsidiary must be able to demonstrate sufficient taxable income. To obtain the full benefit of the applicable deferred tax asset attributable to NOLs, FirstBank must have sufficient taxable income within the applicable carryforward period. Pursuant to the 2011 PR Code, the carryforward period for NOLs incurred during taxable years that commenced after December 31, 2004 and ended before January 1, 2013 is 12 years; for NOLs incurred during taxable years commencing after December 31, 2012, the carryover period is 10 years. Accounting for income taxes requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against their deferred tax asset based on an assessment of the amount of the deferred tax asset that is more likely than not to be realized. Due to significant estimates utilized in determining the valuation allowance and the potential for changes in facts and circumstances, in the future, the Corporation may not be able to reverse the remaining valuation allowance or may need to increase its current deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
The Corporation’s judgments regarding tax accounting policies and the resolution of tax disputes may impact the Corporation’s earnings and cash flow.
Significant judgment is required in determining the Corporation’s effective tax rate and in evaluating its tax positions. The Corporation provides for uncertain tax positions when such tax positions do not meet the recognition thresholds or measurement criteria prescribed by applicable GAAP.
Fluctuations in federal, state, local and foreign taxes or a change to uncertain tax positions, including related interest and penalties, may impact the Corporation’s effective tax rate. When particular tax matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited and finally resolved. In addition, the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (“PRTD”), the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and the tax authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate may challenge our tax positions and we may estimate and provide for potential liabilities that may arise out of tax audits to the extent that uncertain tax positions fail to meet the recognition standard under applicable GAAP. Unfavorable resolution of any tax matter could increase the effective tax rate and could result in a material increase in our tax expense. Resolution of a tax issue may require the use of cash in the year of resolution.
Changes in the tax laws of multiple jurisdictions can materially affect our operations, tax obligations and effective tax rate.
First BanCorp. is subject to Puerto Rico income tax on its income from all sources. FirstBank is treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. and USVI income tax purposes and is generally subject to U.S. and USVI income tax only on its income from sources within the U.S. and USVI or income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in those regions. The USVI jurisdiction imposes income taxes based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code under the “mirror system” established by the Naval Service Appropriations Act of 1922. However, the USVI jurisdiction also imposes an additional 10% surtax on the USVI tax liability, if any.
These tax laws are complex and subject to different interpretations. We must make judgments and interpretations about the application of these inherently complex tax laws when determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities, and our valuation allowance. In addition, legislative changes, particularly changes in tax laws, could adversely impact our results of operations.
Changes in applicable tax laws in Puerto Rico, the U.S. or other jurisdictions or tax authorities’ new interpretations could result in increases in our overall taxes and the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations may be adversely impacted.
Our ability to use our net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards may be limited.
The Corporation has Puerto Rico, U.S. and USVI sourced NOL carryforwards. Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”) limits the ability to utilize U.S. and USVI NOLs for income tax purposes, respectively, at such jurisdictions following an event of an ownership change. Generally, an “ownership change” occurs when certain shareholders increase their aggregate ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage over a three-year testing period. Section 1034.04(u) of the 2011 PR Code is significantly similar to Section 382. However, Act 60-2019 amended the PR Code to repeal the corporate NOL carryover limitations upon change in control for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2018.
Upon the occurrence of a Section 382 ownership change, the use of NOLs attributable to the period prior to the ownership change is subject to limitations and only a portion of the U.S. and USVI NOLs, as applicable, may be used by the Corporation to offset the annual U.S. and USVI taxable income, if any. In 2017, the Corporation completed a formal ownership change analysis within the meaning of Section 382 covering a comprehensive period, and concluded that an ownership change, for U.S. and USVI purposes only, had occurred during such period. The Section 382 limitation has resulted in higher U.S. and USVI income tax liabilities than we would have incurred in the absence of such limitation.
The CARES Act of 2020 includes several provisions to stimulate the U.S. economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these are tax provisions that temporarily modified the taxable income limitations for NOL usage to offset future taxable income, NOL carryback provisions and other related income and non-income based tax laws. The Corporation has evaluated such provisions and determined that the impact of the CARES Act of 2020 on the income tax provision and deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020 was not significant.
Furthermore, it is possible that the utilization of our U.S. and USVI NOLs could be further limited due to future changes in our stock ownership, as a result of either sales of our outstanding shares or issuances of new shares that could separately or cumulatively trigger an ownership change and, consequently, a Section 382 limitation. Any further Section 382 limitations may result in greater U.S. and USVI tax liabilities than we would incur in the absence of such a limitation and any increased liabilities could adversely affect our earnings and cash flow. We may be able to mitigate the adverse effects associated with a Section 382 limitation in the U.S. and USVI to the extent that we could credit any resulting additional U.S. and USVI tax liability against our tax liability in Puerto Rico. However, our ability to reduce our Puerto Rico tax liability through such a credit or deduction will depend on our tax profile at each annual taxable period, which is dependent on various factors.
Risks Relating to Technology and Cybersecurity
We must respond to rapid technological changes, and these changes may be more difficult or expensive than anticipated. We may also be negatively affected if we fail to identify and address operational risks associated with the introduction of or changes to products and services.
If competitors introduce new products and services embodying new technologies, or if new industry standards and practices emerge, our existing product and service offerings, technology and systems may become obsolete. Furthermore, if we fail to adopt or develop new technologies or to adapt our products and services to emerging industry standards, we may lose current and future customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The financial services industry is changing rapidly and, in order to remain competitive, we must continue to enhance and improve the functionality and features of our products, services and technologies. These changes may be more difficult or expensive to implement than we anticipate.
When we launch a new product or service, introduce a new platform for the delivery or distribution of products or services (including mobile connectivity and cloud computing), or make changes to an existing product or service, we may not fully appreciate or identify new operational risks that may arise from those changes, or we may fail to implement adequate controls to mitigate the risks associated with those changes. Significant failure in this regard could diminish our ability to operate our business or result in potential liability to our customers and third parties, increased operating expenses, weaker competitive standing, and significant reputational, legal and regulatory costs. Any of the foregoing consequences could materially and adversely affect our businesses and results of operations.
Our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, could fail or be breached, as occurred in the recent cybersecurity incident we experienced on October 23, 2020. Any such future incidents could potentially disrupt our business and adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition, as well as cause legal or reputational harm.
The potential for operational risk exposure exists throughout our business and, as a result of our interactions with, and reliance on, third parties, is not limited to our own internal operational functions. Our operational and security systems and infrastructure, including our computer systems, data management, and internal processes, as well as those of third parties, are integral to our performance. We rely on our employees and third parties in our day-to-day and ongoing operations, who may, as a result of human error, misconduct, malfeasance or failure, or breach of our or of third-party systems or infrastructure, expose us to risk.
For example, our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to third parties with whom we interact or upon whom we rely. In addition, our ability to implement backup systems and other safeguards with respect to third-party systems is more limited than with respect to our own systems. In addition, our financial, accounting, data processing, backup, or other operating or security systems and infrastructure may fail to operate properly or become disabled, damaged or otherwise compromised as a result of a number of factors, including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. Such events could adversely affect our ability to process transactions or provide services or could result in the misuse of customer data. These events may include sudden increases in customer transaction volume; electrical, telecommunications, or other major physical infrastructure outages; natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods; disease pandemics; cyber-attacks; and events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters.
In any of such situations, we may need to take our systems offline if they become infected with malware or a computer virus or as a result of another form of cyberattack. For example, on October 23, 2020, we experienced a cybersecurity incident that affected certain of the Corporation’s service channels. In response, the Corporation temporarily limited certain bank services as a preventive action to protect its information and that of its customers. Refer to Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other risk factors herein for additional information regarding the cybersecurity incident and the associated risks. In the event that backup systems are utilized, they may not process data as quickly as our primary systems and some data might not have been saved to backup systems, potentially resulting in a temporary or permanent loss of such data.
We frequently update our systems to support our operations and growth and to remain compliant with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. In addition, we review and strengthen our security systems in response to any cyber incident. Such strengthening entails significant costs and risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones, including potential business interruptions and the risk that this strengthening may not be one-hundred percent effective. Implementation and testing of controls related to our computer systems, security monitoring, and retaining and training personnel required to operate our systems also entail significant costs. Such operational risk exposures could adversely impact our operations, liquidity, and financial condition, as well as cause reputational harm. In addition, we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses from a major interruption.
Further, third parties perform key aspects of our business operations, such as data processing, information security, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, internet connections and network access. While we believe that we have selected these third-party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any significant problems caused by these third parties could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise conduct our business. For example, adverse impacts may arise from a vendor’s failure to: maintain consistently available communication systems, handle current or higher volumes, provide services for any reason, or notify us of an adverse event. A vendor’s poor performance of services may also impact operations. Additionally, if a third-party vendor obtains access to customer account data on our systems, and that party experiences a cyberbreach of its own systems or misappropriates that data, this could result in a variety of negative outcomes for the Corporation and our customers, including heightened risk that external parties will be able to execute fraudulent transactions using our systems, losses from fraudulent transactions, as well as potential liability for such losses, increased operational costs to remediate the consequences of the third-party vendor’s security breach and harm to the Corporation’s reputation arising from the perception that our systems may not be secure. In addition, financial or operational difficulties of a third-party vendor could also hurt our operations if those difficulties interfere with the vendor’s ability to serve us. Replacing these third-party vendors could also create significant delay and expense. Accordingly, use of such third parties creates an inherent risk to our business operations.
Cyber-attacks, system risks and data protection breaches could adversely affect our ability to conduct business, manage our exposure to risk or expand our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, increase our costs to maintain and update our operational and security systems and infrastructure, and present significant reputational, legal and regulatory costs.
Our business is highly dependent on the security, controls and efficacy of our infrastructure, computer and data management systems, as well as those of our customers, suppliers, and other third parties. To access our network, products and services, our employees, customers, suppliers, and other third parties, including downstream service providers, the financial services industry and financial data aggregators, with whom we interact, on whom we rely or who have access to our customers' personal or account information, increasingly use personal mobile devices or computing devices that are outside of our network and control environments and are subject to their own cybersecurity risks. Our business relies on effective access management and the secure collection, processing, transmission, storage and retrieval of confidential, proprietary, personal and other information in our computer and data management systems and networks, and in the computer and data management systems and networks of third parties.
Information security risks for financial institutions have significantly increased in recent years, especially given the increasing sophistication and activities of organized computer criminals, hackers, and terrorists and our expansion of online customer services to better meet our customer’s needs. These threats may derive from fraud or malice on the part of our employees or third-party providers, or may result from human error or accidental technological failure. These threats include cyber-attacks, such as computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, phishing attacks, denial of service attacks or other security breach tactics that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss, destruction or theft of confidential, proprietary and other information, including intellectual property, of ours, our employees, our customers or of third parties, damages to systems, or otherwise material disruption to our or our customers’ or other third parties’ network access or business operations, both domestically and internationally.
On October 23, 2020, we experienced a cybersecurity incident that affected certain of the Corporation’s service channels. As a result of the incident and the security protocols that we activated to protect the Corporation’s information and that of its customers, certain bank services were temporarily suspended for our customers. We restored normal operations shortly thereafter and did not experience any material day-to-day impact from the temporary suspension. The investigation into the incident is substantially complete and no evidence of misuse of personal information has been identified. While we expect to send regulatory-required notices, in accordance with local laws, related to potential exposure of personal information of affected individuals, we believe that the incident has been contained and we do not expect the incident to have a material impact on our business, operations or financial condition. Nevertheless, there can be no guarantee that we will not experience material adverse effects, such as loss of customer confidence, further disruptions in our operations, or remediation, mitigation, compliance or legal costs.
We have a robust and thorough Information Security Program that continuously monitors cyber-related risks and ultimately ensures protection for the processing, transmission and storage of confidential, proprietary and other information in our computer systems and networks. Furthermore, a formal vendor management program is in place to oversee third-party and vendor risks. The Corporation’s system of internal controls also incorporates an organization-wide protocol for the appropriate reporting and escalation of information security matters to management and the Corporation’s Board of Directors, to ensure effective and efficient resolution and, if necessary, disclosure of any matters. The Corporation’s Board of Directors is actively engaged in the oversight of the Corporation’s continuous efforts to reinforce and enhance its operational resilience.
Future attacks or breaches could lead to other security breaches of the networks, systems or devices that our customers use to access our integrated products and services, which, in turn, could result in unauthorized disclosure, release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information (including account data information) or data security compromises. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify or enhance our protective measures, investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities or incidents and develop our capabilities to respond and recover. Cyber threats are rapidly changing, and despite substantial efforts to protect the integrity of our systems and implement controls, processes, policies and other protective measures, we may not be able to anticipate future cyber-attacks or information or security breaches, nor may we be able to implement effective preventive or defensive measures to address such attacks or breaches. The extent of a particular cyberattack and the steps that the Corporation may need to take to investigate such attack may not be immediately clear, and it could take considerable additional time for us to determine the scope, extent, amount, and type of information compromised, at which time the impact on the Corporation and measures to recover and restore to a business as usual state may be difficult to assess. These factors may also inhibit our ability to provide full and reliable information about the cyberattack to our customers, third-party vendors and regulators, as well as the public. Even the most advanced internal control environment is vulnerable to compromise. Internal access management failures could result in the compromise or unauthorized exposure of confidential data. Targeted social engineering attacks are becoming more sophisticated and are extremely difficult to prevent.
A successful penetration or circumvention of our system security, such as from the incident we recently experienced, could cause us serious negative consequences. These include the following potential future risks: loss of customers and business opportunities; costs associated with maintaining business relationships after an attack or breach; business or operational disruption; disruptions of new business opportunities; misappropriation, exposure, or destruction of our confidential information, intellectual property, funds, and/or those of our customers; and damage to our or our customers’ and/or third parties’ computers or systems. In addition, these adverse consequences could result in the following legal risks: a violation of applicable data protection and privacy laws, including federal and state regulations, and other laws; litigation exposure; regulatory investigations or actions; fines, penalties or interventions; loss of confidence in our security measures; reputational damage; reimbursement or other compensatory costs; and additional compliance costs.
Any of these adverse consequences could adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. In addition, the Corporation carries insurance, including cyber insurance, which it believes to be commensurate with its size and the nature of its operations. Despite our current evaluation and preparation, our insurance policies may not be adequate to compensate us for the potential costs and other losses arising from cyber attacks, failures of information technology systems, or security breaches, and such insurance policies may not be available to us in the future on economically reasonable terms, or at all.
Risks Relating to the Business Environment and Our Industry
The currently evolving situation related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a material adverse effect and may continue to have a materially adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
On March 11, 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and, since then, COVID-19 has spread widely to many countries and caused significant disruption in economic activity, including in the markets in which the Corporation operates. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 15, 2020, Puerto Rico’s Governor issued several executive orders including, among other things, a stay-at-home mandate, the lockdown of non-essential businesses, nightly curfew, use of protective equipment, such as face masks, maintenance of a distance of at least six feet between citizens and limitations for travelers entering Puerto Rico. While the Puerto Rico government has since implemented a gradual reopening plan and substantially all parts of the economy of Puerto Rico have reopened, guidelines continue to affect how individuals interact and how businesses and government operate and, the operations and financial results of the Corporation have been and could continue to be adversely affected. Most industries have and will experience adverse impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the hospitality, office and retail real estate industries. The Corporation’s exposure to these industries represented approximately 28% of the total construction and commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2020.
The Corporation’s businesses in the other jurisdictions in which it operates have also been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 26, 2020, Florida’s Governor issued a stay-at-home order, and the state began to reopen essential operations through a phase-in process on May 4, 2020. On September 25, 2020, the state of Florida moved into the third and final phase of its reopening plan that essentially lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and other businesses across the state. Additionally, in the USVI, the government issued a stay-at-home order on March 23, 2020, which was subsequently extended until May 3, 2020. The USVI tourism-based economy reopened its borders for a second time on September 19, 2020, allowing access to both U.S. citizens and international tourists. The USVI in now in their “Safer at Home” phase of its COVID-19 path to a new normal, meaning that nonessential businesses can operate. In the BVI, the borders were closed to tourism for approximately nine months in 2020 and the BVI was among the last jurisdictions in the Caribbean to reopen its borders to commercial air traffic. On December 1, 2020, the government began its third phase in the border reopening process allowing international travel and the re-opening of the tourism industry albeit with strict restrictions in place, including multiple tests and full four-day quarantine. Additionally, seaports in the BVI remain closed and are set to reopen on March 1st, 2021.
Financial results for year ended December 31, 2020 were adversely affected by, among other things, a $171.0 million provision for credit losses. While the reserves required for non-PCD loans acquired in the BSPR acquisition resulted in a $38.9 million charge, the remaining charges to the provision were largely related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted economic and market conditions. In addition, the various stay-at-home and lockdown orders resulted in reductions in the Corporation’s transaction fee income, such as that from credit and debit cards, automated teller machines, and point-of-sale transactions, and an increase in deposit balances resulting from stimulus benefits received by customers, which requires the Corporation to maintain higher liquidity levels. Further, the Corporation implemented payment deferral programs to alleviate the hardships being experienced by the Corporation’s borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and market conditions, the U.S. government and local governments have enacted stimulus packages and other programs and forms of relief, such as the SBA PPP program established by the CARES Act of 2020. It is possible that governments, regulatory authorities and central banks will implement additional stimulus packages or other programs or forms of relief. Loans that the Corporation grants under the SBA PPP are at below market interest rates, contributing to a reduction in the Corporation’s net interest margin. There can be no guarantee of the effect that existing or any future such regulatory actions will have on the Corporation, its customers or the economy. The Corporation’s participation in the SBA PPP and any other such programs or stimulus packages may give rise to claims, including by governments, regulators or customers or through class action lawsuits, or judgments against the Corporation that may result in the payment of damages or the imposition of fines, penalties or restrictions by regulatory authorities, or result in reputational harm. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s results of operations or financial condition.
Depending upon the severity and duration of COVID-19’s impact or the success of any COVID-19 vaccination programs, it is possible that the pandemic may lead to a prolonged economic downturn. If that should occur, the pandemic will likely continue to have an adverse effect on the Corporation by, among other things, altering consumers’ spending, borrowing and saving habits and reducing investor confidence, increasing the probability of default on existing loans and any new loan issuances or additional loan modifications, decreasing demand for the Corporation’s products and services, increasing volatility in the financial markets and lowering interest rates, all of which would result in lower revenues and earnings and adversely affect the Corporation’s cash flow. Moreover, it is also possible that U.S. government and international banking regulatory authorities will implement additional or more stringent regulations on financial institutions, such as by increasing capital or leverage ratio requirements. The continuance or exacerbation of any of these factors could materially adversely affect our liquidity, net income, credit qualities, credit losses, availability of and access to funding sources, and overall results of operations or financial condition.
The Corporation’s credit quality and the value of our portfolio of Puerto Rico government securities has been and in the future may be adversely affected by Puerto Rico’s economic condition, and may be affected by actions taken by the Puerto Rico government or the PROMESA oversight board to address the ongoing fiscal and economic challenges in Puerto Rico.
A significant portion of our financial activities and credit exposure is concentrated in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which has been in an economic recession since 2006. Based on the most recent fiscal plan certified by the PROMESA oversight board on May 27, 2020, Puerto Rico’s real GNP is estimated to have contracted by 4.0% in fiscal year 2020 with a limited recovery of 0.5% in the fiscal year of 2021, followed by negative real GNP growth in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 supported by the federal and local relief funds related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and earthquakes. However, as stated in the certified fiscal plan, there remains considerable uncertainty about the ultimate duration and magnitude of the pandemic and thus the size of the economic losses. The certified fiscal plan estimated that over 401,000 Puerto Rico residents (including self-employed residents) would file for unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic with unemployment claims beginning to decline in June 2020 through fiscal year 2021, however, unemployment levels at the end of fiscal year 2021 were projected to be five percentage points higher than at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The certified fiscal plan accounts for the impact of federal funds granted through several government programs, including the CARES Act of 2020 and a $787 million local package of direct assistance to workers and businesses (the “Puerto Rico COVID-19 Stimulus Package”), which disbursements were forecasted to occur between fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021. Several U.S. government programs (the principal being the CARES Act of 2020) are estimated to provide aid to Puerto Rico and its residents of approximately $13.9 billion, which are primarily allocated for direct payments to Puerto Rico residents ($3.0 billion), relief to state and local governments ($2.2 billion), additional unemployment benefits ($3.5 billion) and the SBA PPP program ($1.7 billion). Similar to previous versions, the certified fiscal plan provides a roadmap for a series of fiscal and structural reforms in areas such as: (i) human capital and labor; (ii) ease of doing business; (iii) power sector reform; and (iv) infrastructure reform, and other fiscal measures; however, the certified fiscal plan provides a one-year delay in most categories of government rightsizing to allow the government to focus its efforts on implementation of efficiency reforms.
Despite the overall fiscal and structural reforms, as well as the economic stimulus created by these packages, the certified fiscal plan forecasts a central government pre-contractual debt service deficit starting in fiscal year 2032, six years earlier than the previous certified fiscal plan projection, and a total primary surplus of about $8 billion between fiscal years 2020 and 2032, a 65% reduction when compared to the previous certified fiscal plan figure of $23 billion. However, before measures and structural reforms (i.e., the “baseline forecast”), the certified plan estimates a pre-contractual debt service deficit for all years of the certified fiscal plan. The Government of Puerto Rico is expected to submit a revised Fiscal Plan to the PROMESA oversight board for review by February 20, 2021. This plan is anticipated to take into consideration the latest pandemic relief funding announcements.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $394.8 million of direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government, its municipalities and public corporations, compared to $204.5 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $201.5 million of the exposure consisted of loans and obligations of municipalities in Puerto Rico that are supported by assigned property tax revenues and for which, in most cases, the good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power of the applicable municipality have been pledged to their repayment, and $133.9 million consisted of municipal revenue and special obligation bonds. Approximately 70% of the Corporation’s exposure to Puerto Rico municipalities consisted primarily of senior priority obligations concentrated in four of the largest municipalities in Puerto Rico. The municipalities are required by law to levy special property taxes in such amounts as are required for the payment of all of their respective general obligation bonds and notes. During the second quarter of 2019, the PROMESA oversight board announced the designation of the Commonwealth’s 78 municipalities as covered instrumentalities under PROMESA. Meanwhile, the latest fiscal plan certified by the PROMESA oversight board did not contemplate a restructuring of the debt of Puerto Rico’s municipalities, but the plan did call for the gradual elimination of budgetary subsidies provided to municipalities. Furthermore, municipalities are also likely to be affected by the negative economic and other effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as expense, revenue or cash management measures taken to address the Puerto Rico government’s fiscal problems and measures included in fiscal plans of other government entities. In addition to municipalities, the total direct exposure also included $13.6 million in loans to an affiliate of PREPA, $41.8 million in loans to an agency of the Puerto Rico central government, and obligations of the Puerto Rico government, specifically a residential pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA, at an amortized cost of $4.0 million as part of its available-for-sale investment securities portfolio (fair value of $2.9 million as of December 31, 2020).
In addition, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $106.5 million in exposure to residential mortgage loans that are guaranteed by the PRHFA, compared to $106.9 million as of December 31, 2019. Residential mortgage loans guaranteed by the PRHFA are secured by the underlying properties and the guarantees serve to cover shortfalls in collateral in the event of a borrower default. The Puerto Rico government guarantees up to $75 million of the principal for all loans under the mortgage loan insurance program. According to the most recently released audited financial statements of the PRHFA, as of June 30, 2016, the PRHFA’s mortgage loans insurance program covered loans in an aggregate amount of approximately $576 million. The regulations adopted by the PRHFA require the establishment of adequate reserves to guarantee the solvency of the mortgage loan insurance fund. As of June 30, 2016, the most recent date as to which information is available, the PRHFA had a restricted net position for such purposes of approximately $77.4 million.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $1.8 billion of public sector deposits in Puerto Rico, compared to $826.9 million as of December 31, 2019. Approximately 23% of the public sector deposits as of December 31, 2020 is from municipalities and municipal agencies in Puerto Rico and 77% is from public corporations, the central government and agencies, and U.S. federal government agencies in Puerto Rico.
Further deterioration in economic activity, delays in the receipt of disaster relief funds allocated to Puerto Rico, and the potential impact on asset values resulting from past or future natural disaster events, when added to Puerto Rico’s ongoing fiscal crisis and recession, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and capital position.
Difficult market conditions have affected the financial industry and may adversely affect us in the future.
Given that most of our business is in Puerto Rico and the U.S. and given the degree of interrelation between Puerto Rico’s economy and that of the U.S., we are exposed to downturns in the U.S. economy, including factors such as unemployment and underemployment levels in the U.S. and real estate valuations. The deterioration of these conditions adversely affected us in the past and, in the future could adversely affect the credit performance of mortgage loans, and result in significant write-downs of asset values by financial institutions, including government-sponsored entities as well as major commercial banks and investment banks.
In particular, we may face the following risks:
 Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of our customers may be impaired if the models and approaches we use to select, manage, and underwrite the loans become less predictive of future behaviors.
 The models used to estimate losses inherent in the credit exposure, particularly those under CECL, which took effect on January 1, 2020, require difficult, subjective, and complex judgments, including forecasts of economic conditions and how these economic predictions might impair the ability of the borrowers to repay their loans, which may no longer be capable of accurate estimation and which may, in turn, impact the reliability of the models.
 Our ability to borrow from other financial institutions or to engage in sales of mortgage loans to third parties (including mortgage loan securitization transactions with government-sponsored entities and repurchase agreements) on favorable terms, or at all, could be adversely affected by further disruptions in the capital or credit markets or other events, including deteriorating investor expectations.
 Competitive dynamics in the industry could change as a result of consolidation of financial services companies in connection with current market conditions.
 Expected future regulation of our industry may increase our compliance costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.
 There may be downward pressure on our stock price.
Any future deterioration of economic conditions in the U.S. and disruptions in the financial markets could adversely affect our ability to access capital, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, the residential mortgage loan origination business has historically been cyclical, enjoying periods of strong growth and profitability followed by periods of shrinking volumes and industry-wide losses. During periods of rising interest rates, the refinancing of many mortgage products tends to decrease as the economic incentives for borrowers to refinance their existing mortgage loans are reduced. In addition, the residential mortgage loan origination business is impacted by home values.
The actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on loans have been higher during the economic slowdown in the U.S. in the late 2000s and early 2010s and in Puerto Rico since 2006. Unemployment, volatile interest rates and declines in housing prices have had a negative effect on the ability of borrowers to repay their mortgage loans. Any sustained period of increased delinquencies, foreclosures or losses could adversely affect our ability to sell loans, the prices we receive for loans, the values of mortgage loans held for sale or residual interests in securitizations, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any additional material decline in real estate values would further weaken the loan-to-value ratios and increase the possibility of loss if a borrower defaults. In such event, we will be subject to the risk of loss on such real estate arising from borrower defaults to the extent not covered by third-party credit enhancement.
Continuation of the economic slowdown and decline in the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands could continue to harm our results of operations.
For many years, the USVI has been experiencing a number of fiscal and economic challenges that have deteriorated the overall financial and economic conditions in the area. According to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis (“BEA”), real gross domestic product (“GDP”) estimates show that the economy grew by 1.5% in 2018 after contracting at a compounded annual rate of 1.2% between 2012 and 2017. Growth in 2018 was primarily driven by consumer spending, private fixed investment and government spending, reflecting the influx of federal disaster recovery funding in the aftermath of the two major hurricanes in 2017. Although the USVI government expects this expansionary trend to be reflected in the 2019 GDP estimates, the external economic threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect growth in the short term. According to the USVI government, the results of a COVID-19 pandemic plan and other fiscal policy changes will not be evident until much later in fiscal year 2021 and beyond.
Similar to Puerto Rico, the USVI government has been processing stimulus checks and unemployment compensation checks. According to information published by the USVI government, as of January 31, 2021, the government had issued 52,908 unemployment insurance checks and an additional 29,348 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation checks, totaling approximately $93.6 million. In addition, as of January 31, 2021, the Virgin Islands Department of Labor had issued $13.1 million in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to self-employed individuals. Furthermore, as of August 8, 2020, the government announced that 2,057 applications from Virgin Islands businesses have been approved for the SBA PPP, totaling more than $126.4 million.
On February 21, 2020, Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) announced the completion of its periodic review of ratings of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“VI WAPA”). The Caa2 senior electric revenue bonds rating is constrained by VI WAPA’s limited unrestricted liquidity sources and unsustainable debt load, including its substantial unfunded pension liabilities, according to the rating agency. On May 28, 2020, Moody’s announced the completion of its periodic rating review of the USVI government. Despite the recent improvement in the government’s liquidity and short-term financial position, the Caa3 rating reflects the risk that the reemergence of a significant structural deficit, combined with the expected insolvency of the Government Employees’ Retirement System (“GERS”), will lead the government to restructure its debt.
On September 28, 2020, the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands announced that the $1 billion Internal Revenue Matching Fund securitization transaction had been suspended. On December 21, 2020, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the call of the 33rd Legislature back into Special Session to re-address his proposal to refinance the Government of the Virgin Islands’ debt to obtain a better interest rate and generate funds from the savings that can be used to shore up the GERS or any other use for the funds that the Senate chooses.
PROMESA does not apply to the USVI and, as such, there is currently no federal legislation permitting the restructuring of the debts of the USVI and its public corporations and instrumentalities. To the extent that the fiscal condition of the USVI government continues to deteriorate, the U.S. Congress or the government of the USVI may enact legislation allowing for the restructuring of the financial obligations of the USVI government entities or imposing a stay on creditor remedies, including by making PROMESA applicable to the USVI.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $61.8 million in loans to USVI government instrumentalities and public corporations, compared to $64.1 million as of December 31, 2019. Of the amount outstanding as of December 31, 2020, public corporations of the USVI owed approximately $38.6 million and an independent instrumentality of the USVI government owed approximately $23.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, all loans were currently performing and up to date on principal and interest payments.
With respect to the BVI region, the government has indicated that the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is felt most strongly in the tourism sector, which accounts for roughly one third of its GDP. Recent reports published by the BVI government projects a GDP decline of 13% to 17% in 2020, given the prevailing conditions in the tourism sector. In the BVI, the borders were closed to tourism for approximately nine months in 2020 and was among the last to reopen its border to commercial air traffic. On December 1, 2020, the government began its third phase in the border reopening process allowing international travel and the re-opening of the tourism industry albeit with strict restrictions in place, including multiple tests and a mandatory four-day quarantine. Additionally, seaports in the BVI remain closed and are set to reopen on March 1, 2021. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had loans totaling $151.0 million with exposure to the BVI region, primarily residential mortgage and commercial mortgage loans, of which $16.4 million are in nonaccrual status.
Further deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and capital position.
Credit quality may result in additional losses.
The quality of our loans has continued to be under pressure as a result of continued recessionary conditions in the Puerto Rico region that have led to, among other things, high unemployment levels, low absorption rates for new residential construction projects and declines in property values. Our business depends on the creditworthiness of our customers and counterparties and the value of the assets securing our loans or underlying our investments. A material decrease in the credit quality of the customer base or material changes in the risk profile of a market, industry or group of customers could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, allowance levels, asset impairments, liquidity, capital and results of operations.
We had a commercial and construction loan portfolio held for investment in the amount of $5.6 billion as of December 31, 2020. Due to their nature, these loans entail a higher credit risk than consumer and residential mortgage loans, since they are larger in size, concentrate more risk in a single borrower and are generally more sensitive to economic downturns. Furthermore, given the slowdown in the real estate market, it may be difficult to dispose of the properties securing these loans upon any foreclosure of the properties. We may incur losses over the near term, either because of continued deterioration in the quality of loans or because of sales of problem loans, which would likely accelerate the recognition of losses. Any such losses could adversely impact our overall financial performance and results of operations.
Changes in collateral values of properties located in stagnant or distressed economies may require increased reserves.
Further deterioration of the value of real estate collateral securing our construction, commercial and residential mortgage loan portfolios, whether located in Puerto Rico or elsewhere, would result in increased credit losses. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 2%, 19% and 30% of our loan portfolio held for investment consisted of construction, commercial mortgage and residential real estate loans, respectively.
Whether the collateral that underlies our loans is located in Puerto Rico, the USVI, the BVI, or the U.S. mainland, the performance of our loan portfolio and the collateral value backing the transactions are dependent upon the performance of, and conditions within, each specific real estate market. Puerto Rico, where most of the collateral is located, has been in an economic recession since 2006. Sustained weak economic conditions that have affected Puerto Rico over the last several years have resulted in declines in collateral values. Construction and commercial loans, mostly secured by commercial and residential real estate properties, entail a higher credit risk than consumer and residential mortgage loans since they are larger in size, may have less collateral coverage, concentrate more risk in a single borrower and are generally more sensitive to economic downturns. As of December 31, 2020, our commercial mortgage and construction real estate loans held for investment in Puerto Rico amounted to $1.9 billion, or 76% of the total $2.4 billion commercial mortgage and construction real estate loan portfolios, which constituted 21% of the total loan portfolio held for investment.
We measure credit losses for collateral dependent loans based on the fair value of the collateral, which is generally obtained from appraisals, adjusted for undiscounted selling costs as appropriate. Updated appraisals are obtained when we determine that loans are collateral dependent and are updated annually thereafter. In addition, appraisals are also obtained for certain residential mortgage loans on a spot basis based on specific characteristics, such as delinquency levels, and age of the appraisal. The appraised value of the collateral may decrease, or we may not be able to recover collateral at its appraised value. A significant decline in collateral valuations for collateral dependent loans has required and, in the future, may require, increases in our credit loss expense on loans. Any such increase would have an adverse effect on our future financial condition and results of operations.
Interest rate shifts, such as increases in interest rates may reduce demand for mortgage and other loans, may reduce net interest income.
Shifts in short-term interest rates have reduced net interest income in the past and, in the future, may reduce net interest income, which is the principal component of our earnings. Net interest income is the difference between the amounts received by us on our interest-earning assets and the interest paid by us on our interest-bearing liabilities. Differences in the re-pricing structure of our assets and liabilities may result in changes in our profits when interest rates change. For instance, higher interest rates increase the cost of mortgage and other loans to consumers and businesses and may reduce future demand for such loans, which may negatively impact our profits by reducing the amount of loan interest income due to declines in volume.
Additionally, basis risk is the risk of adverse consequences resulting from unequal changes in the difference, also referred to as the “spread” or basis, between the rates for two or more different instruments with the same maturity and occurs when market rates for different financial instruments or the indices used to price assets and liabilities change at different times or by different amounts. For example, the interest expense for liability instruments might not change by the same amount as interest income received from loans or investments. To the extent that the interest rates on loans and borrowings change at different rates and by different amounts, the margin between our variable rate-based assets and the cost of the interest-bearing liabilities might be compressed and adversely affect net interest income.
Accelerated prepayments may adversely affect net interest income.
In general, fixed-income portfolio yields decrease if pre-payment amounts are invested at lower rates. Net interest income could also be affected by prepayments of MBS. Acceleration in the prepayments of MBS would lower yields on these securities, as the amortization of premiums paid upon the acquisition of these securities would accelerate. Conversely, acceleration in the prepayments of MBS would increase yields on securities purchased at a discount, as the accretion of the discount would accelerate. These risks are directly linked to future period market interest rate fluctuations. Also, net interest income in future periods might be affected by our investment in callable securities because decreases in interest rates might prompt the early redemption of such securities.
The discontinuation of LIBOR after 2021 could adversely affect the interest rates we pay or receive, could prompt regulatory questions, result in costly disputes about relevant alternative interest rates and require costly systems and analytics changes.
In July 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), which regulates LIBOR, publicly announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit information to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021. The announcement indicated that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis is not assured after 2021. In December 2020, the ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), which is LIBOR’s administrator, released a consultation that requested feedback on its intention to cease the publication of 1-Week and 2-Month USD LIBOR on December 31, 2021 and the Overnight, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 Month USD LIBOR on June 30, 2023. The consultation was open for feedback until January 25, 2021, and the IBA will provide the feedback results to the FCA and publish a feedback statement.
Significant amounts of loans, mortgages, securities, derivatives and other financial instruments are referenced to LIBOR, and any inability of market participants and regulators to successfully introduce benchmark rates to replace LIBOR and implement effective transitional arrangements to address the discontinuation of LIBOR could result in disruption in the financial markets. Therefore, regulators and market participants in various jurisdictions have been working to recommend alternative rates to LIBOR for each respective currency that are compliant with the International Organization of Securities Commission’s standards for transaction-based benchmarks. In the U.S., a group of market participants convened by the Federal Reserve, the Alternative Reference Rate Committee (“AARC”), identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) as its recommended alternative to LIBOR. The Federal Reserve started to publish the SOFR in April 2018. The SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of overnight borrowings collateralized by Treasury securities in the repurchase agreement market. During 2021, the ARRC plans to develop a SOFR reference rate term structure as liquidity increases in the SOFR derivatives market. At this time, it is uncertain whether SOFR will become the alternative reference rate to LIBOR. The market transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate, such as SOFR, is complex and could have a range of adverse effects on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, any such transition could:
 Adversely affect the interest rates received or paid on, the revenue and expenses associated with or the value of the Corporation’s LIBOR-based assets and liabilities, which include certain variable rate loans, primarily commercial and construction loans, private label MBSs, the Corporation’s junior subordinated debentures, and certain other financial arrangements such as derivatives. As of December 31, 2020, the most significant of the Corporation’s LIBOR-based assets and liabilities consists of $2.0 billion of commercial and construction loans (approximately 39% of the Corporation’s commercial and construction loan portfolio, excluding SBA PPP loans), approximately $73 million of U.S. agencies debt securities and private label MBS held as part of the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio, $151.5 million of Puerto Rico municipalities bonds held as part of the Corporation’s held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio, and $183.8 million of junior subordinated debentures;
 Prompt inquiries or other actions from regulators in respect of the Corporation’s preparation and readiness for the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate; and
 Result in disputes, litigation or other actions with counterparties regarding the interpretation and enforceability of certain fallback language in LIBOR-based contracts.
The transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate will require the transition to, or development of, appropriate systems and analytics to effectively transition the Corporation’s risk management and other processes from LIBOR-based products to those based on the applicable alternative reference rate, such as SOFR. The Corporation has developed a LIBOR Transition Working Group (“LTWG”) to define the scope and potential impact that the replacement of LIBOR will have across the Corporation's LIBOR-based assets and liabilities outstanding overseen by the Corporation’s Management Investments & Asset-Liability Committee and the Board of Directors Asset-Liability Committee. The LTWG is composed by officers of the major areas affected, including: Treasury, Legal, Corporate Loans, Credit, Operations, Systems, Asset-Liability Management, Risk, Accounting, Financial Reporting, Public Relations, and Strategic Planning, which together, developed a LIBOR Transition workplan and timetable of their respective areas; identifying the systems, models, and applications impacted by the transition; and the resources necessary for the transition. The Corporation’s transition efforts to date include, among others, the ongoing implementation of fallback provisions that provide for the determination of an alternative reference rate for loans tied to LIBOR and the adherence to the LIBOR Fallbacks Protocol of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”). The Corporation is planning to adopt further fallback provisions recommended by the ARRC for loans referenced to LIBOR. There can be no guarantee that these efforts will successfully mitigate the operational risks associated with the transition away from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate.
The manner and impact of the transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate, as well as the effect of these developments on our funding costs, loan and investment securities portfolios, asset-liability management, and business, is uncertain.
The failure of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.
Our ability to engage in routine financing transactions could be adversely affected by future failures of financial institutions and the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. We have exposure to different industries and counterparties and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, investment companies and other institutional clients. In certain of these transactions, we are required to post collateral to secure the obligations to the counterparties. In the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding involving one of such counterparties, we may experience delays in recovering the assets posted as collateral, or we may incur a loss to the extent that the counterparty was holding collateral in excess of the obligation to such counterparty or under other circumstances.
In addition, many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by our counterparty or client. The credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due to us. Any losses resulting from our routine funding transactions may materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Risk Relating to the Regulation of Our Industry
We are subject to certain regulatory restrictions that may adversely affect our operations.
We are subject to supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC. We are a bank holding company and a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Bank is also subject to supervision and regulation by the Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions.
Under federal law, financial holding companies are permitted to engage in a broader range of “financial” activities than those permitted to bank holding companies that are not financial holding companies. A financial holding company that ceases to meet certain standards is subject to a variety of restrictions, depending on the circumstances, including the prohibition from undertaking new activities or acquiring shares or control of other companies. If we fail to comply with the requirements from our regulators, we may become subject to regulatory enforcement action and other adverse regulatory actions that might have a material and adverse effect on our operations.
The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured depository institutions up to certain limits (currently, $250,000 per depositor account). The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the DIF. In the event of a bank failure, the FDIC takes control of a failed bank and, if necessary, pays all insured deposits up to the statutory deposit insurance limits using the resources of the DIF. The FDIC is required by law to maintain adequate funding of the DIF, and the FDIC may increase premium assessments to maintain such funding. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the FDIC to increase the DIF’s reserves against future losses, which will require institutions with assets greater than $10 billion, such as FirstBank, to bear an increased responsibility for funding the prescribed reserve to support the DIF.
The FDIC may increase FirstBank’s premiums or impose additional assessments or prepayment requirements in the future. The Dodd-Frank Act removed the statutory cap for the reserve ratio, leaving the FDIC free to set this cap going forward.
Our compensation practices are subject to oversight by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC. Any deficiencies in our compensation practices may be incorporated into our supervisory ratings, which can affect our ability to make acquisitions or perform other actions. In addition, the regulation of our compensation practices may change in the future.
Our compensation practices are subject to oversight by the Federal Reserve Board and the FDIC. As discussed above, the Corporation currently is subject to the 2010 interagency guidance governing the incentive compensation activities of regulated banks and bank holding companies. Our failure to satisfy these restrictions and guidelines could expose us to adverse regulatory criticism, lowered supervisory ratings, and restrictions on our operations and acquisition activities. In addition, the federal banking agencies have proposed regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act that place restrictions on the incentive compensation practices of banking organizations with $1 billion or more in assets.
The scope and content of the U.S. banking regulators’ policies on executive compensation are continuing to develop and are likely to continue evolving in the future. It cannot be determined at this time whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect the ability of the Corporation and its subsidiaries to hire, retain and motivate their key employees.
The recent change in administration and control of the U.S. Senate may cause regulatory uncertainty that may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Trump administration’s legislative agenda and administrative mandates included certain deregulatory measures for the U.S. financial services industry, including changes to the Volcker Rule, the U.S. Risk Retention Rules, the Basel III capital requirements, the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Stability Oversight Council’s (the “FSOC’s”) authority and other aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act. On January 21, 2021, Joe Biden was sworn in as the U.S. president, and the Democratic Party obtained an equal number of seats in the U.S. Senate as the Republican Party, as well as maintained control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Many expect that the Biden administration will pursue stronger consumer financial protections, and it may act to overturn some of the prior Trump deregulatory initiatives; however, the legislative and regulatory agendas, as they relate to the financial services industry and the economy as a whole, of the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress currently remain uncertain.
Furthermore, we and our subsidiaries are subject to extensive regulation by multiple regulatory bodies, which may implement substantially different policies under the current administration and U.S. Congress. These regulations may affect the manner and terms of delivery of our services. If we do not comply with governmental regulations, we may be subject to fines, penalties, lawsuits or material restrictions on our businesses in the jurisdiction where the violation occurred, which may adversely affect our business operations. Changes in these regulations can significantly affect the services that we are asked to provide, as well as our costs of compliance with such regulations. In addition, adverse publicity and damage to our reputation arising from the failure or perceived failure to comply with legal, regulatory or contractual requirements could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers.
Additional regulatory proposals and legislation, if finally adopted, could substantially increase regulation of the financial services industry, impose restrictions on the operations and general ability of firms within the industry to conduct business consistent with historical practices, including in the areas of interest rates, financial product offerings and disclosures, have an effect on bankruptcy proceedings with respect to residential real estate mortgages, or change banking laws and our operating environment and that of our subsidiaries in other substantial and unpredictable ways. Determining the full extent of the impact on us of any such potential financial reform legislation, or whether any such particular proposal will become law, or the impact of regulatory changes in the absence of legislation at this point in time is highly speculative. However, any such changes may impose additional costs on us, require the attention of our senior management or Board or result in limitations on the manner in which business is conducted. The ultimate effect that such legislation, if enacted, or regulations would have on our financial condition or results of operations may be adverse.
We are subject to regulatory capital adequacy guidelines, and, if we fail to meet these guidelines, our business and financial condition will be adversely affected.
We are subject to stringent regulatory capital requirements. Although First BanCorp. and FirstBank met general well-capitalized capital ratios as of December 31, 2020 and we expect both companies will continue to exceed the minimum risk-based and leverage capital ratio requirements for well-capitalized status under the current capital rules, we cannot assure that we will remain at such levels. If we fail to meet these minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements, our business and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected. If we fail to maintain certain capital levels, or are deemed not well managed under regulatory exam procedures, or if we experience certain regulatory violations, our status as a financial holding company, and our ability to offer certain financial products will be compromised and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve Board. An important function of the Federal Reserve Board is to regulate the money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve Board to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in reserve requirements for bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.
The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adverse.
We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.
The Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution's performance under the Community Reinvestment Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act or any of the other fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion and restrictions on entering new business lines. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action related to the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.
The Bank Secrecy Act, the USA PATRIOT Act, and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of our compliance with trade and economic sanctions requirements and rules enforced by OFAC. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
As of February 12, 2021, First BanCorp. owned the following three main offices located in Puerto Rico:
- Headquarters - Located at First Federal Building, 1519 Ponce de León Avenue, Santurce, Puerto Rico, a 16-story office building. Approximately 51% of the building, including 100,000 square feet underground three level parking garage and an adjacent parking lot are owned by the Corporation.
- Service Center - a building located on 1130 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. These facilities accommodate branch operations, First Mortgage, Collections and Loss Mitigation, data processing and administrative and certain headquarter offices. The building houses 180,000 square feet of modern facilities, over 1,000 employees from operations, the FirstBank Insurance Agency headquarters and the customer service department. In addition, it has parking for 750 vehicles and 9 training rooms, including classrooms for training tellers and a computer room for interactive trainings, as well as a spacious cafeteria for employees and customers. This facility is fully occupied by the Corporation.
- Consumer Lending Center - Within a 29,000 square feet three-story building with a three-level parking garage located at 876 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. This facility is fully occupied by the Corporation. Other uses include a retail branch, Money Express, Auto Financing and Leasing and a First Insurance office, among other.
The Corporation owns 22 retail branches and 75 office premises and parking lots, and leases 104 branch premises, loan and office centers and other facilities. In certain situations, financial services such as mortgage and insurance businesses and commercial banking services are located in the same building. All of these premises are located in Puerto Rico, Florida and the USVI and the BVI. Management believes that the Corporation’s properties are well maintained and are suitable for the Corporation’s business as presently conducted.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Reference is made to Note 33, “Regulatory Matters, Commitments and Contingencies,” included in the Notes to consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure.
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Information about Market and Holders
The Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NYSE under the symbol FBP. On February 12, 2021, there were 399 holders of record of the Corporation’s common stock, not including beneficial owners whose shares are held in the name of brokers or other nominees.
In 2020, the Corporation granted 911,470 shares of restricted stock to certain executive officers, other employees, and independent directors (2019 - 314,212 shares). In connection with the vesting of restricted stock in 2020, the Corporation withheld 51,814 shares of restricted stock (2019 - 176,015 shares) to cover employee’s payroll and income tax withholding liabilities; these shares are also held as treasury shares.
In addition, during 2020, the Corporation granted to its non-management chairman, pursuant to his compensation arrangement 19,157 shares of unrestricted stock that were fully vested on the grant date.
As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Corporation had 4,799,284 and 4,744,384 shares held as treasury stock, respectively.
Dividends
Since November 2018, the Corporation has been making quarterly cash dividend payments on its shares of common stock. On January 28, 2021, the Corporation announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, which represents an increase of $0.02 per common share compared to the dividend paid on December 11, 2020. The dividend is payable on March 12, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 26, 2021. In addition, since December 2016, the Corporation has been making monthly dividend payments on its outstanding shares of Series A through E Preferred Stock. The Corporation intends to continue to pay monthly dividend payments on non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock and quarterly dividends on common stock. However, the Corporation’s common stock dividends and preferred stock dividends, including the declaration, timing and amount, remain subject to consideration and approval by the Corporation’s Board Directors at the relevant times. So long as any shares of preferred stock remain outstanding, we cannot declare, set apart or pay any dividends on shares of our common stock unless any accrued and unpaid dividends on our preferred stock for the twelve monthly dividend periods ending on the immediately preceding dividend payment date have been paid or are paid contemporaneously and the full monthly dividend on our preferred stock for the then current month has been or is contemporaneously declared and paid or declared and set apart for payment. See the discussion under “Dividend Restrictions” under Item 1 for additional information concerning restrictions on the payment of dividends that apply to the Corporation and FirstBank.
The 2011 PR Code, as amended, requires the withholding of income taxes from dividend income sourced within Puerto Rico to be received by any individual, resident of Puerto Rico or not, trusts and estates and by non-resident custodians, partnerships, and corporations.
Residents of Puerto Rico
A special tax of 15% withheld at source is imposed, in lieu of a regular tax, on any eligible dividends paid to individuals, trusts, and estates. Eligible dividends include dividends paid by a domestic Puerto Rico corporation. However, the taxpayer can perform an election to be excluded from the 15% special tax and be taxed at regular rates. Once this election is made it is irrevocable. The election allows the taxpayer to include in ordinary income the eligible dividends received and take a credit for the amount of tax withheld in excess, if any.
Individuals that are residents of Puerto Rico are subject to an alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) on the AMT Net Income if their regular tax liability is less than the alternative minimum tax liability. The AMT applies to individual taxpayers whose AMT Net taxable income exceeds $25,000. The individual AMT rate ranges from 1% to 24% depending on the AMT Net Income. The AMT Net Income includes various categories of tax-exempt income and income subject to preferential rates as provided by the PR Code, such as dividends on the Corporation’s common stock and long-term capital gains recognized on the disposition of the Corporation’s common stock.
Nonresident U.S. Citizens
Dividends paid to a U.S. citizen who is not a resident of Puerto Rico will be subject to a 15% income tax. Nonresident U.S. citizens have the right to partial or total exemptions when a Withholding Tax Exemption Certificate (PR Treasury Department Form AS 2732) is properly completed and filed with the Corporation. The Corporation, as withholding agent, is authorized to withhold a tax of 15% only from the excess of the income paid over the applicable tax-exempt amount.
Nonresident individuals that are not US citizens
Dividends paid to any individual who is not a citizen of the United States and who is not a resident of Puerto Rico will generally be subject to a 15% Puerto Rico income tax which will be withheld at source.
Foreign Corporations and Partnerships
Corporations and partnerships not organized under Puerto Rico laws that have not engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico during the taxable year in which the dividend, if any, is paid are subject to the 10% dividend tax withholding. Corporations or partnerships not organized under the laws of Puerto Rico that have engaged in a trade or business in Puerto Rico are not subject to the 10% withholding, but they must declare any dividend as ordinary income on their Puerto Rico income tax return.
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans
The following table summarizes equity compensation plans approved by security holders and equity compensation plans that were not approved by security holders as of December 31, 2020:
(c)
(a)
(b)
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a))
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, warrants and rights
Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, warrants and rights
Plan category
Equity compensation plans, approved by stockholders
-
$
-
5,670,102
(1)
Equity compensation plans
not approved by stockholders
N/A
N/A
N/A
Total
-
$
-
5,670,102
(1) Securities available for future issuance under the First BanCorp. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Omnibus Plan"), which was initially approved by stockholders on April 29, 2008. Most recently, on May 24, 2016, the Omnibus Plan was amended to, among other things, increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan and extend the term of the Omnibus Plan to May 24, 2026. The Omnibus Plan provides for equity-based compensation incentives through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, and other stock-based awards. As amended, this plan provides for the issuance of up to 14,169,807 shares of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock splits, reorganization and other similar events. As of December 31, 2020, 5,670,102 shares of Common Stock were available for future issuance under the Omnibus Plan.
Purchase of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers
No shares of stock were purchased during the fourth quarter of 2020.
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following Performance Graph shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Annual Report on Form 10-K into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that First BanCorp. specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under these Acts.
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return of First BanCorp. during the measurement period with the cumulative total return, assuming reinvestment of dividends, the S&P 500 Index and the S&P Supercom Banks Index (the “Peer Group”). The Performance Graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2015 in each of First BanCorp. common stock, the S&P 500 Index and the Peer Group. The comparisons in this table are set forth in response to SEC disclosure requirements, and are therefore not intended to forecast or be indicative of future performance of First BanCorp.’s common stock.
The cumulative total stockholder return was obtained by dividing (i) the cumulative amount of dividends per share, assuming dividend reinvestment since the measurement point, December 31, 2015 plus (ii) the change in the per share price since the measurement date, by the share price at the measurement date.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth certain selected consolidated financial data for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 2020. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except for per share information and financial ratios)
Condensed Income Statements:
Total interest income
$
692,982
$
675,897
$
624,967
$
588,423
$
585,292
Total interest expense
92,660
108,816
99,854
96,872
101,174
Net interest income
600,322
567,081
525,383
491,551
484,118
Provision for credit losses
170,985
39,813
58,989
143,326
85,560
Non-interest income
111,226
90,572
82,310
62,387
87,954
Non-interest expenses
424,240
378,468
358,066
348,629
356,253
Income before income taxes
116,323
239,372
190,638
61,983
130,259
Income tax expense (benefit)
14,050
71,995
(10,970)
(4,973)
37,030
Net income
102,273
167,377
201,608
66,956
93,229
Net income attributable to common stockholders
99,597
164,701
198,932
64,280
93,006
Per Common Share Results:
Net earnings per share - basic
$
0.46
$
0.76
$
0.92
$
0.30
$
0.44
Net earnings per share - diluted
$
0.46
$
0.76
$
0.92
$
0.30
$
0.43
Cash dividends declared
$
0.20
$
0.14
0.03
-
-
Average shares outstanding
216,904
216,614
215,709
213,963
212,818
Average shares outstanding - diluted
217,668
217,134
216,677
216,118
215,794
Book value per common share
$
10.26
$
10.08
$
9.25
$
8.48
$
8.05
Tangible book value per common share (1)
$
9.90
$
9.92
$
9.07
$
8.28
$
7.83
Dividend payout ratio (percent %)
43.56
18.41
3.25
-
-
Balance Sheet Data:
Total loans, including loans held for sale
$
11,827,578
$
9,041,682
$
8,901,309
$
8,883,456
$
8,936,879
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases
385,887
155,139
192,362
231,843
205,603
Money market and investment securities, net of allowance
for credit losses for debt securities
4,925,822
2,398,157
2,139,503
2,095,177
2,091,196
Goodwill and other intangible assets
79,525
35,671
38,757
42,351
46,754
Deferred tax asset, net
329,261
264,842
319,851
294,809
281,657
Total assets
18,793,071
12,611,266
12,243,561
12,261,268
11,922,455
Deposits
15,317,383
9,348,429
8,994,714
9,022,631
8,831,205
Borrowings
923,762
854,150
1,074,236
1,223,635
1,186,187
Total preferred equity
36,104
36,104
36,104
36,104
36,104
Total common equity
2,183,620
2,185,205
2,049,015
1,853,608
1,784,529
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
55,455
6,764
(40,415)
(20,615)
(34,390)
Total equity
2,275,179
2,228,073
2,044,704
1,869,097
1,786,243
Year Ended December 31,
Selected Financial Ratios (In Percent):
Profitability:
Return on Average Assets
0.67
1.34
1.65
0.56
0.75
Return on Average Total Equity
4.59
7.75
10.64
3.63
5.28
Return on Average Common Equity
4.54
7.88
10.85
3.71
5.39
Average Total Equity to Average Total Assets
14.64
17.35
15.52
15.39
14.25
Interest Rate Spread
3.81
4.38
4.15
4.07
3.88
Net Interest Margin
4.15
4.85
4.55
4.36
4.14
Interest Rate Spread - tax equivalent basis (2)
3.95
4.55
4.34
4.22
3.99
Net Interest Margin - tax equivalent basis (2)
4.29
5.02
4.74
4.51
4.25
Tangible common equity ratio (1)
11.54
17.15
16.14
14.65
14.34
Efficiency ratio (3)
59.62
57.55
58.92
62.94
62.27
Asset Quality:
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases to total loans
held for investment (4)
3.28
1.72
2.22
2.62
2.31
Net charge-offs to average loans
0.48
0.91
1.09
1.33
1.37
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs (4)
352.39
49.39
62.55
122.23
71.19
Non-performing assets to total assets
1.56
2.52
3.81
5.31
6.16
Nonaccrual loans held for investment to total loans held for investment
1.74
2.34
3.57
5.53
6.30
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases to total nonaccrual
loans held for investment (4)
188.16
73.64
62.15
47.36
36.71
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases to total nonaccrual
loans held for investment, excluding residential real estate loans (4)
484.04
173.81
116.41
74.48
51.50
Other Information:
Common stock price: End of period
$
9.22
$
10.59
$
8.60
$
5.10
$
6.61
___________
(1) Non-GAAP financial measures (as defined below). Refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) - Risk Management - Capital,” below for additional information about the components and a reconciliation of these measures.
(2) On a tax-equivalent basis and excluding the changes in the fair value of derivative instruments (see Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) - Results of Operations - Net Interest Income," below for a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures).
(3) Non-interest expenses to the sum of net interest income and non-interest income.
(4) Effective January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted the CECL impairment model required by ASC 326. ASC 326 does not require restatement of comparative period financial statements; as such, results for the year ended December 31, 2020 reflects the adoption of ASC 326, while prior periods reflect results under the previously required incurred loss methodology. For the year ended December 31, 2020, included the effect of the $38.9 million initial ACL established for non-PCD loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A)
The following MD&A relates to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements of First BanCorp. (the “Corporation,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or “First BanCorp.”) and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements and the notes thereto. This section also presents certain financial measures that are not based on generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). See “Basis of Presentation” below for information about why the non-GAAP financial measures are being presented and the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures for which the reconciliation is not presented earlier.
The detailed financial discussion that follows focuses on 2020 results compared to 2019. For a discussion of 2019 results compared to 2018, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Description of Business
First BanCorp. is a diversified financial holding company headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico offering a full range of financial products to consumers and commercial customers through various subsidiaries. First BanCorp. is the holding company of FirstBank Puerto Rico (“FirstBank” or the “Bank”) and FirstBank Insurance Agency. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Corporation operates in Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands (“USVI”), the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”), and the State of Florida, concentrating on commercial banking, residential mortgage loans, finance leases, credit cards, personal loans, small loans, auto loans, and insurance agency activities.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Acquisition of Banco Santander Puerto Rico
Effective as of September 1, 2020, the Corporation completed its previously announced acquisition of Santander Bancorp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santander Holdings USA, Inc. and the holding company of Banco Santander Puerto Rico (“BSPR”), pursuant to a stock purchase agreement dated as of October 21, 2019, by and among FirstBank and Santander Holdings USA, Inc. (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement and, in consideration for the acquisition, the Corporation paid cash consideration in an amount of approximately $1.3 billion for all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Santander Bancorp, the sole shareholder of BSPR. The acquisition of BSPR expanded the Corporation’s presence in Puerto Rico, with a growth of over 30% in our customer base, to approximately 675,000 banking customers, increased its operational scale and strengthened its competitiveness in consumer, commercial, business banking, and residential lending. The acquisition also allowed the Corporation to increase its deposit base at low cost, which enhanced FirstBank’s funding and risk profile.
At acquisition, including measurement period adjustments, the estimated fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed primarily consisted of the following:
 $2.5 billion of loans
 $1.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents
 $1.2 billion of investment securities
 $35.4 million of core deposit intangible
 $3.8 million of purchased credit card relationship intangible
 $4.2 billion of deposits
The Corporation accounted for the acquisition as a business combination in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”) Topic No. 805, “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”). Accordingly, the Corporation recorded the assets and liabilities assumed, as of the date of the acquisition, at their respective fair values and allocated to goodwill the excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The determination of fair value requires management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions and other future events that are highly subjective in nature and subject to change. Fair value estimates related to the acquired assets and liabilities are subject to adjustment for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to the closing date fair values becomes available and such information is considered final, whichever is earlier. As of December 31, 2020, the purchase price remains subject to final adjustments as certain estimates related to the acquired loan portfolio, intangible assets, and certain other assets and liabilities are subject to continuing refinement. Management anticipates that the ongoing review could result in adjustments to the acquisition date valuation amounts but does not anticipate that these adjustments, if any, would be material as the Corporation expects to finalize its analysis over the next few months.
The Corporation continues to make progress in integration activities, with the mortgage banking systems and insurance business integration completed early in the fourth quarter of 2020, and the conversion of the commercial business systems completed in February 2021. The Corporation is on track to convert various other platforms and currently expects that the full system conversions will be completed by the end of the summer of 2021. In addition, the Corporation expects to consolidate 9 to 10 banking branches during 2021.
The Corporation is also making progress in reducing personnel and service contract expenses and completing other business rationalization activities. The total amount of merger and restructuring costs related to the BSPR acquisition is estimated to be approximately $65 million. Cumulative merger and restructuring expenses of $37.9 million have been incurred through December 31, 2020, of which $26.5 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2020 and $11.4 million was incurred during the year ended December 31, 2019. The Corporation anticipates that most of the remainder of the estimated expenses will be incurred in the first half of 2021. Included in the 2020 expenses is a $4.3 million charge recorded in connection with an Employee Voluntary Separation Program (“VSP”) offered to eligible employees in the Puerto Rico region. Approximately 100 employees participated in the program. The estimated total cost of the VSP is approximately $9.2 million; thus, the Corporation anticipates additional charges in the first half of 2021 to correspond with the effective separation dates of the employees. The Corporation also estimates that the combined entities will achieve total annual pre-tax savings of approximately $47 million, which are expected to be fully realized during 2022.
For additional information about the acquisition of BSPR and the Corporation’s accounting treatment thereof, please see Note 2 - Business Combination, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
COVID-19 Pandemic
On March 11, 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, and, since then, COVID-19 has spread widely to many countries and caused significant disruption in economic activity, including in the markets in which the Corporation operates. Both the extensiveness of the pandemic itself, as well as the measures taken to mitigate the virus' spread globally, are unprecedented in modern times and their effects continue to be pervasive. While vaccination efforts have begun, in many geographic locations, the virus continues to spread and new variants of the virus have emerged. Accordingly, nearly a year after the initial identification of the threat, all of the direct and indirect consequences and implications of COVID-19 and measures to mitigate its spread continue to be unknown and may not emerge for some time.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico’s government has issued several orders including, among other things, a stay-at-home mandate on March 15, 2020, which was subsequently extended for non-permitted activities until June 15, 2020, the lockdown of non-essential businesses, and a nightly curfew. On May 4, 2020, the Puerto Rico government began to implement a gradual reopening plan. While the economy of Puerto Rico has reopened, guidelines continue to affect how individuals interact and how businesses and the government operate and the operations and financial results of the Corporation have been and could continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest executive orders issued by the Puerto Rico’s governor, among other things, shortened the nightly curfew, expanded the permitted operating hours for businesses, and increased the capacity limit of businesses to operate to 50%, with the exception of restaurants that continues to operate with a 30% capacity limit.
The Corporation’s businesses in the other jurisdictions in which it operates have also been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 26, 2020, Florida’s Governor issued a stay-at-home order, and the state began to reopen essential operations through a phase-in process on May 4, 2020. On September 25, 2020, the state of Florida moved into the third and final phase of its reopening plan that essentially lifted all COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and other businesses across the state. Additionally, in the USVI, the government issued a stay-at-home order on March 23, 2020, which was subsequently extended until May 3, 2020. The USVI’s tourism-based economy reopened its borders for a second time on September 19, 2020, allowing access to both U.S. citizens and international tourists. The USVI is in now in their “Safer at Home” phase of its COVID-19 path to a new normal, meaning that nonessential businesses can operate and gatherings of up to 50 people are permitted, though the USVI government encourages citizens to remain at home when possible. In the BVI, the borders were closed to tourism for approximately nine months in 2020, and the BVI was among the last jurisdictions in the Caribbean to reopen its borders to commercial air traffic. On December 1, 2020, the BVI government began its third phase in the border reopening process allowing international travel and the re-opening of the tourism industry, albeit with strict restrictions in place, including multiple tests and a mandatory four-day quarantine. Additionally, seaports in the BVI remain closed and are set to reopen on March 1, 2021.
The Corporation has implemented various steps to protect its employees, consistent with guidance from federal and local authorities, such as requiring that a majority of support staff work remotely and implementing stricter safety and cleaning protocols, including measures for contact tracing and preventive testing and following various government directives regarding social distancing and use of personal protective equipment, such as face masks. The Corporation has limited in-person banking hours, with branches in Puerto Rico operating from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The Corporation also enhanced client awareness of its digital banking offerings. During 2020, digital monetary transactions increased over 55%, when compared to the prior year, and the number of the Corporation’s digital banking registered users increased by 45% since the beginning of the year.
Governments globally intervened with fiscal policies to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (the “CARES Act of 2020”) in the United States (“U.S.”), which provides economic relief to businesses and individuals. Some of the provisions of the CARES Act of 2020 improved the ability of impacted borrowers, including Puerto Rico residents, to repay their loans, including by providing direct cash payments to eligible taxpayers below specified income limits, expanded unemployment insurance benefits and eligibility, and provided relief designed to prevent layoffs and business closures. Under the provisions of the CARES Act of 2020, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“Consolidated Appropriations Act”) enacted on December 27, 2020 (the “amended CARES Act of 2020”), financial institutions may permit loan modifications for borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic without categorizing the modifications as Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”), as long as the loan meets certain conditions, including the requirement that the loan was current as of December 31, 2019.
In keeping with regulatory guidance to work with borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation implemented a temporary loan payment deferral program. In addition, the Revised Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus issued in April 2020 (the “Revised Interagency Statement”) specified that short-term modifications made to a borrower affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and governmental shutdown orders do not need to be identified as TDRs if the loans were current at the time the modification plan was implemented. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had under temporary deferred repayment arrangements 688 loans, totaling approximately $32.7 million, or 0.3%, of the total loan portfolio held for investment balance. The $32.7 million of loans under deferred repayment agreements as of December 31, 2020 consisted of 89 residential mortgage loans totaling $18.4 million, 580 consumer loans totaling $8.0 million, and 19 commercial and construction loans totaling $6.3 million. Additionally, as of December 31, 2020, commercial loans totaling $244.3 million, or 2.07% of the total portfolio held for investment balance, were permanently modified under the provisions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020, as amended by Section 541 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act. These permanent modifications on commercial loans were primarily related to borrowers in industries with longer expected recovery times, mostly hospitality, retail and entertainment industries.
The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) implemented the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) established by the CARES Act of 2020 and intended to prevent job losses and small business failure due to losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. SBA PPP borrowers may be eligible for loan forgiveness if the funds were used for eligible payroll costs, payments on business mortgage interest payments, rent, or utilities during a specified period. The Corporation was able to quickly establish its process for participating in the SBA PPP program beginning in April 2020. During 2020, the Corporation executed over 6,000 loans for approximately $390.3 million in the two rounds of the program. The acquisition of BSPR added $77.6 million of SBA PPP loans to the Corporation’s loan portfolio. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the SBA approved and remitted payments to the Corporation for forgiveness applications totaling $48.9 million in principal balance. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s SBA PPP loans portfolio, net of unearned fees of $6.8 million, totaled $406.0 million.
In January 2021, the SBA announced rules related to the expansion and extension of the original PPP program and the authorization of another round of PPP loans pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act. As of February 25, 2021, the Corporation has received approval from the SBA for 2,166 client applications under this round of the program, totaling $149.0 million, of which approximately $138.4 million has already been funded.
During 2020, the Corporation also participated in the Main Street Lending Program (“Main Street”), authorized under the CARES Act of 2020 and established by the Federal Reserve, designed to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, the Corporation originates loans to borrowers meeting the terms and requirements of the program, including requirements as to eligibility, use of proceeds and priority, and sells a 95% participation interest in these loans to a special purpose vehicle organized by the Federal Reserve, the Main Street Facilities LLC (“Main Street SPV”), to purchase the participation interests from eligible lenders, including the Corporation. During 2020, the Corporation originated 23 loans under this program totaling $184.4 million in principal amount and sold participation interests totaling $175.1 million to the Main Street SPV.
The Corporation’s consolidated financial statements include a provision for credit losses on loans, finance leases and debt securities of $171.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $39.8 million for 2019. While the initial reserve required for non-PCD loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition amounted to $38.9 million in 2020, the remainder of the charges to the provision was largely related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on current and forecasted economic and market conditions. In addition, although increased customer activity was reflected in the third and fourth quarters of 2020, the preventative measures taken by local governments to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the Corporation’s transaction fee income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Despite the contribution of additional fee income related to the acquired operations, total transaction fee income from credit and debit cards, automated teller machines (“ATMs”), and merchant and point-of-sale (“POS”) transactions decreased by approximately $1.0 million during 2020, as compared to 2019. Further, the lower interest rate environment adversely affected the Corporation’s net interest income and reduced the net interest margin by 70 basis points to 4.15% for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to 4.85% for 2019. Nevertheless, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s and the Bank’s capital ratios were well in excess of all regulatory capital requirements and the Corporation maintained high liquidity levels with the cash and liquid securities to total assets ratio exceeding 21.6% as of December 31, 2020, compared to 15.8% as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had approximately $1.2 billion in available unused lines of credit at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and approximately $960 million available for borrowings through the Federal Reserve Board’s (“FED”) Primary Credit Discount Window Program, if needed. While the Corporation believes that it has sufficient capital to withstand an extended economic recession brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, its financial results and regulatory capital ratios could be adversely impacted by further credit losses and it is unable to predict the full extent, nature or duration of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its results of operations and financial condition at this time.
Update on Previously Reported Cybersecurity Incident
On October 23, 2020, we experienced a cybersecurity incident that affected certain of the Corporation’s service channels. As a result of the incident and the security protocols that we activated to protect the Corporation’s information and that of its customers, certain bank services were temporarily suspended for our customers. We restored normal operations shortly thereafter and did not experience any material day-to-day impact from the temporary suspension. The investigation into the incident is substantially complete and no evidence of misuse of personal information has been identified. While we expect to send regulatory-required notices, in accordance with local laws, related to potential exposure of personal information of affected individuals, we believe that the incident has been contained and we do not expect the incident to have a material impact on our business, operations or financial condition. Nevertheless, there can be no guarantee that we will not experience material adverse effects, such as loss of customer confidence, further disruptions in our operations, or remediation, mitigation, compliance or legal costs.
Overview of Results of Operations
First BanCorp.'s results of operations depend primarily on its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on its interest-earning assets, including investment securities and loans, and the interest expense incurred on its interest-bearing liabilities, including deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is affected by various factors, including: the interest rate environment; the volumes, mix and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; and the re-pricing characteristics of these assets and liabilities. The Corporation's results of operations also depend on the provision for credit losses, non-interest expenses (such as personnel, occupancy, the deposit insurance premium and other costs), non-interest income (mainly service charges and fees on deposits, and insurance income), gains (losses) on sales of investments, gains (losses) on mortgage banking activities, and income taxes.
The Corporation had net income of $102.3 million, or $0.46 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $167.4 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The key drivers of the Corporation’s GAAP financial results for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019, include the following:
 Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $600.3 million, compared to $567.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was driven by a $2.8 billion increase in average interest-earning assets, primarily related to the acquisition of BSPR, which, at closing added $2.5 billion of loans and $1.2 billion of investment securities, as well as increased investment securities purchases, and a lower cost of funds driven by a lower cost of deposits, partially offset by the effects of a lower interest rate environment on loan and investment yields.
The net interest margin decreased by 70 basis points to 4.15% for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 4.85% for 2019. The decrease was primarily due to the effect of the low interest rate environment on the repricing of variable rate commercial loans and interest-bearing cash balances, as well as on the U.S. agencies premium amortization expense. In addition, net interest margin was adversely affected by a higher proportion of low-yielding assets, such as the interest-bearing cash balances, U.S agencies bonds and mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), and SBA PPP loans, to total interest-earning assets, partially offset by the decrease in the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits. See “Net Interest Income” below for additional information.
 The provision for credit losses on loans, finance leases, and debt securities increased by $131.2 million to $171.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $39.8 million for 2019. Approximately $38.9 million of the provision for 2020 was a result of the initial reserves required by the current expected credit losses (“CECL”) methodology for loans purchased without evidence of deteriorated credit quality since origination (“non-PCD loans”) in conjunction with the acquisition of BSPR. The remaining increase was driven by the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic forecasts employed in the Corporation’s CECL methodology, with the most significant effect reflected in reserve builds for commercial retail real estate loans affected by deterioration in the Commercial Real Estate Price Index forecasts. Effective January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted the CECL model required by ASC Topic 326, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses” (“ASC 326”), which replaced the incurred loss methodology. ASC 326 does not require restatement of comparative period financial statements; as such, results for the year ended December 31, 2020 reflect the adoption of ASC 326, while prior periods reflect results under the previously required incurred loss methodology. The adoption of ASC 326 resulted in a cumulative increase of approximately $93.2 million in the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) as of January 1, 2020.
Net charge-offs totaled $47.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, or 0.48% of average loans, a decrease of $33.5 million, compared to net charge-offs of $81.4 million, or 0.91% of average loans, for 2019. The decrease in 2020 compared to 2019 reflects a $16.3 million decrease in net charge-offs taken on commercial and construction loans, a $10.6 million decrease in residential mortgage loans net charge-offs, and a $6.6 million decrease in consumer loans net charge-offs. The decrease in commercial and construction loans net charge-offs reflects the effect in 2019 of both, an $11.4 million charge-off taken on a commercial mortgage loan in the Florida region and a $5.7 million charge-off taken against a commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region. Meanwhile, the decrease in net charge-offs taken on residential mortgage and consumer loans reflects, in part, the effect of the temporary deferred repayment arrangements provided to borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that maintained the delinquency status that existed at the date of the modification until the end of the deferral period. See “Provision for Credit Losses” and “Risk Management” below for analyses of the ACL and non-performing assets and related ratios.
 The Corporation recorded non-interest income of $112.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $90.6 million for 2019. The increase was primarily related to: (i) a $13.2 million gain on sales of approximately $392.2 million of available-for-sale U.S. agencies MBS and $803.3 million of U.S. Treasury Notes; (ii) a $5.1 million increase in revenues from mortgage banking activities, driven by a higher volume of loan originations and sales; and (iii) a $5.0 million benefit recorded in 2020 resulting from the final settlement of the Corporation’s business interruption insurance claim associated with lost profits caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. These increases were partially offset by the effect in 2019 of a $2.3 million net gain recorded on the sales of approximately $11.4 million in nonaccrual commercial and construction loans held for sale. See “Non-Interest Income” below for additional information.
 Non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $424.2 million, compared to $378.5 million 2019. Non-interest expenses for 2020 included $26.5 million of merger and restructuring costs associated with the acquisition and integration of BSPR, compared to $11.4 million in 2019. Total non-interest expenses in 2020 also included $5.4 million of COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses, primarily related to additional cleaning, safety materials and security measures. Adjusted for the above-mentioned merger and COVID-19 expenses, total non-interest expenses increased by $25.3 million compared to 2019, primarily related to incremental expenses associated with operations, personnel and branches acquired from BSPR, partially offset by reductions in other real estate owned (“OREO”) losses and expenses and the effect of both, volume-related expense reductions and several expense control measures taken in response to the current economic environment that includes actions such as modifications of business promotion strategies, elimination of all traveling expenses, and reassessment of project plans, among others. See “Non-Interest Expenses” below for additional information.
 For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of $14.1 million, compared to $72.0 million for 2019. The variance was mostly attributable to the lower level of pre-tax income in 2020, driven by the aforementioned charges to the provision for credit losses, as well as the effect of an $8.0 million partial reversal of the Corporation’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance after considering significant positive evidence on the utilization of net operating losses due to the acquisition of BSPR. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had a deferred tax asset of $329.3 million (net of a valuation allowance of $102.0 million, including a valuation allowance of $59.9 million against the deferred tax assets of the Corporation’s banking subsidiary, FirstBank), compared to a net deferred tax asset of $264.8 million as of December 31, 2019. On January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized $31.3 million in deferred tax assets in connection with the transitional adjustment resulting from the adoption of the CECL accounting standard. The BSPR acquisition added $28.9 million of net deferred tax assets at the acquisition date. See “Results of Operations - Income Taxes” below for additional information.
 As of December 31, 2020, total assets were approximately $18.8 billion, an increase of $6.2 billion from December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly the result of the acquisition of BSPR, which, as of the acquisition date, added $5.6 billion in total assets, primarily loans and investment securities. In addition, there was an $849.7 million increase in cash and cash equivalents and higher purchases of investment securities during 2020 in connection with, among other things, strong deposit growth in part resulting from COVID-19 related factors, such as a government stimulus for consumers and small businesses and lower consumer spending. See “Financial Condition and Operating Data Analysis” below for additional information.
 As of December 31, 2020, total liabilities were $16.5 billion, an increase of $6.1 billion from December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly related to the acquisition of BSPR, which added approximately $4.2 billion in total deposits as of December 31, 2020. In addition, there was organic growth of $2.0 billion in non-brokered deposits, primarily in demand deposits reflecting the effect of payments received by individuals and commercial customers from government stimulus packages, as well as the effect of payment deferral programs. See “Risk Management - Liquidity Risk and Capital Adequacy” below for additional information about the Corporation’s funding sources.
 As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s stockholders’ equity was $2.3 billion, an increase of $47.1 million from December 31, 2019. The increase was driven by the earnings generated during 2020 and a $60.5 million increase in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) related to changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities, partially offset by the $62.3 million transition adjustment related to the adoption of CECL that was recorded against beginning retained earnings, and the common and preferred stock dividends declared in 2020 totaling $46.4 million. The Corporation’s common equity tier 1 (“CET1”) capital, tier 1 capital, total capital and leverage ratios were 17.31%, 17.61%, 20.37% and 11.26%, respectively, as of December 31, 2020, compared to CET1 capital, tier 1 capital, total capital and leverage ratios of 21.60%, 22.00%, 25.22%, and 16.15%, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. As permitted by the regulatory capital framework, the Corporation elected the option to delay for two years the effect of the estimate of the CECL methodology on regulatory capital, relative to the incurred loss methodology’s effect on capital, followed by a three-year transition period. See “Risk Management - Capital” below for additional information.
 Total loan production, including purchases, refinancings, renewals and draws from existing revolving and non-revolving commitments, but excluding the utilization activity on outstanding credit cards, was $4.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $3.9 billion for 2019. As mentioned above, the Corporation originated $390.3 million of SBA PPP loans and $184.4 million of Main Street loans during 2020. Excluding those loans, total loan originations decreased by $342.7 million to $3.6 billion in 2020, compared to $3.9 billion for 2019, consisting of: (i) a $178.4 million decrease in commercial and construction loan originations, reflecting the effect of disruptions in economic activity affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular during the second quarter of 2020; (ii) a $233.2 million decrease in consumer loan originations, predominantly personal loans and auto loans, reflecting the effect of the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns and quarantines; and (iii) a $68.8 million increase in residential mortgage loan originations, benefited from a larger volume of conforming loan originations and refinancings driven by the effect of lower mortgage loan interest rates and increased home purchase activity.
 Total non-performing assets were $293.5 million as of December 31, 2020, a decrease of $23.9 million from December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily related to: (i) an $18.6 million decrease in the OREO portfolio balance, driven by sales; and (ii) a $5.2 million decrease in nonaccrual commercial and construction loans, driven by charge-offs totaling $5.9 million taken on two commercial loans in the Puerto Rico region, and the payoff of two large nonaccrual commercial loans totaling $5.0 million, partially offset by the inflow to nonaccrual status of a $6.1 million matured commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region. See “Risk Management - Non-Accruing and Non-Performing Assets” below for additional information.
 Adversely classified commercial and construction loans decreased by $65.3 million to $155.2 million as of December 31, 2020, compared to December 31, 2019. The decrease was driven by the upgrade in the credit risk classification of a $117.5 million commercial mortgage loan relationship in the Puerto Rico region during the first quarter of 2020, partially offset by the downgrade in the third quarter of 2020 of two commercial relationships in the Florida region engaged in the transportation industry, totaling $38.8 million. The Corporation is closely monitoring its loan portfolio to identify potential at-risk segments, the payment performance after the end of payment deferral periods, the need for extensions of payment deferral arrangements or permanent modifications, and the performance of different sectors of the economy in all of the markets where the Corporation operates.
The Corporation’s financial results for 2020 and 2019 included the following items that management believes are not reflective of core operating performance, are not expected to reoccur with any regularity or may reoccur at uncertain times and in uncertain amounts (the “Special Items”):
Year ended December 31, 2020
 Merger and restructuring costs of $26.5 million ($16.6 million after-tax) related to the BSPR acquisition, integration, and related restructuring initiatives. Merger and restructuring costs in 2020 primarily included consulting, legal, valuation, and other professional service fees associated with the acquisition, the aforementioned VSP offered to eligible employees, retention and other compensation bonuses, and expenses related to system conversions and other integration-related efforts.
 Gain on sales of U.S. agencies MBS and U.S Treasury notes of $13.2 million. The gain on tax-exempt securities or realized at the tax-exempt international banking entity subsidiary level had no effect on the income tax expense recorded in 2020.
 Tax benefit of $8.0 million related to the partial reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.
 Costs of $5.4 million ($3.4 million after-tax) related to the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts, primarily costs related to additional cleaning, safety materials, and security measures.
 Gain of $0.1 million realized on the repurchase of $0.4 million of trust-preferred securities (“TRuPs”). The gain, realized at the holding company level, had no effect on the income tax expense in 2020.
 Benefit of $5.0 million ($3.1 million after-tax) resulting from the final settlement of the Corporation’s business interruption insurance claim related to lost profits caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
 Benefit of $1.2 million ($0.7 million after-tax) from insurance recoveries associated with hurricane-related expenses incurred primarily in the Puerto Rico region.
Year ended December 31, 2019
 Merger and restructuring costs of $11.4 million ($7.2 million after-tax) in connection with the BSPR acquisition and related restructuring initiatives. Merger and restructuring costs primarily included advisory, legal, valuation, and other professional service fees associated with the then pending acquisition of BSPR, as well as a $3.4 million charge related to a separate voluntary separation program offered to eligible employees at FirstBank during the fourth quarter of 2019 in connection with initiatives to capitalize on expected operational efficiencies from the acquisition.
 Net loan loss reserve release of $6.4 million ($4.0 million after-tax) in connection with revised estimates of the qualitative reserves associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, primarily related to consumer and commercial loans.
 Benefit of $1.9 million ($1.2 million after-tax) resulting from hurricane-related insurance recoveries related to repairs and maintenance costs, and impairments associated with facilities in the Virgin Islands.
 Expense recovery of $2.3 million related to an employee retention benefit payment (the “Benefit”) received by the Bank pursuant to the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport Extension Act of 2017, as amended (the “Disaster Tax Relief Act”). The Benefit was recorded as an offset to employees’ compensation and benefits expenses and is not treated as taxable income by virtue of the Disaster Tax Relief Act.
The following table reconciles for 2020 and 2019 the reported net income to adjusted net income, a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the Special Items identified above:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Net income, as reported (GAAP)
$
102,273
$
167,377
Adjustments:
Merger and restructuring costs
26,509
11,442
Gain on sales of investment securities
(13,198)
-
Partial reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance
(8,000)
-
COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses
5,411
-
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(94)
-
Benefit from hurricane-related insurance recoveries
(6,153)
(1,926)
Hurricane-related loan loss reserve release
-
(6,425)
Employee retention benefit - Disaster Tax Relief and Airport Extension Act of 2017
-
(2,317)
Income tax impact of adjustments (1)
(9,663)
(1,159)
Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)
$
97,085
$
166,992
(1) See "Basis of Presentation" below for the individual tax impact related to reconciling items.
Critical Accounting Policies and Practices
The accounting principles of the Corporation and the methods of applying these principles conform to GAAP. In preparing the consolidated financial statements management is required to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts recorded for assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Corporation’s critical accounting estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes include: 1) the ACL; 2) income taxes; 3) classification and valuation of financial instruments; and 4) acquired loans. Actual results could differ from estimates and assumptions, if different outcomes or conditions prevail.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Corporation maintains an ACL for loans and finance leases based upon management’s estimate of the lifetime expected credit losses in the loan portfolio, as of the balance sheet date, excluding loans held for sale. Additionally, the Corporation maintains an ACL for debt securities classified as either held-to-maturity or available-for-sale, and other off-balance sheet credit exposures (e.g., unfunded loan commitments). In connection with the adoption of CECL, the Corporation updated its approach for estimating expected credit losses, which requires management to exercise judgment and make estimates in new areas, as described more fully below, and updated its accounting policies. For more information, see Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. For loans and finance leases, unfunded loan commitments, and held-to-maturity debt securities, the estimate of lifetime credit losses includes the use of quantitative models that incorporate forward-looking macroeconomic scenarios that are applied over the contractual lives of the portfolios, adjusted, as appropriate, for prepayments and permitted extension options using historical experience. For available-for-sale debt securities, the ACL is measured using a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow approach, that also considers relevant current and forward-looking economic variables, and is limited to the difference between the fair value of the security and its amortized cost. Judgment is specifically applied in the determination of economic assumptions, the length of the initial loss forecast period, the reversion of losses beyond the initial forecast period, historical loss expectations, usage of macroeconomic scenarios, and qualitative factors, which may not be adequately captured in the loss model, as further discussed below.
The macroeconomic scenarios utilized by the Corporation include variables that have historically been key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses, as well as the estimated effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on such variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, unemployment rates, housing and commercial real estate prices, gross domestic product levels, retail sales, interest-rate forecasts, corporate bond spreads and changes in equity market prices. The Corporation derives the economic forecasts it uses in its ACL model from Moody's Analytics. The latter has a large team of economists, data-base managers and operational engineers with a history of producing monthly economic forecasts for over 25 years.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation used the base-case economic scenario from Moody’s Analytics in its estimation of credit losses. The Corporation has currently set an initial forecast period (“reasonable and supportable period”) of 2 years and a reversion period of up to 3 years, utilizing a straight-line approach and reverting back to the historical macroeconomic mean for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands regions. For the Florida region, the methodology considers a reasonable and supportable forecast period and an implicit reversion towards the historical trend that varies for each macroeconomic variable, achieving the steady state by year 5. After the reversion period, a historical loss forecast period covering the remaining contractual life, adjusted for prepayments, is used based on the change in key historical economic variables during representative historical expansionary and recessionary periods. Changes in economic forecasts impact the probability of default (“PD”), loss-given default (“LGD”), and exposure at default (“EAD”) for each instrument, and therefore influence the amount of future cash flows for each instrument the Corporation does not expect to collect.
Although no one economic variable can fully demonstrate the sensitivity of the ACL calculation to changes in the economic variables used in the model, the Corporation has identified certain economic variables that have significant influence in the Corporation’s model for determining the ACL. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s ACL model incorporated the following assumptions for key economic variables in the base-case scenario:
 Commercial Real Estate Price Index year-over-year decrease of approximately 8.6% in the first quarter of 2021, followed by declines ranging from 15.9% - 22.1% during the remainder of 2021.
 Regional Home Price Index in Puerto Rico (purchase only prices), year-over-year decrease of approximately 4.4% in the first quarter of 2021, followed by declines ranging from 1.9% - 8.5% during the remainder of 2021. For the Florida region and the U.S. mainland (all transactions, including refinances), year-over-year decrease of approximately 2.2% and 0.1%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2021, followed by declines ranging from 4.2% - 4.8% for the Florida region and 0.1% - 0.3% for the U.S. mainland during the remainder of 2021.
 Levels of regional unemployment in Puerto Rico at approximately 8.4% in the first quarter of 2021, followed by modest improvements throughout the remainder of 2021 to an approximate level of 8.2% by the end of 2021. For the Florida region and the U.S. mainland, unemployment rate of 7.9% and 7.5%, respectively, in the first quarter of 2021, followed by modest improvements throughout the remainder of 2021 to an approximate level of 7.5% in Florida and 7.2% in the U.S. mainland by the end of 2021.
 A modest year-over-year decrease in real gross national product (“GNP”) in Puerto Rico of approximately 0.9% in the first quarter of 2021, followed by increasing levels of real GNP growth ranging from 2.8% - 6.1% during the remainder of 2021. For each of the Florida region and the U.S. mainland, year-over-year decrease in real GDP of approximately 0.7%, in the first quarter of 2021, followed by increasing levels of real GDP growth between 5.0% - 9.9% for the Florida region and 4.1% - 10.2% for U.S. mainland during the remainder of 2021.
Further, the Corporation periodically considers the need for qualitative adjustments to the ACL. Qualitative adjustments may be related to and include, but not be limited to, factors such as: (i) management’s assessment of economic forecasts used in the model and how those forecasts align with management’s overall evaluation of current and expected economic conditions; (ii) organization specific risks such as credit concentrations, collateral specific risks, nature and size of the portfolio and external factors that may ultimately impact credit quality, and (iii) other limitations associated with factors such as underwriting changes, among others. Management reviews the need for and appropriate level of qualitative adjustments on a quarterly basis, and as such, the amount and allocation of qualitative adjustments may change in future periods.
The ACL can also be impacted by unanticipated changes in asset quality of the portfolio, such as increases in risk rating downgrades in our commercial portfolio, deterioration in borrower delinquencies or credit scores in our credit card portfolio or increases in the loan-to-value ratio (“LTVs”) in our residential real estate portfolio. In addition, while we have incorporated our estimated impact of COVID-19 into our ACL, the ultimate impact of the pandemic is still unknown, including how long economic activities will be impacted and what effect the unprecedented levels of government fiscal and monetary actions will have on the economy and our credit losses. Further, the current fair value of collateral is utilized to assess the expected credit losses when a financial asset is considered to be collateral dependent.
As described above, the process to determine the ACL requires numerous estimates and assumptions, some of which require a high degree of judgment and are often interrelated. Changes in the estimates and assumptions can result in significant changes in the ACL, as was the case during 2020. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the ACL for loans, held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities, and off-balance sheet credit exposure was increased by $93.2 million to $248.4 million. As of December 31, 2020, the total ACL for loans, held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities, and off-balance sheet credit exposure increased to $401.1 million, including the effect of the initial ACL required for loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and reserve builds during the year that were significantly affected by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in current and forecasted macroeconomic variables discussed above. In connection with the BSPR acquisition, the Corporation recorded an initial ACL of $38.9 million for non-PCD loans (including unfunded commitments) through an increase to the provision for credit losses and established an initial ACL for PCD loans of $28.7 million through an adjustment to the acquired loan balance and the ACL. Our process for determining the ACL is further discussed in Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Income Taxes
The Corporation is required to estimate income taxes in preparing its consolidated financial statements. This involves the estimation of current income tax expense together with an assessment of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The determination of current income tax expense involves estimates and assumptions that require the Corporation to assume certain positions based on its interpretation of current tax regulations. Management assesses the relative benefits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions, taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance, and recognizes tax benefits only when deemed probable. Changes in assumptions affecting estimates may be required in the future and estimated tax liabilities may need to be increased or decreased accordingly. The Corporation adjusts the accrual of tax contingencies in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of tax audits, case law and emerging legislation. The Corporation’s effective tax rate includes the impact of tax contingencies and changes to such accruals, as considered appropriate by management. When particular tax matters arise, a number of years may elapse before such matters are audited by the taxing authorities and finally resolved. Favorable resolution of such matters or the expiration of the statute of limitations may result in the release of tax contingencies that the Corporation recognizes as a reduction to its effective tax rate in the year of resolution. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue could increase the effective tax rate and may require the use of cash in the year of resolution.
The determination of deferred tax expense or benefit is based on changes in the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that generate temporary differences. The carrying value of the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset assumes that the Corporation will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income based on estimates and assumptions. If these estimates and related assumptions change, the Corporation may be required to record valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. Management evaluates its deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and assesses the need for a valuation allowance, if any. A valuation allowance is established when management believes that it is more likely than not that some portion of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires the evaluation of positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified. Positive evidence necessary to overcome the negative evidence includes whether future taxable income in sufficient amounts and character within the carryforward periods is available under the tax law. Consideration must be given to all sources of taxable income, including, as applicable, the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income forecasts exclusive of the reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards, and tax planning strategies. When negative evidence (e.g., cumulative losses in recent years, history of operating loss or tax credit carryforwards expiring unused) exists, more positive evidence than negative evidence will be necessary. The Corporation has concluded that based on the level of positive evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be realized, net of the existing valuation allowances at December 31, 2020 and 2019. However, there is no guarantee that the tax benefits associated with the deferred tax assets will be fully realized. The positive evidence considered by management in arriving at its conclusion included factors such as: FirstBank’s three-year cumulative income position; sustained periods of profitability; management’s proven ability to forecast future income accurately and execute tax strategies; forecasts of future profitability under several potential scenarios that support the partial utilization of NOLs prior to their expiration from 2021 through 2024; and the utilization of NOLs over the past three-years. The negative evidence considered by management included: uncertainties about the state of the Puerto Rico economy, including considerations relating to the effect of hurricane and pandemic recovery funds together with Puerto Rico government debt renegotiation efforts and the ultimate sustainability of the latest fiscal plan certified by the PROMESA oversight board.
Refer to Note 27 - Income Taxes, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information related to Income Taxes.
Classification and Related Values of Investment Securities
Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase. Management classifies debt securities as held to maturity when the Corporation has the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are stated at amortized cost. Management classifies debt securities as trading when the Corporation has the intent to sell the securities in the near term. Debt securities classified as trading securities, if any, are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt securities not classified as held-to-maturity or held for trading are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported net of deferred taxes in accumulated OCI (a component of stockholders’ equity). Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities do not affect earnings until realized or an ACL is recorded. Management classifies investments in equity securities that do not have publicly or readily determinable fair values as equity securities in the statements of financial condition and recognizes them at the lower of cost or realizable value. The Corporation recognizes marketable equity securities at fair value with changes in unrealized gains or losses recorded through earnings. The assessment of fair value applies to certain of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities, including the investment portfolio. Fair values are volatile and are affected by factors such as market interest rates, the rates at which prepayments occur and discount rates.
Valuation of financial instruments
The measurement of fair value is fundamental to the Corporation’s presentation of its financial condition and results of operations. The Corporation holds debt and equity securities, derivatives, and other financial instruments at fair value. The Corporation holds its investments and liabilities mainly to manage liquidity needs and interest rate risks. The Corporation’s significant assets reflected at fair value on the Corporation’s financial statements consisted of available-for-sale investment securities.
The Corporation categorizes the fair value of its available-for-sale debt securities using a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements that distinguishes between market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Corporation (observable inputs) and the Corporation’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs). The hierarchy of inputs used in determining the fair value maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. The hierarchy level assigned to each security in the Corporation’s investment portfolio was based on management’s assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used to estimate the fair values at the measurement date. See Note 30 - Fair Value, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for additional information.
The fair value of available-for-sale investment securities was the market value based on quoted market prices (as is the case with U.S. Treasury notes), when available (Level 1). If quoted market prices are unavailable, the fair value is based on market prices for identical or comparable assets (as is the case with MBS and callable U.S. agency debt) that are based on observable market parameters, including benchmark yields, reported trades, quotes from brokers or dealers, issuer spreads, bids, offers and reference data, including market research operations (Level 2). Observable prices in the market already consider the risk of nonperformance. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based upon discounted cash flow models that use unobservable inputs due to the limited market activity of the instrument, as is the case with private label MBS held by the Corporation (Level 3).
Private label MBS are collateralized by fixed-rate mortgages on single-family residential properties in the U.S.; the interest rate on the securities is variable, tied to 3-month LIBOR and limited to the weighted-average coupon of the underlying collateral. The market valuation represents the estimated net cash flows over the projected life of the pool of underlying assets applying a discount rate that reflects market observed floating spreads over LIBOR, with a widening spread based on a nonrated security. The market valuation is derived from a model that utilizes relevant assumptions such as the prepayment rate, default rate, and loss severity on a loan level basis. The Corporation modeled the cash flow from the fixed-rate mortgage collateral using a static cash flow analysis according to collateral attributes of the underlying mortgage pool (i.e., loan term, current balance, note rate, rate adjustment type, rate adjustment frequency, rate caps, and others) in combination with prepayment forecasts based on historical portfolio performance. The Corporation models the variable cash flow of the security using the 3-month LIBOR forward curve.
Under ASC 326, adopted on January 1, 2020, declines in fair value that are credit-related are now recorded on the balance sheet through an ACL with a corresponding adjustment to earnings and declines that are noncredit-related are recognized through other comprehensive income/loss.
If the Corporation intends to sell a debt security in an unrealized loss position or determines that it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell a debt security before it recovers its amortized cost basis, the debt security is impaired and it is written down to fair value with all losses recognized in earnings. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation did not intend to sell any debt securities in an unrealized loss position and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell any debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis.
For debt securities in an unrealized loss position for which the Corporation does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the debt security, the Corporation determines whether the loss is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position for which the losses are determined to be the result of both credit-related and noncredit-related factors, the credit loss is determined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis of the debt security.
Available-for-sale debt securities held by the Corporation at year-end primarily consisted of securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities (“GSEs”), and the aforementioned private label MBS. Given the explicit and implicit guarantees provided by the U.S. federal government, the Corporation believes the credit risk in securities issued by the GSEs is low. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation determined the credit losses for private label MBS based on a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow methodology that considers qualitative and quantitative factors specific to the instruments, including PDs and LGDs that consider, among other things, historical payment performance, loan-to-value attributes and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables, such as regional unemployment rates and the housing price index obtained from the economic scenarios described in the ACL discussion above.
The Corporation recognized impairment losses on available-for-sale debt securities, of $1.6 million resulting from credit-related factors during 2020, compared to $0.9 million for 2019.
Acquired Loans
Loans acquired through a purchase or a business combination are recorded at their fair value as of the acquisition date. The Corporation performs an assessment of acquired loans to first determine if such loans have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since their origination and thus should be classified and accounted for as purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. For loans that have not experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination, referred to as non-PCD loans, the Corporation records such loans at fair value, with any resulting discount or premium accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Additionally, upon the purchase or acquisition of non-PCD loans, the Corporation measures and records an ACL based on the Corporation’s methodology for determining the ACL. The ACL for non-PCD loans is recorded through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans were purchased or acquired.
Acquired loans that are classified as PCD are recognized at fair value, which includes any resulting premiums or discounts. Premiums and non-credit loss related discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Unlike non-PCD loans, the initial ACL for PCD loans is established through an adjustment to the acquired loan balance and not through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans were acquired. Characteristics relevant to the classification of PCD loans include: delinquency, payment history since origination, credit scores migration and/or other factors the Corporation may become aware of through its initial analysis of acquired loans that may indicate there has been more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since a loan’s origination. In connection with the BSPR acquisition on September 1, 2020, the Corporation acquired PCD loans and non-PCD loans with an aggregate fair value of approximately $752.8 million and $1.8 billion, respectively. The fair value of the loans acquired from BSPR was estimated based on a discounted cash flow method under which the present value of the contractual cash flows was calculated based on certain valuation assumptions such as default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates, consistent with the Corporation’s CECL methodology, and discounted using a market rate of return that accounts for both the time value of money and investment risk factors. The discount rate utilized to analyze fair value considered the cost of funds rate, capital charge, servicing costs, and liquidity premium, mostly based on industry standards.
For PCD loans that prior to the adoption of ASC 326 were classified as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans and accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (“ASC Subtopic 310-30”), the Corporation adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach. As allowed by ASC 326, the Corporation elected to maintain pools of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as “units of accounts,” conceptually treating each pool as a single asset. As of December 31, 2020, such PCD loans consisted of $128.4 million of residential mortgage loans and $2.5 million of commercial mortgage loans acquired by the Corporation as part of previously completed asset acquisitions. As the Corporation elected to maintain pools of units of account for loans previously accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the Corporation is not able to remove loans from the pools until they are paid off, written off or sold (consistent with the Corporation’s practice prior to adoption of ASC 326), but is required to follow ASC 326 for purposes of the ACL. Regarding interest income recognition for PCD loans that existed at the time of adoption of ASC 326, the prospective transition approach for PCD loans required by ASC 326 was applied at a pool level, which froze the effective interest rate of the pools as of January 1, 2020. According to regulatory guidance, the determination of nonaccrual or accrual status for PCD loans that the Corporation has elected to maintain in previously existing pools pursuant to the policy election right upon adoption of ASC 326 should be made at the pool level, not the individual asset level. In addition, the guidance provides that the Corporation can continue accruing interest and not report the PCD loans as being in nonaccrual status if the following criteria are met: (i) the Corporation can reasonably estimate the timing and amounts of cash flows expected to be collected, and (ii) the Corporation did not acquire the asset primarily for the rewards of ownership of the underlying collateral, such as for use in operations or improving the collateral for resale. Thus, the Corporation continues to exclude these pools of PCD loans from nonaccrual loan statistics. In accordance with ASC 326, the Corporation did not reassess whether modifications to individual acquired loans accounted for within pools were TDR as of the date of adoption.
OTHER ESTIMATES
In addition to the critical accounting estimates we make in connection with the ACL, fair value measurements, and income taxes the accounting for goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, pension and postretirement benefit obligations, and provisions for losses that may arise from litigation and regulatory proceedings (including governmental investigations) are also based on estimates and assumptions.
Goodwill is assessed for impairment annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that indicate an impairment may exist. When assessing goodwill for impairment, first, a qualitative assessment can be made to determine whether it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its estimated carrying value. If the results of the qualitative assessment are not conclusive, a quantitative goodwill test is performed. Alternatively, a quantitative goodwill test can be performed without performing a qualitative assessment. Identifiable intangible assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that an asset’s or asset group’s carrying value may not be fully recoverable. Judgment is required to evaluate whether indications of potential impairment have occurred, and to test intangible assets for impairment, if required.
See Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 - Business Combination, and Note 14 - Goodwill and Other Intangibles, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information about goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, including intangible assets recorded in connection with the acquisition of BSPR.
As part of the BSPR acquisition, the Corporation maintains two frozen qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, and a related complementary post-retirements benefits plan covering medical benefits and life insurance after retirement. Calculation of the obligations and related expenses under these plans requires the use of actuarial valuation methods and assumptions, which are subject to management judgment and may differ if different assumptions are used. See Note 24 - Employee Benefit Plans, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for disclosures related to the benefit plans.
As necessary, we also estimate and provide for potential losses that may arise out of litigation and regulatory proceedings to the extent that such losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Judgment is required in making these estimates and our final liabilities may ultimately be materially different. Our total estimated liability in respect of litigation and regulatory proceedings is determined on a case-by-case basis and represents an estimate of probable losses after considering, among other factors, the progress of each case, proceeding or investigation, our experience and the experience of others in similar cases, proceedings or investigations, and the opinions and views of legal counsel.
Results of Operations
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the excess of interest earned by First BanCorp. on its interest-earning assets over the interest incurred on its interest-bearing liabilities. First BanCorp.’s net interest income is subject to interest rate risk due to the repricing and maturity mismatch of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $600.3 million, compared to $567.1 million for 2019. On a tax-equivalent basis and adjusted to exclude the changes in the fair value of derivative instruments, net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $621.4 million compared to $587.4 million for 2019. The increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was substantially related to the BSPR acquisition and a lower cost of funds, partially offset by the effect of the lower interest rate environment on loan and investment yields.
The following tables include a detailed analysis of net interest income for the indicated periods. Part I presents average volumes (based on the average daily balance) and rates on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis and Part II presents, also on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis, the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-related assets and liabilities have affected the Corporation’s net interest income. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the tables provide information on changes in (i) volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rates) and (ii) rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior period volumes). The Corporation has allocated rate-volume variances (changes in rate multiplied by changes in volume) to either the changes in volume or the changes in rate based upon the effect of each factor on the combined totals.
Net interest income on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis and excluding the change in the fair value of derivative instruments is a non-GAAP financial measure. For the definition of this non-GAAP financial measure, refer to the discussion in "Basis of Presentation" below.
Part I
Average volume
Interest income(1) / expense
Average rate(1)
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Money market and other short-term investments
$
1,258,683
$
649,065
$
3,388
$
13,392
0.27%
2.06%
Government obligations (2)
878,537
632,959
21,222
26,300
2.42%
4.16%
MBS
2,236,262
1,382,589
48,683
44,769
2.18%
3.24%
FHLB stock
32,160
40,661
1,959
2,682
6.09%
6.60%
Other investments
6,238
3,403
0.66%
0.94%
Total investments (3)
4,411,880
2,708,677
75,293
87,175
1.71%
3.22%
Residential mortgage loans
3,119,400
3,043,672
166,019
163,663
5.32%
5.38%
Construction loans
168,967
97,605
9,094
6,253
5.38%
6.41%
Commercial and Industrial and Commercial mortgage loans
4,387,419
3,731,499
214,830
213,567
4.90%
5.72%
Finance leases
440,796
370,566
32,515
27,993
7.38%
7.55%
Consumer loans
1,952,120
1,738,745
216,263
197,517
11.08%
11.36%
Total loans (4)(5)
10,068,702
8,982,087
638,721
608,993
6.34%
6.78%
Total interest-earning assets
$
14,480,582
$
11,690,764
$
714,014
$
696,168
4.93%
5.95%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts
$
2,197,980
$
1,320,458
$
5,933
$
6,071
0.27%
0.46%
Savings accounts
3,190,743
2,377,508
11,116
16,017
0.35%
0.67%
Retail certificates of deposits ("CDs")
2,741,388
2,540,289
43,350
44,658
1.58%
1.76%
Brokered CDs
357,965
500,766
7,989
11,036
2.23%
2.20%
Interest-bearing deposits
8,488,076
6,739,021
68,388
77,782
0.81%
1.15%
Loans payable
8,415
-
-
0.25%
-
Other borrowed funds
475,492
294,798
13,000
16,071
2.73%
5.45%
FHLB advances
505,478
715,433
11,251
14,963
2.23%
2.09%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
9,477,461
$
7,749,252
$
92,660
$
108,816
0.98%
1.40%
Net interest income
$
621,354
$
587,352
Interest rate spread
3.95%
4.55%
Net interest margin
4.29%
5.02%
(1) On an adjusted tax-equivalent basis. The Corporation estimated the adjusted tax-equivalent yield by dividing the interest rate spread on exempt assets by 1 less the Puerto Rico statutory tax rate of 37.5% and adding to it the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The tax-equivalent adjustment recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income, interest rate spread and net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis. Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons. The Corporation excludes changes in the fair value of derivatives from interest income and interest expense because the changes in valuation do not affect interest received or paid.
(2) Government obligations include debt issued by government-sponsored agencies.
(3) Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from the average volumes.
(4) Average loan balances include the average of nonaccrual loans.
(5) Interest income on loans includes $7.3 million and $9.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, of income from prepayment penalties and late fees related to the Corporation’s loan portfolio.
Part II
2020 Compared to 2019
Increase (decrease)
Due to:
Volume
Rate
Total
(In thousands)
Interest income on interest-earning
assets:
Money market and other short-term investments
$
7,110
$
(17,114)
$
(10,004)
Government obligations
8,068
(13,146)
(5,078)
MBS
23,113
(19,199)
3,914
FHLB stock
(529)
(194)
(723)
Other investments
-
Total investments
37,771
(49,653)
(11,882)
Residential mortgage loans
4,051
(1,695)
2,356
Construction loans
4,206
(1,365)
2,841
Commercial and Industrial and Commercial
mortgage loans
34,829
(33,566)
1,263
Finance leases
5,243
(721)
4,522
Consumer loans
23,939
(5,193)
18,746
Total loans
72,268
(42,540)
29,728
Total interest income
$
110,039
$
(92,193)
$
17,846
Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities:
Brokered CDs
$
(3,167)
$
$
(3,047)
Non-brokered interest-bearing deposits
17,148
(23,495)
(6,347)
Loans payable
-
Other borrowed funds
7,395
(10,466)
(3,071)
FHLB advances
(4,532)
(3,712)
Total interest expense
16,865
(33,021)
(16,156)
Change in net interest income
$
93,174
$
(59,172)
$
34,002
Portions of the Corporation’s interest-earning assets, mostly investments in obligations of some U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored entities (“GSEs”), generate interest that is exempt from income tax, principally in Puerto Rico. Also, interest and gains on sales of investments held by the Corporation’s international banking entities (“IBEs”) are tax-exempt under Puerto Rico tax law (see “Income Taxes” below for additional information). Management believes that the presentation of interest income on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis facilitates the comparison of all interest data related to these assets. The Corporation estimated the tax equivalent yield by dividing the interest rate spread on exempt assets by 1 less the Puerto Rico statutory tax rate (37.5%) and adding to it the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The computation considers the interest expense disallowance required by Puerto Rico tax law.
Management believes that the presentation of net interest income excluding the effects of the changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments (“valuations”) provides additional information about the Corporation’s net interest income and facilitates comparability and analysis from period to period. The changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments have no effect on interest due on interest-bearing liabilities or interest earned on interest-earning assets.
The following table reconciles net interest income in accordance with GAAP to net interest income, excluding valuations, and net interest income on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis for the indicated periods. The table also reconciles net interest spread and net interest margin on a GAAP basis to these items excluding valuations, and on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis:
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest income - GAAP
$
692,982
$
675,897
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments
(27)
Interest income excluding valuations
692,955
675,903
Tax-equivalent adjustment
21,059
20,265
Interest income on a tax-equivalent basis excluding valuations
714,014
696,168
Interest expense - GAAP
92,660
108,816
Net interest income - GAAP
$
600,322
$
567,081
Net interest income excluding valuations
$
600,295
$
567,087
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis and excluding valuations
$
621,354
$
587,352
Average Balances
Loans and leases
$
10,068,702
$
8,982,087
Total securities, other short-term investments and interest-bearing cash balances
4,411,880
2,708,677
Average Interest-Earning Assets
$
14,480,582
$
11,690,764
Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities
$
9,477,461
$
7,749,252
Average Yield/Rate
Average yield on interest-earning assets - GAAP
4.79%
5.78%
Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities - GAAP
0.98%
1.40%
Net interest spread - GAAP
3.81%
4.38%
Net interest margin - GAAP
4.15%
4.85%
Average yield on interest-earning assets excluding valuations
4.79%
5.78%
Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities
0.98%
1.40%
Net interest spread excluding valuations
3.81%
4.38%
Net interest margin excluding valuations
4.15%
4.85%
Average yield on interest-earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis and excluding
valuations
4.93%
5.95%
Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities
0.98%
1.40%
Net interest spread on a tax-equivalent basis and excluding valuations
3.95%
4.55%
Net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis and excluding valuations
4.29%
5.02%
Interest income on interest-earning assets primarily represents interest earned on loans held for investment and investment securities.
Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities primarily represents interest paid on brokered CDs, retail deposits, repurchase agreements, advances from the FHLB and junior subordinated debentures.
Unrealized gains or losses on derivatives represent changes in the fair value of derivatives, primarily interest rate caps used for protection against rising interest rates.
Net interest income amounted to $600.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $32.2 million, when compared to $567.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The $32.2 million increase in net interest income was primarily due to:
 A $23.3 million increase in interest income on consumer loans and finance leases, mainly due to a $283.6 million increase in the average balance of this portfolio, which resulted in an increase in interest income of approximately $29.2 million, largely related to auto loans and finance leases. The increase in average balance reflects the effect of both consumer loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and organic growth. The benefit of the increase in the average balance of the consumer loan portfolio was partially offset, among other things, by a $2.1 million decrease in late charges and penalty fees assessed, and the downward repricing of credit card loans.
 A $16.2 million decrease in interest expense, primarily due to: (i) a $6.3 million decrease in interest expense on interest bearing checking, savings and non-brokered time deposits, including a decrease of approximately $18.1 million related to lower average interest rates paid, partially offset by an increase of approximately $11.7 million in interest expense related to a $1.9 billion increase in the average balance; (ii) a $3.7 million decrease in interest expense on FHLB advances, primarily related to a $210.0 million decrease in the average balance; (iii) a $3.0 million decrease in interest expense on brokered CDs, primarily related to a $142.8 million decrease in the average balance; and (iv) a $3.1 million decrease in interest expense related to the downward repricing of floating-rate junior subordinated debentures tied to the decrease in the three-month LIBOR index.
 A $2.4 million increase in interest income on commercial and construction loans, reflecting a $727.3 million increase in the average commercial and construction loan portfolio balance, primarily related to both the effect of loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and the SBA PPP loans originated in 2020. Total discount accretion related to fair value marks on commercial and construction loans acquired from BSPR amounted to $5.5 million in 2020. Additionally, interest income includes $7.5 million on average SBA PPP loan balances of $272.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase related to higher average balances in 2020, was partially offset by the downward repricing of variable-rate commercial and construction loans, the origination of new loans at lower rates than loans repaid, and the effect in 2019 of a $3.0 million accelerated discount accretion from the payoff of a previously-acquired commercial mortgage loan.
As of December 31, 2020, the interest rate on approximately 39% of the Corporation’s commercial and construction loans, excluding SBA PPP loans, was based upon LIBOR indexes and 15% was based upon the Prime Rate index. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the average one-month LIBOR rate declined 171 basis points, the average three-month LIBOR rate declined 168 basis points, and the average Prime Rate declined 174 basis points, compared to the average rates for such indexes for the same period in 2019.
 A $2.3 million increase in interest income on residential mortgage loans, reflecting a $75.7 million increase in the average balance of this portfolio, primarily related to loans acquired from BSPR.
Partially offset by:
 A $10.0 million decrease in interest income from interest-bearing cash balances, which consisted primarily of deposits maintained at the New York FED. Balances at the New York FED earned 0.44% during 2020 compared to 2.12% for 2019, a decrease attributable to declines in the Federal Funds target rate. The adverse effect of lower rates was partially offset by a $609.6 million increase in the average balance of interest-bearing cash balances, primarily related to the growth in deposits gathered from customers.
 A $1.0 million decrease in interest income on investment securities, mainly related to a $10.9 million increase in the premium amortization expense on U.S. agencies MBS affected by the low interest rate environment (including $2.2 million related to U.S. agencies MBS acquired in the BSPR transaction), a $2.7 million decrease in interest income on U.S. agencies bonds, driven by lower yields available on recent purchases, a $0.8 million decrease in interest income on Puerto Rico municipalities bonds, primarily related to the downward repricing of such bonds, which are tied to short-term market interest rates, and a $0.7 million decrease in FHLB stock dividends related to the lower investment in FHLB stock. These variances were almost entirely offset by the increase in interest income resulting from a $853.7 million increase in the average balance of U.S. agencies MBS.
The net interest margin decreased by 70 basis points to 4.15% for 2020, compared to 4.85% for 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by the effect of the low interest rate environment on the repricing of variable rate commercial loans and interest-bearing cash balances, as well as on the increase in the U.S. agencies premium amortization expense. In addition, net interest margin was adversely affected by a higher proportion of low-yielding assets, such as interest-bearing cash balances, U.S agencies bonds and MBS, and SBA PPP loans, to total interest-earning assets, partially offset by the decrease in the average interest rate paid on interest-bearing deposits.
On an adjusted tax-equivalent basis, net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $34.0 million to $621.4 million, compared to the same period in 2019. The tax-equivalent adjustment increased by $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same period a year ago, primarily related to an increase in the average balance of U.S. agencies MBS held by the IBE subsidiary First Bank Overseas.
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses consists of provisions for credit losses on loans and finance leases and, unfunded loan commitments, as well as held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities. On January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted ASU 2016-13, which replaced the incurred loss methodology with the CECL methodology to estimate the ACL of certain financial assets considering, among other things, expected future changes in macroeconomic conditions. The Corporation adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective method, resulting in a cumulative increase of approximately $93.2 million in the total ACL with a corresponding decrease, net of applicable taxes, in beginning retained earnings as of January 1, 2020. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASU 2016-13 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. See Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for further information about the day-one impact on the date of adoption of ASU 2016-13, as well as a description of the methodologies that the Corporation follows to determine the ACL.
The principal changes in the provision for credit losses by main categories follow:
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases
The provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases increased by $128.5 million to $168.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $40.2 million for 2019. The CECL accounting standard requires the Corporation to provide for an ACL for non-PCD loans at the time of acquisition through a direct charge to earnings, in addition to any fair value adjustments on these loans. Accordingly, the Corporation recorded a $37.5 million provision for credit losses for non-PCD loans acquired in the BSPR acquisition in the third quarter of 2020. The provision of credit losses do not include $28.7 million of reserves established at acquisition date for PCD loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition. The following table shows the breakdown of the provision for credit losses by portfolio for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Year ended December 31, 2020
Year ended December 31, 2019
(In thousands)
Residential Mortgage Loans
Commercial Loans (including Commercial Mortgage, C&I, and Construction)
Consumer and Finance Leases
Total
Residential Mortgage Loans
Commercial Loans (including Commercial Mortgage, C&I, and Construction)
Consumer and Finance Leases
Total
Provision for credit losses on loans
and finance leases (excluding Initial
reserves for acquired non-PCD loans)
$
8,822
$
76,088
$
46,313
$
131,223
$
14,091
$
(16,889)
$
43,023
$
40,225
Initial reserves required for acquired
non-PCD loans
13,605
13,769
10,120
37,494
-
-
-
-
Provision for credit losses on loans
and finance leases
$
22,427
$
89,857
$
56,433
$
168,717
$
14,091
$
(16,889)
$
43,023
$
40,225
The $128.5 million increase in the provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases consisted of:
 Provision for credit losses for the commercial and construction loans portfolio of $89.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to a $16.9 million net loan loss reserve release for commercial and construction loans for the year ended December 31, 2019. Excluding the $13.8 million charge recorded in 2020 related to the initial reserves required for non-PCD commercial loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition, the adverse variance of $93.0 million was driven by a $74.4 million reserve build (i.e., provision of $76.1 million less net charge-offs of $1.7 million) in 2020 reflecting the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted macroeconomic variables used in the Corporation’s CECL model. The increase in the ACL was reflected in all regions where the Corporation operates, with the higher provisions recorded for loans related to the hospitality, office and retail real estate industries. The reserve release recorded in 2019 was primarily related to a $3.4 million reserve release associated with the resolution of uncertainties surrounding the repayment prospects of a hurricane-affected commercial customer, a $6.0 million release associated with the effect of qualitative adjustments to account for developments in resolution strategies for non-performing loans, and the effect of reserve releases related to both lower historical loss rates and the upgrade in the credit-risk classification of certain commercial loans.
 Provision for credit losses for the consumer loans and finance leases portfolio of $56.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $43.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Excluding the $10.1 million charge recorded in 2020 related to the initial reserves required for non-PCD consumer loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition, the provision for consumer loans increased by $3.3 million driven by a $9.6 million reserve build (i.e., provision of $46.3 million less net charge-offs of $36.7 million) in 2020 reflecting the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic forecasts used in the Corporation’s CECL model, primarily reflected in auto loans, finance lease and credit card loans during the first half of 2020. Key economic variables in the consumer loan portfolio are unemployment rates and retail sales. In addition, the variance reflects the effect in the first quarter of 2019 of a $3.0 million reserve release related to revised estimates associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, attributable to the updated payment patterns and credit risk analyses applied to consumer borrowers subject to payment deferral programs that expired early in 2018.
 Provision for credit losses for the residential mortgage loans portfolio of $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Excluding the $13.6 million charge recorded in 2020 related to the initial reserves required for non-PCD residential mortgage loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition, the provision for residential mortgage loans decreased by $5.3 million, reflecting the overall decrease in the size of the legacy residential mortgage portfolio and declines in net charge-offs that more than offset the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic forecasts in the first half of the year. Key economic variables in the residential mortgage loan portfolio are unemployment rates and the regional home price index.
See “Risk Management - Credit Risk Management” below for an analysis of the ACL, non-performing assets, and related information, and see “Financial Condition and Operating Data Analysis - Loan Portfolio and Risk Management - Credit Risk Management” below for additional information concerning the Corporation’s loan portfolio exposure in the geographic areas where the Corporation does business.
Provision for credit losses for unfunded loan commitments
The Corporation recorded a provision for credit losses for unfunded commercial and construction loan commitments and standby letters of credit of $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The provision recorded in 2020 primarily consisted of a $1.3 million charge recorded in connection with unfunded loan commitments assumed in the BSPR acquisition. During 2019, the Corporation recorded a $0.4 million release on this reserve.
Provision for credit losses for held-to-maturity and available-for-sale debt securities
During the first quarter of 2020, as a result of CECL requirements in effect since January 1, 2020, the Corporation established an ACL of $8.1 million for held-to-maturity Puerto Rico municipalities bonds. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded a release of credit losses of $0.6 million, primarily related to the repayment of certain bonds of the legacy debt securities portfolio. In the third quarter of 2020, the Corporation recorded a $1.3 million initial reserve for PCD debt securities acquired in the BSPR acquisition. The initial reserve established for PCD debt securities acquired in the BSPR acquisition was not established through a charge to the provision for credit losses, but rather through an initial adjustment to the debt securities’ amortized cost basis. Meanwhile, the Corporation recorded charges to the provision for credit losses for available-for-sale securities of $1.6 million during 2020, substantially all recorded in the first half of 2020. These charges were in connection with private label MBS and a residential mortgage pass-through MBS issued by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (“PRHFA”) that resulted from a decline in the present value of expected cash flows based upon the performance of the underlying mortgages and the effect of a deterioration in forecasted economic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ASU 2016-13 requires the determination of expected credit losses over the life of held-to-maturity securities and changed the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available-for-sale debt securities that management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell.
Non-Interest Income
The following table presents the composition of non-interest income for the indicated periods:
Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
24,612
$
23,916
Mortgage banking activities
22,124
17,058
Insurance income
9,364
10,186
Other operating income
41,834
39,909
Non-interest income before net gain (loss) on investment securities
and gain on early extinguishment of debt
97,934
91,069
Net gain on sale of investment securities
13,198
-
OTTI on debt securities
-
(497)
Net gain (loss) on investment securities
13,198
(497)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
-
Total non-interest income
$
111,226
$
90,572
Non-interest income primarily consists of income from service charges on deposit accounts, commissions derived from various banking and insurance activities, gains and losses on mortgage banking activities, interchange and other fees related to debit and credit cards, and net gains and losses on investment securities.
Service charges on deposit accounts include monthly fees, overdraft fees, and other fees on deposit accounts, as well as corporate cash management fees.
Income from mortgage banking activities includes gains on sales and securitizations of loans, revenues earned for administering residential mortgage loans originated by the Corporation and subsequently sold with servicing retained, and unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts used to hedge the Corporation’s securitization pipeline. In addition, lower-of-cost-or-market valuation adjustments to the Corporation’s residential mortgage loans held-for-sale portfolio and servicing rights portfolio, if any, are recorded as part of mortgage banking activities.
Insurance income consists mainly of insurance commissions earned by the Corporation’s subsidiary, FirstBank Insurance Agency, Inc.
The other operating income category is composed of miscellaneous fees such as debit, credit card and POS interchange fees, as well as contractual shared revenues from merchant contracts sold in 2015.
The net gain (loss) on investment securities reflects gains or losses as a result of sales that are consistent with the Corporation’s investment policies and, prior to 2020, OTTI charges on the Corporation’s investment securities portfolio.
The gain on early extinguishment of debt is related to the repurchase in 2020 of $0.4 million in TRuPs of FBP Statutory Trust I. The Corporation repurchased TRuPs resulted in a commensurate reduction in the related amount of the floating rate junior subordinated debentures (“Subordinated Debt”). The Corporation’s purchase price equated to 75% of the $0.4 million par value. The 25% discount resulted in a gain of $0.1 million which is reflected in the consolidated statements of income as a Gain on early extinguishment of debt. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation still had Subordinated Debt outstanding in the aggregate amount of $183.8 million.
Non-interest income amounted to $111.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $90.6 million for 2019. The $20.6 million increase in non-interest income was primarily due to:
 The $13.2 million gain on sales of investment securities consisting of: (i) a $13.0 million gain on sales of approximately $392.2 million on available-for-sale U.S. agencies MBS; and (ii) a $0.2 million gain on sales of approximately $803.3 million of available-for-sale U.S. Treasury Notes acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition.
 A $5.1 million increase in revenues from mortgage banking activities, driven by a $6.0 million increase in realized gain on sales of residential mortgage loans in the secondary market. Total loans sold in the secondary market to U.S. GSEs during 2020 amounted to $476.4 million, with a related net gain of $18.1 million (net of realized losses of $2.0 million on to-be-announced (“TBA”) MBS hedges), compared to total loans sold in the secondary market in 2019 of $374.0 million, with a related net gain of $12.2 million (net of realized losses of $1.8 million on TBA MBS hedges).
 A $4.3 million increase in gain from hurricane-related insurance recoveries, included as part of Other operating income in the table above, driven by the $5.0 million benefit recorded in 2020 resulting from the final settlement of the Corporation’s business interruption insurance claim associated with lost profits caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
 Fee income of $1.4 million recorded in connection with the sale of a 95% participation in the $184.4 million of Main Street loans originated during the fourth quarter of 2020, includes as part of Other operating income the table above.
 A $0.7 million increase in service charges on deposits accounts, primarily related to the income generated by the acquired BSPR operations for the last four months of the year, that more than offset the reduction in the number of returned checks, paid items and overdraft fee transactions, adversely affected by the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partially offset by:
 The effect in 2019 of a $2.3 million net gain recorded on the sales of approximately $11.4 million in nonaccrual commercial and construction loans held for sale, included as part of Other operating income in the table above.
 A $0.9 million decrease in transactional fee income from credit and debit cards, ATMs, POS and merchant-related activities as a result of the disruptions caused by quarantines and lockdowns of non-essential businesses in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily during the second quarter of 2020. These amounts are included as part of Other operating income in the table above.
 A $0.8 million decrease in insurance income, driven by lower credit protection, life and commercial insurance commissions, adversely affected by a lower volume of new loan originations (excluding SBA PPP loans), partially offset by higher insurance contingent commission received by the insurance agency.
Non-Interest Expenses
The following table presents the components of non-interest expenses for the indicated periods:
Year ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Employees' compensation and benefits
$
177,073
$
162,374
Occupancy and equipment
74,633
63,169
FDIC deposit insurance premium
6,488
6,319
Taxes, other than income taxes
17,762
15,325
Professional fees:
Collections, appraisals and other credit-related fees
5,563
7,805
Outsourced technology services
33,974
23,560
Other professional fees
13,096
14,524
Credit and debit card processing expenses
19,144
16,472
Business promotion
12,145
15,710
Communications
8,437
6,891
Net loss on OREO and OREO operations
3,598
14,644
Merger and restructuring costs
26,509
11,442
Other
25,818
20,233
Total non-interest expenses
$
424,240
$
378,468
Non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $424.2 million, compared to $378.5 million for 2019. Included in non-interest expenses are the following Special Items:
 Merger and restructuring costs associated with the acquisition of BSPR of $26.5 million in 2020, compared to $11.4 million for 2019. These costs primarily included consulting, legal, valuation, advisory and other professional service fees associated with the acquisition, VSPs offered to eligible employees, retention and other compensation bonuses, and expenses related to system conversions and other integration related efforts.
 COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses of $5.4 million in 2020 consisting of: (i) expenses of $1.8 million in connection with bonuses paid to branch personnel and other essential employees for working during the pandemic, as well as employee-related expenses such as expenses for the administration of COVID-19 tests, and purchases of personal protective materials, recorded as Employees’ compensation and benefits in the table above; (ii) expenses of $2.7 million associated with cleaning and security protocols, included as part of Occupancy and equipment costs in the table above; (iii) expenses of $0.6 million related to communications established with customers, included as part of Business promotion expenses in the table above; (iv) $0.3 million in sales and use taxes, included as part of Taxes, other than income taxes in the table above; and (v) $0.1 million in other miscellaneous expenses, included as part of Other expenses in the table above.
 Benefit from hurricane-related insurance recoveries recorded as contra-expense in 2020 amounting to $1.2 million, compared to $1.3 million in 2019, primarily related to repairs, maintenance and other hurricane-related expenses. Most of these benefits were recorded as a contra-expense of Occupancy and Equipment costs in the table above.
 Expense recovery of $2.3 million related to the employee retention benefit payment received by the Bank in 2019 by virtue of the Disaster Tax Relief Act. The Benefit was recorded as an offset to employees’ compensation and benefits expenses.
On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted non-interest expenses, excluding the effect of the Special Items mentioned above, amounted to $393.5 million for 2020, compared to $370.2 million for 2019. The $23.3 million increase in adjusted non-interest expenses primarily reflect the effect of operations, personnel, and branches acquired from BSPR, partially offset by reductions in OREO losses and expenses and the effect of both, volume-related expense reductions and several expense control measures taken in response to the current economic environment that includes actions such as modifications of business promotion strategies, elimination of all traveling expenses, and reassessment of project plans, among others. Some of the most significant variances in adjusted non-interest expenses follows:
 A $10.6 million increase in adjusted employee’ compensation and benefits, primarily driven by incremental expenses related to personnel retained from the acquisition of BSPR, partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in deferred loan origination costs, primarily in connection with the origination of SBA PPP loans.
 An $8.3 million increase in adjusted occupancy and equipment expenses, primarily related to incremental expenses associated with the acquired operations, partially offset by the effect in 2019 of a $0.9 million charge related to the expensing of previously capitalized costs upon the outsourcing of certain technology solutions and changes in the scope and requirements of a technology-related project.
 A $5.5 million increase in adjusted Other expenses, in the table above, including: (i) a $2.8 million increase in amortization of intangible assets expense, primarily associated with the intangibles assets recognized in connection with the BSPR acquisition; (ii) a $1.6 million increase in local supervisory assessment fees, primarily associated with the increase in total assets; and (iii) a $1.2 million increase in legal and operational losses reserves.
 A $6.6 million increase in adjusted professional service fees, including a $10.4 million increase in outsourced technology fees, primarily related to temporary technology processing costs of the acquired BSPR operations while system conversions are completed, efforts intended to enhance disaster recovery capabilities and data security matters, and costs incurred in connection with the platform used for the origination of SBA PPP loans. These costs were partially offset by a $2.2 million decrease in collection fees, appraisals and title-related matters and a $1.9 million decrease in adjusted consulting and legal expenses.
 A $2.7 million increase in credit and debit card processing expenses, primarily related to incremental expenses of the acquired operations.
 A $2.2 million increase in adjusted taxes, other than income taxes expenses, primarily related to incremental municipal license taxes and property taxes of the acquired operations.
Partially offset by:
 An $11.0 million decrease in losses from OREO operations, primarily related to a $7.8 million decrease in write-downs and losses on sales of OREO properties and a $4.0 million decrease in OREO-related operating expenses, primarily repairs, maintenance, taxes and security measures. These variances were partially offset by a $0.8 million decrease in income recognized from rental payments associated with OREO income-producing properties.
 A $4.0 million decrease in adjusted business promotion expenses, primarily related to a $3.1 million decrease in expenses incurred in advertising, marketing, public relations, and sponsorship activities, and a $0.7 million decrease in the cost of the credit card rewards program.
The adjusted non-interest expenses and adjusted components of non-interest expenses financial metrics presented above are non-GAAP financial measures. See Basis of Presentation below for additional information and reconciliation of total non-interest expenses and certain non-interest expense components to adjusted total non-interest expenses and certain adjusted non-interest expense components.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense includes Puerto Rico and USVI income taxes, as well as applicable U.S. federal and state taxes. The Corporation is subject to Puerto Rico income tax on its income from all sources. As a Puerto Rico corporation, FirstBank is treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. and USVI income tax purposes and, accordingly, is generally subject to U.S. and USVI income tax only on its income from sources within the U.S. and USVI or income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in those jurisdictions. Any such tax paid in the U.S. and USVI is also creditable against the Corporation’s Puerto Rico tax liability, subject to certain conditions and limitations.
Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended (the “2011 PR Code”), the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns and, thus, the Corporation is generally not entitled to utilize losses from one subsidiary to offset gains in another subsidiary. Accordingly, in order to obtain a tax benefit from a net operating loss (“NOL”), a particular subsidiary must be able to demonstrate sufficient taxable income within the applicable NOL carry-forward period. Pursuant to the 2011 PR Code, the carry-forward period for NOLs incurred during taxable years that commenced after December 31, 2004 and ended before January 1, 2013 is 12 years; for NOLs incurred during taxable years commencing after December 31, 2012, the carryover period is 10 years. The 2011 PR Code provides a dividend received deduction of 100% on dividends received from “controlled” subsidiaries subject to taxation in Puerto Rico and 85% on dividends received from other taxable domestic corporations.
The Corporation has maintained an effective tax rate lower than the maximum statutory rate mainly by investing in government obligations and MBS exempt from U.S. and Puerto Rico income taxes and by doing business through an IBE unit of the Bank, and through the Bank’s subsidiary, FirstBank Overseas Corporation, whose interest income and gains on sales is exempt from Puerto Rico income taxation. The IBE unit and FirstBank Overseas Corporation were created under the International Banking Entity Act of Puerto Rico (the “IBE Act”), which provides for total Puerto Rico tax exemption on net income derived by IBEs operating in Puerto Rico on the specific activities identified in the IBE Act. An IBE that operates as a unit of a bank pays income taxes at the corporate standard rates to the extent that the IBE’s net income exceeds 20% of the bank’s total net taxable income.
The CARES Act of 2020 includes several provisions to stimulate the U.S. economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these are tax provisions that temporarily modified the taxable income limitations for NOL usage to offset future taxable income, NOL carryback provisions and other related income and non-income based tax laws. The Corporation has evaluated such provisions and determined that the impact of the CARES Act of 2020 on the income tax provision and deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020 was not significant.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of $14.0 million compared to $72.0 million for 2019. The income tax expense for 2020 reflects, among other things, the effect of lower pre-tax income driven by the significant charges to the provision for credit losses recorded in 2020 associated with the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic forecasts employed by the Corporation in the CECL model, as well as the initial reserves required for non-PCD loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition. Additionally, the variance reflects the effect of the $8.0 million partial reversal of the Corporation’s deferred tax asset valuation allowance after considering significant positive evidence on the utilization of net operating losses due to the acquisition of BSPR. The decrease in the income tax expense in 2020 also reflects a lower proportion of taxable to exempt income. The Corporation’s effective tax rate for 2020, excluding entities from which a tax benefit cannot be recognized and discrete items, decreased to 17%, compared to 30% for 2019.
On January 1, 2020, the Corporation increased its deferred tax assets by $31.3 million in connection with the transitional adjustment resulting from the adoption of the CECL accounting standard. In addition, the BSPR acquisition added $28.9 million of net deferred tax assets as of the acquisition date. In connection with the acquisition of BSPR, the Corporation re-evaluated the forecast of its projected taxable income, and, after consideration of the available positive and negative evidence, a partial release of the valuation allowance of $8.0 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2020.
After completion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance analysis for the fourth quarter of 2020, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, it is more likely than not that FirstBank, the banking subsidiary, will generate sufficient taxable income to realize $144.7 million of its deferred tax assets related to NOLs within the applicable carry-forward periods. The net deferred tax assets of FirstBank amounted to $329.1 million as of December 31, 2020, net of a valuation allowance of $59.9 million, compared to a deferred tax asset of $264.8 million, net of a valuation allowance of $55.6 million, as of December 31, 2019. The positive evidence considered by management in arriving at its conclusion included factors such as: FirstBank’s three-year cumulative income position; sustained periods of profitability; management’s proven ability to forecast future income accurately and execute tax strategies; forecasts of future profitability, under several potential scenarios that support the partial utilization of NOLs prior to their expiration from 2021 through 2024; and the utilization of NOLs over the past three-years. The negative evidence considered by management included: uncertainties around the state of the Puerto Rico economy, including considerations on the impact of hurricane and pandemic recovery funds together with Puerto Rico government debt renegotiation efforts and the ultimate sustainability of the latest fiscal plan certified by the PROMESA oversight board.
Management’s estimate of future taxable income is based on internal projections that consider historical performance, multiple internal scenarios and assumptions, as well as external data that management believes is reasonable. If events are identified that affect the Corporation’s ability to utilize its deferred tax assets, the analysis will be updated to determine if any adjustments to the valuation allowance are required. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, even if caused by adverse macro-economic conditions, the remaining valuation allowance may need to be increased. Such an increase could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. Conversely, a higher than projected proportion of taxable income to exempt income could lead to a higher usage of available NOLs and a lower amount of disallowed NOLs from projected levels of tax-exempt income, per the 2011 PR code, which in turn could result in further releases of the deferred tax valuation allowance; any such decreases could have a material positive effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately $210.7 million of the deferred tax assets of the Corporation are attributable to temporary differences or tax credit carryforwards that have no expiration date, compared to $92.0 million in 2019. The valuation allowance attributable to FirstBank’s deferred tax assets of $59.9 million as of December 31, 2020 is related to the estimated NOL disallowance attributable to projected levels of tax-exempt income, NOLs attributable to the Virgin Islands jurisdiction, and capital losses. The remaining balance of $43 million of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance non-attributable to FirstBank is mainly related to NOLs and capital losses at the holding company level. The Corporation will continue to provide a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in each applicable tax jurisdiction until the need for a valuation allowance is eliminated. The need for a valuation allowance is eliminated when the Corporation determines that it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ability to recognize the remaining deferred tax assets that continue to be subject to a valuation allowance will be evaluated on a quarterly basis to determine if there are any significant events that would affect the ability to utilize these deferred tax assets.
The Corporation has U.S. and USVI sourced NOL carryforwards. Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”) limits the ability to utilize U.S. and USVI NOLs for income tax purposes in such jurisdictions following an event that is considered to be an “ownership change”. Generally, an “ownership change” occurs when certain shareholders increase their aggregate ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage over a three-year testing period. Upon the occurrence of a Section 382 ownership change, the use of NOLs attributable to the period prior to the ownership change is subject to limitations and only a portion of the U.S. and USVI NOLs may be used by the Corporation to offset its annual U.S. and USVI taxable income, if any.
In 2017, the Corporation completed a formal ownership change analysis within the meaning of Section 382 covering a comprehensive period and concluded that an ownership change had occurred during such period. The Section 382 limitation has resulted in higher U.S. and USVI income tax liabilities than we would have incurred in the absence of such limitation. The Corporation has mitigated to an extent the adverse effects associated with the Section 382 limitation as any such tax paid in the U.S. or USVI is creditable against Puerto Rico tax liabilities or taken as a deduction against taxable income. However, our ability to reduce our Puerto Rico tax liability through such a credit or deduction depends on our tax profile at each annual taxable period, which is dependent on various factors. For 2020 and 2019, the Corporation incurred an income tax expense of approximately $4.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively, related to its U.S. operations. The limitation did not impact the USVI operations in 2020 and 2019.
OPERATING SEGMENTS
Based upon the Corporation’s organizational structure and the information provided to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the operating segments are based primarily on the Corporation’s lines of business for its operations in Puerto Rico, the Corporation’s principal market, and by geographic areas for its operations outside of Puerto Rico. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had six reportable segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking; Consumer (Retail) Banking; Mortgage Banking; Treasury and Investments; United States operations; and Virgin Islands operations. Management determined the reportable segments based on the internal structure used to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. Other factors, such as the Corporation’s organizational chart, nature of the products, distribution channels, and the economic characteristics of the products, were also considered in the determination of the reportable segments. For additional information regarding First BanCorp.’s reportable segments, please refer to Note 36 - Segment Information, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Corporation evaluates the performance of the segments based on net interest income, the provision for credit losses, non-interest income, and direct non-interest expenses. The segments are also evaluated based on the average volume of their interest-earning assets less the ACL. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, other operating expenses not allocated to a particular segment amounted to $165.4 million and $125.9 million, respectively. Expenses pertaining to corporate administrative functions that support the operating segment, but are not specifically attributable to or managed by any segment, are not included in the reported financial results of the operating segments. The unallocated corporate expenses include certain general and administrative expenses and related depreciation and amortization expenses.
The Treasury and Investments segment lends funds to the Consumer (Retail) Banking, Mortgage Banking, Commercial and Corporate Banking and United States operations segments to finance their lending activities and borrows from those segments. The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment also lends funds to other segments. The Corporation allocates the interest rates charged or credited by the Treasury and Investment and the Consumer (Retail) Banking segments based on market rates. The difference between the allocated interest income or expense and the Corporation’s actual net interest income from centralized management of funding costs is reported in the Treasury and Investments segment.
The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s lending and other services for large customers represented by specialized and middle-market clients and the public sector. FirstBank has developed expertise in a wide variety of industries. The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment offers commercial loans, including commercial real estate and construction loans, and floor plan financings, as well as other products, such as cash management and business management services. A substantial portion of the commercial and corporate banking portfolio is secured by the underlying real estate collateral and the personal guarantees of the borrowers. Since commercial loans involve greater credit risk than a typical residential mortgage loan because they are larger in size and more risk is concentrated in a single borrower, the Corporation has and maintains a credit risk management infrastructure designed to mitigate potential losses associated with commercial lending, including underwriting and loan review functions, sales of loan participations and continuous monitoring of concentrations within portfolios.
The highlights of the Commercial and Corporate Banking segment’s financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 include the following:
 Segment income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $45.0 million, compared to $85.8 million for 2019, for the reasons discussed below.
 Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $135.6 million, compared to $91.3 million for 2019. The increase in net interest income was primarily attributable to the increase in the average balance of performing loans, driven by both the effect of commercial loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and the SBA PPP loans originated in 2020.
 For 2020, there was a $74.6 million charge to the provision for credit losses, compared to a net loan loss reserve release of $18.0 million for 2019. The charge to the provision in 2020 includes a $13.8 million charge related to the initial reserves required for non-PCD commercial loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and higher reserve builds reflecting the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted macroeconomic variables used in the Corporation’s CECL model. The net loan loss reserve release in 2019 was primarily attributable to a release of approximately $10.3 million related to lower historical loss rates; (ii) loan loss recoveries of approximately $2.1 million associated with commercial and construction loans that were fully charged-off in prior periods; and (iii) a $3.4 million release associated with the effect of qualitative adjustments to account for developments in resolution strategies for nonaccrual loans.
 Total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $12.6 million compared to $11.7 million for 2019. The increase was mainly related to a $2.2 million increase in service charges on deposits, primarily due to cash management fee income from corporate customers, fee income of $0.5 million recorded in connection with the participation interests sold on Main Street loans originated in the Puerto Rico region, and a benefit of approximately $0.8 million related to the portion of the business interruption insurance recoveries allocated to this operating segment. These variances were partially offset by the effect in 2019 of a $2.3 million gain recorded in connection with the sale of $11.4 million in nonaccrual commercial and construction loans in the Puerto Rico region.
 Direct non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $28.6 million, compared to $35.1 million for 2019. The decrease reflects a reduction of $7.8 million in net OREO losses, primarily related to lower write-downs and losses on sales of commercial OREO properties in Puerto Rico, and the effect of a $2.4 million increase in deferred loan origination costs, primarily in connection with the origination of SBA PPP loans. These variances were partially offset by incremental expenses related to the acquired commercial operations of BSPR, primarily employees’ compensation related to this operating segment.
Consumer (Retail) Banking
The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s consumer lending and deposit-taking activities conducted mainly through FirstBank’s branch network and loan centers in Puerto Rico. Loans to consumers include auto, boat and personal loans, credit card loans and lines of credit. Deposit products include interest-bearing and non-interest bearing checking and savings accounts, individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”) and retail CDs. Retail deposits gathered through each branch of FirstBank’s retail network serve as one of the funding sources for the lending and investment activities.
Consumer lending historically has been mainly driven by auto loan originations. The Corporation follows a strategy of seeking to provide outstanding service to selected auto dealers that provide the channel for the bulk of the Corporation’s auto loan originations.
Personal loans, credit cards, and, to a lesser extent, boat loans also contribute to interest income generated on consumer lending. Management plans to continue to be active in the consumer loan market, applying the Corporation’s strict underwriting standards. Other activities included in this segment are finance leases and insurance activities in Puerto Rico.
The highlights of the Consumer (Retail) Banking segment’s financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 include the following:
 Segment income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $86.4 million, compared to $138.4 million for 2019, for the reasons discussed below.
 Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $220.7 million, compared to $244.5 million for 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower income from funds loaned to other business segments due to lower medium-term market interest rates, partially offset by the increase in the average volume of consumer loans in Puerto Rico that reflects the effect of both consumer loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and organic growth.
 The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased by $13.1 million to $54.1 million, compared to $41.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase reflects the effect in 2020 of the $10.1 million charge related to the initial reserves required for non-PCD consumer loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition, and the effect of a $3.0 million reserve release recorded in 2019 in connection with revised estimates associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on consumer loans in Puerto Rico.
 Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $51.0 million, compared to $51.7 million for 2019. The decrease was primarily related to a $1.2 million decrease in service charges on deposits primarily related to a reduction on the number of returned checks, paid items, and overdraft fee transactions, adversely affected by disruptions in business activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that more than offset the income contributed by the acquired operations for the last four months of the year. In addition, transaction fee income from credit and debit cards and merchant-related activities decreased by $0.4 million, and insurance commission income in Puerto Rico decreased by $0.9 million. These variances were partially offset by a benefit of approximately $2.4 million related to the portion of the business interruption insurance recoveries allocated to this operating segment.
 Direct non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $131.1 million, compared to $116.9 million for 2019. The increase was primarily due to incremental expenses related to the acquired operations of BSPR, primarily employees’ compensation, occupancy and equipment, and credit and debit cards processing fees related to this operating segment.
Mortgage Banking
The Mortgage Banking segment conducts its operations mainly through FirstBank. The segment’s operations consist of the origination, sale and servicing of a variety of residential mortgage loan products. Originations are sourced through different channels, such as FirstBank branches and purchases from mortgage bankers, and in association with new project developers. The mortgage banking segment focuses on originating residential real estate loans, some of which conform to the Federal Housing Administration (the “FHA”), the Veterans Administration (the “VA”), and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (“RD”) standards. Loans originated that meet the FHA’s standards qualify for the FHA’s insurance program whereas loans that meet the standards of the VA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (“RD”) are guaranteed by their respective federal agencies.
Mortgage loans that do not qualify under the FHA, VA, or RD programs are referred to as conventional loans. Conventional real estate loans can be conforming or non-conforming. Conforming loans are residential real estate loans that meet the standards for sale under the U.S. Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and the U.S. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”) programs. Loans that do not meet FNMA or FHLMC standards are referred to as non-conforming residential real estate loans. The Corporation’s strategy is to penetrate markets by providing customers with a variety of high quality mortgage products to serve their financial needs through a faster and simpler process and at competitive prices. The Mortgage Banking segment also acquires and sells mortgages in the secondary markets. Residential real estate conforming loans are sold to investors like FNMA and FHLMC. The Corporation has commitment authority to issue GNMA MBS.
The highlights of the Mortgage Banking segment’s financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 include the following:
 Segment income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased to $42.5 million, compared to $37.3 million for 2019, for the reasons discussed below.
 Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $76.0 million, compared to $68.8 million for 2019. The increase in net interest income was mainly due to the increase in the average balance of residential mortgage loans in the Puerto Rico region driven by residential mortgage loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition.
 The provision for credit losses for 2020 was $22.5 million, compared to $13.5 million for 2019. The increase in the provision primarily reflects the effect in 2020 of the $13.6 million charge related to the initial reserves required for non-PCD residential mortgage loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition, partially offset by the overall decline in the size of the legacy residential mortgage loans portfolio and a decrease in net charge-off levels.
 Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $22.1 million, compared to $16.8 million for 2019. The increase was mainly due to a $5.2 million increase in realized gains from sales of residential mortgage loans and a benefit of $0.7 million related to the portion of the business interruption insurance recoveries allocated to this operating segment.
 Direct non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $33.1 million, compared to $34.8 million for 2019. The decrease was mainly related to a $3.3 million decrease in losses on OREO operations, and a $2.1 million decrease in professional service fees. These variances were partially offset by incremental expenses related to the acquired commercial operations of BSPR, primarily employees’ compensation, occupancy and equipment costs, and professional service fees related to this operating segment.
Treasury and Investments
The Treasury and Investments segment is responsible for the Corporation’s treasury and investment management functions. The treasury function, which includes funding and liquidity management, lends funds to the Commercial and Corporate Banking segment, the Mortgage Banking segment, the Consumer (Retail) Banking segment and the United States operations segment to finance their respective lending activities and borrows from those segments. The Treasury function also obtains funds through brokered deposits, advances from the FHLB, and repurchase agreements involving investment securities, among other possible funding sources.
The investment function is intended to implement a leverage strategy for the purposes of liquidity management, interest rate risk management and earnings enhancement.
The interest rates charged or credited by Treasury and Investments are based on market rates.
The highlights of the Treasury and Investments segment’s financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 include the following:
 Segment income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased to $95.4 million, compared to $70.7 million for 2019, for the reasons discussed below.
 Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $87.9 million, compared to net interest income of $73.6 million for 2019. The increase was mainly related to a decrease in interest expense attributable to lower average balances of brokered CDs and FHLB advances, as well as the decrease in the average cost of variable-rate repurchase agreements. In addition, there was an increase in income from funds loaned to other business segments due to the overall increase in the average volume of commercial and residential loans. The variances were partially offset by higher premium amortization expense of U.S. agencies MBS and a decrease in interest income on deposits maintained at the New York FED attributable to the low interest rate environment.
 Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $13.7 million, compared to non-interest loss of $0.2 million for 2019. The variance primarily reflects the effect of the $13.2 million gain realized on sales of available-for-sale investment securities.
 Direct non-interest expenses for 2020 were $3.4 million, compared to $2.7 million for 2019. The increase was mainly related to incremental expenses related to the acquired operations of BSPR, primarily employees’ compensation related to this operating segment.
United States Operations
The United States Operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by FirstBank on the U.S. mainland. FirstBank provides a wide range of banking services to individual and corporate customers primarily in southern Florida through 10 banking branches. The United States Operations segment offers an array of both consumer and commercial banking products and services. Consumer banking products include checking, savings and money market accounts, retail CDs, internet banking services, residential mortgages, and home equity loans and lines of credit. Retail deposits, as well as FHLB advances and brokered CDs, allocated to this operation serve as funding sources for its lending activities.
The commercial banking services include checking, savings and money market accounts, retail CDs, internet banking services, cash management services, remote data capture and automated clearing house, or ACH, transactions. Loan products include the traditional commercial and industrial (“C&I”) and commercial real estate products, such as lines of credit, term loans and construction loans.
The highlights of the United States operations segment’s financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, include the following:
 Segment income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $12.3 million, compared to $24.0 million for 2019, for the reasons discussed below.
 Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $54.0 million, compared to $62.5 million for 2019. The decrease was mainly due to the downward repricing of variable-rate commercial and construction loans, and the origination of new loans at lower rates than loans repaid, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense associated with lower average volumes of FHLB advances and brokered CDs allocated to this operating segment.
 The Corporation recognized a provision for credit losses on loans for this operating segment of $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $7.3 million for 2019. The increase reflects the effect of reserves build in 2020 associated with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on macroeconomic variables employed in the Corporation’s CECL model, primarily for the commercial portfolios.
 Total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $4.6 million, compared to $2.8 million for 2019. The increase was primarily related to fee income of $1.0 million recorded in connection with the sale of the 95% participation interests in Main Street loans originated in 2020, and a $0.7 million increase in gain on sales of residential mortgage loans in the secondary market.
 Direct non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $33.8 million, compared to $34.1 million for 2019. The decrease was mainly due to a $0.4 million decrease in business promotion expenses.
Virgin Islands Operations
The Virgin Islands Operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by FirstBank in the USVI and BVI, including consumer and commercial banking services, with a total of 11 banking branches currently serving the islands in the USVI of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, and the island of Tortola in the BVI. The Virgin Islands Operations segment is driven by its consumer, commercial lending and deposit-taking activities.
Loans to consumers include auto and boat loans, lines of credit, and personal and residential mortgage loans. Deposit products include interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing checking and savings accounts, IRAs, and retail CDs. Retail deposits gathered through each branch serve as the funding sources for its own lending activities.
The highlights of the Virgin Islands operations’ financial results for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 include the following:
 Segment income before taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased to $0.2 million, compared to $9.1 million for 2019, for the reasons discussed below.
 Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $26.1 million, compared to $26.3 million for 2019. The decrease in net interest income was primarily related to the decrease in the average balance of residential mortgage loans in this operating segment.
 The Corporation recognized a provision for credit losses of $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to a net loan loss reserve release of $4.0 million for 2019. The variance was primarily related to reserve builds in 2020 in connection with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on macroeconomic variables employed in the Corporation’s CECL model, primarily for the commercial portfolios. The net loan loss reserve release in 2019 was primarily related to a $2.9 million release associated with the effect of qualitative adjustments to account for developments in resolution strategies for nonaccrual loans and a $1.7 million loan loss recovery on a commercial and industrial loan charged off in prior periods.
 Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $7.3 million, compared to $7.7 million for 2019. The decrease was mainly related to a $0.5 million decrease in fee-based income from credit and debit cards as well as merchant-related activities, and a $0.2 million decrease in service charges on deposits, both affected by disruptions in business activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by a $0.4 million increase in hurricane-related insurance recoveries, primarily due to the portion of the business interruption insurance recoveries recorded in 2020 related to this operating segment.
 Direct non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $28.8 million compared to $29.0 million for 2019. The decrease was mainly due to a $0.9 million decrease in employees’ compensation and benefits expenses, partially offset by higher occupancy and equipment costs associated, in part, with the effect in 2019 of hurricane-related extra expenses insurance recoveries of $0.5 million recorded for this operating segment.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND OPERATING DATA ANALYSIS
Financial Condition
The following table presents an average balance sheet of the Corporation for the following years:
December 31,
(In thousands)
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets:
Money market and other short-term investments
$
1,258,683
$
649,065
$
623,892
U.S. and Puerto Rico government obligations
878,537
632,959
799,358
MBS
2,236,262
1,382,589
1,347,979
FHLB stock
32,160
40,661
40,389
Other investments
6,238
3,403
2,881
Total investments
4,411,880
2,708,677
2,814,499
Residential mortgage loans
3,119,400
3,043,672
3,179,487
Construction loans
168,967
97,605
117,993
Commercial loans
4,387,419
3,731,499
3,629,329
Finance leases
440,796
370,566
287,400
Consumer loans
1,952,120
1,738,745
1,512,984
Total loans
10,068,702
8,982,087
8,727,193
Total interest-earning assets
14,480,582
11,690,764
11,541,692
Total non-interest-earning assets (1)
752,064
761,370
664,509
Total assets
$
15,232,646
$
12,452,134
$
12,206,201
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing checking accounts
$
2,197,980
$
1,320,458
$
1,288,240
Savings accounts
3,190,743
2,377,508
2,364,774
Retail CDs
2,741,388
2,540,289
2,404,764
Brokered CDs
357,965
500,766
816,229
Interest-bearing deposits
8,488,076
6,739,021
6,874,007
Loans payable
8,415
-
-
Other borrowed funds
475,492
294,798
352,729
FHLB advances
505,478
715,433
705,000
Total interest-bearing liabilities
9,477,461
7,749,252
7,931,736
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities (2)
3,525,101
2,542,708
2,379,789
Total liabilities
13,002,562
10,291,960
10,311,525
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock
36,104
36,104
36,104
Common stockholders' equity
2,193,980
2,124,070
1,858,572
Stockholders' equity
2,230,084
2,160,174
1,894,676
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
15,232,646
$
12,452,134
$
12,206,201
_________
(1) Includes, among other things, the ACL on loans and finance leases and debt securities.
(2) Includes, among other things, non-interest-bearing deposits.
The Corporation’s total average assets were $15.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $12.5 billion for 2019, an increase of $2.7 billion. The variance primarily reflects: (i) an increase of $1.7 billion in the average balance of investment securities and interest-bearing cash balances, reflecting both increased purchases of investment securities and growth in cash balances supported by strong deposit growth during 2020, as well as the effect of investment securities acquired in conjunction with the acquisition of BSPR; and (ii) a $1.1 billion increase in the average balance of total loans, reflecting both the effect of loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and the volume of SBA PPP loans originated in 2020.
The Corporation’s total average liabilities were $13.0 billion as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $2.7 billion compared to December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly related to a $1.9 billion increase in the average balance of non-brokered interest-bearing deposits and a $953.2 million increase in the average balance of non-interest-bearing deposits, primarily reflecting the effect of payments received by individuals and commercial customers from government stimulus packages, payment deferral programs, and deposits assumed in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition. The increase also reflects the effect in 2020 of a call option exercised by a repurchase agreement counterparty on $200 million reverse repurchase agreements that were previously offset in the 2019 financial statements against variable-rate repurchase agreements pursuant to ASC Subtopic 210-20-45-11, “Balance Sheet - Offsetting - Other Presentation Matters - Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.” The aforementioned variances were partially offset by a $142.8 million decrease in the average balance of brokered CDs and a $210.0 million decrease in the average balance of FHLB advances.
Assets
The Corporation’s total assets were $18.8 billion as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $6.2 billion from December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly the result of the acquisition of BSPR, which, as of the acquisition date, added $5.6 billion in total assets, primarily loans and investment securities. In addition, there was an $849.7 million increase in cash and cash equivalents and higher purchases of investment securities during 2020 in connection with, among other things, strong deposit growth in part resulting from COVID-19 pandemic-related factors, such as government stimulus for consumers and small businesses and lower consumer spending.
Loans Receivable, including Loans Held for Sale
The following table presents the composition of the Corporation's loan portfolio, including loans held for sale, as of the end of each of the last five years:
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
$
3,521,954
$
2,933,773
$
3,163,208
$
3,290,957
$
3,296,031
Commercial loans:
Commercial mortgage loans
2,230,602
1,444,586
1,522,662
1,614,972
1,568,808
Construction loans
212,500
111,317
79,429
111,397
124,951
Commercial and Industrial loans (1)
3,202,590
2,230,876
2,148,111
2,083,253
2,180,455
Total commercial loans
5,645,692
3,786,779
3,750,202
3,809,622
3,874,214
Consumer loans and finance leases
2,609,643
2,281,653
1,944,713
1,749,897
1,716,628
Total loans held for investment
11,777,289
9,002,205
8,858,123
8,850,476
8,886,873
Less:
Allowance for credit losses
for loans and finance leases
(385,887)
(155,139)
(196,362)
(231,843)
(205,603)
Total loans held for investment, net
11,391,402
8,847,066
8,661,761
8,618,633
8,681,270
Loans held for sale
50,289
39,477
43,186
32,980
50,006
Total loans, net
$
11,441,691
$
8,886,543
$
8,704,947
$
8,651,613
$
8,731,276
(1) As of December 31, 2020, includes $406.0 million of SBA PPP loans.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s total loan portfolio, before the ACL, amounted to $11.8 billion, an increase of $2.8 billion when compared to December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily a result of the BSPR acquisition in the Puerto Rico region, as well as new loans originations, including the origination of $390.3 million of SBA PPP loans during 2020, partially offset by loan prepayments and payoffs. On a portfolio basis, the increase in the loan portfolio consisted of a $1.9 billion increase in commercial and construction loans, a $599.0 million increase in residential mortgage loans, and a $328.0 million increase in consumer loans and finance leases.
As of December 31, 2020, the loans held for investment portfolio was comprised of commercial and construction loans (48%), residential real estate loans (30%), and consumer and finance leases (22%). Of the total gross loan portfolio held for investment of $11.8 billion as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had credit risk concentration of approximately 79% in the Puerto Rico region, 17% in the United States region (mainly in the state of Florida), and 4% in the Virgin Islands region, as shown in the following table:
As of December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
United States
Total
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
$
2,788,827
$
213,376
$
519,751
$
3,521,954
Commercial mortgage loans
1,793,095
60,129
377,378
2,230,602
Construction loans
73,619
11,397
127,484
212,500
Commercial and Industrial loans (1)
2,135,291
129,440
937,859
3,202,590
Total commercial loans
4,002,005
200,966
1,442,721
5,645,692
Consumer loans and finance leases
2,531,206
51,726
26,711
2,609,643
Total loans held for investment, gross
$
9,322,038
$
466,068
$
1,989,183
$
11,777,289
Loans held for sale
44,994
4,614
50,289
Total loans, gross
$
9,367,032
$
466,749
$
1,993,797
$
11,827,578
(1) As of December 31, 2020, includes $406.0 million of SBA PPP loans consisting of $301.1 million in the Puerto Rico region, $27.4 million in the Virgin Islands region, and $77.5 million in the United States region.
As of December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
United States
Total
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
$
2,136,818
$
230,769
$
566,186
$
2,933,773
Commercial mortgage loans
1,012,523
67,377
364,686
1,444,586
Construction loans
36,102
12,144
63,071
111,317
Commercial and Industrial loans
1,285,594
105,819
839,463
2,230,876
Total commercial loans
2,334,219
185,340
1,267,220
3,786,779
Consumer loans and finance leases
2,191,207
49,924
40,522
2,281,653
Total loans held for investment, gross
$
6,662,244
$
466,033
$
1,873,928
$
9,002,205
Loans held for sale
33,709
5,418
39,477
Total loans, gross
$
6,695,953
$
466,383
$
1,879,346
$
9,041,682
The increase in total loans in the Puerto Rico region consisted of increases of $1.7 billion in commercial and construction loans, $663.3 million in residential mortgage loans, and $340.0 million in consumer loans and finance leases. The increase reflected in all portfolio categories was primarily a result of the BSPR acquisition, as well as new loan originations, partially offset by prepayments and payoffs. Loans held for investment in the Puerto Rico region included a net purchase accounting discount of $63.0 million as of December 31, 2020 related to the acquisition of BSPR. In addition, the Corporation participated in the SBA PPP program under the CARES Act of 2020 and, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s SBA PPP loans, net of unearned fees of $6.8 million, totaled $406.0 million (including $301.1 million in the Puerto Rico region). The unearned fees are being accreted into income based on the two-year contractual maturity (five years for the $26.9 million in SBA PPP loans originated after June 5, 2020). During the fourth quarter of 2020, the SBA approved and remitted payments for forgiveness applications totaling $48.9 million in principal balance, resulting in the acceleration of fee income recognition in the amount of approximately $0.7 million. For loans originated under the SBA PPP loan program, interest and principal payment on these loans were originally deferred for six months following the funding date, during which time interest would continue to accrue. On October 7, 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (the “Flexibility Act”) extended the deferral period for borrower payments of principal, interest, and fees on all SBA PPP loans to the date that the SBA remits the borrower’s loan forgiveness amount to the lender (or, if the borrower does not apply for loan forgiveness, 10 months after the end of the borrower’s loan forgiveness covered period). The extension of the deferral period under the Flexibility Act automatically applied to all SBA PPP loans.
The increase in total loans in the Florida region consisted of a $175.5 million increase in the balance of commercial and construction loans, including $77.5 million related to SBA PPP loans, partially offset by reductions of $47.2 million in residential mortgage loans and $13.8 million in consumer loans. In addition to SBA PPP loans, the increase in commercial and construction loans was driven by the origination of eight large facilities, each in excess of $10 million totaling $137.2 million as of December 31, 2020, partially offset by a $25.2 million reduction in exposure with respect to two large commercial and construction relationships.
The increase in total loans in the Virgin Islands region consisted of a $15.6 million increase in the balance of commercial and construction loans (including SBA PPP loans totaling $27.4 million) and a $1.8 million increase in consumer loans, partially offset by a reduction of $17.1 million in residential mortgage loans. The increase in commercial and construction loans resulting from the origination of SBA PPP loans was partially offset by repayments, including the payoff of a $2.0 million nonaccrual commercial mortgage loan and a $2.2 million decrease in the balance of government loans.
FirstBanCorp. relies primarily on its retail network of branches to originate residential and consumer personal loans. The Corporation supplements its residential mortgage originations with wholesale servicing released mortgage loan purchases from mortgage bankers. The Corporation manages its construction and commercial loan originations through centralized units and most of its originations come from existing customers, as well as through referrals and direct solicitations.
The following table sets forth certain additional data (including loan production) related to the Corporation’s loan portfolio net of the ACL on loans and finance leases as of and for the dates indicated:
For the Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning balance as of January 1
$
8,886,543
$
8,704,947
$
8,651,613
$
8,731,276
$
8,907,541
Residential real estate loans originated
and purchased
560,012
491,210
531,971
549,147
749,653
Construction loans originated
126,499
69,440
65,243
58,103
19,019
C&I and commercial mortgage loans
originated and purchased
2,751,058
2,411,863
1,737,366
1,729,659
1,601,618
Finance leases originated
152,254
178,986
164,334
93,670
87,246
Consumer loans originated
915,107
1,194,650
991,950
785,516
780,148
Total loans originated and purchased
4,504,930
4,346,149
3,490,864
3,216,095
3,237,684
Loans acquired from BSPR
2,514,700
-
-
-
-
Sales of loans
(657,498)
(433,079)
(420,549)
(375,754)
(514,489)
Repayments and prepayments
(3,661,289)
(3,717,874)
(2,959,438)
(2,788,758)
(2,801,024)
Other decreases (1)
(145,695)
(13,600)
(57,543)
(131,246)
(98,436)
Net increase (decrease)
2,555,148
181,596
53,334
(79,663)
(176,265)
Ending balance as of December 31
$
11,441,691
$
8,886,543
$
8,704,947
$
8,651,613
$
8,731,276
Percentage increase (decrease)
28.75%
2.09%
0.62%
(0.91)%
(1.98)%
_____________
(1) Includes, among other things, the change in the ACL on loans and finance leases and cancellation of loans due to the repossession of the collateral and loans repurchased.
Residential Real Estate Loans
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s residential mortgage loan portfolio held for investment increased by $588.2 million, as compared to the balance as of December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily the result of the BSPR acquisition, partially offset by principal repayments, charge-offs, and foreclosures that exceeded the volume of non-conforming residential mortgage loan originations. Approximately 92% of the $403.7 million in residential mortgage loan originations in the Puerto Rico region during 2020 consisted of conforming loan originations and refinancings.
The majority of the Corporation’s outstanding balance of residential mortgage loans in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands regions consisted of fixed-rate loans that traditionally carry higher yields than residential mortgage loans in the Florida region. In the Florida region, approximately 56% of the residential mortgage loan portfolio consisted of hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages. In accordance with the Corporation’s underwriting guidelines, residential mortgage loans are primarily fully-documented loans, and the Corporation does not originate negative amortization loans.
Residential mortgage loan originations and purchases for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $560.0 million, compared to $491.2 million for 2019. These amounts include purchases from mortgage bankers of $0.8 million and $18.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The increase in residential mortgage loan originations and purchases of $68.8 million reflect increases of $63.1 million, $3.3 million, and $2.4 million in the Florida, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico regions, respectively. The increases across all regions reflect a higher volume of refinanced loans and conforming loan originations driven by the effect of lower mortgage loan interest rates and increased home purchase activity. These increases were achieved despite the disruptions in the loan underwriting and closing processes caused by the lockdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic that was implemented in Puerto Rico on March 16, 2020. The real estate market in Puerto Rico was permitted to resume operations in mid-May 2020.
Commercial and Construction Loans
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s commercial and construction loan portfolio increased by $1.9 billion to $5.6 billion, as compared to the balance as of December 31, 2019. As explained above, the increase in the commercial and construction loan portfolio was primarily due to the acquisition of BSPR, as well as new originations including SBA PPP loans, as further discussed below.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $201.3 million outstanding in loans extended to the Puerto Rico government, its municipalities and public corporations, compared to $57.7 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $107.4 million consisted of loans extended to municipalities in Puerto Rico that are supported by assigned property tax revenues and $38.5 million consisted of municipal special obligation bonds. The vast majority of revenues of the municipalities included in the Corporation’s loan portfolio are independent of budgetary subsidies provided by the Puerto Rico central government. These municipalities are required by law to levy special property taxes in such amounts as are required to satisfy the payment of all of their respective general obligation bonds and notes. Late in 2015, the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (“GDB”) and the Municipal Revenue Collection Center (“CRIM”) signed and perfected a deed of trust. Through this deed, the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, as fiduciary, is bound to keep the CRIM funds separate from any other deposits and must distribute the funds pursuant to applicable law. The CRIM funds are deposited at another commercial depository financial institution in Puerto Rico. In addition to loans extended to municipalities, the Corporation’s exposure to the Puerto Rico government as of December 31, 2020 included $13.6 million in loans granted to an affiliate of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”) and $41.8 million in loans to an agency of the Puerto Rico central government.
The Corporation also has credit exposure to USVI government entities. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $61.8 million in loans to USVI government instrumentalities and public corporations, compared to $64.1 million as of December 31, 2019. Of the amount outstanding as of December 31, 2020, public corporations of the USVI owed approximately $38.6 million and an independent instrumentality of the USVI government owed approximately $23.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, all loans were currently performing and up to date on principal and interest payments.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s total exposure to shared national credit (“SNC”) loans (including unused commitments) amounted to $882.9 million, compared to $820.4 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $168.6 million of the SNC exposure related to the portfolio in Puerto Rico and $714.3 million related to the portfolio in the Florida region.
Commercial and construction loan originations (excluding government loans) amounted to $2.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $2.4 billion for 2019. Total commercial and construction loan originations in 2020 include SBA PPP loan originations of $390.2 million and Main Street loan originations of $184.4 million. Excluding SBA PPP loans and Main Street loans originated in 2020, commercial and construction loan originations were $2.3 billion, down $179.7 million compared to 2019. The decrease reflects reductions of $154.1 million, $21.0 million, and $4.6 million in the Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands regions, respectively, primarily as a result of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic activities, in particular during the second quarter of 2020.
Government loan originations for 2020 amounted to $41.3 million, compared to $40.0 million for 2019. Government loan originations in both years primarily consisted of the refinancing and renewal of certain facilities in both the Virgin Islands and the Puerto Rico regions, as well as the utilization of an arranged overdraft line of credit of a government entity in the Virgin Islands region.
The composition of the Corporation’s construction loan portfolio held for investment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 by category and geographic location follows:
As of December 31,2020
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
United States
Total
(In thousands)
Loans for residential housing projects:
Mid-rise (1)
$
$
$
-
$
1,072
Single-family, detached
14,685
4,980
20,124
Total for residential housing projects
14,801
1,415
4,980
21,196
Construction loans to individuals secured by residential properties
-
-
Loans for commercial projects
48,185
8,635
120,888
177,708
Land loans - residential
5,685
1,347
1,616
8,648
Land loans - commercial
4,900
-
-
4,900
Total construction loan portfolio, gross
73,619
11,397
127,484
212,500
ACL
(1,752)
(880)
(2,748)
(5,380)
Total construction loan portfolio, net
$
71,867
$
10,517
$
124,736
$
207,120
(1) Mid-rise relates to buildings of up to 7 stories.
As of December 31,2019
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
United States
Total
(In thousands)
Loans for residential housing projects:
Mid-rise (1)
$
$
$
-
$
1,470
Single-family, detached
6,267
7,310
Total for residential housing projects
1,753
6,267
8,780
Construction loans to individuals secured by residential properties
-
Loans for commercial projects
22,827
8,160
54,536
85,523
Land loans - residential
7,193
1,758
2,268
11,219
Land loans - commercial
5,274
-
-
5,274
Total construction loan portfolio, gross
36,102
12,144
63,071
111,317
ACL
(1,706)
(655)
(9)
(2,370)
Total construction loan portfolio, net
$
34,396
$
11,489
$
63,062
$
108,947
(1) Mid-rise relates to buildings of up to 7 stories.
The following table presents further information related to the Corporation’s construction portfolio as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020:
(Dollars in thousands)
Total undisbursed funds under existing commitments
$
119,900
Construction loans held for investment in nonaccrual status
$
12,971
Net charge offs (recoveries) - Construction loans
$
(108)
ACL - Construction loans
$
5,380
Nonaccrual construction loans to total construction loans
6.10
%
ACL of construction loans to total construction loans held for investment
2.53
%
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to total average construction loans
(0.06)
%
Consumer Loans and Finance Leases
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s consumer loan and finance lease portfolio increased by $328.0 million to $2.6 billion, as compared to the portfolio balance of $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2019. The increase primarily reflects increases in auto loans, personal loans, finance leases, and credit cards loans, which increased by $161.6 million, $83.8 million, $58.5 million, and $27.5 million, respectively, partially offset by reductions in home equity lines of credit and boat loans of $1.9 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The increase in consumer loans reflects the effect of both consumer loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition, primarily personal loans and credit card loans, and the organic growth in auto and finance leases despite disruptions caused by quarantines and lockdowns of non-essential businesses in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, which in Puerto Rico were imposed in mid-March.
Originations of auto loans (including finance leases) in 2020 amounted to $614.9 million, compared to $704.8 million for 2019. Personal loan originations in 2020, other than credit card loans, amounted to $123.8 million, compared to $267.1 million in 2019. Most of the decrease in consumer loan originations in 2020, as compared with 2019, was in the Puerto Rico region, which was significantly affected by quarantines and lockdowns of non-essential businesses in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. The utilization activity on the outstanding credit card portfolio in 2020 amounted to approximately $328.7 million, compared to $401.8 million in 2019.
Investment Activities
As part of its liquidity, revenue diversification and interest rate risk strategies, First BanCorp. maintains an investment portfolio that is classified as available-for-sale or held to maturity. The Corporation’s total available-for-sale investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2020 amounted to $4.6 billion, a $2.5 billion increase from December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly driven by purchases of approximately $3.8 billion of U.S. agencies MBS and bonds, and the acquisition of BSPR, which added $258.0 million of U.S. agencies residential pass-through MBS as of December 31, 2020, partially offset by sales of $392.2 million of U.S. agencies MBS, approximately $624.7 million of U.S. agencies bonds that matured or were called prior to maturity during 2020, and prepayments of $649.4 million of U.S. agencies MBS. Given the stimulus actions being taken by the federal government to contain the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, market interest rates remain at low levels, which may trigger accelerated exercises of call options and prepayment rights on investments securities in the future. These risks are directly linked to future period market interest rate fluctuations.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 99% of the Corporation’s available-for-sale securities portfolio was invested in U.S. government and agencies debentures and fixed-rate GSEs’ MBS (mainly GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC fixed-rate securities). In addition, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation held a bond issued by the PRHFA, classified as available for sale, specifically a residential pass-through MBS in the aggregate amount of $4.0 million (fair value - $2.9 million). This residential pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA is collateralized by certain second mortgages originated under a program launched by the Puerto Rico government in 2010. During the second quarter of 2020, the Corporation established an ACL of $0.3 million related to such pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA based on the results of a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow analysis that took into consideration the current performance of the underlying mortgage loans and the deteriorating forecasted economic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio, before the ACL, amounted to $189.5 million, an increase of $50.8 million from December 31, 2019. The increase reflects primarily $57.2 million of Puerto Rico municipal bonds accounted for as held-to-maturity securities resulting from the BSPR acquisition. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized an ACL for held-to-maturity debt securities of approximately $8.1 million, as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting policy, with a corresponding decrease in beginning retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for held-to-maturity debt securities was $8.8 million, including the $8.1 million effect of adopting CECL, a $1.3 million initial ACL established for PCD debt securities acquired in the BSPR acquisition, and a $0.6 million release to the initial ACL established in 2020. Held-to-maturity investment securities consisted of financing arrangements with Puerto Rico municipalities issued in bond form, which the Corporation accounts for as securities, but which were underwritten as loans with features that are typically found in commercial loans. These obligations typically are not issued in bearer form, are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and are not rated by external credit agencies. These bonds have seniority to the payment of operating costs and expenses of the municipality and, in most cases, are supported by assigned property tax revenues. Approximately 60% of the Corporation’s municipality bonds consisted of obligations issued by three of the largest municipalities in Puerto Rico. The municipalities are required by law to levy special property taxes in such amounts as are required for the payment of all of their respective general obligation bonds and loans. Given the uncertainties as to the effects that the negative fiscal position of the Puerto Rico central government, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the measures taken, or to be taken, by other government entities may have on municipalities, the Corporation cannot be certain whether future charges to the ACL on these securities will be required.
See “Risk Management - Exposure to Puerto Rico Government” below for information and details about the Corporation’s total direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government, including municipalities.
The following table presents the carrying values of investments as of the indicated dates:
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
Money market investments
$
60,572
$
97,708
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value:
U.S. government and agencies obligations
1,187,674
332,199
Puerto Rico government obligations
2,899
7,322
MBS
3,455,796
1,783,504
Other
Total investment securities available for sale, at fair value
4,647,019
2,123,525
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost:
Puerto Rico municipal bonds
189,488
138,675
ACL for held-to-maturity debt securities
(8,845)
-
180,643
138,675
Equity securities, including $31.2 million and $34.1 million of FHLB stock
as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively
37,588
38,249
Total money market investments and investment securities
$
4,925,822
$
2,398,157
MBS as of the indicated dates consisted of:
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
Available for sale:
FHLMC certificates
$
1,149,871
$
509,210
GNMA certificates
699,492
312,882
FNMA certificates
1,320,281
869,417
Collateralized mortgage obligations issued or
guaranteed by FHLMC, FNMA or GNMA
277,724
80,879
Private label MBS
8,428
11,116
Total MBS
$
3,455,796
$
1,783,504
The carrying values of investment securities classified as available for sale and held to maturity as of December 31,2020 by contractual maturity (excluding MBS) are shown below:
Carrying Amount
Weighted-average yield %
(In thousands)
U.S. government and agencies obligations:
Due within one year
$
32,193
1.88
Due after one year through five years
692,289
0.57
Due after five years through ten years
441,928
0.83
Due after ten years
21,264
0.65
1,187,674
0.70
Puerto Rico government and municipalities obligations:
Due within one year
5.41
Due after one year through five years
17,297
3.00
Due after five years through ten years
88,394
4.66
Due after ten years
86,140
3.73
192,387
4.09
Other investment securities
Due after one year through five years
2.94
Total
1,380,711
1.18
MBS
3,455,796
1.47
Allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities
(8,845)
-
Total investment securities available for sale and held to maturity
$
4,827,662
1.39
Net interest income of future periods could be affected by prepayments of MBS. Any acceleration in the prepayments of MBS would lower yields on these securities, since the amortization of premiums paid upon acquisition of these securities would accelerate. Conversely, acceleration of the prepayments of MBS would increase yields on securities purchased at a discount, since the amortization of the discount would accelerate. These risks are directly linked to future period market interest rate fluctuations. Also, net interest income in future periods might be affected by the Corporation’s investment in callable securities. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had approximately $1.0 billion in debt securities (U.S. agencies government securities) with embedded calls, primarily purchased at par or at a discount, and with an average yield of 0.67%. See “Risk Management” below for further analysis of the effects of changing interest rates on the Corporation’s net interest income and the Corporation’s interest rate risk management strategies. Also refer to Note 5 - Investment Securities, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for additional information regarding the Corporation’s investment portfolio.
Maturities of Investment Securities and Loans Receivable
The following table presents the maturities or repricings of the loan and investment portfolio as of December 31, 2020:
2-5 Years
Over 5 Years
Fixed -
Variable -
Fixed -
Variable -
One Year
Interest
Interest
Interest
Interest
or Less
Rates
Rates
Rates
Rates
Total
(In thousands)
Investments: (1)
Money market investments
$
60,572
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
60,572
MBS
245,056
728,366
-
2,482,374
-
3,455,796
Other securities (2)
218,922
711,384
-
487,993
-
1,418,299
Total investments
524,550
1,439,750
-
2,970,367
-
4,934,667
Loans: (1) (3)
Residential mortgage
579,277
465,710
114,533
2,405,206
7,517
3,572,243
C&I and commercial mortgage
3,832,518
1,247,439
234,381
116,758
2,096
5,433,192
Construction
205,672
6,108
-
-
212,500
Finance leases
179,132
291,095
-
2,762
-
472,989
Consumer
906,020
1,142,333
-
88,301
-
2,136,654
Total loans
5,702,619
3,152,685
348,914
2,613,747
9,613
11,827,578
Total earning assets
$
6,227,169
$
4,592,435
$
348,914
$
5,584,114
$
9,613
$
16,762,245
_________
(1) Scheduled repayments are included in the maturity category in which the payment is due and variable rates are included based on the next repricing date.
(2) Equity securities and loans having no stated scheduled repayment date and no stated maturity are included under the "one year or less category."
(3) Nonaccrual loans are included under the "one year or less category."
RISK MANAGEMENT
General
Risks are inherent in virtually all aspects of the Corporation’s business activities and operations. Consequently, effective risk management is fundamental to the success of the Corporation. The primary goals of risk management are to ensure that the Corporation’s risk-taking activities are consistent with the Corporation’s objectives and risk tolerance, and that there is an appropriate balance between risk and reward in order to maximize stockholder value.
The Corporation has in place a risk management framework to monitor, evaluate and manage the principal risks assumed in conducting its activities. First BanCorp.’s business is subject to eleven broad categories of risks: (1) liquidity risk; (2) interest rate risk; (3) market risk; (4) credit risk; (5) operational risk; (6) legal and compliance risk; (7) reputational risk; (8) model risk; (9) capital risk; (10) strategic risk; and (11) information technology risk. First BanCorp. has adopted policies and procedures designed to identify and manage the risks to which the Corporation is exposed.
Risk Definition
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from the possibility that the Corporation will not have sufficient cash to meet its short-term liquidity demands, such as from deposit redemptions or loan commitments. See Liquidity and Capital Adequacy below for further details.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk arising from adverse movements in interest rates. See Interest Rate Risk Management below for further details.
Market Risk
Market risk is the risk arising from adverse movements in market rates or prices, such as interest rates or equity prices. The Corporation evaluates market risk together with interest rate risk. Both changes in market values and changes in interest rates are evaluated and forecasted. See Interest Rate Risk Management below for further details.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk arising from a borrower’s or a counterparty’s failure to meet the terms of a contract with the Corporation or otherwise to perform as agreed. See Credit Risk Management below for further details.
Operational Risk
Operational risk is the risk arising from problems with the delivery of services or products. This risk is a function of internal controls, information systems, employee integrity and operating processes. It also includes risks associated with the Corporation’s preparedness for the occurrence of an unforeseen event. This risk is inherent across all functions, products and services of the Corporation. See Operational Risk below for further details.
Legal and Regulatory Risk
Legal and regulatory risk is the risk arising from the Corporation’s failure to comply with laws or regulations that can adversely affect the Corporation’s reputation and/or increase its exposure to litigation or penalties.
Reputational Risk
Reputational risk is the risk arising from any adverse effect on the Corporation’s market value, capital or earnings arising from negative public opinion, whether true or not. This risk affects the Corporation’s ability to establish new relationships or services, or to continue servicing existing relationships.
Model Risk
Model risk is the potential for adverse consequences from decisions based upon incorrect or misused model outputs and reports or based upon an incomplete or inaccurate model. The use of models exposes the Corporation to some level of model risk. Model errors can contribute to incorrect valuations and lead to operational errors, inappropriate business decisions or incorrect financial entries. The Corporation seeks to reduce model risk through rigorous model identification and validation.
Capital Risk
Capital risk is the risk that the Corporation may lose value on its capital or have an inadequate capital plan, which would result in insufficient capital resources to meet minimum regulatory requirements (the Corporation’s authority to operate as a bank is dependent upon the maintenance of adequate capital resources), support its credit rating, or support its growth and strategic options.
Strategic Risk
Strategic risk is the risk arising from adverse business decisions, poor implementation of business decisions, or lack of responsiveness to changes in the banking industry and operating environment. This risk is a function of the compatibility of the Corporation’s strategic goals, the business strategies developed to achieve those goals, the resources deployed against these goals, and the quality of implementation.
Information Technology Risk
Information technology risk is the risk arising from the loss of confidentiality, integrity, or availability of information or information systems and of cyber incidents or data breaches. It includes business risks associated with the use, ownership, operation, involvement, influence, and adoption of information technology within the Corporation.
Risk Governance
The following discussion highlights the roles and responsibilities of the key participants in the Corporation’s risk management framework:
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors oversees the Corporation’s overall risk governance program with the assistance of the Board committees discussed below.
Risk Committee
The Board of Directors of the Corporation appoints the Risk Committee to assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee the Corporation’s management of its company-wide risk management framework. The committee’s role is one of oversight, recognizing that management is responsible for designing, implementing and maintaining an effective risk management framework. The committee’s primary responsibilities are to:
 Review and discuss management’s assessment of the Corporation’s aggregate enterprise-wide profile and the alignment of the Corporation’s risk profile with the Corporation’s strategic plan, goals and objectives;
 Review and recommend to the Board the parameters and establishment of the Corporation’s risk tolerance and risk appetite;
 Receive reports from management and, if appropriate, other Board committees, regarding the Corporation’s policies and procedures related to the Corporation’s adherence to risk limits and its established risk tolerance and risk appetite or on selected risk topics;
 Oversee the strategies, policies, procedures, and systems established by management to identify, assess, measure, and manage the major risks facing the Corporation, which may include an overview of the Corporation’s credit risk, operational risk, technology risk, compliance risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, market risk, and reputational risk, as well as management’s capital management, planning and assessment process;
 Oversee management’s activities with respect to capital planning, including stress testing and model risk;
 Review and discuss with management risk assessments for new products and services; and
 Oversee the Corporation’s regulatory compliance.
Asset and Liability Committee
The Board of Directors appoints the Asset and Liability Committee to assist the Board in its oversight of the Corporation’s asset and liability management policies related to the management of the Corporation’s funds, investments, liquidity, and interest rate risk, and the use of derivatives. In doing so, the committee’s primary functions involve:
 The establishment of a process to enable the identification, assessment, and management of risks that could affect the Corporation’s assets and liabilities management;
 The identification of the Corporation’s risk tolerance levels for yield maximization relating to its assets and liabilities management; and
 The evaluation of the adequacy, effectiveness and compliance with the Corporation’s risk management process relating to the Corporation’s assets and liabilities management, including management’s role in that process.
Credit Committee
The Board of Directors appoints the Credit Committee to assist the Board in its oversight of the Corporation’s policies related to the Corporation’s lending function, hereafter “Credit Management.” The committee’s primary responsibilities are to:
 Review the quality of the Corporation’s credit portfolio and the trends affecting that portfolio;
 Oversee the effectiveness and administration of credit-related policies;
 Approve loans as required by the lending authorities approved by the Board; and
 Report to the Board regarding Credit Management.
Audit Committee
The Board of Directors appoints the Audit Committee to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility to oversee management regarding:
 The conduct and integrity of the Corporation’s financial reporting to any governmental or regulatory body, stockholders, other users of the Corporation’s financial reports and the public;
 The performance of the Corporation’s internal audit function;
 The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures;
 The qualifications, engagement, compensation, independence and performance of the Corporation’s independent auditors, their conduct of the annual audit of the Corporation’s financial statements, and their engagement to provide any other services;
 The application of the Corporation’s related person transaction policy as established by the Board of Directors;
 The application of the Corporation’s code of business conduct and ethics as established by management and the Board of Directors;
 The preparation of the Audit Committee report required to be included in the proxy statement for the Corporation’s annual stockholders’ meeting by the rules of the SEC; and
 Oversee the Corporation’s legal risk.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
The Board of Directors appoints the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to develop, review and assess corporate governance principles. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for director succession, orientation and compensation, identifying and recommending new director candidates, overseeing the evaluation of the Board and management, recommending to the Board the designation of a candidate to hold the position of the Chairman of the Board, and directing and overseeing the Corporation’s executive succession plan.
Compensation and Benefits Committee
The Board of Directors appoints the Compensation and Benefits Committee to oversee compensation policies and practices including the evaluation and recommendation to the Board of the proper and competitive salaries and incentive compensation programs of the executive officers and key employees of the Corporation. The Committee recommends guidelines and principles for compensation programs of executive officers and key employees of the Corporation, including establishing a clear link between pay and performance and safeguards against the encouragement of excessive risk-taking.
Trust Committee
The Board of Directors of the Bank appoints the Trust Committee to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust Department and its fiduciary responsibilities. The Trust Committee primarily responsibilities are to ensure proper exercise of the fiduciary powers of the Bank and to review the activities of the Trust Department. The Trust Committee shall have jurisdiction over all aspects of the Trust Department and may act on behalf of the Board of Directors.
Management Roles and Responsibilities
While the Board of Directors has the responsibility to oversee the risk governance program, the management is responsible for implementing the necessary policies and procedures, and internal controls. To carry out these responsibilities, the Corporation has a clearly defined risk governance culture. To ensure that risk management is communicated at all levels of the Corporation, and each area understands its specific role, the Corporation has established several management level committees to support risk oversight, as follows:
Executive Risk Management Committee
The Executive Risk Management Committee is responsible for exercising oversight of information regarding First BanCorp.’s enterprise risk management framework, including the significant policies, procedures, and practices employed to manage the identified risk categories (credit risk, operational risk, legal and regulatory risk, reputational risk, model risk, and capital risk). In carrying out its oversight responsibilities, each committee member is entitled to rely on the integrity and expertise of those people providing information to the committee and on the accuracy and completeness of such information, absent actual knowledge of an inaccuracy.
The Chief Executive Officer appoints the Executive Risk Management Committee and members of the Corporation’s senior and executive management have the opportunity to share their insights about the types of risks that could impede the Corporation’s ability to achieve its business objectives. The Chief Risk Officer of the Corporation directs the agenda for the meetings and the Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) and Operational Risk Director serves as secretary of the committee and maintains the minutes on behalf of the committee. The General Auditor also participates on the committee as an observer.
The committee provides assistance and support to the Chief Risk Officer to promote effective risk management throughout the Corporation. The Chief Risk Officer and the ERM and Operational Risk Director report to the Committee matters related to the enterprise risk management framework of the Corporation, including, but not limited to:
 The risk governance structure;
 The risk competencies of the Corporation;
 The Corporation’s risk appetite statement and risk tolerance; and
 The risk management strategy and associated risk management initiatives and how both support the business strategy and business model of the Corporation.
Other Management Committees
As part of its governance framework, the Corporation has various additional risk management related-committees. These committees are jointly responsible for ensuring adequate risk measurement and management in their respective areas of authority. At the management level, these committees include:
 Management’s Investment and Asset Liability Committee (the “MIALCO”) - oversees interest rate and market risk, liquidity management and other related matters. Refer to Liquidity Risk and Capital Adequacy and Interest Rate Risk Management below for further details.
 Information Technology Steering Committee - oversees and counsels on matters related to information technology and cyber security, including the development of information management policies and procedures throughout the Corporation.
 Bank Secrecy Act Committee - oversees, monitors and reports on the Corporation’s compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act.
 Credit Committees (consisting of a Credit Management Committee and a Delinquency Committee) - oversees and establishes standards for credit risk management processes within the Corporation. The Credit Management Committee is responsible for the approval of loans above an established size threshold. The Delinquency Committee is responsible for the periodic review of (a) past-due loans, (b) overdrafts, (c) non-accrual loans, (d) OREO assets, and (e) the Bank’s watch list and criticized loans.
 Vendor Management Committee - oversees policies, procedures and related practices related to the Corporation’s vendor management efforts. The Vendor Management Committee’s primary functions involve the establishment of processes and procedures to enable the recognition, assessment, management and monitoring of vendor management risks.
 The Community Reinvestment Act Executive Committee - oversees, monitors and reports on the Corporation’s compliance with Community Reinvestment Act regulatory requirements. The Bank is committed to developing and implementing programs and products that increase access to credit and create a positive impact on low and moderate income individuals and communities.
 Anti-Fraud Committee - oversees the Corporation’s policies, procedures and related practices relating to the Corporation’s anti-fraud measures.
 Regulatory Compliance Committee - oversees the Corporation’s Regulatory Compliance Management System. The Regulatory Compliance Committee reviews and discusses any regulatory compliance laws and regulations that impact performance of regulatory compliance policies, programs and procedures. The Regulatory Compliance Committee also ensures the coordination of regulatory compliance requirements throughout departments and business units.
 Regulatory Reporting Committee - oversees and assists the senior officers in fulfilling their responsibility for oversight of the accuracy and timeliness of the required regulatory reports and related policies and procedures, addresses changes and/or concerns communicated by the regulators and addresses issues identified during the regulatory reporting process. The Regulatory Reporting Committee oversees, and updates, as necessary, the established controls and procedures designed to ensure that information in regulatory reports is recorded, processed, and accurately reported and on a timely basis.
 Complaints Management Committee - assists in overseeing the complaint management process implemented across the Corporation within the Corporation’s three marketplaces; Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Florida. The Complaints Management Committee supports the Corporation’s complaints management program relating to resolution of complaints within the lines of business. When appropriate, the Complaints Management Committee evaluates existing corrective actions within the lines of business related to complaints and complaint management practices within those business units.
 Project Portfolio Management Committee - reviews and oversees the performance of the portfolio and individual projects during the Project Management Cycle (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Control & Monitoring, and Closing). The Project Portfolio Management Committee balances conflicting demands between projects, decides on priorities assigned to each project based on organizational priorities and capacity, and oversees project budgets, risks and actions taken to control and mitigate risks.
 Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) Committee - oversees the Corporation’s requirements for the calculation of CECL, including the implementation of new models, if necessary, selection of vendors and monitoring of the new guidance from different regulatory agencies with regards to CECL requirements. The CECL Committee reviews estimated credit loss inputs, key assumptions, and qualitative overlays. In addition, the Committee approves the determination of reasonable and supportable periods used with respect to macroeconomic forecasts, and the historical loss reversion method and parameters. The CECL Committee reports to the Credit and Audit Committee on its progress with the implementation of the new standard.
Officers
As part of its governance framework, the following officers play a key role in the Corporation’s risk management process:
 Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) - responsible for the overall risk governance structure of the Corporation. The CEO is ultimately responsible for business strategies, strategic objectives, risk management priorities, and policies.
 Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”) - responsible for the oversight of the risk management of the Corporation as well as the risk governance processes. The CRO, together with the ERM and Operational Risk Director, monitor key risks and manage the operational risk program. The CRO provides the leadership and strategy for the Corporation’s risk management and monitoring activities and is responsible for the oversight of regulatory compliance, loan review, model risk, and operational risk management.
 Chief Credit Risk Officer, Chief Lending Officer and other senior executives - responsible for managing and executing the Corporation’s credit risk program.
 Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), together with the Corporation’s Treasurer - manage the Corporation’s interest rate and market and liquidity risk programs and, together with the Controller, if a different individual from the CFO, are responsible for the implementation of accounting policies and practices in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements. The ERM and Operational Risk Director assists the CFO in the review of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures.
 Controller - responsible for the development and implementation of the Corporation’s accounting policies and practices and the review and monitoring of critical accounts and transactions to ensure that they are managed in accordance with GAAP and applicable regulatory requirements.
 Strategic Planning Director - responsible for the development of the Corporation’s strategic and business plan, by coordinating and collaborating with the executive team and all corporate bodies concerned with the strategic and business planning process.
 Investors Relations and Capital Planning Officer - responsible for improving the effective communication with investors, while enhancing the Corporation’s capital plan based on the stress test processes and proactively managing capital. The Investor Relations and Capital Planning Officer works with the Treasury, Asset and Liability Management (“ALM”), Financial Analysis, Corporate Credit Risk, and Strategic Planning units in order to follow a holistic approach to proactively manage risk and returns for shareholders under the stress testing framework.
 ERM and Operational Risk Director - responsible for driving the identification, assessment, measurement, mitigation and monitoring of key risks throughout the Corporation. The ERM and Operational Risk Director promotes and instills a culture of risk control, identifies and monitors the resolution of major and critical operational risk issues across the Corporation, and serves as a key advisor to business executives with regards to risk exposure to the organization, corrective actions and corporate policies and best practices to mitigate risks.
 Compliance Director - responsible for oversight of regulatory compliance. The Compliance Director maintains an inventory of applicable regulations, implements an enterprise-wide compliance risk assessment, and monitors compliance with significant regulations. The Compliance Director is responsible for building awareness of, and educating business units and subsidiaries on, regulatory risks.
 General Counsel - responsible for the oversight of legal risks, including matters such as contract structuring, litigation risk and all legal-related aspects. The Corporate Affairs Officer assists the General Counsel with various legal areas, including, but not limited, to SEC reporting matters, insurance coverage and liability, and contract structuring.
 Corporate Security Officer (“CSO”) - responsible for the oversight of information security policies and procedures, and the ongoing monitoring of existing and new vendors’ due diligence for information security. In addition, the CSO identifies risk factors, and determines solutions to security needs.
Other Officers
In addition to a centralized ERM function, certain lines of business and corporate functions have their own risk managers and support staff. The risk managers, while reporting directly within their respective line of business or function, facilitate communications with the Corporation’s risk management functions and work in partnership with the CRO and CFO to ensure alignment with sound risk management practices and expedite the implementation of the enterprise risk management framework and policies.
Liquidity Risk and Capital Adequacy, Interest Rate Risk, Credit Risk, Operational Risk, Legal and Compliance Risk and Concentration Risk Management
The following discussion highlights First BanCorp.’s adopted policies and procedures for liquidity risk and capital adequacy, interest rate risk, credit risk, operational risk, legal and compliance risk and concentration risk.
Liquidity Risk and Capital Adequacy
Liquidity risk involves the ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, fund asset growth and business operations, and meet contractual obligations through unconstrained access to funding at reasonable market rates. Liquidity management involves forecasting funding requirements and maintaining sufficient capacity to meet liquidity needs and accommodate fluctuations in asset and liability levels due to changes in the Corporation’s business operations or unanticipated events.
The Corporation manages liquidity at two levels. The first is the liquidity of the parent company, which is the holding company that owns the banking and non-banking subsidiaries. The second is the liquidity of the banking subsidiary. During 2020, the Corporation continued to pay quarterly interest payments on the subordinated debentures associated with its TRuPs, the monthly dividend income on its non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, and quarterly dividends on its common stock.
The Asset and Liability Committee of the Corporation’s Board of Directors is responsible to oversee management’s establishment of the Corporation’s liquidity policy, as well as approving operating and contingency procedures and monitoring liquidity on an ongoing basis. The MIALCO, which reports to the Board of Directors’ Asset and Liability Committee, uses measures of liquidity developed by management that involve the use of several assumptions to review the Corporation’s liquidity position on a monthly basis. The MIALCO oversees liquidity management, interest rate risk and other related matters.
The MIALCO is composed of senior management officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Risk Officer, the Retail Financial Services Director, the risk manager of the Treasury and Investments Division, the Financial Planning and ALM Director and the Treasurer. The Treasury and Investments Division is responsible for planning and executing the Corporation’s funding activities and strategy, monitoring liquidity availability on a daily basis, and reviewing liquidity measures on a weekly basis. The Treasury and Investments Accounting and Operations area of the Comptroller’s Department is responsible for calculating the liquidity measurements used by the Treasury and Investment Division to review the Corporation’s liquidity position on a monthly basis. The Financial Planning and ALM Director estimates the liquidity gap for longer periods.
To ensure adequate liquidity through the full range of potential operating environments and market conditions, the Corporation conducts its liquidity management and business activities in a manner that will preserve and enhance funding stability, flexibility and diversity. Key components of this operating strategy include a strong focus on the continued development of customer-based funding, the maintenance of direct relationships with wholesale market funding providers, and the maintenance of the ability to liquidate certain assets when, and if, requirements warrant.
The Corporation develops and maintains contingency funding plans. These plans evaluate the Corporation’s liquidity position under various operating circumstances and are designed to help ensure that the Corporation will be able to operate through periods of stress when access to normal sources of funds is constrained. The plans project funding requirements during a potential period of stress, specify and quantify sources of liquidity, outline actions and procedures for effectively managing liquidity through a difficult period, and define roles and responsibilities for the Corporation’s employees. Under the contingency funding plans, the Corporation stresses the balance sheet and the liquidity position to critical levels that mimic difficulties in generating funds or even maintaining the current funding position of the Corporation and the Bank and are designed to help ensure the ability of the Corporation and the Bank to honor their respective commitments. The Corporation has established liquidity triggers that the MIALCO monitors in order to maintain the ordinary funding of the banking business. The MIALCO developed contingency funding plans for the following three scenarios: a credit rating downgrade, an economic cycle downturn event, and a concentration event. The Board of Directors’ Asset and Liability Committee reviews and approves these plans on an annual basis.
The Corporation manages its liquidity in a proactive manner, in an effort to maintain a sound liquidity position. It uses multiple measures to monitor the liquidity position, including core liquidity, basic liquidity, and time-based reserve measures. As of December 31, 2020, the estimated core liquidity reserve (which includes cash and free liquid securities) was $4.1 billion, or 21.6% of total assets, compared to $2.0 billion, or 15.8% of total assets as of December 31, 2019. The basic liquidity ratio (which adds available secured lines of credit to the core liquidity) was approximately 27.9% of total assets as of December 31, 2020, compared to 20.1% of total assets as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $1.2 billion available for additional credit from the FHLB. Unpledged liquid securities, mainly fixed-rate MBS and U.S. agency debentures, amounted to approximately $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2020. The Corporation does not rely on uncommitted inter-bank lines of credit (federal funds lines) to fund its operations and does not include them in the basic liquidity measure. As of December 31, 2020, the holding company had $17.1 million of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents at the Bank level as of December 31, 2020 were approximately $1.5 billion. The Bank had $216.2 million in brokered CDs as of December 31, 2020, of which approximately $115.9 million mature over the next twelve months. In addition, the Corporation had non-maturity brokered deposits totaling $225.5 million as of December 31, 2020. Liquidity at the Bank level is highly dependent on bank deposits, which fund 82% of the Bank’s assets (or 81%, excluding brokered CDs).
Sources of Funding
The Corporation utilizes different sources of funding to help ensure that adequate levels of liquidity are available when needed. Diversification of funding sources is of great importance to protect the Corporation’s liquidity from market disruptions. The principal sources of short-term funds are deposits, including brokered deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and lines of credit with the FHLB.
The Asset and Liability Committee reviews credit availability on a regular basis. The Corporation has also sold mortgage loans as a supplementary source of funding and participates in the Borrower-in-Custody (“BIC”) Program of the FED. The Corporation has also obtained long-term funding in the past through the issuance of notes and long-term brokered CDs.
As of December 31, 2020, the amounts of brokered CDs had decreased by $218.9 million to $216.2 million from brokered CDs of $435.1 million as of December 31, 2019. Non-maturity brokered deposits, such as money market accounts maintained by a deposit broker, increased in 2020 by $103.2 million to $225.5 million as of December 31, 2020. The increase in non-maturity brokered deposits includes approximately $45.3 million related to brokered deposits assumed in the acquisition of BSPR. Consistent with its strategy, the Corporation has been seeking to add core deposits. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s deposits, excluding brokered deposits and government deposits, increased by $5.1 billion to $12.8 billion. The increase reflects both the effect of deposits assumed in the acquisition of BSPR, and organic growth primarily in demand deposits, reflecting the effect of payments received by individuals and commercial customers from government stimulus packages, as well as the effect of payment deferral programs.
The Corporation continues to have access to financing through counterparties to repurchase agreements, the FHLB, and other agents, such as wholesale funding brokers. While liquidity is an ongoing challenge for all financial institutions, management believes that the Corporation’s available borrowing capacity and efforts to grow retail deposits will be adequate to provide the necessary funding for the Corporation’s business plans in the foreseeable future.
The Corporation’s principal sources of funding are discussed below:
Deposits
The following table presents the composition of total deposits as of the indicated dates:
Weighted Average
Cost as of
As of December 31,
December 31, 2020
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-bearing savings accounts
0.22%
$
4,088,969
$
2,437,345
Interest-bearing checking accounts
0.21%
3,651,806
1,412,390
CDs
1.38%
3,030,485
3,130,838
Interest-bearing deposits
0.55%
10,771,260
6,980,573
Non-interest-bearing deposits
4,546,123
2,367,856
Total
$
15,317,383
$
9,348,429
Interest-bearing deposits:
Average balance outstanding
$
8,488,076
$
6,739,021
Non-interest-bearing deposits:
Average balance outstanding
$
3,318,945
$
2,365,749
Weighted average rate during
the period on interest-
bearing deposits
0.81%
1.15%
Brokered CDs - Historically, a portion of the Corporation’s funding has been brokered CDs issued by FirstBank. Total brokered CDs decreased during 2020 by $218.9 million to $216.2 million as of December 31, 2020.
The average remaining term to maturity of the brokered CDs outstanding as of December 31, 2020 was approximately 1.2 years.
The use of brokered CDs has historically been an additional source of funding for the Corporation. It provides an additional efficient channel for funding diversification and interest rate management. Brokered CDs are insured by the FDIC up to regulatory limits; and can be obtained faster than regular retail deposits. In addition, the Corporation may obtain funds from brokers deposited in non-maturity money market accounts tied to short-term money market rates such as Fed Funds. Non-maturity brokered deposits increased by $103.2 million to $225.5 million as of December 31, 2020.
The following table presents contractual maturities of time deposits with denominations of $100,000 or higher as of December 31, 2020:
Total
(In thousands)
Three months or less
$
508,500
Over three months to six months
379,821
Over six months to one year
616,468
Over one year
817,252
Total
$
2,322,041
As of December 31, 2020, CDs in denominations of $100,000 or higher include brokered CDs in the amount of $216.1 million issued to deposit brokers in the form of large CDs that are generally participated out by brokers in amounts of less than the FDIC insurance limit.
Government deposits - As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $1.8 billion of Puerto Rico public sector deposits ($1.6 billion in transactional accounts and $155.8 million in time deposits), compared to $826.9 million as of December 31, 2019. The increase reflects the effect of both the acquisition of BSPR and organic growth in the balance of government transactional accounts. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 23% of the public sector deposits in Puerto Rico were from municipalities and municipal agencies and 77% were from public corporations, the central government and U.S. federal government agencies in Puerto Rico.
In addition, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $280.2 million of government deposits in the Virgin Islands region (December 31, 2019 - $227.2 million) and $9.7 million in the Florida region. (December 31, 2019 - $7.6 million).
Retail deposits - The Corporation’s deposit products also include regular savings accounts, demand deposit accounts, money market accounts and retail CDs. Total deposits, excluding brokered deposits and government deposits, increased by $5.1 billion to $12.8 billion from a balance of $7.7 billion as of December 31, 2019, reflecting increases of $5.0 billion, $43.2 million, and $39.5 million in the Puerto Rico, Florida and Virgin Islands regions, respectively. The increase in the Puerto Rico region was primarily due to the acquisition of BSPR, and strong deposit inflows which, in part reflects the payments received by individuals and commercial customers from government stimulus packages intended to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the effects of the payment deferral programs. The most significant increases were in demand deposits, which grew by 107%, or $3.5 billion, and saving deposits, which grew by 70%, or $1.4 billion.
Refer to “Net Interest Income” above for information about average balances of interest-bearing deposits, and the average interest rate paid on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Borrowings
As of December 31, 2020, total borrowings amounted to $923.8 million, compared to $854.2 million as of December 31, 2019.
The following table presents the composition of total borrowings as of the dates indicated:
Weighted Average
Rate as of
As of December 31,
December 31, 2020
(Dollars in thousands)
Securities sold under agreements
to repurchase
1.77%
$
300,000
$
100,000
Advances from FHLB
2.26%
440,000
570,000
Other borrowings
2.83%
183,762
184,150
Total (1)
$
923,762
$
854,150
Weighted average rate during
the period
2.47%
3.07%
(1) Includes borrowings of $383.2 million as of December 31, 2020 that have variable interest rates or maturities within a year.
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase - The Corporation’s investment portfolio is funded in part with repurchase agreements. The Corporation’s outstanding securities sold under repurchase agreements amounted to $300 million and $100 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. One of the Corporation’s strategies has been the use of structured repurchase agreements and long-term repurchase agreements to reduce liquidity risk and manage exposure to interest rate risk by lengthening the final maturities of its liabilities while keeping funding costs at reasonable levels. In addition to these repurchase agreements, the Corporation has been able to maintain access to credit by using cost-effective sources such as FHLB advances. See Note 18 - Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase, in the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for further details about repurchase agreements outstanding by counterparty and maturities.
During the first quarter of 2020, a repurchase agreement counterparty exercised its call option on $200 million of reverse repurchase agreements that were previously offset in the 2019 statement of financial condition against variable-rate repurchase agreements, pursuant to ASC Subtopic 210-20-45-11, “Balance Sheet - Offsetting - Other Presentation Matters - Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.”
Under the Corporation’s repurchase agreements, as is the case with derivative contracts, the Corporation is required to pledge cash or qualifying securities to meet margin requirements. To the extent that the value of securities previously pledged as collateral declines due to changes in interest rates, a liquidity crisis or any other factor, the Corporation is required to deposit additional cash or securities to meet its margin requirements, thereby adversely affecting its liquidity.
Given the quality of the collateral pledged, the Corporation has not experienced margin calls from counterparties arising from credit-quality-related write-downs in valuations.
Advances from the FHLB - The Bank is a member of the FHLB system and obtains advances to fund its operations under a collateral agreement with the FHLB that requires the Bank to maintain qualifying mortgages and/or investments as collateral for advances taken. As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding balance of FHLB advances was $440 million, compared to $570.0 million as of December 31, 2019. During 2020, the Corporation repaid $95 million of maturing long-term FHLB advances, which were carried at an average cost of 1.98%, and $35 million in short-term FHLB advances that were outstanding as of December 31, 2019, which were carried at a cost of 1.83%. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $1.2 billion available for additional credit on FHLB lines of credit.
Trust-Preferred Securities - In 2004, FBP Statutory Trust I, a statutory trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation and not consolidated in the Corporation’s financial statements, sold to institutional investors $100 million of its variable-rate TRuPs. FBP Statutory Trust I used the proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.1 million of FBP Statutory Trust I variable rate common securities, to purchase $103.1 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s junior subordinated deferrable debentures.
Also in 2004, FBP Statutory Trust II, a statutory trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation and not consolidated in the Corporation’s financial statements, sold to institutional investors $125 million of its variable-rate TRuPs. FBP Statutory Trust II used the proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.9 million of FBP Statutory Trust II variable rate common securities, to purchase $128.9 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s junior subordinated deferrable debentures.
The subordinated debentures are presented in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition as other borrowings. The variable-rate TRuPs are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Corporation. The $100 million junior subordinated deferrable debentures issued by the Corporation in April 2004 and the $125 million issued in September 2004 mature on June 17, 2034 and September 20, 2034, respectively; however, under certain circumstances, the maturity of the subordinated debentures may be shortened (such shortening would result in a mandatory redemption of the variable-rate TRuPs). The Collins Amendment of the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated certain TRuPs from Tier 1 Capital. Bank holding companies, such as the Corporation, were required to fully phase out these instruments from Tier I capital by January 1, 2016; however, they may remain in Tier 2 capital until the instruments are redeemed or mature.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation had subordinated debentures outstanding in the aggregate amount of $183.8 million and $184.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation was current on all interest payments due related to its subordinated debentures. As mentioned above, during 2020, the Corporation repurchased $0.4 million of TRuPs, resulting in a commensurate reduction in the related amount of the floating rate junior subordinated debentures.
Other Sources of Funds and Liquidity - The Corporation’s principal uses of funds are for the origination of loans and the repayment of maturing deposits and borrowings. In connection with its mortgage banking activities, the Corporation has invested in technology and personnel to enhance the Corporation’s secondary mortgage market capabilities.
The enhanced capabilities improve the Corporation’s liquidity profile as they allow the Corporation to derive liquidity, if needed, from the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market. The U.S. (including Puerto Rico) secondary mortgage market is still highly-liquid, in large part because of the sale of mortgages through guarantee programs of the FHA, VA, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), FNMA and FHLMC. During 2020, the Corporation sold approximately $221.5 million of FHA/VA mortgage loans to GNMA, which packages them into MBS.
In addition, the FED has taken several steps to promote economic and financial stability in response to the significant economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions are intended to stimulate economic activity by reducing interest rates and provide liquidity to financial markets so that participants have access to needed funding. During 2020, the federal funds target rate was lowered to a range of 0% to 0.25%, making the FED Discount Window Program a cost-efficient contingent source of funding for the Corporation given the highly-volatile market conditions. Although currently not in use, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had approximately $960 million available for funding under the FED’s BIC Program. As an SBA-qualified PPP lender, the Bank is eligible to borrow under the PPP Liquidity Facility by pledging SBA PPP loans. The Corporation is not currently utilizing this Liquidity Facility.
Effect of Credit Ratings on Access to Liquidity
The Corporation’s liquidity is contingent upon its ability to obtain external sources of funding to finance its operations. The Corporation’s current credit ratings and any downgrade in credit ratings can hinder the Corporation’s access to new forms of external funding and/or cause external funding to be more expensive, which could, in turn, adversely affect its results of operations. Also, changes in credit ratings may further affect the fair value of unsecured derivatives whose value takes into account the Corporation’s own credit risk.
The Corporation does not have any outstanding debt or derivative agreements that would be affected by credit rating downgrades. Furthermore, given the Corporation’s non-reliance on corporate debt or other instruments directly linked in terms of pricing or volume to credit ratings, the liquidity of the Corporation has not been affected in any material way by downgrades. The Corporation’s ability to access new non-deposit sources of funding, however, could be adversely affected by credit downgrades.
As of the date hereof, the Corporation’s credit as a long-term issuer is rated B+ by S&P and B+ by Fitch. As of the date hereof, FirstBank’s credit ratings as a long-term issuer are B2 by Moody’s, five notches below their definition of investment grade; BB- by S&P, three notches below their definition of investment grade; and B+ by Fitch, four notches below their definition of investment grade. The Corporation’s credit ratings are dependent on a number of factors, both quantitative and qualitative, and are subject to change at any time. The disclosure of credit ratings is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the Corporation’s securities. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.
Cash Flows
Cash and cash equivalents were $1.5 billion as of December 31, 2020, an increase of $849.7 million when compared to the balance as of December 31, 2019. The following discussion highlights the major activities and transactions that affected the Corporation’s cash flows during 2020 and 2019:
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
First BanCorp.’s operating assets and liabilities vary significantly in the normal course of business due to the amount and timing of cash flows. Management believes that cash flows from operations, available cash balances and the Corporation’s ability to generate cash through short- and long-term borrowings will be sufficient to fund the Corporation’s operating liquidity needs for the foreseeable future.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $297.7 million and $294.3 million, respectively. Net cash generated from operating activities was higher than reported net income, largely as a result of adjustments for items such as the provision for credit losses, depreciation and amortization, as well as the cash generated from sales of loans held for sale.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
The Corporation’s investing activities primarily relate to originating loans to be held for investment, as well as purchasing, selling and repaying available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash used in investing activities was $1.2 billion, primarily due to purchases of U.S. agencies MBS and the funding of commercial and consumer loan originations, partially offset by principal collected on loans and on U.S. agencies MBS prepayments, proceeds from U.S. agencies bonds that matured or were called prior to maturity, and the excess of the cash acquired in the BSPR acquisition over the cash consideration paid at closing.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash used in investing activities was $343.0 million, primarily resulting from purchases of U.S. agencies debt and MBS and liquidity used to fund loan originations, partially offset by principal collected on loans and on U.S. agencies bonds matured or called prior to maturity, as well as U.S. agencies MBS prepayments.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
The Corporation’s financing activities primarily include the receipt of deposits and the issuance of brokered CDs, the issuance of and payments on long-term debt, the issuance of equity instruments and activities related to its short-term funding. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net cash provided by financing activities was $1.8 billion, mainly reflecting an increase in non-brokered deposits, and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from the early cancellation of long-term reverse repurchase agreements that were previously offset against variable-rate repurchase agreements in the 2019 consolidated statement of financial condition, partially offset by dividends paid on common and preferred stock and repayment of matured FHLB advances.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash provided by financing activities was $106.6 million, mainly reflecting an increase in non-brokered deposits, partially offset by the repayment at maturity of brokered CDs, a short-term repurchase agreement in the amount of $50.1 million, and $205.0 million of FHLB advances, and the payment of dividends on common and preferred stock.
Capital
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s stockholders’ equity was $2.3 billion, an increase of $47.1 million from December 31, 2019. The increase was driven by the earnings generated during 2020 and a $60.5 million increase in OCI related to changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities, partially offset by the $62.3 million transition adjustment related to the adoption of CECL recorded against beginning retained earnings, and the common and preferred stock dividends declared in 2020 totaling $46.4 million. On January 28, 2021, the Corporation declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, which represented $0.02 per common share, or a 40%, increase from the prior quarter’s dividend level. In addition, since December 2016, the Corporation has been making monthly dividend payments on its outstanding shares of non-cumulative perpetual Series A through E preferred stock. The Corporation intends to continue to pay monthly dividend payments on the preferred stock and quarterly dividends on common stock. The Corporation’s common stock and other stock dividends, including the declaration, timing and amount, remain subject to the consideration and approval by the Corporation’s Board of Directors at the relevant times.
Set forth below are First BanCorp.'s and FirstBank's regulatory capital ratios as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Banking Subsidiary
To be well capitalized -
First BanCorp. (1)
FirstBank (1)
thresholds
As of December 31, 2020
Total capital ratio (Total capital to risk-weighted assets)
20.37%
19.91%
10.00%
CET1 capital ratio
(CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets)
17.31%
16.05%
6.50%
Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)
17.61%
18.65%
8.00%
Leverage ratio
11.26%
11.92%
5.00%
(1) As permitted by the regulatory capital framework, the Corporation elected to delay for two years the day-one impact related to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 plus 25% of the change in the ACL from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. Such effects, will be phased in at 25% per year beginning on January 1, 2022.
Banking Subsidiary
To be well capitalized -
First BanCorp.
FirstBank
thresholds
As of December 31, 2019
Total capital ratio (Total capital to risk-weighted assets)
25.22%
24.74%
10.00%
CET1 capital ratio
(CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets)
21.60%
20.09%
6.50%
Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)
22.00%
23.49%
8.00%
Leverage ratio
16.15%
17.26%
5.00%
The Corporation and FirstBank compute risk-weighted assets using the standardized approach required by U.S. Basel III capital rules (“Basel III rules”). The Basel III rules require the Corporation to maintain an additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of additional CET1 capital to avoid limitations on both (i) capital distributions (e.g., repurchases of capital instruments, dividends and interest payments on capital instruments), and (ii) discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and heads of major business lines.
Under the Basel III rules, in order to be considered adequately capitalized and not subject to the above noted limitations, the Corporation is required to maintain: (i) a minimum CET1 capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 4.5%, plus the 2.5% “capital conservation buffer,” resulting in a required minimum CET1 capital ratio of at least 7%; (ii) a minimum ratio of total Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, resulting in a required minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%; (iii) a minimum ratio of total Tier 1 plus Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, resulting in a required minimum total capital ratio of 10.5%; and (iv) a required minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average on-balance sheet (non-risk adjusted) assets.
In addition, as required under the Basel III rules, the Corporation’s TRuPs were fully phased-out from Tier 1 capital as of January 1, 2016. However, the Corporation’s TRuPs may continue to be included in Tier 2 capital until the instruments are redeemed or mature.
On July 9, 2019, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (collectively “the agencies”) adopted a final rule that superseded certain regulatory capital transition rules and eliminated the transition provisions that are no longer operative. The final rule was effective on April 1, 2020, and eliminated: (i) the 10% CET1 capital deduction threshold, which applies individually to holdings of mortgage servicing assets, temporary difference deferred tax assets, and significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions in the form of common stock; (ii) the 15% CET1 capital deduction threshold, which applies to the aggregate amount of such items; (iii) the 10% threshold for non-significant investments, which applies to holdings of regulatory capital of unconsolidated financial institutions; and (iv) the deduction treatment for significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that are not in the form of common stock. Instead, the final rule requires non-advanced approaches banking organizations to deduct from CET1 capital any amount of mortgage servicing assets, temporary difference deferred tax assets, and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that individually exceeds 25% of CET1 capital of the banking organization (the 25% CET1 capital deduction threshold). The final rule retains the requirement that increased from 100% to 250% the risk-weighting of non-deducted mortgage servicing assets and temporary difference deferred tax assets
As part of its response to the impact of COVID-19, on March 31, 2020, the agencies issued an interim final rule that provided the option to temporarily delay the effects of CECL on regulatory capital for two years, followed by a three-year transition period. The interim final rule provides that, at the election of a qualified banking organization, the day 1 impact to retained earnings plus 25% of the change in the ACL (excluding PCD loans) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 will be delayed for two years and phased-in at 25% per year beginning on January 1, 2022 over a three-year period, resulting in a total transition period of five years. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2020, the capital measures of the Corporation and the Bank shown in the table above exclude the $62.3 million day 1 impact to retained earnings and 25% of the increase in the ACL (as defined in the interim final rule) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The agencies may take other measures affecting regulatory capital to address the COVID-19 pandemic, although the nature and impact of such measures cannot be predicted at this time.
The tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per common share are non-GAAP financial measures generally used by the financial community to evaluate capital adequacy. Tangible common equity is total equity less preferred equity, goodwill, core deposit intangibles, purchased credit card relationship intangible assets and insurance customer relationship intangible asset. Tangible assets are total assets less intangible assets such as goodwill, core deposit intangibles, purchased credit card relationships and insurance customer asset relationships. See “Basis of Presentation” below for additional information.
The following table is a reconciliation of the Corporation’s tangible common equity and tangible assets, non-GAAP financial measures, to total equity and total assets, respectively, for the years ended December 31,2020 and 2019, respectively:
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands, except ratios and per share information)
Total equity - GAAP
$
2,275,179
$
2,228,073
Preferred equity
(36,104)
(36,104)
Goodwill
(38,632)
(28,098)
Purchased credit card relationship intangible
(4,733)
(3,615)
Core deposit intangible
(35,842)
(3,488)
Insurance customer relationship intangible
(318)
(470)
Tangible common equity
$
2,159,550
$
2,156,298
Total assets - GAAP
$
18,793,071
$
12,611,266
Goodwill
(38,632)
(28,098)
Purchased credit card relationship intangible
(4,733)
(3,615)
Core deposit intangible
(35,842)
(3,488)
Insurance customer relationship intangible
(318)
(470)
Tangible assets
$
18,713,546
$
12,575,595
Common shares outstanding
218,235
217,359
Tangible common equity ratio
11.54%
17.15%
Tangible book value per common share
$
9.90
$
9.92
The Banking Law of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requires that a minimum of 10% of FirstBank’s net income for the year be transferred to a legal surplus reserve until such surplus equals the total of paid-in-capital on common and preferred stock. Amounts transferred to the legal surplus reserve from retained earnings are not available for distribution to the Corporation, including for payment as dividends to the stockholders, without the prior consent of the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Financial Institutions. The Puerto Rico Banking Law provides that, when the expenditures of a Puerto Rico commercial bank are greater than receipts, the excess of the expenditures over receipts must be charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if any, must be charged against the legal surplus reserve, as a reduction thereof. If the legal surplus reserve is not sufficient to cover such balance in whole or in part, the Bank must charge the outstanding amount against the capital account and the Bank cannot pay dividends until it can replenish the legal surplus reserve to an amount of at least 20% of the original capital contributed. During 2020 and 2019, the Corporation transferred $11.7 million and $17.4 million, respectively, to the legal surplus reserve. FirstBank’s legal surplus reserve, included as part of retained earnings in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition, amounted to $109.3 million and $97.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation engages in financial transactions that are not recorded on the balance sheet, or may be recorded on the balance sheet in amounts that are different from the full contract or notional amount of the transaction. These transactions are designed to (1) meet the financial needs of customers, (2) manage the Corporation’s credit, market and liquidity risks, (3) diversify the Corporation’s funding sources, and (4) optimize capital.
As a provider of financial services, the Corporation routinely enters into commitments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments may include loan commitments and standby letters of credit. These commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval processes used for on-balance sheet instruments. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statements of financial condition. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s commitments to extend credit amounted to approximately $2.1 billion, of which $1.1 billion related to credit card loans. Commercial and financial standby letters of credit amounted to approximately $141.0 million.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The following table presents information about the maturities of the Corporation’s contractual obligations and commitments, which consist of CDs, long-term contractual debt obligations, commitments to sell mortgage loans and commitments to extend credit:
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
As of December 31, 2020
Total
Less than 1 year
1-3 years
3-5 years
After 5 years
(In thousands)
Contractual obligations:
Certificates of deposit
$
3,030,485
$
1,965,329
$
846,702
$
203,913
$
14,541
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
300,000
-
100,000
200,000
-
Advances from FHLB
440,000
240,000
200,000
-
-
Other borrowings
183,762
-
-
-
183,762
Operating leases
118,678
19,062
33,963
27,870
37,783
Other contractual obligations
105,587
69,106
21,714
8,967
5,800
Total contractual obligations
$
4,178,512
$
2,293,497
$
1,202,379
$
440,750
$
241,886
Commitments to sell mortgage loans
$
19,998
Standby letters of credit
$
4,964
Commitments to extend credit:
Lines of credit
$
1,940,807
Letters of credit
135,987
Construction undisbursed funds
119,900
Total commercial commitments
$
2,196,694
The Corporation has obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, such as debt and lease agreements, and other commitments to sell mortgage loans at fair value and to extend credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Since certain commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. For most of the commercial lines of credit, the Corporation has the option to reevaluate the agreement prior to additional disbursements. There have been no significant or unexpected draws on existing commitments. In the case of credit cards and personal lines of credit, the Corporation can cancel the unused credit facility at any time and without cause.
Interest Rate Risk Management
First BanCorp. manages its asset/liability position in order to limit the effects of changes in interest rates on net interest income and to maintain a stable level of profitability under varying interest rate scenarios. The MIALCO oversees interest rate risk, and, in doing so, the MIALCO assesses, among other things, current and expected conditions in world financial markets, competition and prevailing rates in the local deposit market, liquidity, the pipeline of loan originations, securities market values, recent or proposed changes to the investment portfolio, alternative funding sources and related costs, hedging and the possible purchase of derivatives, such as swaps and caps, and any tax or regulatory issues that may be pertinent to these areas. The MIALCO approves funding decisions in light of the Corporation’s overall strategies and objectives.
On a quarterly basis, the Corporation performs a consolidated net interest income simulation analysis to estimate the potential change in future earnings from projected changes in interest rates. The Corporation carries out these simulations over a one-to-five-year time horizon and assumes upward and downward yield curve shifts. The rate scenarios considered in these simulations reflect gradual upward and downward interest rate movements of 200 basis points during a twelve-month period. The Corporation carries out the simulations in two ways:
(1) Using a static balance sheet, as the Corporation had on the simulation date, and
(2) Using a dynamic balance sheet based on recent patterns and current strategies.
The balance sheet is divided into groups of assets and liabilities by maturity or re-pricing structure and their corresponding interest rate yields and costs. As interest rates rise or fall, these simulations incorporate expected future lending rates, current and expected future funding sources and costs, the possible exercise of options, changes in prepayment rates, deposit decay and other factors, which may be important in projecting net interest income.
The Corporation uses a simulation model to project future movements in the Corporation’s balance sheet and income statement. The starting point of the projections corresponds to the actual values on the balance sheet on the date of the simulations.
These simulations are highly complex and are based on many assumptions that are intended to reflect the general behavior of the balance sheet components over the period in question. It is unlikely that actual events will match these assumptions in most cases. For this reason, the results of these forward-looking computations are only approximations of the true sensitivity of net interest income to changes in market interest rates. The Corporation uses several benchmark and market rate curves in the modeling process, primarily the LIBOR/SWAP curve, Prime, Treasury, FHLB rates, brokered CD rates, repurchase agreement rates and the mortgage commitment rate of 30 years.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation forecasted the 12-month net interest income assuming December 31, 2020 interest rate curves remain constant. Then net interest income was estimated under rising and falling rate scenarios. For rising rates scenarios, the Corporation assumed a gradual (ramp) parallel upward shift of the yield curve during the first 12 months (the “+200 ramp” scenario). Conversely, for the falling rates scenario, it assumed a gradual (ramp) parallel downward shift of the yield curves during the first 12 months (the “-200 ramp” scenario). However, given the current low levels of interest rates, along with the current yield curve slope, a full downward shift of 200 basis points would represent an unrealistic scenario. Therefore, under the falling rate scenario, rates move downward up to 200 basis points, but without reaching zero. The resulting scenario shows interest rates close to zero in most cases, reflecting a flattening yield curve instead of a parallel downward scenario.
The Libor/Swap curve for December 2020, as compared to December 2019, reflected a 165 basis point reduction in the short-term horizon, between 1 to 12 months, while market rates also decreased by 141 basis points in the medium term, that is, between 2 to 5 years. In the long term, that is, over 5-year-term horizon, market rates decreased by 98 basis points, as compared to December 31, 2019 levels. The U.S. Treasury curve in the short-term horizon decreased by 147 basis points and in the medium-term horizon decreased by 139 basis points, as compared to the December 31, 2019 levels. The long-term horizon decreased by 84 basis points as compared to December 31, 2019 levels.
The following table presents the results of the simulations as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. Consistent with prior years, these exclude non-cash changes in the fair value of derivatives:
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Net Interest Income Risk
Net Interest Income Risk
(Projected for the next 12 months)
(Projected for the next 12 months)
Static Simulation
Growing Balance Sheet
Static Simulation
Growing Balance Sheet
(Dollars in millions)
Change
% Change
Change
% Change
Change
% Change
Change
% Change
+ 200 bps ramp
$
32.3
4.53
%
$
36.0
4.96
%
$
15.9
2.85
%
$
19.6
3.32
%
- 200 bps ramp
$
(12.1)
(1.69)
%
$
(13.9)
(1.91)
%
$
(21.4)
(3.84)
%
$
(25.1)
(4.25)
%
The Corporation continues to manage its balance sheet structure to control and limit the overall interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2020, the simulations showed that the Corporation continues to maintain an asset-sensitive position. The Corporation has continued repositioning the balance sheet and improving the funding mix, mainly driven by an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits with low rate elasticity, and non-interest bearing deposits, including deposits assumed in the BSPR acquisition, reductions in brokered certificates of deposits, FHLB advances and FED advances. The above-mentioned growth in deposits contributed to fund the increase in the investment securities, and commercial loan portfolios, while maintaining higher liquidity levels. The Corporation relied on its existing funding to fund SBA PPP loans, including deposits already at the Bank, and is not currently participating in the PPP Liquidity Facility or the Money Market Mutual Fund Liquidity Facility established by the FED.
The increased net interest income sensitivity for the +200 ramp scenario was driven by higher cash balances with short-term repricing, a larger portfolio of variable-rate commercial loans, primarily due to the acquisition of BSPR, and an increase in the investment securities portfolio balance. Also, the decreased net interest income sensitivity for the -200 ramp scenario was driven by a lower interest rate environment near floor levels in which a full down parallel movement of -200bps will not be materialized.
Taking into consideration the above-mentioned facts for modeling purposes, as of December 31, 2020, the net interest income for the next 12 months under a growing balance sheet scenario was estimated to increase by $36.0 million in the rising rate scenario, compared to an estimated increase of $19.6 million as of December 31, 2019. Under the falling rate, growing balance sheet scenario, the net interest income was estimated to decrease by $13.9 million, compared to an estimated decrease of $25.1 million as of December 31, 2019, reflecting the effect of current low levels of market interest rates on the base scenario and the model assumptions for the falling rate scenarios described above (i.e., no negative interest rates modeled).
Derivatives
First BanCorp. uses derivative instruments and other strategies to manage its exposure to interest rate risk caused by changes in interest rates that are beyond management’s control.
The following summarizes major strategies, including derivative activities that the Corporation uses in managing interest rate risk:
Interest Rate Cap Agreements - Interest rate cap agreements provide the right to receive cash if a reference interest rate rises above a contractual rate. The value of the interest rate cap increases as the reference interest rate rises. The Corporation enters into interest rate cap agreements for protection from rising interest rates.
Forward Contracts - Forward contracts are sales of TBA MBS that will settle over the standard delivery date and do not qualify as “regular-way” security trades. Regular-way security trades are contracts that have no net settlement provision and no market mechanism to facilitate net settlement and provide for delivery of a security within the timeframe generally established by regulations or conventions in the market-place or exchange in which the transaction is being executed. The forward sales are considered derivative instruments that need to be marked-to-market. The Corporation uses these securities to economically hedge the FHA/VA residential mortgage loan securitizations of the mortgage-banking operations. The Corporation also reports as forward contracts the mandatory mortgage loan sales commitments that it enters into with GSEs that require or permit net settlement via a pair-off transaction or the payment of a pair-off fee. Unrealized gains (losses) are recognized as part of mortgage banking activities in the consolidated statements of income.
Interest Rate Lock Commitments - Interest rate lock commitments are agreements under which the Corporation agrees to extend credit to a borrower under certain specified terms and conditions in which the interest rate and the maximum amount of the loan are set prior to funding. Under each agreement, the Corporation commits to lend funds to a potential borrower generally on a fixed rate basis, regardless of whether interest rates change in the market.
Interest rate swaps - The Corporation acquired interest rate swaps as a result of the BSPR acquisition. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two entities to exchange cash flows in the future. The agreements acquired from BSPR consist of the Corporation offering borrower-facing derivative products using a “back-to-back” structure in which the borrower-facing derivative transaction is paired with an identical, offsetting transaction with an approved dealer-counterparty. By using a back-to-back trading structure, both the commercial borrower and the Corporation are largely insulated from market risk and volatility. The agreements set the dates on which the cash flows will be paid and the manner in which the cash flows will be calculated. The fair values of interest rate swaps are recorded as components of other assets in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair values of interest rate swaps, which occur due to changes in interest rates, are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of interest income on loans.
For detailed information regarding the volume of derivative activities (e.g., notional amounts), location and fair values of derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of financial condition and the amount of gains and losses reported in the consolidated statements of income, see Note 34 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
The following tables summarize the fair value changes in the Corporation’s derivatives, as well as the sources of the fair values, as of or for the indicated dates or periods:
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Year Ended
Year Ended
(In thousands)
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2020
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the year
$
$
(149)
Fair value of contracts acquired in the BSPR acquisition
1,762
(1,789)
Changes in fair value during the year
Fair value of contracts outstanding as of December 31, 2020
$
2,482
$
(1,920)
Sources of Fair Value
Payment due by Period
Maturity Less Than One Year
Maturity 1-3 Years
Maturity 3-5 Years
Maturity in Excess of 5 Years
Total Fair Value
(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2020
Pricing from observable market inputs - Asset Derivatives
$
$
$
-
$
1,622
$
2,482
Pricing from observable market inputs - Liability Derivatives
(280)
(1)
-
(1,639)
(1,920)
$
$
$
-
$
(17)
$
Derivative instruments, such as interest rate caps, are subject to market risk. As is the case with investment securities, the market value of derivative instruments is largely a function of the financial market’s expectations regarding the future direction of interest rates. Accordingly, current market values are not necessarily indicative of the future impact of derivative instruments on earnings. This will depend, in part, on the level of interest rates, as well as the expectations for rates in the future.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation considered all of its derivative instruments to be undesignated economic hedges.
The use of derivatives involves market and credit risk. The market risk of derivatives stems principally from the potential for changes in the value of derivative contracts based on changes in interest rates. The credit risk of derivatives arises from the potential for default of the counterparty. To manage this credit risk, the Corporation deals with counterparties that it considers to be of good credit standing, enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and, when appropriate, obtains collateral. Master netting agreements incorporate rights of set-off that provide for the net settlement of contracts with the same counterparty in the event of default.
Credit Risk Management
First BanCorp. is subject to credit risk mainly with respect to its portfolio of loans receivable and off-balance-sheet instruments, mainly loan commitments. Loans receivable represents loans that First BanCorp. holds for investment and, therefore, First BanCorp. is at risk for the term of the loan. Loan commitments represent commitments to extend credit, subject to specific conditions, for specific amounts and maturities. These commitments may expose the Corporation to credit risk and are subject to the same review and approval process as for loans made by the Bank. See “Contractual Obligations and Commitments” above for further details. The Corporation manages its credit risk through its credit policy, underwriting, independent loan review and quality control procedures, statistical analysis, comprehensive financial analysis, and established management committees. The Corporation also employs proactive collection and loss mitigation efforts. Furthermore, personnel performing structured loan workout functions are responsible for mitigating defaults and minimizing losses upon default within each region and for each business segment. In the case of the commercial and industrial, commercial mortgage and construction loan portfolios, the Special Asset Group (“SAG”) focuses on strategies for the accelerated reduction of non-performing assets through note sales, short sales, loss mitigation programs, and sales of OREO. In addition to the management of the resolution process for problem loans, the SAG oversees collection efforts for all loans to prevent migration to the nonaccrual and/or adversely classified status. The SAG utilizes relationship officers, collection specialists and attorneys. In the case of residential construction projects, the workout function monitors project specifics, such as project management and marketing, as deemed necessary.
The Corporation may also have risk of default in the securities portfolio. The securities held by the Corporation are principally fixed-rate U.S. agencies MBS and U.S. Treasury and agencies securities. Thus, a substantial portion of these instruments is backed by mortgages, a guarantee of a U.S. GSE or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
Management, consisting of the Corporation’s Commercial Credit Risk Officer, Retail Credit Risk Officer, Chief Lending Officer and other senior executives, has the primary responsibility for setting strategies to achieve the Corporation’s credit risk goals and objectives. Management has documented these goals and objectives in the Corporation’s Credit Policy.
Allowance for Credit Losses and Non-performing Assets
Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Finance Leases
The ACL for loans and finance leases represents the estimate of the level of reserves appropriate to absorb expected credit losses over the estimated life of the loans. The amount of the allowance is determined using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience is a significant input for the estimation of expected credit losses, as well as adjustments to historical loss information made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term. Additionally, the Corporation’s assessment involves evaluating key factors, which include credit and macroeconomic indicators, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, and other relevant factors to account for current and forecasted market conditions that are likely to cause estimated credit losses over the life of the loans to differ from historical credit losses. Such factors are subject to regular review and may change to reflect updated performance trends and expectations, particularly in times of severe stress. The process includes judgments and quantitative elements that may be subject to significant change. An internal risk rating is assigned to each business loan at the time of approval and is subject to subsequent periodic reviews by the Corporation’s senior management. The ACL for loans and finance leases is reviewed at least on a quarterly basis as part of the Corporation’s continued evaluation of its asset quality.
The ACL for loans and finance leases was $155.1 million as of December 31, 2019. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized an increase in the ACL for loans and finance leases of approximately $81.2 million, as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting policy, with a corresponding decrease in retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for loans and finance leases was $385.9 million, up $230.8 million from December 31, 2019, driven by the $81.2 million increase as a result of adopting CECL, the $66.2 million initial ACL required with respect to loans from the acquisition of BSPR, and a charge to the provision of $131.2 million in 2020 (excluding the initial reserves required for acquired non-PCD loans in the BSPR acquisition) primarily related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in forecasted economic conditions across all loan portfolio categories and geographic regions. Under ASC 326, the Corporation is required to record an ACL for estimates of life-time credit losses on loans at the time of acquisition. For non-PCD loans, the initial ACL is established through a charge to the provision for credit losses at the time of acquisition. Accordingly, the Corporation recorded approximately $37.5 million in provision for credit losses for non-PCD loans acquired in the BSPR acquisition. In addition, for PCD loans totaling $752.8 million, the Corporation established an initial ACL of $28.7 million, representing the discount embedded in the purchase price that is attributable to credit losses on these loans. The initial ACL for PCD loans is not established through a charge to the provision for credit losses, but, rather, through an initial adjustment to the loan’s amortized cost. Refer to Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for additional information about the day-one impact of the CECL adoption by portfolio segments and description of the methodologies used by the Corporation to determine the ACL.
The ratio of the ACL for loans and finance leases to total loans held for investment increased to 3.28% as of December 31, 2020, compared to 1.72% as of December 31, 2019, driven by the adoption of CECL and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted economic conditions. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding SBA PPP loans, the ratio of the ACL for loans and finance leases to adjusted total loans held for investment was 3.39% as of December 31, 2020. For the definition and reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure, refer to the discussion in “Basis of Presentation” below. An explanation of the change for each portfolio follows:
 The ACL to total loans ratio for the residential mortgage portfolio increased from 1.53% as of December 31, 2019 to 3.42% as of December 31, 2020, primarily due to the effect of the CECL adoption on longer duration portfolios and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted economic conditions.
 The ACL to total loans ratio for the commercial mortgage portfolio increased from 2.71% as of December 31, 2019 to 4.90% as of December 31, 2020, primarily due to the charges to the provision recorded in 2020 related to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on macroeconomic variables considered for this portfolio, such as the Commercial Real Estate Price Index.
 The ACL to total loans ratio for the commercial and industrial portfolio increased from 0.68% as of December 31, 2019 to 1.18% as of December 31, 2020, reflecting the effect of the CECL adoption and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted economic conditions. On a non-GAAP basis, excluding SBA PPP loans, the ratio of the ACL for commercial and industrial loans to adjusted total commercial and industrial loans held for investment was 1.36% as of December 31, 2020.
 The ACL to total loans ratio for the construction loan portfolio increased from 2.13% as of December 31, 2019 to 2.53% as of December 31, 2020, primarily as a result of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted economic conditions.
 The ACL to total loans ratio for the consumer loan portfolio increased from 2.35% as of December 31, 2019 to 4.33% as of December 31, 2020, primarily reflecting the effect of the CECL adoption on longer duration portfolios and the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forecasted economic conditions.
The ratio of the total ACL for loans and finance leases to nonaccrual loans held for investment was 188.16% as of December 31, 2020, compared to 73.64% as of December 31, 2019. The Corporation did not acquire any of BSPR’s non-performing assets as provided in the Stock Purchase Agreement.
Substantially all of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is located within the boundaries of the U.S. economy. Whether the collateral is located in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands or the U.S. mainland (mainly in the state of Florida), the performance of the Corporation’s loan portfolio and the value of the collateral supporting the transactions are dependent upon the performance of and conditions within each specific area’s real estate market. The Corporation believes it sets adequate loan-to-value ratios following its regulatory and credit policy standards.
As shown in the following table, the ACL for loans and finance leases amounted to $385.9 million as of December 31, 2020, or 3.28% of total loans, compared with $155.1 million, or 1.72% of total loans, as of December 31, 2019. See “Results of Operation - Provision for Credit Losses” above for additional information.
The following table sets forth an analysis of the activity in the ACL for loans and finance leases during the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases, beginning of year
$
155,139
$
196,362
$
231,843
$
205,603
$
240,710
Impact of adopting ASC 326
81,165
-
-
-
-
Initial allowance on PCD loans
28,744
-
-
-
-
Provision (release) for credit losses:
Residential mortgage (1)
22,427
14,091
13,202
50,744
25,090
Commercial mortgage (2)
81,125
(1,697)
23,074
30,054
8,688
Commercial and Industrial (3)
6,627
(13,696)
(8,440)
1,018
17,075
Construction (4)
2,105
(1,496)
7,032
4,835
Consumer and finance leases (5)
56,433
43,023
24,385
57,603
35,383
Total provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases (6)
168,717
40,225
59,253
144,254
86,733
Charge-offs:
Residential mortgage
(11,017)
(22,742)
(24,775)
(28,186)
(33,621)
Commercial mortgage
(3,330)
(15,088)
(23,911)
(39,092)
(20,454)
Commercial and Industrial
(3,634)
(7,206)
(9,704)
(19,855)
(26,579)
Construction
(76)
(391)
(8,296)
(3,607)
(1,770)
Consumer and finance leases
(46,483)
(52,160)
(50,106)
(44,030)
(54,504)
Total charge offs
(64,540)
(97,587)
(116,792)
(134,770)
(136,928)
Recoveries:
Residential mortgage
1,519
2,663
3,392
2,437
2,941
Commercial mortgage
1,936
7,925
Commercial and Industrial
3,192
3,554
1,819
5,755
2,689
Construction
Consumer and finance leases
9,831
8,859
8,588
7,562
8,326
Total recoveries
16,662
16,139
22,058
16,756
15,088
Net charge-offs
(47,878)
(81,448)
(94,734)
(118,014)
(121,840)
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases, end of year
$
385,887
$
155,139
$
196,362
$
231,843
$
205,603
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases to year-end total
loans held for investment
3.28%
1.72%
2.22%
2.62%
2.31%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the year
0.48%
0.91%
1.09%
1.33%
1.37%
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs during the year
3.52x
0.49x
0.63x
1.22x
0.71x
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs
during the year, excluding the effect of the hurricane-related reserve releases/charges
in 2019, 2018 and 2017 (7)
3.52x
0.57x
0.80x
0.62x
0.71x
_________
(1) Net of a $0.4 million net loan loss reserve release for the year ended December 31, 2018 associated with revised estimates of the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For the year ended December 31, 2017, includes a charge to the provision of $14.6 million associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
(2) Net of a $1.9 million net loan loss reserve release for the year ended December 31, 2018 associated with revised estimates of the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For the year ended December 31, 2017, includes a charge to the provision of $12.1 million associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
(3) Net of loan loss reserve releases of $3.4 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, associated with revised estimates of the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For the year ended December 31, 2017, includes a charge to the provision of $15.9 million associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
(4) Net of a $0.7 million net loan loss reserve release for the year ended December 31, 2018 associated with revised estimates of the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For the year ended December 31, 2017, includes a charge to the provision of $3.7 million associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
(5) Net of loan loss reserve releases of $3.0 million and $8.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, associated with revised estimates of the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For the year ended December 31, 2017, includes a charge to the provision of $25.0 million associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
(6) Net of loan loss reserve releases of $6.4 million and $16.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, associated with revised estimates of the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. For the year ended December 31, 2017, includes a provision of $71.3 million associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
(7) Non-GAAP financial measures, see "Basis of Presentation" below for a reconciliation of this measure.
The following table sets forth information concerning the allocation of the Corporation’s ACL for loans and finance leases by loan category and the percentage of loan balances in each category to the total of such loans as of the dates indicated:
As of December 31,
Amount
Percent of loans in each category to total loans
Amount
Percent of loans in each category to total loans
Amount
Percent of loans in each category to total loans
Amount
Percent of loans in each category to total loans
Amount
Percent of loans in each category to total loans
(Dollars in thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
$
120,311
30%
$
44,806
33%
$
50,794
36%
$
58,975
37%
$
33,980
37%
Commercial mortgage loans
109,342
19%
39,194
16%
55,581
17%
48,493
18%
57,261
18%
Construction loans
5,380
2%
2,370
1%
3,592
1%
4,522
1%
2,562
1%
Commercial and Industrial loans
37,944
27%
15,198
25%
32,546
24%
48,871
24%
61,953
25%
Consumer loans and finance leases
112,910
22%
53,571
25%
53,849
22%
70,982
20%
49,847
19%
$
385,887
100%
$
155,139
100%
$
196,362
100%
$
231,843
100%
$
205,603
100%
The following table sets forth information concerning the composition of the Corporation's loan portfolio and related ACL as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 by loan category:
As of December 31,2020
Residential Mortgage Loans
Commercial Mortgage Loans
C&I Loans
Consumer and Finance Leases
Construction Loans
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Total loans held for investment:
Amortized cost of loans
$
3,521,954
$
2,230,602
$
3,202,590
$
212,500
$
2,609,643
$
11,777,289
Allowance for credit losses
120,311
109,342
37,944
5,380
112,910
385,887
Allowance for credit losses to amortized cost
3.42
%
4.90
%
1.18
%
2.53
%
4.33
%
3.28
%
As of December 31, 2019
Residential Mortgage Loans
Commercial Mortgage Loans
C&I Loans
Consumer and Finance Leases
Construction Loans
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Total loans held for investment:
Amortized cost of loans
$
2,933,773
$
1,444,586
$
2,230,876
$
111,317
$
2,281,653
$
9,002,205
Allowance for credit losses
44,806
39,194
15,198
2,370
53,571
155,139
Allowance for credit losses to amortized cost
1.53
%
2.71
%
0.68
%
2.13
%
2.35
%
1.72
%
Allowance for Credit Losses for Unfunded Loan Commitments
The Corporation estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Corporation is exposed to credit risk as a result of a contractual obligation to extend credit, such as pursuant to unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit for commercial and construction loans, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation. The ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized an increase in the ACL for off-balance sheet exposures of approximately $3.9 million, as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting policy, with a corresponding decrease in beginning retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures was $5.1 million, including the $3.9 million effect of adopting CECL, and a $1.2 million charge to the provision in 2020 primarily related to unfunded loan commitments assumed in the BSPR acquisition.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
As of December 31, 2020, the held-to-maturity securities portfolio consisted of Puerto Rico municipal bonds. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized an ACL for held-to-maturity securities of approximately $8.1 million, as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting policy, with a corresponding decrease in retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for held-to-maturity debt securities was $8.8 million, including the $8.1 million effect of adopting CECL, a $1.3 million initial ACL established for PCD debt securities acquired in the BSPR acquisition, partially offset by a $0.6 million release of credit losses primarily related to the repayment of certain bonds.
Allowance for Credit Losses for Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
During 2020, the Corporation recorded charges to the provision for credit losses of available-for-sale debt securities of $1.6 million. These charges were related to private label MBS and a residential mortgage pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for available-for-sale debt securities was $1.3 million, including the $1.6 million provision less charge-offs of $0.3 million recorded in the second half of 2020. The ACL was derived from a decline in the present value of expected cash flows taking into consideration the performance of the underlying mortgages and the effect of a deterioration in forecasted economic conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonaccrual Loans and Non-performing Assets
Total non-performing assets consist of nonaccrual loans (generally loans held for investment or loans held for sale on which the recognition of interest income was discontinued when the loan became 90 days past due or earlier if the full and timely collection of interest or principal is uncertain), foreclosed real estate and other repossessed properties, and non-performing investment securities, if any. When a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, any interest previously recognized and not collected is reversed and charged against interest income. Cash payments received are recognized when collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the loans. The principal portion of the payment is used to reduce the principal balance of the loan, whereas the interest portion is recognized on a cash basis (when collected). However, when management believes that the ultimate collectability of principal is in doubt, the interest portion is applied to the outstanding principal. The risk exposure of this portfolio is diversified as to individual borrowers and industries, among other factors. In addition, a large portion is secured with real estate collateral.
Nonaccrual Loans Policy
Residential Real Estate Loans - The Corporation generally classifies real estate loans in nonaccrual status when it has not received interest and principal for a period of 90 days or more.
Commercial and Construction Loans - The Corporation classifies commercial loans (including commercial real estate and construction loans) in nonaccrual status when it has not received interest and principal for a period of 90 days or more or when it does not expect to collect all of the principal or interest due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower.
Finance Leases - The Corporation classifies finance leases in nonaccrual status when it has not received interest and principal for a period of 90 days or more.
Consumer Loans - The Corporation classifies consumer loans in nonaccrual status when it has not received interest and principal for a period of 90 days or more. Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged-off at 180 days delinquent.
Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans - For PCD loans the nonaccrual status is determined in the same manner as for other loans, except for PCD loans that prior to the adoption of ASC 326 were classified as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans and accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, “Receivables - Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (ASC Subtopic 310-30). As allowed by ASC 326, the Corporation elected to maintain pools of loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 as “units of accounts,” conceptually treating each pool as a single asset. Regarding interest income recognition, the prospective transition approach for PCD loans was applied at a pool level which froze the effective interest rate of the pools as of January 1, 2020. According to regulatory guidance, the determination of nonaccrual or accrual status for PCD loans with respect to which the Corporation has made a policy election to maintain previously existing pools upon adoption of ASC 326 should be made at the pool level, not the individual asset level. In addition, the guidance provides that the Corporation can continue accruing interest and not report the PCD loans as being in nonaccrual status if the following criteria are met: (i) the Corporation can reasonably estimate the timing and amounts of cash flows expected to be collected, and (ii) the Corporation did not acquire the asset primarily for the rewards of ownership of the underlying collateral, such as the use in operations or improving the collateral for resale. Thus, the Corporation continues to exclude these pools of PCD loans from nonaccrual loan statistics.
Other Real Estate Owned
OREO acquired in settlement of loans is carried at fair value less estimated costs to sell off the real estate. Appraisals are obtained periodically, generally on an annual basis.
Other Repossessed Property
The other repossessed property category generally included repossessed boats and autos acquired in settlement of loans. Repossessed boats and autos are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value.
Other Non-Performing Assets
This category consisted of bonds of the GDB and the Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority prior to the sale of these non-performing bonds in the second quarter of 2017. The Corporation previously held these bonds as part of its available-for-sale investment securities portfolio.
Loans Past-Due 90 Days and Still Accruing
These are accruing loans that are contractually delinquent 90 days or more. These past-due loans are either current as to interest but delinquent as to the payment of principal or are insured or guaranteed under applicable FHA, VA or other government-guaranteed programs for residential mortgage loans. Furthermore, as required by instructions in regulatory reports, loans past due 90 days and still accruing include loans previously pooled into GNMA securities for which the Corporation has the option but not the obligation to repurchase loans that meet GNMA’s specified delinquency criteria (e.g., borrowers fails to make any payment for three consecutive months). For accounting purposes, these GNMA loans subject to the repurchase option are required to be reflected on the financial statements with an offsetting liability.
TDRs are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. A loan on nonaccrual status and restructured as a TDR will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure, generally for a minimum of six months, and there is evidence that such payments can and are likely to continue as agreed. The Corporation considers performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms, which may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. For a discussion of permissible loan modifications under the amended CARES Act of 2020 for loans otherwise eligible for TDR, refer to Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
The following table presents non-performing assets as of the dates indicated:
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Nonaccrual loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage
$
125,367
$
121,408
$
147,287
$
178,291
$
160,867
Commercial mortgage (1)
29,611
40,076
109,536
156,493
178,696
Commercial and Industrial (1)
20,881
18,773
30,382
85,839
146,599
Construction (1)
12,971
9,782
8,362
52,113
49,852
Consumer and finance leases
16,259
20,629
20,406
16,818
24,080
Total nonaccrual loans held for investment (1)
205,089
210,668
315,973
489,554
560,094
OREO
83,060
101,626
131,402
147,940
137,681
Other repossessed property
5,357
5,115
3,576
4,802
7,300
Other non-performing assets (2)
-
-
-
-
21,362
Total non-performing assets, excluding nonaccrual
loans held for sale
293,506
317,409
450,951
642,296
726,437
Nonaccrual loans held for sale (1)
-
-
16,111
8,290
8,079
Total non-performing assets,
including nonaccrual loans held for sale (3)(4)
$
293,506
$
317,409
$
467,062
$
650,586
$
734,516
Past due loans 90 days and still accruing (5)(6)
$
146,889
$
135,490
$
158,527
$
160,725
$
135,808
Non-performing assets to total assets
1.56
%
2.52
%
3.81
%
5.31
%
6.16
%
Nonaccrual loans held for investment to
total loans held for investment
1.74
%
2.34
%
3.57
%
5.53
%
6.30
%
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases
$
385,887
$
155,139
$
196,362
$
231,843
$
205,603
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases
to total nonaccrual loans held for investment
188.16
%
73.64
%
62.15
%
47.36
%
36.71
%
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases to
total nonaccrual loans held for investment,
excluding residential real estate loans
484.04
%
173.81
%
116.41
%
74.48
%
51.50
%
(1) During the first and third quarters of 2018, the Corporation transferred $74.4 million (net of fair value write-downs of $22.2 million recorded at the time of transfers) in nonaccrual loans to held for sale. Loans transferred to held for sale consisted of nonaccrual commercial mortgage loans totaling $39.6 million (net of fair value write-downs of $13.8 million), nonaccrual construction loans totaling $33.0 million (net of fair value write-downs of $6.7 million) and nonaccrual commercial and industrial loans totaling $1.8 million (net of fair value write-downs of $1.7 million). These loans were eventually sold or paid in full during 2019 and 2018.
(2) Fair market value of bonds of the GDB and the Puerto Rico Public Buildings Authority prior to the sale completed during the second quarter of 2017.
(3) Excludes PCD loans previously accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 for which the Corporation made the accounting policy election of maintaining pools of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as “units of account” both at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and on an ongoing basis for credit loss measurement. These loans accrete interest income based on the effective interest rate of the loan pools determined at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and will continue to be excluded from nonaccrual loan statistics as long as the Corporation can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected on the loan pools. The amortized cost of such loans as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 amounted to $130.9 million, $136.7 million, $146.6 million, $158.2 million, $165.8 million, respectively.
(4) Nonaccrual loans exclude $393.3 million, $398.3 million, $478.9 million, $374.7 million and $384.9 million of TDR loans that were in compliance with the modified terms and in accrual status as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(5) It is the Corporation's policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA, guaranteed by the VA, and other government-insured loans as loans past-due 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured. The Corporation continues accruing interest on these loans until they have passed the 15 months delinquency mark, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process. These balances include $57.9 million of residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA that were over 15 months delinquent as of December 31, 2020.
(6) These include loans rebooked, which were previously pooled into GNMA securities, amounting to $10.7 million, $35.3 million, $43.6 million, $62.1 million, and $43.7 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Under the GNMA program, the Corporation has the option but not the obligation to repurchase loans that meet GNMA’s specified delinquency criteria. For accounting purposes, these loans subject to the repurchase option are required to be reflected on the financial statements with an offsetting liability.
The following table shows non-performing assets by geographic segment as of the indicated dates:
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
Puerto Rico:
Nonaccrual loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage
$
101,763
$
97,214
$
120,707
$
147,852
$
135,863
Commercial mortgage (1)
18,733
23,963
44,925
128,232
167,241
Commercial and Industrial (2)
18,876
16,155
26,005
79,809
141,916
Construction (3)
5,323
2,024
6,220
14,506
10,227
Consumer and finance leases
15,081
19,483
19,366
16,122
22,927
Total nonaccrual loans held for investment
159,776
158,839
217,223
386,521
478,174
OREO
78,618
96,585
124,124
140,063
128,395
Other repossessed property
5,120
4,810
3,357
4,723
7,217
Other non-performing assets (4)
-
-
-
-
21,362
Total non-performing assets, excluding nonaccrual loans
held for sale
243,514
260,234
344,704
531,307
635,148
Nonaccrual loans held for sale (1) (2) (3)
-
-
16,111
8,290
8,079
Total non-performing assets, including nonaccrual loans
held for sale (5)
$
243,514
$
260,234
$
360,815
$
539,597
$
643,227
Past-due loans 90 days and still accruing (6)
$
144,619
$
129,463
$
153,269
$
151,724
$
131,783
Virgin Islands:
Nonaccrual loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage
$
9,182
$
10,903
$
12,106
$
22,110
$
19,860
Commercial mortgage
10,878
16,113
19,368
25,309
7,617
Commercial and Industrial
1,444
2,303
4,377
6,030
4,683
Construction (7)
7,648
7,758
2,142
37,607
39,625
Consumer
Total nonaccrual loans held for investment
29,506
37,544
38,703
91,337
72,237
OREO
4,411
4,909
6,704
6,306
6,216
Other repossessed property
Total non-performing assets
$
34,026
$
42,599
$
45,483
$
97,669
$
78,458
Past-due loans 90 days and still accruing
$
2,020
$
5,898
$
5,258
$
9,001
$
2,133
United States:
Nonaccrual loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage
$
14,422
$
13,291
$
14,474
$
8,329
$
5,144
Commercial mortgage
-
-
45,243
2,952
3,838
Commercial and Industrial
-
-
-
Consumer
Total nonaccrual loans held for investment
15,807
14,285
60,047
11,696
9,683
OREO
1,571
3,070
Other repossessed property
Total non-performing assets
$
15,966
$
14,576
$
60,764
$
13,320
$
12,831
Past-due loans 90 days and still accruing
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
1,892
(1) During 2018, the Corporation transferred to held for sale nonaccrual commercial mortgage loans in the Puerto Rico region totaling $39.6 million (net of fair value write-downs of $13.8 million recorded at the time of transfers). These loans were eventually sold or paid in full during 2019 and 2018.
(2) During 2018, the Corporation transferred to held for sale nonaccrual commercial and industrial loans in the Puerto Rico region totaling $1.8 million (net of fair value write-downs of $1.7 million). The commercial and industrial loans transferred to held for sale were eventually sold during the first quarter of 2019.
(3) During 2018, the Corporation transferred to held for sale a $3.0 million nonaccrual construction loan in the Puerto Rico region (net of $1.6 million fair value write-down). This loan was paid in full in 2019.
(4) Fair market value of bonds of the GDB and the Puerto Rico Buildings Authority prior to the sale completed during the second quarter of 2017.
(5) Excludes PCD loans previously accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 for which the Corporation made the accounting policy election of maintaining pools of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as “units of account” both at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and on an ongoing basis for credit loss measurement. These loans accrete interest income based on the effective interest rate of the loan pools determined at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and will continue to be excluded from nonaccrual loan statistics as long as the Corporation can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected on the loan pools. The amortized cost of such loans as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 amounted to $130.9 million, $136.7 million, $146.6 million, $158.2 million, $165.8 million, respectively.
(6) These include loans rebooked, which were previously pooled into GNMA securities, amounting to $10.7 million, $35.3 million, $43.6 million, $62.1 million, and $43.7 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Under the GNMA program, the Corporation has the option but not the obligation to repurchase loans that meet GNMA’s specified delinquency criteria. For accounting purposes, these loans subject to the repurchase option are required to be reflected on the financial statements with an offsetting liability.
(7) During 2018, the Corporation transferred to held for sale a $30.0 million nonaccrual construction loan in the Virgin Islands region (net of a $5.1 million fair value write-down). The construction loans transferred to held for sale was eventually sold during the fourth quarter of 2018.
Total nonaccrual loans were $205.1 million as of December 31, 2020. This represents a decrease of $5.6 million from $210.7 million as of December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily related to a $5.2 million decrease in nonaccrual commercial and construction nonaccrual loans, driven by charge-offs totaling $5.9 million taken on two commercial loans in the Puerto Rico region, and the payoff of two large nonaccrual commercial loans totaling $5.0 million, partially offset by the inflow to nonaccrual status of a $6.1 million matured commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region. In addition, nonaccrual consumer loans decreased by $4.4 million. These variances were partially offset by an increase of $4.0 million in nonaccrual residential mortgage loans. The Corporation did not acquire any of BSPR’s non-performing assets, as established in the Stock Purchase Agreement.
Nonaccrual commercial mortgage loans decreased by $10.5 million to $29.6 million as of December 31, 2020 from $40.1 million as of December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily related to collections of approximately $6.4 million during 2020, including the payoff of a $2.0 million loan in the Virgin Islands region, the charge-off of $3.1 million taken on a nonaccrual commercial mortgage loan in the Puerto Rico region, and the restoration to accrual status of $1.7 million of loans related to a commercial mortgage borrower in the Puerto Rico region. Total inflows of nonaccrual commercial mortgage loans were $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1.5 million for 2019.
Nonaccrual commercial and industrial loans increased by $2.1 million to $20.9 million as of December 31, 2020 from $18.8 million as of December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily related to inflows of commercial and industrial loans to nonaccrual status of $11.4 million during 2020, including a $6.1 million matured commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region, partially offset by collections of approximately $4.8 million, including the payoff of a $3.0 million commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region, and charge-offs amounting $3.6 million, including a $2.8 million charge-off taken on a nonaccrual commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region. Total inflows of nonaccrual commercial and industrial loans were $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $2.3 million for 2019.
Nonaccrual construction loans increased by $3.2 million to $13.0 million as of December 31, 2020, compared to $9.8 million as of December 31, 2019. Total inflows of nonaccrual construction loans were $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to inflows of $6.4 million for 2019.
The following tables present the activity of commercial and construction nonaccrual loans held for investment for the indicated periods:
Commercial Mortgage
Commercial & Industrial
Construction
Total
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2020
Beginning balance
$
40,076
$
18,773
$
9,782
$
68,631
Plus:
Additions to nonaccrual
1,875
11,367
3,691
16,933
Less:
Loans returned to accrual status
(1,838)
(1,291)
-
(3,129)
Nonaccrual loans transferred to OREO
(126)
(263)
-
(389)
Nonaccrual loans charge-offs
(3,327)
(3,600)
(75)
(7,002)
Loan collections and others
(6,373)
(4,781)
(427)
(11,581)
Reclassification
(676)
-
-
Ending balance
$
29,611
20,881
12,971
$
63,463
Commercial Mortgage
Commercial & Industrial
Construction
Total
(In thousands)
Year ended December 31, 2019
Beginning balance
$
109,536
$
30,382
$
8,362
$
148,280
Plus:
Additions to nonaccrual
1,461
2,297
6,411
10,169
Less:
Loans returned to accrual status
(13,171)
(2,774)
(2,424)
(18,369)
Nonaccrual loans transferred to OREO
(1,770)
(227)
(1,197)
(3,194)
Nonaccrual loans charge-offs
(14,717)
(7,057)
(196)
(21,970)
Loan collections
(40,245)
(5,138)
(902)
(46,285)
Reclassification
(1,018)
1,290
(272)
-
Ending balance
$
40,076
$
18,773
9,782
$
68,631
Nonaccrual residential mortgage loans increased by $4.0 million to $125.4 million as of December 31, 2020, compared to $121.4 million as of December 31, 2019. The inflows of nonaccrual residential mortgage loans during 2020 were $33.7 million, a decrease of $14.6 million, compared to inflows of $48.3 million for 2019. The decrease in inflows primarily reflects the effect of the deferred repayment arrangements provided to qualified customers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as further discussed below.
The following table presents the activity of residential nonaccrual loans held for investment for the indicated periods:
Year ended
Year ended
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
(In thousands)
Beginning balance
$
121,408
$
147,287
Plus:
Additions to nonaccrual
33,735
48,296
Less:
Loans returned to accrual status
(12,719)
(19,394)
Nonaccrual loans transferred to OREO
(4,248)
(23,571)
Nonaccrual loans charge-offs
(7,206)
(12,950)
Loan collections and others
(5,603)
(18,260)
Ending balance
$
125,367
$
121,408
The amount of nonaccrual consumer loans, including finance leases, decreased by $4.4 million to $16.2 million as December 31, 2020, compared to $20.6 million as of December 31, 2019. The inflows of nonaccrual consumer loans during the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $42.1 million compared to inflows of $54.2 million for the same period in 2019.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately $16.4 million of the loans placed in nonaccrual status, mainly commercial loans, were current, or had delinquencies of less than 90 days in their interest payments, including $5.9 million of TDRs maintained in nonaccrual status until the restructured loans meet the criteria of sustained payment performance under the revised terms for reinstatement to accrual status and there is no doubt about full collectability. Collections on these loans are being recorded on a cash basis through earnings, or on a cost-recovery basis, as conditions warrant.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, interest income of approximately $0.6 million related to nonaccrual loans with a carrying value of $55.5 million as of December 31, 2020, mainly nonaccrual construction and commercial loans, was applied against the related principal balances under the cost-recovery method.
Total loans in early delinquency (i.e., 30-89 days past due loans, as defined in regulatory report instructions) amounted to $148.8 million as of December 31, 2020, a decrease of $13.9 million compared to $162.7 million as of December 31, 2019. The variances by major portfolio categories follow:
 Residential mortgage loans in early delinquency decreased by $21.3 million to $66.5 million as of December 31, 2020, and consumer loans in early delinquency decreased by $13.8 million to $55.7 million as of December 31, 2020.
 Commercial and construction loans in early delinquency increased in 2020 by $20.3 million to $25.9 million as of December 31, 2020, driven by the migration of three matured loans with balloon payments totaling $20.2 million that are over 30 days past due and are in the process of refinancing, but with respect to which the Corporation continues to receive interest and principal payments from the borrower.
In working with borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation has agreed to let consumer borrowers (i.e., borrowers under residential mortgages, personal loans, auto loans, finance leases and small loans) that were current in their payments or no more than 2 payments in arrears (not having exceeded 89 days past due as of March 16, 2020) to defer payments on their loans, in some cases for up to six months. In the case of credit cards and individual lines of credit, the borrowers were required to be current or less than 29 days past due in their payments as of March 16, 2020 to qualify for the payment deferral program providing for payment deferrals, in some cases for up to six months. For both consumer and residential mortgage loans subject to the deferral programs, each borrower was required to begin making the borrower’s regularly scheduled loan payment at the end of the deferral period and the deferred amounts were moved to the end of the loan. The payment deferral programs were applied prospectively beginning, in some instances, with the deferral of the scheduled contractual payment due in March. For commercial loans, any request for payment deferral, including extensions of the repayment moratorium, has been analyzed on a case-by-case basis. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had under temporary deferred repayment arrangements 688 loans, totaling approximately $32.7 million, or 0.3% of its total loan portfolio held for investment balance, consisting of 89 residential mortgage loans, totaling $18.4 million, 580 consumer loans, totaling $8.0 million, and 19 commercial and construction loans, totaling $6.3 million. Additionally, as of December 31, 2020, 24 commercial loans totaling $224.3 million or 2.1% of total loans held for investment, were permanently modified under the provisions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020. Most of the temporary deferred payment arrangements have been done under the provisions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020 and/or the Revised Interagency Statement. In addition, moratoriums on loan repayments for consumer and residential mortgage products in Puerto Rico were mandated by local law. A loan modification covered by the provisions of the CARES Act of 2020 and/or the Revised Interagency Statement is not required to be considered as a TDR loan.
In addition, the Corporation provides homeownership preservation assistance to its customers through a loss mitigation program in Puerto Rico that is similar to the U.S. government’s Home Affordable Modification Program guidelines. Depending upon the nature of borrower’s financial condition, restructurings or loan modifications through this program, as well as other restructurings of individual commercial, commercial mortgage, construction, and residential mortgage loans fit the definition of a TDR. A restructuring of a debt constitutes a TDR if the creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Modifications involve changes in one or more of the loan terms that bring a defaulted loan current and provide sustainable affordability. Changes may include, among others, the extension of the maturity of the loan and modifications of the loan rate. See Note 8 - Loans Held for Investment, to the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K, for additional information and statistics about the Corporation’s TDR loans.
TDR loans are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. Loans in accrual status may remain in accrual status when their contractual terms have been modified in a TDR if the loans had demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, a loan on nonaccrual status and restructured as a TDR will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure, generally for a minimum of six months, and there is evidence that such payments can, and are likely to, continue as agreed. Performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loan modifications increase the Corporation’s interest income by returning a nonaccrual loan to performing status, if applicable, increase cash flows by providing for payments to be made by the borrower, and limit increases in foreclosure and OREO costs.
The following table provides a breakdown between accrual and nonaccrual TDRs as of the indicated date:
(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2020
Accrual
Nonaccrual (1)
Total TDRs
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
256,779
$
53,827
$
310,606
Construction loans
2,480
3,423
Commercial mortgage loans
45,627
18,811
64,438
Commercial and Industrial loans
73,649
6,833
80,482
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
6,551
4,968
11,519
Finance leases
1,125
1,144
Personal loans
Credit cards
2,358
-
2,358
Consumer loans - Other
3,838
4,302
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings
$
393,327
$
85,869
$
479,196
(1) Included in nonaccrual loans are $5.9 million in loans that are performing under the terms of the restructuring agreement but are reported in nonaccrual status until the restructured loans meet the criteria of sustained payment performance under the revised terms for reinstatement to accrual status and are deemed fully collectible.
The OREO portfolio, which is part of non-performing assets, decreased by $18.5 million to $83.1 million as of December 31, 2020, compared to $101.6 million as of December 31, 2019. The following tables show the composition of the OREO portfolio as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, as well as the activity of the OREO portfolio by geographic area during the year ended December 31, 2020:
OREO Composition by Region
(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
Florida
Consolidated
Residential
$
31,517
$
$
$
32,418
Commercial
41,176
3,180
-
44,356
Construction
5,925
-
6,286
$
78,618
$
4,411
$
$
83,060
(In thousands)
As of December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
Florida
Consolidated
Residential
$
45,890
$
1,022
$
-
$
46,912
Commercial
43,959
3,180
47,271
Construction
6,736
-
7,443
$
96,585
$
4,909
$
$
101,626
OREO Activity by Region
(In thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
Florida
Consolidated
Beginning Balance
$
96,585
$
4,909
$
$
101,626
Additions
6,180
7,250
Sales
(19,786)
(962)
(312)
(21,060)
Write-down adjustments
(4,361)
(395)
-
(4,756)
Ending Balance
$
78,618
$
4,411
$
$
83,060
Net Charge-offs and Total Credit Losses
Net charge-offs totaled $47.9 million, or 0.48% of average loans, for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $81.4 million, or 0.91%, for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Commercial mortgage loan net charge-offs were $1.4 million, or 0.08% of average commercial mortgage loans, for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $14.7 million, or 0.97% of average commercial mortgage loans, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Commercial mortgage loans net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2020 included a $3.1 million charge-off taken on a restructured commercial mortgage loan in the Puerto Rico region, partially offset by a $1.3 million loan loss recovery in connection with the repayment and cancellation of a nonaccrual commercial mortgage loan in the Florida region. Commercial mortgage loans net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2019 included an $11.4 million charge-off taken on a commercial mortgage loan in the Florida region in the second quarter of 2019 and a $2.1 million charge-off associated with a split loan restructuring in Puerto Rico in the first quarter of 2019.
Commercial and industrial loans net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $0.4 million, or 0.02% of average commercial and industrial loans, compared to net charge-offs of $3.7 million, or 0.16% of average commercial and industrial loans, for 2019. Commercial and industrial loans net charge-offs for 2020 included a $2.8 million charge-off taken on a commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region, partially offset by a $2.5 million loan loss recovery in connection with the repayment and cancellation of a nonaccrual commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region. Commercial and industrial loans net charge-offs for 2019 included a $5.7 million charge-off taken against a commercial and industrial loan in the Puerto Rico region, partially offset by a $1.7 million loan loss recovery in the Virgin Islands region recorded in the third quarter of 2019 associated with a commercial and industrial loan fully charged-off in prior periods.
Construction loans net recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $0.1 million, or 0.06% of average construction loans, compared to net recoveries of $0.3 million, or 0.28% of average construction loans, for 2019.
Residential mortgage loans net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $9.5 million, or 0.30% of average residential mortgage loans, compared to $20.1 million, or 0.66% of average residential mortgage loans, for the year ended December 31, 2019. Approximately $7.9 million in charge-offs during 2020 resulted from valuations of collateral dependent residential mortgage loans given high delinquency levels, compared to $12.2 million in 2019. Net charge-offs on residential mortgage loans in 2020 also included $1.6 million related to foreclosures recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $7.0 million for 2019.
Net charge-offs of consumer loans and finance leases for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $36.7 million, or 1.53% of average consumer loans and finance leases, compared to $43.3 million, or 2.05% of average consumer loans and finance leases, for 2019. The decrease compared to the same period a year ago, reflects, in part, the effect of the deferred repayment arrangements provided to consumer borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that maintained the delinquency status that existed at the date of the event until the end of the deferral period.
The following table shows the ratios of net charge-offs to average loans by loan category for the last five years:
For the year ended December 31,
Residential mortgage
0.30
%
0.66
%
0.67
%
0.79
%
0.93
%
Commercial mortgage
0.08
%
0.97
%
1.03
%
2.42
%
1.28
%
Commercial and Industrial
0.02
%
0.16
%
0.38
%
0.66
%
1.11
%
Construction (1)
(0.06)
%
(0.28)
%
6.75
%
2.05
%
1.02
%
Consumer loans and finance leases
1.53
%
2.05
%
2.31
%
2.12
%
2.63
%
Total loans
0.48
%
0.91
%
1.09
%
1.33
%
1.37
%
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, recoveries in construction loans exceeded charge-offs.
The following table presents net charge-offs to average loans held in various portfolios by geographic segment for the last five years:
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
PUERTO RICO:
Residential mortgage
0.39
%
0.89
%
0.86
%
1.05
%
1.20
%
Commercial mortgage
0.26
%
0.36
%
1.23
%
3.36
%
1.66
%
Commercial and Industrial
-
%
0.39
%
0.56
%
0.96
%
1.47
%
Construction (1)
(0.11)
%
0.54
%
6.18
%
6.38
%
2.93
%
Consumer and finance leases
1.51
%
2.05
%
2.31
%
2.14
%
2.73
%
Total loans
0.62
%
1.05
%
1.28
%
1.74
%
1.71
%
VIRGIN ISLANDS:
Residential mortgage
0.17
%
0.30
%
0.48
%
0.11
%
0.15
%
Commercial mortgage (2)
(0.18)
%
(0.25)
%
(0.14)
%
(0.13)
%
(0.16)
%
Commercial and Industrial (3)
-
%
(1.60)
%
0.16
%
(0.01)
%
(0.01)
%
Construction (4)
(0.04)
%
(0.13)
%
14.00
%
(0.99)
%
0.25
%
Consumer and finance leases
0.65
%
1.35
%
2.70
%
1.77
%
1.04
%
Total loans (5)
0.13
%
(0.11)
%
1.49
%
0.10
%
0.16
%
FLORIDA:
Residential mortgage (6)
-
%
(0.03)
%
0.02
%
0.04
%
0.04
%
Commercial mortgage (7)
(0.48)
%
2.67
%
0.72
%
(0.01)
%
(0.03)
%
Commercial and Industrial (8)
0.04
%
-
%
0.01
%
-
%
(0.01)
%
Construction (9)
(0.05)
%
(0.79)
%
(0.84)
%
(0.74)
%
(1.03)
%
Consumer and finance leases
4.35
%
2.98
%
1.75
%
1.69
%
0.70
%
Total loans (10)
-
%
0.65
%
0.22
%
0.06
%
0.01
%
________
(1) For 2020, recoveries in construction loans in the Puerto Rico region exceeded charge-offs.
(2) For 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, recoveries in commercial mortgage loans in the Virgin Islands region exceeded charge-offs.
(3) For 2019, 2017 and 2016, recoveries in commercial and industrial loans in the Virgin Islands region exceeded charge-offs.
(4) For 2020. 2019 and 2017, recoveries in construction loans in the Virgin Islands region exceeded charge-offs.
(5) For 2019, total recoveries in the Virgin Islands region exceeded charge-offs.
(6) For 2019, recoveries in residential mortgage loans in the Florida region exceeded charge-offs.
(7) For 2020, 2017 and 2016, recoveries in commercial mortgage loans in the Florida region exceeded charge-offs.
(8) For 2016, recoveries in commercial and industrial loans in the Florida region exceeded charge-offs.
(9) For 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2016, recoveries in construction loans in the Florida region exceeded charge-offs.
(10) For 2020, total recoveries in the Florida region are substantially equal to total charge-offs.
The above ratios are not necessarily indicative of the results expected in subsequent periods. Total net charge-offs plus losses on OREO operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $51.5 million, or 0.51% of average loans and repossessed assets, compared to losses of $96.1 million, or a loss rate of 1.06%, for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The following table presents information about the OREO inventory and credit losses for the periods indicated:
Year Ended
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
OREO
OREO balances, carrying value:
Residential
$
32,418
$
46,912
Commercial
44,356
47,271
Construction
6,286
7,443
Total
$
83,060
$
101,626
OREO activity (number of properties):
Beginning property inventory
Properties acquired
Properties disposed
(304)
(490)
Ending property inventory
Average holding period (in days)
Residential
Commercial
2,170
1,784
Construction
2,151
1,537
Total average holding period (in days)
1,566
1,121
OREO operations gain (loss):
Market adjustments and gains (losses) on sale:
Residential
$
(29)
$
(769)
Commercial
(886)
(7,296)
Construction
(484)
(1,183)
(1,399)
(9,248)
Other OREO operations expenses
(2,199)
(5,396)
Net Loss on OREO operations
$
(3,598)
$
(14,644)
(CHARGE-OFFS) RECOVERIES
Residential charge-offs, net
$
(9,498)
$
(20,079)
Commercial charge-offs, net
(1,836)
(18,342)
Construction recoveries, net
Consumer and finance leases charge-offs, net
(36,652)
(43,301)
Total charge-offs, net
(47,878)
(81,448)
TOTAL CREDIT LOSSES (1)
$
(51,476)
$
(96,092)
LOSS RATIO PER CATEGORY (2):
Residential
0.30%
0.67%
Commercial
0.06%
0.68%
Construction
0.21%
0.85%
Consumer
1.53%
2.05%
TOTAL CREDIT LOSS RATIO (3)
0.51%
1.06%
(1) Equal to net loss on OREO operations plus charge-offs, net.
(2) Calculated as net charge-offs plus market adjustments, impairments, and gains (losses) on sales of OREO divided by average loans and repossessed assets.
(3) Calculated as net charge-offs plus net loss on OREO operations divided by average loans and repossessed assets.
Operational Risk
The Corporation faces ongoing and emerging risk and regulatory pressure related to the activities that surround the delivery of banking and financial products. Coupled with external influences, such as market conditions, security risks, and legal risks, the potential for operational and reputational loss has increased. To mitigate and control operational risk, the Corporation has developed, and continues to enhance, specific internal controls, policies and procedures that are designed to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout the organization. The purpose of these mechanisms is to provide reasonable assurance that the Corporation’s business operations are functioning within the policies and limits established by management.
The Corporation classifies operational risk into two major categories: business-specific and corporate-wide affecting all business lines. For business specific risks, a risk assessment group works with the various business units to ensure consistency in policies, processes and assessments. With respect to corporate-wide risks, such as information security, business recovery, and legal and compliance, the Corporation has specialized groups, such as the Legal Department, Information Security, Corporate Compliance, and Operations. These groups assist the lines of business in the development and implementation of risk management practices specific to the needs of the business groups.
Legal and Compliance Risk
Legal and compliance risk includes the risk of noncompliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the risk of adverse legal judgments against the Corporation, and the risk that a counterparty’s performance obligations will be unenforceable. The Corporation is subject to extensive regulation in the different jurisdictions in which it conducts its business, and this regulatory scrutiny has been significantly increasing over the years. The Corporation has established, and continues to enhance, procedures that are designed to ensure compliance with all applicable statutory, regulatory and any other legal requirements. The Corporation has a Compliance Director who reports to the Chief Risk Officer and is responsible for the oversight of regulatory compliance and implementation of an enterprise-wide compliance risk assessment process. The Compliance division has officer roles in each major business area with direct reporting responsibilities to the Corporate Compliance Group.
Concentration Risk
The Corporation conducts its operations in a geographically concentrated area, as its main market is Puerto Rico. Of the total gross loan portfolio held for investment of $11.8 billion as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had credit risk of approximately 79% in the Puerto Rico region, 17% in the United States region, and 4% in the Virgin Islands region.
Update on the Puerto Rico Fiscal Situation
A significant portion of our financial activities and credit exposure is concentrated in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which has been in an economic recession since 2006.
Economy Indicators and Projections
Preliminary figures published by the Puerto Rico Planning Board (“PRPB”) on May 2020 show that Puerto Rico’s real gross national product (“GNP”) expanded by 1.5% during fiscal year 2019, compared to economic contractions of 3.2% and 4.3% during fiscal years 2017 and 2018, respectively. According to the PRPB, the economic growth seen during fiscal year 2019 primarily reflects the economic stimulus generated by the influx of federal recovery funds in response to the natural disasters that affected Puerto Rico in September 2017
On August 13, 2020, the PRPB published its macroeconomic projections for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. These projections take into consideration the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related mandatory restrictions, which the PRPB estimated at approximately 8% of GNP.
Fiscal Plan
On May 27, 2020, the PROMESA oversight board certified the 2020 Fiscal Plan for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the “certified fiscal plan”). The certified fiscal plan estimated that the Puerto Rico’s real GNP would contract by 4.0% in fiscal year 2020 with a limited recovery of 0.5% in the fiscal year of 2021, followed by negative real GNP growth in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 supported by the federal and local relief funds related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and earthquakes. However, as stated in the certified fiscal plan, there remains considerable uncertainty about the ultimate duration and magnitude of the pandemic and thus the size of the economic losses. The certified fiscal plan estimated that over 401,000 Puerto Rico residents (including self-employed residents) would file for unemployment due to the COVID-19 pandemic with unemployment claims beginning to decline in June 2020 through fiscal year 2021, however, unemployment levels at the end of fiscal year 2021 were projected to be five percentage points higher than at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The certified fiscal plan accounts for the impact of federal funds granted through several government programs, including the CARES Act of 2020 and a $787 million local package of direct assistance to workers and businesses (the “Puerto Rico COVID-19 Stimulus Package”), which disbursements were forecasted to occur between fiscal year 2020 and fiscal year 2021. Several U.S. government programs (the principal being the CARES Act of 2020) were estimated to provide aid to Puerto Rico and its residents of approximately $13.9 billion, which were primarily allocated for direct payments to Puerto Rico residents ($3.0 billion), relief to state and local governments ($2.2 billion), additional unemployment benefits ($3.5 billion) and the SBA PPP program ($1.7 billion). According to the certified fiscal plan, funds from the Puerto Rico COVID-19 Stimulus Package are primarily intended to purchase education related materials ($255 million), $126 million in bonus compensation for medical and support staff, $100 million to support municipalities, $100 million to provide direct payments to self-employed individuals, $69 million in bonus compensation for certain public safety employees, and $60 million in direct payments to small businesses. In addition, the certified fiscal plan assumed that, of the $787 million Puerto Rico COVID-19 Stimulus Package, $336 million would be reimbursed from the $2.2 billion of funding allocated to Puerto Rico under the CARES Act. The certified fiscal plan assumed a $750 million working capital fund to address the liquidity constraints associated with the reimbursement nature of disaster relief programs and a parametric insurance coverage required by the U.S. government in case of natural disasters. Similar to previous versions, the certified fiscal plan provides a roadmap for a series of fiscal and structural reforms in areas such as: (i) human capital and labor; (ii) ease of doing business; (iii) power sector reform; and (iv) infrastructure reform, and other fiscal measures; however, the certified fiscal plan provides a one-year delay in most categories of government rightsizing to allow the government to focus its efforts on implementation of efficiency reforms. This pause includes maintaining the subsidies to the University of Puerto Rico and to the municipalities at current fiscal year levels. Furthermore, the certified fiscal plan includes strategic one-time investments to speed up Puerto Rico’s recovery in light of the natural disasters and COVID-19 by allocating funds to strengthen Puerto Rico’s public healthcare system, human capital, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Despite the overall fiscal and structural reforms, as well as the economic stimulus created by these packages, the certified fiscal plan forecasted a central government pre-contractual debt service deficit starting in fiscal year 2032, six years earlier than the previous certified fiscal plan projection, and a total primary surplus of about $8 billion between fiscal years 2020 and 2032, a 65% reduction when compared to the previous certified fiscal plan figure of $23 billion. However, before measures and structural reforms (i.e., the “baseline forecast”), the certified plan estimated a pre-contractual debt service deficit for all years of the certified fiscal plan. Refer to the following section which provides an update on anticipated revisions to the fiscal plan and other developments, including status about the debt restructuring process.
Other Developments
On April 14, 2020, the PROMESA oversight board announced that it certified the Action Plan by the Puerto Rico Department of Housing (“PRDOH”) detailing the use of funds from the U.S. Department of Housing’s (“HUD”) Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program (“CDBG-DR”). PRDOH was appointed as the agency responsible for administering approximately $20 billion in CDBG-DR funding that Puerto Rico will receive from HUD, with oversight provided by the Central Office for Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience of Puerto Rico. In February 2018, HUD had allocated the first grant of $1.5 billion. In January 2020, HUD announced the grant agreement for the second tranche of $8.2 billion, which requires PRDOH to submit an updated Action Plan for the PROMESA oversight board to review and certify that the programs are consistent with the certified fiscal plan and certified budget. In addition to these funds, HUD allocated to Puerto Rico $8.3 billion related to disaster resilience and $1.9 billion related to the energy grid. The PROMESA oversight board also certified the budget for the next $1.7 billion block of funding, as required by HUD prior to providing PRDOH access to the funds so that PRDOH can continue implementing the Action Plan.
In addition to the certified fiscal plan, during June 2020, the PROMESA oversight board certified revised fiscal plans for eighteen instrumentalities, agencies and municipalities, and, where required, budgets. On June 30, 2020, the PROMESA oversight board certified its own $22.2 billion fiscal year 2021 consolidated budget for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which included $10.4 billion in spending from the General Fund as well as with special revenue and federal funds being allocated.
On June 26, 2020, the PROMESA oversight board certified Amendment No. 4 to HUD’s CDBG-DR Action Plan, which included, among other items, $227.9 million in additional CDBG-DR funds allocated to Puerto Rico for unmet infrastructure needs.
On August 18, 2020, the PROMESA oversight board published a revised Plan of Adjustment proposal that seeks to make the restructuring sustainable and affordable by increasing the amount of cash consideration by nearly $2 billion and reducing the maximum annual debt service to $1.05 billion, reflecting significantly lower longer-term projections. In response to the COVID-19, the PROMESA oversight board requested the court to put this plan on hold to assess the long-term effect of the pandemic on Puerto Rico.
On September 18, 2020, the Federal Government announced two agreements between the Federal Emergency Management Administration (“FEMA”) and the Government of Puerto Rico with regard to approximately $12.8 billion in funding to rebuild Puerto Rico’s electrical grid system and spur recovery of the territory’s education system. Such funding includes a commitment of the Federal Government of $11.6 billion for the projects. Approximately $9.6 billion are expected to allow PREPA to repair and replace thousands of miles of transmission and distribution lines, electrical substations, power generation systems, office buildings, and make other grid improvements. The $2 billion grant for the Puerto Rico Department of Education will focus on restoring school buildings and educational facilities.
On December 27, 2020, former President Trump signed into law a $900 billion COVID relief package. Key provisions in this stimulus package include an additional round of Economic Impact Payments of $600 per individual earning up to $75,000 ($1,200 for couples/joint filers earning up to $150,000 per year), and an additional $600 per child dependent; over $284 billion for first and second forgivable PPP loans; an extension of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”) program; and an extension of the availability for funds provided to states and territories by the Coronavirus Relief Fund in the CARES Act until December 31, 2021.
On December 31, 2020, the PROMESA oversight board approved a 60-day extension request made by the Government of Puerto Rico for certain incentives included in the COVID-19 Emergency Support Package as well as the reopening of a specific incentive related to an amount awarded to the University of Puerto Rico. These packages, which have a combined monetary value of approximately $157 million, were extended until March 1, 2021.
On January 6, 2021, the PROMESA oversight board announced the reappointment of David A. Skeel Jr. and the appointment of Arthur J. Gonzalez as members of the Oversight Board. The reappointment of Skeel, who has been serving as chairman of the board since October 2020, and the appointment of González completed the appointment process for all seven members of the PROMESA oversight board for a three-year term. Former President Trump previously reappointed Andrew G. Biggs, and appointed Justin M. Peterson, John E. Nixon, Antonio L. Medina Comas, and Betty A. Rosa.
On January 19, 2021, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced that the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) approved the Government of Puerto Rico’s disbursement plan for the Economic Impact Payments program. Approximately 2.8 million individuals are expected to benefit from this stimulus, which is estimated to have a total monetary value of $1.7 billion.
On January 29, 2021, the PROMESA oversight board held its 24th Public Meeting in which they provided an update on the fiscal year 2021 Certification Process. According to the PROMESA oversight board, the Government of Puerto Rico is expected to submit a revised Fiscal Plan to the oversight board for review by February 20, 2021. This plan is anticipated to take into consideration the latest pandemic relief funding announcements in addition to those already considered in the Fiscal Plan certified in May 2020. On February 2, 2021, the Puerto Rico government submitted to the PROMESA oversight board a budget proposal of $10.7 billion for fiscal year 2022. The oversight board anticipates certifying the revised Fiscal Plan in April 2021 and the fiscal year 2022 budget on June 30, 2021.
On February 2, 2021, HUD and Puerto Rico’s Housing Department announced two partial approvals of the Housing Department’s Action Plan, resulting in the approval of $6 billion in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funding for Puerto Rico.
On February 23, 2021, the PROMESA oversight board announced the terms of a debt restructuring agreement with general obligation (“GO”) bondholders and Public Building Authority (“PBA”) bondholders that in summary:
 Reduces $18.8 billion of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico debt by GO and PBA bondholders by 61% to $7.4 billion.
 Reduces the maximum annual debt service payments to $1.15 billion for current interest bonds, compared to payments as high as $4.2 billion without restructuring. The annual payments add up to a total of $34.1 billion over the life of the debt under the new agreement (including principal and interest from the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (by its Spanish acronym, COFINA) bonds), a 62% reduction from the $90.4 billion under the original contractual debt agreements.
 Provides GO and PBA bondholders with $7.4 billion in bonds and $7 billion in cash.
 Includes a contingent value instrument that gives GO and PBA bondholders incremental value only if the Puerto Rico economy grows more than projected in the 2020 certified fiscal plan.
The agreement is part of the amended Plan of Adjustment that the PROMESA oversight board expects to file with the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico (Title III Court) on March 8, 2021.
Exposure to the Puerto Rico Government
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $394.8 million of direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government, its municipalities and public corporations, compared to $204.5 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $201.5 million of the exposure consisted of loans and obligations of municipalities in Puerto Rico that are supported by assigned property tax revenues and for which, in most cases, the good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power of the applicable municipality have been pledged to their repayment, and $133.9 million consisted of municipal revenue and special obligation bonds. Approximately 70% of the Corporation’s exposure to Puerto Rico municipalities consisted primarily of senior priority obligations concentrated in four of the largest municipalities in Puerto Rico. The municipalities are required by law to levy special property taxes in such amounts as are required for the payment of all of their respective general obligation bonds and notes. During the second quarter of 2019, the PROMESA oversight board announced the designation of the Commonwealth’s 78 municipalities as covered instrumentalities under PROMESA. Meanwhile, the latest fiscal plan certified by the PROMESA oversight board did not contemplate a restructuring of the debt of Puerto Rico’s municipalities, but the plan did call for the gradual elimination of budgetary subsidies provided to municipalities. Furthermore, municipalities are also likely to be affected by the negative economic and other effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as expense, revenue or cash management measures taken to address the Puerto Rico government’s fiscal problems and measures included in fiscal plans of other government entities. In addition to municipalities, the total direct exposure also included $13.6 million in loans to an affiliate of PREPA, $41.8 million in loans to an agency of the Puerto Rico central government, and obligations of the Puerto Rico government, specifically a residential pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA, at an amortized cost of $4.0 million as part of its available-for-sale investment securities portfolio (fair value of $2.9 million as of December 31, 2020).
The following table details the Corporation’s total direct exposure to Puerto Rico government obligations according to their maturities:
As of December 31, 2020
Investment
Portfolio
Total
(Amortized cost)
Loans
Exposure
(In thousands)
Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority:
After 10 years
$
3,987
$
-
$
3,987
Total Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority
3,987
-
3,987
Puerto Rico Government agencies and public corporations:
Puerto Rico government agencies:
After 1 to 5 years
-
9,099
9,099
After 5 to 10 years
-
32,685
32,685
Total Puerto Rico government agencies
-
41,784
41,784
Affiliate of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority:
After 1 to 5 years
-
13,615
13,615
Total Public Corporations
-
13,615
13,615
Total Puerto Rico government agencies and public corporations
-
55,399
55,399
Municipalities:
Due within one year
42,171
42,727
After 1 to 5 years
17,297
93,514
110,811
After 5 to 10 years
88,394
10,230
98,624
After 10 years
83,241
-
83,241
Total Municipalities
189,488
145,915
335,403
Total Direct Government Exposure
$
193,475
$
201,314
$
394,789
In addition, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $106.5 million in exposure to residential mortgage loans that are guaranteed by the PRHFA, compared to $106.9 million as of December 31, 2019. Residential mortgage loans guaranteed by the PRHFA are secured by the underlying properties and the guarantees serve to cover shortfalls in collateral in the event of a borrower default. The Puerto Rico government guarantees up to $75 million of the principal for all loans under the mortgage loan insurance program. According to the most recently released audited financial statements of the PRHFA, as of June 30, 2016, the PRHFA’s mortgage loans insurance program covered loans in an aggregate amount of approximately $576 million. The regulations adopted by the PRHFA require the establishment of adequate reserves to guarantee the solvency of the mortgage loan insurance fund. As of June 30, 2016, the most recent date as to which information is available, the PRHFA had a restricted net position for such purposes of approximately $77.4 million.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $1.8 billion of public sector deposits in Puerto Rico, compared to $826.9 million as of December 31, 2019. Approximately 23% of the public sector deposits as of December 31, 2020 is from municipalities and municipal agencies in Puerto Rico and 77% is from public corporations, the central government and agencies, and U.S. federal government agencies in Puerto Rico.
Exposure to USVI government
The Corporation has operations in the USVI and has credit exposure to USVI government entities.
For many years, the USVI has been experiencing a number of fiscal and economic challenges that have deteriorated the overall financial and economic conditions in the area. According to the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis (“BEA”), real gross domestic product (“GDP”) estimates show that the economy grew by 1.5% in 2018 after contracting at a compounded annual rate of 1.2% between 2012 and 2017. Growth in 2018 was primarily driven by consumer spending, private fixed investment and government spending, reflecting the influx of federal disaster recovery funding in the aftermath of the two major hurricanes in 2017. Although the USVI government expects this expansionary trend to be reflected in the 2019 GDP estimates, the external economic threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect growth in the short term. According to the USVI government, the results of a COVID-19 pandemic plan and other fiscal policy changes will not be evident until much later in fiscal year 2021 and beyond.
Similar to Puerto Rico, the USVI government has been processing stimulus checks and unemployment compensation checks. According to information published by the USVI government, as of January 31, 2021, the government had issued 52,908 unemployment insurance checks and an additional 29,348 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation checks, totaling approximately $93.6 million. In addition, as of January 31, 2021, the Virgin Islands Department of Labor had issued $13.1 million in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to self-employed individuals. Furthermore, as of August 8, 2020, the government announced that 2,057 applications from Virgin Islands businesses have been approved for the SBA PPP, totaling more than $126.4 million.
On February 21, 2020, Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”) announced the completion of its periodic review of ratings of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“VI WAPA”). The Caa2 senior electric revenue bonds rating is constrained by VI WAPA’s limited unrestricted liquidity sources and unsustainable debt load, including its substantial unfunded pension liabilities, according to the rating agency. On May 28, 2020, Moody’s announced the completion of its periodic rating review of the USVI government. Despite the then improvement in the government’s liquidity and short-term financial position, the Caa3 rating reflected the risk that the reemergence of a significant structural deficit, combined with the expected insolvency of the Government Employees’ Retirement System (“GERS”), would lead the government to restructure its debt.
On September 28, 2020, the Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands announced that the $1 billion Internal Revenue Matching Fund securitization transaction had been suspended. On December 21, 2020, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the call of the 33rd Legislature back into Special Session to re-address his proposal to refinance the Government of the Virgin Islands’ debt to obtain a better interest rate and generate funds from the savings that can be used to shore up the GERS or any other use for the funds that the Senate chooses.
PROMESA does not apply to the USVI and, as such, there is currently no federal legislation permitting the restructuring of the debts of the USVI and its public corporations and instrumentalities. To the extent that the fiscal condition of the USVI government continues to deteriorate, the U.S. Congress or the government of the USVI may enact legislation allowing for the restructuring of the financial obligations of the USVI government entities or imposing a stay on creditor remedies, including by making PROMESA applicable to the USVI.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $61.8 million in loans to USVI government instrumentalities and public corporations, compared to $64.1 million as of December 31, 2019. Of the amount outstanding as of December 31, 2020, public corporations of the USVI owed approximately $38.6 million and an independent instrumentality of the USVI government owed approximately $23.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, all loans were currently performing and up to date on principal and interest payments.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which requires the measurement of the financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.
Unlike most industrial companies, substantially all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on a financial institution’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rate movements are not necessarily correlated with changes in the prices of goods and services.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Corporation has included in this Form 10-K the following financial measures that are not recognized under GAAP, which are referred to as non-GAAP financial measures:
1. Net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin excluding the changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and on a tax-equivalent basis are reported in order to provide to investors additional information about the Corporation’s net interest income that management uses and believes should facilitate comparability and analysis of the periods presented. The changes in the fair value of derivative instruments have no effect on interest due or interest earned on interest-bearing liabilities or interest-earning assets, respectively. The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a marginal income tax rate. Income from tax-exempt earning assets is increased by an amount equivalent to the taxes that would have been paid if this income had been taxable at statutory rates. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis. This adjustment puts all earning assets, most notably tax-exempt securities and tax-exempt loans, on a common basis that facilitates comparison of results to the results of peers. See “Results of Operations - Net Interest Income” above for the table that reconciles the non-GAAP financial measure “net interest income excluding fair value changes and on a tax-equivalent basis” to net interest income calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. The table also reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures “net interest spread and margin excluding fair value changes and on a tax-equivalent basis” to net interest spread and margin calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.
2. The tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per common share are non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are generally used by the financial community to evaluate capital adequacy. Tangible common equity is total equity less preferred equity, goodwill, core deposit intangibles, and other intangibles, such as the purchased credit card relationship intangible and the insurance customer relationship intangible. Tangible assets are total assets less goodwill, core deposit intangibles, and other intangibles, such as the purchased credit card relationship intangible and the insurance customer relationship intangible. Management and many stock analysts use the tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per common share in conjunction with more traditional bank capital ratios to compare the capital adequacy of banking organizations with significant amounts of goodwill or other intangible assets, typically stemming from the use of the purchase method of accounting for mergers and acquisitions. Accordingly, the Corporation believes that disclosures of these financial measures may be useful to investors. Neither tangible common equity nor tangible assets, or the related measures, should be considered in isolation or as a substitute for stockholders’ equity, total assets, or any other measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which the Corporation calculates its tangible common equity, tangible assets, and any other related measures may differ from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names. See “Risk Management - Capital” above for a reconciliation of the Corporation’s tangible common equity and tangible assets.
3. Adjusted provision for credit losses for loans and finance losses to net charge-offs ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the effects related to the net loan loss reserve release of $6.4 million and $16.9 million recorded in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and the $71.3 million charge to the provision for the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting from revised estimates of the qualitative reserve associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. Management believes that this information helps investors understand the adjusted measure without regard to items that are not expected to reoccur with any regularity or may reoccur at uncertain times and in uncertain amounts on reported results and facilitates comparisons with other periods. See below for the reconciliation of the GAAP ratio of the provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs to the Non-GAAP ratio of the adjusted provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs.
4. ACL for loans and finance leases to adjusted total loans held for investment ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes SBA PPP loans originated or acquired in 2020 amounting to $406.0 million as of December 31, 2020. The SBA PPP loans are fully-guaranteed by the SBA, and the principal amount of the loans may be forgiven in full or in part, thus presenting less credit risk than a non-SBA PPP loan. Management believes the use of this non-GAAP measure provides additional understanding when assessing the Corporation’s reserve coverage and facilitates comparison with other periods. See below for the reconciliation of the GAAP ratio of ACL for loans and finance leases to total loans held for investment to the Non-GAAP ratio of the ACL for loans and finance leases to adjusted total loans held for investment.
5. To supplement the Corporation’s financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, the Corporation uses, and believes that investors would benefit from disclosure of, non-GAAP financial measures that reflect adjustments to net income and non-interest expenses to exclude items that management identifies as Special Items because management believes they are not reflective of core operating performance, are not expected to reoccur with any regularity or may reoccur at uncertain times and in uncertain amounts. This Form10-K includes the following non-GAAP financial measures for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 that reflect the described items that were excluded for one of those reasons
Adjusted net income reflects the effect of the following exclusions:
 Gain of $13.2 million on the sales of U.S. agencies MBS and U.S. Treasury notes recorded in 2020.
 COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses of $5.4 million in 2020.
 Merger and restructuring costs of $26.5 million and $11.4 million recorded in 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to transaction costs and restructuring initiatives in connection with the acquisition of BSPR.
 Benefit of $8.0 million related to the partial reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance recorded in 2020.
 Gains of $0.1 million in 2020 related to the repurchase of $0.4 million in TRuPs reflected in the statement of income as Gain on early extinguishment of debt.
 Total benefit of $6.2 million and $1.9 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, resulting from hurricane-related insurance recoveries.
 Net loan loss reserve release of $6.4 million in 2019 resulting from revised estimates of the hurricane-related qualitative reserves.
 The $2.3 million expense recovery recognized in the first quarter of 2019 related to the employee retention benefit payment received by the Bank under the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport Extension Act of 2017, as amended.
 The tax-related effects of all the pre-tax items mentioned in the above bullets as follows:
− Tax benefit of $2.0 million in 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses (calculated based on the statutory tax rate of 37.5%).
− Tax benefit of $9.9 million and $4.3 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to merger and restructuring costs in connection with the acquisition of BSPR (calculated based on the statutory tax rate of 37.5%)
− Tax expense of $2.3 million and $0.7 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively, related to the benefit of hurricane-related insurance recoveries (calculated based on the statutory tax rate of 37.5%).
− Tax expense of $2.4 million in 2019 related to reserve releases associated with the hurricane-related qualitative reserve (calculated based on the statutory tax rate of 37.5%).
− No tax expense was recorded for the gain on sales of U.S. agencies MBS and U.S. Treasury Notes in 2020. Those sales consisted of tax-exempt securities or were recorded at the tax-exempt international banking entity subsidiary level.
− The employee retention benefit recognized in 2019 will not be treated as taxable income by virtue of the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport Extension Act of 2017.
− The gains realized on the repurchase of TRuPs in 2020 recorded at the holding company level, had no effect on the income tax expense.
Management believes that adjustments to net income and non-interest expenses of items that are not reflective of core operating performance, are not expected to reoccur with any regularity or may reoccur at uncertain times and in uncertain amounts, facilitates comparisons with prior periods and provides an alternate presentation of the Corporation’s performance.
The Corporation uses these non-GAAP financial measures and believes that these non-GAAP financial measures enhance the ability of analysts and investors to analyze trends in the Corporation’s business and understand the performance of the Corporation. In addition, the Corporation may utilize these non-GAAP financial measures as a guide in its budgeting and long-term planning process. Any analysis of these non-GAAP financial measures should be used only in conjunction with results presented in accordance with GAAP.
See “Overview of Results of Operations” above for the reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measure “adjusted net income” to the GAAP financial measure. The following tables reconcile the “ACL for loans and finance leases to total loans held for investment ratio,” the GAAP financial measure, to the non-GAAP financial measure “ACL for loans and finance leases to adjusted total loans held for investment ratio,” as of December 31, 2020, and the “provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs ratio,” the GAAP financial measure, to the non-GAAP financial measure “adjusted provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs ratio,” for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:
Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Finance Leases
to Loans Held for Investment
(GAAP to Non-GAAP reconciliation)
As of December 31, 2020
Allowance for Credit Losses for
Loans Held for Investment
Loans and Finance Leases
(In thousands)
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases and loans held for investment (GAAP)
$
385,887
$
11,777,289
Less:
SBA PPP loans
-
405,953
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases and adjusted loans held for investment,
excluding SBA PPP loans (Non-GAAP)
$
385,887
$
11,371,336
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases to loans held for investment (GAAP)
3.28
%
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases to adjusted loans held for investment,
excluding SBA PPP loans (Non-GAAP)
3.39
%
Provision for credit losses for Loans and
Finance Leases to Net Charge-Offs
(GAAP to Non GAAP reconciliation)
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
December 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Provision for Credit Losses for Loans and Finance Leases
Net Charge-Offs
Provision for Credit Losses for Loans and Finance Leases
Net Charge-Offs
Provision for Credit Losses for Loans and Finance Leases
Net Charge-Offs
(In thousands)
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases and net charge-offs (GAAP)
$
40,225
$
81,448
$
59,253
$
94,734
$
144,254
$
118,014
Less Special Item:
Hurricane-related qualitative reserve release (provision)
6,425
-
16,943
-
(71,304)
-
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases and net charge-offs,
excluding special item (Non-GAAP)
$
46,650
$
81,448
$
76,196
$
94,734
$
72,950
$
118,014
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs (GAAP)
49.39
%
62.55
%
122.23
%
Provision for credit losses for loans and finance leases to net charge-offs,
excluding special items (Non-GAAP)
57.28
%
80.43
%
61.81
%
The following tables reconcile for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 the GAAP non-interest expenses to adjusted non-interest expenses, which is a non-GAAP financial measure that excludes the relevant Special Items discussed above:
(In thousands)
Non-Interest Expenses (GAAP)
Merger and Restructuring Costs
COVID 19 Pandemic-Related Expenses
Hurricane-Related Insurance Recoveries
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Non-interest expenses
$
424,240
$
26,509
$
5,411
$
(1,153)
$
393,473
Employees' compensation and benefits
177,073
-
1,772
-
175,301
Occupancy and equipment
74,633
-
2,713
(789)
72,709
Business promotion
12,145
-
(184)
11,748
Professional service fees
52,633
-
(180)
52,805
Taxes, other than income taxes
17,762
-
-
17,488
FDIC deposit insurance
6,488
-
-
-
6,488
Net loss on OREO and OREO expenses
3,598
-
-
-
3,598
Credit and debit card processing expenses
19,144
-
-
-
19,144
Communications
8,437
-
-
8,421
Merger and restructuring costs
26,509
26,509
-
-
-
Other non-interest expenses
25,818
-
-
25,771
(In thousands)
Non-Interest Expenses (GAAP)
Merger and Restructuring Costs
Employee Retention Benefit - Disaster Tax Relief and Airport Extension Act of 2017
Hurricane-Related Insurance Recoveries
Adjusted (Non-GAAP)
Non-interest expenses
$
378,468
$
11,442
$
(2,317)
$
(1,266)
$
370,609
Employees' compensation and benefits
162,374
-
(2,317)
-
164,691
Occupancy and equipment
63,169
-
-
(1,266)
64,435
Business promotion
15,710
-
-
-
15,710
Professional service fees
45,889
-
-
-
45,889
Taxes, other than income taxes
15,325
-
-
-
15,325
FDIC deposit insurance
6,319
-
-
-
6,319
Net loss on OREO and OREO expenses
14,644
-
-
-
14,644
Credit and debit card processing expenses
16,472
-
-
-
16,472
Communications
6,891
-
-
-
6,891
Merger and restructuring costs
11,442
11,442
-
-
-
Other non-interest expenses
20,233
-
-
-
20,233
Selected Quarterly Financial Data
Financial data showing the results for the 2020 and 2019 quarters is presented below. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation have been included. These results are unaudited.
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
(In thousands, except for per share results)
Interest income
$
165,264
$
158,616
$
170,402
$
198,700
Net interest income
138,649
135,210
148,696
177,797
Provision for credit losses
77,366
39,014
46,914
7,691
Net income
2,266
21,256
28,613
50,138
Net income attributable to common stockholders
1,597
20,587
27,944
49,469
Earnings per common share - basic
$
0.01
$
0.09
$
0.13
$
0.23
Earnings per common share - diluted
$
0.01
$
0.09
$
0.13
$
0.23
March 31
June 30
September 30
December 31
(In thousands, except for per share results)
Interest income
$
166,472
$
169,510
$
172,295
$
167,620
Net interest income
140,181
142,546
144,425
139,929
Provision for credit losses
11,408
12,534
7,398
8,473
Net income
43,314
41,287
46,327
36,449
Net income attributable to common stockholders
42,645
40,618
45,658
35,780
Earnings per common share - basic
$
0.20
$
0.19
$
0.21
$
0.17
Earnings per common share - diluted
$
0.20
$
0.19
$
0.21
$
0.16
Some infrequent transactions that significantly affected quarterly periods include:
 Fourth quarter of 2020 includes: (i) pre-tax merger and restructuring costs of $12.3 million related to the BSPR acquisition integration process and related restructuring initiatives, including a $4.3 million charge related to a voluntary separation program; and (ii) pre-tax COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses of $1.2 million.
 Third quarter of 2020 includes: (i) pre-tax charge to the provision for credit losses of $38.9 million as a result of the initial reserves required by CECL for non-PCD loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition; (ii) pre-tax merger and restructuring costs of $10.4 million related to the BSPR acquisition and related restructuring initiatives; (iii) a one-time tax benefit of $8.0 million resulting from the partial reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance; (iv) gain on sales of investment securities of $5.3 million; and (v) pre-tax COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses of $1.0 million.
 Second quarter of 2020 includes: (i) pre-tax merger and restructuring costs of $2.9 million related to the BSPR acquisition and related restructuring initiatives; (ii) a pre-tax benefit of $5.0 million resulting from the final settlement of the Corporation’s business interruption insurance claim related to lost profits caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017; and (iii) pre-tax COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses of $3.0 million.
 First quarter of 2020 includes: (i) gain on sales of investment securities of $8.2 million; and (ii) a pre-tax benefit of $1.2 million resulting from insurance recoveries associated with hurricane-related expenses.
 Fourth quarter of 2019 includes pre-tax merger and restructuring costs of $10.9 million in connection with the then pending acquisition of BSPR and related restructuring initiatives, including a $3.4 million charge related to a voluntary separation program.
 First quarter of 2019 includes: (i) pre-tax net loan loss reserve releases of $6.4 million in connection with revised estimates of the hurricane-related qualitative reserves associated with the effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria; and (ii) $2.3 million expense recovery related to an employee retention benefit payment received by the Bank by virtue of the Disaster Tax Relief and Airport Extension Act of 2017, as amended.
CEO and CFO Certifications
First BanCorp.’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have filed with the SEC certifications required by Section 302 and Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, 32.1 and 32.2 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In addition, in 2020, First BanCorp’s Chief Executive Officer provided to the NYSE his annual certification, as required for all NYSE listed companies, that he was not aware of any violation by the Corporation of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The information required herein is incorporated by reference to the information included under the sub-caption “Interest Rate Risk Management” in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” of this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
FIRST BANCORP.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm…………………………………………………..
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting…………………………………………
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition……………………………………………………………...
Consolidated Statements of Income ……...…………………………………………………………………...
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income ……...………………………………………………….
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows………………………………………………………………………
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity………………………………………………..
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements…………………………………………………………………..
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT RESGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Stockholders and the Board of Directors
of First BanCorp.
Santurce, Puerto Rico
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition of First BanCorp. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Notes 1 and 9 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for credit losses effective January 1, 2020 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codifications No. 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326). The Company adopted the new credit loss standard using the modified retrospective method such that prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable generally accepted accounting principles. The adoption of the new credit loss standard and its subsequent application is also communicated as a critical audit matter below.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. As permitted, the Company has excluded the operations of Banco Santander Puerto Rico acquired during 2020, which is described in Note 2 of the financial statements, from the scope of management’s report on internal control over financial reporting. As such, it has also been excluded from the scope of our audit of internal control over financial reporting. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Acquisition - Fair Value of Acquired Loans
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, on September 1, 2020 the Company completed its acquisition of Banco Santander Puerto Rico (“BSPR”) for total cash consideration of approximately $1.3 billion. Determination of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions. Specifically, the fair value of a loan portfolio acquired in a business combination requires greater levels of management estimates and judgment than the remainder of purchased assets or assumed liabilities. The fair value of the acquired loans was $2.5 billion and was estimated based on a discounted cash flow method under which the present value of the contractual cash flows was calculated based on certain valuation assumptions such as default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates, and discounted using a market rate of return.
We identified the determination of the acquisition date fair value of acquired loans as a critical audit matter as auditing this estimate is especially complex and requires subjective auditor judgment. The principal considerations for our determination that this is a critical audit matter is the level of judgment involved in evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assumptions, the need for specialized skill in the development and application of subjective assumptions in estimating cash flows, and the size of the acquired loan portfolio.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
 Testing the effectiveness of controls over the evaluation of the assumptions used in the estimate of fair value of the acquired loans, including controls addressing:
o Management's review of the due diligence performed on the acquired loan portfolio, which impacts the past due and loss given default assumptions used in the cash flow calculations.
o Management’s review of the reasonableness of the judgments related to the valuation assumptions used in the estimate of the fair value of acquired loans.
o Management’s review of the results of the third-party valuation of the acquired loan portfolio, including the review of the completeness and accuracy of the data inputs used as a basis for the valuation and the reasonableness of the assumptions used by the third party.
 Substantively testing management’s process, including evaluating their judgments and assumptions, for assessing the reasonableness of the assumptions used in the fair value estimate of the acquired loan portfolio, which included:
o Evaluation of the completeness and accuracy of data inputs used as a basis for the valuation.
o Evaluation, with the assistance of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge, of the reasonableness of management’s judgments related to the valuation assumptions used in the estimate of the fair value of the acquired loans.
o Testing the mathematical accuracy of the estimated fair value, including the application of the assumptions used in the calculation.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Model and Forecast of Macroeconomic Variables
As described in Notes 1 and 9 to the financial statements and referred to in the change in accounting principle explanatory paragraph above, on January 1, 2020 (“adoption date”), the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) under a modified retrospective approach, which required the Company to estimate expected credit losses for its financial assets carried at amortized cost utilizing the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. As of the adoption date, the Company recorded an increase in the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) for loans of approximately $81.2 million as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting policy, with a corresponding decrease in retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. Additionally, as of September 1, 2020 the Company measured and recorded an ACL of $67.6 million related to loans acquired as part of the acquisition of BSPR. At December 31, 2020, the ACL on the overall loan portfolio, including those loans acquired as part of the acquisition of BSPR, was approximately $386 million.
The calculation of the ACL for loans, including those loans acquired as part of the acquisition of BSPR, is primarily measured based on a probability of default / loss given default modeled approach. A significant amount of judgment was required when assessing the reasonableness and quality of the model design and construction, including whether the models were relevant to the Company’s loan portfolio, both originated and acquired, and were suitable for use. Additionally, the estimate of the probability of default and loss given default assumptions uses relevant current and forward looking macroeconomic variables, such as: unemployment rate; housing and real estate price indices; interest rates; market risk factors; and gross domestic product, and considers conditions throughout Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, and the State of Florida. A significant amount of judgment is required to assess the reasonableness of the macroeconomic variables. Changes in the model design as well as changes to these assumptions could have a material effect on the Company’s financial results.
The model and the current and forward looking macroeconomic variables used contribute significantly to the determination of ACL for both originated and acquired loans. We identified the assessment of the model design and construction and the assessment of relevant macroeconomic variables as a critical audit matter as the impact of these judgments represents a significant portion of the ACL for originated and acquired loans and because management’s estimate required especially subjective auditor judgment and significant audit effort, including the need for specialized skill.
The primary procedures we performed to address these critical audit matters included:
 Testing the effectiveness of controls over the evaluation of the conceptual design and construction of the models and the evaluation of the current and forward looking macroeconomic variables, including controls addressing:
o Management’s review and approval of the models and methodologies used to establish the ACL.
o Management’s review and approval of the macroeconomic variables.
o Management’s review of the reasonableness of the results of the macroeconomic variables used in the calculation.
o Management’s review of the results of the third-party model validations.
 Substantively testing management’s process, including evaluating their judgments and assumptions, for assessing the conceptual design and construction of the models and for developing the macroeconomic variables, which included:
o Evaluation, with the assistance of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge, of the reasonableness of management’s judgments related to the conceptual design and construction of the models.
o Evaluation of the completeness and accuracy of data inputs used as a basis for the adjustments relating to macroeconomic variables.
o Evaluation, with the assistance of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge, of the reasonableness of management’s judgments related to the macroeconomic variables used in the determination of the ACL for loans. Among other procedures, our evaluation considered, evidence from internal and external sources, loan portfolio performance trends and whether such assumptions were applied consistently period to period.
o Analytical evaluation of the variables period to period for directional consistency and testing for reasonableness.
/s/ Crowe LLP
We have served as the Corporation’s auditor since 2018.
New York, New York
March 1, 2021
Stamp No. E413192 of the Puerto Rico
Society of Certified Public Accountants
was affixed to the record copy of this report.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of First BanCorp.:
First BanCorp.’s (the “Corporation”) internal control over financial reporting is a process designed and effected by those charged with governance, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of reliable financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Corporation; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Corporation; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention, or timely detection and correction of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent, or detect and correct misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the framework set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013).
In conducting the evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation has excluded the operations of Banco Santander Puerto Rico (“BSPR”), as permitted by the guidance issued by the Office of the Chief Accountant of the Securities and Exchange Commission (not to extend more than one year beyond the date of the acquisition or for more than one annual reporting period). The acquisition was completed on September 1, 2020. See Note 2 - Business Combination, to the audited consolidated financial statements for further discussion about the acquisition.
Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, has been audited by CROWE LLP, an independent public accounting firm, as stated in their accompanying report dated March 1, 2021.
First BanCorp.
/s/ Aurelio Alemán
Aurelio Alemán
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: March 1, 2021
/s/ Orlando Berges
Orlando Berges
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer
Date: March 1, 2021
FIRST BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
December 31,2020
December 31, 2019
(In thousands, except for share information)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
1,433,261
$
546,391
Money market investments:
Time deposits with other financial institutions
Other short-term investments
60,272
97,408
Total money market investments
60,572
97,708
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value:
Securities pledged with creditors’ rights to repledge
341,789
130,165
Other investment securities available for sale
4,305,230
1,993,360
Total investment securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost 2020 - $4,584,851;
2019 - $2,109,008; allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) of $1,310 as of December 31, 2020)
4,647,019
2,123,525
Investment securities held to maturity, at amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses
of $8,845 as of December 31, 2020 (fair value 2020 - $173,806; 2019 - $110,374)
180,643
138,675
Equity securities
37,588
38,249
Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $385,887 (2019 - $155,139)
11,391,402
8,847,066
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market
50,289
39,477
Total loans, net
11,441,691
8,886,543
Premises and equipment, net
158,209
149,989
Other real estate owned (“OREO”)
83,060
101,626
Accrued interest receivable on loans and investments
69,505
50,205
Deferred tax asset, net
329,261
264,842
Goodwill
38,632
28,098
Intangible assets
40,893
7,573
Other assets
272,737
177,842
Total assets
$
18,793,071
$
12,611,266
LIABILITIES
Non-interest-bearing deposits
$
4,546,123
$
2,367,856
Interest-bearing deposits
10,771,260
6,980,573
Total deposits
15,317,383
9,348,429
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
300,000
100,000
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”)
440,000
570,000
Other borrowings
183,762
184,150
Accounts payable and other liabilities
276,747
180,614
Total liabilities
16,517,892
10,383,193
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, authorized, 50,000,000 shares:
Non-cumulative Perpetual Monthly Income Preferred Stock: 22,004,000
shares issued, 1,444,146 shares outstanding, aggregate liquidation value of $36,104
36,104
36,104
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized, 2,000,000,000 shares;
223,034,348 shares issued (2019 - 222,103,721 shares issued)
22,303
22,210
Less: Treasury stock (at par value)
(480)
(474)
Common stock outstanding, 218,235,064 shares outstanding
(2019 - 217,359,337 shares outstanding)
21,823
21,736
Additional paid-in capital
946,476
941,652
Retained earnings, includes legal surplus reserve of $109,338 (2019 - $97,586)
1,215,321
1,221,817
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $7,590 (2019 - $7,752)
55,455
6,764
Total stockholders’ equity
2,275,179
2,228,073
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
18,793,071
$
12,611,266
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
FIRST BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share information)
Interest and dividend income:
Loans
$
631,047
$
602,998
$
553,647
Investment securities
58,547
59,546
60,224
Money market investments and interest-bearing cash accounts
3,388
13,353
11,096
Total interest and dividend income
692,982
675,897
624,967
Interest expense:
Deposits
68,388
77,782
67,651
Loans payable
-
-
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
6,645
6,647
9,401
Advances from FHLB
11,251
14,963
13,549
Other borrowings
6,355
9,424
8,983
Total interest expense
92,660
108,816
99,584
Net interest income
600,322
567,081
525,383
Provision for credit losses:
Loans and finance leases
168,717
40,225
59,253
Unfunded loan commitments
1,183
(412)
(264)
Debt securities
1,085
-
-
Provision for credit losses
170,985
39,813
58,989
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
429,337
527,268
466,394
Non-interest income:
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
24,612
23,916
21,679
Mortgage banking activities
22,124
17,058
17,228
Net gain (loss) on investment securities
13,198
(497)
(84)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
-
2,316
Insurance commission income
9,364
10,186
8,429
Other non-interest income
41,834
39,909
32,742
Total non-interest income
111,226
90,572
82,310
Non-interest expenses:
Employees' compensation and benefits
177,073
162,374
159,494
Occupancy and equipment
74,633
63,169
57,942
Business promotion
12,145
15,710
14,808
Professional fees
52,633
45,889
43,497
Taxes, other than income taxes
17,762
15,325
14,707
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") deposit insurance
6,488
6,319
8,909
Net loss on OREO and OREO expenses
3,598
14,644
14,452
Credit and debit card processing expenses
19,144
16,472
15,546
Communications
8,437
6,891
6,372
Merger and restructuring costs
26,509
11,442
-
Other non-interest expenses
25,818
20,233
22,339
Total non-interest expenses
424,240
378,468
358,066
Income before income taxes
116,323
239,372
190,638
Income tax expense (benefit)
14,050
71,995
(10,970)
Net income
$
102,273
$
167,377
$
201,608
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
99,597
$
164,701
$
198,932
Net income per common share:
Basic
$
0.46
$
0.76
$
0.92
Diluted
$
0.46
$
0.76
$
0.92
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
FIRST BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Net income
$
102,273
$
167,377
$
201,608
Other comprehensive income (loss) (“OCI”), net of tax:
Debt securities:
Unrealized gain on debt securities for which credit losses have been recognized
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses on debt securities included in net income
1,641
Reclassification adjustments for net (gain) loss included in net income on sales of
available-for-sale debt securities with no credit losses previously recognized
(13,198)
-
All other unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities
59,746
46,634
(20,145)
Defined benefit plans adjustments:
Net actuarial loss
(270)
-
-
OCI for the year, net of tax
48,691
47,179
(19,806)
Total comprehensive income
$
150,964
$
214,556
$
181,802
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Income tax effect of items included in OCI:
Debt securities:
Unrealized gain on debt securities for which credit losses have been recognized
$
-
$
-
$
-
Reclassification adjustment for credit losses on debt securities included in net income
-
-
-
Reclassification adjustments for net (gain) loss included in net income on sales of
available-for-sale debt securities with no credit losses previously recognized
-
-
-
All other unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities
-
-
-
Defined benefit plans adjustments:
Net actuarial loss
(162)
-
-
Total
$
(162)
$
-
$
-
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
FIRST BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
102,273
$
167,377
$
201,608
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
20,068
17,592
15,026
Amortization of intangible assets
5,912
3,086
3,593
Provision for credit losses
170,985
39,813
58,989
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
(4,371)
55,009
(25,043)
Stock-based compensation
5,117
3,949
5,825
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(94)
-
(2,316)
(Gain) loss on investment securities
(13,198)
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments
(5,635)
(2,934)
(46)
Net (gain) loss on disposals or sales of premises and equipment and other assets
(215)
(1,366)
Net gain on sales of loans
(13,273)
(10,446)
(2,639)
Net accretion/amortization of discounts, premiums, and deferred loan fees and costs
(8,602)
(8,117)
(8,397)
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale
(648,052)
(362,612)
(319,770)
Sales and repayments of loans held for sale
659,349
360,572
344,935
Amortization of broker placement fees
1,163
Net amortization/accretion of premiums and discounts on investment securities
19,410
2,483
2,407
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable
6,419
(1,971)
6,649
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable
(2,990)
1,081
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(5,018)
32,521
8,906
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
9,116
(4,590)
(1,521)
Net cash provided by operating activities
297,738
294,284
288,323
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net disbursements on loans held for investment
(335,152)
(341,870)
(277,863)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for investment
6,788
83,428
82,526
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets
35,270
60,124
51,799
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities
1,195,250
-
47,805
Purchases of available-for-sale securities
(3,820,148)
(765,432)
(509,884)
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities of available-for-sale securities
1,277,762
628,675
387,817
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities of held-to-maturity securities
6,431
6,138
5,828
Additions to premises and equipment
(16,070)
(22,478)
(20,514)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment and other assets
1,568
2,548
Net redemptions (purchases) of other investments securities
3,881
6,292
(993)
Proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims - investing activities
-
7,673
Net cash acquired in acquisition
406,626
-
-
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,238,865)
(342,968)
(223,258)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
1,767,441
361,657
(36,889)
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
(35,000)
(15,086)
(49,914)
Repayments of long-term borrowings
(95,282)
(205,000)
(216,434)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings
-
-
120,000
Proceeds from long-term reverse repurchase agreements
200,000
-
-
Repurchase of outstanding common stock
(206)
(1,959)
(2,827)
Dividends paid on common stock
(43,416)
(30,356)
(6,517)
Dividends paid on preferred stock
(2,676)
(2,676)
(2,676)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,790,861
106,580
(195,257)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
849,734
57,896
(130,192)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
644,099
586,203
716,395
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
1,493,833
$
644,099
$
586,203
Cash and cash equivalents include:
Cash and due from banks
$
1,433,261
$
546,391
$
578,613
Money market instruments
60,572
97,708
7,590
$
1,493,833
$
644,099
$
586,203
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
FIRST BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Preferred Stock
$
36,104
$
36,104
$
36,104
Common stock outstanding:
Balance at beginning of year
21,736
21,724
21,628
Common stock issued as compensation
-
-
Common stock issued for exercised warrants
-
-
Common stock withheld for taxes
(5)
(18)
(43)
Restricted stock grants
Unrestricted stock grants
-
-
Restricted stock forfeited
-
(1)
(1)
Balance at end of year
21,823
21,736
21,724
Additional paid-in capital:
Balance at beginning of year
941,652
939,674
936,772
Stock-based compensation expense
5,117
3,949
5,825
Common stock issued as compensation
-
-
(27)
Common stock issued for exercised warrants
-
-
(73)
Common stock withheld for taxes
(201)
(1,941)
(2,784)
Restricted stock grants
(90)
(31)
(40)
Unrestricted stock grants
(2)
-
-
Restricted stock forfeited
-
Balance at end of year
946,476
941,652
939,674
Retained earnings:
Balance at beginning of year
1,221,817
1,087,617
895,208
Impact of adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. ("ASU") 2016-13 (See Note 1)
(62,322)
Balance at beginning of period (as adjusted for impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13)
1,159,495
Net income
102,273
167,377
201,608
Dividends on common stock (2020 - $0.20 per share; 2019 - $0.14 per share; 2018 - $0.03 per share)
(43,771)
(30,501)
(6,517)
Dividends on preferred stock
(2,676)
(2,676)
(2,676)
Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss per ASU 2016-01
-
-
(6)
Balance at end of year
1,215,321
1,221,817
1,087,617
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Balance at beginning of year
6,764
(40,415)
(20,615)
Amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss per ASU 2016-01
-
-
OCI, net of tax
48,691
47,179
(19,806)
Balance at end of year
55,455
6,764
(40,415)
Total stockholders’ equity
$
2,275,179
$
2,228,073
$
2,044,704
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of business
First BanCorp. (the “Corporation”) is a publicly owned, Puerto Rico-chartered financial holding company that is subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). The Corporation is a full service provider of financial services and products with operations in Puerto Rico, the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands (the “USVI”), and the British Virgin Islands (the “BVI”).
The Corporation provides a wide range of financial services for retail, commercial, and institutional clients. The Corporation has two wholly-owned subsidiaries: FirstBank Puerto Rico (“FirstBank” or the “Bank”), and FirstBank Insurance Agency, Inc. (“FirstBank Insurance Agency”). FirstBank is a Puerto Rico-chartered commercial bank, and FirstBank Insurance Agency is a Puerto Rico-chartered insurance agency. FirstBank is subject to the supervision, examination, and regulation of both the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the “OCIF”) and the FDIC. Deposits are insured through the FDIC Deposit Insurance Fund. FirstBank also operates in the State of Florida, subject to regulation and examination by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation and the FDIC, in the USVI, subject to regulation and examination by the United States Virgin Islands Banking Board, and in the BVI, subject to regulation by the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) regulates FirstBank’s consumer financial products and services.
FirstBank Insurance Agency is subject to the supervision, examination, and regulation of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Division of Banking and Insurance Financial Regulation in the USVI.
Effective September 1, 2020, FirstBank completed the acquisition of Santander Bancorp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Santander Holdings USA, Inc. and the holding company of Banco Santander Puerto Rico (“BSPR”), pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2019, by and among FirstBank and Santander Holdings, USA, Inc. (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”). Immediately following the closing of the transaction, Santander Bancorp was merged with and into FirstBank (the “HoldCo Merger”), with FirstBank surviving the HoldCo Merger. Immediately following the effectiveness of the HoldCo Merger, BSPR was merged with and into FirstBank, with FirstBank as the surviving entity in the merger. Refer to Note 2 - Business Combination, to the consolidated financial statements for more information about this acquisition.
FirstBank conducts its business through its main office located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, 73 banking branches in Puerto Rico, 11 banking branches in the USVI and the BVI, and 10 banking branches in the state of Florida (USA). FirstBank has 5 wholly owned subsidiaries with operations in Puerto Rico: First Federal Finance Corp. (d/b/a Money Express La Financiera), a finance company specializing in the origination of small loans with 28 offices in Puerto Rico; First Management of Puerto Rico, a Puerto Rico corporation, which holds tax-exempt assets; FirstBank Overseas Corporation, an international banking entity (an “IBE”) organized under the International Banking Entity Act of Puerto Rico; and two other dormant companies formerly engaged in the operation of certain OREO properties.
In connection with the BSPR acquisition in 2020, FirstBank acquired a trust business that administers and is custodian of assets amounting to approximately $69.3 million as of December 31, 2020. Due to the nature of trust activities, these assets are not included in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition. The Corporation’s trust division focuses its business on transfer paying agent and individual retirement account (“IRA”) services.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Operating, Accounting and Reporting Considerations related to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy. In response to the crisis, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020, as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (the “CARES Act of 2020”), was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act of 2020 provided an estimated $2.2 trillion aid package to stimulate the economy by supporting individuals and businesses through loans, grants, tax changes, and other types of relief. Some of the provisions applicable to the Corporation include, but are not limited to:
 Accounting for Loan Modifications - The CARES Act of 2020 provides that a financial institution may elect to suspend (1) the requirements under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for certain loan modifications that would otherwise be categorized as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) and (2) any determination that such loan modifications would be considered a TDR, including the related impairment for accounting purposes. The suspension is applicable for the term of a loan modification that occurs during the applicable period for a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. The suspension is available only to borrowers affected by the pandemic.
 Paycheck Protection Program - The CARES Act of 2020 established the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), an expansion of the Small Business Administration’s (the “SBA”) 7(a) loan program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, administrated directly by the SBA.
 Mortgage Forbearance - Under the CARES Act of 2020 mortgage customers with federally backed single family loans experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may request forbearance on the loan for up to 180 days, with up to an additional 180 days at the borrower’s request, for a total of 360 days. In addition, customers with federally backed multifamily loans experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may request forbearance on the loan for up to 30 days, with up to two additional 30-day periods at the borrower’s request.
 Main Street Lending Program - The Federal Reserve Board (the “FED”) established the Main Street Lending Program under the CARES Act of 2020 to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”), the FDIC, the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), and the CFPB, in consultation with state financial regulators (collectively, the “agencies”), issued a joint interagency statement on March 22, 2020, which they revised on April 7, 2020, called the Revised Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus (the “Revised Interagency Statement”). Some of the provisions applicable to the Corporation include, but are not limited to:
 Accounting for Loan Modifications - Loan modifications that do not meet the conditions of the CARES Act of 2020 may still qualify as a modification that does not need to be accounted for as a TDR. The agencies, in consultation with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) staff, confirmed that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who are current prior to any relief are not TDRs. This includes short-term (e.g., up to six months) modifications, such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or insignificant delays in payments. The Corporation’s loan modifications were made in accordance with Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020 and/or the Revised Interagency Statement and therefore were not classified as TDRs.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the Corporation’s business, asset valuations, results of operations, and financial condition, as well as its regulatory capital and liquidity positions, will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately predicted, including the scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the actions taken by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated impacts on the economy, financial markets and our clients, employees and vendors. Material adverse impacts may include all or a combination of valuation impairments on our intangible assets, investments, increased reserves for credit losses, and deferred tax assets. Given the fluidity of the situation, management cannot estimate the long term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at this time.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
General
The accompanying consolidated audited financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP. The following is a description of the Corporation’s most significant accounting policies.
Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Statutory business trusts that are wholly-owned by the Corporation and are issuers of trust-preferred securities (“TRuPs”), and entities in which the Corporation has a non-controlling interest, are not consolidated in the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with authoritative guidance issued by the FASB for consolidation of variable interest entities (“VIE”). See “Variable Interest Entities” below for further details regarding the Corporation’s accounting policy for these entities.
Reclassifications
In connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” (“ASC 326”), the provision for unfunded loan commitments, which was previously presented as part of other non-interest expense, was reclassified and is now presented separately as a component of the provision for credit losses in the consolidated statements of income. For purposes of comparability, amounts prior to 2020 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash items in transit, and amounts due from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Federal Reserve”) and other depository institutions. The term also includes money market funds and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Investment securities
The Corporation classifies its investments in debt and equity securities into one of four categories:
Held-to-maturity - Debt securities that the entity has the intent and ability to hold to maturity. These securities are carried at amortized cost. The Corporation may not sell or transfer held-to-maturity securities without calling into question its intent to hold other debt securities to maturity, unless a nonrecurring or unusual event that could not have been reasonably anticipated has occurred.
Trading - Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. These securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Corporation did not hold investment securities for trading purposes.
Available-for-sale - Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading. These securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses, net of deferred taxes, reported in OCI as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. The unrealized holding gains and losses do not affect earnings until they are realized, or an ACL is recorded.
Equity securities - Equity securities that do not have readily available fair values are classified as equity securities in the consolidated statements of financial condition. These securities are stated at the lower of cost or realizable value. This category is principally composed of FHLB stock that the Corporation owns to comply with FHLB regulatory requirements. The realizable value of the stock equals its cost. Also included in this category are marketable equity securities held at fair value with changes in unrealized gains or losses recorded through earnings pursuant to the requirements of ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized as an adjustment to interest income on investments over the life of the related securities under the interest method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) where prepayments are anticipated. Premiums on callable debt securities, if any, are amortized to the earliest call date. Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a trade-date basis. Gains and losses on sales are determined using the specific identification method.
A debt security is placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payment becomes 90 days delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for a security placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. No debt security was in a nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities: The Corporation measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity securities by major security type. As of December 31, 2020, the held-to-maturity securities portfolio consisted of Puerto Rico municipal bonds totaling $189.5 million. Approximately 60% of the held-to-maturity municipal bonds were issued by three of the largest municipalities in Puerto Rico. The vast majority of revenues of these three municipalities is independent of the Puerto Rico central government. These obligations typically are not issued in bearer form, nor are they registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and are not rated by external credit agencies. In most cases, these bonds have priority over the payment of operating costs and expenses of the municipality, which are required by law to levy special property taxes in such amounts as are required for the payment of all of their respective general obligation bonds and loans. Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities totaled $3.6 million as of December 31, 2020 ($3.9 million as of December 31, 2019) and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
The ACL for the held-to-maturity Puerto Rico municipal bonds ($8.8 million as of December 31, 2020) considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. These financing arrangements with Puerto Rico municipalities were issued in bond form and accounted for as securities but underwritten as loans with features that are typically found in commercial loans. Accordingly, similar to commercial loans, an internal risk rating (i.e., pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss) is assigned to each bond at the time of issuance or acquisition, and monitored on a continuous basis with a formal assessment completed, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. The Corporation determines the ACL for held-to-maturity Puerto Rico municipal bonds based on the product of a cumulative probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”), and the amortized cost basis of each bond over its remaining expected life. PD estimates represent the point-in-time as of which the PD is developed, and are updated quarterly based on, among other things, the payment performance experience, financial performance and market value indicators, and current and forecasted relevant forward-looking macroeconomic variables over the expected life of the bonds, to determine a lifetime term structure PD curve. LGD estimates are determined based on, among other things, historical charge-off events and recovery payments (if any), government sector historical loss experience, as well as relevant current and forecasted macroeconomic expectations of variables, such as unemployment rates, interest rates, and market risk factors based on industry performance, to determine a lifetime term structure LGD curve. Under this approach, all future period losses for each instrument are calculated using the PD and LGD loss rates derived from the term structure curves applied to the amortized cost basis of each bond. For the relevant macroeconomic expectations of variables, the methodology considers an initial forecast period (a “reasonable and supportable period”) of 2 years and a reversion period of up to 3 years, utilizing a straight-line approach and reverting back to the historical macroeconomic mean. After the reversion period, the Corporation uses a historical loss forecast period covering the remaining contractual life based on the changes in key historical economic variables during representative historical expansionary and recessionary periods.
Refer to Note 5 - Investment Securities, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about reserve balances for held-to-maturity debt securities, activity during the period, and information about changes in circumstances that caused changes in the ACL for held-to-maturity debt securities during the year ended December 31, 2020.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Allowance for Credit Losses - Available-for-Sale Debt Securities: For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Corporation first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written off to fair value through earnings. For available-for-sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Corporation evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the cash position of the issuer and its cash and capital generation capacity, which could increase or diminish the issuer’s ability to repay its bond obligations, the extent to which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis, any adverse change to the credit conditions and liquidity of the issuer, taking into consideration the latest information available about the financial condition of the issuer, credit ratings, the failure of the issuer to make scheduled principal or interest payments, recent legislation and government actions affecting the issuer’s industry, and actions taken by the issuer to deal with the economic climate. The Corporation also takes into consideration changes in the near-term prospects of the underlying collateral of a security, if any, such as changes in default rates, loss severity given default, and significant changes in prepayment assumptions and the level of cash flows generated from the underlying collateral, if any, supporting the principal and interest payments on the debt securities. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and the Corporation records an ACL for the credit loss, limited by the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. The Corporation recognizes in OCI any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL.
The Corporation records changes in the ACL as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
The ACL for available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2020 amounted to $1.3 million. Available-for-sale debt securities held by the Corporation at year-end primarily consisted of securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored entities (“GSEs”), private label MBS, and a bond issued by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (“PRHFA”), a government instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Given the explicit and implicit guarantees provided by the U.S. federal government, the Corporation believes the credit risk in securities issued by the GSEs is low. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s credit loss-impairment assessment was concentrated on private label MBS and the PRHFA debt security. For further information, including the methodology and assumptions used for the discounted cash flow analyses performed on private label MBS and bonds issued by the PRHFA, refer to Note 5 - Investment Securities, and Note 30 - Fair Value, to the consolidated financial statements. Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale debt securities totaled $8.5 million as of December 31, 2020 ($5.5 million as of December 31, 2019) and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
Loans held for investment
Loans that the Corporation has the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held for investment and are reported at amortized cost, net of its ACL. The substantial majority of the Corporation’s loans are classified as held for investment. Amortized cost is the principal outstanding balance, net of unearned interest, cumulative charge-offs, unamortized deferred origination fees and costs, and unamortized premiums and discounts. The Corporation reports credit card loans at their outstanding unpaid principal balance plus uncollected billed interest and fees net of such amounts deemed uncollectible. Accrued interest receivable on loans totaled $57.2 million as of December 31, 2020 ($39.1 million as of December 31, 2019), was reported as part of accrued interest receivable on loans and investment securities in the consolidated statements of financial condition, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Fees collected and costs incurred in the origination of new loans are deferred and amortized using the interest method or a method that approximates the interest method over the term of the loan as an adjustment to interest yield. Unearned interest on certain personal loans, auto loans and finance leases and discounts and premiums are recognized as income under a method that approximates the interest method. When a loan is paid-off or sold, any remaining unamortized net deferred fees, or costs, discounts and premiums are included in loan interest income in the period of payoff.
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Nonaccrual and Past-Due Loans - Loans on which the recognition of interest income has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual. Loans are classified as nonaccrual when they are 90 days past due for interest and principal, with the exception of residential mortgage loans insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (the “FHA”), the Veterans Administration (the “VA”) or the PRHFA, and credit card loans. It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent mortgage loans insured by the FHA, or guaranteed by the VA or the PRHFA, as loans past due 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured or guaranteed. However, the Corporation discontinues the recognition of income relating to FHA/VA loans when such loans are over 15 months delinquent, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process, and relating to PRHFA loans when such loans are over 90 days delinquent. Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged off at 180 days. Loans generally may be placed on nonaccrual status prior to when required by the policies described above when the full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain (generally based on an assessment of the borrower’s financial condition and the adequacy of collateral, if any). When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, any accrued but uncollected interest income is reversed and charged against interest income and amortization of any net deferred fees is suspended. The amount of accrued interest reversed against interest income totaled $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent it is received in cash. However, when there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, all cash thereafter received is applied to reduce the carrying value of such loans (i.e., the cost recovery method). Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Generally, the Corporation returns a loan to accrual status when all delinquent interest and principal becomes current under the terms of the loan agreement, or after a sustained period of repayment performance (6 months) and the loan is well secured and in the process of collection, and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is expected. Loans that are past due 30 days or more as to principal or interest are considered delinquent, with the exception of residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and construction loans, which are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears on two or more monthly payments.
Loans Acquired - Loans acquired through a purchase or a business combination are recorded at their fair value as of the acquisition date. The Corporation performs an assessment of acquired loans to first determine if such loans have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since their origination and thus should be classified and accounted for as purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. For loans that have not experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination, referred to as non-PCD loans, the Corporation records such loans at fair value, with any resulting discount or premium accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Additionally, upon the purchase or acquisition of non-PCD loans, the Corporation measures and records an ACL based on the Corporation’s methodology for determining the ACL. The ACL for non-PCD loans is recorded through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans are purchased or acquired.
Acquired loans that are classified as PCD are recognized at fair value, which includes any resulting premiums or discounts. Premiums and non-credit loss related discounts are amortized or accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the interest method. Unlike non-PCD loans, the initial ACL for PCD loans is established through an adjustment to the acquired loan balance and not through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans were acquired. At acquisition, the ACL for PCD loans, which represents the fair value credit discount, is determined using a discounted cash flow method that considers the PDs and LGDs used in the Corporation’s ACL methodology. Characteristics of PCD loans include: delinquency, payment history since origination, credit scores migration and/or other factors the Corporation may become aware of through its initial analysis of acquired loans that may indicate there has been more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since a loan’s origination. In connection with the BSPR acquisition on September 1, 2020, the Corporation acquired PCD loans with an aggregate fair value at acquisition of approximately $752.8 million, and recorded an initial ACL of approximately $28.7 million, which was added to the amortized cost of the loans.
Subsequent to acquisition, the ACL for both non-PCD and PCD loans is determined pursuant to the Corporation’s ACL methodology in the same manner as all other loans.
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For PCD loans that prior to the adoption of ASC 326 were classified as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans and accounted for under the FASB’s Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification” or “ASC”) Subtopic 310-30, “Accounting for Purchased Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (ASC Subtopic 310-30), the Corporation adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach. As allowed by ASC 326, the Corporation elected to maintain pools of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as “units of accounts,” conceptually treating each pool as a single asset. As of December 31, 2020, such PCD loans consisted of $128.4 million of residential mortgage loans and $2.5 million of commercial mortgage loans acquired by the Corporation as part of previously completed asset acquisitions. These previous transactions include a transaction completed on February 27, 2015, in which FirstBank acquired 10 Puerto Rico branches of Doral Bank, acquired certain assets, including PCD loans, and assumed deposits, through an alliance with Banco Popular of Puerto Rico, which was the successful lead bidder with the FDIC on the failed Doral Bank, as well as other co-bidders, and the acquisition from Doral Financial in the first quarter of 2014 of all of its rights, title and interest in first and second residential mortgage loans in full satisfaction of secured borrowings owed by such entity to FirstBank. As the Corporation elected to maintain pools of units of account for loans previously accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the Corporation is not able to remove loans from the pools until they are paid off, written off or sold (consistent with the Corporation’s practice prior to adoption of ASC 326), but is required to follow ASC 326 for purposes of the ACL. Regarding interest income recognition for PCD loans that existed at the time of adoption of ASC 326, the prospective transition approach for PCD loans required by ASC 326 was applied at a pool level, which froze the effective interest rate of the pools as of January 1, 2020. According to regulatory guidance, the determination of nonaccrual or accrual status for PCD loans that the Corporation has elected to maintain in previously existing pools pursuant to the policy election right upon adoption of ASC 326 should be made at the pool level, not the individual asset level. In addition, the guidance provides that the Corporation can continue accruing interest and not report the PCD loans as being in nonaccrual status if the following criteria are met: (i) the Corporation can reasonably estimate the timing and amounts of cash flows expected to be collected, and (ii) the Corporation did not acquire the asset primarily for the rewards of ownership of the underlying collateral, such as use of the collateral in operations or improving the collateral for resale. Thus, the Corporation continues to exclude these pools of PCD loans from nonaccrual loan statistics. In accordance with ASC 326, the Corporation did not reassess whether modifications to individual acquired loans accounted for within pools were TDR as of the date of adoption.
Charge-off of Uncollectible Loans - Net charge-offs consist of the unpaid principal balances of loans held for investment that the Corporation determines are uncollectible, net of recovered amounts. The Corporation records charge-offs as a reduction to the ACL and subsequent recoveries of previously charged-off amounts are credited to the ACL. Collateral dependent loans in the construction, commercial mortgage, and commercial and industrial loan portfolios are charged off to their net realizable value (fair value of collateral, less estimated costs to sell) when loans are considered to be uncollectible. Within the consumer loan portfolio, auto loans and finance leases are reserved once they are 120 days delinquent and are charged off to their estimated net realizable value when the collateral deficiency is deemed uncollectible (i.e., when foreclosure/repossession is probable) or when the loan is 365 days past due. In addition, the Corporation’s other closed-end consumer loans are charged off when payments are 120 days in arrears, except small personal loans. Open-end (revolving credit) consumer loans, including credit card loans, and small personal loans are charged off when payments are 180 days in arrears. Residential mortgage loans that are 180 days delinquent are reviewed and charged-off, as needed, to the fair value of the underlying collateral less cost to sell. Generally, all loans may be charged off or written down to the fair value of the collateral prior to the application of the policies described above if a loss-confirming event has occurred. Loss-confirming events include, but are not limited to, bankruptcy (unsecured), continued delinquency, or receipt of an asset valuation indicating a collateral deficiency when the asset is the sole source of repayment.
Troubled Debt Restructurings - A restructuring of a loan constitutes a TDR if the creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. TDR loans are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. Loans in accrual status may remain in accrual status when their contractual terms have been modified in a TDR if the loans had demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, loans on nonaccrual status and restructured as TDRs will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure, generally for a minimum of six months, and there is evidence that such payments can, and are likely to, continue as agreed.
The Corporation removes loans from TDR classification, consistent with applicable authoritative accounting guidance, only when the following two circumstances are met:
 The loan is in compliance with the terms of the restructuring agreement; and
 The loan yields a market interest rate at the time of the restructuring. In other words, the loan was restructured with an interest rate equal to or greater than what the Corporation would have been willing to accept at the time of the restructuring for a new loan with comparable risk.
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If both of the conditions are met, the loan can be removed from the TDR classification in calendar years after the year in which the restructuring took place. A loan that had previously been modified in a TDR and is subsequently refinanced under then-current underwriting standards at a market rate with no concessionary terms is accounted for as a new loan and is no longer reported as a TDR. The ACL on a TDR loan is generally measured using a discounted cash flow method, as further explained below, where the expected future cash flows are discounted at the rate of the loan prior to the restructuring. For credit cards, personal loans, and nonaccrual auto loans and finance leases modified in a TDR, the ACL is measured using the same methodologies as those used for all other loans in those portfolios.
The CARES Act of 2020 permits financial institutions to suspend requirements under GAAP for loan modifications to borrowers affected by COVID-19 that would otherwise be characterized as TDRs and to suspend any determination related thereto if (i) the loan modification is made between March 1, 2020 and the earlier of January 1, 2022 or 60 days after the end of the coronavirus emergency declaration and (ii) the applicable loan was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019. The Corporation has elected to apply this guidance to qualifying loan modifications. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s loan portfolio included 24 commercial loans totaling $244.3 million, or 2% of loans held for investment, that were permanently modified under the provision of Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020.
Collateral dependent loans - The Corporation elected the practical expedient allowed by ASC 326 for loans for which it expects repayment to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties based on the Corporation’s assessment as of the reporting date. Accordingly, when the Corporation determines that foreclosure is probable, expected credit losses on collateral dependent loans are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for undiscounted selling costs as appropriate.
Loans individually evaluated for credit loss determination - The Corporation may evaluate loans individually for purposes of the ACL determination when, based upon current information and events, including consideration of internal credit risk ratings, the Corporation assesses that it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due (including principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, primarily collateral dependent commercial and construction loans, or loans that have been modified or are reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR (except for credit cards, personal loans and nonaccrual auto loans). The Corporation individually evaluates loans having balances of $500 thousand or more and with the aforementioned conditions in the construction, commercial mortgage, and commercial and industrial loan portfolios. The Corporation also evaluates individually for ACL purposes certain residential mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit with high delinquency levels. Interest income on loans individually evaluated for ACL determination is recognized based on the Corporation’s policy for recognizing interest on accrual and nonaccrual loans.
Allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases
The ACL for loans and finance leases held for investment is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on loans. Loans are charged-off against the allowance when management confirms the uncollectibility of a loan balance. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off.
The Corporation estimates the allowance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience is a significant input for the estimation of expected credit losses, as well as adjustments to historical loss information made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as any difference in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term. Additionally, the Corporation’s assessment involves evaluating key factors, which include credit and macroeconomic indicators, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, and other relevant factors, to account for current and forecasted market conditions that are likely to cause estimated credit losses over the life of the loans to differ from historical credit losses. Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted by prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: the Corporation has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a TDR will be executed with an individual borrower or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation.
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The Corporation estimates the ACL primarily based on a PD/LGD modeled approach, or individually for collateral dependent loans and certain TDR loans. The Corporation evaluates the need for changes to the ACL by portfolio segments and classes of loans within certain of those portfolio segments. Factors such as the credit risk inherent in a portfolio and how the Corporation monitors the related quality, as well as the estimation approach to estimate credit losses, are considered in the determination of such portfolio segments and classes. The Corporation has identified the following portfolio segments and measures the ACL using the following methods:
Residential mortgage - Residential mortgage loans are loans secured by residential real property together with the right to receive the payment of principal and interest on the loan. The majority of the Corporation’s residential loans are first lien closed-end loans secured by 1-4 single-family residential properties. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s outstanding balance of residential mortgages in the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands regions were fixed-rate loans, while in the Florida region approximately 56% of the residential mortgage loan portfolio consisted of hybrid adjustable rate mortgages. For purposes of the ACL determination, the Corporation stratifies the portfolio by two main regions (i.e., the Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands region and the Florida region) and by the following two classes: (i) government-guaranteed residential mortgage loans, and (ii) conventional mortgage loans. Government-guaranteed loans are those originated to qualified borrowers under the FHA and the VA standards. Originated loans that meet the FHA’s standards qualify for the FHA’s insurance program whereas loans that meet the standards of the VA are guaranteed by such entity. No credit losses are determined for loans insured or guaranteed by the FHA or the VA due to the explicit guarantee of the U.S. federal government. Residential mortgage loans that do not qualify under the FHA or VA programs are referred to as conventional residential mortgage loans.
For conventional residential mortgage loans, the Corporation calculates the ACL using a PD/LGD modeled approach, or individually for collateral dependent loans with high delinquency levels or loans that have been modified or are reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR. The ACL for residential mortgage loans measured using a PD/LGD model is calculated based on the product of PD, LGD, and the amortized cost basis determined for each loan over the remaining expected life of the loan, considering prepayments. PD estimates represent the point-in-time as of which the PD is developed for each residential mortgage loan, updated quarterly based on, among other things, historical payment performance and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables, such as regional unemployment rates, over the expected life of the loans to determine a lifetime term structure PD curve. The Corporation determines LGD estimates based on, among other things, historical charge-off events and recovery payments, loan-to-value attributes, and relevant current and forecasted macroeconomic variables, such as the regional housing price index, to determine a lifetime term structure LGD curve. Under this approach, the Corporation calculates losses for each loan for all future periods using the PD and LGD loss rates derived from the term structure curves applied to the amortized cost basis of the loans, considering prepayments. For loans that have been modified or are reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR and loans previously-charged off to their respective realizable values, the Corporation determines the ACL based on a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow methodology using PDs and LGDs developed as explained above. Under this approach, all future cash flows (interest and principal) for each loan are adjusted by the PDs and LGDs derived from the term structure curves and prepayments and then discounted at the effective interest rate as of the reporting date (or original rate for TDRs) to arrive at the net present value of future cash flows. For these loans, the estimated credit loss amount recorded in a period represents the excess of the carrying amount of the loan, net of any charge-off, over the net present value of cash flows resulting from the model. Residential mortgage loans that are 180 days or more past due are considered collateral dependent loans and are individually reviewed and charged-off, as needed, to the fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.
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Commercial mortgage - Commercial mortgage loans are loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties for which the primary source of repayment comes from rent and lease payments that are generated by an income-producing property. For purposes of the ACL determination, the Corporation stratifies the portfolio by two main regions (i.e., the Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands region and the Florida region). An internal risk rating (i.e., pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss) is assigned to each loan at the time of origination and monitored on a continuous basis with a formal assessment completed quarterly, at a minimum. For commercial mortgage loans, the Corporation calculates the ACL using a PD/LGD modeled approach, or individually for those loans that meet the definition of collateral dependent loans or loans that have been modified or are reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR. The ACL for commercial mortgage loans measured using a PD/LGD model is calculated based on the product of a cumulative PD and LGD, and the amortized cost basis determined for each loan over the remaining expected life of the loan, considering prepayments. PD estimates represent the point-in-time as of which the PD is developed for each commercial mortgage loan, updated quarterly based on, among other things, the payment performance experience, industry historical loss experience, property type, occupancy, and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables over the expected life of the loans to determine a lifetime term structure PD curve. The Corporation determines LGD estimates based on historical charge-off events and recovery payments, industry historical loss experience, specific attributes of the loans, such as loan-to-value, debt service coverage ratios, and net operating income, as well as relevant current and forecasted macroeconomic variables expectations, such as commercial real estate price indexes, the gross domestic product (“GDP”), interest rates, and unemployment rates, among others, to determine a lifetime term structure LGD curve. Under this approach, the Corporation calculates losses for each loan for all future periods using the PD and LGD loss rates derived from the term structure curves applied to the amortized cost basis of the loans, considering prepayments. The ACL for collateral dependent loans, including loans modified or reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR, is determined based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for undiscounted selling costs as appropriate.
Commercial and Industrial - Commercial and Industrial (“C&I”) loans include both unsecured and secured loans for which the primary source of repayment comes from the ongoing operations and activities conducted by the borrower and not from rental income or the sale or refinancing of any underlying real estate collateral; thus, credit risk is largely dependent on the commercial borrower’s current and expected financial condition. As of December 31, 2020, the C&I loan portfolio consisted of loans granted to large corporate customers as well as middle-market customers across several industries, and the government sector. For purposes of the ACL determination, the Corporation stratifies the C&I loan portfolio by two main regions (i.e., the Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands region and the Florida region). An internal risk rating (i.e., pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss) is assigned to each loan at the time of origination and monitored on a continuous basis with a formal assessment completed quarterly, at a minimum. For C&I loans, the Corporation calculates the ACL using a PD/LGD modeled approach, or, in some cases, based on a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow method or the fair value of the collateral. The ACL for C&I loans measured using a PD/LGD model is calculated based on the product of a cumulative PD and LGD, and the amortized cost basis determined for each loan over the remaining expected life of the loan, considering prepayments. PD estimates represent the point-in-time as of which the PD is developed for each C&I loan, updated quarterly based on industry historical loss experience, financial performance and market value indicators, and current and forecasted relevant forward-looking macroeconomic variables over the expected life of the loans to determine a lifetime term structure PD curve. The Corporation determines LGD estimates based on historical charge-off events and recovery payments, industry historical loss experience, specific attributes of the loans, such as loan to value, as well as relevant current and forecasted expectations for macroeconomic variables, such as, unemployment rates, interest rates, and market risk factors based on industry performance and the equity market, to determine a lifetime term structure LGD curve. Under this approach, the Corporation calculates losses for each loan for all future periods using the PD and LGD loss rates derived from the term structure curves applied to the amortized cost basis of the loans, considering prepayments. The Corporation determines the ACL for those C&I loans that it has determined, based upon current information and events, that it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms, and for any non-collateral dependent C&I loans that have been modified or are reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR, based on a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow methodology using PDs and LGDs developed as explained above. Under this approach, the Corporation adjusts all future cash flows (interest and principal) for each loan by the PDs and LGDs derived from the term structure curves and prepayments and then discount the adjusted cash flows at the effective interest rate as of the reporting date (original rate for TDRs) to arrive at the net present value of future cash flows and the ACL is calculated as the excess of the amortized cost basis over the net present value of future cash flows. The ACL for collateral dependent C&I loans is determined based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for undiscounted selling costs as appropriate.
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Construction - As of December 31, 2020, construction loans consisted generally of loans secured by real estate made to finance the construction of industrial, commercial, or residential buildings and included loans to finance land development in preparation for erecting new structures. These loans involve an inherently higher level of risk and sensitivity to market conditions. Demand from prospective tenants or purchasers may erode after construction begins because of a general economic slowdown or otherwise. For purposes of the ACL determination, the Corporation stratifies the construction loan portfolio by two main regions (i.e., the Puerto Rico/Virgin Island region and the Florida region). An internal risk rating (i.e., pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful, or loss) is assigned to each loan at the time of origination and monitored on a continuous basis with a formal assessment completed, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis. For construction loans, the Corporation calculates the ACL using a PD/LGD modeled approach, or individually for those loans that meet the definition of collateral dependent loans or loans that have been modified or are reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR. The ACL for construction loans measured using a PD/LGD model is calculated based on the product of a cumulative PD and LGD, and the amortized cost basis determined for each loan over the remaining expected life of the loan, considering prepayments. PD estimates represent the point-in-time as of which the PD is developed for each construction loan, updated quarterly based on, among other things, historical payment performance experience, industry historical loss experience, underlying type of collateral, and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables over the remaining expected life of the loans to determine a lifetime term structure PD curve. The Corporation determines LGD estimates based on historical charge-off events and recovery payments, industry historical loss experience, specific attributes of the loans, such as loan-to-value, debt service coverage ratios, and relevant current and forecasted macroeconomic variables, such as unemployment rates, GDP, interest rates, and real estate price indexes, to determine a lifetime term structure LGD curve. Under this approach, the Corporation calculates losses for each loan for all future periods using the PD and LGD loss rates derived from the term structure curves applied to the amortized cost basis of the loans, considering prepayments. The ACL for collateral dependent loans, including loans modified or reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR, is determined based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for undiscounted selling costs as appropriate.
Consumer - As of December 31, 2020, consumer loans generally consisted of unsecured and secured loans extended to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures, including several classes of products. For purposes of the ACL determination, the Corporation stratifies the portfolio by two main regions (i.e., the Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands region and the Florida region) and by the following five classes: (i) auto loans; (ii) finance leases; (iii) credit cards; (iv) personal loans; and (v) other consumer loans, such as open-end home equity revolving lines of credit and other types of consumer credit lines, among others.
For auto loans and finance leases, the Corporation calculates the ACL using a PD/LGD modeled approach, or individually for loans modified or reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR and performing in accordance with restructured terms. The ACL for auto loans and finance leases measured using a PD/LGD model is calculated based on the product of a PD, LGD, and the amortized cost basis determined for each loan over the remaining expected life of the loan, considering prepayments. PD estimates represent the point-in-time as of which the PD is developed for each loan, updated quarterly based on, among other things, the historical payment performance and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables, such as regional unemployment rates, over the expected life of the loans to determine a lifetime term structure PD curve. The Corporation determines LGD estimates primarily based on historical charge-off events and recovery payments to determine a lifetime term structure LGD curve. Under this approach, the Corporation calculates losses for each loan for all future periods using the PD and LGD loss rates derived from the term structure curves applied to the amortized cost basis of the loans, considering prepayments. For loans modified or reasonably expected to be modified in a TDR and performing in accordance with restructured terms, the Corporation determines the ACL based on a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow methodology using PDs and LGDs developed as explained above. Under this approach, all future cash flows (interest and principal) for each loan are adjusted by the PDs and LGDs derived from the term structure curves and prepayments and then discounted at the effective interest rate of the loan prior to the restructuring to arrive at the net present value of future cash flows and the ACL is calculated as the excess of the amortized cost basis over the net present value of future cash flows for each loan.
For the credit card and personal loan portfolios, the Corporation determines the ACL on a pool basis based on a product of PDs and LGDs developed considering historical losses for each origination vintage by length of loan terms, by geography, and by credit score. The PD and LGD for each cohort consider key macroeconomic variables, such as regional GDP, unemployment rates, and retail sales, among others. Under this approach, all future period losses for each instrument are calculated using the PDs and LGDs applied to the amortized cost basis of the loans, considering prepayments.
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In addition, home equity lines of credit that are 180 days or more past due are considered collateral dependent and are individually reviewed and charged-off, as needed, to the fair value of the collateral.
For the ACL determination of all portfolios, the expectations for relevant macroeconomic variables related to the Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands region consider an initial reasonable and supportable period of 2 years and a reversion period of up to 3 years, utilizing a straight-line approach and reverting back to the historical macroeconomic mean. For the Florida region, the methodology considers a reasonable and supportable forecast period and an implicit reversion towards the historical trend that varies for each macroeconomic variable, achieving the steady state by year 5. After the reversion period, a historical loss forecast period covering the remaining contractual life, adjusted for prepayments, is used based on the changes in key historical economic variables during representative historical expansionary and recessionary periods.
Refer to Note 9 - Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Finance Leases, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about reserve balances for each portfolio, activity during the period, and information about changes in circumstances that caused changes in the ACL for loans and finance leases during the year ended December 31, 2020.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures and Other Assets
The Corporation estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Corporation is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation. The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. As of December 31, 2020, the off-balance sheet credit exposures primarily consisted of unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit for commercial and construction loans. The Corporation utilized the PDs and LGDs derived from the above-explained methodologies for the commercial and construction loan portfolios. Under this approach, all future period losses for each loan are calculated using the PD and LGD loss rates derived from the term structure curves applied to the usage given default exposure. The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is included as part of accounts payable and other liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial condition with adjustments included as part of the provision for credit loss expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Refer to Note 9 - Allowance for Credit Losses for Loans and Finance Leases, to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about reserve balances for unfunded loan commitments, activity during the period, and information about changes in circumstances that caused changes in the ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures during the year ended December 31, 2020.
The Corporation also estimates expected credit losses for certain accounts receivable, primarily claims from government-guaranteed loans, loan servicing-related receivables, and other receivables. The ACL on other assets measured at amortized cost is included as part of other assets in the consolidated statement of financial condition with adjustments included as part of other non-interest expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Loans held for sale
Loans that the Corporation intends to sell or that the Corporation does not have the ability and intent to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held-for-sale loans. Loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Generally, the loans held-for-sale portfolio consists of conforming residential mortgage loans that the Corporation intends to sell to the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) and GSEs, such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and the U.S. Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). Generally, residential mortgage loans held for sale are valued on an aggregate portfolio basis and the value is primarily derived from quotations based on the MBS market. The amount by which cost exceeds market value in the aggregate portfolio of loans held for sale, if any, is accounted for as a valuation allowance with changes therein included in the determination of net income and reported as part of mortgage banking activities in the consolidated statements of income. Loan costs and fees are deferred at origination and are recognized in income at the time of sale. The fair value of commercial and construction loans held for sale, if any, is primarily derived from external appraisals, or broker price opinions that the Corporation considers, with changes in the valuation allowance reported as part of other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
In certain circumstances, the Corporation transfers loans from/to held for sale or held for investment based on a change in strategy. If such a change in holding strategy is made, significant adjustments to the loans’ carrying values may be necessary. Reclassifications of loans held for investment to held for sale are made at the amortized cost on the date of transfer and establish a new cost basis upon transfer. Write-downs of loans transferred from held for investment to held for sale are recorded as charge-offs at the time of transfer. Subsequent changes in value below amortized cost are reflected in non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Reclassifications of loans held for sale to held for investment are made at the amortized cost on the transfer date.
Transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities
After a transfer of financial assets in a transaction that qualifies for accounting as a sale, the Corporation derecognizes the financial assets when it has surrendered control, and derecognizes liabilities when they are extinguished.
A transfer of financial assets in which the Corporation surrenders control over the assets is accounted for as a sale to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests is received in exchange. The criteria that must be met to determine that the control over transferred assets has been surrendered include: (1) the assets must be isolated from creditors of the transferor; (2) the transferee must obtain the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets; and (3) the transferor cannot maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. When the Corporation transfers financial assets and the transfer fails any one of the above criteria, the Corporation is prevented from derecognizing the transferred financial assets and the transaction is accounted for as a secured borrowing.
Servicing assets
The Corporation recognizes as separate assets the rights to service loans for others, whether those servicing assets are originated or purchased. In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation sells residential mortgage loans (originated or purchased) to GNMA, which generally securitizes the transferred loans into MBS for sale into the secondary market. Also, certain conventional conforming loans are sold to FNMA or FHLMC, with servicing retained. When the Corporation sells mortgage loans, it recognizes any retained servicing right, based on its fair value.
Mortgage servicing rights (“servicing assets” or “MSRs”) retained in a sale or securitization arise from contractual agreements between the Corporation and investors in mortgage securities and mortgage loans. The value of MSRs is derived from the net positive cash flows associated with the servicing contracts. Under these contracts, the Corporation performs loan-servicing functions in exchange for fees and other remuneration. The servicing functions typically include: collecting and remitting loan payments, responding to borrower inquiries, accounting for principal and interest, holding custodial funds for payment of property taxes and insurance premiums, supervising foreclosures and property dispositions, and generally administering the loans. The MSRs, included as part of other assets in the statements of financial condition, entitle the Corporation to servicing fees based on the outstanding principal balance of the mortgage loans and the contractual servicing rate. The servicing fees are credited to income on a monthly basis when collected and recorded as part of mortgage banking activities in the consolidated statements of income. In addition, the Corporation generally receives other remuneration consisting of mortgagor-contracted fees such as late charges and prepayment penalties, which are credited to income when collected.
Considerable judgment is required to determine the fair value of the Corporation’s MSRs. Unlike highly liquid investments, the market value of MSRs cannot be readily determined because these assets are not actively traded in securities markets. The initial carrying value of an MSR is generally determined based on its fair value. The Corporation determines the fair value of the MSRs based on a combination of market information on trading activity (MSR trades and broker valuations), benchmarking of servicing assets (valuation surveys), and cash flow modeling. The valuation of the Corporation’s MSRs incorporates two sets of assumptions: (1) market-derived assumptions for discount rates, servicing costs, escrow earnings rates, floating earnings rates, and the cost of funds; and (2) market assumptions calibrated to the Corporation’s loan characteristics and portfolio behavior for escrow balances, delinquencies and foreclosures, late fees, prepayments, and prepayment penalties.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Once recorded, the Corporation periodically evaluates MSRs for impairment. Impairment occurs when the current fair value of the MSR is less than its carrying value. If an MSR is impaired, the impairment is recognized in current-period earnings and the carrying value of the MSR is adjusted through a valuation allowance. If the value of the MSR subsequently increases, the recovery in value is recognized in current period earnings and the carrying value of the MSR is adjusted through a reduction in the valuation allowance. For purposes of performing the MSR impairment evaluation, the servicing portfolio is stratified on the basis of certain risk characteristics, such as region, terms, and coupons. The Corporation conducts an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) analysis to evaluate whether a loss in the value of the MSR in a particular stratum, if any, is other than temporary or not. When the recovery of the value is unlikely in the foreseeable future, a write-down of the MSR in the stratum to its estimated recoverable value is charged to the valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate carrying value of the MSRs amounted to $33.1 million (2019 - $26.8 million).
The MSRs are amortized over the estimated life of the underlying loans based on an income forecast method as a reduction of servicing income. The income forecast method of amortization is based on projected cash flows. A particular periodic amortization is calculated by applying to the carrying amount of the MSRs the ratio of the cash flows projected for the current period to total remaining net MSR forecasted cash flow.
Premises and equipment
Premises and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of each type of asset. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the terms of the leases (i.e., the contractual term plus lease renewals that are reasonably assured) or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Costs of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets are expensed as incurred. Costs of renewals and betterments are capitalized. When the Corporation sells or disposes of assets, their cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings as part of other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income. When the asset is no longer used in operations, and the Corporation intends to sell it, the asset is reclassified to other assets held for sale and is reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Leases
The Corporation determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. Operating and finance lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the discount rate for the lease at the commencement date or at acquisition date in case of a business combination. As the rates implicit in the Corporation’s operating leases are not readily determinable, the Corporation generally uses an incremental borrowing rate based on information available at the commencement date to determine the present value of future lease payments. Operating right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and finance lease assets are generally recognized based on the amount of the initial measurement of the lease liability. The Corporation’s leases are primarily related to operating leases for the Bank’s branches and automated teller machines (“ATMs”). Most of the Corporation’s leases with operating ROU assets have terms of two years to thirty years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to seven years. The Corporation does not recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities that arise from short-term leases, primarily related to certain month-to-month ATM operating leases. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation did not have a lease that qualifies as a finance lease. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Corporation includes the lease ROU asset and lease liability as part of other assets and accounts payable and other liabilities, respectively, in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
Other real estate owned
OREO, which consists of real estate acquired in settlement of loans, is recorded at fair value minus estimated costs to sell the real estate acquired. Generally, loans have been written down to their net realizable value prior to foreclosure. Any further reduction to their net realizable value is recorded with a charge to the ACL at the time of foreclosure or shortly thereafter. Thereafter, gains or losses resulting from the sale of these properties and losses recognized on the periodic reevaluations of these properties are credited or charged to earnings and are included as part of net loss on OREO and OREO expenses in the consolidated statements of income. The cost of maintaining and operating these properties is expensed as incurred. The Corporation estimates fair values primarily based on appraisals, when available, and periodically reviews and updates the net realizable value.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Business Combinations
The Corporation accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the ASC Topic No. 805, “Business Combination” (“ASC 805”). Under ASC 805, a business combination is defined as a transaction or other event in which an acquirer obtains control of one or more businesses. In addition, under ASC 805, a business is considered to be an integrated set of activities and assets capable of being conducted and managed for the purpose of providing a return in the form of dividends, lower costs, or other economic benefits directly to investors or other owners, members, or participants. If the net assets acquired meet the definition of a business and the transaction meets the definition of a business combination in ASC 805, the transaction is accounted for using the acquisition method pursuant to ASC 805.
Under the acquisition method, the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The acquisition date is the date the acquirer obtains control. Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The Corporation has a measurement period, in which it may retrospectively adjust the initially recorded fair values to reflect new information obtained during the measurement period that, if known, would have affected the acquisition date fair value measurements. This measurement period cannot be more than one year after the acquisition date and ends as soon as the acquirer (i) receives the information it had been seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or (ii) learns that it cannot obtain further information. The Corporation determined that the aforementioned acquisition of BSPR, completed on September 1, 2020, constituted a business combination as defined by ASC 805. Refer to Note 2 - Business Combination, to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the BSPR acquisition and its impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Goodwill - Goodwill represents the cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) in transactions accounted for as business combinations. The Corporation allocates goodwill to the reporting unit(s) that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Once goodwill has been assigned to a reporting unit, it no longer retains its association with a particular acquisition, and all of the activities within a reporting unit, whether acquired or internally generated, are available to support the value of the goodwill. The Corporation tests goodwill for impairment at least annually as of October 1st of each year and more frequently if circumstances exist that indicate a possible reduction in the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. If, after assessing all relevant events or circumstances, the Corporation concludes that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value, then an impairment test is required. Every other year or when deemed necessary by any particular economic or Corporation specific circumstances, the Corporation bypasses the qualitative assessment and proceeds directly to a quantitative analysis. In addition to the goodwill recorded at the Commercial and Corporate, Consumer Retail, and Mortgage Banking reporting units in connection with the acquisition of BSPR in 2020, the Corporation’s goodwill is related to the United States (Florida) reporting unit.
There have been no significant events since the acquisition date related to the reporting units for which the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of BSPR was allocated that could indicate potential goodwill impairment. With respect to the test for impairment of the goodwill of the Florida reporting unit for 2020, the Corporation bypassed the qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative analysis. In determining the fair value of a reporting unit, which is based on the nature of the business and the reporting unit’s current and expected financial performance, the Corporation uses a combination of methods, including market price multiples of comparable companies, as well as a discounted cash flow analysis. The Corporation evaluates the results obtained under each valuation methodology to identify and understand the key value drivers in order to ascertain that the results obtained are reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The computations require management to make estimates and assumptions with regards to the fair value of its reporting unit. Actual values may differ significantly from these estimates. Such differences could result in future impairment of goodwill that would, in turn, negatively impact the Corporation’s results of operations and the profitability of the reporting unit where goodwill is recorded. Key assumptions that are used as part of these evaluations include:
 a selection of comparable publicly traded companies, based on size, performance,
and asset quality;
 a selection of comparable and public acquisition transactions of entities of similar sizes;
 the discount rate applied to future earnings, based on an estimate of the cost of equity;
 the potential future earnings of the reporting unit; and
 the market growth and new business assumptions.
For purposes of the market comparable approach, the valuation was determined based on market multiples for comparable companies and recent acquisition transactions and market participant assumptions applied to the reporting unit to derive an implied value of equity.
For purposes of the discounted cash flow analysis, the valuation was based on estimated future cash flows. The financial projections used in the discounted cash flow analysis for the reporting unit were based on the most recent available data. The growth assumptions included in these projections were based on management’s expectations of the reporting unit’s financial prospects as well as particular plans for the entity (i.e., restructuring plans). The cost of equity was estimated using the capital asset pricing model taking into account comparable companies, an equity risk premium, the rate of return of a “riskless” asset, a size premium based on the size of the reporting unit, and a company specific premium. The resulting discount rate was analyzed in terms of reasonability given current market conditions.
The evaluation of goodwill allocated to the Florida reporting unit, under both valuation approaches (market and discounted cash flow), indicated that the fair value of the unit exceeded the carrying amount of the unit, including goodwill, at the evaluation date (October 1).
The Corporation engaged a third-party valuation specialist to assist management in the annual evaluation of the Florida unit’s goodwill as of the October 1, 2020 valuation date. In reaching its conclusion on impairment, management discussed with the specialist the methodologies, assumptions, and results supporting the relevant values for the goodwill and determined that they were reasonable.
Based on the analyses discussed above, the Corporation determined that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2020 or 2019.
Intangible Assets subject to Amortization - The Corporation amortizes core deposit intangibles based on the projected useful lives of the related deposits, generally on a straight-line basis, and reviews these assets periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not exceed their fair value. The carrying value of core deposit intangible assets amounted to $35.8 million as of December 31, 2020 ($3.5 million as of December 31, 2019).
In connection with the acquisition of a FirstBank-branded credit card loan portfolio in 2012, the Corporation recognized at acquisition a purchased credit card relationship intangible of $24.5 million ($1.7 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively). In addition, in connection with the acquisition of BSPR in the third quarter of 2020, the Corporation recognized at acquisition a purchased credit card relation intangible of $3.8 million ($3.0 million as of December 31, 2020). Both transactions are being amortized on an accelerated basis based on the estimated attrition rate of the purchased credit card accounts, which reflects the Corporation’s estimate that it will realize the economic benefits of the intangible asset as the revenue stream generated by the cardholder relationship is realized. These benefits are consumed as the revenue stream generated by the cardholder relationship is realized. For further disclosures, refer to Note 14 - Goodwill and other Intangibles, to the consolidated financial statements.
In the first quarter of 2016, FirstBank Insurance Agency acquired certain insurance customer accounts and related customer records and recognized an insurance customer relationship intangible of $1.1 million ($0.3 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively), which the Corporation is amortizing on a straight-line basis. The list of accounts acquired has a direct relationship to previous mortgage loan portfolio acquisitions from Doral Bank and Doral Financial in 2015 and 2014, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For intangible assets subject to amortization, the Corporation recognizes an impairment loss if it determines that the carrying value of the intangible asset is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value. The carrying value of the intangible asset is considered to be not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. The Corporation performed impairment tests for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 and determined that intangible assets subject to amortization were not impaired.
Securities purchased and sold under agreements to repurchase
The Corporation accounts for securities purchased under resale agreements and securities sold under repurchase agreements as collateralized financing transactions. Generally, the Corporation records these agreements at the amount at which the securities were purchased or sold. The Corporation monitors the fair value of securities purchased and sold, and obtains collateral from, or returns it to, the counterparties when appropriate. These financing transactions do not create material credit risk given the collateral involved and the related monitoring process. The Corporation sells and acquires securities under agreements to repurchase or resell the same or similar securities. Generally, similar securities are securities from the same issuer, with identical form and type, similar maturity, identical contractual interest rates, similar assets as collateral, and the same aggregate unpaid principal amount. The counterparty to certain agreements may have the right to repledge the collateral by contract or custom. The Corporation presents such assets separately in the consolidated statements of financial condition as securities pledged with creditors’ rights to repledge. Repurchase and resale activities may be transacted under legally enforceable master repurchase agreements that give the Corporation, in the event of default by the counterparty, the right to liquidate securities held and to offset receivables and payables with the same counterparty. The Corporation offsets repurchase and resale transactions with the same counterparty in the consolidated statements of financial condition where it has such a legally enforceable right under a master netting agreement and the transactions have the same maturity date.
From time to time, the Corporation modifies repurchase agreements to take advantage of prevailing interest rates. Following applicable GAAP guidance, if the Corporation determines that the debt under the modified terms is substantially different from the original terms, the modification must be accounted for as an extinguishment of debt. The Corporation considers modified terms to be substantially different if the present value of the cash flows under the terms of the new debt instrument is at least 10% different from the present value of the remaining cash flows under the terms of the original instrument. The new debt instrument will be initially recorded at fair value, and that amount will be used to determine the debt extinguishment gain or loss to be recognized through the consolidated statements of income and the effective rate of the new instrument. If the Corporation determines that the debt under the modified terms is not substantially different, then the new effective interest rate is determined based on the carrying amount of the original debt instrument. The Corporation has determined that none of the repurchase agreements modified in the past were substantially different from the original terms, and, therefore, these modifications were not accounted for as extinguishments of debt.
Rewards liability
The Corporation offers products, primarily credit cards, that offer various rewards to reward program members, such as airline tickets, cash, or merchandise, based on account activity. The Corporation generally recognizes the cost of rewards as part of business promotion expenses when the rewards are earned by the customer and, at that time, records the corresponding reward liability. The Corporation determines the reward liability based on points earned to date that the Corporation expects to be redeemed and the average cost per point redemption. The reward liability is reduced as points are redeemed. In estimating the reward liability, the Corporation considers historical reward redemption behavior, the terms of the current reward program, and the card purchase activity. The reward liability is sensitive to changes in the reward redemption type and redemption rate, which is based on the expectation that the vast majority of all points earned will eventually be redeemed. The reward liability, which is included in other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition, totaled $7.5 million and $7.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Income taxes
The Corporation uses the asset and liability method for 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. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. The computation is based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to periods in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making such assessment, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified, including both positive and negative evidence. The authoritative guidance for accounting for income taxes requires the consideration of all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, tax planning strategies and future taxable income, exclusive of the impact of the reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards. In estimating taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions considering statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance. Refer to Note 27 - Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements, for additional information.
Under the authoritative accounting guidance, income tax benefits are recognized and measured based on a two-step analysis: 1) a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be recognized; and 2) the benefit is measured at the largest dollar amount of that position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon settlement. The difference between a benefit not recognized in accordance with this analysis and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an Unrecognized Tax Benefit (“UTB”). The Corporation classifies interest and penalties, if any, related to UTBs as components of income tax expense. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had UTBs in an aggregate amount of $1.0 million that it acquired from BSPR, which, if recognized, would decrease the effective income tax rate in future period.
Treasury stock
The Corporation accounts for treasury stock at par value. Under this method, the treasury stock account is increased by the par value of each share of common stock reacquired. Any excess amount paid per share over the par value is debited to additional paid-in capital for the amount per share that was originally credited. Any remaining excess is charged to retained earnings.
Stock-based compensation
Compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements for all share-based payment grants.
On May 24, 2016, the Corporation’s stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the First BanCorp. Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Omnibus Plan”), to, among other things, increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan, extend the term of the Omnibus Plan to May 24, 2026 and re-approve the material terms of the performance goals under the Omnibus Plan for purposes of the then-effective Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Omnibus Plan provides for equity-based and non-equity-based compensation incentives (the “awards”) through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards. The compensation cost for an award, determined based on the estimate of the fair value at the grant date (considering forfeitures and any post-vesting restrictions), is recognized over the period during which an employee or director is required to provide services in exchange for an award, which is the vesting period.
Stock-based compensation accounting guidance requires the Corporation to reverse compensation expense for any awards that are forfeited due to employee or director turnover. Quarterly changes in the estimated forfeiture rate may have a significant effect on share-based compensation, as the effect of adjusting the rate for all expense amortization is recognized in the period in which the forfeiture estimate changes. If the actual forfeiture rate is higher than the estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made to increase the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in a decrease in the expense recognized in the financial statements. If the actual forfeiture rate is lower than the estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made to decrease the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in an increase in the expense recognized in the financial statements. For additional information regarding the Corporation’s equity-based compensation and awards granted, refer to Note 22 - Stock-Based Compensation, to the consolidated financial statements.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income for First BanCorp. includes net income, as well as change in unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities and change in unrecognized pension and post retirement costs, net of estimated tax effects.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations
The Corporation maintains two frozen qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (the “Pension Plans”) (including a complementary post-retirements benefits plan covering medical benefits and life insurance after retirement) that it assumed in the BSPR acquisition.
Pension costs are computed on the basis of accepted actuarial methods and are charged to current operations. Net pension costs are based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plan, which include costs for services rendered during the period, interest costs and return on plan assets, as well as deferral and amortization of certain items such as actuarial gains or losses.
The funding policy is to contribute 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.
The cost of postretirement benefits, which is determined based on actuarial assumptions and estimates of the costs of providing these benefits in the future, is accrued during the years that the employee renders the required service.
The guidance for compensation retirement benefits of ASC Topic 715, “Retirement Benefits,” requires the recognition of the funded status of each defined pension benefit plan, retiree health care plan and other postretirement benefit plans on the statement of financial condition.
Segment information
The Corporation reports financial and descriptive information about its reportable segments. Operating segments are components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by management in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Corporation’s management determined that the segregation that best fulfills the segment definition described above is by lines of business for its operations in Puerto Rico, the Corporation’s principal market, and by geographic areas for its operations outside of Puerto Rico. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had the following six operating segments that are all reportable segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking; Mortgage Banking; Consumer (Retail) Banking; Treasury and Investments; United States Operations; and Virgin Islands Operations. Refer to Note 36 - Segment Information, to the consolidated financial statements, for additional information.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Valuation of financial instruments
The measurement of fair value is fundamental to the Corporation’s presentation of its financial condition and results of operations. The Corporation holds debt and equity securities, derivatives, and other financial instruments at fair value. The Corporation holds its investments and liabilities mainly to manage liquidity needs and interest rate risks. A meaningful part of the Corporation’s total assets is reflected at fair value on the Corporation’s financial statements.
The FASB’s authoritative guidance for fair value measurement defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy for classifying financial instruments. The hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. Three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1
Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2
Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.
Level 3
Valuations are based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.
Under the fair value accounting guidance, an entity has the irrevocable option to elect, on a contract-by-contract basis, to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value at the inception of the contract and, thereafter, to reflect any changes in fair value in current earnings. The Corporation did not make any fair value option election as of December 31, 2020 or 2019. See Note 30 - Fair Value, to the consolidated financial statements, for additional information.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Revenue from contract with customers
Refer to Note 31 - Revenue from contracts with customers, for a detailed description of the Corporation’s policies on the recognition and presentation of revenues from contracts with customers, including the income recognition for the insurance agency commissions’ revenue.
Earnings per common share
Earnings per share-basic is calculated by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares issued and outstanding. Net income attributable to common stockholders represents net income adjusted for any preferred stock dividends, including any preferred stock dividends declared but not yet paid, and any cumulative preferred stock dividends related to the current dividend period that have not been declared as of the end of the period. Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding excludes unvested shares of restricted stock that do not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights. The computation of diluted earnings per share is similar to the computation of basic earnings per share except that the number of weighted-average common shares is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the dilutive common shares had been issued, referred to as potential common shares.
Potential dilutive common shares consist of unvested shares of restricted stock that do not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights, warrants outstanding during the period and common stock issued under the assumed exercise of stock options, if any, using the treasury stock method. This method assumes that the potential dilutive common shares are issued and outstanding and the proceeds from the exercise, in addition to the amount of compensation cost attributable to future services, are used to purchase common stock at the exercise date. The difference between the number of potential dilutive shares issued and the shares purchased is added as incremental shares to the actual number of shares outstanding to compute diluted earnings per share. Unvested shares of restricted stock, stock options, and warrants outstanding during the period that result in lower potential dilutive shares issued than shares purchased under the treasury stock method are not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share since their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share. Potential dilutive common shares also include performance units that do not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights if the performance condition is met as of the end of the reporting period.
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2020
Accounting for Financial Instruments - Credit Losses
On January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted ASC 326, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with a current expected credit loss methodology (“CECL”) to estimate the ACL for the remaining estimated life of certain financial assets. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans held for investment and held-to-maturity debt securities. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (e.g., unfunded loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments). In addition, ASC 326 made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available-for-sale debt securities that management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not that the Corporation will not be required to sell such securities.
The Corporation adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans held for investment and held-to-maturity debt securities, and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table illustrates the transition adjustment impact of ASC 326:
(In thousands)
January 1, 2020
ACL Under ASC 326
Pre-ASC 326
Impact of ASC 326
Adoption Date
Adoption
Adoption
Assets:
ACL on debt securities held to maturity
$
8,134
$
-
$
8,134
ACL on loans and finance leases
Residential mortgage loans
$
94,643
$
44,806
$
49,837
Commercial mortgage loans
19,888
39,194
(19,306)
C&I loans
29,929
15,198
14,731
Construction loans
3,167
2,370
Consumer loans
88,677
53,571
35,106
Total ACL on loans and finance leases
$
236,304
$
155,139
$
81,165
Liabilities:
ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposure
$
3,922
$
-
$
3,922
Pre-tax effect in beginning retained earnings
$
248,360
$
155,139
$
93,221
Balance sheet reclassification (1)
Tax effect
(31,333)
After-tax effect in beginning retained earnings
$
62,322
(1) Reflects the effect of the release of the excess of the previously-established ACL for PCD loans over the ACL determined for such loans following the CECL methodology, which resulted in a corresponding decrease to loans.
The Corporation adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for debt securities for which OTTI had been recognized prior to January 1, 2020, such as available-for-sale private label MBS. As a result, the amortized cost basis for such debt securities remained the same before and after the effective date of ASC 326. The effective interest rate on these debt securities was not changed. Amounts previously recognized in OCI as of January 1, 2020 relating to improvements in cash flows expected to be collected are accreted into income over the remaining life of the asset. Recoveries of amounts previously written off relating to improvements in cash flows after January 1, 2020 are recorded in earnings when received.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Subsequent Measurement of Goodwill
In January 2017, the FASB updated the Codification to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the two-step goodwill impairment test. Step 1 involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is not considered impaired. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and a second step is required to measure the amount of the impairment. Step 2, when necessary, calculates an implied fair value of the goodwill impairment for each reporting unit for which Step 1 indicated a potential impairment. The 2017 guidance provides that a goodwill impairment test must be conducted by comparing the estimated fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. Entities must recognize an impairment charge for goodwill that is equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the reporting unit’s fair value. Entities have the option to perform a qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment is necessary. This guidance took effect for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. This guidance does not currently have an impact on the Corporation’s financial statements; however, if subsequent to adoption, the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its respective fair values, the Corporation would be required to recognize an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the fair value. In 2020, the Corporation bypassed the qualitative assessment and performed a quantitative analysis to test the goodwill of the Florida reporting unit for impairment. The Corporation determined that goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2020 based on the results of the test conducted as of October 1, 2020.
Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement
In August 2018, the FASB updated the Codification and amended ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” to add, remove, and modify fair value measurement disclosure requirements. The requirements that were removed for public entities include disclosure about: (i) transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; (ii) the policy for determining when transfers between any of the three levels have occurred; and (iii) the valuation processes used for Level 3 measurements. The disclosure requirements that were modified for public entities include: (i) for certain investments in entities that calculate the net asset value, revisions to require disclosures about the timing of liquidation and lapses of redemption restrictions, if the latter has been communicated to the reporting entity; and (ii) revisions to clarify that the disclosure of Level 3 measurement uncertainty should communicate information about the uncertainty as of the balance sheet date. The additional or new disclosure requirements include: (i) the changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period must be included in OCI for recurring Level 3 instruments held as of the balance sheet date; and (ii) the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 measurements must be disclosed, but an entity has the option to disclose other quantitative information in place of the weighted average to the extent that it would be a more reasonable and rational method to reflect the distribution of certain unobservable inputs.
This update took effect for all entities in fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Immediate early adoption was permitted for any of the removed or modified disclosures even if adoption of the new disclosures was delayed until the effective date. In the third quarter of 2018, the Corporation early adopted the amendments that removed or modified disclosure requirements. The adoption of additional or new disclosure requirements required by the update during the first quarter of 2020 did not affect the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements as the Corporation’s Level 3 instruments consisted primarily of available-for-sale private label MBS for which unrealized gains and losses are recognized in OCI and information about significant inputs for the fair value determination has been provided historically.
Collaborative Arrangements
In November 2018, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the interaction between ASC Topic 808, “Collaborative Arrangements” (“ASC Topic 808”), and ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC Topic 606”). The guidance (i) clarifies that certain transactions between collaborative arrangement participants should be accounted for under the ASC Topic 606 guidance; (ii) adds unit of account guidance to ASC Topic 808 to align with ASC Topic 606; and (iii) clarifies presentation guidance for transactions with a collaborative arrangement participant that is not accounted for under ASC Topic 606. The guidance took effect for annual reporting periods beginning after December 1, 2019, including interim reporting periods within these annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance during the first quarter of 2020 did not have an effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements or results of operations.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Reference Rate Reform
In March 2020, the FASB issued new accounting guidance related to the effects of the reference rate reform on financial reporting (“ASC Topic 848”). The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions to applying GAAP to contract modifications that replace an interest rate impacted by reference rate reform (e.g., LIBOR) with a new alternative reference rate. The guidance is applicable to investment securities, receivables, loans, debt, leases, derivatives and hedge accounting elections and other contractual arrangements. In January 2021, the FASB issued an update which refines the scope of ASC Topic 848 and clarifies some of its guidance as part of the FASB’s monitoring of global reference rate reform activities. The update permits entities to elect certain optional expedients and exceptions when accounting for derivative contracts and certain hedging relationships affected by changes in the interest rates used for discounting cash flows, for computing variation margin settlements, and for calculating price alignment interest in connection with reference rate reform activities under way in global financial markets. The guidance, may be adopted on any date on or after March 12, 2020. However, the relief is temporary and generally cannot be applied to contract modifications that occur after December 31, 2022 or hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after that date. As of the date hereof, the Corporation has not made any contract modification in connection with the reference rate reform.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Effective or Not Yet Adopted
Income Tax Simplification
In December 2019, the FASB issued new guidance to simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles and the accounting related to areas such as franchise taxes, step-up in tax basis, goodwill, separate entity financial statements and interim recognition of enactment of tax laws or rate changes. For public business entities, the standard will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. The Corporation is evaluating the impact of adopting this new accounting guidance, if any, on its consolidated financial statements.
Accounting for Equity Securities and Certain Derivatives
In January 2020, the FASB issued new guidance to clarify the accounting for equity securities under ASC Topic 321, “Investments - Equity Securities” (“ASC 321”); investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting in ASC Topic 323, “Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures”; and the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options accounted for under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”). The guidance clarifies that an entity should consider observable transactions that result in either applying or discontinuing the equity method of accounting for the purpose of applying the measurement alternative provided by ASC 321, which allows certain equity securities without a readily determinable fair value to be measured at cost, less any impairment. When an entity accounts for an investment in equity securities under the measurement alternative and is required to transition to the equity method of accounting because of an observable transaction, it should remeasure the investment at fair value immediately before applying the equity method of accounting. Likewise, when an entity accounts for an investment in equity securities under the equity method of accounting and is required to transition to ASC 321 because of an observable transaction, it should remeasure the investment at fair value immediately after discontinuing the equity method of accounting. These amendments align the accounting for equity securities under the measurement alternative with that of other equity securities accounted for under ASC 321, reducing diversity in accounting outcomes. The guidance also clarifies that, when determining the accounting for nonderivative forward contracts and purchased options, an entity should not consider whether the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method or fair value option upon settlement or exercise. These instruments will not fail to meet the scope of ASC 815-10 solely because the securities would be accounted for under the equity method upon settlement of the contract or exercise of the option. For public business entities, the standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020, including interim reporting periods within those fiscal years. The Corporation does not expect that the adoption of this standard will have an effect on its consolidated financial statements.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 2 - BUSINESS COMBINATION
Effective as of September 1, 2020, the Corporation completed its previously announced acquisition of BSPR pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement. The transaction was structured as an all-cash acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Santander Bancorp, a financial holding company that offered a full range of financial services through its banking subsidiary BSPR, a corporation incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the sole shareholder of Santander Insurance Agency, Inc. The preliminary consideration for the acquisition amounted to approximately (i) $387.8 million for 117.5% of BSPR’s core tangible common equity, comprised of a $57.8 million premium on $330 million of core tangible common equity, plus (ii) $892.2 million for BSPR’s excess capital (paid at par), which represents the estimated closing payment pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement.
As part of the conditions to close, Santander Holdings USA, Inc., Santander Bancorp’s parent, agreed to sell or otherwise transfer to Santander Holdings USA, Inc., any of its affiliates or any other third party (other than BSPR) (i) all non-performing assets (along with all collateral and rights to collection related thereto) of BSPR (the “Non-Performing Assets Transfer”), and (ii) Santander Asset Management, LLC, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Santander Bancorp.
The acquisition of BSPR expands the Corporation’s presence in Puerto Rico, increases its operational scale and strengthens its competitiveness in consumer, commercial, business banking, and residential lending. The acquisition also allowed the Corporation to increase its deposit base at a lower cost, which enhances FirstBank’s funding and risk profile.
The Corporation accounted for the acquisition as a business combination in accordance with ASC 805. Accordingly, the Corporation recorded the assets and liabilities assumed, as of the date of the acquisition, at their respective fair values and allocated to goodwill the excess of the merger consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired. The determination of fair value requires management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions and other future events that are highly subjective in nature and subject to change. Fair value estimates related to the acquired assets and liabilities are subject to adjustment for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to the closing date fair values becomes available and such information is considered final, whichever is earlier. Since the acquisition, the Corporation has made a net adjustment to goodwill of approximately $4.2 million, primarily related to post-closing purchase price adjustments to account for differences between BSPR’s actual excess capital at closing date compared to the BSPR’s excess capital amount used for the preliminary closing statement at acquisition date, and may in the future make further adjustments to goodwill.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the preliminary consideration and estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed from BSPR as of September 1, 2020 under the acquisition method of accounting:
Fair Value as Originally
Measurement Period
Fair Value as
(In thousands)
Recorded
Adjustments
Remeasured
Total purchase price consideration
$
1,277,626
$
2,798
$
1,280,424
Fair value of assets acquired:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,684,252
$
-
$
1,684,252
Investment securities
1,167,225
-
1,167,225
Residential mortgage loans
807,637
(216)
807,421
Commercial mortgage loans
740,919
-
740,919
Commercial and Industrial loans
752,154
-
752,154
Consumer loans
214,206
-
214,206
Loans, net
2,514,916
(216)
2,514,700
Premises and equipment, net
12,499
-
12,499
Intangible assets
39,232
-
39,232
Other assets
144,008
(352)
143,656
Total assets and identifiable
intangible assets acquired
5,562,132
(568)
5,561,564
Fair value of liabilities assumed:
Deposits
$
4,194,940
$
-
$
4,194,940
Other liabilities
95,869
96,734
Total liabilities assumed
4,290,809
4,291,674
Fair value of net assets and identifiable
intangible assets acquired
1,271,323
(1,433)
1,269,890
Goodwill
$
6,303
$
4,231
$
10,534
The application of the acquisition method of accounting resulted in goodwill of $10.5 million, a core deposit intangible of $35.4 million, and purchased credit card relationships of $3.8 million, which are included in the Corporation’s consolidated statement of financial condition. Goodwill recognized in this transaction is not deductible for income tax purposes. Refer to Note 14 - Goodwill, to the consolidated financial statements, for additional information about goodwill and other intangibles recognized as part of the transaction.
As of December 31, 2020, the purchase price remains subject to final adjustments as certain estimates related to the acquired loan portfolio, intangible assets, and certain other assets and liabilities are subject to continuing refinement. The Corporation continues to review information relating to events or circumstances existing as of the acquisition date and expects to finalize its analysis of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities over the next few months. Management anticipates that this review could result in adjustments to the acquisition date valuation amounts presented herein but does not anticipate that these adjustments, if any, would be material.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Fair Value of Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed
The methods used to determine the fair values of the significant identifiable assets and liabilities assumed are described below:
Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, and interest-earning deposits with banks and the Federal Reserve System. The Corporation determined that the fair values of financial instruments that are short-term or re-price frequently and that have little or no risk approximate the carrying values.
Investment securities available for sale and held to maturity - The fair values of securities available for sale were based on observable inputs obtained from market transactions in similar securities. The fair value of held to maturity securities acquired in the BSPR acquisition, consisting of Puerto Rico municipal bonds, was determined based on the discounted cash flow method used for the valuation of loans described below. These held to maturity securities were identified as PCD debt securities at acquisition and had a fair value of $55.5 million and a contractual balance of $67.1 million as of the acquisition date. The Corporation established an initial ACL for PCD debt securities of $1.3 million, which represents the discount embedded in the purchase price that is attributable to credit losses, through an adjustment to the acquired debt securities amortized cost and the ACL.
Loans - The Corporation calculated the fair value of loans acquired in the BSPR acquisition using an income approach. Under this approach, fair value is measured by the present value of the net economic benefits to be received over the life of the loan. The fair value was estimated based on a discounted cash flow method under which the present value of the contractual cash flows was calculated based on certain valuation assumptions such as default rates, loss severity, and prepayment rates, consistent with the Corporation’s CECL methodology, and discounted using a market rate of return that accounts for both the time value of money and investment risk factors. The discount rate utilized to analyze fair value considered the cost of funds rate, capital charge, servicing costs, and liquidity premium, mostly based on industry standards. The Corporation segmented the loan portfolio into two groups: non-PCD loans and PCD loans. Then loans within each group were pooled based on similar characteristics, such as loan type (i.e., residential mortgage, commercial and industrial, and consumer loans), credit scores, loan-to-value, fixed or adjustable interest rates, and credit risk ratings. The Corporation valued commercial mortgage loans at the loan level. Non-PCD loans and PCD loans had a fair value of $1.8 billion and $752.8 million, respectively, as of the acquisition date and a contractual balance of $1.8 billion and $786.0 million, respectively, as of the same date. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, there was no carryover of the ACL that had been previously recorded by BSPR. The Corporation recorded an initial ACL of $38.9 million for non-PCD loans (including unfunded commitments) through an increase to the provision for credit losses. The Corporation established an initial ACL for PCD loans of $28.7 million through an adjustment to the acquired loan balance and the ACL.
Core deposit intangible (“CDI”) - The Corporation determined the CDI on non-maturing deposits by evaluating the underlying characteristics of the deposit relationships, including customer attrition, deposit interest rates and maintenance costs, and costs of alternative funding using the discounted cash flow approach. Under this method, the value of the core deposit intangible was measured by the present value of the difference, or spread, between the ongoing cost of the acquired deposit base and the cost of the next best alternative source of funding, to be amortized using a straight-line method over a weighted average useful life of 5.7years.
Purchased credit card receivable intangible (“PCCR”) - PCCR is the value of credit card client relationships that were acquired in the business combination. The Corporation computed the fair value using a multi-period cash flow model, which it discounted using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate. This measure of fair value requires considerable judgments about future events, including customer retention and attrition estimates. The fair value is amortized using an accelerated method over a useful life of 3 years.
Deposits - The fair values used for non-maturity deposits such as demand and savings deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. In determining the fair value of certificates of deposit, the cash flows of the contractual interest payments during the specific period of the certificates of deposit and scheduled principal payout were discounted to present value at market-based interest rates. The fair value is amortized over a weighted average useful life of 1.2 years based on the maturity buckets for the time deposits established in the valuation determination.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following table presents the unaudited combined pro forma results as if the acquisition of BSPR had been completed on January 1, 2019 and includes the impact of amortizing and accreting certain estimated purchase accounting adjustments, such as for intangible assets, as well as the impact of fair value adjustments to loans and deposits. In addition, the initial ACL for non-PCD loans acquired from BSPR of approximately $38.9 million recorded in the year ended December 31, 2020 was eliminated as a pro forma adjustment to the net income in 2020 given the pro forma assumes the acquisition occurred on January 1, 2019, where the recognition of the adjustment related to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 would have been recorded as a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings rather-than in earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020. These estimates are subject to change under the one-year remeasurement period. The pro forma information does not necessarily indicate the financial results of the combined companies had the companies actually been combined at the beginning of the period presented or the results that may be achieved in the future. The unaudited pro forma information also does not consider any potential impacts of potential revenue enhancements, anticipated cost savings and expense efficiencies, or asset dispositions, among other factors.
Unaudited Pro Forma Results
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
Net interest income
$
722,556
$
789,938
Non-interest income
132,180
129,303
Net income
183,972
213,311
Pro-forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2020 were adjusted to exclude the $26.5 million and $2.0 million of merger and restructuring costs incurred by the Corporation and BSPR, respectively, in 2020. Pro-forma earnings for the year ended December 31, 2019 were adjusted to include these costs.
Disclosure of the amount of revenue and net income of BSPR since the effective date of the acquisition included in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of income is impracticable due to the integration of operations and accounting for mergers and acquisitions.
Merger and Restructuring Costs
Upon completion of the acquisition, the Corporation began to integrate BSPR’s operations into FirstBank’s operations. Over the next several months, the Corporation expects to refine the integration process, which the Corporation expects to complete during the second and third quarters of 2021. Management is still in the process of assessing personnel, technology systems, service contracts and other key factors to determine the most beneficial structure for the combined company. Certain decisions arising from these assessments may involve changes in information systems, cancellations of existing contracts and other actions. To the extent there are costs associated with these actions, the costs will be recognized based on the nature and timing of these integration actions. Most acquisition and restructuring costs are expensed, as incurred. The Corporation recognized cumulative acquisition expenses of $37.9 million through December 31, 2020, of which $26.5 million and $11.4 million were incurred during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Acquisition expenses were included in merger and restructuring costs in the consolidated statements of income, and consisted primarily of legal fees, severance and personnel-related costs, valuation services, systems conversion, and other integration efforts.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 3 - RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS
The Corporation’s bank subsidiary, FirstBank, is required by law to maintain minimum average weekly reserve balances to cover demand deposits. The amount of those minimum average weekly reserve balances for the period that ended December 31, 2020 was $883.8 million (2019 - $422.1 million). As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Bank complied with the requirement. Cash and due from banks as well as other highly liquid securities are used to cover the required average reserve balances.
As of December 31, 2020, and as required by the Puerto Rico International Banking Law, the Corporation maintained $300,000 in time deposits, which were considered restricted assets related to FirstBank Overseas Corporation, an international banking entity that is a subsidiary of FirstBank.
NOTE 4 - MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS
Money market investments are composed of time deposits, overnight deposits with other financial institutions, and other short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less.
Money market investments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Time deposits with other financial institutions (1) (2)
$
$
Overnight deposits with other financial institutions (3)
59,091
96,228
Other short-term investments (4)
1,181
1,180
$
60,572
$
97,708
(1) Consists of restricted time deposits required by the Puerto Rico International Banking Law.
(2) Weighted-average interest rate of 0.45% and 1.00% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(3) Weighted-average interest rate of 0.15% and 1.63% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(4) Weighted-average interest rate of 0.11% as of each December 31, 2020 and 2019.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation had no money market investments pledged as collateral.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES
Investment Securities Available for Sale
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses recorded in OCI, ACL, estimated fair value, and weighted-average yield of investment securities available for sale by contractual maturities as of December 31, 2020 were as follows:
December 31, 2020
Amortized cost
Gross
ACL
Fair value
Unrealized
Weighted-
Gains
Losses
average yield%
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities:
Due within one year
$
7,498
$
$
-
$
-
$
7,507
1.65
U.S. government-sponsored
agencies' obligations:
Due within one year
24,413
-
-
24,686
1.95
After 1 to 5 years
691,668
-
692,289
0.57
After 5 to 10 years
441,454
-
441,928
0.83
After 10 years
21,413
-
-
21,264
0.65
Puerto Rico government obligations:
After 10 years (1)
3,987
-
2,899
6.97
United States and Puerto Rico
government obligations
1,190,433
2,014
1,566
1,190,573
0.72
MBS:
FHLMC certificates:
After 1 to 5 years
-
-
4.86
After 5 to 10 years
60,773
2,850
-
-
63,623
2.15
After 10 years
1,070,984
15,340
-
1,086,165
1.38
1,131,832
18,198
-
1,149,871
1.42
GNMA certificates:
Due within one year
-
-
-
1.93
After 1 to 5 years
26,918
1,080
-
-
27,998
2.91
After 5 to 10 years
40,727
-
40,786
0.42
After 10 years
614,584
16,271
-
630,707
1.27
682,230
17,479
-
699,492
1.29
FNMA certificates:
After 1 to 5 years
24,812
-
-
25,703
2.81
After 5 to 10 years
110,832
5,783
-
-
116,615
2.13
After 10 years
1,154,707
23,459
-
1,177,963
1.53
1,290,351
30,133
-
1,320,281
1.61
Collateralized mortgage obligations
issued or guaranteed by the FHLMC
FNMA and GNMA:
After 1 to 5 years
-
-
0.81
After 5 to 10 years
18,438
-
-
18,590
0.80
After 10 years
258,069
1,019
-
258,597
1.56
277,045
1,171
-
277,724
1.51
Private label:
After 10 years
12,310
-
2,880
1,002
8,428
2.25
Total MBS
3,393,768
66,981
3,951
1,002
3,455,796
1.47
Other
After 1 to 5 years
-
-
-
2.94
Total investment securities
available for sale
$
4,584,851
$
68,995
$
5,517
$
1,310
$
4,647,019
1.28
(1) Consists of a residential pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA that is collateralized by certain second mortgages originated under a program launched by the Puerto Rico government in 2010.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses recorded in OCI, estimated fair value, and weighted-average yield of investment securities available for sale by contractual maturities as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:
December 31, 2019
Amortized cost
Gross
Fair value
Unrealized
Weighted-
Gains
Losses
average yield%
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities:
After 1 to 5 years
$
7,478
$
$
-
$
7,479
1.65
U.S. government-sponsored
agencies' obligations:
Due within one year
93,299
93,296
1.67
After 1 to 5 years
142,513
143,137
2.12
After 5 to 10 years
63,764
63,779
2.33
After 10 years
24,624
-
24,508
2.00
Puerto Rico government obligations:
After 5 to 10 years
4,000
-
4,348
5.12
After 10 years (1)
4,166
-
1,192
2,974
6.97
United States and Puerto Rico
government obligations
339,844
1,293
1,616
339,521
2.11
MBS:
FHLMC certificates:
After 5 to 10 years
81,418
81,779
2.16
After 10 years
424,316
3,873
427,431
2.50
505,734
4,462
509,210
2.44
GNMA certificates:
After 1 to 5 years
4,357
-
4,402
3.26
After 5 to 10 years
42,303
-
42,910
2.77
After 10 years
258,944
7,126
265,570
3.03
305,604
7,778
312,882
3.00
FNMA certificates:
After 1 to 5 years
19,779
20,191
2.79
After 5 to 10 years
140,599
1,257
141,215
2.14
After 10 years
700,213
9,006
1,208
708,011
2.58
860,591
10,678
1,852
869,417
2.51
Collateralized mortgage obligations
issued or guaranteed by the FHLMC,
FNMA and GNMA:
After 1 to 5 years
-
2.43
After 10 years
80,130
80,272
2.76
80,738
80,879
2.75
Private label:
After 10 years
15,997
-
4,881
11,116
3.90
Total MBS
1,768,664
23,280
8,440
1,783,504
2.60
Other
After 1 to 5 years
-
-
2.95
Total investment securities
available for sale
$
2,109,008
$
24,573
$
10,056
$
2,123,525
2.52
(1) Consists of a residential pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA that is collateralized by certain second mortgages originated under a program launched by the Puerto Rico government in 2010.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Maturities of MBS are based on the period of final contractual maturity. Expected maturities of investments might differ from contractual maturities because they may be subject to prepayments and/or call options. The weighted-average yield on investment securities available for sale is based on amortized cost and, therefore, does not give effect to changes in fair value. The net unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale is presented as part of OCI.
The aggregate amortized cost and approximate market value of investment securities available for sale as of December 31, 2020 by contractual maturity are shown below:
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)
United States and Puerto Rico government obligations, and
other debt securities:
Within 1 year
$
31,911
$
32,193
After 1 to 5 years
692,318
692,939
After 5 to 10 years
441,454
441,928
After 10 years
25,400
24,163
1,191,083
1,191,223
MBS and collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
3,393,768
3,455,796
Total investment securities available for sale
$
4,584,851
$
4,647,019
(1) The expected maturities of MBS and collateralized mortgage obligations may differ from their contractual maturities because they may be subject to prepayments.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following tables show the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment securities fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019. The tables also include debt securities for which an ACL was recorded as of December 31, 2020 or a credit loss was charged against the amortized cost basis of the debt security prior to the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020.
As of December 31, 2020
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrealized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
(In thousands)
Debt securities:
Puerto Rico-government obligations
$
-
$
-
$
2,899
$
$
2,899
$
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government
agencies’ obligations
425,155
23,377
448,532
MBS:
FNMA
93,509
-
-
93,509
FHLMC
89,292
-
-
89,292
GNMA
70,504
-
-
70,504
Collateralized mortgage obligations
issued or guaranteed by the FHLMC,
FNMA and GNMA
104,500
9,761
114,261
Private label MBS
-
-
8,428
2,880
8,428
2,880
$
782,960
$
1,610
$
44,465
$
3,907
$
827,425
$
5,517
As of December 31, 2019
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrealized
Unrealized
Unrealized
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
(In thousands)
Debt securities:
Puerto Rico-government obligations
$
-
$
-
$
2,974
$
1,192
$
2,974
$
1,192
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government
agencies’ obligations
45,073
99,764
144,837
MBS:
FNMA
58,668
173,708
1,353
232,376
1,852
FHLMC
74,134
63,864
137,998
GNMA
79,145
7,203
86,348
Collateralized mortgage obligations
issued or guaranteed by the FHLMC,
FNMA and GNMA
21,873
-
-
21,873
Private label MBS
-
-
11,116
4,881
11,116
4,881
$
278,893
$
1,634
$
358,629
$
8,422
$
637,522
$
10,056
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
During 2020, proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investment securities amounted to $1.2 billion, including gross realized gains of $13.3 million and gross realized losses of $0.1 million. The $13.2 million net gain was realized on tax-exempt securities or was realized at the tax-exempt international banking entity subsidiary, which had no effect on the income tax expense recorded during the year ended December 31, 2020. There were no sales of securities available for sale during 2019. During 2018, total proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale investment securities amounted to $47.8 million. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Corporation recorded a loss of approximately $59 thousand on the sale of U.S. agencies MBS and a gain of approximately $22 thousand on the sale of the U.S. agency callable debt securities.
Assessment for Credit Losses
Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies, U.S. GSEs, and the U.S. Treasury, including notes and MBS, accounted for approximately 99% of the total available-for-sale portfolio as of December 31, 2020, and the Corporation expects no credit losses, given the explicit and implicit guarantees provided by the U.S. federal government. Because the decline in fair value is attributable to changes in interest rates, and not credit quality, and because the Corporation does not have the intent to sell these U.S. government and agencies debt securities and it is likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before their anticipated recovery, the Corporation does not consider impairments on these securities to be credit related as of December 31, 2020. The Corporation’s credit loss assessment was concentrated mainly on private label MBS, and on Puerto Rico government debt securities, for which credit losses are evaluated on a quarterly basis. The Corporation considered the following factors in determining whether a credit loss existed and the period over which the debt security was expected to recover:
 Any adverse change to the credit conditions and liquidity of the issuer, taking into consideration the latest information available about the financial condition of the issuer, credit ratings, the failure of the issuer to make scheduled principal or interest payments, recent legislation and government actions affecting the issuer’s industry, and actions taken by the issuer to deal with the present economic climate;
 Changes in the near term prospects of the underlying collateral for a security, if any, such as changes in default rates, loss severity given a default, and significant changes in prepayment assumptions; and
 The level of cash flows generated from the underlying collateral, if any, supporting the principal and interest payments of the debt securities.
The Corporation’s available-for-sale MBS portfolio included private label MBS with a fair value of $8.4 million, which had unrealized losses of approximately $3.9 million as of December 31, 2020 of which $1.0 million is due to credit deterioration and was charged against earnings through an ACL. The interest rate on these private-label MBS is variable, tied to 3-month LIBOR and limited to the weighted-average coupon on the underlying collateral. The underlying collateral are fixed-rate, single-family residential mortgage loans in the United States with original FICO scores over 700 and moderate loan-to-value ratios (under 80%), as well as moderate delinquency levels. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation did not have the intent to sell these securities and determined that it was likely that it will not be required to sell the securities before anticipated recovery. The Corporation determined the ACL for private label MBS based on a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow methodology that considers the structure and terms of the instruments. The Corporation utilized PDs and LGDs that consider, among other things, historical payment performance, loan-to value attributes and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables, such as regional unemployment rates and the housing price index. Under this approach, all future cash flows (interest and principal) from the underlying collateral loans, adjusted by prepayments and the PDs and LGDs derived from the above-described methodology, were discounted at the effective interest rate as of the reporting date. Significant assumptions in the valuation of the private label MBS were as follows:
As of
As of
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Weighted
Range
Weighted
Range
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Discount rate
12.2%
12.2%
12.2%
13.7%
13.7%
13.7%
Prepayment rate
12.1%
1.2%
18.8%
7.9%
6.8%
10.3%
Projected Cumulative Loss Rate
10.2%
2.6%
22.3%
2.8%
0.0%
7.4%
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation evaluates if a credit loss exists, primarily by monitoring adverse variances in the present value of expected cash flows. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for these private label MBS was $1.0 million, consisting of a $1.3 million provision recorded in 2020 and charge-offs amounting to $0.3 million taken against the reserve in the second half of 2020. The ACL established was based on a decline in the present value of expected cash flows taking into consideration the effect of forecasted economic conditions affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio also included a residential pass-through MBS issued by the PRHFA, collateralized by certain second mortgages, with a fair value of $2.9 million, which had an unrealized loss of approximately $1.1 million. Approximately $0.3 million of the unrealized losses was due to credit deterioration and was charged against the provision for credit losses. The underlying second mortgage loans were originated under a program launched by the Puerto Rico government in 2010. This residential pass-through MBS was structured as a zero-coupon bond for the first ten years (up to July 2019). The underlying source of payment on this residential pass-through MBS is second mortgage loans in Puerto Rico. PRHFA, not the Puerto Rico government, provides a guarantee in the event of default and subsequent foreclosure of the properties underlying the second mortgage loans. Based on the quarterly analysis performed, in the second quarter of 2020, the Corporation recorded charges to the provision for credit losses of $0.3 million for this residential pass-through MBS. The Corporation determined the ACL on this instrument based on a risk-adjusted discounted cash flow methodology that considered the structure and terms of the underlying collateral. The Corporation utilized PDs and LGDs that considered, among other things, historical payment performance, loan-to value attributes and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables, such as regional unemployment rates, the housing price index and expected recovery from the PRHFA guarantee. Under this approach, all future cash flows (interest and principal) from the underlying collateral loans, adjusted by prepayments and the PDs and LGDs derived from the above-described methodology, were discounted at the internal rate of return as of the reporting date and compared to the amortized cost. In the event that the second mortgage loans default and the collateral is insufficient to satisfy the outstanding balance of this residential pass-through MBS, PRHFA’s ability to honor its insurance will depend on, among other factors, the financial condition of PRHFA at the time such obligation becomes due and payable. Further deterioration of the Puerto Rico economy or fiscal health of the PRHFA could impact the value of these securities, resulting in additional losses to the Corporation. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation did not have the intent to sell this security and determined that it was likely that it will not be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery.
The following table presents a rollforward by major security type for the year ended December 31, 2020 of the ACL on debt securities available-for-sale:
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Private label MBS
Puerto Rico Government Obligations
Total
(In thousands)
Beginning Balance
$
-
$
-
$
-
Additions for securities for which no previous expected credit
losses were recognized (provision for credit losses)
-
Addition for securities for which previous expected credit losses
were recognized (provision for credit losses)
1,333
-
1,333
Net charge-offs
(331)
-
(331)
ACL on debt securities available-for-sale
$
1,002
$
$
1,310
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation recorded OTTI losses on available-for-sale debt securities as follows:
(In thousands)
Total OTTI losses
$
(557)
$
-
Portion of OTTI recognized in OCI
(50)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings (1)
$
(497)
$
(50)
(1) Prior to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, credit-related impairment recognized in earnings was reported as part of net gain (loss) on investment securities in the consolidated statements of income rather than as a provision for credit losses.
The following table states the names of issuers, and the aggregate amortized cost and market value of the securities of such issuers, when the aggregate amortized cost of such securities exceeds 10% of the Corporation’s stockholders’ equity. This information excludes securities of the U.S. and Puerto Rico governments. Investments in obligations issued by a state of the U.S. and its political subdivisions and agencies that are payable and secured by the same source of revenue or taxing authority, other than the U.S. government, are considered securities of a single issuer and include debt securities and MBS.
As of
As of
December 31, 2020
December 31, 2019
Amortized
Amortized
Cost
Fair Value
Cost
Fair Value
(In thousands)
FHLMC
$
1,502,614
$
1,520,819
$
509,769
$
513,249
GNMA
850,384
868,070
370,511
377,872
FNMA
1,662,145
1,692,172
915,704
924,663
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Investments Held to Maturity
The amortized cost, gross unrecognized gains and losses, estimated fair value, ACL, weighted-average yield and contractual maturities of investment securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows:
December 31, 2020
Amortized cost
Fair value
Gross Unrecognized
Weighted-
(Dollars in thousands)
Gains
Losses
ACL
average yield%
Puerto Rico municipal bonds:
Due within one year
$
$
$
-
$
$
-
5.41
After 1 to 5 years
17,297
17,553
3.00
After 5 to 10 years
88,394
1,388
3,146
86,636
4,401
4.66
After 10 years
83,241
-
14,187
69,054
3,868
3.57
Total investment securities
held to maturity
$
189,488
$
1,956
$
17,638
$
173,806
$
8,845
4.03
December 31, 2019
Amortized cost
Fair value
Gross Unrecognized
Weighted-
(Dollars in thousands)
Gains
Losses
average yield%
Puerto Rico municipal bonds:
Due within one year
$
$
-
$
$
5.84
After 1 to 5 years
8,264
-
7,528
5.18
After 5 to 10 years
56,511
-
8,646
47,865
5.77
After 10 years
73,579
-
18,913
54,666
5.44
Total investment securities
held to maturity
$
138,675
$
-
$
28,301
$
110,374
5.56
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following tables show the Corporation’s held-to-maturity investments’ fair value and gross unrecognized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrecognized loss position, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, including debt securities for which an ACL was recorded as of December 31, 2020:
As of December 31, 2020
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrecognized
Unrecognized
Unrecognized
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
(In thousands)
Debt securities:
Puerto Rico municipal bonds
$
28,252
$
1,611
$
116,216
$
16,027
$
144,468
$
17,638
As of December 31, 2019
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Unrecognized
Unrecognized
Unrecognized
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
Fair Value
Losses
(In thousands)
Debt securities:
Puerto Rico municipal bonds
$
-
$
-
$
110,374
$
28,301
$
110,374
$
28,301
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation determines the ACL of Puerto Rico municipal bonds based on the product of a cumulative PD and LGD, and the amortized cost basis of the bonds over their remaining expected life as described in Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, above.
The Corporation performs periodic credit quality reviews on these issuers. All of the Puerto Rico municipal bonds were current as to scheduled contractual payments as of December 31, 2020. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized an ACL for held-to-maturity securities of approximately $8.1 million as a cumulative effect adjustment from a change in accounting policy, with a corresponding decrease in retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. The Puerto Rico municipal bonds had an ACL of $8.8 million as of December 31, 2020, including the $8.1 million effect of adopting CECL, a $1.3 million initial ACL established for PCD debt securities with a fair value of $55.5 million acquired in the BSPR acquisition, and a $0.6 million net release of the initial reserves recorded during 2020. The ACL recorded in 2020, primarily reflects the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the macroeconomic variables used for the determination of the PD and LGD used in the model.
The following table presents the activity in the ACL for debt securities held to maturity by major security type for the year ended December 31, 2020:
Puerto Rico Municipal Bonds
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
(In thousands)
Beginning Balance
$
-
Impact of adopting ASC 326
8,134
Initial allowance on PCD debt securities
1,269
Provision (release) for credit losses
(558)
$
8,845
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
PCD Debt Securities
Upon the adoption of ASC 326, acquired held-to-maturity debt securities classified as PCD are recorded at an initial amortized cost, which is comprised of the purchase price of the debt securities (or initial fair value) and the initial ACL determined for the debt securities, which represents the fair value credit discount, which is added to the purchase price of the debt securities, and any resulting premium or discount related to factors other than credit.
The following table reconciles the difference between the purchase price of the PCD held-to-maturity debt securities acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition and the par value:
(In thousands)
Puerto Rico Municipal Bonds
Purchase price of debt securities at acquisition (initial fair value)
$
55,532
ACL at acquisition
1,269
Non-credit discount at acquisition
10,281
Par value of acquired debt securities at acquisition
$
67,082
During the second quarter of 2019, the oversight board established by the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) announced the designation of Puerto Rico’s 78 municipalities as covered instrumentalities under PROMESA. Meanwhile, the latest fiscal plan certified by the PROMESA oversight board did not contemplate a restructuring of the debt of Puerto Rico’s municipalities, but the plan did call for the gradual elimination of budgetary subsidies provided to municipalities by the central government. Furthermore, municipalities are also likely to be affected by the negative economic and other effects resulting from expense, revenue or cash management measures taken by the Puerto Rico government to address its fiscal problems, or measures included in fiscal plans of other government entities, such as the fiscal plans of the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico (“GDB”) and the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”), and, more recently, by the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Puerto Rico and global economy. Given the uncertain effect that the negative fiscal situation of the Puerto Rico central government, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the measures taken, or to be taken, by other government entities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic may have on municipalities, the Corporation cannot be certain whether future charges to the ACL on these securities will be required.
From time to time, the Corporation has securities held to maturity with an original maturity of three months or less that are considered cash and cash equivalents and are classified as money market investments in the consolidated statements of financial condition. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation had no outstanding securities held to maturity that were classified as cash and cash equivalents.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Credit Quality Indicators:
As mentioned in Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, above, the held-to-maturity investment securities portfolio consisted of financing arrangements with Puerto Rico municipalities issued in bond form, which are accounted for as securities, but are underwritten as loans with features that are typically found in commercial loans. Accordingly, the Corporation monitors the credit quality of Puerto Rico municipal bonds held-to-maturity through the use of internal credit-risk ratings, which are generally updated on a quarterly basis. The Corporation considers a debt security held-to-maturity as a criticized asset if its risk rating is Special Mention, Substandard, Doubtful or Loss. Puerto Rico municipal bonds that do not meet the criteria for classification as criticized assets are considered to be pass-rated securities. The asset categories are defined below:
Pass - Assets classified as pass have a well-defined primary source of repayment, with no apparent risk, strong financial position, minimal operating risk, profitability, liquidity and strong capitalization.
Special Mention - Special Mention assets have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Corporation’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose the Corporation to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.
Substandard - Substandard assets are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful - Doubtful classifications have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, based on currently known facts, conditions and values. A Doubtful classification may be appropriate in cases where significant risk exposures are perceived, but loss cannot be determined because of specific reasonable pending factors, which may strengthen the credit in the near term.
Loss - Assets classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather that it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this asset even though partial recovery may occur in the future. There is little or no prospect for near term improvement and no realistic strengthening action of significance pending.
The Corporation periodically reviews its asset classifications to evaluate if they are properly classified, and to determine impairment, if any. The frequency of these reviews depends on the amount of the aggregate outstanding debt, and the risk rating classification of the obligor.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation has a Loan Review Group that reports directly to the Corporation’s Risk Management Committee and administratively to the Chief Risk Officer. The Loan Review Group performs annual comprehensive credit process reviews of the Bank’s commercial loan portfolios, including the above-mentioned Puerto Rico municipal bonds accounted for as held-to-maturity securities. This group evaluates the credit risk profile of portfolios, including the assessment of the risk rating representative of the current credit quality of the assets, and the evaluation of collateral documentation, if applicable. The monitoring performed by this group contributes to the assessment of compliance with credit policies and underwriting standards, the determination of the current level of credit risk, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the credit management process and the identification of any deficiency that may arise in the credit-granting process. Based on its findings, the Loan Review Group recommends corrective actions, if necessary, that help in maintaining a sound credit process. The Loan Review Group reports the results of the credit process reviews to the Risk Management Committee.
The following table summarizes the amortized cost of debt securities held-to-maturity as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, aggregated by credit quality indicator:
Held to Maturity
Puerto Rico Municipal Bonds
December 31,
December 31
(In thousands)
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
189,488
$
138,675
Criticized:
Special Mention
-
-
Substandard
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
Loss
-
-
Total
$
189,488
$
138,675
No held-to-maturity debt securities were on nonaccrual status, 90 days past due and still accruing, or past due as of December 31, 2020 and 2019. A security is considered to be past due once it is 30 days contractually past due under the terms of the agreement.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 6 - EQUITY SECURITIES
Institutions that are members of the FHLB system are required to maintain a minimum investment in FHLB stock. Such minimum investment is calculated as a percentage of aggregate outstanding mortgages, and the FHLB requires an additional investment that is calculated as a percentage of total FHLB advances, letters of credit, and the collateralized portion of outstanding interest-rate swaps. The stock is capital stock issued at $100 par value. Both stock and cash dividends may be received on FHLB stock.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation had investments in FHLB stock carried at a cost of $31.2 million and $34.1 million, respectively. Dividend income from FHLB stock for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 amounted to $2.0 million, $2.7 million, and $2.1 million, respectively.
The FHLB of New York issued the shares of FHLB stock owned by the Corporation. The FHLB of New York is part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a national wholesale banking network of 11 regional, stockholder-owned congressionally chartered banks. The FHLBs are all privately capitalized and operated by their member stockholders. The system is supervised by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which requires that the FHLBs operate in a financially safe and sound manner, remain adequately capitalized and able to raise funds in the capital markets, and carry out their housing finance mission.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation owned other equity securities with a readily determinable fair value of approximately $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively. During 2020, the Corporation recognized a marked-to-market gain of $38 thousand associated with these securities, which was recorded as part of other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income, compared to a $0.4 thousand marked-to-market gain for 2019, and a $9 thousand marked-to-market loss for 2018. In addition, the Corporation had other equity securities that do not have a readily-determinable fair value. The carrying value of such securities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $4.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 7 - INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME ON INVESTMENT SECURITIES, MONEY MARKET INVESTMENTS AND INTEREST-BEARING CASH ACCOUNTS
The following provides information about interest on investments, interest-bearing cash accounts, and FHLB dividend income:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
MBS:
Taxable
$
9,404
$
7,812
$
8,688
Exempt (1)
30,877
29,232
27,741
40,281
37,044
36,429
Puerto Rico government obligations, U.S. Treasury securities, and U.S.
government agencies:
Taxable
1,032
Exempt (1)
15,235
19,623
20,582
16,267
19,788
21,052
Other investment securities (including FHLB dividends)
Taxable
1,999
2,714
2,743
Total interest income on investment securities
58,547
59,546
60,224
Interest on money market investments and interest-bearing cash accounts:
Taxable
3,386
13,205
10,863
Exempt
Total interest income on money market investments and interest-bearing cash accounts
3,388
13,353
11,096
Total interest and dividend income on investment securities, money market
investments, and interest-bearing cash accounts
$
61,935
$
72,899
$
71,320
(1) Primarily MBS and government obligations held by International Banking Entities (as defined in the International Baking Entity Act of Puerto Rico), whose interest income and sales are exempt from Puerto Rico income taxation under that act.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the components of interest and dividend income on investments:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Interest income on investment securities, money
market investments, and interest-bearing cash accounts
$
59,976
$
70,217
$
68,592
Dividends on FHLB stock
1,959
2,682
2,728
Total interest income and dividends on investments
$
61,935
$
72,899
$
71,320
NOTE 8 - LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT
The following provides information about the loan portfolio held for investment as of the indicated dates:
As of December 31,
As of December 31,
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages
$
3,521,954
$
2,933,773
Construction loans
212,500
111,317
Commercial mortgage loans
2,230,602
1,444,586
C&I loans (1) (2)
3,202,590
2,230,876
Consumer loans
2,609,643
2,281,653
Loans held for investment (3)(4)
11,777,289
9,002,205
ACL on loans and finance leases
(385,887)
(155,139)
Loans held for investment, net
$
11,391,402
$
8,847,066
(1) As of December 31, 2020, includes $406.0 million of SBA Paycheck Protection Program (“SBA PPP”) loans.
(2) As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, includes $1.0 billion and $719.0 million, respectively, of commercial loans that were secured by real estate but were not dependent upon the real estate for repayment.
(3) Refer to Note 2 - Business Combination, above, for details about the loans acquired in the BSPR acquisition.
(4) Includes accretable fair value net purchase discounts of $48.0 million and $15.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Corporation had net deferred origination costs on its loan portfolio amounting to $4.6 million and $9.2 million, respectively. The total loan portfolio is net of unearned income of $65.8 million and $63.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation was servicing residential mortgage loans owned by others in an aggregate amount of $4.2 billion (2019 - $3.1 billion), and commercial loan participations owned by others in an aggregate amount of $422.0 million as of December 31, 2020 (2019 - $267.6 million).
Various loans, mainly secured by first mortgages, were assigned as collateral for CDs, individual retirement accounts, and advances from the FHLB. Total loans pledged as collateral amounted to $2.5 billion and $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following tables present by portfolio classes the amortized cost basis of loans on nonaccrual status and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and the interest income recognized on nonaccrual loans for the year ended December 31, 2020:
As of December 31, 2020
Year Ended December 31, 2020
As of December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Nonaccrual Loans with No ACL
Nonaccrual Loans with ACL
Total Nonaccrual Loans (2)
Loans Past Due 90 days or more and Still Accruing (3)
Interest Income Recognized on Nonaccrual Loans
Total Nonaccrual Loans
Loans Past Due 90 days or more and Still Accruing (3)
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured
by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
98,993
$
-
$
-
$
81,011
Conventional residential mortgage loans
12,418
98,527
110,945
38,834
1,050
108,117
40,208
Construction loans
4,546
8,425
12,971
-
9,782
-
Commercial mortgage loans
11,777
17,834
29,611
3,252
40,076
2,222
C&I loans
14,824
5,496
20,320
2,246
18,458
7,061
Consumer Loans:
Auto loans
8,638
8,664
-
12,057
-
Finance leases
-
1,466
1,466
-
1,354
-
Personal loans
-
1,623
1,623
-
1,523
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
1,520
-
-
4,411
Other consumer loans
-
3,682
3,682
-
5,016
-
Total loans held for investment (1)
$
43,591
$
145,691
$
189,282
$
144,845
$
1,653
$
196,383
$
134,913
(1) Nonaccrual loans exclude $386.7 million and $388.4 million of TDR loans that were in compliance with modified terms and in accrual status as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2) Excludes PCD loans previously accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 for which the Corporation made the accounting policy election of maintaining pools of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as “units of account” both at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and on an ongoing basis for credit loss measurement. These loans accrete interest income based on the effective interest rate of the loan pools determined at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and will continue to be excluded from nonaccrual loan statistics as long as the Corporation can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected on the loan pools. The amortized cost of such loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $130.9 million and $136.7 million, respectively.
(3) These include loans rebooked, which were previously pooled into GNMA securities amounting to $10.7 million and $35.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Under the GNMA program, the Corporation has the option but not the obligation to repurchase loans that meet GNMA’s specified delinquency criteria. For accounting purposes, these loans subject to the repurchase option are required to be reflected on the financial statements with an offsetting liability. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation repurchased, pursuant to the aforementioned repurchase option, $55.0 million of loans previously sold to GNMA.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
Year Ended December 31, 2020
As of December 31, 2019
Florida region
Nonaccrual Loans with No ACL
Nonaccrual Loans with ACL
Total Nonaccrual Loans
Loans Past Due 90 days or more and Still Accruing
Interest Income Recognized on Nonaccrual Loans
Total Nonaccrual Loans
Loans Past Due 90 days or more and Still Accruing
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured
by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
-
$
-
$
Conventional residential mortgage loans
2,584
11,838
14,422
-
13,291
-
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
C&I loans
-
-
-
Consumer Loans:
Auto loans
-
-
-
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
-
-
-
Total loans held for investment (1)
$
3,145
$
12,662
$
15,807
$
$
$
14,285
$
(1) Nonaccrual loans exclude $6.6 million and $9.9 million of TDR loans that were in compliance with modified terms and in accrual status as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
Year Ended December 31, 2020
As of December 31, 2019
Total
Nonaccrual Loans with No ACL
Nonaccrual Loans with ACL
Total Nonaccrual Loans (2)
Loans Past Due 90 days or more and Still Accruing (3)
Interest Income Recognized on Nonaccrual Loans
Total Nonaccrual Loans
Loans Past Due 90 days or more and Still Accruing (3)
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured
by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
99,243
$
-
$
-
$
81,140
Conventional residential mortgage loans
15,002
110,365
125,367
38,834
1,335
121,408
40,208
Construction loans
4,546
8,425
12,971
-
9,782
-
Commercial mortgage loans
11,777
17,834
29,611
3,252
40,076
2,222
C&I loans
15,385
5,496
20,881
2,246
18,773
7,061
Consumer Loans:
Auto loans
8,861
8,887
-
12,220
-
Finance leases
-
1,466
1,466
-
1,354
-
Personal loans
-
1,623
1,623
-
1,528
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
1,520
-
-
4,411
Other consumer loans
-
4,283
4,283
-
5,527
-
Total loans held for investment (1)
$
46,736
$
158,353
$
205,089
$
145,095
$
2,029
$
210,668
$
135,042
(1) Nonaccrual loans exclude $393.3 million and $398.3 million of TDR loans that were in compliance with modified terms and in accrual status as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(2) Excludes PCD loans previously accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 for which the Corporation made the accounting policy election of maintaining pools of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as “units of account” both at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and on an ongoing basis for credit loss measurement. These loans accrete interest income based on the effective interest rate of the loan pools determined at the time of adoption of ASC 326 and will continue to be excluded from nonaccrual loan statistics as long as the Corporation can reasonably estimate the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected on the loan pools. The amortized cost of such loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $130.9 million and $136.7 million, respectively.
(3) These include loans rebooked, which were previously pooled into GNMA securities amounting to $10.7 million and $35.3 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Under the GNMA program, the Corporation has the option but not the obligation to repurchase loans that meet GNMA’s specified delinquency criteria. For accounting purposes, these loans subject to the repurchase option are required to be reflected on the financial statements with an offsetting liability. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation repurchased, pursuant to the aforementioned repurchase option, $55.0 million of loans previously sold to GNMA.
As of December 31, 2020, the recorded investment on residential mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that were in the process of foreclosure amounted to $172.3 million, including $59.0 million of loans insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA, and $18.6 million of PCD loans acquired prior the adoption, on January 1, 2020, of ASC 326 and for which the Corporation made the accounting policy election of maintaining pools of loans previously accounted for under ASC 310-30 as “units of account.” The Corporation commences the foreclosure process on residential real estate loans when a borrower becomes 120 days delinquent, in accordance with the requirements of the CFPB. Foreclosure procedures and timelines vary depending on whether the property is located in a judicial or non-judicial state. Judicial states (i.e., Puerto Rico, Florida and the USVI) require the foreclosure to be processed through the state’s court while foreclosure in non-judicial states (i.e., the BVI) is processed without court intervention. Foreclosure timelines vary according to local jurisdiction law and investor guidelines. Occasionally, foreclosures may be delayed due to, among other reasons, mandatory mediations, bankruptcy, court delays and title issues.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation’s aging of the loan portfolio held for investment by portfolio classes as of December 31, 2020 is as follows:
As of December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 days or more Past Due (1)(2)(3)
Total Past Due
Current
Total loans held for investment
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans (2) (3) (4)
$
-
$
2,223
$
98,993
$
101,216
$
48,348
$
149,564
Conventional residential mortgage loans (4)
-
61,040
149,779
210,819
2,641,820
2,852,639
Commercial loans:
Construction loans (4)
-
12,971
12,990
72,026
85,016
Commercial mortgage loans (4)
5,071
6,588
32,863
44,522
1,808,702
1,853,224
C&I loans
3,283
10,692
22,566
36,541
2,228,190
2,264,731
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
24,025
5,992
8,664
38,681
1,239,445
1,278,126
Finance leases
5,059
1,086
1,466
7,611
465,378
472,989
Personal loans
4,034
1,981
1,623
7,638
364,373
372,011
Credit cards
3,528
5,842
1,518
10,888
308,936
319,824
Other consumer loans
2,143
3,684
6,820
133,162
139,982
Total loans held for investment
$
47,143
$
96,456
$
334,127
$
477,726
$
9,310,380
$
9,788,106
(1) Includes nonaccrual loans and accruing loans that were contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e., FHA/VA guaranteed loans and credit cards). Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged-off at 180 days.
(2) It is the Corporation's policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA, guaranteed by the VA, and other government-insured loans as past-due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured. The Corporation continues accruing interest on these loans until they have passed the 15 months delinquency mark, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process. These balances include $57.9 million of residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA that were over 15 months delinquent.
(3) As of December 31, 2020, includes $10.7 million of defaulted loans collateralizing GNMA securities for which the Corporation has an unconditional option (but not an obligation) to repurchase the defaulted loans.
(4) According to the Corporation's delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve Board, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears on two or more monthly payments. FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans, conventional residential mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans, and construction loans past due 30-59 days, but less than two payments in arrears, as of December 31, 2020 amounted to $5.9 million, $105.2 million, $5.0 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31,2020
Florida region
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 days or more Past Due (1) (2)
Total Past Due
Current
Total loans held for investment
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans (2) (3)
$
-
$
-
$
$
$
$
1,170
Conventional residential mortgage loans (3)
-
3,237
14,422
17,659
500,922
518,581
Commercial loans:
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
127,484
127,484
Commercial mortgage loans
-
-
-
-
377,378
377,378
C&I loans
-
937,080
937,859
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
1,230
17,068
18,298
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
-
7,597
8,256
Total loans held for investment
$
$
3,534
$
16,057
$
20,577
$
1,968,606
$
1,989,183
(1) Includes nonaccrual loans and accruing loans that were contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e., FHA/VA guaranteed loans).
(2) It is the Corporation's policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA, guaranteed by the VA, and other government-insured loans as past-due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured. The Corporation continues accruing interest on these loans until they have passed the 15 months delinquency mark, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process. No residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA in the Florida region were over 15 months delinquent as of December 31, 2020.
(3) According to the Corporation's delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve Board, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears on two or more monthly payments. FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans and conventional residential mortgage loans past due 30-59 days, but less than two payments in arrears, as of December 31, 2020 amounted to $0.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
Total
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 days or more Past Due (1)(2)(3)
Total Past Due
Current
Total loans held for investment
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans (2) (3) (4)
$
-
$
2,223
$
99,243
$
101,466
$
49,268
$
150,734
Conventional residential mortgage loans (4)
-
64,277
164,201
228,478
3,142,742
3,371,220
Commercial loans:
Construction loans (4)
-
12,971
12,990
199,510
212,500
Commercial mortgage loans (4)
5,071
6,588
32,863
44,522
2,186,080
2,230,602
C&I loans
3,501
10,692
23,127
37,320
3,165,270
3,202,590
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
24,735
6,289
8,887
39,911
1,256,513
1,296,424
Finance leases
5,059
1,086
1,466
7,611
465,378
472,989
Personal loans
4,034
1,981
1,623
7,638
364,530
372,168
Credit cards
3,528
5,842
1,518
10,888
308,936
319,824
Other consumer loans
2,201
4,285
7,479
140,759
148,238
Total loans held for investment
$
48,129
$
99,990
$
350,184
$
498,303
$
11,278,986
$
11,777,289
(1) Includes nonaccrual loans and accruing loans that were contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e., FHA/VA guaranteed loans and credit cards). Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged-off at 180 days.
(2) It is the Corporation's policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA, guaranteed by the VA, and other government-insured loans as past-due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured. The Corporation continues accruing interest on these loans until they have passed the 15 months delinquency mark, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process. These balances include $57.9 million of residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA that were over 15 months delinquent.
(3) As of December 31, 2020, includes $10.7 million of defaulted loans collateralizing GNMA securities for which the Corporation has an unconditional option (but not an obligation) to repurchase the defaulted loans.
(4) According to the Corporation's delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve Board, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears on two or more monthly payments. FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans, conventional residential mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans, and construction loans past due 30-59 days, but less than two payments in arrears, as of December 31, 2020 amounted to $6.1 million, $111.8 million, $5.0 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation’s aging of the loan portfolio held for investment by portfolio classes as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:
As of December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 days or more Past Due (1)(2)(3)
Total Past Due
Current
Total loans held for investment
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans (2) (3) (4)
$
-
$
2,068
$
81,011
$
83,079
$
39,350
$
122,429
Conventional residential mortgage loans (4)
-
83,308
148,325
231,633
2,013,525
2,245,158
Commercial loans:
Construction loans (4)
-
9,782
9,887
38,359
48,246
Commercial mortgage loans (4)
-
2,681
42,298
44,979
1,034,921
1,079,900
C&I loans
1,454
25,519
27,078
1,364,335
1,391,413
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
35,163
8,267
12,057
55,487
1,048,873
1,104,360
Finance leases
6,501
1,402
1,354
9,257
405,275
414,532
Personal loans
4,008
2,084
1,523
7,615
266,478
274,093
Credit cards
2,896
2,096
4,411
9,403
282,887
292,290
Other consumer loans
3,870
1,575
5,016
10,461
145,395
155,856
Total loans held for investment
$
53,892
$
103,691
$
331,296
$
488,879
$
6,639,398
$
7,128,277
(1) Includes nonaccrual loans and accruing loans that were contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e., FHA/VA guaranteed loans and credit cards). Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged-off at 180 days.
(2) It is the Corporation's policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA, guaranteed by the VA, and other government-insured loans as past-due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured. The Corporation continues accruing interest on these loans until they have passed the 15 months delinquency mark, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process. These balances include $37.9 million of residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA that were over 15 months delinquent.
(3) As of December 31, 2019, includes $35.6 million of defaulted loans collateralizing GNMA securities for which the Corporation has an unconditional option (but not an obligation) to repurchase the defaulted loans.
(4) According to the Corporation's delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve Board, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears on two or more monthly payments. FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans, conventional residential mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans, and construction loans past due 30-59 days, but less than two payments in arrears, as of December 31, 2019 amounted to $6.7 million, $110.5 million, $6.0 million, and $0.1 million respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
Florida region
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 days or more Past Due (1) (2)
Total Past Due
Current
Total loans held for investment
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans (2) (3)
$
-
$
-
$
$
$
1,351
$
1,480
Conventional residential mortgage loans (3)
-
2,193
13,291
15,484
549,222
564,706
Commercial loans:
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
63,071
63,071
Commercial mortgage loans (3)
-
-
363,816
364,686
C&I loans
-
838,817
839,463
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
1,270
1,705
28,790
30,495
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
8,585
9,245
Total loans held for investment
$
1,748
$
3,337
$
14,414
$
19,499
$
1,854,429
$
1,873,928
(1) Includes nonaccrual loans and accruing loans that were contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e., FHA/VA guaranteed loans and credit cards).
(2) It is the Corporation's policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA, guaranteed by the VA, and other government-insured loans as past-due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured. The Corporation continues accruing interest on these loans until they have passed the 15 months delinquency mark, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process. No residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA in the Florida region were over 15 months delinquent.
(3) According to the Corporation's delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve Board, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears on two or more monthly payments. FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans, conventional residential mortgage loans, and commercial mortgage loans past due 30-59 days, but less than two payments in arrears, as of December 31, 2019 amounted to $0.4 million, $5.8 million, and $0.6 million respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
Total
30-59 Days Past Due
60-89 Days Past Due
90 days or more Past Due (1)(2)(3)
Total Past Due
Current
Total loans held for investment
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans (2) (3) (4)
$
-
$
2,068
$
81,140
$
83,208
$
40,701
$
123,909
Conventional residential mortgage loans (4)
-
85,501
161,616
247,117
2,562,747
2,809,864
Commercial loans:
Construction loans (4)
-
9,782
9,887
101,430
111,317
Commercial mortgage loans (4)
-
3,551
42,298
45,849
1,398,737
1,444,586
C&I loans
1,785
25,834
27,724
2,203,152
2,230,876
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
36,433
8,539
12,220
57,192
1,077,663
1,134,855
Finance leases
6,501
1,402
1,354
9,257
405,275
414,532
Personal loans
4,008
2,084
1,528
7,620
267,255
274,875
Credit cards
2,896
2,096
4,411
9,403
282,887
292,290
Other consumer loans
4,017
1,577
5,527
11,121
153,980
165,101
Total loans held for investment
$
55,640
$
107,028
$
345,710
$
508,378
$
8,493,827
$
9,002,205
(1) Includes nonaccrual loans and accruing loans that were contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e., FHA/VA guaranteed loans and credit cards). Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged-off at 180 days.
(2) It is the Corporation's policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA, guaranteed by the VA, and other government-insured loans as past-due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to nonaccrual loans since the principal repayment is insured. The Corporation continues accruing interest on these loans until they have passed the 15 months delinquency mark, taking into consideration the FHA interest curtailment process. These balances include $37.9 million of residential mortgage loans insured by the FHA that were over 15 months delinquent.
(3) As of December 31, 2019, includes $35.6 million of defaulted loans collateralizing GNMA securities for which the Corporation has an unconditional option (but not an obligation) to repurchase the defaulted loans.
(4) According to the Corporation's delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve Board, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears on two or more monthly payments. FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans, other residential mortgage loans, commercial mortgage loans, and construction loans past due 30-59 days, but less than two payments in arrears, as of December 31, 2019 amounted to $7.1 million, $116.2 million, $6.6 million, and $0.1 million respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Credit Quality Indicators:
The Corporation categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of the borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Corporation analyzes non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial mortgage, commercial and industrial, and construction loans individually to classify the loans’ credit risk. As mentioned above, the Corporation periodically reviews its commercial and construction loan classifications to evaluate if they are properly classified. The frequency of these reviews will depend on the amount of the aggregate outstanding debt, and the risk rating classification of the obligor. In addition, during the renewal and annual review process of applicable credit facilities, the Corporation evaluates the corresponding loan grades. The Corporation uses the same definition for risk ratings as those described for Puerto Rico municipal bonds accounted for as held-to-maturity securities, as discussed in Note 5 - Investment Securities, above.
For residential mortgage and consumer loans, the Corporation also evaluates credit quality based on credit scores and loan-to-value ratios, if applicable.
Based on the most recent analysis performed, the amortized cost of commercial and construction loans by portfolio classes and by origination year based on the internal credit-risk category as of December 31, 2020 and the amortized cost of commercial and construction loans by portfolio classes based on the internal credit-risk category as of December 31, 2019 was as follows:
As of December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Term Loans
As of December 31, 2019
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
CONSTRUCTION
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
12,676
$
33,472
$
1,768
$
15,825
$
1,920
$
3,175
$
-
$
68,836
$
35,680
Criticized:
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
4,934
-
5,269
4,315
-
15,404
12,566
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total construction loans
$
12,676
$
35,134
$
6,702
$
15,825
$
7,189
$
7,490
$
-
$
85,016
$
48,246
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
383,847
$
264,499
$
201,344
$
183,056
$
143,673
$
334,875
$
$
1,511,827
$
891,298
Criticized:
Special Mention
-
81,797
71,731
119,255
8,766
11,187
-
292,736
13,080
Substandard
-
-
-
47,769
-
48,661
175,522
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
384,035
$
346,296
$
273,075
$
302,311
$
153,143
$
393,831
$
$
1,853,224
$
1,079,900
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
642,966
$
395,232
$
237,958
$
226,469
$
109,300
$
186,781
$
356,520
$
2,155,226
$
1,321,804
Criticized:
Special Mention
-
-
30,335
27,736
59,421
39,327
Substandard
1,389
2,721
18,218
1,610
24,438
50,084
27,265
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,768
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total commercial and industrial loans
$
644,355
$
396,400
$
240,679
$
245,514
$
110,978
$
241,554
$
385,251
$
2,264,731
$
1,391,413
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
Term Loans
As of December 31, 2019
Florida region
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
CONSTRUCTION
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
61,813
$
21,672
$
43,168
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
127,484
$
63,071
Criticized:
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total construction loans
$
61,813
$
21,672
$
43,168
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
127,484
$
63,071
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
48,429
$
81,161
$
39,941
$
51,733
$
28,091
$
18,577
$
23,695
$
291,627
$
364,370
Criticized:
Special Mention
16,803
23,720
6,782
5,350
10,721
17,196
4,855
85,427
-
Substandard
-
-
-
-
-
-
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
65,232
$
104,881
$
46,723
$
57,083
$
38,812
$
36,097
$
28,550
$
377,378
$
364,686
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
174,914
$
264,660
$
94,375
$
84,630
$
9,738
$
46,142
$
148,665
$
823,124
$
837,697
Criticized:
Special Mention
2,999
58,880
12,095
-
-
-
-
73,974
-
Substandard
38,727
-
-
-
-
1,697
40,761
1,766
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total commercial and industrial loans
$
216,640
$
323,540
$
106,470
$
84,630
$
9,738
$
47,839
$
149,002
$
937,859
$
839,463
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
Total
Term Loans
As of December 31, 2019
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
CONSTRUCTION
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
74,489
$
55,144
$
44,936
$
15,825
$
1,920
$
3,175
$
$
196,320
$
98,751
Criticized:
Special Mention
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Substandard
-
4,934
-
5,269
4,315
-
15,404
12,566
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total construction loans
$
74,489
$
56,806
$
49,870
$
15,825
$
7,189
$
7,490
$
$
212,500
$
111,317
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
432,276
$
345,660
$
241,285
$
234,789
$
171,764
$
353,452
$
24,228
$
1,803,454
$
1,255,668
Criticized:
Special Mention
16,803
105,517
78,513
124,605
19,487
28,383
4,855
378,163
13,080
Substandard
-
-
-
48,093
-
48,985
175,838
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total commercial mortgage loans
$
449,267
$
451,177
$
319,798
$
359,394
$
191,955
$
429,928
$
29,083
$
2,230,602
$
1,444,586
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
Risk Ratings:
Pass
$
817,880
$
659,892
$
332,333
$
311,099
$
119,038
$
232,923
$
505,185
$
2,978,350
$
2,159,501
Criticized:
Special Mention
2,999
59,335
12,095
30,335
27,736
133,395
39,327
Substandard
40,116
2,721
18,218
1,610
26,135
1,332
90,845
29,031
Doubtful
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,768
Loss
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total commercial and industrial loans
$
860,995
$
719,940
$
347,149
$
330,144
$
120,716
$
289,393
$
534,253
$
3,202,590
$
2,230,876
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table presents the amortized cost of residential mortgage loans by origination year based on the original loan-to-value-ratio (LTV) and original credit scores as of December 31, 2020 and the amortized cost of residential mortgage loans by original LTV and original credit scores as of December 31, 2019:
As of December 31, 2020
As of December 31, 2019
Term Loans
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGES
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
$
2,416
$
2,594
$
4,354
$
9,673
$
130,249
$
-
$
149,564
$
122,429
Conventional residential mortgage loans:
Original LTV:
`
Less than or equal to 90 percent
37,989
61,202
101,157
65,334
88,292
1,675,203
-
2,029,177
1,684,340
Greater than 90 percent but less than
or equal to 100 percent
1,644
7,106
8,319
5,565
16,431
685,984
-
725,049
460,879
Greater than 100 percent
-
5,449
2,765
7,362
81,898
-
98,413
99,939
Total residential mortgages in
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
$
39,911
$
71,663
$
117,519
$
78,018
$
121,758
$
2,573,334
$
-
$
3,002,203
$
2,367,587
Florida region:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
1,170
$
1,480
Conventional residential mortgage loans:
Original LTV:
`
Less than or equal to 90 percent
33,841
50,563
60,581
87,321
78,588
186,516
-
497,410
549,850
Greater than 90 percent but less than
or equal to 100 percent
8,770
2,035
2,827
4,192
2,319
1,028
-
21,171
14,796
Greater than 100 percent
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total residential mortgages in Florida region
$
42,611
$
52,598
$
63,408
$
91,798
$
80,907
$
188,429
$
-
$
519,751
$
566,186
Total:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
$
2,416
$
2,594
$
4,639
$
9,673
$
131,134
$
-
$
150,734
$
123,909
Conventional residential mortgage loans:
Original LTV:
Less than or equal to 90 percent
71,830
111,765
161,738
152,655
166,880
1,861,719
-
2,526,587
2,234,190
Greater than 90 percent but less than
or equal to 100 percent
10,414
9,141
11,146
9,757
18,750
687,012
-
746,220
475,675
Greater than 100 percent
-
5,449
2,765
7,362
81,898
-
98,413
99,999
Total residential mortgages
$
82,522
$
124,261
$
180,927
$
169,816
$
202,665
$
2,761,763
$
-
$
3,521,954
$
2,933,773
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
As of December 31, 2019
Term Loans
RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGES
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
$
2,416
$
2,594
$
4,354
$
9,673
$
130,249
$
-
$
149,564
$
122,429
Conventional residential mortgage loans:
Original FICO Score:
Less than 620
325,474
-
326,190
286,754
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
2,144
3,370
8,309
7,416
8,721
511,349
-
541,309
416,766
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
15,009
24,265
40,391
24,308
37,765
700,059
-
841,797
626,291
Greater than or equal to 740
22,434
41,535
65,761
41,885
65,525
906,203
-
1,143,343
915,347
Total residential mortgages in
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
$
39,911
$
71,663
$
117,519
$
78,018
$
121,758
$
2,573,334
$
-
$
3,002,203
$
2,367,587
Florida region:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
1,170
$
1,480
Conventional residential mortgage loans:
Original FICO Score:
Less than 620
-
-
2,509
-
-
-
3,330
3,485
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
3,546
5,068
3,440
8,758
11,433
16,175
-
48,420
51,164
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
11,810
15,520
13,810
29,118
26,707
42,232
-
139,197
151,544
Greater than or equal to 740
27,255
32,010
43,649
53,637
42,767
128,316
-
327,634
358,513
Total residential mortgages in Florida region
$
42,611
$
52,598
$
63,408
$
91,798
$
80,907
$
188,429
$
-
$
519,751
$
566,186
Total:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
$
2,416
$
2,594
$
4,639
$
9,673
$
131,134
$
-
$
150,734
$
123,909
Conventional residential mortgage loans:
Original FICO Score:
Less than 620
2,973
326,295
-
329,520
290,239
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
5,690
8,438
11,749
16,174
20,154
527,524
-
589,729
467,930
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
26,819
39,785
54,201
53,426
64,472
742,291
-
980,994
777,835
Greater than or equal to 740
49,689
73,545
109,410
95,522
108,292
1,034,519
-
1,470,977
1,273,860
Total residential mortgages
$
82,522
$
124,261
$
180,927
$
169,816
$
202,665
$
2,761,763
$
-
$
3,521,954
$
2,933,773
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following tables present the amortized cost of consumer loans by origination year based on original credit scores as of December 31, 2020 and the amortized cost of consumer loans based on original credit scores as of December 31, 2019:
CONSUMER
As of December 31, 2020
Term Loans
As of December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
Auto loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
42,307
$
46,816
$
23,600
$
10,628
$
7,204
$
4,451
$
-
$
135,006
$
126,540
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
134,118
141,778
88,354
37,491
17,955
10,738
-
430,434
388,890
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
136,744
124,654
74,128
32,874
17,628
6,843
-
392,871
333,734
Greater than or equal to 740
129,343
95,516
48,184
26,030
15,595
5,147
-
319,815
255,196
Total auto loans
$
442,512
$
408,764
$
234,266
$
107,023
$
58,382
$
27,179
$
-
$
1,278,126
$
1,104,360
Finance leases
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
3,149
$
5,300
$
4,217
$
1,787
$
$
$
-
$
15,182
$
15,852
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
29,292
35,683
27,540
11,798
4,565
2,302
-
111,180
100,438
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
54,222
58,388
46,563
18,060
10,552
4,061
-
191,846
170,034
Greater than or equal to 740
50,234
49,626
32,861
9,124
9,722
3,214
-
154,781
128,208
Total finance leases
$
136,897
$
148,997
$
111,181
$
40,769
$
25,310
$
9,835
$
-
$
472,989
$
414,532
Personal loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
1,791
$
2,636
$
2,097
$
1,292
$
1,008
$
2,126
$
-
$
10,950
$
8,197
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
9,650
23,969
9,730
3,793
1,441
1,082
-
49,665
52,712
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
35,466
64,509
30,386
15,974
8,921
5,224
-
160,480
114,147
Greater than or equal to 740
30,781
55,421
31,084
16,144
8,794
4,398
-
146,622
98,668
Unscorable
1,722
-
4,294
Total personal loans
$
78,361
$
148,257
$
74,165
$
37,682
$
20,398
$
13,148
$
-
$
372,011
$
274,093
Credit cards
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
12,978
$
12,978
$
11,247
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
-
-
-
-
-
-
60,961
60,961
57,643
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
137,563
137,563
126,977
Greater than or equal to 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
103,938
103,938
96,423
Unscorable
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,384
4,384
-
Total credit cards
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
319,824
$
319,824
$
292,290
Other consumer loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
4,815
$
10,358
$
2,760
$
1,699
$
$
$
3,130
$
23,740
$
28,251
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
18,443
23,746
7,059
3,616
1,408
5,829
1,566
61,667
68,727
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
13,415
13,031
4,743
2,142
1,906
2,612
38,602
41,914
Greater than or equal to 740
4,270
3,581
1,161
1,328
11,535
13,359
Unscorable
-
-
-
-
-
1,645
2,793
4,438
3,605
Total other consumer loans
$
40,943
$
50,716
$
15,723
$
8,028
$
2,977
$
10,166
$
11,429
$
139,982
$
155,856
Total consumer loans in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
$
698,713
$
756,734
$
435,335
$
193,502
$
107,067
$
60,328
$
331,253
$
2,582,932
$
2,241,131
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
CONSUMER
As of December 31, 2020
Term Loans
As of December 31, 2019
Florida region
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
Auto loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
-
$
2,269
$
3,857
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
-
3,833
3,029
1,355
-
9,042
15,052
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
-
2,788
1,340
-
5,094
8,590
Greater than or equal to 740
-
1,315
-
1,893
2,996
Total auto loans
$
-
$
1,135
$
8,760
$
5,338
$
2,524
$
$
-
$
18,298
$
30,495
Finance leases
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Greater than or equal to 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total finance leases
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Personal loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
Greater than or equal to 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
Unscorable
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total personal loans
$
$
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
Credit cards
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Greater than or equal to 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total credit cards
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Other consumer loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
$
$
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
-
-
1,023
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
-
1,094
2,180
2,559
Greater than or equal to 740
-
-
2,589
1,926
4,889
5,573
Unscorable
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total other consumer loans
$
$
-
$
$
$
$
4,293
$
2,673
$
8,256
$
9,245
Total consumer loans in Florida region
$
$
1,178
$
8,802
$
5,521
$
3,092
$
4,834
$
2,673
$
26,711
$
40,522
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
CONSUMER
As of December 31, 2020
Term Loans
As of December 31, 2019
Total
Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
Total
Auto loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
42,307
$
46,853
$
24,424
$
11,331
$
7,793
$
4,567
$
-
$
137,275
$
130,397
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
134,118
142,296
92,187
40,520
19,310
11,045
-
439,476
403,942
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
136,744
125,008
76,916
34,214
18,133
6,950
-
397,965
342,324
Greater than or equal to 740
129,343
95,742
49,499
26,296
15,670
5,158
-
321,708
258,192
Total auto loans
$
442,512
$
409,899
$
243,026
$
112,361
$
60,906
$
27,720
$
-
$
1,296,424
$
1,134,855
Finance leases
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
3,149
$
5,300
$
4,217
$
1,787
$
$
$
-
$
15,182
$
15,852
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
29,292
35,683
27,540
11,798
4,565
2,302
-
111,180
100,438
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
54,222
58,388
46,563
18,060
10,552
4,061
-
191,846
170,034
Greater than or equal to 740
50,234
49,626
32,861
9,124
9,722
3,214
-
154,781
128,208
Total finance leases
$
136,897
$
148,997
$
111,181
$
40,769
$
25,310
$
9,835
$
-
$
472,989
$
414,532
Personal loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
1,893
$
2,641
$
2,097
$
1,292
$
1,008
$
2,126
$
-
$
11,057
$
8,790
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
9,658
23,969
9,730
3,793
1,441
1,082
-
49,673
52,712
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
35,466
64,547
30,386
15,974
8,921
5,224
-
160,518
114,232
Greater than or equal to 740
30,785
55,421
31,084
16,144
8,794
4,398
-
146,626
98,739
Unscorable
1,722
-
4,294
Total personal loans
$
78,475
$
148,300
$
74,165
$
37,682
$
20,398
$
13,148
$
-
$
372,168
$
274,875
Credit cards
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
12,978
$
12,978
$
11,247
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
-
-
-
-
-
-
60,961
60,961
57,643
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
137,563
137,563
126,977
Greater than or equal to 740
-
-
-
-
-
-
103,938
103,938
96,423
Unscorable
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,384
4,384
-
Total credit cards
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
319,824
$
319,824
$
292,290
Other consumer loans
Original FICO score:
Less than 620
$
4,815
$
10,358
$
2,760
$
1,699
$
$
$
3,294
$
23,904
$
28,334
Greater than or equal to 620
and less than 680
18,631
23,746
7,059
3,725
1,435
6,439
1,655
62,690
69,601
Greater than or equal to 680
and less than 740
13,593
13,031
4,785
2,192
1,075
3,000
3,106
40,782
44,473
Greater than or equal to 740
4,401
3,581
1,161
2,998
3,254
16,424
18,932
Unscorable
-
-
-
-
-
1,645
2,793
4,438
3,761
Total other consumer loans
$
41,440
$
50,716
$
15,765
$
8,211
$
3,545
$
14,459
$
14,102
$
148,238
$
165,101
Total consumer loans
$
699,324
$
757,912
$
444,137
$
199,023
$
110,159
$
65,162
$
333,926
$
2,609,643
$
2,281,653
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following tables present information about collateral dependent loans that were individually evaluated for purposes of determining the ACL as of December 31, 2020:
Collateral Dependent Loans - With Specific Allowance
Collateral Dependent Loans - With No Related Specific Allowance
Collateral Dependent Loans - Total
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Amortized Cost (1)
Related Specific Allowance
Amortized Cost (1)
Amortized Cost (1)
Related Specific Allowance
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Conventional residential mortgage loans
100,950
9,582
7,145
108,095
9,582
Commercial loans:
Construction loans
6,036
6,125
12,161
Commercial mortgage loans
17,882
1,923
49,241
67,123
1,923
C&I loans
21,933
24,728
46,661
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
-
-
-
-
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
-
$
147,804
$
13,000
$
87,239
$
235,043
$
13,000
(1) Excludes accrued interest receivable.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Collateral Dependent Loans - With Specific Allowance
Collateral Dependent Loans - With No Related Specific Allowance
Collateral Dependent Loans - Total
Florida region
Amortized Cost (1)
Related Specific Allowance
Amortized Cost (1)
Amortized Cost (1)
Related Specific Allowance
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Conventional residential mortgage loans
6,224
2,400
8,624
Commercial loans:
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
-
-
2,327
2,327
-
C&I loans
-
-
-
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
-
-
-
-
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
-
$
6,472
$
1,071
$
5,288
$
11,760
$
1,071
(1) Excludes accrued interest receivable.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Collateral Dependent Loans - With Specific Allowance
Collateral Dependent Loans - With No Related Specific Allowance
Collateral Dependent Loans - Total
Total
Amortized Cost (1)
Related Specific Allowance
Amortized Cost (1)
Amortized Cost (1)
Related Specific Allowance
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans:
FHA/VA government-guaranteed loans
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Conventional residential mortgage loans
107,174
10,570
9,545
116,719
10,570
Commercial loans:
Construction loans
6,036
6,125
12,161
Commercial mortgage loans
17,882
1,923
51,568
69,450
1,923
C&I loans
21,933
25,289
47,222
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
-
-
-
-
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
1,105
-
1,105
$
154,276
$
14,071
$
92,527
$
246,803
$
14,071
(1) Excludes accrued interest receivable.
The underlying collateral for residential mortgage and consumer collateral dependent loans consisted of single-family residential properties, and for commercial and construction loans consisted primarily of office buildings, multifamily residential properties, and retail establishments. The weighted-average loan-to-value coverage for collateral dependent loans as of December 31, 2020 was 80%. There were no significant changes in the extent to which collateral secures the Corporation’s collateral dependent financial assets during the year ended December 31, 2020.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
PCD and PCI Loans
Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, the Corporation accounted for PCI loans and income recognition thereunder in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30. PCI loans are loans that as of the date of their acquisition have experienced deterioration in credit quality between origination and acquisition and for which it was probable at acquisition that not all contractually required payments would be collected. Following the adoption of ASC 326 on January 1, 2020, the Corporation analyzes acquired loans for more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since their origination in accordance with ASC 326. Such loans are classified as PCD loans. Please also see Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, above, for more information concerning the Corporation’s accounting for PCD loans.
Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, the Corporation identified the amount by which the undiscounted expected future cash flows on PCI loans exceeded the estimated fair value of the loan on the date of acquisition as the “accretable yield,” representing the amount of estimated future interest income on the loan. The amount of accretable yield was re-measured at each financial reporting date, representing the difference between the remaining undiscounted expected cash flows and the then-current carrying value of the PCI loan. Following the adoption of ASC 326, the Corporation accounts for interest income on PCD loans using the interest method, whereby any purchase non-credit discounts or premiums are accreted or amortized into interest income as an adjustment of the loan’s yield.
Upon the adoption of ASC 326, acquired loans classified as PCD are recorded at an initial amortized cost, which is comprised of the purchase price of the loans (or initial fair value) and the initial ACL determined for the loans, which represents the fair value credit discount, and any resulting premium or discount related to factors other than credit.
The following table reconciles the difference between the purchase price of the PCD acquired loans in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition completed on September 1, 2020 and the par value:
Residential Mortgage
Construction
Commercial Mortgage
C&I
Consumer
Total
(In thousands)
Purchase price of loans at acquisition (initial fair value)
$
322,345
$
-
$
180,950
$
194,572
$
54,959
$
752,826
ACL at acquisition
12,739
-
9,723
1,830
4,452
28,744
Non-credit discount (premium) at acquisition
3,075
-
2,783
(95)
(1,284)
4,479
Par value of acquired loans at acquisition
$
338,159
$
-
$
193,456
$
196,307
$
58,127
$
786,049
Refer to Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 2 - Business Combination, above, for additional information about the description of the elements considered by the Corporation to determine the value of PCD loans acquired as part of the BSPR acquisition and the methodologies used to determine the initial ACL of these PCD loans.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Purchases and Sales of Loans
During 2020, the Corporation purchased $0.8 million of residential mortgage loans as part of a internal program to purchase residential mortgage loans from mortgage bankers in Puerto Rico, compared to purchases of $18.8 million in 2019 and $46.1 million in 2018. In general, the loans purchased from mortgage bankers were conforming residential mortgage loans. Purchases of conforming residential mortgage loans provide the Corporation the flexibility to retain or sell the loans, including through securitization transactions, depending upon the Corporation’s interest rate risk management strategies. When the Corporation sells such loans, it generally keeps the right to service the loans. In addition, during 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Corporation purchased C&I loan participations of $40.0 million, $20.0 million, and $21.4 million, respectively.
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation sells residential mortgage loans (originated or purchased) to GNMA and GSEs, such as FNMA and FHLMC, which generally securitize the transferred loans into MBS for sale into the secondary market. During 2020, the Corporation sold $221.5 million of FHA/VA mortgage loans to GNMA, which packaged them into MBS, compared to sales of $235.3 million and $233.2 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. Also, during 2020, the Corporation sold approximately $254.7 million of performing residential mortgage loans to FNMA and FHLMC, compared to sales of $138.7 million and $104.9 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Corporation’s continuing involvement with the loans that it sells consists primarily of servicing the loans. In addition, the Corporation agrees to repurchase loans if it breaches any of the representations and warranties included in the sale agreement. These representations and warranties are consistent with the GSEs’ selling and servicing guidelines (i.e., ensuring that the mortgage was properly underwritten according to established guidelines).
For loans sold to GNMA, the Corporation holds an option to repurchase individual delinquent loans issued on or after January 1, 2003 when the borrower fails to make any payment for three consecutive months. This option gives the Corporation the ability, but not the obligation, to repurchase the delinquent loans at par without prior authorization from GNMA.
Under ASC Topic 860, “Transfer and Servicing,” once the Corporation has the unilateral ability to repurchase the delinquent loan, it is considered to have regained effective control over the loan and is required to recognize the loan and a corresponding repurchase liability on the balance sheet regardless of the Corporation’s intent to repurchase the loan. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, rebooked GNMA delinquent loans that were included in the residential mortgage loan portfolio amounted to $10.7 million and $35.6 million, respectively.
During 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Corporation repurchased, pursuant to the aforementioned repurchase option, $55.0 million, $33.5 million, and $49.1 million, respectively, of loans previously sold to GNMA. The principal balance of these loans is fully guaranteed and the risk of loss related to the repurchased loans is generally limited to the difference between the delinquent interest payment advanced to GNMA, which is computed at the loan’s interest rate, and the interest payments reimbursed by FHA, which are computed at a pre-determined debenture rate. Repurchases of GNMA loans allow the Corporation, among other things, to maintain acceptable delinquency rates on outstanding GNMA pools and remain as a seller and servicer in good standing with GNMA. On May 14, 2020, in response to the national emergency declared by the U.S. President related to the COVID-19 pandemic, GNMA announced a temporary relief that excludes any new borrower delinquencies, occurring on or after April 2020, from the calculation of delinquency and default ratios established in the GNMA MBS guide. This exclusion was extended automatically to issuers that were compliant with GNMA delinquency rate thresholds as reflected by their April 2020 investor accounting report, reflecting March 2020 servicing data. The exemptions and delinquent loan exclusions will automatically expire on July 31, 2021, unless earlier rescinded or extended by GNMA, or the end of the national emergency, whichever comes earlier. Historically, losses for violations of representations and warranties, and on optional repurchases of GNMA delinquent loans, have been immaterial and no provision has been made at the time of sale.
Loan sales to FNMA and FHLMC are without recourse in relation to the future performance of the loans. The Corporation repurchased at par loans previously sold to FNMA and FHLMC in the amount of $42 thousand, $0.3 million, and $0.1 million during 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The Corporation’s risk of loss with respect to these loans is also minimal as these repurchased loans are generally performing loans with documentation deficiencies.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation participates in the Main Street Lending program established by the FED under the CARES Act of 2020, as amended, to support lending to small and medium-sized businesses that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, the Corporation originates loans to borrowers meeting the terms and requirements of the program, including requirements as to eligibility, use of proceeds and priority, and sells a 95% participation interest in these loans to a special purpose vehicle (the “Main Street SPV”) organized by the FED to purchase the participation interests from eligible lenders, including the Corporation. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Corporation originated 23 loans under this program totaling $184.4 million in principal amount and sold participation interests totaling $175.1 million to the Main Street SPV.
In addition, during 2019, the Corporation sold $11.4 million in nonaccrual commercial loans held for sale and sold three commercial and industrial loan participations in the Puerto Rico region totaling $48.2 million.
Other loan sales in 2018 include: (i) the sale of a $5.6 million commercial and industrial adversely-classified loan in the Puerto Rico region; (ii) the sale of a $9.2 million commercial and industrial loan participation in the Florida region; and (iii) the sale of $34.9 million and $27.0 million in nonaccrual commercial and construction loans in the Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands regions, respectively.
Loan Portfolio Concentration
The Corporation’s primary lending area is Puerto Rico. The Corporation’s banking subsidiary, FirstBank, also lends in the USVI and BVI markets and in the United States (principally in the state of Florida). Of the total gross loans held for investment portfolio of $11.8 billion as of December 31, 2020, credit risk concentration was approximately 79% in Puerto Rico, 17% in the U.S., and 4% in the USVI and BVI.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $201.3 million outstanding in loans extended to the Puerto Rico government, its municipalities and public corporations, compared to $57.7 million as of December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2020, approximately $107.4 million consisted of loans extended to municipalities in Puerto Rico that are supported by assigned property tax revenues, and $38.5 million of municipal special obligation bonds. The vast majority of revenues of the municipalities included in the Corporation’s loan portfolio are independent of budgetary subsidies provided by the Puerto Rico central government. These municipalities are required by law to levy special property taxes in such amounts as are required to satisfy the payment of all of their respective general obligation bonds and notes. Late in 2015, the GDB and the Municipal Revenue Collection Center (“CRIM”) signed and perfected a deed of trust. Through this deed, the Puerto Rico Fiscal Agency and Financial Advisory Authority, as fiduciary, is bound to keep the CRIM funds separate from any other deposits and must distribute the funds pursuant to applicable law. The CRIM funds are deposited at another commercial depository financial institution in Puerto Rico. In addition to loans extended to municipalities, the Corporation’s exposure to the Puerto Rico government as of December 31, 2020 included $13.6 million in loans granted to an affiliate of PREPA and $41.8 million in loans to an agency of the Puerto Rico central government.
In addition, as of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $106.5 million in exposure to residential mortgage loans that are guaranteed by the PRHFA, compared to $106.9 million as of December 31, 2019. Residential mortgage loans guaranteed by the PRHFA are secured by the underlying properties and the guarantees serve to cover shortfalls in collateral in the event of a borrower default. The Puerto Rico government guarantees up to $75 million of the principal for all loans under the mortgage loan insurance program. According to the most recently-released audited financial statements of the PRHFA, as of June 30, 2016, the PRHFA’s mortgage loans insurance program covered loans in an aggregate amount of approximately $576 million. The regulations adopted by the PRHFA require the establishment of adequate reserves to guarantee the solvency of the mortgage loan insurance fund. As of June 30, 2016, the most recent date as of which information is available, the PRHFA had a restricted net position for such purposes of approximately $77.4 million.
The Corporation also has credit exposure to USVI government entities. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $61.8 million in loans to USVI government instrumentalities and public corporations, compared to $64.1 million as of December 31, 2019. Of the amount outstanding as of December 31, 2020, public corporations of the USVI owed approximately $38.6 million and an independent instrumentality of the USVI government owed approximately $23.2 million. As of December 31, 2020, all loans were currently performing and up to date on principal and interest payments.
The Corporation cannot predict at this time the ultimate effect on the Puerto Rico economy, the Corporation’s clients, and the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations of the financial problems of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the uncertainty about the ultimate outcomes of the debt restructuring process, and the various legislative and other measures adopted and to be adopted by the Puerto Rico government and the PROMESA oversight board in response to such fiscal situation.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Troubled Debt Restructurings
The Corporation provides homeownership preservation assistance to its customers through a loss mitigation program in Puerto Rico that is similar to the U.S. government’s Home Affordable Modification Program guidelines. Depending upon the nature of a borrower’s financial condition, restructurings or loan modifications through this program, as well as other restructurings of individual C&I, commercial mortgage, construction, and residential mortgage loans, fit the definition of a TDR. A restructuring of a debt constitutes a TDR if the creditor, for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Modifications involve changes in one or more of the loan terms that bring a defaulted loan current and provide sustainable affordability. Changes may include, among others, the extension of the maturity of the loan and modifications of the loan rate. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation’s total TDR loans held for investment of $479.2 million consisted of $310.6 million of residential mortgage loans, $80.5 million of C&I loans, $64.4 million of commercial mortgage loans, $3.4 million of construction loans, and $20.2 million of consumer loans. The Corporation has committed to lend up to an additional $5.0 million on these loans.
The Corporation’s loss mitigation programs for residential mortgage and consumer loans can provide for one or a combination of the following: movement of interest past due to the end of the loan, extension of the loan term, deferral of principal payments and reduction of interest rates either permanently or for a period of up to six years (increasing back in step-up rates). Additionally, in certain cases, the restructuring may provide for the forgiveness of contractually-due principal or interest. Uncollected interest is added to the principal at the end of the loan term at the time of the restructuring and not recognized as income until collected or when the loan is paid off. These programs are available only to those borrowers who have defaulted, or are likely to default, permanently on their loans and would lose their homes in a foreclosure action absent some lender concession. Nevertheless, if the Corporation is not reasonably assured that the borrower will comply with its contractual commitment, the property is foreclosed.
Prior to permanently modifying a loan, the Corporation may enter into trial modifications with certain borrowers. Trial modifications generally represent a six month period during which the borrower makes monthly payments under the anticipated modified payment terms prior to a formal modification. Upon successful completion of a trial modification, the Corporation and the borrower enter into a permanent modification. TDR loans that are participating in or that have been offered a binding trial modification are classified as TDRs when the trial offer is made and continue to be classified as TDRs regardless of whether the borrower enters into a permanent modification. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation included as TDRs $1.0 million of residential mortgage loans that were participating in or had been offered a trial modification.
For the commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction loan portfolios, at the time of a restructuring, the Corporation determines, on a loan-by-loan basis, whether a concession was granted for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. Concessions granted for loans in these portfolios could include: reductions in interest rates to rates that are considered below market; extension of repayment schedules and maturity dates beyond the original contractual terms; waivers of borrower covenants; forgiveness of principal or interest; or other contractual changes that are considered to be concessions. The Corporation mitigates loan defaults for these loan portfolios through its collection function. The function’s objective is to minimize both early stage delinquencies and losses upon default of loans in these portfolios. In the case of the commercial and industrial, commercial mortgage, and construction loan portfolios, the Corporation’s Special Asset Group (“SAG”) focuses on strategies for the accelerated reduction of non-performing assets through note sales, short sales, loss mitigation programs, and sales of OREO.
In addition, the Corporation extends, renews, and restructures loans with satisfactory credit profiles. Many commercial loan facilities are structured as lines of credit, which generally have one-year terms and, therefore, require annual renewals. Other facilities may be restructured or extended from time to time based upon changes in the borrower’s business needs, use of funds, and timing of completion of projects, and other factors. If the borrower is not deemed to have financial difficulties, extensions, renewals, and restructurings are done in the normal course of business and not considered to be concessions, and the loans continue to be recorded as performing.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
In working with borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation has agreed to let consumer borrowers (i.e., borrowers under residential mortgages, personal loans, auto loans, finance leases and small loans) that were current in their payments or no more than 2 payments in arrears (not having exceeded 89 days past due as of March 16, 2020) to defer payments on their loans, in some cases for up to six months. In the case of credit cards and individual lines of credit, the borrowers were required to be current or less than 29 days past due in their payments as of March 16, 2020 to qualify for the payment deferral program providing for payment deferrals, in some cases for up to six months. For both consumer and residential mortgage loans subject to the deferral programs, each borrower was required to begin making the borrower’s regularly scheduled loan payment at the end of the deferral period and the deferred amounts were moved to the end of the loan. The payment deferral programs were applied prospectively beginning, in some instances, with the deferral of the scheduled contractual payment due in March. For commercial loans, any request for payment deferral, including extensions of the repayment moratorium, has been analyzed on a case-by-case basis. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had under temporary deferred repayment arrangements 688 loans, totaling approximately $32.7 million, or 0.3% of its total loan portfolio held for investment balance, consisting of 89 residential mortgage loans, totaling $18.4 million, 580 consumer loans, totaling $8.0 million, and 19 commercial and construction loans, totaling $6.3 million. Additionally, as of December 31, 2020, 24 commercial loans totaling $244.3 million or 2% of total loans held for investment, were permanently modified under the provisions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020. Most of the temporary deferred payment arrangements have been done under the provisions of Section 4013 of the CARES Act of 2020 or the Revised Interagency Statement. In addition, moratoriums on loan repayments for consumer and residential mortgage products in Puerto Rico were mandated by local law. A loan modification covered by the provisions of the CARES Act of 2020 and/or the Revised Interagency Statement is not required to be considered as a TDR loan.
Selected information on the Corporation’s TDR loans held for investment based on the amortized cost by loan class and modification type is summarized in the following tables as of the indicated dates:
As of December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Interest rate below market
Maturity or term extension
Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity
Forgiveness of principal and/or interest
Forbearance Agreement
Other (1)
Total
(In thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
17,740
$
11,125
$
211,155
$
-
$
$
66,694
$
306,937
Construction loans
1,700
1,516
-
-
3,423
Commercial mortgage loans
1,491
1,380
35,714
-
16,473
6,765
61,823
C&I loans
12,267
14,119
-
17,890
35,744
80,258
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
4,863
-
-
6,112
11,449
Finance leases
-
-
-
1,144
Personal loans
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
2,342
-
-
2,358
Other consumer loans
1,602
-
3,701
Total TDRs in Puerto Rico
and Virgin Islands region
$
21,150
$
27,961
$
271,440
$
$
34,586
$
116,671
$
472,017
(1) Other concessions granted by the Corporation include deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a period longer than what would be considered insignificant, payment plans under judicial stipulation, or a combination of two or more of the concessions listed in the table. Amounts included in Other that represent a combination of concessions are excluded from the amounts reported in the column for such individual concessions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
Florida region
Interest rate below market
Maturity or term extension
Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity
Forgiveness of principal and/or interest
Forbearance Agreement
Other (1)
Total
(In thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
$
$
2,257
$
-
$
-
$
$
3,669
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
-
1,781
-
-
-
2,615
C&I loans
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
-
-
-
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
-
-
-
Total TDRs in Florida Region
$
1,026
$
1,290
$
4,225
$
-
$
-
$
$
7,179
(1) Other concessions granted by the Corporation include deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a period longer than what would be considered insignificant, payment plans under judicial stipulation, or a combination of two or more of the concessions listed in the table. Amounts included in Other that represent a combination of concessions are excluded from the amounts reported in the column for such individual concessions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2020
Total
Interest rate below market
Maturity or term extension
Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity
Forgiveness of principal and/or interest
Forbearance Agreement
Other (1)
Total
(In thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
18,729
$
11,526
$
213,412
$
-
$
$
66,716
$
310,606
Construction loans
1,700
1,516
-
-
3,423
Commercial mortgage loans
1,491
2,214
37,495
-
16,473
6,765
64,438
C&I loans
12,267
14,119
-
17,890
35,968
80,482
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
4,878
-
-
6,112
11,519
Finance leases
-
-
-
1,144
Personal loans
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
2,342
-
-
2,358
Other consumer loans
1,639
-
4,302
Total TDRs
$
22,176
$
29,251
$
275,665
$
$
34,586
$
117,309
$
479,196
(1) Other concessions granted by the Corporation include deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a period longer than what would be considered insignificant, payment plans under judicial stipulation, or a combination of two or more of the concessions listed in the table. Amounts included in Other that represent a combination of concessions are excluded from the amounts reported in the column for such individual concessions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Interest rate below market
Maturity or term extension
Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity
Forgiveness of principal and/or interest
Forbearance Agreement
Other (1)
Total
(In thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
18,561
$
11,188
$
219,618
$
-
$
$
63,638
$
313,147
Construction loans
2,469
1,639
-
-
4,321
Commercial mortgage loans
1,414
39,131
-
19,848
8,149
69,451
C&I loans
16,160
12,077
36,884
66,534
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
7,374
-
-
6,249
14,424
Finance leases
-
1,066
-
-
1,532
Personal loans
-
-
1,073
Credit cards
-
-
2,767
-
-
2,791
Other consumer loans
2,020
1,196
-
4,503
Total TDRs in Puerto Rico
and Virgin Islands region
$
22,119
$
33,311
$
285,287
$
$
20,682
$
116,031
$
477,776
(1) Other concessions granted by the Corporation include deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a period longer than what would be considered insignificant, payment plans under judicial stipulation, or a combination of two or more of the concessions listed in the table. Amounts included in Other that represent a combination of concessions are excluded from the amounts reported in the column for such individual concessions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
Florida region
Interest rate below market
Maturity or term extension
Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity
Forgiveness of principal and/or interest
Forbearance Agreement
Other (1)
Total
(In thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
1,009
$
$
2,049
$
-
$
-
$
$
3,502
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
2,901
1,765
-
-
-
5,528
C&I loans
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
-
-
-
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
-
-
-
Total TDRs in Florida region
$
3,949
$
1,371
$
4,016
$
-
$
-
$
$
10,221
(1) Other concessions granted by the Corporation include deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a period longer than what would be considered insignificant, payment plans under judicial stipulation, or a combination of two or more of the concessions listed in the table. Amounts included in Other that represent a combination of concessions are excluded from the amounts reported in the column for such individual concessions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2019
Total
Interest rate below market
Maturity or term extension
Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity
Forgiveness of principal and/or interest
Forbearance Agreement
Other (1)
Total
(In thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
19,570
$
11,600
$
221,667
$
-
$
$
63,670
$
316,649
Construction loans
2,469
1,639
-
-
4,321
Commercial mortgage loans
3,810
2,276
40,896
-
19,848
8,149
74,979
C&I loans
16,160
12,077
37,199
66,849
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
7,393
-
-
6,249
14,540
Finance leases
-
1,066
-
-
1,532
Personal loans
-
-
1,073
Credit cards
-
-
2,767
-
-
2,791
Other consumer loans
2,059
1,196
-
5,263
Total TDRs
$
26,068
$
34,682
$
289,303
$
$
20,682
$
116,916
$
487,997
(1) Other concessions granted by the Corporation include deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a period longer than what would be considered insignificant, payment plans under judicial stipulation, or a combination of two or more of the concessions listed in the table. Amounts included in Other that represent a combination of concessions are excluded from the amounts reported in the column for such individual concessions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table presents the Corporation’s TDR loans held for investment activity for the indicated periods:
Year Ended
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,2020
December 31,2019
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Beginning balance of TDRs
$
487,997
$
582,647
$
587,219
New TDRs
36,319
63,433
171,857
Increases to existing TDRs
6,009
1,840
7,027
Charge-offs post-modification (1)
(11,122)
(10,342)
(27,951)
Foreclosures
(2,015)
(12,872)
(21,591)
TDRs transferred to held for sale, net of charge-offs
-
-
(34,541)
Paid-off, partial payments and other (2)
(37,992)
(136,709)
(99,373)
Ending balance of TDRs
$
479,196
$
487,997
$
582,647
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2018, includes charge-offs of $8.5 million associated with $34.5 million of commercial and construction loans transferred to held for sale.
(2) For the year ended December 31, 2019, includes the payoff of a $92.4 million commercial mortgage loan.
TDR loans are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. Loans in accrual status may remain in accrual status when their contractual terms have been modified in a TDR if the loans had demonstrated performance prior to the restructuring and payment in full under the restructured terms is expected. Otherwise, a loan on nonaccrual status and restructured as a TDR will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure, generally for a minimum of six months, and there is evidence that such payments can, and are likely to, continue as agreed. Performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loan modifications increase the Corporation’s interest income by returning a nonaccrual loan to performing status, if applicable, increase cash flows by providing for payments to be made by the borrower, and limit increases in foreclosure and OREO costs. A TDR loan that specifies an interest rate that at the time of the restructuring is greater than or equal to the rate the Corporation is willing to accept for a new loan with comparable risk may not be reported as a TDR loan in the calendar years subsequent to the restructuring, if it is in compliance with its modified terms. The Corporation did not remove any loans from the TDR classification during 2020 and 2019. In 2018, the Corporation, removed from the TDR classification a $9.9 million loan refinanced at market terms as the borrower was no longer experiencing financial difficulties and the refinancing did not contain any concession to the borrowers. This refinancing was included as part of “Paid-off, partial payments and other” in the above table for the year ended December 31, 2018.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following tables provide a breakdown of the TDR loans held for investment by those in accrual and nonaccrual status as of the indicated dates:
December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico and
Virgin Islands region
Florida region
Total
Accrual
Nonaccrual
Total TDRs
Accrual
Nonaccrual
Total TDRs
Accrual
Nonaccrual (1)
Total TDRs
(In thousands)
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
253,421
$
53,516
$
306,937
$
3,358
$
$
3,669
$
256,779
$
53,827
$
310,606
Construction loans
2,480
3,423
-
-
-
2,480
3,423
Commercial mortgage loans
43,012
18,811
61,823
2,615
-
2,615
45,627
18,811
64,438
C&I loans
73,649
6,609
80,258
-
73,649
6,833
80,482
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
6,481
4,968
11,449
-
6,551
4,968
11,519
Finance leases
1,125
1,144
-
-
-
1,125
1,144
Personal loans
-
-
-
Credit Cards
2,358
-
2,358
-
-
-
2,358
-
2,358
Other consumer loans
3,274
3,701
3,838
4,302
Total TDRs
$
386,720
$
85,297
$
472,017
$
6,607
$
$
7,179
$
393,327
$
85,869
$
479,196
(1) Included in nonaccrual loans are $5.9 million in loans that are performing under the terms of the restructuring agreement but are reported in nonaccrual status until the restructured loans meet the criteria of sustained payment performance under the revised terms for reinstatement to accrual status and are deemed fully collectible.
December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico and
Virgin Islands region
Florida region
Total
Accrual
Nonaccrual
Total TDRs
Accrual
Nonaccrual
Total TDRs
Accrual
Nonaccrual (1)
Total TDRs
(In thousands)
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
262,244
$
50,903
$
313,147
$
3,502
$
-
$
3,502
$
265,746
$
50,903
$
316,649
Construction loans
3,238
1,083
4,321
-
-
-
3,238
1,083
4,321
Commercial mortgage loans
45,534
23,917
69,451
5,528
-
5,528
51,062
23,917
74,979
C&I loans
59,689
6,845
66,534
-
59,689
7,160
66,849
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
8,440
5,984
14,424
-
8,556
5,984
14,540
Finance leases
1,502
1,532
-
-
-
1,502
1,532
Personal loans
1,052
1,073
-
-
-
1,052
1,073
Credit Cards
2,791
-
2,791
-
-
-
2,791
-
2,791
Other consumer loans
3,898
4,503
4,621
5,263
Total TDRs
$
388,388
$
89,388
$
477,776
$
9,869
$
$
10,221
$
398,257
$
89,740
$
487,997
(1) Included in nonaccrual loans are $14.8 million in loans that are performing under the terms of the restructuring agreement but are reported in nonaccrual status until the restructured loans meet the criteria of sustained payment performance under the revised terms for reinstatement to accrual status and are deemed fully collectible.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
TDR loans exclude restructured residential mortgage loans that are government-guaranteed (e.g., FHA/VA loans) totaling $58.7 million as of December 31, 2020 (compared with $60.1 million as of December 31, 2019). The Corporation excludes FHA/VA guaranteed loans from TDR loan statistics given that, in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan, the principal and interest (at the specified debenture rate) are guaranteed by the U.S. government; therefore, the risk of loss on these types of loans is very low.
Loan modifications that are considered TDR loans completed during 2020, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Florida region
Total
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
9,027
$
8,307
-
$
-
$
-
$
9,027
$
8,307
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
-
-
-
C&I loans
22,544
22,524
-
-
-
22,544
22,524
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
2,635
2,623
-
-
-
2,635
2,623
Finance leases
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
Credit Cards
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
Total TDRs
$
37,117
$
36,296
$
$
$
37,140
$
36,319
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Florida region
Total
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
14,606
$
14,084
-
$
-
$
-
$
14,606
$
14,084
Construction loans
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
40,988
38,750
-
-
-
40,988
38,750
C&I loans
1,754
1,750
-
-
-
1,754
1,750
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
4,168
4,121
4,201
4,154
Finance leases
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
Credit Cards
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
2,411
2,478
-
-
-
2,411
2,478
Total TDRs
1,306
$
66,151
$
63,400
$
$
1,309
$
66,184
$
63,433
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Florida region
Total
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Pre-modification Amortized Cost
Post-modification Amortized Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs:
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
14,827
$
14,159
-
$
-
$
-
$
14,827
$
14,159
Construction loans
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
138,994
138,785
-
-
-
138,994
138,785
C&I loans
9,141
8,786
-
-
-
9,141
8,786
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
4,229
4,218
4,500
4,489
Finance leases
1,001
-
-
-
1,001
Personal loans
-
-
-
Credit Cards
1,193
1,193
-
-
-
1,193
1,193
Other consumer loans
2,137
2,200
-
-
-
2,137
2,200
Total TDRs
1,210
$
172,811
$
171,586
$
$
1,228
$
173,082
$
171,857
Recidivism, or the borrower defaulting on its obligation pursuant to a modified loan, results in the loan once again becoming a nonaccrual loan. Recidivism on a modified loan occurs at a notably higher rate than do defaults on new origination loans, so modified loans present a higher risk of loss than do new origination loans. The Corporation considers a loan to have defaulted if the borrower has failed to make payments of either principal, interest, or both for a period of 90 days or more.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Loan modifications considered TDR loans that defaulted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, and had become TDR loans during the 12-months preceding the default date, were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
2,380
$
2,019
$
1,994
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
C&I loans
-
-
-
-
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
2,221
1,003
Finance leases
Personal loans
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
Total Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands region
$
3,900
$
4,501
$
3,225
Year Ended December 31,
Florida region
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
Conventional residential mortgage loans
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
C&I loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Finance leases
-
-
-
-
-
-
Personal loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Total in Florida region
-
$
-
-
$
-
-
$
-
Year Ended December 31,
Total
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
Number of contracts
Amortized Cost
(Dollars in thousands)
Conventional residential mortgage loans
$
2,380
$
2,019
$
1,994
Construction loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
Commercial mortgage loans
-
-
-
-
-
-
C&I loans
-
-
-
-
Consumer loans:
Auto loans
2,221
1,003
Finance leases
Personal loans
Credit cards
-
-
-
-
Other consumer loans
Total
$
3,900
$
4,501
$
3,225
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For certain TDR loans, the Corporation splits the loans into two new notes, A and B Notes. The A Note is restructured to comply with the Corporation’s lending standards at current market rates, and is tailored to suit the customer’s ability to make timely interest and principal payments. The B Note includes the granting of the concession to the borrower and varies by situation. The B Note is fully charged off but the borrower’s obligation is not forgiven, and payments that are collected are accounted for as recoveries of previously charged-off amounts. A partial charge-off may be recorded if the B Note is collateral dependent and the source of repayment is independent of the A Note. At the time of the restructuring, the A Note is identified and classified as a TDR loan. In general, if the loan performs for at least six months according to the modified terms, the A Note may be returned to accrual status. The borrower’s payment performance prior to the restructuring is included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loan being returned to accrual status at the time of the restructuring. In the periods following the calendar year in which a loan is restructured, the A Note may no longer be reported as a TDR loan if it is in accrual status, is in compliance with its modified terms, and yields a market rate (as determined and documented at the time of the restructuring).
The following tables provide additional information about the volume of this type of loan restructuring as of December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, and its effect on the ACL in 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage loans
C&I loans
Construction loans
Total
Beginning balance of A/B Notes
$
22,749
$
26,596
$
1,883
$
51,228
New TDR loan splits
-
-
-
-
Increase to existing TDRs
-
-
Paid-off and partial payments
(3,187)
(284)
(321)
(3,792)
Charge-offs
(3,087)
-
-
(3,087)
Ending balance of A/B Notes
$
16,475
$
27,050
$
1,562
$
45,087
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage loans
C&I loans
Construction loans
Total
Beginning balance of A/B Notes
$
3,003
$
28,406
$
2,431
$
33,840
New TDR loan splits
20,059
-
-
20,059
Increase to existing TDRs
-
-
-
-
Paid-off and partial payments
(313)
(1,810)
(548)
(2,671)
Charge-offs
-
-
-
-
Ending balance of A/B Notes
$
22,749
$
26,596
$
1,883
$
51,228
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage loans
C&I loans
Construction loans
Total
Beginning balance of A/B Notes
$
3,098
$
32,479
$
-
$
35,577
New TDR loan splits
29,601
-
2,503
32,104
Increase to existing TDRs
-
-
-
-
Paid-off and partial payments
(29,696)
(4,073)
(72)
(33,841)
Charge-offs
-
-
-
-
Ending balance of A/B Notes
$
3,003
$
28,406
$
2,431
$
33,840
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage loans
C&I loans
Construction loans
Total
ACL at the beginning of the year for A/B Notes
$
3,516
$
$
-
$
3,530
Impact of adopting ASC 326
(415)
-
(326)
(Releases) charges to the provision
for credit losses
(14)
-
Charge-offs
(3,087)
-
-
(3,087)
ACL at the end of the year for A/B Notes
$
-
$
$
-
$
Year Ended
December 31, 2019
(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage loans
C&I loans
Construction loans
Total
ACL at the beginning of the year for A/B Notes
$
-
$
$
-
$
Charges (releases) to the provision
for credit losses
3,516
(459)
-
3,057
Charge-offs
-
-
-
-
ACL at the end of the year for A/B Notes
$
3,516
$
$
-
$
3,530
Year Ended
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage loans
C&I loans
Construction loans
Total
ACL at the beginning of the year for A/B Notes
$
-
$
3,846
$
-
$
3,846
(Releases) Charges to the provision
for credit losses
(7,416)
(3,373)
-
(10,789)
Net loan loss recoveries
7,416
-
-
7,416
ACL at the end of the year for A/B Notes
$
-
$
$
-
$
Approximately $38.5 million of the December 31, 2020 balance of loans restructured using the A/B note restructure workout strategy were in accrual status as of December 31, 2020.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 9 - ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS AND FINANCE LEASES
The following table presents the activity in the ACL on loans and finance leases by portfolio segment for the indicated periods:
Residential Mortgage Loans
Construction Loans
Commercial Mortgage
Commercial & Industrial Loans
Consumer Loans
Total
Year Ended December 31,2020
(In thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance, prior to adoption ASC 326
$
44,806
$
2,370
$
39,194
$
15,198
$
53,571
$
155,139
Impact of adopting ASC 326
49,837
(19,306)
14,731
35,106
81,165
Allowance established for acquired PCD loans
12,739
-
9,723
1,830
4,452
28,744
Provision for credit losses (1)
22,427
2,105
81,125
6,627
56,433
168,717
Charge-offs
(11,017)
(76)
(3,330)
(3,634)
(46,483)
(64,540)
Recoveries
1,519
1,936
3,192
9,831
16,662
Ending balance
$
120,311
$
5,380
$
109,342
$
37,944
$
112,910
$
385,887
Residential Mortgage Loans
Construction Loans
Commercial Mortgage
Commercial & Industrial Loans
Consumer Loans
Total
Year Ended December 31,2019
(In thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance
$
50,794
$
3,592
$
55,581
$
32,546
$
53,849
$
196,362
Provision (release) for credit losses
14,091
(1,496)
(1,697)
(13,696)
43,023
40,225
Charge-offs
(22,742)
(391)
(15,088)
(7,206)
(52,160)
(97,587)
Recoveries
2,663
3,554
8,859
16,139
Ending balance
$
44,806
$
2,370
$
39,194
$
15,198
$
53,571
$
155,139
Residential Mortgage Loans
Construction Loans
Commercial Mortgage
Commercial & Industrial Loans
Consumer Loans
Total
Year Ended December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance
$
58,975
$
4,522
$
48,493
$
48,871
$
70,982
$
231,843
Provision (release) for credit losses (2)
13,202
7,032
23,074
(8,440)
24,385
59,253
Charge-offs (2)
(24,775)
(8,296)
(23,911)
(9,704)
(50,106)
(116,792)
Recoveries
3,392
7,925
1,819
8,588
22,058
Ending balance
$
50,794
$
3,592
$
55,581
$
32,546
$
53,849
$
196,362
(1) Includes a $37.5 million charge related to the establishment of the initial reserves for non-PCD loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition consisting of (i) a $13.6 million charge related to non-PCD residential mortgage loans; (ii) a $9.2 million charge related to non-PCD commercial mortgage loans; (iii) a $4.6 million charge related to non-PCD commercial and industrial loans; and (iv) a $10.2 million charge related to non-PCD consumer loans.
(2) During 2018, the Corporation transferred to held for sale $74.4 million (net of fair value write downs of $22.2 million) in nonaccrual loans. Approximately $6.5 million of the $22.2 million in charge-offs recorded on the transfer was taken against previously-established reserves for credit losses, resulting in a charge to the provision of $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Loans transferred to held for sale in 2018 consisted of $33.0 million in nonaccrual construction loans (net of fair value write downs of $6.7 million), $39.6 million in nonaccrual commercial mortgage loans (net of fair value write downs of $13.8 million), and $1.8 million in nonaccrual commercial and industrial loans (net of fair value write-downs of $1.7 million).
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation estimates the ACL following the methodologies described in Note 1, - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, above for each portfolio segment. The ACL for loans and finance leases was $155.1 million as of December 31, 2019. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized an increase in the ACL for loans and finance leases of approximately $81.2 million, as a cumulative effect adjustment from the adoption of ASC 326, with a corresponding decrease in retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for loans and finance leases was $385.9 million, up $230.8 million from December 31, 2019, driven by the $81.2 million increase as a result of adopting CECL, a $168.7 million provision for credit losses on loans, and the establishment of a $28.7 million ACL for PCD loans acquired in conjunction with the BSPR acquisition. The $168.7 million provision for credit losses on loans and finance leases recorded for the year ended December 31, 2020, was $128.5 million higher than the $40.2 million provision recorded for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was driven by the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic forecast utilized by the Corporation in its CECL model, in particular during the first half of 2020, and the $37.5 million charge to the provision related to the initial establishment of reserves for non-PCD loans required by the CECL methodology in connection with the closing of the BSPR acquisition in the third quarter of 2020. The Corporation recorded net charge-offs of $47.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $81.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease compared to the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily reflects a $10.6 million decrease in residential mortgage loans net charge-offs, loan loss recoveries of $3.9 million in connection with the repayment and cancellation of two nonaccrual commercial loans during the fourth quarter of 2020, the effect in 2019 of an $11.4 million charge-off taken on a commercial mortgage loan in the Florida region, and a $6.6 million decrease in consumer loans net charge-offs. The decrease in residential mortgage and consumer loans net charge-offs, as compared to 2019, reflects, in part, the effect of the deferred repayment arrangements provided to borrowers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that maintained the delinquency status that existed at the date of the event until the end of the deferral period. For those loans where the ACL was determined based on a discounted cash flow model, as indicated in Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, above, the change in the ACL due to the passage of time is recorded as part of the provision for credit losses.
The tables below present the ACL related to loans and finance leases and the carrying values of loans by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:
As of December 31,2020
Residential Mortgage Loans
Construction Loans
Commercial Mortgage
Consumer Loans
Commercial and Industrial Loans (1)
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Total loans held for investment:
Amortized cost of loans
$
3,521,954
$
212,500
$
2,230,602
$
3,202,590
$
2,609,643
$
11,777,289
Allowance for credit losses
120,311
5,380
109,342
37,944
112,910
385,887
Allowance for credit losses to
amortized cost
3.42
%
2.53
%
4.90
%
1.18
%
4.33
%
3.28
%
As of December 31, 2019
Residential Mortgage Loans
Construction Loans
Commercial Mortgage Loans
Consumer Loans
Commercial and Industrial Loans
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Total loans held for investment:
Amortized cost of loans
$
2,933,773
$
111,317
$
1,444,586
$
2,230,876
$
2,281,653
$
9,002,205
Allowance for credit losses
44,806
2,370
39,194
15,198
53,571
155,139
Allowance for credit losses to
amortized cost
1.53
%
2.13
%
2.71
%
0.68
%
2.35
%
1.72
%
____________
(1) As of December 31, 2020, includes $406.0 million of SBA PPP loans, which require no ACL as these loans are 100% guaranteed by the SBA.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
In addition, the Corporation estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Corporation is exposed to credit risk via a contractual obligation to extend credit, such as unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit for commercial and construction loans, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Corporation. The Corporation estimates the ACL for these off-balance sheet exposures following the methodology described in Note 1 - Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, above. Upon adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation recognized an increase in the ACL for off-balance sheet exposures of approximately $3.9 million as a cumulative effect adjustment from the adoption of ASC 326, with a corresponding decrease in retained earnings, net of applicable income taxes. As of December 31, 2020, the ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures was $5.1 million, including the $3.9 million effect of adopting CECL and a $1.2 million charge to the provision during 2020.
The following table presents the activity in the ACL for unfunded loan commitments and standby letters of credit for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Year Ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
Beginning Balance
$
-
$
$
Impact of adopting ASC 326
3,922
-
-
Provision (release) for credit losses
1,183
(412)
(264)
Ending balance
$
5,105
$
-
$
NOTE 10 - LOANS HELD FOR SALE
The Corporation’s loans held-for-sale portfolio as of the dates indicated was composed of:
December 31,
(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans
$
50,289
$
39,477
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 11 - OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED
The following table presents OREO inventory as of the dates indicated:
December 31,
(In thousands)
OREO
OREO balances, carrying value:
Residential (1)
$
32,418
$
46,912
Commercial
44,356
47,271
Construction
6,286
7,443
Total
$
83,060
$
101,626
(1) Excludes $18.6 million and $16.7 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, of foreclosures that meet the conditions of ASC Subtopic 310-40 “Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure,” and are presented as a receivable as part of other assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
NOTE 12 - RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Corporation granted loans to its directors, executive officers, and certain related individuals or entities in the ordinary course of business. The movement and balance of these loans were as follows:
Amount
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
1,024
New loans
Payments
(146)
Other changes
-
Balance at December 31, 2019
1,032
New loans
Payments
(953)
Other changes
-
Balance at December 31, 2020
$
These loans were made subject to the provisions of the Federal Reserve’s Regulation O - “Loans to Executive Officers, Directors and Principal Shareholders of Member Banks,” which governs the permissible lending relationships between a financial institution and its executive officers, directors, principal shareholders, their families and related parties. Amounts related to changes in the status of those who are considered related parties are reported as other changes in the table above. There were no changes in the status of related parties during 2020 and 2019.
From time to time, the Corporation, in the ordinary course of its business, obtains services from related parties or makes contributions to non-profit organizations that have some association with the Corporation.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 13 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT
Premises and equipment comprise:
Useful Life In Years
As of December 31,
Minimum
Maximum
(Dollars in thousands)
Buildings and improvements
$
138,686
$
135,263
Leasehold improvements
82,034
56,530
Furniture and equipment
224,623
146,835
445,343
338,628
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
(318,659)
(228,712)
126,684
109,916
Land
23,873
22,939
Projects in progress
7,652
17,134
Total premises and equipment, net
$
158,209
$
149,989
Depreciation and amortization expense amounted to $20.1 million, $17.6 million, and $15.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
During 2020, the Corporation received insurance proceeds of $5.0 million resulting from the final settlement of the business interruption insurance claim related to lost profits caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This amount is included as part of Other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income. In addition, during 2020, the Corporation received insurance proceeds of $1.2 million related to hurricane-related expenses claims recorded as a contra-account of non-interest expenses, primarily consisting of occupancy and equipment costs.
During 2019 and 2018, the Corporation received insurance proceeds of $0.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, related to casualty losses incurred at some facilities. The insurance proceeds were recorded against impairment losses. Insurance recoveries in excess of losses amounted to $0.1 million and $0.5 million for 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were recorded as a gain from insurance proceeds and reported as part of other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 14 - GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
Goodwill as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 amounted to $38.6 million and $28.1 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the additions to goodwill included $6.3 million associated with the acquisition of BSPR and adjustments to goodwill within the one-year measurement period subsequent to the acquisition date in the amount of $4.2 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020. This transaction was accounted for as a business combination under the acquisition method of accounting in which the Corporation preliminarily allocated the total cash consideration paid of $1.3 billion over the estimated fair value of BSPR’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed. This acquisition also resulted in the recognition of $39.2 million of identifiable intangible assets as further discussed below. The amount of goodwill is subject to change, as the Corporation’s fair value estimates associated with the BSPR acquisition are considered preliminary estimates and are subject to refinement for a period of up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information related to those fair value estimates become available and such information is considered final. In addition to the goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of BSPR, the Corporation’s goodwill includes $28.1 million related to the United States (Florida) reporting unit.
The Corporation’s policy is to assess goodwill and other intangibles for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each year, and more frequently if events or circumstances lead management to believe that the values of goodwill or other intangibles may be impaired. Given the volatility in economic conditions and equity markets observed during 2020, triggered by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Corporation performed qualitative assessments during the first three quarters of 2020 to determine whether the continued effects of the COVID-19 pandemic constituted a triggering event that would indicate that it was more likely than not that the fair value of the Florida reporting unit was impaired. The Corporation concluded that the COVID-19 event was not a triggering event that required the performance of a quantitative test. In the fourth quarter of 2020, as part of its annual evaluation, the Corporation bypassed the qualitative assessment and proceeded directly to perform quantitative analyses to test for impairment the goodwill of the Florida reporting unit. Based on analyses under both the market and discounted cash flow approaches, the estimated fair value of the Florida reporting unit well exceeded the carrying amount of the entity, including goodwill as of the evaluation date (October 1). Goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2020 or 2019, nor was any goodwill written off due to impairment during 2020, 2019 and 2018.
The change in the carrying amount of goodwill attributable to operating segments are reflected in the following table.
Mortgage Banking
Consumer (Retail) Banking
Commercial and Corporate Banking
United States Operations
Total
(In thousands)
Goodwill, January 1, 2020
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
28,098
$
28,098
Merger and acquisitions
4,935
-
6,303
Adjustments
3,313
-
4,231
Goodwill, December 31, 2020
$
$
1,327
$
8,248
$
28,098
$
38,632
The Corporation had other intangible assets of $40.9 million as of December 31, 2020, consisting of $35.8 million in core deposit intangibles, $4.7 million in purchased credit card relationship intangibles, and $0.3 million in insurance customer relationship intangibles. The additions of $35.4 million of core deposit intangibles and $3.8 million in purchased credit card relationship intangibles during 2020 was the result of the BSPR acquisition.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table shows the gross amount and accumulated amortization of the Corporation’s other intangible assets as of the indicated dates:
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Core deposit intangible
Purchased credit card relationship intangible
Insurance customer relationship intangible
Total
(In thousands)
Gross amount of intangible assets:
Beginning balance
$
51,664
$
24,465
$
1,067
$
77,196
Additions due to acquisitions
35,432
3,800
-
39,232
Ending Balance
87,096
28,265
1,067
116,428
Accumulated amortization:
Beginning balance
(48,176)
(20,850)
(597)
(69,623)
Amortization
(3,078)
(2,682)
(152)
(5,912)
Ending balance
(51,254)
(23,532)
(749)
(75,535)
Net intangible assets
$
35,842
$
4,733
$
$
40,893
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Core deposit intangible
Purchased credit card relationship intangible
Insurance customer relationship intangible
Total
(In thousands)
Gross amount of intangible assets:
Beginning balance
$
51,664
$
24,465
$
1,067
$
77,196
Accumulated amortization:
Beginning balance
(47,329)
(18,763)
(445)
(66,537)
Amortization
(847)
(2,087)
(152)
(3,086)
Ending balance
(48,176)
(20,850)
(597)
(69,623)
Net intangible assets
$
3,488
$
3,615
$
$
7,573
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Core deposit intangible
Purchased credit card relationship intangible
Insurance customer relationship intangible
Total
(In thousands)
Gross amount of intangible assets:
Beginning balance
$
51,664
$
24,465
$
1,067
$
77,196
Accumulated amortization:
Beginning balance
(46,187)
(16,464)
(293)
(62,944)
Amortization
(1,142)
(2,299)
(152)
(3,593)
Ending balance
(47,329)
(18,763)
(445)
(66,537)
Net intangible assets
$
4,335
$
5,702
$
$
10,659
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation amortizes core deposit intangibles and customer relationship intangibles based on the projected useful lives of the related deposits in the case of core deposit intangibles, and over the projected useful lives of the related client relationships in the case of customer relationship intangibles. The weighted average remaining amortization periods typically range from one to six years. As mentioned above, the Corporation analyzes core deposit intangibles and customer relationship intangibles annually for impairment, or sooner if events and circumstances indicate possible impairment. Factors that may suggest impairment include customer attrition and run-off. Management is unaware of any events and/or circumstances that would indicate a possible impairment to the core deposit intangibles or customer relationship intangibles as of December 31, 2020.
The estimated aggregate annual amortization expense related to the intangible assets for future periods was as follows as of December 31, 2020:
Amount
(In thousands)
$
11,293
8,731
7,651
6,346
3,469
2026 and after
3,403
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 15 - NON CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (“VIE”) AND SERVICING ASSETS
The Corporation transfers residential mortgage loans in sale or securitization transactions in which it has continuing involvement, including servicing responsibilities and guarantee arrangements. All such transfers have been accounted for as sales as required by applicable accounting guidance.
When evaluating the need to consolidate counterparties to which the Corporation has transferred assets, or with which the Corporation has entered into other transactions, the Corporation first determines if the counterparty is an entity for which a variable interest exists. If no scope exception is applicable and a variable interest exists, the Corporation then evaluates whether it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and whether the entity should be consolidated or not.
Below is a summary of transactions with VIEs for which the Corporation has retained some level of continuing involvement:
Trust-Preferred Securities
In 2004, FBP Statutory Trust I, a financing trust that is wholly owned by the Corporation, sold to institutional investors $100 million of its variable-rate TRuPs. FBP Statutory Trust I used the proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.1 million of FBP Statutory Trust I variable-rate common securities, to purchase $103.1 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. Also in 2004, FBP Statutory Trust II, a financing trust that is wholly owned by the Corporation, sold to institutional investors $125 million of its variable-rate TRuPs. FBP Statutory Trust II used the proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.9 million of FBP Statutory Trust II variable-rate common securities, to purchase $128.9 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. The debentures, net of related issuance costs, are presented in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition as other borrowings. The variable-rate TRuPs are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Corporation. The Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures issued by the Corporation in April 2004 and September 2004 mature on June 17, 2034 and September 20, 2034, respectively; however, under certain circumstances, the maturity of Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures may be shortened (such shortening would result in a mandatory redemption of the variable-rate TRuPs).
During the third quarter of 2020, the Corporation completed the repurchase of $0.4 million of TRuPs of the FBP Statutory Trust I, which resulted in a commensurate reduction in the related Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debentures. The Corporation’s purchase price equated to 75% of the $0.4 million par value. The 25% discount resulted in a gain of approximately $0.1 million. In addition, during the first quarter of 2018, the Corporation completed the repurchase of $23.8 million of TRuPs of the FBP Statutory Trust I that were auctioned in a public sale at which the Corporation was invited to participate. The Corporation’s winning bid equated to 90% of the $23.8 million par value. The 10% discount resulted in a gain of approximately $2.3 million. These gains are reflected in the consolidated statements of income as gain on early extinguishment of debt.
The Collins Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act eliminated certain TRuPs from Tier 1 Capital; however, these instruments may remain in Tier 2 capital until the instruments are redeemed or mature. Under the indentures, the Corporation has the right, from time to time, and without causing an event of default, to defer payments of interest on the Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures by extending the interest payment period at any time and from time to time during the term of the subordinated debentures for up to twenty consecutive quarterly periods. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation was current on all interest payments due on its subordinated debt.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Private Label MBS
During 2004 and 2005, an unaffiliated party, referred to in this subsection as the seller, established a series of statutory trusts to effect the securitization of mortgage loans and the sale of trust certificates (“private label MBS”). The seller initially provided the servicing for a fee, which is senior to the obligations to pay private label MBS holders. The seller then entered into a sales agreement through which it sold and issued these private label MBS in favor of the Corporation’s banking subsidiary. Currently, the Bank is the sole owner of these private label MBS; the servicing of the underlying residential mortgages that generate the principal and interest cash flows is performed by another third party, which receives a servicing fee. These private label MBS are variable-rate securities indexed to 90-day LIBOR plus a spread. The principal payments from the underlying loans are remitted to a paying agent (servicer), who then remits interest to the Bank. Interest income is shared to a certain extent with the FDIC, which has an interest only strip (“IO”) tied to the cash flows of the underlying loans and is entitled to receive the excess of the interest income less a servicing fee over the variable rate income that the Bank earns on the securities. This IO is limited to the weighted-average coupon on the securities. The FDIC became the owner of the IO upon its intervention of the seller, a failed financial institution. No recourse agreement exists, and the Bank, as the sole holder of the securities, absorbs all risks from losses on non-accruing loans and repossessed collateral. As of December 31, 2020, the amortized cost and fair value of these private label MBS amounted to $12.3 million and $8.4 million, respectively, with a weighted average yield of 2.25%, which is included as part of the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment securities portfolio. As described in Note 5 - Investment Securities, above, the ACL on these private label MBS amounted to $1.0 million as of December 31, 2020.
Investment in unconsolidated entity
On February 16, 2011, FirstBank sold an asset portfolio consisting of performing and nonaccrual construction, commercial mortgage and commercial and industrial loans with an aggregate book value of $269.3 million to CPG/GS, an entity organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and majority owned by PRLP Ventures LLC (“PRLP”), a company created by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Caribbean Property Group. In connection with the sale, the Corporation received $88.5 million in cash and a 35% interest in CPG/GS, and made a loan in the amount of $136.1 million representing seller financing provided by FirstBank. The loan was refinanced and consolidated with other outstanding loans of CPG/GS in the second quarter of 2018 and was paid in full in October 2019. FirstBank’s equity interest in CPG/GS is accounted for under the equity method. FirstBank recorded a loss on its interest in CPG/GS in 2014 that reduced to zero the carrying amount of the Bank’s investment in CPG/GS. No negative investment needs to be reported as the Bank has no legal obligation or commitment to provide further financial support to this entity; thus, no further losses have been or will be recorded on this investment.
CPG/GS used cash proceeds of the aforementioned seller-financed loan to cover operating expenses and debt service payments, including those related to the loan that was paid off in October 2019. FirstBank will not receive any return on its equity interest until PRLP receives an aggregate amount equivalent to its initial investment and a priority return of at least 12%, which has not occurred, resulting in FirstBank’s interest in CPG/GS being subordinate to PRLP’s interest. CPG/GS will then begin to make payments pro rata to PRLP and FirstBank, 35% and 65%, respectively, until FirstBank has achieved a 12% return on its invested capital and the aggregate amount of distributions is equal to FirstBank’s capital contributions to CPG/GS.
The Bank has determined that CPG/GS is a VIE in which the Bank is not the primary beneficiary. In determining the primary beneficiary of CPG/GS, the Bank considered applicable guidance that requires the Bank to qualitatively assess the determination of whether it is the primary beneficiary (or consolidator) of CPG/GS based on whether it has both the power to direct the activities of CPG/GS that most significantly affect the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of, or the right to receive benefits from, CPG/GS that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Bank determined that it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of CPG/GS as it does not have the right to manage or influence the loan portfolio, foreclosure proceedings, or the construction and sale of the property; therefore, the Bank concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of CPG/GS.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Servicing Assets (MSRs)
The Corporation typically transfers first lien residential mortgage loans in conjunction with GNMA securitization transactions in which the loans are exchanged for cash or securities that are readily redeemed for cash proceeds and servicing rights. The securities issued through these transactions are guaranteed by GNMA and, under seller/servicer agreements, the Corporation is required to service the loans in accordance with the issuers’ servicing guidelines and standards. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation serviced loans securitized through GNMA with a principal balance of $2.1 billion. Also, certain conventional conforming loans are sold to FNMA or FHLMC with servicing retained. The Corporation recognizes as separate assets the rights to service loans for others, whether those servicing assets are originated or purchased. MSRs are included as part of other assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The changes in MSRs are shown below for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
26,762
$
27,428
$
25,255
Purchases of servicing assets (1)
7,781
-
-
Capitalization of servicing assets
4,864
4,039
3,864
Amortization
(5,777)
(4,592)
(2,895)
Temporary impairment (charges) recoveries, net
(206)
(43)
1,289
Other (2)
(353)
(70)
(85)
Balance at end of year
$
33,071
$
26,762
$
27,428
(1) Represents MSRs acquired in the BSPR acquisition.
(2) Amount represents adjustments related to the repurchase of loans serviced for others, including loans previously serviced for BSPR and eliminated as part of the acquisition.
Impairment charges are recognized through a valuation allowance for each individual stratum of servicing assets. The valuation allowance is adjusted to reflect the amount, if any, by which the cost basis of the servicing asset for a given stratum of loans being serviced exceeds its fair value. Any fair value in excess of the cost basis of the servicing asset for a given stratum is not recognized.
Changes in the impairment allowance were as follows for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
$
$
$
1,451
Temporary impairment charges
OTTI of servicing assets
(77)
-
(132)
Recoveries
(95)
(35)
(1,412)
Balance at end of year
$
$
$
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The components of net servicing income, included as part of mortgage banking activities in the consolidated statements of income, are shown below for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Servicing fees
$
9,268
$
8,522
$
8,704
Late charges and prepayment penalties
Adjustment for loans repurchased (1)
(353)
(70)
(85)
Other
-
(15)
(8)
Servicing income, gross
9,485
9,047
9,121
Amortization and impairment of servicing assets
(5,983)
(4,635)
(1,606)
Servicing income, net
$
3,502
$
4,412
$
7,515
(1) Includes $14 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2020 related to the elimination of MSRs associated with loans previously serviced for BSPR.
The Corporation’s MSRs are subject to prepayment and interest rate risks. Key economic assumptions used in determining the fair value at the time of sale of the related mortgages ranged as follows for the indicated periods:
Maximum
Minimum
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Constant prepayment rate:
Government-guaranteed mortgage loans
6.5
%
6.2
%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans
7.2
%
6.9
%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans
9.2
%
8.6
%
Discount rate:
Government-guaranteed mortgage loans
12.0
%
12.0
%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans
10.0
%
10.0
%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans
14.3
%
13.7
%
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Constant prepayment rate:
Government-guaranteed mortgage loans
6.4
%
6.2
%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans
6.9
%
6.7
%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans
9.3
%
8.9
%
Discount rate:
Government-guaranteed mortgage loans
12.0
%
12.0
%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans
10.0
%
10.0
%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans
14.3
%
14.3
%
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Constant prepayment rate:
Government-guaranteed mortgage loans
6.0
%
5.6
%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans
6.5
%
6.2
%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans
10.3
%
9.1
%
Discount rate:
Government-guaranteed mortgage loans
12.0
%
12.0
%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans
10.0
%
10.0
%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans
14.3
%
14.3
%
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The weighted-averages of the key economic assumptions that the Corporation used in its valuation model and the sensitivity of the current fair value to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in those assumptions for mortgage loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
Carrying amount of servicing assets
$
33,071
$
26,762
Fair value
$
40,294
$
31,027
Weighted-average expected life (in years)
7.86
8.39
Constant prepayment rate (weighted-average annual rate)
6.73
%
6.45
%
Decrease in fair value due to 10% adverse change
$
1,006
$
Decrease in fair value due to 20% adverse change
$
1,970
$
1,464
Discount rate (weighted-average annual rate)
11.20
%
11.27
%
Decrease in fair value due to 10% adverse change
$
1,772
$
1,450
Decrease in fair value due to 20% adverse change
$
3,409
$
2,783
These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10% variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship between the change in assumption and the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the MSR is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in market interest rates may result in lower prepayments), which may magnify or counteract the sensitivities.
NOTE 16 - DEPOSITS AND RELATED INTEREST
The following table summarizes deposit balances as of the dates indicated:
December 31,
(In thousands)
Type of account and interest rate:
Non-interest-bearing deposit accounts
$
4,546,123
$
2,367,856
Interest-bearing savings accounts - 0.05% to 1.40% (2019- 0.05% to 2.00%)
4,088,969
2,437,345
Interest-bearing checking accounts - 0.05% to 1.75% (2019- 0.05% to 1.00%)
3,651,806
1,412,390
Certificates of deposit ("CDs")- 0.10% to 4.75% (2019- 0.10% to 4.00%)
2,814,313
2,695,749
Brokered CDs- 0.85% to 2.75% (2019- 1.20% to 3.00%)
216,172
435,089
$
15,317,383
$
9,348,429
The weighted-average interest rate on total interest-bearing deposits as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 0.55% and 1.18%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2020, the aggregate amount of unplanned overdrafts of demand deposits that were reclassified as loans amounted to $0.8 million (2019 - $4.1 million). Pre-arranged overdrafts lines of credit amounted to $26.0 million as of December 31, 2020 (2019 - $28.6 million).
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table presents the contractual maturities of CDs, including brokered CDs, as of December 31, 2020:
Total
(In thousands)
Three months or less
$
658,417
Over three months to six months
527,542
Over six months to one year
779,370
Over one year to two years
594,688
Over two years to three years
252,014
Over three years to four years
135,653
Over four years to five years
68,260
Over five years
14,541
Total
$
3,030,485
As of December 31, 2020, CDs in denominations of $100,000 or higher amounted to $2.3 billion (2019 - $2.4 billion) including brokered CDs of $216.1 million (2019 - $434.8 million) at a weighted-average rate of 2.00% (2019 - 2.15%) issued to deposit brokers in the form of large certificates of deposits that are generally participated out by brokers in shares of less than the FDIC insurance limit. As of December 31, 2020, unamortized broker placement fees amounted to $0.4 million (2019 - $0.9 million), which are amortized over the contractual maturity of the brokered CDs under the interest method. As of December 31, 2020, time deposits in denominations of $250,000 or more amounted to $1.0 billion (2019 - $1.3 billion).
Brokered CDs mature as follows:
December 31,
(In thousands)
Three months or less
$
54,118
Over three months to six months
24,502
Over six months to one year
37,287
Over one year to three years
77,953
Over three years to five years
22,312
Total
$
216,172
As of December 31, 2020, deposit accounts issued to government agencies amounted to $2.1 billion (2019 - $1.1 billion). These deposits are insured by the FDIC up to the applicable limits, generally $250,000. The uninsured portions were collateralized by securities and loans with an amortized cost of $2.0 billion (2019 - $780.9 million) and an estimated market value of $2.1 billion (2019 - $769.6 million). In addition, as of December 31, 2019, the Corporation used $212.0 million in letters of credit issued by the FHLB as pledges for public deposits in the Virgin Islands. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had $1.8 billion of government deposits in Puerto Rico (2019 - $826.9 million), $280.2 million in the Virgin Islands (2019 - $227.7 million) and $9.7 million in Florida (2019 - $7.6 million).
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
A table showing interest expense on deposits for the indicated periods follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Interest-bearing checking accounts
$
5,933
$
6,071
$
5,208
Savings
11,116
16,017
14,298
CDs
43,350
44,658
33,652
Brokered CDs
7,989
11,036
14,493
Total
$
68,388
$
77,782
$
67,651
The total interest expense on deposits included the amortization of broker placement fees related to brokered CDs amounting to $0.5 million, $0.7 million, and $1.2 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For 2020, total interest expense included $1.0 million for the accretion of premiums related to time deposits assumed in the BSPR acquisition. Refer to Note 2 - Business Combination, for additional information.
NOTE 17 - LOANS PAYABLE
The Corporation participates in the Borrower-in-Custody Program (the “BIC Program”) of the FED. Through the BIC Program, a broad range of loans (including commercial, consumer and residential mortgages) may be pledged as collateral for borrowings through the FED Discount Window. As of December 31, 2020, pledged collateral that is related to this credit facility amounted to $1.6 billion, mainly commercial, consumer and residential mortgage loans, which after a margin haircut represents approximately $960 million of credit availability under this program. With the impacts of COVID-19 on individuals, communities and organizations continuing to evolve, the Federal Reserve has taken several actions to support the economy and financial stability of market participants including, among other things, lowering the target range for the federal funds rate and relaunching large scale asset purchases. The FED Discount Window program provided the opportunity to access a low-rate short-term source of funding in the current highly volatile market environment. There were no outstanding borrowings under the Primary Credit FED Discount Window Program as of December 31, 2020.
NOTE 18 - SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) as of the dates indicated consisted of the following:
December 31,
(In thousands)
Long-term repurchase agreement (1)(2)
$
300,000
$
100,000
(1) Weighted-average interest rate of 1.77% and 2.26% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, includes repurchase agreements of $200 million tied to variable rates.
(2) During the first quarter of 2020, a repurchase agreement counterparty exercised its call option on $200 million of reverse repurchase agreements that were previously offset in the statement of financial condition against variable-rate repurchase agreements, pursuant to ASC Subtopic 210-20-45-11, “Balance Sheet - Offsetting - Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements.”
Accrued interest payable on repurchase agreements amounted to $1.0 million and $0.8 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Repurchase agreements mature as follows as of the indicated date:
December 31,2020
(In thousands)
One year to three years
$
100,000
Three to five years
200,000
Total
$
300,000
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following securities were sold under agreements to repurchase:
As of December 31, 2020
Amortized
Approximate
Weighted
Cost of
Fair Value
Average
Underlying
Balance of
of Underlying
Interest Rate
Underlying Securities
Securities
Borrowing
Securities
of Security
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
$
12,219
$
11,013
$
12,351
1.94
%
MBS
320,640
288,987
329,438
1.65
%
Total
$
332,859
$
300,000
$
341,789
Accrued interest receivable
$
As of December 31, 2019
Amortized
Approximate
Weighted
Cost of
Fair Value
Average
Underlying
Balance of
of Underlying
Interest Rate
Underlying Securities
Securities
Borrowing
Securities
of Security
(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
$
13,776
$
4,723
$
13,768
1.53
%
MBS
115,630
95,277
116,397
2.31
%
Total
$
129,406
$
100,000
$
130,165
Accrued interest receivable
$
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The maximum aggregate balance of repurchase agreements outstanding at any month-end during 2020 was $475.8 million (2019 - $150.1 million). The average balance during 2020 was $291.5 million (2019 - $110.6 million). The weighted-average interest rate during 2020 and 2019 was 2.28% and 6.01%, respectively, considering negative market rates on reverse repurchase agreements.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the securities underlying such agreements were delivered to the dealers with which the repurchase agreements were transacted.
Repurchase agreements as of December 31, 2020, grouped by counterparty, were as follows:
Weighted-Average
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
Maturity (In Months)
Counterparty
JP Morgan Chase
$
100,000
Credit Suisse First Boston
200,000
$
300,000
NOTE 19 - ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB)
The following is a summary of the advances from the FHLB as of the indicated dates:
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
Short-term Fixed-rate advances from FHLB (1)
$
-
$
35,000
Long-term Fixed-rate advances from FHLB (2)
440,000
535,000
$
440,000
$
570,000
(1) Interest rate of 1.83% as of December 31, 2019.
(2) Weighted-average interest rate of 2.26% and 2.21% as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Advances from FHLB mature as follows as of the indicated date:
December 31, 2020
(In thousands)
Over three to six months
$
120,000
Over six months to one year
120,000
Over one to three years
200,000
Total
$
440,000
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation receives advances from the FHLB under an Advances, Collateral Pledge, and Security Agreement (the “Collateral Agreement”). The Collateral Agreement requires the Corporation to maintain a minimum amount of qualifying mortgage collateral with a market value of generally 125% or higher than the outstanding advances. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the estimated value of specific mortgage loans pledged as collateral amounted to $1.6 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, as computed by the FHLB for collateral purposes. The carrying value of such loans as of December 31, 2020 amounted to $2.2 billion (2019 - $1.6 billion). As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had additional capacity of approximately $1.2 billion on this credit facility based on collateral pledged at the FHLB, including a haircut reflecting the perceived risk associated with the collateral. Haircut refers to the percentage by which an asset’s market value is reduced for the purpose of collateral levels. Advances may be repaid prior to maturity, in whole or in part, at the option of the borrower upon payment of any applicable fee specified in the contract governing such advance. In calculating the fee, due consideration is given to (i) all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, any and all applicable costs of repurchasing and/or prepaying any associated liabilities and/or hedges entered into with respect to the applicable advance; (ii) the financial characteristics, in their entirety, of the advance being prepaid; and (iii), in the case of adjustable-rate advances, the expected future earnings of the replacement borrowing as long as the replacement borrowing is at least equal to the original advance’s par value and the replacement borrowing’s tenor is at least equal to the remaining maturity of the prepaid advance.
NOTE 20 - OTHER BORROWINGS
Other borrowings, as of the indicated dates, consisted of:
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
Floating rate junior subordinated debentures (FBP Statutory Trust I) (1) (2)
$
65,205
$
65,593
Floating rate junior subordinated debentures (FBP Statutory Trust II) (3)
118,557
118,557
$
183,762
$
184,150
(1) Amount represents junior subordinated interest-bearing debentures due in 2034 with a floating interest rate of 2.75% over 3-month LIBOR (2.98% as of December 31, 2020 and 4.65% as of December 31, 2019).
(2) Refer to note 15 - “Non-Consolidated Variable Interest Entities and Servicing Assets - Trust Preferred Securities,” above for additional information about the Corporation’s repurchase in the third quarter of 2020 of $0.4 million in TRuPs associated with these junior subordinated debentures.
(3) Amount represents junior subordinated interest-bearing debentures due in 2034 with a floating interest rate of 2.50% over 3-month LIBOR (2.74% as of December 31, 2020 and 4.41% as of December 31, 2019).
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 21 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The calculations of earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share information)
Net income
$
102,273
$
167,377
$
201,608
Less: Preferred stock dividends
(2,676)
(2,676)
(2,676)
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
99,597
$
164,701
$
198,932
Weighted-Average Shares:
Average common shares outstanding
216,904
216,614
215,709
Average potential dilutive common shares
Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution
217,668
217,134
216,677
Earnings per common share:
Basic
$
0.46
$
0.76
$
0.92
Diluted
$
0.46
$
0.76
$
0.92
Earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares issued and outstanding. Net income attributable to common stockholders represents net income adjusted for any preferred stock dividends, including any dividends declared but not yet paid, and any cumulative dividends related to the current dividend period that have not been declared as of the end of the period. Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding exclude unvested shares of restricted stock that do not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights.
Potential dilutive common shares consist of unvested shares of restricted stock that do not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights, warrants outstanding during the period and common stock issued under the assumed exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method. This method assumes that the potential dilutive common shares are issued and outstanding and the proceeds from the exercise, in addition to the amount of compensation cost attributable to future services, are used to purchase common stock at the exercise date. The difference between the number of potential dilutive shares issued and the shares purchased is added as incremental shares to the actual number of shares outstanding to compute diluted earnings per share. Unvested shares of restricted stock, stock options, and warrants outstanding during the period that result in lower potential dilutive shares issued than shares purchased under the treasury stock method are not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share since their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share. Potential dilutive common shares also include performance units that do not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights if the performance condition is met as of the end of the reporting period.
On May 17, 2018, the U.S. Treasury exercised its warrant to purchase 1,285,899 shares of the Corporation’s common stock on a cashless basis, resulting in the issuance of 730,571 shares of common stock.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 22 - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
On May 24, 2016, the Corporation’s stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the First BanCorp. Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the “Omnibus Plan”), to, among other things, increase the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Omnibus Plan, extend the term of the Omnibus Plan to May 24, 2026 and re-approve the material terms of the performance goals under the Omnibus Plan for purposes of the then- effective Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Omnibus Plan provides for equity-based and non equity-based compensation incentives (the “awards”) through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards. The Omnibus Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 14,169,807 shares of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock splits, reorganizations and other similar events. As of December 31, 2020, 5,670,102 authorized shares of common stock were available for issuance under the Omnibus Plan. The Corporation’s Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Corporation’s Compensation and Benefits Committee, has the power and authority to determine those eligible to receive awards and to establish the terms and conditions of any awards, subject to various limits and vesting restrictions that apply to individual and aggregate awards.
Restricted Stock
Under the Omnibus Plan, the Corporation may grant restricted stock to plan participants, subject to forfeiture upon the occurrence of certain events until the dates specified in the participant’s award agreement. While the restricted stock is subject to forfeiture and does not contain non-forfeitable dividend rights, participants may exercise full voting rights with respect to the shares of restricted stock granted to them. The restricted stock granted under the Omnibus Plan is typically subject to a vesting period. During 2020, the Corporation awarded to its independent directors 59,797 shares of restricted stock that are subject to one-year vesting from the dates of grant. In addition, during 2020, the Corporation awarded 851,673 shares of restricted stock to employees; fifty percent (50%) of those shares vest on the two-year anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% vest on three-year anniversary of the grant date. Included in those 851,673 shares of restricted stock were 47,194 shares granted to retirement-eligible employees. The total expense determined for the restricted stock awarded to retirement-eligible employees was charged against earnings as of the grant date. During 2019, the Corporation awarded to its independent directors 51,841 shares of restricted stock that were subject to one-year vesting periods from the dates of grant. In addition, during 2019, the Corporation awarded 262,371 shares of restricted stock to employees; 50% of those shares vest on the two-year anniversary of the grant date and the remaining 50% vest on the three-year anniversary of the grant date. Included in those 262,371 shares of restricted stock were 16,808 shares granted to retirement-eligible employees. The fair value of the shares of restricted stock granted in 2020 and 2019 was based on the market price of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock on the date of the respective grant.
The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity in 2020 under the Omnibus Plan:
Number of
Weighted-
shares of
Average
restricted
Grant Date
stock
Fair Value
Unvested shares outstanding at beginning of year
644,805
$
8.51
Granted
911,470
4.16
Forfeited
(3,086)
6.07
Vested
(232,466)
7.23
Unvested shares outstanding at end of year
1,320,723
$
5.74
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation recognized $3.2 million, $2.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards. As of December 31, 2020, there was $3.2 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested shares of restricted stock. The weighted average period over which the Corporation expects to recognize such cost was 1.5 years as of December 31, 2020.
Stock-based compensation accounting guidance requires the Corporation to reverse compensation expense for any awards that are forfeited due to employee or director turnover. Quarterly changes in the estimated forfeiture rate may have a significant effect on stock-based compensation, as the Corporation recognizes the effect of adjusting the rate for all expense amortization in the period in which the forfeiture estimate is changed. If the actual forfeiture rate is higher than the estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made to increase the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in a decrease in the expense recognized in the financial statements. If the actual forfeiture rate is lower than the estimated forfeiture rate, an adjustment is made to decrease the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in an increase in the expense recognized in the financial statements.
Performance Units
Under the Omnibus Plan, the Corporation may award performance units to Omnibus Plan participants. During 2020, the Corporation granted 502,307 units to executives, with each unit representing the value of one share of the Corporation’s common stock. The performance units granted in 2020 are for the performance period beginning January 1, 2020 and ending on December 31, 2022 and are subject to three-year service periods from the date of grant. These awards do not contain non-forfeitable rights to dividend equivalent amounts and can only be settled in shares of the Corporation’s common stock. The performance units will vest based on the achievement of a pre-established tangible book value per share target as of December 31, 2022. All of the performance units will vest if performance is at the pre-established performance target level or above. However, the participants may vest with respect to 50% of the awards to the extent that performance is below the target but at 80% of the pre-established performance target level (the “80% minimum threshold”), which is measured based upon the growth in the tangible book value during the performance cycle. If performance is between the 80% minimum threshold and the pre-established performance target level, the participants will vest on a proportional amount. No performance units will vest if performance is below the 80% minimum threshold.
During 2019 and 2018, the Corporation awarded 200,053 and 304,408 performance units to executives, respectively. The performance units are subject to three-year service periods from the date of grant and a pre-established performance target level as described above.
The following table summarizes the performance units activity during 2020 under the Omnibus Plan:
Year Ended
(Number of units)
December 31, 2020
Performance units at beginning of year
504,461
Additions
502,307
Performance units at December 31, 2020
1,006,768
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The fair values of the performance units awarded during 2020 and 2019 were based on the market price of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock on the respective date of the grant. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Corporation recognized $1.8 million, $1.1 million, and $0.6 million, respectively, of stock-based compensation expense related to performance units. As of December 31, 2020, there was $2.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested performance units that the Corporation expects to recognize over the next three years. The total amount of compensation expense recognized reflects management’s assessment of the probability that the pre-established performance goal will be achieved. The Corporation will recognize a cumulative adjustment to compensation expense in the then-current period to reflect any changes in the probability of achievement of the performance goals.
Other awards
Under the Omnibus Plan, the Corporation may grant shares of unrestricted stock to plan participants. During the third quarter of 2020, the Corporation granted to its independent directors 19,157 shares of unrestricted stock that were fully vested on the grant date. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Corporation recognized $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense related to unrestricted stock awards. There were no grants of unrestricted stock in 2019.
Salary stock
Effective April 1, 2013, the Corporation’s Board of Directors determined to increase the salary amounts paid to certain executive officers, primarily by paying the increased salary amounts in the form of shares of the Corporation’s common stock issued under the Omnibus Plan, instead of cash. During 2018, the Corporation issued 268,709 shares of common stock with a weighted-average market value per share of $6.51 as salary stock compensation. This resulted in compensation expense of $1.7 million recorded in 2018. Effective July 1, 2018, the Corporation ceased paying additional salary amounts in the form of stock in accordance with its revised executive compensation program.
Shares withheld
During 2020, the Corporation withheld 51,814 shares (2019 - 176,015 shares) of the restricted stock that vested during such period to cover the officers’ payroll and income tax withholding liabilities; these shares are held as treasury shares. The Corporation paid in cash any fractional share of salary stock to which an officer was entitled. In the consolidated financial statements, the Corporation treats shares withheld for tax purposes as common stock repurchases.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 23 - STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation had 2,000,000,000 authorized shares of common stock with a par value of $0.10 per share. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were 223,034,348 and 222,103,721 shares issued, respectively, and 218,235,064 and 217,359,337 shares outstanding, respectively. Refer to Note 22 - Stock-Based Compensation, above for information about transactions related to common stock under the Omnibus Plan.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, total cash dividends declared on shares of common stock amounted to $43.8 million and $30.5 million, respectively. On January 28, 2021, the Corporation announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, which represents an increase of $0.02 per common share compared to the dividend paid on December 11, 2020. The dividend is payable on March 12, 2021 to shareholders of record at the close business on February 26, 2021. The Corporation intends to continue to pay quarterly dividends on common stock. However, the Corporation’s common stock dividends, including the declaration, timing and amount, remain subject to consideration and approval by the Corporation’s Board Directors at the relevant times.
Preferred Stock
The Corporation has 50,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock with a par value of $1.00, redeemable at the Corporation’s option, subject to certain terms. This stock may be issued in series and the shares of each series have such rights and preferences as are fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had five outstanding series of non-convertible, non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock: 7.125% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series A; 8.35% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series B; 7.40% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series C; 7.25% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series D; and 7.00% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series E. The liquidation value per share is $25.
Effective January 17, 2012, the Corporation delisted all of its outstanding series of non-convertible, non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock from the New York Stock Exchange. The Corporation has not arranged for listing and/or registration on another national securities exchange or for quotation of the Series A through E preferred stock in a quotation medium. The Corporation has continued to pay monthly dividend payments on the non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock. For each year, 2020 and 2019, total cash dividends declared on shares of preferred stock amounted to $2.7 million. The Corporation intends to continue to make monthly dividend payments on the non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock. However, the Corporation’s monthly dividend payments on the non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, including the declaration, timing and amount, remain subject to consideration and approval by the Corporation’s Board Directors at the relevant times
Treasury stock
During 2020 and 2019, the Corporation withheld an aggregate of 51,814 shares and 176,015 shares, respectively, of the restricted stock that vested during those periods, to cover the officers’ payroll and income tax withholding liabilities; these shares are held as treasury stock. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation had 4,799,284 and ,4,744384 shares held as treasury stock, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
FirstBank Statutory Reserve (Legal Surplus)
The Banking Law of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requires that a minimum of 10% of FirstBank’s net income for the year be transferred to a legal surplus reserve until such surplus equals the total of paid-in-capital on common and preferred stock. Amounts transferred to the legal surplus reserve from retained earnings are not available for distribution to the Corporation, including for payment as dividends to the stockholders, without the prior consent of the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Financial Institutions. The Puerto Rico Banking Law provides that, when the expenditures of a Puerto Rico commercial bank are greater than receipts, the excess of the expenditures over receipts must be charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if any, must be charged against the legal surplus reserve, as a reduction thereof. If the legal surplus reserve is not sufficient to cover such balance in whole or in part, the outstanding amount must be charged against the capital account and the Bank cannot pay dividends until it can replenish the legal surplus reserve to an amount of at least 20% of the original capital contributed. During 2020 and 2019, the Corporation transferred $11.7 million and $17.4 million, respectively, to the legal surplus reserve. FirstBank’s legal surplus reserve, included as part of retained earnings in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition, amounted to $109.3 million and $97.6 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
NOTE 24 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Retirement Plans
The Corporation maintains two frozen qualified noncontributory defined benefit pension plans (the “Pension Plans”), and a related complementary post-retirement benefit plan covering medical benefits and life insurance after retirement that it obtained in the BSPR acquisition (the “Postretirement Benefit Plan”). One defined benefit pension plan covers substantially all former BSPR’s employees who were active before January 1, 2007 (the “BSPR Plan”), while the other defined benefit pension plan covers personnel of an institution previously-acquired by BSPR. Benefits are based on salary and years of service. The accrual of benefits under the Pension Plans is frozen to all participants.
The Corporation requires recognition of a plan’s overfunded and underfunded status as an asset or liability with an offsetting adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive loss pursuant to the ASC Topic 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits. Actuarial gains or losses, prior-service costs, and transition assets or obligations are recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs.
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Pension Plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan
(In thousands)
Changes in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation, September 1
$
107,571
$
Interest cost
Actuarial loss (1)
1,321
Benefits paid
(1,539)
(20)
Projected benefit obligation, December 31
$
108,253
$
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, September 1
$
104,522
$
-
Actual return on plan assets
2,980
-
Benefits paid
(1,539)
-
Fair value of plan assets at the end of period
105,963
-
Net benefit obligation
$
(2,290)
$
(245)
(1) Significant components of the Pension Plans’ actuarial loss that changed the benefit obligation were mainly related to updates in discount and mortality rates.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following are the pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Pension Plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan
(In thousands)
Net actuarial loss
$
$
Net amount recognized
$
$
The weighted-average assumed discount rate to determine the projected benefit obligations as of December 31, 2020 was 2.36%.
Financial data relative to the Pension Plans and the Postretirement Benefit Plan is summarized in the following tables:
Period from September 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020
Location
Pension Plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan
(Dollars in thousands)
Net periodic benefit (income) loss:
Interest cost
Other expenses
$
$
Expected return on plan assets
Other expenses
(2,062)
-
Net periodic benefit (income) loss
(1,162)
Pre-tax amounts recognized in OCI:
Net actuarial loss
Net amount recognized in OCI
Total net periodic pension (income) loss recognized
in total comprehensive income, pre-tax
$
(758)
$
Weighted average assumptions used to determine
net periodic pension cost:
Discount rate
2.36
%
2.44
%
Expected return on plan assets
5.99
%
N/A
%
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The discount rate is estimated as the single equivalent rate such that the present value of the plan’s projected benefit obligation cash flows using the single rate equals the present value of those cash flows using the above mean actuarial yield curve. In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption, the Corporation evaluated input from a consultant and the Corporation’s long-term inflation assumptions and interest rate scenarios. Projected returns are based on the same asset categories as the plan using well-known broad indexes. Expected returns are based by historical returns with adjustments to reflect a more realistic future return. Adjustments are done by categories, taking into consideration current and future market conditions. The Corporation also considered historical returns on its plan assets to review the expected rate of return. The Corporation anticipated that the Plan’s portfolio would generate a weighted annual long-term rate of return of 5.99%. The investment policy statement for the Pension Plans includes: (i) liability hedging assets to reduce funded status risk, (ii) diversified return seeking assets to reduce equity risk, and (iii) establishes different glidepaths specific for each plan to systematically reduce risk as the funded status improves.
The following presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss of the Pension Plans and Postretirement Benefit Plan as of December 31, 2020:
Year ended December 31, 2020
Pension Plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan
(In thousands)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of period
$
-
$
-
Net actuarial loss
Total increase in other comprehensive loss
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of period
$
$
The following table presents information for the plans with a projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets for the year ended December 31, 2020:
Pension Plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan
(In thousands)
Projected benefit obligation
$
70,179
$
Accumulated benefit obligation
70,179
Fair value of plan assets
64,200
-
The Pension Plans weighted-average asset allocations as of December 31, 2020 by asset category are as follows:
December 31, 2020
Asset category
Equity securities
0%
Debt securities
0%
Investment in funds
98%
Other
2%
100%
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation does not expect to contribute to the Pension Plans during 2021.
The Corporation’s investment policy with respect to the Corporation’s Pension Plans is to optimize, without undue risk, the total return on investment of the Plan assets after inflation, within a framework of prudent and reasonable portfolio risk. The investment portfolio is diversified in multiple asset classes to reduce portfolio risk, and assets may be shifted between asset classes to reduce volatility when warranted by projections of the economic and/or financial market environment, consistent with Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). As circumstances and market conditions change, the Corporation’s target asset allocations may be amended to reflect the most appropriate distribution given the new environment, consistent with the investment objectives.
Expected future benefit payments for the plans are as follows:
Pension Plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan
(Dollars in thousands)
$
6,415
$
6,935
6,862
6,793
6,299
2026 through 2030
28,944
$
62,248
$
As of December 31, 2020, substantially all of the plan assets of $106 million were invested in common collective trusts, which primarily consist of equity securities, mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds and U. S. Treasuries. The portfolios in both plans have been measured at fair value using the net asset value per unit as a practical expedient as permitted by ASC Topic 820, and accordingly, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2020.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Determination of Fair Value
The valuation process begins with market quotations for the individual security. Since many fixed maturities do not trade on a daily basis, each asset class is evaluated on its own based on relevant market information, relevant credit information, perceived market movements, and sector news. The market inputs utilized in the pricing evaluation, listed in the approximate order of priority, include: benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. The extent of the use of each market input depends on the asset class and the market conditions. Depending on the security, the priority of use of inputs may change or some market inputs may not be relevant. Additional inputs may be necessary for some securities. Some fair value estimates are determined from quotes provided by market makers or broker-dealers that are considered to be market participants and are considered to be an estimate of fair value that is indicative of market transactions.
The following is a description of the valuation inputs and techniques used to measure the fair value of pension plan assets:
Investment in Funds - Investment in collectible funds have been measured at fair value using the net assets value per unit practical expedient and, accordingly, have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy.
Interest-Bearing Deposits - Interest-bearing deposits consist of money market accounts with short-term maturities and, therefore, the carrying value approximates fair value.
Defined Contribution Plan
In addition, FirstBank provides contributory retirement plans pursuant to Section 1081.01 of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011 for Puerto Rico employees and Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code for USVI and U.S. employees (the “Plans”). All employees are eligible to participate in the Plans after three months of service for purposes of making elective deferral contributions and one year of service for purposes of sharing in the Bank’s matching, qualified matching, and qualified non-elective contributions. Under the provisions of the Plans, the Bank contributes 50% of the first 6% of the participant’s compensation contributed to the Plans on a pretax basis, up to an annual limit. The matching contribution of fifty cents for every dollar of the employee’s contribution is comprised of: (i) twenty-five cents for every dollar of the employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s eligible compensation to be paid to the Plan as of each bi-weekly payroll; and (ii) an additional twenty-five cents for every dollar of the employee’s contribution up to 6% of the employee’s eligible compensation to be deposited as a lump sum subsequent to the Plan Year. Puerto Rico employees were permitted to contribute up to $15,000 for each of 2020, 2019 and 2018 (USVI and U.S. employees - $19,500 for 2020, $19,000 for 2019 and $18,500 for 2018). Additional contributions to the Plans may be voluntarily made by the Bank as determined by its Board of Directors. No additional discretionary contributions were made for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. The contributory savings plan assumed in the BSPR acquisition also provided for matching contribution up to 6% of the employee’s compensation. The Bank had total plan expenses of $3.0 million, $2.9 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 25 - OTHER NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
A detail of other non-interest expenses is as follows for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Supplies and printing
$
2,391
$
1,966
$
2,177
Amortization of intangible assets
5,912
3,086
3,593
Servicing and processing fees
4,696
4,781
4,991
Insurance and supervisory fees
6,324
3,596
4,602
Provision for operational losses
3,390
2,164
1,836
Other
3,105
4,640
5,140
Total
$
25,818
$
20,233
$
22,339
NOTE 26 - OTHER NON-INTEREST INCOME
A detail of other non-interest income is as follows for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Non-deferrable loan fees
$
3,750
$
2,789
$
2,384
Merchant-related income
5,844
5,635
5,244
ATM and POS fees
7,723
9,147
9,515
Credit and debit card interchange and other fees
12,042
11,759
9,598
Mail and cable transmission commissions
2,540
2,207
2,101
Fair value adjustments and gain (losses) on sales of commercial and
construction loans held for sale
-
2,316
(3,186)
Gain (loss) from sales of fixed-assets
(242)
1,366
Gain from insurance proceeds
5,000
Other
4,720
5,638
5,183
Total
$
41,834
$
39,909
$
32,742
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 27 - INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense includes Puerto Rico and USVI income taxes, as well as applicable U.S. federal and state taxes. The Corporation is subject to Puerto Rico income tax on its income from all sources. As a Puerto Rico corporation, FirstBank is treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. and USVI income tax purposes and, accordingly, is generally subject to U.S. and USVI income tax only on its income from sources within the U.S. and USVI or income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in those jurisdictions. Any such tax paid in the U.S. and USVI is also creditable against the Corporation’s Puerto Rico tax liability, subject to certain conditions and limitations.
Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended (the “2011 PR Code”), the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns and, thus, the Corporation is generally not entitled to utilize losses from one subsidiary to offset gains in another subsidiary. Accordingly, in order to obtain a tax benefit from a net operating loss (“NOL”), a particular subsidiary must be able to demonstrate sufficient taxable income within the applicable NOL carry-forward period. Pursuant to the 2011 PR Code, the carry-forward period for NOLs incurred during taxable years that commenced after December 31, 2004 and ended before January 1, 2013 is 12 years; for NOLs incurred during taxable years commencing after December 31, 2012, the carryover period is 10 years. The 2011 PR Code provides a dividend received deduction of 100% on dividends received from “controlled” subsidiaries subject to taxation in Puerto Rico and 85% on dividends received from other taxable domestic corporations.
On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law Act 257 (“Act 257”) to amend some of the provisions of the 2011 PR Code, as amended. Act 257 introduced various changes to the income tax regime in the case of individuals and corporations, and the sales and use taxes, which took effect on January 1, 2019, including, among others, (i) a reduction in the Puerto Rico maximum corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%; (ii) an increase in the net operating and capital losses usage limitation from 80% to 90%; (iii) amendments to the provisions related to “pass-through” entities that provide that corporations that own 50% or more of a partnership will not be able to claim a current or carryover non-partnership NOL deduction against a partnership distributable share, adversely impacting a tax action taken in 2017 under which the Corporation and the Bank were previously allowed to offset pass-through income earned by pass-through entities with non-partnership net operating losses at the parent company level, more significantly in connection with the pass-through income earned by FirstBank Insurance; and (iv) other limitations on certain deductions, such as meals and entertainment deductions.
The Corporation has maintained an effective tax rate lower than the maximum statutory rate mainly by investing in government obligations and MBS exempt from U.S. and Puerto Rico income taxes and by doing business through an IBE unit of the Bank, and through the Bank’s subsidiary, FirstBank Overseas Corporation, whose interest income and gains on sales is exempt from Puerto Rico income taxation. The IBE unit and FirstBank Overseas Corporation were created under the International Banking Entity Act of Puerto Rico, which provides for total Puerto Rico tax exemption on net income derived by IBEs operating in Puerto Rico on the specific activities identified in the IBE Act. An IBE that operates as a unit of a bank pays income taxes at the corporate standard rates to the extent that the IBE’s net income exceeds 20% of the bank’s total net taxable income.
The CARES Act of 2020 includes several provisions to stimulate the U.S. economy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these, are tax provisions that temporarily modified the taxable income limitations for NOL usage to offset future taxable income, NOL carryback provisions and other related income and non-income based tax laws. The Corporation has evaluated such provisions and determined that the impact of the CARES Act of 2020 on the income tax provision and deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2020 was not significant.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The components of income tax expense (benefit) are summarized below for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Current income tax expense
$
18,421
$
16,986
$
14,073
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
Adjustment for enacted changes in tax law
-
-
15,402
Reversal of deferred tax asset valuation allowance
(8,000)
-
(63,228)
Other deferred income tax expense
3,629
55,009
22,783
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
14,050
$
71,995
$
(10,970)
The differences between the income tax expense applicable to income before the provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory tax rate in Puerto Rico were as follows for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
Amount
% of Pretax Income
Amount
% of Pretax Income
Amount
% of Pretax Income
(Dollars in thousands)
Computed income tax at statutory rate
$
43,621
37.5
%
$
89,764
37.5
%
$
74,349
39.0
%
Federal and state taxes
4,944
4.2
%
4,467
1.6
%
3,768
2.0
%
Benefit of net exempt income
(26,780)
(23.0)
%
(24,811)
(10.4)
%
(22,782)
(12.0)
%
Disallowed NOL carryforward resulting from
net exempt income
9,054
7.8
%
15,887
6.6
%
14,904
7.8
%
Deferred tax valuation allowance
(12,095)
(10.4)
%
(14,108)
(5.9)
%
(90,521)
(47.5)
%
Adjustments in net deferred tax assets due to changes
in enacted tax rates
-
-
%
-
-
%
15,402
8.1
%
Share-based compensation windfall
0.1
%
(1,165)
(0.5)
%
(1,595)
(0.8)
%
Nondeductible expenses
and other permanent differences
(387)
(0.3)
%
(1,712)
(0.7)
%
(839)
(0.4)
%
Tax return to provision adjustments
0.5
%
1,846
0.8
%
-
%
Other-net
(5,061)
(4.3)
%
1,827
1.1
%
(3,660)
(1.9)
%
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$
14,050
12.1
%
$
71,995
30.1
%
$
(10,970)
(5.7)
%
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. Significant components of the Corporation's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as follows:
December 31,
(In thousands)
Deferred tax asset:
NOL carryforward
$
220,496
$
259,717
Allowance for credit losses
151,586
58,793
Alternative Minimum Tax credits available for carryforward
27,396
13,813
Unrealized loss on OREO valuation
13,426
13,963
Settlement payment-closing agreement
7,031
7,031
Legal and other reserves
4,120
2,791
Reserve for insurance premium cancellations
Differences between the assigned values and tax bases of assets and
liabilities recognized in purchase business combinations
11,956
-
Other
8,647
9,722
Total gross deferred tax assets
$
445,599
$
366,443
Deferred tax liabilities:
Differences between the assigned values and tax bases of assets
and liabilities recognized in purchase business combinations
-
3,823
Servicing assets
9,571
8,906
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, net
4,730
1,808
Other
Total gross deferred tax liabilities
14,354
15,048
Valuation allowance
(101,984)
(86,553)
Net deferred tax asset
$
329,261
$
264,842
Accounting for income taxes requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against their deferred tax asset based on an assessment of the amount of the deferred tax asset that is “more likely than not” to be realized. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Management assesses the valuation allowance recorded against deferred tax assets at each reporting date. The determination of whether a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is appropriate is subject to considerable judgment and requires the evaluation of positive and negative evidence that can be objectively verified. Consideration must be given to all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including, as applicable, the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income forecasts exclusive of the reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards, and tax planning strategies. In estimating taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into account statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance.
On January 1, 2020, the Corporation increased its deferred tax assets by $31.3 million in connection with the transitional adjustment resulting from the adoption of the CECL accounting standard. In addition, the BSPR acquisition added $28.9 million of net deferred tax assets as of the acquisition date. In connection with the acquisition of BSPR, the Corporation re-evaluated the forecast of its projected taxable income, and, after consideration of the available positive and negative evidence, a partial release of the valuation allowance of $8.0 million was recorded in the third quarter of 2020.
After completion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance analysis for the fourth quarter of 2020, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2020, it is more likely than not that FirstBank, the banking subsidiary, will generate sufficient taxable income to realize $144.7 million of its deferred tax assets related to NOLs within the applicable carry-forward periods. The net deferred tax assets of FirstBank amounted to $329.1 million as of December 31, 2020, net of a valuation allowance of $59.9 million, compared to a deferred tax asset of $264.8 million, net of a valuation allowance of $55.6 million, as of December 31, 2019. The positive evidence considered by management in arriving at its conclusion included factors such as: FirstBank’s three-year cumulative income position; sustained periods of profitability; management’s proven ability to forecast future income accurately and execute tax strategies; forecasts of future profitability, under several potential scenarios that support the partial utilization of NOLs prior to their expiration
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
from 2021 through 2024; and the utilization of NOLs over the past three-years. The negative evidence considered by management included: uncertainties about the state of the Puerto Rico economy, including considerations on the impact of hurricane and pandemic recovery funds together with Puerto Rico government debt renegotiation efforts and the ultimate sustainability of the latest fiscal plan certified by the PROMESA oversight board.
Management’s estimate of future taxable income is based on internal projections that consider historical performance, multiple internal scenarios and assumptions, as well as external data that management believes is reasonable. If events are identified that affect the Corporation’s ability to utilize its deferred tax assets, the analysis will be updated to determine if any adjustments to the valuation allowance are required. If actual results differ significantly from the current estimates of future taxable income, even if caused by adverse macro-economic conditions, the remaining valuation allowance may need to be increased. Such an increase could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. Conversely, a higher than projected proportion of taxable income to exempt income could lead to a higher usage of available NOLs and a lower amount of disallowed NOLs from projected levels of tax-exempt income, per the 2011 PR code, which in turn could result in further releases of the deferred tax valuation allowance; any such decreases could have a material positive effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately $210.7 million of the deferred tax assets of the Corporation are attributable to temporary differences or tax credit carryforwards that have no expiration date, compared to $92.0 million in 2019. The valuation allowance attributable to FirstBank’s deferred tax assets of $59.9 million as of December 31, 2020 is related to the estimated NOL disallowance attributable to projected levels of tax-exempt income, NOLs attributable to the Virgin Islands jurisdiction, and capital losses. The remaining balance of $43 million of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance non-attributable to FirstBank is mainly related to NOLs and capital losses at the holding company level. The Corporation will continue to provide a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in each applicable tax jurisdiction until the need for a valuation allowance is eliminated. The need for a valuation allowance is eliminated when the Corporation determines that it is more likely than not the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ability to recognize the remaining deferred tax assets that continue to be subject to a valuation allowance will be evaluated on a quarterly basis to determine if there are any significant events that would affect the ability to utilize these deferred tax assets.
The Corporation has U.S. and USVI sourced NOL carryforwards. Section 382 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”) limits the ability to utilize U.S. and USVI NOLs for income tax purposes in such jurisdictions following an event that is considered to be an “ownership change”. Generally, an “ownership change” occurs when certain shareholders increase their aggregate ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage over a three-year testing period. Upon the occurrence of a Section 382 ownership change, the use of NOLs attributable to the period prior to the ownership change is subject to limitations and only a portion of the U.S. and USVI NOLs may be used by the Corporation to offset its annual U.S. and USVI taxable income, if any.
In 2017, the Corporation completed a formal ownership change analysis within the meaning of Section 382 covering a comprehensive period and concluded that an ownership change had occurred during such period. The Section 382 limitation has resulted in higher U.S. and USVI income tax liabilities than we would have incurred in the absence of such limitation. The Corporation has mitigated to an extent the adverse effects associated with the Section 382 limitation as any such tax paid in the U.S. or USVI is creditable against Puerto Rico tax liabilities or taken as a deduction against taxable income. However, our ability to reduce our Puerto Rico tax liability through such a credit or deduction depends on our tax profile at each annual taxable period, which is dependent on various factors. For 2020 and 2019, the Corporation incurred an income tax expense of approximately $4.9 million and $4.5 million, respectively, related to its U.S. operations. The limitation did not impact the USVI operations in 2020 and 2019.
The Corporation accounts for uncertain tax positions under the provisions of ASC Topic 740. The Corporation’s policy is to report interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had an expense of $117 thousand of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in the amount of $1.0 million that it acquired from BSPR, which, if recognized, would decrease the effective income tax rate in future periods. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the future for various reasons, including adding amounts for current tax year positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to the statute of limitations, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, the status of examinations, litigation, and legislative activity, and the addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions. The statute of limitations under the 2011 PR code is four years; the statute of limitations for U.S. and USVI income tax purposes is three years after a tax return is due or filed, whichever is later. The completion of an audit by the taxing authorities or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the Corporation’s liability for income taxes. Any such adjustment could be material to the results of operations for any given quarterly or annual period based, in part, upon the results of operations for the given period. For U.S. and USVI income tax purposes, all tax years subsequent to 2016 remain open to examination. For Puerto Rico tax purposes, all tax years subsequent to 2015 remain open to examination.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 28 - OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (1)
Year ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
Unrealized net holding gains (losses) on debt securities:
Beginning balance
$
6,764
$
(40,415)
$
(20,609)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
48,961
47,179
(19,806)
Ending balance
$
55,725
$
6,764
$
(40,415)
Unrealized holding losses on equity securities:
Beginning balance
$
-
$
-
$
(6)
Reclassification to retained earnings per ASU 2016-01
-
-
Ending balance
$
-
$
-
$
-
Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans:
Beginning balance
$
-
$
-
$
-
Other comprehensive loss
(270)
-
-
Ending balance
$
(270)
$
-
$
-
______________________
(1) All amounts presented are net of tax.
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Year ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
Unrealized net holding gains (losses)
on debt securities:
Realized (gain) loss on sale
Net gain (loss) on
of debt securities
investments securities
$
(13,198)
$
-
$
Provision for credit losses
Provision for credit losses
1,641
-
-
OTTI on debt securities (1)
Net gain (loss) on
investment securities
-
(497)
Total before tax
$
(11,557)
$
(497)
$
Income tax expense (benefit)
-
-
-
Total, net of tax
$
(11,557)
$
(497)
$
(1) ASC 326, which became effective on January 1, 2020, requires credit losses on available-for -sale debt securities to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down. Thus, credit losses on debt securities recorded prior to January 1, 2020 are presented as OTTI on debt securities while credit losses on debt securities recorded after January 1, 2020 are presented as part of provision for credit losses.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 29 - LEASES
The Corporation accounts for its leases in accordance with ASC 842, “Leases” (“ASC Topic 842”), which it adopted on January 1, 2019. ASC Topic 842 requires the Corporation to record liabilities for future lease obligations as well as assets representing the right to use the underlying lease asset. The Corporation’s operating leases are primarily related to the Corporation’s branches and leased commercial space for ATMs. Our leases mainly have terms ranging from two years to thirty years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to seven years. Liabilities to make future lease payments are recorded in accounts payable and other liabilities, while ROU assets are recorded in other assets in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Corporation did not have a lease that qualifies as a finance lease.
Operating lease cost for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $13.8 million (2019 - $10.7 million), recorded in occupancy and equipment in the consolidated statement of income.
The Corporation assumed operating leases in the BSPR acquisition on September 1, 2020. The liability and related ROU assets recorded upon the assumption of these leases was approximately $52.1 million. Lease liabilities assumed in the BSPR acquisition were measured based on the net present value of remaining future lease payments, with considerations given to options to extend or renew each lease. Remaining future lease payments were discounted at the Corporation’s estimated incremental borrowing rate as of the date of acquisition.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases as of the indicated dates was as follows:
As of
As of
December 31,
December 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
ROU asset
$
103,186
$
61,327
Operating lease liability
$
106,502
$
64,259
Operating lease weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)
8.5
10.8
Operating lease weighted-average discount rate
2.25%
3.29%
Generally, the Corporation cannot practically determine the interest rate implicit in the lease. Therefore, the Corporation uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for the lease.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is as follows:
Year Ended
Year Ended
December 31,
December 31,
(In thousands)
Operating cash flow from operating leases (1)
$
13,464
$
10,219
ROU assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities (2)
1,328
10,762
(1) Represents cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities.
(2) Represents non-cash activity and, accordingly, is not reflected in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Excludes the aforementioned $52.1 million of ROU assets and related liabilities assumed in the BSPR acquisition.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Maturities under lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020, were as follows:
Amount
(In thousands)
$
19,062
17,945
16,018
14,507
13,363
2026 and later years
37,783
Total lease payments
118,678
Less: imputed interest
(12,176)
Total present value of lease liability
$
106,502
NOTE 30 - FAIR VALUE
Fair Value Measurement
The FASB authoritative guidance for fair value measurement defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy for classifying financial instruments. The hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation techniques used to measure fair value are observable or unobservable. One of three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 Valuations of Level 1 assets and liabilities are obtained from readily-available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include equity securities that trade in an active exchange market, as well as certain U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government and agency securities and corporate debt securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets.
Level 2 Valuations of Level 2 assets and liabilities are based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include (i) MBS for which the fair value is estimated based on the value of identical or comparable assets, (ii) debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, and (iii) derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 Valuations of Level 3 assets and liabilities are based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined by using pricing models for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment as to the estimation.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Investment securities available for sale and marketable equity securities held at fair value
The fair value of investment securities was the market value based on quoted market prices (as is the case with U.S. Treasury notes, non-callable U.S. agencies debt securities, and equity securities with readily determinable fair values), when available (Level 1), or, market prices for identical or comparable assets (as is the case with MBS and callable U.S. agency debt securities) that are based on observable market parameters, including benchmark yields, reported trades, quotes from brokers or dealers, issuer spreads, bids, offers and reference data, including market research operations, when available (Level 2). Observable prices in the market already consider the risk of nonperformance. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based upon discounted cash flow models that use unobservable inputs due to the limited market activity of the instrument, as is the case with certain private label MBS held by the Corporation (Level 3).
Derivative instruments
The fair value of most of the Corporation’s derivative instruments is based on observable market parameters and takes into consideration the credit risk component of paying counterparties, when appropriate. On interest caps, only the seller's credit risk is considered. The Corporation valued the caps using a discounted cash flow approach based on the related LIBOR and swap rate for each cash flow The Corporation valued the interest rate swaps using a discounted cash flow approach based on the related LIBOR and swap forward rate for each cash flow.
The Corporation considers a credit spread for those derivative instruments that are not secured. The cumulative mark-to-market effect of credit risk in the valuation of derivative instruments in 2020, 2019 and 2018 was immaterial.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
As of December 31,2020
As of December 31, 2019
Fair Value Measurements Using
Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets/Liabilities at Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets/Liabilities at Fair Value
Assets:
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
$
7,507
$
-
$
-
$
7,507
$
7,479
$
-
$
-
$
7,479
Noncallable U.S. agencies debt securities
-
173,371
-
173,371
-
146,777
-
146,777
Callable U.S. agencies debt securities and MBS
-
4,454,164
-
4,454,164
-
1,950,331
-
1,950,331
Puerto Rico government obligations
-
-
2,899
2,899
-
4,348
2,974
7,322
Private label MBS
-
-
8,428
8,428
-
-
11,116
11,116
Other investments
-
-
-
-
Equity securities
1,474
-
-
1,474
1,428
-
-
1,428
Derivatives, included in assets:
Interest rate swap agreements
-
1,622
-
1,622
-
-
-
-
Purchased interest rate cap agreements
-
-
-
-
Forward contracts
-
-
-
-
-
-
Interest rate lock commitments
-
-
-
-
Forward loan sales commitments
-
-
-
-
Liabilities:
Derivatives, included in liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements
-
1,639
-
1,639
-
-
-
-
Written interest rate cap agreements
-
-
-
-
Forward contracts
-
-
-
-
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The table below presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:
Level 3 Instruments Only
Securities Available for Sale (1)
Securities Available for Sale (1)
Securities Available for Sale (1)
(In thousands)
Beginning balance
$
14,590
$
17,238
$
19,855
Total gain (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in other comprehensive income
2,403
Included in earnings
(1,641)
(497)
(50)
BSPR securities acquired
-
-
Purchases
-
-
Principal repayments and amortization
(3,525)
(2,865)
(3,289)
Ending balance
$
11,977
$
14,590
$
17,238
___________________
(1)
Amounts mostly related to private label MBS.
The tables below present qualitative information for significant assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
December 31,2020
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
Weighted Average
(Dollars in thousands)
Minimum
Maximum
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Private label MBS
$
8,428
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
12.2%
12.2%
12.2%
Prepayment rate
1.2%
18.8%
12.1%
Projected Cumulative Loss Rate
2.6%
22.3%
10.2%
Puerto Rico government obligations
2,899
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
7.9%
7.9%
7.9%
Projected Cumulative Loss Rate
12.4%
12.4%
12.4%
December 31, 2019
Fair Value
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
Weighted Average
(Dollars in thousands)
Minimum
Maximum
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Private label MBS
$
11,116
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
13.7%
13.7%
13.7%
Prepayment rate
6.8%
10.3%
7.9%
Projected Cumulative Loss Rate
0.0%
7.4%
2.8%
Puerto Rico government obligations
2,974
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
6.9%
6.9%
6.9%
Prepayment rate
3.0%
3.0%
3.0%
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Information about Sensitivity to Changes in Significant Unobservable Inputs
Private label MBS: The significant unobservable inputs in the valuation include probability of default, the loss severity assumption, and prepayment rates. Shifts in those inputs would result in different fair value measurements. Increases in the probability of default, loss severity assumptions, and prepayment rates in isolation would generally result in an adverse effect on the fair value of the instruments. The Corporation modeled meaningful and possible shifts of each input to assess the effect on the fair value estimation.
Puerto Rico Government Obligations: The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the assumed loss rate of the underlying residential mortgage loans that collateralize these obligations, which are guaranteed by the PRHFA. A significant increase (decrease) in the assumed rate would lead to a (lower) higher fair value estimate. The fair value of these bonds during 2020 was based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers the structure and terms of the underlying collateral. The Corporation utilizes PDs and LGDs that consider, among other things, historical payment performance, loan-to value attributes and relevant current and forward-looking macroeconomic variables, such as regional unemployment rates, the housing price index and expected recovery of PRHFA guarantee. Under this approach, all future cash flows (interest and principal) from the underlying collateral loans, adjusted by prepayments and the PDs and LGDs derived from the above-described methodology, are discounted at the internal rate of return as of the reporting date and compared to the amortized cost.
The table below summarizes changes in unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 for Level 3 assets and liabilities that were still held at the end of each year:
Changes in Unrealized Losses
Year Ended December 31,
Level 3 Instruments Only
Securities Available for Sale
Securities Available for Sale
Securities Available for Sale
(In thousands)
Changes in unrealized losses relating to assets
still held at reporting date:
OTTI on available-for-sale investment
securities (credit component) (1)
$
-
$
(497)
$
(50)
Provision for credit losses (2)
(1,641)
-
-
Total
$
(1,641)
$
(497)
$
(50)
(1) For 2020, credit-related impairment recognized in earnings is classified as provision for credit losses due to the Corporation’s adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020. For more information, see Note 1 - “Nature of Business and Summary Significant of Accounting Policies,” above.
(2) Prior to the Corporation’s adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the provision for credit losses from debt securities was not applicable and therefore no amount is presented for the prior period. For more information, see Note 1 - “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” above.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Additionally, fair value is used on a nonrecurring basis to evaluate certain assets in accordance with GAAP. Adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower-of-cost or market accounting (e.g., loans held for sale carried at the lower-of-cost or fair value and repossessed assets) or write-downs of individual assets (e.g., goodwill and loans).
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation recorded losses or valuation adjustments for assets recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis as shown in the following table:
Carrying value as of December 31, 2020
Losses recorded for the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(In thousands)
Loans receivable (1)
$
-
$
-
$
246,803
$
(5,675)
OREO (2)
-
-
83,060
(1,970)
(1) Consists mainly of collateral dependent commercial and construction loans. The Corporation generally measured losses based on the fair value of the collateral. The Corporation derived the fair values from external appraisals that took into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the collateral (e.g., absorption rates), which are not market observable.
(2) The Corporation derived the fair values from appraisals that took into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the properties (e.g., absorption rates and net operating income of income producing properties), which are not market observable. Losses were related to market valuation adjustments after the transfer of the loans to the OREO portfolio.
As of December 31,2019, the Corporation recorded losses or valuation adjustments for assets recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis as shown in the following table:
Carrying value as of December 31, 2019
Losses recorded for the Year Ended December 31,2019
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(In thousands)
Loans receivable (1)
$
-
$
-
$
217,252
$
(18,013)
OREO (2)
-
-
101,626
(6,572)
(1) Consists mainly of collateral dependent commercial and construction loans. The Corporation generally measured losses based on the fair value of the collateral. The Corporation derived the fair values from external appraisals that took into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the collateral (e.g., absorption rates), which are not market observable.
(2) The Corporation derived the fair values from appraisals that took into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the properties (e.g., absorption rates and net operating income of income producing properties), which are not market observable. Losses were related to market valuation adjustments after the transfer of the loans to the OREO portfolio.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
As of December 31, 2018, the Corporation recorded losses or valuation adjustments for assets recognized at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as shown in the following table:
Carrying value as of December 31, 2018
Losses recorded for the Year Ended December 31, 2018
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(In thousands)
Loans receivable (1)
$
-
$
-
$
365,726
$
(29,799)
OREO (2)
-
-
131,402
(11,499)
Loans Held For Sale (3)
-
-
16,111
(10,102)
(1) Consists mainly of collateral dependent commercial and construction loans. The Corporation generally measured the impairments based on the fair value of the collateral. The Corporation derived the fair values from external appraisals that took into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the collateral (e.g., absorption rates), which are not market observable.
(2) The Corporation derived the fair values from appraisals that took into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the properties (e.g., absorption rates and net operating income of income producing properties), which are not market observable. Losses were related to market valuation adjustments after the transfer of the loans to the OREO portfolio.
(3) Represents nonaccrual commercial and construction loans transferred to held for sale in 2018 and still in inventory at year-end. The Corporation derived the fair value of these loans primarily from broker price opinions that the Corporation considered.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Qualitative information regarding the fair value measurements for Level 3 financial instruments as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
December 31,2020
Method
Inputs
Loans
Income, Market, Comparable Sales, Discounted Cash Flows
External appraised values; probability weighting of broker price opinions; management assumptions regarding market trends or other relevant factors
OREO
Income, Market, Comparable Sales, Discounted Cash Flows
External appraised values; probability weighting of broker price opinions; management assumptions regarding market trends or other relevant factors
The following tables present the carrying value, estimated fair value and estimated fair value level of the hierarchy of financial instruments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Total Carrying Amount in Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31,2020
Fair Value Estimate as of December 31,2020
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks and money
market investments (amortized cost)
$
1,493,833
$
1,493,833
$
1,493,833
$
-
$
-
Investment securities available
for sale (fair value)
4,647,019
4,647,019
7,507
4,627,535
11,977
Investment securities held to maturity (amortized cost)
$
189,488
Less: allowance for credit losses on
held to maturity securities
(8,845)
Investment securities held to maturity, net of allowance
$
180,643
173,806
-
-
173,806
Equity securities (fair value)
37,588
37,588
1,474
36,114
-
Loans held for sale (lower of cost or market)
50,289
52,322
-
52,322
-
Loans, held for investment (amortized cost)
11,777,289
Less: allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases
(385,887)
Loans held for investment, net of allowance
$
11,391,402
11,564,635
-
-
11,564,635
Derivatives, included in assets (fair value)
2,482
2,482
-
2,482
-
Liabilities:
Deposits (amortized cost)
$
15,317,383
$
15,363,236
$
-
$
15,363,236
$
-
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase (amortized cost)
300,000
329,493
-
329,493
-
Advances from FHLB (amortized cost)
440,000
446,703
-
446,703
-
Other borrowings (amortized cost)
183,762
151,645
-
-
151,645
Derivatives, included in liabilities (fair value)
1,920
1,920
-
1,920
-
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Total Carrying Amount in Statement of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2019
Fair Value Estimate as of December 31, 2019
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks and money
market investments (amortized cost)
$
644,099
$
644,099
$
644,099
$
-
$
-
Investment securities available
for sale (fair value)
2,123,525
2,123,525
7,479
2,101,456
14,590
Investment securities held to maturity (amortized cost)
138,675
110,374
-
-
110,374
Equity Securities (fair value)
38,249
38,249
1,428
36,821
-
Loans held for sale (lower of cost or market)
39,477
40,234
-
40,234
-
Loans held for investment (amortized cost)
9,002,205
Less: allowance for credit losses for loans and finance leases
(155,139)
Loans held for investment, net of allowance
$
8,847,066
8,715,144
-
-
8,715,144
Derivatives, included in assets (fair value)
-
-
Liabilities:
Deposits (amortized cost)
$
9,348,429
$
9,372,591
$
-
$
9,372,591
$
-
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase (amortized cost)
100,000
120,020
-
120,020
-
Advances from FHLB (amortized cost)
570,000
578,498
-
578,498
-
Other borrowings (amortized cost)
184,150
180,577
-
-
180,577
Derivatives, included in liabilities (fair value)
-
-
The short-term nature of certain assets and liabilities result in their carrying value approximating fair value. These include cash and cash due from banks and other short-term assets, such as FHLB stock. Certain assets, the most significant being premises and equipment, mortgage servicing rights, core deposit, and other customer relationship intangibles, are not considered financial instruments and are not included above. Accordingly, this fair value information is not intended to, and does not, represent the Corporation’s underlying value. Many of these assets and liabilities that are subject to the disclosure requirements are not actively traded, requiring management to estimate fair values. These estimates necessarily involve the use of assumptions and judgment about a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to, relevancy of market prices of comparable instruments, expected futures cash flows, and appropriate discount rates.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 31 - REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
Revenue Recognition
In accordance with ASC Topic 606, revenues are recognized when control of promised goods or services is transferred to customers and in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Corporation expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Corporation performs the following five steps: (i) identifies the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identifies the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determines the transaction price; (iv) allocates the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognizes revenue when (or as) the Corporation satisfies a performance obligation. The Corporation only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that the entity will collect the consideration to which it is entitled in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC Topic 606, the Corporation assesses the goods or services that are promised within each contract, identifies those that contain performance obligations, and assesses whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Corporation then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table summarizes the Corporation’s revenue, which includes net interest income on financial instruments and non-interest income, disaggregated by type of service and business segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
(In thousands)
Mortgage Banking
Consumer (Retail) Banking
Commercial and Corporate
Treasury and Investments
United States Operations
Virgin Islands Operations
Total
Year ended December 31, 2020:
Net interest income (1)
$
76,025
$
220,678
$
135,591
$
87,879
$
54,025
$
26,124
$
600,322
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
-
13,286
8,026
-
2,747
24,612
Insurance commissions
-
8,754
-
-
9,364
Merchant-related income
-
4,516
-
5,844
Credit and debit card fees
-
18,218
-
1,469
19,765
Other service charges and fees
2,900
2,260
1,800
1,508
8,994
Not in scope of ASC Topic 606 (1)(2)
21,727
3,288
1,780
13,524
2,168
42,647
Total non-interest income
22,069
50,962
12,606
13,708
4,630
7,251
111,226
Total Revenue
$
98,094
$
271,640
$
148,197
$
101,587
$
58,655
$
33,375
$
711,548
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(In thousands)
Mortgage Banking
Consumer (Retail) Banking
Commercial and Corporate
Treasury and Investments
United States Operations
Virgin Islands Operations
Total
Year ended December 31, 2019:
Net interest income (1)
$
68,803
$
244,535
$
91,266
$
73,626
$
62,539
$
26,312
$
567,081
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
-
14,534
5,811
-
2,940
23,916
Insurance commissions
-
9,621
-
-
10,186
Merchant-related income
-
4,120
-
-
1,049
5,635
Credit and debit card fees
-
19,014
-
1,744
20,905
Other service charges and fees
3,012
2,690
-
1,558
1,313
8,789
Not in scope of Topic 606 (1)
16,609
1,428
2,643
(225)
21,141
Total non-interest income
16,825
51,729
11,714
(225)
2,807
7,722
90,572
Total Revenue
$
85,628
$
296,264
$
102,980
$
73,401
$
65,346
$
34,034
$
657,653
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
(In thousands)
Mortgage Banking
Consumer (Retail) Banking
Commercial and Corporate
Treasury and Investments
United States Operations
Virgin Islands Operations
Total
Year ended December 31, 2018:
Net interest income (1)
$
79,389
$
217,933
$
78,675
$
61,628
$
59,056
$
28,702
$
525,383
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
-
13,332
4,965
-
2,812
21,668
Insurance commissions
-
7,889
-
-
8,431
Merchant-related income
-
3,561
-
-
5,243
Credit and debit card fees
-
17,538
1,225
-
2,061
21,442
Other service charges and fees
4,391
1,280
1,351
7,870
Not in scope of Topic 606 (1)
16,821
(3,060)
2,434
17,656
Total non-interest income
17,073
47,706
5,158
2,505
3,020
6,848
82,310
Total Revenue
$
96,462
$
265,639
$
83,833
$
64,133
$
62,076
$
35,550
$
607,693
(1) Most of the Corporation’s revenue is not within the scope of ASC Topic 606. The guidance explicitly excludes net interest income from financial assets and liabilities, as well as other non-interest income from loans, leases, investment securities and derivative financial instruments.
(2) For the year ended December 31, 2020, includes a $5.0 million benefit resulting from the final settlement of the Corporation’s business interruption insurance claim related to lost profits caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. This insurance recovery is presented as part of other non-interest income in the consolidated statements of income.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
For 2020, 2019, and 2018, substantially all of the Corporation’s revenue within the scope of ASC Topic 606 was related to performance obligations satisfied at a point in time.
The following is a discussion of the revenues under the scope of ASC Topic 606.
Service Charges and Fees on Deposit Accounts
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts relate to fees generated from a variety of deposit products and services rendered to customers. Charges include, but are not limited to, overdraft fees, insufficient fund fees, dormant fees and monthly service charges. Such fees are recognized concurrently with the event on a daily basis or on a monthly basis depending upon the customer’s cycle date. These depository arrangements are considered day-to-day contracts that do not extend beyond the services performed, as customers have the right to terminate these contracts with no penalty or, if any, nonsubstantive penalties.
Insurance Commissions
For insurance commissions, which include regular and contingent commissions paid to the Corporation’s insurance agency, the agreements contain a performance obligation related to the sale/issuance of the policy and ancillary administrative post-issuance support. The performance obligations are satisfied when the policies are issued, and revenue is recognized at that point in time. In addition, contingent commission income may be considered to be constrained, as defined under ASC Topic 606. Contingent commission income is included in the transaction price only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur or payments are received. The Corporation recognized revenue at the time that payments were confirmed and constraints were released of $3.3 million, $3.0 million, and $2.4 million, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Merchant-related Income
For merchant-related income, the determination of which included the consideration of a 2015 sale of merchant contracts that involved sales of point of sale (“POS”) terminals and entry into a marketing alliance under a revenue-sharing agreement, the Corporation concluded that control of the POS terminals and merchant contracts was transferred to the customer at the contract’s inception. With respect to the related revenue-sharing agreement, the Corporation satisfies the marketing alliance performance obligation over the life of the contract, and recognizes the associated transaction price as the entity performs and any constraints over the variable consideration are resolved.
Credit and Debit Card Fees
Credit and debit card fees primarily represent revenues earned from interchange fees and ATM fees. Interchange and network revenues are earned on credit and debit card transactions conducted with payment networks. ATM fees are primarily earned as a result of surcharges assessed to non-FirstBank customers who use a FirstBank ATM. Such fees are generally recognized concurrently with the delivery of services on a daily basis.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Other Fees
Other fees primarily include revenues generated from wire transfers, lockboxes, and bank issuances of checks. The Corporation recognizes such fees concurrently with the event or on a monthly basis. For the year ended December 31, 2020, other fees also included trust fees recognized from transfer paying agent, retirement plan, and other trustee activities. Revenues are recognized on a recurring basis when the services are rendered.
Contract Balances
A contract liability is an entity’s obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer in exchange for consideration from the customer. During 2019, the Bank entered into a growth agreement with an international card service association to expand the customer base and enhance product offerings. The contract requires the Bank to either launch a new debit card product by March 30, 2021 or maintain a ratio of over 50% of the portfolio with the related card service association by the end of year 2021. In connection with this agreement, the Corporation recognized a contract liability as the revenue is constrained until the fulfillment of either of the above conditions. In addition, as discussed above, during 2015, the Bank entered into a long-term strategic marketing alliance under a revenue-sharing agreement with another entity to which the Bank sold its merchant contracts portfolio and related POS terminals. Merchant services are marketed through FirstBank’s branches and offices in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Under the revenue-sharing agreement, FirstBank shares with this entity revenues generated by the merchant contracts over the term of the 10-year agreement. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, these contract liabilities amounted to approximately $2.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively, which will be recognized over the remaining term of the contracts. In each of the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the Corporation recognized revenue and its contract liabilities decreased by approximately $0.3 million, due to the completion of performance over time. There were no changes in contract liabilities due to changes in transaction price estimates.
A contract asset is the right to consideration for transferred goods or services when the amount is conditioned on something other than the passage of time. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no receivables from contracts with customers or contract assets recorded on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
The following table shows the activity of contract liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:
(In thousands)
Beginning Balance
$
2,476
$
2,071
$
2,396
Plus:
Additions
-
-
Less:
Amortizations
(325)
(325)
(325)
Ending balance
$
2,151
$
2,476
$
2,071
Other
Except for the contract liabilities noted above, the Corporation did not have any significant performance obligations as of December 31, 2020. The Corporation also did not have any material contract acquisition costs and did not make any significant judgments or estimates in recognizing revenue for financial reporting purposes.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 32 - SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION
Supplemental statement of cash flows information is as follows for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Cash paid for:
Interest on borrowings
$
94,872
$
107,010
$
98,194
Income tax
16,713
13,495
7,175
Operating cash flow from operating leases
13,464
10,219
-
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Additions to OREO
7,249
40,398
48,767
Additions to auto and other repossessed assets
36,203
47,643
52,023
Capitalization of servicing assets
4,864
4,039
3,864
Loan securitizations
221,491
235,258
233,175
Loans held for investment transferred to held for sale
10,817
24,470
90,319
Loans held for sale transferred to held for investment
-
-
2,179
Payable on unsettled securities purchases
24,033
-
-
ROU asset obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities
1,328
10,762
-
Adoption of lease accounting standard:
ROU asset operating leases
-
57,178
-
Operating lease liabilities
-
59,818
-
Acquisition (see Note 2):
Consideration
1,280,424
-
-
Fair value of assets acquired
5,561,564
-
-
Liabilities assumed
4,291,674
-
-
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 33 - REGULATORY MATTERS, COMMITMENTS, AND CONTINGENCIES
The Corporation and FirstBank are each subject to various regulatory capital requirements imposed by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial statements and activities. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Corporation’s and FirstBank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Corporation’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments and adjustment by the regulators with respect to minimum capital requirements, components, risk weightings, and other factors. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the Corporation and FirstBank exceeded the minimum regulatory capital ratios for capital adequacy purposes and FirstBank exceeded the minimum regulatory capital ratios to be considered a well capitalized institution under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. As of December 31, 2020, management does not believe that any condition has changed or event has occurred that would have changed the institution’s status.
The Corporation and FirstBank compute risk-weighted assets using the standardized approach required by the U.S. Basel III capital rules (“Basel III rules”).
The Basel III rules require the Corporation to maintain an additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% to avoid limitations on both (i) capital distributions (e.g., repurchases of capital instruments, dividends and interest payments on capital instruments) and (ii) discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and heads of major business lines.
Under the Basel III rules, in order to be considered adequately capitalized and not subject to the above noted limitations, the Corporation is required to maintain: (i) a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of at least 4.5%, plus the 2.5% “capital conservation buffer,” resulting in a required minimum CET1 capital ratio of at least 7%; (ii) a minimum ratio of total Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, resulting in a required minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%; (iii) a minimum ratio of total Tier 1 plus Tier 2 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer, resulting in a required minimum total capital ratio of 10.5%; and (iv) a required minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average on-balance sheet (non-risk adjusted) assets.
On July 9, 2019, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (collectively “the agencies”) adopted a final rule that superseded certain regulatory capital transition rules and eliminates transition provisions that are no longer operative. The final rule was effective April 1, 2020, and eliminated: (i) the 10% CET1 capital deduction threshold, which applies individually to holdings of mortgage servicing assets, temporary difference deferred tax assets, and significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions in the form of common stock; (ii) the 15% common equity tier 1 capital deduction threshold, which applies to the aggregate amount of such items; (iii) the 10% threshold for non-significant investments, which applies to holdings of regulatory capital of unconsolidated financial institutions; and (iv) the deduction treatment for significant investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that are not in the form of common stock. Instead, the final rule requires non-advanced approaches banking organizations to deduct from CET1 capital any amount of mortgage servicing assets, temporary difference deferred tax assets, and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions that individually exceeds 25% of CET1 capital of the banking organization (the 25% CET1 capital deduction threshold). The final rule retains the requirement that a banking organization must apply a 250% risk weight to non-deducted mortgage servicing assets and temporary difference deferred tax assets instead of the 100% risk weight previously allowed under transition rules.
As part of its response to the impact of COVID-19, on March 31, 2020, the agencies issued an interim final rule that provided the option to temporarily delay the effects of CECL on regulatory capital for two years, followed by a three-year transition period. The interim final rule provides that, at the election of a qualified banking organization, the day 1 impact to retained earnings plus 25% of the change in the ACL (excluding PCD loans) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 will be delayed for two years and phased-in at 25% per year beginning on January 1, 2022 over a three-year period, resulting in a total transition period of five years. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2020, the capital measures of the Corporation and the Bank exclude the $62.3 million day 1 impact to retained earnings and 25% of the increase in the allowance for credit losses (as defined in the interim final rule) from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The federal financial regulatory agencies may take other measures affecting regulatory capital to address the COVID-19 pandemic, although the nature and impact of such measures cannot be predicted at this time.
The acquired assets and off-balance sheet items of BSPR have been fully included and risk weighted in the regulatory capital positions determination of the Corporation and FirstBank as of December 31, 2020.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The regulatory capital position of the Corporation and FirstBank as of December 31, 2020, which reflects the delay in the effect of CECL on regulatory capital, and December 31, 2019 were as follows:
Regulatory Requirements
Actual
For Capital Adequacy Purposes
To be Well-Capitalized
Thresholds
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
Amount
Ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
As of December 31, 2020
Total Capital (to
risk-weighted assets)
First BanCorp.
$
2,416,682
20.37%
$
948,890
8.0%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
2,360,493
19.91%
$
948,624
8.0%
$
1,185,780
10.0%
CET1 Capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
First BanCorp.
$
2,053,045
17.31%
$
533,751
4.5%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
1,903,251
16.05%
$
533,601
4.5%
$
770,757
6.5%
Tier I Capital (to
risk-weighted assets)
First BanCorp.
$
2,089,149
17.61%
$
711,667
6.0%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
2,211,251
18.65%
$
711,468
6.0%
$
948,624
8.0%
Leverage ratio
First BanCorp.
$
2,089,149
11.26%
$
742,352
4.0%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
2,211,251
11.92%
$
741,841
4.0%
$
927,301
5.0%
As of December 31, 2019
Total Capital (to
risk-weighted assets)
First BanCorp.
$
2,286,337
25.22%
$
725,236
8.0%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
2,242,262
24.74%
$
725,047
8.0%
$
906,309
10.0%
CET1 Capital
(to risk-weighted assets)
First BanCorp.
$
1,957,887
21.60%
$
407,946
4.5%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
1,820,571
20.09%
$
407,839
4.5%
$
589,101
6.5%
Tier I Capital (to
risk-weighted assets)
First BanCorp.
$
1,993,991
22.00%
$
543,927
6.0%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
2,128,571
23.49%
$
543,785
6.0%
$
725,047
8.0%
Leverage ratio
First BanCorp.
$
1,993,991
16.15%
$
493,786
4.0%
N/A
N/A
FirstBank
$
2,128,571
17.26%
$
493,242
4.0%
$
616,552
5.0%
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit as of the indicated dates:
December 31,
(In thousands)
Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
Commitments to extend credit:
Construction undisbursed funds
$
119,900
$
185,569
Unused personal lines of credit
1,180,860
722,761
Commercial lines of credit
759,947
533,230
Commercial letters of credit
135,987
82,281
Standby letters of credit
4,964
4,452
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The Corporation’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument on commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Management uses the same credit policies and approval process in entering into commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any conditions established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since certain commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. For most of the commercial lines of credit, the Corporation has the option to reevaluate the agreement prior to additional disbursements. In the case of credit cards and personal lines of credit, the Corporation can cancel the unused credit facility at any time and without cause.
In general, commercial and standby letters of credit are issued to facilitate foreign and domestic trade transactions. Normally, commercial and standby letters of credit are short-term commitments used to finance commercial contracts for the shipment of goods. The collateral for these letters of credit includes cash or available commercial lines of credit. The fair value of commercial and standby letters of credit is based on the fees currently charged for such agreements, which, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, were not significant.
The Corporation obtained from GNMA commitment authority to issue GNMA MBS. Under this program, for 2020, the Corporation sold approximately $221.5 million (2019 - $235.3 million) of FHA/VA mortgage loan production into GNMA MBS.
As of December 31, 2020, First BanCorp. and its subsidiaries were defendants in various legal proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies arising in the ordinary course of business. On at least a quarterly basis, the Corporation assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with threatened and outstanding legal proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies utilizing the latest information available. For legal proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies where it is both probable that the Corporation will incur a loss and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Corporation establishes an accrual for the loss. Once established, the accrual is adjusted as appropriate to reflect any relevant developments. For legal proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies where a loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be estimated, no accrual is established.
Any estimate involves significant judgment, given the varying stages of the proceedings (including the fact that some of them are currently in preliminary stages), the existence in some of the current proceedings of multiple defendants whose share of liability has yet to be determined, the numerous unresolved issues in the proceedings, and the inherent uncertainty of the various potential outcomes of such proceedings. Accordingly, the Corporation’s estimate will change from time-to-time, and actual losses may be more or less than the current estimate.
While the final outcome of legal proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies is inherently uncertain, based on information currently available, management believes that the final disposition of the Corporation’s legal proceedings, claims and other loss contingencies, to the extent not previously provided for, will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position as a whole.
If management believes that, based on available information, it is at least reasonably possible that a material loss (or material loss in excess of any accrual) will be incurred in connection with any legal contingencies, the Corporation discloses an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss, either individually or in the aggregate, as appropriate, if such an estimate can be made, or discloses that an estimate cannot be made. Based on the Corporation’s assessment as of December 31, 2020, no such disclosures were necessary.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 34 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
One of the market risks facing the Corporation is interest rate risk, which includes the risk that changes in interest rates will result in changes in the value of the Corporation’s assets or liabilities and will adversely affect the Corporation’s net interest income from its loan and investment portfolios. The overall objective of the Corporation’s interest rate risk management activities is to reduce the variability of earnings caused by changes in interest rates.
The Corporation designates a derivative as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or economic undesignated hedge when it enters into the derivative contract. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, all derivatives held by the Corporation were considered economic undesignated hedges. The Corporation records these undesignated hedges at fair value with the resulting gain or loss recognized in current earnings.
The following summarizes the principal derivative activities used by the Corporation in managing interest rate risk:
Interest rate cap agreements - Interest rate cap agreements provide the right to receive cash if a reference interest rate rises above a contractual rate. The value of the interest rate cap increases as the reference interest rate rises. The Corporation enters into interest rate cap agreements for protection from rising interest rates.
Forward Contracts - Forward contracts are primarily sales of to-be-announced (“TBA”) MBS that will settle over the standard delivery date and do not qualify as “regular way” security trades. Regular-way security trades are contracts that have no net settlement provision and no market mechanism to facilitate net settlement and that provide for delivery of a security within the time frame generally established by regulations or conventions in the market place or exchange in which the transaction is being executed. The forward sales are considered derivative instruments that need to be marked to market. The Corporation uses these securities to economically hedge the FHA/VA residential mortgage loan securitizations of the mortgage-banking operations. The Corporation also reports as forward contracts the mandatory mortgage loan sales commitments that it enters into with GSEs that require or permit net settlement via a pair-off transaction or the payment of a pair-off fee. Unrealized gains (losses) are recognized as part of mortgage banking activities in the consolidated statements of income.
Interest Rate Lock Commitments - Interest rate lock commitments are agreements under which the Corporation agrees to extend credit to a borrower under certain specified terms and conditions in which the interest rate and the maximum amount of the loan are set prior to funding. Under the agreement, the Corporation commits to lend funds to a potential borrower, generally on a fixed rate basis, regardless of whether interest rates change in the market.
Interest rate swaps - The Corporation acquired interest rate swaps as a result of the acquisition of BSPR. An interest rate swap is an agreement between two entities to exchange cash flows in the future. The agreements acquired from BSPR consist of the Corporation offering borrower-facing derivative products using a “back-to-back” structure in which the borrower-facing derivative transaction is paired with an identical, offsetting transaction with an approved dealer-counterparty. By using a back-to-back trading structure, both the commercial borrower and the Corporation are largely insulated from market risk and volatility. The agreements set the dates on which the cash flows will be paid and the manner in which the cash flows will be calculated. The fair values of these swaps are recorded as components of other assets or accounts payable and other liabilities in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of financial condition. Changes in the fair values of interest rate swaps, which occur due to changes in interest rates, are recorded in the consolidated statements of income as a component of interest income on loans.
To satisfy the needs of its customers, the Corporation may enter into non-hedging transactions. In these transactions, the Corporation generally participates as a buyer in one of the agreements and as a seller in the other agreement under the same terms and conditions.
In addition, the Corporation enters into certain contracts with embedded derivatives that do not require separate accounting as these are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract. When the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, it is bifurcated, carried at fair value, and designated as a trading or non-hedging derivative instrument.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes the notional amounts of all derivative instruments as of the indicated dates:
Notional Amounts (1)
As of December 31,
(In thousands)
Undesignated economic hedges:
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements
$
15,864
$
-
Written interest rate cap agreements
14,500
21,010
Purchased interest rate cap agreements
14,500
21,010
Interest rate lock commitments
19,931
11,456
Forward Contracts:
Sale of TBA GNMA MBS pools
42,000
35,000
Forward loan sales commitments
19,998
6,418
$
126,793
$
94,894
(1) Notional amounts are presented on a gross basis with no netting of offsetting exposure positions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table summarizes for derivative instruments their fair values and location in the consolidated statements of financial condition as of the indicated dates:
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Statements of
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
December 31,
Financial Condition
Statements of
Location
Fair Value
Fair Value
Financial Condition Location
Fair Value
Fair Value
(In thousands)
Undesignated economic hedges:
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements
Other assets
$
1,622
$
-
Accounts payable and other liabilities
$
1,639
$
-
Written interest rate cap agreements
Other assets
-
-
Accounts payable and other liabilities
Purchased interest rate cap agreements
Other assets
Accounts payable and other liabilities
-
-
Interest rate lock commitments
Other assets
Accounts payable and other liabilities
-
-
Forward Contracts:
Sales of TBA GNMA MBS pools
Other assets
-
Accounts payable and other liabilities
Forward loan sales commitments
Other assets
Accounts payable and other liabilities
-
-
$
2,482
$
$
1,920
$
The following table summarizes the effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the indicated periods:
Gain (or Loss)
Location of Unrealized Gain (Loss)
Year ended
on Derivative Recognized in
December 31,
Statements of Income
(In thousands)
Undesignated economic hedges:
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements
Interest income - Loans
$
$
-
$
-
Written and purchased interest rate cap agreements
Interest income - Loans
-
(6)
Interest rate lock commitments
Mortgage Banking Activities
Forward contracts:
Sales of TBA GNMA MBS pools
Mortgage Banking Activities
(54)
(371)
Forward loan sales commitments
Mortgage Banking Activities
(37)
Total gain on derivatives
$
$
$
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Derivative instruments are subject to market risk. As is the case with investment securities, the market value of derivative instruments is largely a function of the financial market’s expectations regarding the future direction of interest rates. Accordingly, current market values are not necessarily indicative of the future impact of derivative instruments on earnings. This will depend, for the most part, on the shape of the yield curve, and the level of interest rates, as well as the expectations for rates in the future.
As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had not entered into any derivative instrument containing credit-risk-related contingent features.
Credit and Market Risk of Derivatives
The Corporation uses derivative instruments to manage interest rate risk. By using derivative instruments, the Corporation is exposed to credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk is equal to the extent of the Corporation’s fair value gain on the derivative. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty owes the Corporation which, therefore, creates a credit risk for the Corporation. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is negative, the Corporation owes the counterparty and, therefore, it has no credit risk. The Corporation minimizes its credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with reputable broker dealers (financial institutions) that are reviewed periodically by the Management Investment and Asset Liability Committee of the Corporation (the “MIALCO”) and by the Board of Directors. The Corporation also has a policy of requiring that all derivative instrument contracts be governed by an International Swaps and Derivatives Association Master Agreement, which includes a provision for netting. The Corporation has a policy of diversifying derivatives counterparties to reduce the consequences of counterparty default.
The Corporation had credit risk of $2.5 million as of December 31, 2020 (2019 - $0.4 million) related to derivative instruments with positive fair values. The credit risk does not consider the value of any collateral and the effects of legally enforceable master netting agreements. There were no credit losses associated with derivative instruments recognized in 2020, 2019, or 2018.
Market risk is the adverse effect that a change in interest rates or implied volatility rates has on the value of a financial instrument. The Corporation manages the market risk associated with interest rate contracts by establishing and monitoring limits as to the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken.
The MIALCO monitors the Corporation’s derivative activities as part of its risk-management oversight of the Corporation’s treasury functions.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 35 - OFFSETTING OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The Corporation enters into master agreements with counterparties, primarily related to derivatives and repurchase agreements, that may allow for netting of exposures in the event of default. In an event of default, each party has a right of set-off against the other party for amounts owed under the related agreement and any other amount or obligation owed with respect to any other agreement or transaction between them. The following tables present information about contracts subject to offsetting provisions related to financial assets and liabilities as well as derivative assets and liabilities, as of the indicated dates:
Offsetting of Financial Assets and Derivative Assets
As of December 31, 2020
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments
Cash Collateral
Net Amount
(In thousands)
Description
Derivatives
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
(89)
$
-
As of December 31, 2019
Net Amounts of Assets Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments
Cash Collateral
Net Amount
(In thousands)
Description
Derivatives
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
(11)
$
-
Securities purchased under agreement
to resell
200,000
(200,000)
-
-
-
-
Total
$
200,011
$
(200,000)
$
$
-
$
(11)
$
-
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Offsetting of Financial Liabilities and Derivative Liabilities
As of December 31, 2020
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments
Cash Collateral
Net Amount
(In thousands)
Description
Derivatives
$
1,919
$
-
$
1,919
$
(1,919)
$
-
$
-
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
300,000
-
300,000
(300,000)
-
-
Total
$
301,919
$
-
$
301,919
$
(301,919)
$
-
$
-
As of December 31, 2019
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Net Amounts of Liabilities Presented in the Statement of Financial Condition
Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities
Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Condition
Financial Instruments
Cash Collateral
Net Amount
(In thousands)
Description
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
$
300,000
$
(200,000)
$
100,000
$
(100,000)
$
-
$
-
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 36 - SEGMENT INFORMATION
Based upon the Corporation’s organizational structure and the information provided to the Chief Executive Officer, the operating segments are based primarily on the Corporation’s lines of business for its operations in Puerto Rico, the Corporation’s principal market, and by geographic areas for its operations outside of Puerto Rico. As of December 31, 2020, the Corporation had six reportable segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking; Mortgage Banking; Consumer (Retail) Banking; Treasury and Investments; United States Operations; and Virgin Islands Operations. Management determined the reportable segments based on the internal structure used to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. Other factors, such as the Corporation’s organizational chart, nature of the products, distribution channels, and the economic characteristics of the products, were also considered in the determination of the reportable segments.
The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s lending and other services for large customers represented by specialized and middle-market clients and the public sector. The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment offers commercial loans, including commercial real estate and construction loans, and floor plan financings, as well as other products, such as cash management and business management services. The Mortgage Banking segment consists of the origination, sale, and servicing of a variety of residential mortgage loans. The Mortgage Banking segment also acquires and sells mortgages in the secondary markets. In addition, the Mortgage Banking segment includes mortgage loans purchased from other local banks and mortgage bankers. The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s consumer lending and deposit-taking activities conducted mainly through its branch network and loan centers. The Treasury and Investments segment is responsible for the Corporation’s investment portfolio and treasury functions that are executed to manage and enhance liquidity. This segment lends funds to the Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking and United States Operations segments to finance their lending activities and borrows from those segments. The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment also lends funds to other segments. The interest rates charged or credited by the Treasury and Investments and the Consumer (Retail) Banking segments are allocated based on market rates. The difference between the allocated interest income or expense and the Corporation’s actual net interest income from centralized management of funding costs is reported in the Treasury and Investments segment. The United States Operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by FirstBank in the United States mainland, including commercial and consumer banking services. The Virgin Islands Operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by the Corporation in the USVI and BVI, including commercial and consumer banking services.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those referred to in Note 1 - “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” above.
The Corporation evaluates the performance of the segments based on net interest income, the provision for credit losses, non-interest income and direct non-interest expenses. The segments are also evaluated based on the average volume of their interest-earning assets less the ACL.
The following tables present information about the reportable segments for the indicated periods:
Mortgage Banking
Consumer (Retail) Banking
Commercial and Corporate Banking
Treasury and Investments
United States Operations
Virgin Islands Operations
Total
(In thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2020:
Interest income
$
128,043
$
240,725
$
155,254
$
55,003
$
84,169
$
29,788
$
692,982
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds
(52,018)
18,771
(19,663)
59,074
(6,164)
-
-
Interest expense
-
(38,818)
-
(26,198)
(23,980)
(3,664)
(92,660)
Net interest income
76,025
220,678
135,591
87,879
54,025
26,124
600,322
Provision for credit losses
(22,518)
(54,094)
(74,607)
(2,774)
(12,592)
(4,400)
(170,985)
Non-interest income
22,069
50,962
12,606
13,708
4,630
7,251
111,226
Direct non-interest expenses
(33,054)
(131,133)
(28,631)
(3,449)
(33,782)
(28,815)
(258,864)
Segment income
$
42,522
$
86,413
$
44,959
$
95,364
$
12,281
$
$
281,699
Average earnings assets
$
2,241,753
$
2,202,595
$
3,039,786
$
4,232,144
$
2,026,619
$
458,608
$
14,201,505
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Mortgage Banking
Consumer (Retail) Banking
Commercial and Corporate Banking
Treasury and Investments
United States Operations
Virgin Islands Operations
Total
(In thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2019:
Interest income
$
120,981
$
216,066
$
148,224
$
63,175
$
97,406
$
30,045
$
675,897
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds
(52,178)
66,675
(56,958)
47,477
(5,016)
-
-
Interest expense
-
(38,206)
-
(37,026)
(29,851)
(3,733)
(108,816)
Net interest income
68,803
244,535
91,266
73,626
62,539
26,312
567,081
(Provision) release for credit losses
(13,499)
(41,043)
17,977
-
(7,296)
4,048
(39,813)
Non-interest income (loss)
16,825
51,729
11,714
(225)
2,807
7,722
90,572
Direct non-interest expenses
(34,825)
(116,854)
(35,130)
(2,729)
(34,070)
(28,995)
(252,603)
Segment income
$
37,304
$
138,367
$
85,827
$
70,672
$
23,980
$
9,087
$
365,237
Average earnings assets
$
2,161,772
$
1,960,352
$
2,489,933
$
2,487,084
$
1,931,015
$
467,252
$
11,497,408
Mortgage Banking
Consumer (Retail) Banking
Commercial and Corporate Banking
Treasury and Investments
United States Operations
Virgin Islands Operations
Total
(In thousands)
For the year ended December 31, 2018:
Interest income
$
127,042
$
181,166
$
138,706
$
61,913
$
83,971
$
32,169
$
624,967
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds
(47,653)
65,092
(60,031)
44,540
(1,948)
-
-
Interest expense
-
(28,325)
-
(44,825)
(22,967)
(3,467)
(99,584)
Net interest income
79,389
217,933
78,675
61,628
59,056
28,702
525,383
Provision for credit losses
(13,083)
(23,516)
(4,540)
-
(11,882)
(5,968)
(58,989)
Non-interest income
17,073
47,706
5,158
2,505
3,020
6,848
82,310
Direct non-interest expenses
(38,213)
(112,176)
(32,635)
(2,966)
(33,566)
(30,963)
(250,519)
Segment income (loss)
$
45,166
$
129,947
$
46,658
$
61,167
$
16,628
$
(1,381)
$
298,185
Average earnings assets
$
2,258,974
$
1,636,002
$
2,530,635
$
2,552,130
$
1,750,155
$
537,574
$
11,265,470
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table presents a reconciliation of the reportable segment financial information to the consolidated totals for the indicated periods:
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Net income:
Total income for segments and other
$
281,699
$
365,237
$
298,185
Other operating expenses (1)
(165,376)
(125,865)
(107,547)
Income before income taxes
116,323
239,372
190,638
Income tax expense (benefit)
14,050
71,995
(10,970)
Total consolidated net income
$
102,273
$
167,377
$
201,608
Average assets:
Total average earning assets for segments
$
14,201,505
$
11,497,408
$
11,265,470
Average non-earning assets
1,031,141
954,726
940,731
Total consolidated average assets
$
15,232,646
$
12,452,134
$
12,206,201
(1) Expenses pertaining to corporate administrative functions that support the operating segment, but are not specifically attributable to or managed by any segment, are not included in the reported financial results of the operating segments. The unallocated corporate expenses include certain general and administrative expenses and related depreciation and amortization expenses.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
The following table presents revenues (interest income plus non-interest income) and selected balance sheet data by geography based on the location in which the transaction was originated as of indicated dates:
(In thousands)
Revenues:
Puerto Rico
$
678,370
$
628,489
$
581,269
United States
88,799
100,213
86,991
Virgin Islands
37,039
37,767
39,017
Total consolidated revenues
$
804,208
$
766,469
$
707,277
Selected Balance Sheet Information:
Total assets:
Puerto Rico
$
16,091,112
$
10,059,890
$
9,797,267
United States
2,117,966
2,048,260
1,940,633
Virgin Islands
583,993
503,116
505,661
Loans:
Puerto Rico
$
9,367,032
$
6,695,953
$
6,586,033
United States
1,993,797
1,879,346
1,834,088
Virgin Islands
466,749
466,383
481,188
Deposits:
Puerto Rico (1)
$
12,338,934
$
6,422,864
$
6,208,531
United States (2)
1,622,481
1,661,657
1,519,362
Virgin Islands
1,355,968
1,263,908
1,266,821
(1) For 2020, 2019, and 2018, includes $109.0 million, $243.4 million, and $441.1 million, respectively, of brokered CDs allocated to Puerto Rico operations.
(2) For 2020, 2019, and 2018 includes $107.1 million, $191.7 million, and $114.5 million, respectively, of brokered CDs allocated to the United States operations.
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
NOTE 37- FIRST BANCORP. (HOLDING COMPANY ONLY) FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following condensed financial information presents the financial position of First BanCorp. at the holding company level only as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:
Statements of Financial Condition
As of December 31,
(In thousands)
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
10,909
$
16,895
Money market investments
6,211
6,211
Other investment securities
Investment in First Bank Puerto Rico, at equity
2,396,963
2,362,182
Investment in First Bank Insurance Agency, at equity
41,313
24,995
Investment in FBP Statutory Trust I
1,951
1,963
Investment in FBP Statutory Trust II
3,561
3,561
Other assets
2,023
Total assets
$
2,463,216
$
2,416,601
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Liabilities:
Other borrowings
$
183,762
$
184,150
Accounts payable and other liabilities
4,275
4,378
Total liabilities
188,037
188,528
Stockholders' equity
2,275,179
2,228,073
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
2,463,216
$
2,416,601
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Statements of Income
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Income
Interest income on money market investments
$
$
$
Interest income on loans
-
-
Dividend income from banking subsidiaries
52,707
42,243
37,784
Other income
53,217
42,759
38,184
Expense
Other borrowings
6,355
9,424
8,983
Other operating expenses
2,097
2,131
2,489
8,452
11,555
11,472
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
-
2,316
Income before income taxes and equity
in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
44,859
31,204
29,028
Income tax expense
2,429
2,752
-
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
59,843
138,925
172,580
Net income
$
102,273
$
167,377
$
201,608
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
48,691
47,179
(19,806)
Comprehensive income
$
150,964
$
214,556
$
181,802
FIRST BANCORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-(Continued)
Statements of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
102,273
$
167,377
$
201,608
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation
2,202
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
(59,843)
(138,925)
(172,580)
Gain on early extinguishment of debt
(94)
-
(2,316)
Accretion of discount on loans
-
-
(4)
Net (increase) decrease in other assets
(1,514)
11,710
(8,417)
Net (decrease) increase in other liabilities
(459)
2,890
Net cash provided by operating activities
40,594
41,002
23,383
Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal collected on loans
-
-
Net cash provided by investing activities
-
-
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of common stock
(206)
(1,959)
(2,827)
Repayment of junior subordinated debentures
(282)
-
(21,434)
Dividends paid on common stock
(43,416)
(30,356)
(6,517)
Dividends paid on preferred stock
(2,676)
(2,676)
(2,676)
Net cash used in financing activities
(46,580)
(34,991)
(33,454)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(5,986)
6,011
(9,880)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year
23,106
17,095
26,975
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
17,120
$
23,106
$
17,095
Cash and cash equivalents include:
Cash and due from banks
$
10,909
$
16,895
$
10,984
Money market instruments
6,211
6,211
6,111
$
17,120
$
23,106
$
17,095
NOTE 38 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The Corporation has performed an evaluation of all events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2020; management has determined that there were no events occurring in this period that require disclosure in or adjustment to the accompanying financial statements.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Nothing to report.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
First BanCorp.’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of First BanCorp.’s disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, except as noted below in Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting, as of December 31, 2020, the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in reports that the Corporation files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and is accumulated and reported to the Corporation’s management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management’s report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included in Item 8 and incorporated herein by reference. Management has conducted an assessment of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based upon that assessment, and except as noted below in Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management concluded that the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
The effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by Crowe LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Other than as explained below, there have been no changes to the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting during our most recent quarter ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
Effective September 1, 2020, the Corporation completed the acquisition of Banco Santander Puerto Rico (“BSPR”). As permitted by Securities and Exchange Commission rules, we have elected to exclude the internal control over financial reporting of BSPR from the evaluation of the effectiveness of First BanCorp’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report because of the timing of the completion of the acquisition. As a result of the BSPR acquisition, First BanCorp is evaluating changes to processes, information technology systems, and other components of internal control in financial reporting as part of its integration of BSPR into the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting process.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Information in response to this item is incorporated herein by reference from the sections entitled “Information with Respect to Nominees Standing for Election as Directors and with respect to Executive Officers of the Corporation,” “Corporate Governance and Related Matters,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Audit Committee Report” contained in First BanCorp.’s definitive Proxy Statement for use in connection with its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of First BanCorp.’s 2020 fiscal year.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Information in response to this item is incorporated herein by reference from the sections entitled “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive Compensation Disclosure” and “Compensation Committee Report” in First BanCorp.’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of First BanCorp.’s 2020 fiscal year.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Information in response to this item is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in First BanCorp.’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of First BanCorp.’s 2020 fiscal year and by reference to the section entitled “Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans” in Part II, Item 5 of this Form 10-K.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Information in response to this item is incorporated herein by reference from the sections entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions” and “Corporate Governance and Related Matters” in First BanCorp.’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of First BanCorp.’s 2020 fiscal year.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
Audit Fees
Information in response to this item is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Audit Fees” and “Audit Committee Report” in First BanCorp.’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of the close of First BanCorp.’s 2020 fiscal year.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) List of documents filed as part of this report.
(1) Financial Statements.
The following consolidated financial statements of First BanCorp., together with the reports thereon of First BanCorp.’s independent registered public accounting firm, Crowe LLP, dated March 1, 2021, are included in Item 8 of this report:
- Report of Crowe LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
- Attestation Report of Crowe LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.
-Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
-Consolidated Statements of Income for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2020.
- Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2020.
- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2020.
- Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for Each of the Three Years in the Period Ended December 31, 2020.
- Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Financial statement schedules.
All financial schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
(b) Exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index below are filed herewith as part of this Form 10-K and are incorporated herein by reference.