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POPULAR, INC. - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-K

 

[X]

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019

Or

[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

Commission File Number: 001-34084

POPULAR, INC.

Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

 

IRS Employer Identification No. 66-0667416

 

Principal Executive Offices

209 Muñoz Rivera Avenue

Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00918

Telephone Number: (787) 765-9800

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

 

 

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock ($0.01 par value)

BPOP

The NASDAQ Stock Market

6.70% Cumulative Monthly Income Trust Preferred Securities

BPOPN

The NASDAQ Stock Market

6.125% Cumulative Monthly Income Trust Preferred Securities

BPOPM

The NASDAQ Stock Market

 

 

 

 

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes X No .

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No X.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No .

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes X No .

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer [X]

Accelerated filer [ ]

Non-accelerated filer [ ]

Smaller reporting company [ ]

Emerging growth company [ ]

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No X

 

As of June 30, 2019, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of Popular, Inc. was approximately $ 5,171,784,000 based upon the reported closing price of $54.24 on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date.

 

As of February 25, 2020, there were 88,581,796 shares of Popular, Inc.’s Common Stock outstanding.

 

 


 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

(1) Portions of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (the “Annual Report”) are incorporated herein by reference in response to Item 1 of Part I, Items 5 through 8 of Part II and Item 15 (a)(1) of Part IV.

 

(2) Portions of Popular, Inc.’s definitive proxy statement relating to the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Popular, Inc. (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated herein by reference in response to Items 10 through 14 of Part III. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on or about March 31, 2020.

 

 


 

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements about Popular Inc.’s (the “Corporation,” “Popular,” “we,” “us,” “our”) business, financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives and future performance. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on management’s current expectations and, by their nature, involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions. Potential factors, some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation the effect of competitive and economic factors, and our reaction to those factors, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, delinquency trends, market risk and the impact of interest rate changes, capital markets conditions, capital adequacy and liquidity, and the effect of legal and regulatory proceedings and new accounting standards on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continues,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project” and similar expressions and future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Various factors, some of which are beyond Popular’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to:

 

the rate of growth or decline in the economy and employment levels, as well as general business and economic conditions in the geographic areas we serve and, in particular, in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the “Commonwealth” or “Puerto Rico”), where a significant portion of our business is concentrated;

 

the impact of the current fiscal and economic challenges of Puerto Rico and the measures taken and to be taken by the Puerto Rico Government and the Federally-appointed oversight board on the economy, our customers and our business;

 

the impact of the pending debt restructuring proceedings under Title III of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) and of other actions taken or to be taken to address Puerto Rico’s fiscal challenges on the value of our portfolio of Puerto Rico government securities and loans to governmental entities and of our commercial, mortgage and consumer loan portfolios where private borrowers could be directly affected by governmental action;

 

changes in interest rates and market liquidity, which may reduce interest margins, impact funding sources and affect our ability to originate and distribute financial products in the primary and secondary markets;

 

the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies;

 

changes in federal bank regulatory and supervisory policies, including required levels of capital and the impact of proposed capital standards on our capital ratios;

 

additional Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assessments;

 

regulatory approvals that may be necessary to undertake certain actions or consummate strategic transactions such as acquisitions and dispositions;

 

unforeseen or catastrophic events, including extreme weather events, other natural disasters, man-made disasters or the emergence of pandemics, which could cause a disruption in our operations or other adverse consequences for our business;

 

the relative strength or weakness of the consumer and commercial credit sectors and of the real estate markets in Puerto Rico and the other markets in which borrowers are located;

 

the performance of the stock and bond markets;

 

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competition in the financial services industry;

 

possible legislative, tax or regulatory changes; and

 

a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure or those of EVERTEC, Inc., our provider of core financial transaction processing and information technology services, or of other third parties providing services to us, including as a result of cyberattacks, e-fraud, denial-of-services and computer intrusion, that might result in loss or breach of customer data, disruption of services, reputational damage or additional costs to Popular.

 

Other possible events or factors that could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements include the following:

 

negative economic conditions that adversely affect housing prices, the job market, consumer confidence and spending habits which may affect, among other things, the level of non-performing assets, charge-offs and provision expense;

 

changes in market rates and prices which may adversely impact the value of financial assets and liabilities;

 

liabilities resulting from litigation and regulatory investigations;

 

changes in accounting standards, rules and interpretations;

 

our ability to grow our core businesses;

 

decisions to downsize, sell or close units or otherwise change our business mix; and

 

management’s ability to identify and manage these and other risks.

 

Moreover, the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings, as discussed in “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings,” is inherently uncertain and depends on judicial interpretations of law and the findings of regulators, judges and/or juries. Investors should refer to “Part I, Item 1A” of this Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risks and uncertainties to which the Corporation is subject.

 

All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K are based upon information available to Popular as of the date of this Form 10- K, and other than as required by law, including the requirements of applicable securities laws, we assume no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

 

Page

Item 1

Business

6

Item 1A

Risk Factors

18

Item 1B

Unresolved Staff Comments

34

Item 2

Properties

34

Item 3

Legal Proceedings

35

Item 4

Mine Safety Disclosures

35

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

Item 5

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

35

Item 6

Selected Financial Data

38

Item 7

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

38

Item 7A

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

39

Item 8

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

39

Item 9

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

39

Item 9A

Controls and Procedures

39

Item 9B

Other Information

39

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

Item 10

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

39

Item 11

Executive Compensation

40

Item 12

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

40

Item 13

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

40

Item 14

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

40

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

Item 15

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

40

Item 16

Form 10-K Summary

41

 

Signatures

46

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PART I POPULAR, INC.

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

General

Popular is a diversified, publicly-owned financial holding company, registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”) and subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). Popular was incorporated in 1984 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and is the largest financial institution based in Puerto Rico, with consolidated assets of $52.1 billion, total deposits of $43.8 billion and stockholders’ equity of $6.0 billion at December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, we ranked among the 50 largest U.S. bank holding companies based on total assets according to information gathered and disclosed by the Federal Reserve Board.

We operate in two principal markets:

Puerto Rico: We provide retail, mortgage and commercial banking services through our principal banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (“Banco Popular” or “BPPR”), as well as auto and equipment leasing and financing, investment banking, broker-dealer and insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. BPPR’s deposits are insured under the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The banking operations of BPPR are primarily based in Puerto Rico, where BPPR has the largest retail banking franchise.

 

Mainland United States: We provide retail, mortgage and commercial banking services through our New York-chartered banking subsidiary, Popular Bank (“PB”), which has branches in New York, New Jersey and Florida. PB’s deposits are insured under the DIF of the FDIC.

 

BPPR also conducts banking operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and New York. In addition to BPPR’s commercial banking operations in New York, BPPR offers financial products on a National scale in the U.S. market, including by operating an online platform used to originate personal loans under the E-Loan brand, issuing several co-branded credit cards offerings and gathering insured institutional deposits via online deposit gathering platforms. In the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, the BPPR segment offers banking products, including loans and deposits.

For further information about the Corporation’s results segregated by its reportable segments, see “Reportable Segment Results” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of the Annual Report and Note 40 included in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

Unless otherwise stated, all references in this Form 10-K to total loan portfolio, total credit exposure or loan portfolios, exclude covered loans, which represent loans acquired in the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction that were covered under loss sharing agreements with the FDIC and non-covered loans held-for-sale. The loss sharing agreements with the FDIC were terminated on May 22, 2018, as discussed in Note 10 included in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

Refer to the Overview section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis, in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K., for information on recent significant events that have impacted or will impact our current and future operations.

 

Lending Activities

 

We concentrate our lending activities in the following areas:

 

(1) Commercial. Commercial loans are comprised of (i) commercial and industrial (C&I) loans to commercial customers for use in normal business operations and to finance working capital needs, equipment purchases or other projects, and (ii) commercial real estate (CRE) loans (excluding construction loans) for income-producing real estate properties as well as owner-occupied properties. C&I loans are underwritten individually and usually secured with the assets of the company and

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the personal guarantee of the business owners. CRE loans consist of loans for income-producing real estate properties and the financing of owner-occupied facilities if there is real estate as collateral. Non-owner-occupied CRE loans are generally made to finance office and industrial buildings, healthcare facilities, multifamily buildings and retail shopping centers and are repaid through cash flows related to the operation, sale or refinancing of the property.

 

(2) Mortgage. Mortgage loans include residential mortgage loans to consumers for the purchase or refinancing of a residence and also include residential construction loans made to individuals for the construction of refurbishment of their residence.

 

(3) Consumer. Consumer loans are mainly comprised of personal loans, credit cards, and automobile loans, and to a lesser extent home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and other loans made by banks to individual borrowers.

 

(4) Construction. Construction loans are CRE loans to companies or developers used for the construction of a commercial or residential property for which repayment will be generated by the sale or permanent financing of the property. Our construction loan portfolio primarily consists of retail, residential (land and condominiums), office and warehouse product types.

 

(5) Lease Financings. Lease financings are offered by BPPR and are primarily comprised of automobile loans/leases made through automotive dealerships and equipment lease financings.

 

(6) Legacy. At PB, we carry a legacy portfolio comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at PB.

 

 

Covered Loans.

 

On April 30, 2010, BPPR acquired most of the loan portfolio of the former Westernbank Puerto Rico from the FDIC, as receiver (the “Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction”). Loans acquired in the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction that were subject to a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC are referred to as “covered loans.” “Covered” foreclosed other real estate properties were also subject to loss sharing agreements.

 

The Corporation has presented the loans covered by the loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC separately as “covered loans” since the risk of loss was significantly different than those not covered under the loss-sharing agreements, due to the loss protection provided by the FDIC. On May 22, 2018, the Corporation entered into a Termination Agreement with the FDIC to terminate all loss-share arrangements in connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction. As a result of the Termination Agreement, assets that were covered by the loss share agreement, including covered loans in the amount of approximately $514.6 million as of March 31, 2018, were reclassified as non-covered. The Corporation now recognizes entirely all future credit losses, expenses, gains, and recoveries related to the formerly covered assets with no offset due to or from the FDIC.

 

 

Business Concentration

 

Since our business activities are currently concentrated primarily in Puerto Rico, our results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends of the Puerto Rico economy and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets. The concentration of our operations in Puerto Rico exposes us to greater risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic base. Our asset and revenue composition by geographical area is presented in “Financial Information about Geographic Areas below and in Note 40 in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

 

Our loan portfolio is diversified by loan category. However, approximately 58% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2019 consisted of real estate-related loans, including residential mortgage loans, construction loans and commercial loans

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secured by commercial real estate. The table below presents the distribution of our loan portfolio by loan category at December 31, 2019. As described above, “Legacy” refers to loans remaining from lines of businesses we exited as a result of the restructuring of our U.S. operations in 2008 and 2009.

 

Loan category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in millions)

BPPR

%

 

PB

%

 

POPULAR

%

C&I

$3,419

17

 

$1,195

17

 

$4,614

17

CRE

3,842

19

 

3,857

53

 

7,699

28

Construction

137

1

 

694

10

 

831

3

Legacy

-

-

 

22

-

 

22

-

Leases

1,060

5

 

-

-

 

1,060

4

Consumer

5,555

27

 

442

6

 

5,997

22

Mortgage

6,167

31

 

1,017

14

 

7,184

26

Total

$20,180

100

 

$7,227

100

 

$27,407

100

 

Except for the Corporation’s exposure to the Puerto Rico Government sector, no individual or single group of related accounts is considered material in relation to our total assets or deposits, or in relation to our overall business. For a discussion of our loan portfolio and our exposure to the Government of Puerto Rico, see “Financial Condition – Loans” and “Credit Risk – Geographical and Government Risk” in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

 

Credit Administration and Credit Policies

 

Interest from our loan portfolios is our principal source of revenue. Whenever we make loans, we expose ourselves to credit risk. Credit risk is controlled and monitored through active asset quality management, including the use of lending standards, thorough review of potential borrowers and active asset quality administration.

 

Business activities that expose us to credit risk are managed within the Board of Director’s Risk Management policy, and the Credit Risk Tolerance Limits policy, which establishes limits that consider factors such as maintaining a prudent balance of risk-taking across diversified risk types and business units, compliance with regulatory guidance, controlling the exposure to lower credit quality assets, and limiting growth in, and overall exposure to, any product or risk segment where we do not have sufficient experience and a proven ability to predict credit losses.

 

We maintain comprehensive credit policies for all lines of business in order to mitigate credit risk. Our credit policies are ratified by our Board of Directors and set forth, among other things, underwriting standards and procedures for monitoring and evaluating loan portfolio quality. Our credit policies also require prompt identification and quantification of asset quality deterioration or potential loss in order to ensure the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Included in these policies, primarily determined by the amount, type of loan and risk characteristics of the credit facility, are various approval levels and lending limit constraints, ranging from the branch or department level to those that are more centralized.

 

Our credit policies and procedures establish strict documentation requirements for each loan and related collateral type, when applicable, during the underwriting, closing and monitoring phases. For commercial and construction loans, during the initial loan underwriting process, the credit policies require, at a minimum, historical financial statements or tax returns of the borrower and any guarantor, an analysis of financial information contained in a credit approval package, a risk rating determination and reports from credit agencies and appraisals for real estate-related loans. The credit policies also set forth the required closing documentation depending on the loan and the collateral type.

 

Although we originate most of our loans internally in both the Puerto Rico and mainland United States markets, we occasionally purchase or participate in loans originated by other financial institutions. When we purchase or participate in loans originated by others, we conduct the same underwriting analysis of the borrowers and apply the same criteria as we do for loans originated by us. This also includes a review of the applicable legal documentation.

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Refer to the Credit Risk section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis, in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K for information related to management committees and divisions with responsibilities for establishing policies and monitoring the Corporation’s credit risk.

 

Loan extensions, renewals and restructurings

 

Loans with satisfactory credit profiles can be extended, renewed or restructured. Many commercial loan facilities are structured as lines of credit, which are mainly one year in term and therefore are required to be renewed annually. Other facilities may be restructured or extended from time to time based upon changes in the borrower’s business needs, use of funds, 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 are not considered concessions, and the loans continue to be recorded as performing.

 

We evaluate various factors in order to determine if a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties. Indicators that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties include, for example: (i) the borrower is currently in default on any of its debt or it is probable that the borrower would be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification; (ii) the borrower has declared or is in the process of declaring bankruptcy; (iii) there is significant doubt as to whether the borrower will continue to be a going concern; (iv) currently, the borrower has securities that have been delisted, are in the process of being delisted, or are under threat of being delisted from an exchange; and (v) based on estimates and projections that only encompass the current business capabilities, the borrower forecasts that its entity-specific cash flows will be insufficient to service the debt (both interest and principal) in accordance with the contractual terms of the existing agreement through maturity; and absent the current modification, the borrower cannot obtain funds from sources other than the existing creditors at an effective interest rate equal to the current market interest rate for similar debt for a non-troubled debtor.

 

We have specialized workout officers who handle substantially all commercial loans that are past due 90 days and over, borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, and those that are considered problem loans based on their risk profile. As a general policy, we do not advance additional money to borrowers that are 90 days past due or over. In commercial and construction loans, certain exceptions may be approved under certain circumstances, including (i) when past due status is administrative in nature, such as expiration of a loan facility before the new documentation is executed, and not as a result of payment or credit issues; (ii) to improve our collateral position or otherwise maximize recovery or mitigate potential future losses; and (iii) with respect to certain entities that, although related through common ownership, are not cross defaulted nor cross-collateralized and are performing satisfactorily under their respective loan facilities. Such advances are underwritten following our credit policy guidelines and approved up to prescribed policy limits, which are dependent on the borrower’s financial condition, collateral and guarantee, among others.

 

In addition to the legal lending limit established under applicable state banking law, discussed in detail below, business activities that expose the Corporation to credit risk should be managed within guidelines described in the Credit Risk Tolerance Limits policy. Limits are defined for loss and credit performance metrics, portfolio composition and concentration, and industry and name-level, which monitors lending concentration to a single borrower or a group of related borrowers, including specific lending limits based on industry or other criteria, such as a percentage of the banks capital.

 

Refer to Note 2 and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K, for additional information on troubled debt restructuring (“TDRs”).

 

Competition

 

The financial services industry in which we operate is highly competitive. In Puerto Rico, our primary market, the banking business is highly competitive with respect to originating loans, acquiring deposits and providing other banking services. Most of our direct competition for our products and services comes from commercial banks and credit unions. The principal competitors for BPPR include locally based commercial banks and a few large U.S. and foreign banks with operations in Puerto Rico. While the number of banking competitors in Puerto Rico has been reduced in recent years as a result of consolidations, these transactions have allowed some of our competitors to gain greater resources, such as a

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broader range of products and services.

 

We also compete with specialized players in the local financial industry that are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as domestic banks and bank holding companies. Those competitors include brokerage firms, mortgage companies, insurance companies, automobile and equipment finance companies, local and federal credit unions (locally known as “cooperativas”), credit card companies, consumer finance companies, institutional lenders and other financial and non-financial institutions and entities. Credit unions generally provide basic consumer financial services. These competitors collectively represent a significant portion of the market and have lower cost structure and fewer regulatory constraints.

 

In the United States we continue to face substantial competitive pressure as our footprint resides in the two large, metropolitan markets of New York City / Northern New Jersey and the greater Miami area. There is a large number of Community and Regional banks along with national banking institutions present in both markets, many of which have a larger amount of resources than us.

 

In both Puerto Rico and the United States, the primary factors in competing for business include pricing, convenience of branch locations and other delivery methods, range of products offered, and the level of service delivered. We must compete effectively along all these parameters to be successful. We may experience pricing pressure as some of our competitors seek to increase market share by reducing prices. Competition is particularly acute in the market for deposits, where pricing is very aggressive. Increased competition could require that we increase the rates offered on deposits or lower the rates charged on loans, which could adversely affect our profitability.

 

Economic factors, along with legislative and technological changes, will have an ongoing impact on the competitive environment within the financial services industry. We work to anticipate and adapt to dynamic competitive conditions whether it may be developing and marketing innovative products and services, adopting or developing new technologies that differentiate our products and services, cross-marketing, or providing personalized banking services. We strive to distinguish ourselves from other community banks and financial services providers in our marketplace by providing a high level of service to enhance customer loyalty and to attract and retain business. However, we can provide no assurance as to the effectiveness of these efforts on our future business or results of operations, and as to our continued ability to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions, and to sufficiently improve our services and/or banking products, in order to successfully compete in our primary service areas.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2019, we employed 8,560 full time equivalent employees, of which 7,831 were located in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and 729 in the U.S. mainland. None of our employees is represented by a collective bargaining group.

 

Regulation and Supervision

 

Described below are the material elements of selected laws and regulations applicable to Popular, Popular North America (“PNA”) and their respective subsidiaries. Such laws and regulations are continually under review by Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies. Any change in the laws and regulations applicable to Popular and its subsidiaries could have a material effect on the business of Popular and its subsidiaries. We will continue to assess our businesses and risk management and compliance practices to conform to developments in the regulatory environment.

General

Popular and PNA are bank holding companies subject to consolidated supervision and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the BHC Act. BPPR and PB are subject to supervision and examination by applicable federal and state banking agencies including, in the case of BPPR, the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico (the “Office of the Commissioner”), and, in the case of PB, the Federal Reserve Board and the New York State Department of Financial Services (the “NYSDFS”).

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Enhanced Prudential Standards

In October 2019, the federal banking agencies finalized rules that tailor the application of enhanced prudential standards to large bank holding companies and the capital and liquidity rules to large bank holding companies and depository institutions (the “Tailoring Rules”) to implement amendments to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) per the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act. Under the Tailoring Rules, banking organizations are categorized based on status as a U.S. G-SIB, size and four other risk-based indicators. Among bank holding companies with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets, the most stringent standards apply to U.S. G-SIBs, which are subject to Category I standards and the least stringent standards apply to Category IV organizations, which have between $100 billion and $250 billion in total consolidated assets and less than $75 billion in all four other risk-based indicators and which are also not U.S. G-SIBs.

Bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more are subject to risk committee and risk management requirements. As of December 31, 2019, Popular had total consolidated assets of $52.1 billion.

 

Transactions with Affiliates

BPPR and PB are subject to restrictions that limit the amount of extensions of credit and certain other “covered transactions” (as defined in Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act) between BPPR or PB, on the one hand, and Popular, PNA or any of our other non-banking subsidiaries, on the other, and that impose collateralization requirements on such credit extensions. A bank may not engage in any covered transaction if the aggregate amount of the bank’s covered transactions with that affiliate would exceed 10% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus or the aggregate amount of the bank’s covered transactions with all affiliates would exceed 20% of the bank’s capital stock and surplus. In addition, any transaction between BPPR or PB, on the one hand, and Popular, PNA or any of our other non-banking subsidiaries, on the other, is required to be carried out on an arm’s length basis.

 

Source of Financial Strength

The Dodd-Frank Act requires bank holding companies, such as Popular and PNA, to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. Popular and PNA are expected to commit resources to support their subsidiary banks, including at times when Popular and PNA may not be in a financial position to provide such resources. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary depository institutions are subordinated in right of payment to depositors and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary depository institution. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal banking agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary depository institution will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment. BPPR and PB are currently the only insured depository institution subsidiaries of Popular and PNA.

Resolution Planning

Except for Category IV firms, a bank holding company with $100 billion or more in total consolidated assets is required to report periodically to the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board such company’s plan for its rapid and orderly resolution in the event of material financial distress or failure. In addition, insured depository institutions with total assets of $50 billion or more are required to submit to the FDIC periodic contingency plans for resolution in the event of the institution’s failure. In April 2019, the FDIC released an advance notice of proposed rulemaking about potential changes to its insured depository institution resolution planning requirements, and the next round of insured depository institution resolution plan submissions will not be required until the rulemaking process is complete.

As of December 31, 2019, Popular, PNA, BPPR and PB’s total assets were below the thresholds for applicability of these rules.

Dividend Restrictions

The principal sources of funding for Popular and PNA have included dividends received from their banking and non-banking subsidiaries, asset sales and proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity. Various statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends an insured depository institution may pay to its holding company without regulatory approval. A member bank must obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board for any dividend, if the total of all dividends declared by the member bank during the calendar year would exceed the total of its net income for that year, combined with its retained net income for the preceding two years, less any required transfers to surplus or to a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock. In addition, a member bank may not declare or pay a dividend in an amount greater than its undivided profits as reported in its Report of Condition and Income, unless the member bank has received the approval of the Federal Reserve Board. A member bank also may not permit any portion of its permanent capital to be withdrawn unless the withdrawal has been approved by the Federal Reserve Board. Pursuant to these requirements, PB may not declare or pay a dividend without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board or the NYSDFS.

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During the year ended December 31, 2019, BPPR declared cash dividends of $400 million, a portion of which was used by Popular for the payments of the cash dividends on its outstanding common stock, a $250 million in accelerated stock repurchases. Subject to the Federal Reserve’s ability to establish more stringent specific requirements under its supervisory or enforcement authority, at December 31, 2019, BPPR could have declared a dividend of approximately $272 million. It is Federal Reserve Board policy that bank holding companies generally should pay dividends on common stock only out of net income available to common shareholders over the past year and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the organization’s current and expected future capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Moreover, under Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company should not maintain dividend levels that place undue pressure on the capital of depository institution subsidiaries or that may undermine the bank holding company’s ability to be a source of strength to its banking subsidiaries. For further information please refer to Part II, Item 5, “Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.”

Subject to compliance with certain conditions, distributions of U.S. sourced dividends to a corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are subject to a withholding tax of 10% instead of the 30% applied to other “foreign” corporations.

See “Puerto Rico Regulation” below for a description of certain restrictions on BPPR’s ability to pay dividends under Puerto Rico law.

FDIC Insurance

Substantially all the deposits of BPPR and PB are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) of the FDIC, and BPPR and PB are subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. Deposit insurance assessments are based on the average consolidated total assets of the insured depository institution minus the average tangible equity of the institution during the assessment period. For smaller depository institutions with less than $10 billion in assets, the FDIC assigns an individual rate based on a formula using financial data and CAMELS ratings. PB is currently classified as a smaller depository institution, but has reported over $10 billion in assets for the third and fourth quarters of 2019. A depository institution reporting over $10 billion in assets for four consecutive quarters will be reclassified as a large depository institution. For larger depository institutions with over $10 billion in assets, such as BPPR, the FDIC uses a “scorecard” methodology, which also considers CAMELS ratings, among other measures, that seeks to capture both the probability that an individual large institution will fail and the magnitude of the impact on the DIF if such a failure occurs. The FDIC has the ability to make discretionary adjustments to the total score based upon significant risk factors that are not adequately captured in the calculations. The initial base deposit insurance assessment rate for larger depository institutions ranges from 3 to 30 basis points on an annualized basis. After the effect of potential base-rate adjustments, the total base assessment rate could range from 1.5 to 40 basis points on an annualized basis.

As of December 31, 2019, we had a DIF average total asset less average tangible equity assessment base of approximately $46 billion.

Brokered Deposits

The FDIA and regulations adopted thereunder restrict the use of brokered deposits and the rate of interest payable on deposits for institutions that are less than well capitalized. There are no such restrictions on a bank that is well capitalized. In December 2019, the FDIC issued a proposed rule intended to update and modernize the brokered deposits regulations. The proposed rule, among other things, would revise the definition of “deposit broker” and the accompanying exceptions. Popular does not believe the brokered deposits regulations, and the proposed amendments, have had or will have a material effect on the funding or liquidity of BPPR and PB.

 

Capital Adequacy

Popular, BPPR and PB are each required to comply with applicable capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve Board. In July 2013, the federal bank regulators approved final rules (the “Basel III Capital Rules”) implementing the December 2010 final capital framework for strengthening international capital standards, known as Basel III, as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Among other matters, the Basel III Capital Rules: (i) impose a capital measure called “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”) and the related regulatory capital ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets; (ii) specify that Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting certain revised requirements; and (iii) mandate that most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other components of capital. Under the Basel III Capital Rules, for

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most banking organizations, including Popular, the most common form of Additional Tier 1 capital is non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and the most common form of Tier 2 capital is subordinated notes and a portion of the allocation for loan and lease losses, in each case, subject to the Basel III Capital Rules’ specific requirements.

Pursuant to the Basel III Capital Rules, the minimum capital ratios are:

4.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;

6.0% Tier 1 capital (that is, CET1 plus Additional Tier 1 capital) to risk-weighted assets;

8.0% Total capital (that is, Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets; and

4% Tier 1 capital to average consolidated assets as reported on consolidated financial statements (known as the “leverage ratio”).

 

The Basel III Capital Rules also impose a “capital conservation buffer,” composed entirely of CET1, on top of these minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall and eligible retained income (that is, four quarter trailing net income, net of distributions and tax effects not reflected in net income). Thus, Popular, BPPR and PB are required to maintain such additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of CET1, effectively resulting in minimum ratios of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7%, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5%, and (iii) Total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%.

In addition, under prior risk-based capital rules, the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss (“AOCI”) items included in shareholders’ equity (for example, marks-to-market of securities held in the available for sale portfolio) under U.S. GAAP were reversed for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios. Pursuant to the Basel III Capital Rules, the effects of certain AOCI items are not excluded; however, non-advanced approaches banking organizations, including Popular, BPPR and PB, may make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items. Popular, BPPR and PB have made this election in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital depending upon the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of their securities portfolios.

The Basel III Capital Rules preclude certain hybrid securities, such as trust preferred securities, from inclusion in bank holding companies’ Tier 1 capital. Trust preferred securities no longer included in Popular’s Tier 1 capital may nonetheless be included as a component of Tier 2 capital. Popular has not issued any trust preferred securities since May 19, 2010. At December 31, 2019, Popular has $374 million of trust preferred securities outstanding which no longer qualify for Tier 1 capital treatment, but instead qualify for Tier 2 capital treatment.

Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject Popular and its depository institution subsidiaries to a variety of enforcement remedies, including the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC and to certain restrictions on our business. See “– Prompt Corrective Action.”

In November 2017, the federal bank regulators adopted a final rule to extend the transitional regulatory capital treatment applicable during 2017 for certain items, including certain deferred tax assets, mortgage servicing assets, investments in non-consolidated financial entities and minority interests, for non-advanced approaches banking organizations, such as Popular, BPPR and PB (the “Transition Rule”).

In July 2019, the federal bank regulators adopted final rules intended to simplify the capital treatment for certain deferred tax assets, mortgage servicing assets, investments in non-consolidated financial entities and minority interests for non-advanced approaches institutions, such as Popular, BPPR and PB (the “Capital Simplification Rules”). The Capital Simplifications Rules and the rescission of the Transition Rule will take effect for Popular, BPPR and PB as of April 1, 2020. On a proforma basis, as of December 31, 2019, the impact to the Total Regulatory Capital would have been a reduction of approximately 54 basis points.

In December 2017, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published standards that it described as the finalization of the Basel III post-crisis regulatory reforms (the standards are commonly referred to as “Basel IV”). Among other things, these standards revise the Basel Committee’s standardized approach for credit risk (including by recalibrating risk weights and introducing new capital requirements for certain “unconditionally cancellable commitments,” such as unused credit card lines of credit) and provide a new standardized approach for operational risk capital. These standards will generally be effective on January 1, 2022, with an aggregate output floor phasing in through January 1, 2027. Under the current U.S. capital rules, operational risk capital

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requirements and a capital floor apply only to advanced approaches institutions, and not to Popular, BPPR and PB. The impact of Basel IV on us will depend on the manner in which it is implemented by the federal bank regulators.

In December 2018, the federal banking agencies approved a final rule modifying their regulatory capital rules and providing an option to phase in over a period of three years the day-one regulatory capital effects of the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model of ASU 2016-13. The final rule also revises the agencies’ other rules to reflect the update to the accounting standards. The Corporation will avail itself of the option to phase in over a period of three years the day one effects on regulatory capital from the adoption of CECL.

Refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K., Note 23 and Table 8 of Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the capital ratios of Popular, BPPR and PB under Basel III. Refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K Note 3 for more information regarding CECL.

 

Prompt Corrective Action

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”) requires, among other things, the federal banking agencies to take prompt corrective action in respect of insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA establishes five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized”. A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors.

An insured depository institution will be deemed to be (i) “well capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a CET1 capital ratio of 4.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and is not “well capitalized” (iii) “undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a CET1 capital ratio less than 4.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%; (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a CET1 capital ratio less than 3%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%; and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. An insured depository institution’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the institution’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.

The FDIC generally prohibits an insured depository institution from making any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its holding company, if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to restrictions on borrowing from the Federal Reserve System. In addition, undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. A depository institution’s holding company must guarantee the capital restoration plan, up to an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the depository institution’s assets at the time it becomes undercapitalized or the amount of the capital deficiency, when the institution fails to comply with the plan. The federal banking agencies may not accept a capital restoration plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized.

Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to appointment of a receiver or conservator.

The capital-based prompt corrective action provisions of the FDIA apply to the FDIC-insured depository institutions such as BPPR and PB, but they are not directly applicable to holding companies such as Popular and PNA, which control such institutions. As of December 31, 2019, both BPPR and PB were well capitalized.

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Interstate Branching

The Dodd-Frank Act amended the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (the “Interstate Banking Act”) to authorize national banks and state banks to branch interstate through de novo branches. For purposes of the Interstate Banking Act, BPPR is treated as a state bank and is subject to the same restrictions on interstate branching as are other state banks.

 

Activities and Acquisitions

In general, the BHC Act limits the activities permissible for bank holding companies to the business of banking, managing or controlling banks and such other activities as the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be so closely related to banking as to be properly incidental thereto. A bank holding companies whose subsidiary depository institutions meet management, capital and Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) standards may elect to be treated as a financial holding company and engage in a substantially broader range of nonbanking financial activities, including securities underwriting and dealing, insurance underwriting and making merchant banking investments in nonfinancial companies.

In order for a bank holding company to elect to be treated as a financial holding company, (i) all of its depository institution subsidiaries must be well capitalized (as described above) and well managed and (ii) it must file a declaration with the Federal Reserve Board that it elects to be a “financial holding company.” A bank holding company electing to be a financial holding company must also be and remain well capitalized and well managed. Popular and PNA have elected to be treated as financial holding companies. A depository institution is deemed to be “well managed” if, at its most recent inspection, examination or subsequent review by the appropriate federal banking agency (or the appropriate state banking agency), the depository institution received at least a “satisfactory” composite rating and at least a “satisfactory” rating for the management component of the composite rating. If, after becoming a financial holding company, the company fails to continue to meet any of the capital or management requirements for financial holding company status, the company must enter into a confidential agreement with the Federal Reserve Board to comply with all applicable capital and management requirements. If the company does not return to compliance within 180 days, the Federal Reserve Board may extend the agreement or may order the company to divest its subsidiary banks or the company may discontinue, or divest investments in companies engaged in, activities permissible only for a bank holding company that has elected to be treated as a financial holding company. In addition, if a depository institution subsidiary controlled by a financial holding company does not maintain a CRA rating of at least satisfactory, the financial holding company will be subject to restrictions on certain new activities and acquisitions.

The Federal Reserve Board may in certain circumstances limit our ability to conduct activities and make acquisitions that would otherwise be permissible for a financial holding company. For example, a financial holding company must obtain prior written approval from the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring a nonbank company with $10 billion or more in total consolidated assets. In addition, we are required to obtain prior Federal Reserve Board approval before engaging in certain banking and other financial activities both in the United States and abroad.

The so-called “Volcker Rule” issued under the Dodd-Frank Act restricts the ability of Popular and its subsidiaries, including BPPR and PB, to sponsor or invest in "covered funds," including private funds, or to engage in certain types of proprietary trading. Popular and its subsidiaries generally do not engage in the businesses prohibited by the Volcker Rule; therefore, the Volcker Rule does not have a material effect on our operations. In October 2019, the Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, CFTC and SEC finalized rules to tailor the application of the Volcker Rule based on the size and scope of a banking entity’s trading activities and to clarify and amend certain definitions, requirements and exemptions. In January 2020, the Federal Reserve, OCC, FDIC, CFTC and SEC issued a proposal intended to clarify and amend certain definitions, requirements and exemptions under the currently effective regulations with respect to covered funds. Development and monitoring of the required compliance program, however, may require the expenditure of significant resources and management attention.

Anti-Money Laundering Initiative and the USA PATRIOT Act

A major focus of governmental policy relating to financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “USA PATRIOT Act”) strengthened the ability of the U.S. government to help prevent, detect and prosecute international money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Title III of the USA PATRIOT Act imposed significant compliance and due diligence obligations, created new crimes and penalties and expanded the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Failure of a financial institution to comply with the USA PATRIOT Act’s requirements could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.

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Community Reinvestment Act

The CRA requires banks to help serve the credit needs of their communities, including extending credit to low- and moderate-income individuals and geographies. Should Popular or our bank subsidiaries fail to serve adequately the community, potential penalties may include regulatory denials of applications to expand branches, relocate, add subsidiaries and affiliates, expand into new financial activities and merge with or purchase other financial institutions. In December 2019, the OCC and FDIC issued a notice of proposed rulemaking intended to (i) clarify which activities qualify for CRA credit; (ii) update where activities count for CRA credit; (iii) create a more transparent and objective method for measuring CRA performance; and (iv) provide for more transparent, consistent, and timely CRA-related data collection, recordkeeping, and reporting. However, the Federal Reserve has not joined the proposed rulemaking.

 

Interchange Fees Regulation

The Federal Reserve Board has established standards for debit card interchange fees and prohibited network exclusivity arrangements and routing restrictions. The maximum permissible interchange fee that an issuer may receive for an electronic debit transaction is the sum of 21 cents per transaction and 5 basis points multiplied by the value of the transaction. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Board allows for an upward adjustment of no more than 1 cent to an issuer’s debit card interchange fee if the issuer develops and implements policies and procedures reasonably designed to achieve certain fraud-prevention standards.

 

Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”) supervises “covered persons” (broadly defined to include any person offering or providing a consumer financial product or service and any affiliated service provider) for compliance with federal consumer financial laws. The CFPB also has the broad power to prescribe rules applicable to a covered person or service provider identifying as unlawful, unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. We are subject to examination and regulation by the CFPB.

 

Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation

The U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) administers economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals and others. The OFAC-administered sanctions targeting countries take many different forms. Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country; and (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government of the sanctioned country or other specially designated nationals have an interest, by prohibiting transfers of property subject to U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the United States or the possession or control of U.S. persons outside of the United States). Blocked assets (e.g., property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from OFAC. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences.

 

Protection of Customer Personal Information and Cybersecurity

The privacy provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 generally prohibit financial institutions, including us, from disclosing nonpublic personal financial information of consumer customers to third parties for certain purposes (primarily marketing) unless customers have the opportunity to opt out of the disclosure. The Fair Credit Reporting Act restricts information sharing among affiliates for marketing purposes and governs the use and provision of information to consumer reporting agencies.

The federal banking regulators have also issued guidance and proposed rules regarding cybersecurity that are intended to enhance cyber risk management standards among financial institutions. A financial institution is expected to establish lines of defense and to ensure that its risk management processes address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials. A financial institution’s management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution’s operations after a cyber-attack involving destructive malware. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations and address rebuilding network capabilities and restoring data if the institution or its critical service providers fall victim to this type of cyber-attack. If we fail to observe the regulatory guidance, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.

Puerto Rico and state regulators have also been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. For instance, Puerto Rico law requires businesses to implement information security controls to protect consumers’

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personal information from breaches, as well as to provide notice of any breach to affected customers. Several states have adopted regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and providing detailed requirements with respect to these programs, including data encryption requirements. Many states have also recently implemented or modified their data breach notification and data privacy requirements. For instance, the California Consumer Privacy Act became effective on January 1, 2020 and imposes privacy compliance obligations with regard to the personal information of California residents. Similarly, on March 2019, the Puerto Rico Senate introduced Bill 1231 which provides further protections to consumers as to the use of their personal data. We expect this trend to continue and are continually monitoring developments in Puerto Rico and the states in which we operate.

 

Incentive Compensation

 

The Federal Reserve Board reviews, as part of its regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as Popular, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

The Federal Reserve Board, OCC and FDIC have issued comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the U.S. financial regulators, including the Federal Reserve Board, the other federal banking agencies and the SEC, to adopt rules prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation or that could lead to a material financial loss at specified regulated entities having at least $1 billion in total assets (including Popular, PNA, BPPR and PB). The U.S. financial regulators proposed revised rules in 2016, which have not been finalized.

Puerto Rico Regulation

As a commercial bank organized under the laws of Puerto Rico, BPPR is subject to supervision, examination and regulation by the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions, pursuant to the Puerto Rico Banking Act of 1933, as amended (the “Banking Law”).

Section 27 of the Banking Law requires that at least ten percent (10%) of the yearly net income of BPPR be credited annually to a reserve fund. The apportionment must be done every year until the reserve fund is equal to the total of paid-in capital on common and preferred stock. During 2019, $ 60.1 million was transferred to the statutory reserve account. During 2019, BPPR was in compliance with the statutory reserve requirement.

Section 27 of the Banking Law also provides that when the expenditures of a bank are greater than its receipts, the excess of the former over the latter must be charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if any, must be charged against the reserve fund. If the reserve fund is not 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 capital has been restored to its original amount and the reserve fund to 20% of the original capital.

Section 16 of the Banking Law requires every bank to maintain a legal reserve that, except as otherwise provided by the Office of the Commissioner, may not be less than 20% of its demand liabilities, excluding government deposits (federal, state and municipal) which are secured by collateral. If a bank is authorized to establish one or more bank branches in a state of the United States or in a foreign country, where such branches are subject to the reserve requirements of that state or country, the Office of the Commissioner may exempt said branch or branches from the reserve requirements of Section 16. Pursuant to an order of the

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Federal Reserve Board dated November 24, 1982, BPPR has been exempted from the reserve requirements of the Federal Reserve System with respect to deposits payable in Puerto Rico. Accordingly, BPPR is subject to the reserve requirements prescribed by the Banking Law.

Section 17 of the Banking Law permits a bank to make loans to any one person, firm, partnership or corporation, up to an aggregate amount of fifteen percent (15%) of the paid-in capital and reserve fund of the bank. As of December 31, 2019, the legal lending limit for BPPR under this provision was approximately $295 million. In the case of loans which are secured by collateral worth at least 25% more than the amount of the loan, the maximum aggregate amount is increased to one third of the paid-in capital of the bank, plus its reserve fund. If the institution is well capitalized and had been rated 1 in the last examination performed by the Office of the Commissioner or any regulatory agency, its legal lending limit shall also include 15% of 50% of its undivided profits and for loans secured by collateral worth at least 25% more than the amount of the loan, the capital of the bank shall also include 33 1/3% of 50% of its undivided profits. Institutions rated 2 in their last regulatory examination may include this additional component in their legal lending limit only with the previous authorization of the Office of the Commissioner. There are no restrictions under Section 17 on the amount of loans that are wholly secured by bonds, securities and other evidence of indebtedness of the Government of the United States or Puerto Rico, or by current debt bonds, not in default, of municipalities or instrumentalities of Puerto Rico.

Section 14 of the Banking Law authorizes a bank to conduct certain financial and related activities directly or through subsidiaries, including finance leasing of personal property and originating and servicing mortgage loans. BPPR engages in finance leasing through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Popular Auto, LLC, which is organized and operates in Puerto Rico. The origination and servicing of mortgage loans is conducted by Popular Mortgage, a division of BPPR.

 

Available Information

We maintain an Internet website at www.popular.com. Via the “Investor Relations” link at our website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to such reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), are available, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after such forms are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The SEC also maintains an internet website at http://www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. You may obtain copies of our filings on the SEC site.

We have adopted a written code of ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees of Popular, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers, in accordance with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules of the SEC promulgated thereunder. Our Code of Ethics is available on our corporate website, www.popular.com, in the section entitled “Corporate Governance.” In the event that we make changes in, or provide waivers from, the provisions of this Code of Ethics that the SEC requires us to disclose, we intend to disclose these events on our corporate website in such section. In the Corporate Governance section of our corporate website, we have also posted the charters for our Audit Committee, Talent and Compensation Committee, Risk Management Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as our Corporate Governance Guidelines. In addition, information concerning purchases and sales of our equity securities by our executive officers and directors is posted on our website.

All website addresses given in this document are for information only and are not intended to be active links or to incorporate any website information into this document.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

We, like other financial institutions, face a number of risks inherent to our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and capital position. These risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from our historical results or the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

The risks described in this report are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known by us or that we currently deem to be immaterial, or that are generally applicable to all financial institutions, also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations or capital position.

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RISKS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS and economic ENVIRONMENT AND OUR INDUSTRY

 

A significant portion of our business is concentrated in Puerto Rico, where economic and fiscal challenges have adversely impacted and may continue to adversely impact us.

Our credit exposure is concentrated in Puerto Rico, which accounted as of December 31, 2019 for approximately 82% of our revenues, 78% of our total assets and 79% of our deposits. As such, our financial condition and results of operations are dependent upon the general trends of the Puerto Rico economy and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets and asset values in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico entered recession in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 and its gross national product (GNP) thereafter contracted in real terms every year between fiscal years 2007 and 2018 (inclusive), except fiscal year 2012. Pursuant to the latest Puerto Rico Planning Board (the “Planning Board”) estimates, published in July 2019, the Commonwealth’s real GNP for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 decreased by 3% and 4.7%, respectively. The Planning Board’s report projected an increase in real GNP of approximately 2% and 3.6% in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, respectively, in part due to the influx of federal funds and private insurance payments that followed Hurricanes Irma and María. The Commonwealth’s ability to achieve such projections, however, will depend to a large extent on the amount federal disaster relief funding actually received and the timing of the approval and disbursement of such funds.

The Commonwealth’s government has also been facing significant fiscal challenges. The structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures, on the one hand, and unfunded legacy pension obligations, on the other hand, coupled with the Commonwealth’s inability to access financing in the capital markets or from private lenders, resulted in the Commonwealth and various public corporations defaulting on and eventually seeking to restructure their debts.

The Commonwealth’s fiscal and economic crisis prompted the U.S. Congress to enact the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) in June 2016. PROMESA, among other things, established a seven-member federally-appointed oversight board (the “Oversight Board”) with broad powers over the finances of the Commonwealth and its instrumentalities and provided to the Commonwealth, its public corporations and municipalities, broad-based restructuring authority, including through a bankruptcy-type process similar to that of Chapter 9 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. In August 2016, President Obama appointed the seven voting members of the Oversight Board through the process established in PROMESA, which authorized the President to select the members from several lists required to be submitted by congressional leaders. The constitutionality of such appointments, however, is currently being challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court. Any outcome that results in the voidance of the Oversight Board’s past actions could create further fiscal instability and adversely affect the Puerto Rico economy.

The credit quality of BPPR’s loan portfolio necessarily reflects, among other things, the general economic conditions in Puerto Rico and other adverse conditions affecting Puerto Rico consumers and businesses. The prolonged recession resulted in limited loan demand and in an increase in the rate of foreclosures and delinquencies on loans granted in Puerto Rico. The measures taken to address the fiscal crisis and those that may have to be taken in the future could affect many of our individual customers and customers’ businesses, which could cause credit losses that adversely affect us. Fiscal adjustments have resulted and may continue to result in significant resistance from local politicians and other stakeholders, which may lead to social and political instability. Any reduction in consumer spending because of these issues may also adversely impact our interest and non-interest revenues.

 

If global or local economic conditions worsen or the Government of Puerto Rico is unable to manage its fiscal crisis, including completing an orderly restructuring of its debt obligations while continuing to provide essential services, those adverse effects could continue or worsen in ways that we are not able to predict and that are outside of our control. Under such circumstances, we could experience an increase in the level of provision for loan losses, nonperforming assets, net charge-offs and reserve for credit losses. These factors could have a material adverse impact on our earnings and financial condition.

Our assets and revenue composition by geographical area and by business segment reporting are presented in Note 40 to the consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

Further deterioration in collateral values of properties securing our commercial, mortgage loan and construction portfolios would result in increased credit losses and continue to harm our results of operations.

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The value of properties in some of the markets we serve, in particular in Puerto Rico, declined during the past decade as a result of adverse economic conditions. Further deterioration of the value of real estate collateral securing our commercial, mortgage loan and construction loan portfolios would result in increased credit losses. As of December 31, 2019, approximately 28%, 26% and 3%, of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial loans secured by real estate, mortgage loans and construction loans, respectively.

Substantially our entire loan portfolio is located within the boundaries of the U.S. economy. Whether the collateral is in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands (“USVI”), the British Virgin Islands (“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. General economic conditions in Puerto Rico and fiscal reforms aimed at addressing the current fiscal crisis could cause a further deterioration of the value of the real estate collateral securing our loan portfolios.

We measure loan impairment based on the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent, which is derived from estimated collateral values, principally obtained from appraisal reports that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, size and supply and demand. An appraisal report is only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is made. If the appraisal does not reflect the amount that may be obtained upon any sale or foreclosure of the property, we may not realize an amount equal to the indebtedness secured by the property. In addition, the properties securing these loans may be difficult to dispose of, if foreclosed.

A further deterioration of the fair value of real estate properties for collateral dependent impaired loans would require increases in our provision for loan losses and allowance for loan losses. Any such increase would have an adverse effect on our future financial condition and results of operations. For more information on the credit quality of our construction, commercial and mortgage portfolio, see the Credit Risk section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Annual Report.

 

Our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected by difficult conditions in the U.S. and global financial industries.

During the financial crisis that commenced in 2008, market instability and lack of investor confidence led many lenders and institutional investors to reduce or cease providing funding to borrowers, including other financial institutions. This led to an increased level of commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of consumer confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction of business activity in general. The resulting economic pressures on consumers and uncertainty about the financial markets adversely affected our industry and our business, results of operations and financial condition. A re-occurrence of these or other difficult conditions would exacerbate the economic challenges facing us and others in the financial industry.

 

Legislative and regulatory reforms may have a significant impact on our business and results of operations.

Popular is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal, New York and Puerto Rico banking authorities. Any change in applicable federal, New York or Puerto Rico laws or regulations could have a substantial impact on our operations. Additional laws and regulations may be enacted or adopted in the future that could significantly affect our powers, authority and operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, regulators in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties, have significant discretion and power to prevent or remedy unsafe and unsound practices or violations of laws by banks and bank holding companies. The exercise of this regulatory discretion and power could have a negative impact on Popular. Furthermore, the Commonwealth has enacted various reforms in response to its fiscal and economic problems and is likely to implement additional reforms as part of its obligations under PROMESA.

 

RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS

We are subject to default risk in our loan portfolio.

We are subject to the risk of loss from loan defaults and foreclosures with respect to the loans we originate or acquire. We establish provisions for loan losses, which lead to reductions in our income from operations, in order to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level which is deemed appropriate by management based upon an assessment of the quality of the loan portfolio in accordance with established procedures and guidelines. This process, which is critical to our financial results and condition, requires difficult, subjective and complex judgments about the future, including forecasts of economic and market

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conditions that might impair the ability of our borrowers to repay the loans. There can be no assurance that management has accurately estimated the level of future loan losses or that Popular will not have to increase the provision for loan losses in the future as a result of future increases in non-performing loans or for other reasons beyond our control. Any such increases in our provisions for loan losses or any loan losses in excess of our provisions for loan losses would have an adverse effect on our future financial condition and result of operations. We will continue to evaluate our provision for loan losses and allowance for loan losses and may be required to increase such amounts.

 

The fiscal and economic challenges of some of the jurisdictions in which we operate could materially adversely affect the value and performance of our portfolio of government securities and our loans to government entities in such jurisdictions, as well as the value and performance of commercial, mortgage and consumer loans to private borrowers who have significant relationships with the government or could be directly affected by government action in such jurisdictions. A reduction in Puerto Rico government deposits could also adversely affect our net interest income.

We have direct and indirect lending and investment exposure to the Puerto Rico government, its public corporations and municipalities. A deterioration of the Commonwealth’s fiscal and economic condition, including as a result of actions taken by the Commonwealth government or the Oversight Board to address the ongoing fiscal and economic crisis in Puerto Rico, could materially adversely affect the value and performance of our Puerto Rico government obligations, as well as the value and performance of commercial, mortgage and consumer loans to private borrowers who have significant relationships with the government or could be directly affected by government action, resulting in losses to us.

 

At December 31, 2019, our direct exposure to Puerto Rico government obligations was limited to obligations from various municipalities and amounted to $432 million. Of the amount outstanding at December 31, 2019, $391 million consisted of loans and $41 million consisted of securities. These municipal obligations are mostly general obligations backed by property tax revenues and to which the applicable municipality has pledged its good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power, or “special obligations”, to which the applicable municipality has pledged other revenues. At December 31, 2019, 75% of our exposure to municipal loans and securities was concentrated in the municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo, Carolina and Bayamón. In May 2019, the Oversight Board designated all 78 municipalities as covered entities under PROMESA. For a discussion of the implications of being designated a covered entity under PROMESA, refer to the Geographic and Government Risk section in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Annual Report.

 

The Commonwealth’s certified fiscal plan does not contemplate a restructuring of the debts of Puerto Rico’s municipalities. The plan, however, provides for the gradual phase out of Commonwealth appropriations to municipalities, which constitute a material portion of the operating revenues of certain municipalities. Since fiscal year 2017, Commonwealth appropriations to municipalities have been reduced by approximately 64% (from approximately $370 million in fiscal year 2017 to approximately $132 million in fiscal year 2020). The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan provides for additional reductions in appropriations to municipalities every fiscal year, holding appropriations constant at $112 million starting in fiscal year 2022, before ultimately phasing out all appropriations in fiscal year 2024. Although the certified fiscal plan contemplates that the reduction in subsidies may be offset by other measures, the reduction in subsidies could have a material negative impact on the financial condition of various municipalities, particularly if such offsetting measures are not fully or timely implemented. Furthermore, municipalities may also be affected by the negative effects resulting from other expense, revenue or cash management measures taken to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal and liquidity shortfalls.

 

In addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had $350 million in loans insured or securities issued by Puerto Rico governmental entities but for which the principal source of repayment is non-governmental. These included $276 million in residential mortgage loans insured by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (“HFA”), a governmental instrumentality that has been designated as a covered entity under PROMESA. These mortgage loans are secured by first mortgages on Puerto Rico residential properties and the HFA insurance covers losses in the event of a borrower default and upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions. The Corporation also had at December 31, 2019, $46 million in bonds issued by HFA which are secured by second mortgage loans on Puerto Rico residential properties, and for which HFA also provides insurance to cover losses in the event of a borrower default and upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions. In the event that the mortgage loans insured by HFA and held by the Corporation directly or those serving as collateral for the HFA bonds default and the collateral is insufficient to satisfy the outstanding balance of these loans, HFA’s ability to honor its insurance will depend, among other factors, on the financial condition of HFA at the time such obligations become due and payable. Although the Governor is currently authorized by local legislation to impose a temporary moratorium on the financial obligations of the HFA, she has not exercised this power as of the date hereof. In

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addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had $7 million in securities issued by HFA that have been economically defeased and refunded and for which securities consisting of U.S. agencies and Treasury obligations have been escrowed, and $21 million of commercial real estate notes issued by government entities but that are payable from rent paid by non-governmental parties.

 

BPPR’s commercial loan portfolio also includes loans to private borrowers who are service providers, lessors, suppliers or have other relationships with the Puerto Rico government. These borrowers could be negatively affected by the fiscal measures to be implemented to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis and the ongoing debt restructuring proceedings under PROMESA. Similarly, BPPR’s mortgage and consumer loan portfolios include loans to government employees which could also be negatively affected by fiscal measures such as employee layoffs or furloughs.

 

Furthermore, BPPR has a significant amount of deposits from the Commonwealth, its instrumentalities, and municipalities. The amount of such deposits may fluctuate depending on the financial condition and liquidity of such entities, as well as on the ability of BPPR to maintain these customer relationships. A portion of such deposits could also be used by the Commonwealth as part of its restructuring agreements under Title III of PROMESA. While a significant decrease in these deposits should not materially affect our liquidity since such deposits are collateralized, a significant decrease in the amount of such deposits could adversely affect our net interest income.

BPPR also has operations in the USVI and has credit exposure to USVI government entities. At December 31, 2019, BPPR’s direct exposure to USVI instrumentalities and public corporations amounted to approximately $71 million, of which $67 million is outstanding. The USVI has been experiencing a number of fiscal and economic challenges that could adversely affect the ability of its public corporations and instrumentalities to service their outstanding debt obligations. 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 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 USVI government entities or imposing a stay on creditor remedies, including by making PROMESA applicable to the USVI.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including broker-dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual funds, hedge funds, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or client. In addition, our 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. There can be no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations or earnings.

We have procedures in place to mitigate the impact of a default among our counterparties. We request collateral for most credit exposures with other financial institutions and monitor these on a regular basis. Nonetheless, market volatility could impact the valuation of collateral held by us and result in losses.

 

Our ability to raise financing is dependent in part on market confidence. In times when market confidence is affected by events related to well-known financial institutions, risk aversion among participants may increase substantially and make it more difficult for us to borrow in the credit or capital markets.

 

Our businesses are subject to extensive regulation and we from time to time receive requests for information from departments of the U.S. and Puerto Rico governments, including those that investigate mortgage-related conduct.

 

Our businesses are subject to extensive regulation and we from time to time self-report compliance matters to, or receive requests for information from, departments of the U.S. and Puerto Rico governments. In particular, BPPR has received subpoenas and other requests for information from the departments of the U.S. government that investigate mortgage-related conduct, mainly concerning real estate appraisals and residential and construction loans in Puerto Rico. BPPR has also self-identified and reported to applicable regulators matters with respect to mortgage related practices.

 

For example, in July 2017, management learned that certain letters related to approximately 23,000 residential mortgage loans generated by Popular to comply with Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (“CFPB”) rules requiring written notification to

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borrowers who have submitted a loss mitigation application were not mailed to borrowers over a period of up to approximately three-years due to a systems interface error. Loss mitigation is a process whereby creditors work with mortgage loan borrowers who are having difficulties making their loan payments on their debt. Popular corrected the systems interface error that caused the letters not to be sent, notified applicable regulators (including the CFPB), completed a review of its mortgage files to assess the scope of potential customer impact and conducted outreach and remediation efforts with respect to borrowers potentially affected by the systems interface error.

 

Incidents of this nature and/or investigations by governmental authorities (whether arising from these incidents or otherwise) may result in judgments, settlements, fines, enforcement actions, penalties or other sanctions adverse to the Corporation which could materially and adversely affect the Corporation’s business, financial condition or results of operations, or cause serious reputational harm.

 

We are exposed to credit risk from mortgage loans that have been sold or are being serviced subject to recourse arrangements.

 

Popular is generally at risk for mortgage loan defaults from the time it funds a loan until the time the loan is sold or securitized into a mortgage-backed security. We have furthermore retained, through recourse arrangements, part of the credit risk on sales of mortgage loans, and we also service certain mortgage loan portfolios with recourse. At December 31, 2019, we serviced $1.2 billion in residential mortgage loans subject to credit recourse provisions, principally loans associated with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs. In the event of any customer default, pursuant to the credit recourse provided, we are required to repurchase the loan or reimburse the third-party investor for the incurred loss. The maximum potential amount of future payments that we would be required to make under the recourse arrangements in the event of nonperformance by the borrowers is equivalent to the total outstanding balance of the residential mortgage loans serviced with recourse and interest, if applicable. During 2019, we repurchased approximately $57 million in mortgage loans subject to the credit recourse provisions. In the event of nonperformance by the borrower, we have rights to the underlying collateral securing the mortgage loan. As of December 31, 2019, our liability established to cover the estimated credit loss exposure related to loans sold or serviced with credit recourse amounted to $35 million. We may suffer losses on these loans when the proceeds from a foreclosure sale of the property underlying a defaulted mortgage loan are less than the outstanding principal balance of the loan plus any uncollected interest advanced and the costs of holding and disposing of the related property.

 

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 regarding Popular and the loans being sold or securitized. Our obligations with respect to these representations and warranties are generally outstanding for the life of the loan, and they relate to, among other things:

compliance with laws and regulations;

underwriting standards;

the accuracy of information in the loan documents and loan file; and

the characteristics and enforceability of the loan.

 

A loan that does not comply with these representations and warranties may take longer to sell, may impact our ability to obtain third party financing for the loan, and be unsalable or salable 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 mistakes may be made, or certain employees may deliberately violate our lending policies. We seek to minimize repurchases and losses from defective loans by correcting flaws, if possible, and selling or re-selling such loans. We have established specific reserves for probable losses related to repurchases resulting from representations and warranty violations on specific portfolios. At December 31, 2019, our reserve for estimated losses from representation and warranty arrangements amounted to $3 million, which was included as part of other liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial condition. Nonetheless, we do not expect any such losses to be significant, although if they were to occur, they would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition.

 

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Increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material adverse effect on our earnings.

 

Substantially all the deposits of BPPR and PB are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC’s DIF, and as a result, BPPR and PB are subject to FDIC deposit insurance assessments. We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures, our level of non-performing assets increases, or our risk profile changes or our capital position is impaired, we may be required to pay even higher FDIC premiums. Any future increases or special assessments may materially adversely affect our results of operations. See the “Supervision and Regulation—FDIC Insurance” discussion within Item 1. Business of the Annual Report for additional information related to the FDIC’s deposit insurance assessments applicable to BPPR and PB.

 

Our business is susceptible to interest rate risk because a significant portion of our business involves borrowing and lending money, and investing in financial instruments. Reforms to and uncertainty regarding the London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business and financial performance are impacted by market interest rates and movements in those rates. Since a high percentage of our assets and liabilities are interest bearing or otherwise sensitive in value to changes in interest rates, changes in rates, in the shape of the yield curve or in spreads between different types of rates can have a material impact on our results of operations and the values of our assets and liabilities. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, our net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Interest rates are also highly sensitive to many factors over which we have no control and which we may not be able to anticipate adequately, including general economic conditions and the monetary and tax policies of various governmental bodies, particularly the Federal Reserve. For a discussion of the Corporation’s interest rate sensitivity, please refer to the “Risk Management” section of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), publicly announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit LIBOR rates after 2021. It is expected that a transition away from the widespread use of LIBOR to alternative rates will occur over the course of the next several years. As a result of this transition, interest rates on floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives and other financial instruments held by the Corporation and tied to LIBOR rates, as well as the revenue and expenses associated with those financial instruments, may be adversely affected. Any failure by market participants and regulators to successfully introduce benchmark rates to replace LIBOR and implement effective transitional arrangements to address the discontinuation of LIBOR could also result in disruption in the financial markets. Further, any uncertainty regarding the continued use and reliability of LIBOR as a benchmark interest rate could adversely affect the value of our floating rate obligations, loans, deposits, derivatives, and other financial instruments tied to LIBOR rates.

Regulators, industry groups and certain committees (e.g., the Alternative Reference Rates Committee) have, among other things, published recommended fallback language for LIBOR-linked financial instruments, identified recommended alternatives for certain LIBOR rates (e.g., the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as the recommended alternative to U.S. Dollar LIBOR), and proposed implementations of the recommended alternatives in floating rate instruments. At this time, it is not possible to predict whether these recommendations and proposals will be broadly accepted, whether they will continue to evolve, and what the effect of their implementation may be on the markets for floating-rate financial instruments.

If our goodwill, deferred tax assets or amortizable intangible assets become impaired, it may adversely affect our financial condition and future results of operations.

As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $671 million, $885 million and $23 million, respectively, of goodwill, net deferred tax assets and amortizable intangible assets recorded on our balance sheet. If our goodwill, deferred tax assets or amortizable 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 the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. 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 a decline in Popular’s stock price related to macroeconomic conditions in the global market as well as

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the weakness in the Puerto Rico economy and fiscal situation, reduced future cash flow estimates and slower growth rates in the industry.

 

The goodwill impairment evaluation process requires us to make estimates and assumptions with regards to the fair value of our reporting units. Actual values may differ significantly from these estimates. Such differences could result in future impairment of goodwill that would, in turn, negatively impact our results of operations and the reporting unit where the goodwill is recorded. Declines in our market capitalization could also increase the risk of goodwill impairment in the future.

 

The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is realizable is based on weighting all available evidence. The realization of deferred tax assets, including carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income of the same character during the carryback or carryforward period. The analysis considers all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing taxable temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in prior carryback years and tax-planning strategies.

 

If we are required to record a charge to earnings in our consolidated financial statements because an impairment of the goodwill, deferred tax assets or amortizable intangible assets is determined, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

 

We could be adversely affected by changes in accounting standards or policies.

The preparation of the Corporation’s financial statements is based on accounting standards established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as more detailed accounting policies established by the Corporation’s management. From time to time these accounting standards or accounting policies may change, and in some cases these changes could have a material effect on the Corporations’ financial statements and may adversely affect its financial results or investor perceptions of those results.

 

For example, beginning January 1, 2020, the Corporation and other U.S. companies were required to implement a new accounting standard, commonly referred to as the Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) framework, which requires earlier recognition of expected credit losses on loans and certain other instruments, replacing the incurred loss model. The Corporation expects that under CECL, it will need to, among other things, increase the allowance for loan and lease losses, which may have a negative impact on the Corporation’s capital levels. This new accounting standard may present operational challenges and will require the Corporation to change how it makes assumptions and estimates on loan and lease losses as well as other financial assets. Also, this new accounting standard may result in greater volatility of the Corporation’s earnings and capital levels and could potentially affect the Corporation’s capital distribution plans, depending upon final guidance from regulators. For additional information on this and other accounting standards, see Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

 

Our compensation practices are subject to oversight by applicable regulators.

Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to retain key senior leaders, and competition for such senior leaders can be intense in most areas of our business. Our compensation practices are subject to review and oversight by the Federal Reserve Board. We also may be subject to limitations on compensation practices by the FDIC or other regulators, which may or may not affect our competitors.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the U.S. financial regulators, including the Federal Reserve Board, the other federal banking agencies and the SEC, to adopt rules prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements that encourage inappropriate risks by providing excessive compensation or that could lead to a material financial loss at specified regulated entities having at least $1 billion in total assets (including Popular, PNA, BPPR and PB). The U.S. financial regulators proposed revised rules in 2016, which have not been finalized. Compliance with such revised rules may substantially affect the manner in which we structure compensation for our executives and other employees. For a more detailed discussion of these proposed rules, see the “Supervision and Regulation—Incentive Compensation” section within Item 1. Business of the Annual Report.

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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 near future. It cannot be determined at this time whether compliance with such policies will adversely affect the ability of Popular and our subsidiaries to hire, retain and motivate key employees. Limitations on our compensation practices could have a negative impact on our ability to attract and retain talented senior leaders in support of our long-term strategy.

 

As a holding company, we depend on dividends and distributions from our subsidiaries for liquidity.

We are a bank holding company and depend primarily on dividends from our banking and other operating subsidiaries to fund our cash needs. These obligations and needs include capitalizing subsidiaries, repaying maturing debt and paying debt service on outstanding debt. Our banking subsidiaries, BPPR and PB, are limited by law in their ability to make dividend payments and other distributions to us based on their earnings and capital position. In addition, based on its current financial condition, PB may not declare or pay a dividend without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the NYSDFS. A failure by our banking subsidiaries to generate sufficient cash flow to make dividend payments to us may have a negative impact on our results of operation and financial position. 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.

 

We are subject to risk related to our own credit rating; actions by the rating agencies or having capital levels below well-capitalized could raise the cost of our obligations, which could affect our ability to borrow or to enter into hedging agreements in the future and may have other adverse effects on our business.

Actions by the rating agencies could raise the cost of our borrowings since lower rated securities are usually required by the market to pay higher rates than obligations of higher credit quality. Our credit ratings were reduced substantially in 2009, and our senior unsecured ratings are nownon-investment grade with the three major rating agencies. The market for non-investment grade securities is much smaller and less liquid than for investment grade securities. Therefore, if we were to attempt to issue preferred stock or debt securities into the capital markets, it is possible that there would not be sufficient demand to complete a transaction and the cost could be substantially higher than for more highly rated securities.

 

Our banking subsidiaries currently do not use borrowings that are rated by the major rating agencies, as these banking subsidiaries are funded primarily with deposits and secured borrowings. At December 31, 2019, the banking subsidiaries had $9 million in deposits that were subject to rating triggers.

 

In addition, changes in our ratings and capital levels below well-capitalized could affect our relationships with some creditors and business counterparties. For example, a portion of our hedging transactions include ratings triggers or well-capitalized language that permit counterparties to either request additional collateral or terminate our agreements with them based on our below investment grade ratings. Although we have been able to meet any additional collateral requirements thus far and expect that we would be able to enter into agreements with substitute counterparties if any of our existing agreements were terminated, changes in our ratings or capital levels below well capitalized could create additional costs for our businesses.

 

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Our banking subsidiaries have servicing, licensing and custodial agreements with third parties that include ratings covenants. Servicing rights represent a contractual right and not a beneficial ownership interest in the underlying mortgage loans. Upon failure to maintain the required credit ratings, the third parties could have the right to require us to engage a substitute fund custodian and/or increase collateral levels securing the recourse obligations. Popular services residential mortgage loans subject to credit recourse provisions. Certain contractual agreements require us to post collateral to secure such recourse obligations if our required credit ratings are not maintained. Collateral pledged by us to secure recourse obligations approximated $66 million at December 31, 2019. We could be required to post additional collateral under the agreements. Management expects that we would be able to meet additional collateral requirements if and when needed. The requirements to post collateral under certain agreements or the loss of custodian funds could reduce our liquidity resources and impact its operating results. The termination of those agreements or the inability to realize servicing income for our businesses could have an adverse effect on those businesses. Other counterparties are also sensitive to the risk of a ratings downgrade and the implications for our businesses and may be less likely to engage in transactions with us, or may only engage in them at a substantially higher cost, if our ratings remain below investment grade.

 

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.

 

Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines, and other regulatory requirements, Popular and our banking subsidiaries must meet guidelines that include quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items, subject to qualitative judgments by regulators regarding components, risk weightings and other factors. 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 a financial holding company fails to maintain well-capitalized status under the regulatory framework, or is deemed not well managed under regulatory exam procedures, or if it experiences certain regulatory violations, its status as a financial holding company and its related eligibility for a streamlined review process for acquisition proposals, and its ability to offer certain financial products, may be compromised and its financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

In addition, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published Basel IV in December 2017. Basel IV significantly revises the Basel capital framework, and the impact on us will depend on the manner in which the revisions are implemented in the U.S. See the “Supervision and Regulation – Capital Adequacy” discussion within Item 1. Business of the Annual Report for additional information related to the Basel III Capital Rules and Basel IV.

 

The resolution of pending litigation and regulatory proceedings, if unfavorable, could have material adverse financial effects or cause significant reputational harm to us, which in turn could seriously harm our business prospects.

We face legal risks in our businesses, and the volume of claims and amount of damages and penalties claimed in litigation and regulatory proceedings against financial institutions remain high. Substantial legal liability or significant regulatory action against us could have material adverse financial effects or cause significant reputational harm to us, which in turn could seriously harm our business prospects. For further information relating to our legal risk, see Note 26 - Commitments & Contingencies”, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

 

Complying with economic sanctions programs and anti-money laundering laws and regulations can increase our operational and compliance costs and risks. If we, and our subsidiaries, affiliates or third-party service providers are found to have failed to comply with applicable economic sanctions programs and anti-money laundering laws and regulations, we could be exposed to fines, sanctions and other penalties, as well as governmental investigations.

As a regulated financial institution, we must comply with regulations and federal economic and trade sanctions and embargo programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) of the U.S. Treasury, as well as anti-money laundering laws and regulations, including those under the Bank Secrecy Act.

Economic and trade sanctions regulations and programs administered by OFAC prohibit U.S.-based entities from entering into or facilitating unlicensed transactions with, for the benefit of, or in some cases involving the property and property interests of, persons, governments or countries designated by the U.S. government under one or more sanctions regimes, and also prohibit transactions that provide a benefit that is received in a country designated under one or more sanctions regimes. We are also subject to a variety of reporting and other requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act, including the requirement to file suspicious

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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, as a financial institution we are required to, among other things, identify our customers, adopt formal and comprehensive anti-money laundering programs, scrutinize or altogether prohibit certain transactions of special concern, and be prepared to respond to inquiries from U.S. law enforcement agencies concerning our customers and their transactions.

Failure by the Corporation, its subsidiaries, affiliates or third-party service providers to comply with these laws and regulations could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the Corporation, including the possibility of regulatory enforcement or other legal action, including significant civil and criminal penalties. We can also incur higher costs and face greater compliance risks in structuring and operating our businesses to comply with these requirements. The markets in which we operate heighten these costs and risks.

We have established risk-based policies and procedures designed to assist us and our personnel in complying with these applicable laws and regulations. With respect to OFAC regulations and economic sanction programs, these policies and procedures employ software to screen transactions for evidence of sanctioned-country and person’s involvement. Consistent with a risk-based approach and the difficulties in identifying and where applicable, blocking and rejecting transactions of our customers or our customers’ customers that may involve a sanctioned person, government or country, there can be no assurance that our policies and procedures will prevent us from violating applicable laws and regulations in transactions in which we engage, and such violations could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations. Various state and municipal governments, universities and other investors maintain prohibitions or restrictions on investments in companies that do business involving sanctioned countries or entities, and a violation of applicable U.S. laws and regulations could adversely affect the market for our securities.

 

From time to time we have identified and voluntarily self-disclosed to OFAC transactions that were not timely identified and blocked by our policies and procedures for screening transactions that might violate the regulations and economic sanctions programs administered by OFAC. There can be no assurances that any failure to comply with U.S. sanctions and embargoes, or with anti-money laundering laws and regulations, will not result in material fines, sanctions or other penalties being imposed on us.

 

Furthermore, if the policies and procedures of one of the Corporation’s third-party service providers do not prevent it from violating applicable laws and regulations in transactions in which it engages, such violations could adversely affect its ability to provide services to us, and, in the case of EVERTEC, could adversely affect the value of our investment in EVERTEC.

 

 

RISKS RELATING TO OUR OPERATIONS

We are subject to a variety of cybersecurity risks that, if realized, could adversely affect how we conduct our business.

Information security risks for large financial institutions such as Popular have increased significantly in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, such as Internet and mobile banking to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, nation-states, hacktivists and other parties. In the ordinary course of business, we rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct our operations and to store sensitive data. We employ a defensive approach that employs people, processes and technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. We employ a variety of preventative and detective tools to monitor, block, and provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to identify suspected advanced persistent threats. Notwithstanding our defensive measures and the significant resources we devote to protect the security of our systems, there is no assurance that all of our security measures will be effective, especially as the threat from cyber-attacks is continuous and severe, attacks are becoming more sophisticated and increasing in volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. We have been the target of phishing scams in the past targeting our customers as a result of compromised email accounts of several Popular employees. We have addressed the vulnerabilities that permitted the compromise and implemented enhanced security measures, and will continue to take appropriate steps in the future to improve the security of our systems. There can be no assurances, however, that there will not be further breaches of sensitive customer information in the future.

The most significant cyber-attack risks that we may face are e-fraud, denial-of-service, ransomware and computer intrusion that might result in loss of customer or proprietary data. Loss from e-fraud occurs when cybercriminals

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breach and extract funds from customer or bank accounts. Denial-of-service disrupts services available to our customers through our on-line banking system. Computer intrusion attempts might result in the breach of sensitive customer data, such as account numbers and social security numbers, and could present significant reputational, legal and/or regulatory costs to Popular if successful. Risks and exposures related to cyber security attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of Internet banking, mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by us and our customers. Although we are regularly targeted by unauthorized parties, we have not, to date, experienced any material losses as a result of cyber-attacks.

 

A successful penetration or circumvention of the security of our systems could cause serious negative consequences for us, including significant disruption of our operations and those of our clients, customers and counterparties, misappropriation of confidential information of us or that of our clients, customers, counterparties or employees, or damage to computers or systems of us and those of our clients, customers and counterparties, and could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to us or to our customers, loss of confidence in our security measures, customer dissatisfaction, significant litigation exposure and harm to our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us. In particular, if personal, non-public, confidential or proprietary information in our possession were to be mishandled or misused, we could suffer significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage and financial loss. For a discussion of the guidance that federal banking regulators have released regarding cybersecurity and cyber risk management standards, see “Regulation and Supervision” in Part I, Item 1 — Business, included in this Annual Report. Such mishandling or misuse could include, for example, if such information were erroneously provided to parties who are not permitted to have the information, either by fault of our systems, employees, or counterparties, or where such information is intercepted or otherwise inappropriately taken by third parties.

 

We rely on third parties for the performance of a significant portion of our information technology functions and the provision of information technology and business process services. The most important of these third-party service providers for us is EVERTEC, and certain risks particular to EVERTEC are discussed below under “Risks Relating to Our Relationship with EVERTEC.” The success of our business depends in part on the continuing ability of these (and other) third parties to perform these functions and services in a timely and satisfactory manner, which performance could be disrupted or otherwise adversely affected due to failures or other information security events originating at the third parties or at the third parties’ suppliers or vendors (so-called “fourth party risk”). We may not be able to effectively monitor or mitigate fourth-party risk, in particular as it relates to the use of common suppliers or vendors by the third parties that perform functions and services for us.

 

As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our layers of defense or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities. System enhancements and updates may also create risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones. Due to the complexity and interconnectedness of information technology systems, the process of enhancing our layers of defense can itself create a risk of systems disruptions and security issues. In addition, addressing certain information security vulnerabilities, such as hardware-based vulnerabilities, may affect the performance of our information technology systems. The ability of our hardware and software providers to deliver patches and updates to mitigate vulnerabilities in a timely manner can introduce additional risks, particularly when a vulnerability is being actively exploited by threat actors.

 

We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure.

Third parties provide key components of our business operations such as data processing, information security, recording and monitoring transactions, online banking interfaces and services, Internet connections and network access. The most important of these third-party service providers for us is EVERTEC, and certain risks particular to EVERTEC are discussed below under “Risks Relating to Our Relationship with EVERTEC.” While we select third-party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including those resulting from disruptions in services provided by a vendor, breaches of a vendor’s systems, failure of a vendor to handle current or higher volumes, failure of a vendor to provide services for any reason or poor performance of services, or failure of a vendor to notify us of a reportable event, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers and otherwise conduct our business. 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 unavoidable inherent risk to our business operations.

 

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In addition, the assessment and management by financial institutions of the risks associated with third party vendors have been subject to greater regulatory scrutiny. We expect to incur additional costs and expenses in connection with our oversight of third party relationships, especially those involving significant banking functions, shared services or other critical activities. Our failure to properly manage risks associated to our third party relationships could result in potential liability to clients and customers, fines, penalties or judgments imposed by our regulators, increased operating expenses and harm to our reputation, any of which could materially and adversely affect us.

 

Unforeseen or catastrophic events, including extreme weather events and other natural disasters, man-made disasters or the emergence of pandemics, could cause a disruption in our operations or other consequences that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Extreme weather events could be exacerbated by climate change.

 

The occurrence of unforeseen or catastrophic events in the markets in which we do business, including extreme weather events and other natural disasters, man-made disasters, or the emergence of pandemics could cause a disruption in our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. A significant portion of our operations are located in Puerto Rico, the USVI and BVI, a region susceptible to hurricanes, earthquakes and other similar events. For example, in 2017, our operations in Puerto Rico, the USVI and BVI were significantly disrupted by the impact of Hurricanes Irma and María. In January 2020, Puerto Rico was impacted by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake which caused island-wide power outages and significant damage to infrastructure and property in the southwest region of the island. Future natural disasters can again cause disruption to our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We maintain insurance against natural disasters including coverage for lost profits and extra expense; however, there is no insurance against the disruption that a catastrophic natural disaster could produce to the markets that we serve and the potential negative impact to economic activity. Further, future natural disasters in any of our market areas could again adversely impact the ability of borrowers to timely repay their loans and may further adversely impact the value of any collateral held by us. Man-made disasters, pandemics, and other events connected with the regions in which we operate could have similar effects. For example, a novel strain of coronavirus surfaced in Wuhan, China in December 2019, resulting in increased travel restrictions and extended shutdown of certain businesses in the region. Instances of coronavirus have begun to spread around the world. The impact of the coronavirus on our business is uncertain at this time and will depend on future developments, but prolonged closures may disrupt our operations and the operations of our suppliers, service providers and customers, which could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. The severity and impact of future hurricanes, earthquakes, pandemics and other similar events are difficult to predict and, in particular in the case of hurricanes, may be exacerbated by global climate change. The effects of climate change could also adversely impact the financial condition of our clients or the value of any collateral held by us, which could also have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

 

risks related to acquisition transactions

 

Potential acquisitions of businesses or loan portfolios could increase some of the risks that we face, and may be delayed or prohibited due to regulatory constraints.

To the extent permitted by our applicable regulators, we will pursue strategic acquisition opportunities. Acquiring other banks or businesses, however, involves various risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things, potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company, exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company, potential disruption to our business, the possible loss of key employees and customers of the target company, and difficulty in estimating the value of the target company. If in connection with an acquisition we pay a premium over book or market value, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Similarly, acquiring loan portfolios involves various risks. When acquiring loan portfolios, management makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loans, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of secured loans. In estimating the extent of the losses, we

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analyze the loan portfolio based on historical loss experience, volume and classification of loans, volume and trends in delinquencies and nonaccruals, local economic conditions, and other pertinent information. If our assumptions are incorrect, however, our actual losses could be higher than estimated and increased loss reserves may be needed to respond to different economic conditions or adverse developments in the acquired loan portfolios, which would negatively affect our operating results.

Finally, certain acquisitions by financial institutions, including us, are subject to approval by a variety of federal and state regulatory agencies. Regulatory approvals could be delayed, impeded, restrictively conditioned or denied due to existing or new regulatory issues we have. We may fail to pursue, evaluate or complete strategic and competitively significant acquisition opportunities as a result of our inability, or perceived or anticipated inability, to obtain regulatory approvals in a timely manner, under reasonable conditions or at all. Difficulties associated with potential acquisitions that may result from these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The failure to successfully integrate Reliable’s business and operations may adversely affect our ability to realize the anticipated acquisition benefits and could adversely affect our results of operations. Incorrect assumptions and judgements regarding the fair value of the assets acquired could negatively affect our operating results.

On August 1, 2018, Popular Auto, LLC, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico’s auto finance subsidiary, completed the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities related to Wells Fargo & Company’s (“Wells Fargo”) auto finance business in Puerto Rico (“Reliable”). Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from such acquisition, including synergies and operational efficiencies, in the amounts and within the timeframes we expect, will depend on the effective and timely transition and integration of Reliable’s business and operations. Problems may arise in successfully integrating Reliable’s business and operations, including, without limitation, unexpected costs as a result of any unrecorded liabilities or issues not identified during the due diligence investigation of the business and that may not be subject to indemnification or reimbursement under the acquisition agreement, any failure to comply with banking and consumer protection laws and regulations, and any adverse effects on our ability to maintain relationships with customers, employees and service providers. The failure to successfully transfer and integrate Reliable’s business and operations may adversely affect our ability to realize the anticipated acquisition benefits and could adversely affect our results of operations. Furthermore, as part of the transition and integration, we may find that our assumptions and judgements regarding the fair value of the assets acquired, including the collectability of the loans and value of the collateral, could be inaccurate causing our actual losses to be higher than estimated, negatively affecting our operating results.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH EVERTEC

We are dependent on EVERTEC for certain of our core financial transaction processing and information technology services, which exposes us to a number of operational risks that could have a material adverse effect on us.

In connection with the sale of a 51% ownership interest in EVERTEC in the third quarter of 2010, we entered into a long-term Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”) with EVERTEC, pursuant to which we agreed to receive from EVERTEC, on an exclusive basis, certain core banking and financial transaction processing and information technology services. The term of the MSA extends until September 30, 2025. Under the MSA, we also granted EVERTEC a right of first refusal over certain services or products and development projects related to the services thereunder provided. We also entered into several other agreements, generally coterminous with the MSA, pursuant to which BPPR agreed to sponsor EVERTEC as an independent sales organization with respect to certain credit card associations, agreed to certain exclusivity and non-solicitation restrictions with respect to merchant services, and agreed to support the ATH brand and network, among other matters. As a result, we are now dependent on EVERTEC for the provision of essential services to our business, including our core banking business, and there can be no assurances that the quality of the services will be appropriate or that EVERTEC will be able to continue to provide us with the necessary financial transaction processing and technology services. As a result, our relationship with EVERTEC exposes us to a number of operational, cybersecurity and business risks that could have a material adverse effect on us.

As a result of our agreements with EVERTEC, we are particularly exposed to the operational risks of EVERTEC, including those relating to a breakdown or failure of EVERTEC’s systems or internal controls environment, as a result of security breaches or attacks, employee error or malfeasance, system breakdowns, vulnerabilities or otherwise. Over the term of the MSA, we have experienced various interruptions and delays in key services provided by EVERTEC. Future interruptions in the operation of EVERTEC’s information systems, or cyberattacks to, or breaches to the confidentiality of the information that resides in such systems, could harm our business by disrupting our delivery of services, expose us to regulatory, legal and compliance risk and

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damage our reputation, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. For further information regarding our cybersecurity risks, refer to the “We are subject to a variety of cybersecurity risks that, if realized, could adversely affect how we conduct our business” risk factor. Our ability to recover from EVERTEC for breach of the MSA may not fully compensate us for the damages we may suffer as a result of such breach.

 

If EVERTEC is unable to meet constant technological changes and evolving industry standards, we may be unable to enhance our current services and introduce new products and services in a timely and cost-effective manner, placing us at a competitive disadvantage and significantly affecting our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The banking and financial services industry is rapidly evolving and it is highly competitive on the basis of the quality and variety of products and services offered, innovation, price and other factors. In order to compete effectively, we need to constantly develop enhancements to our product and service offerings and introduce new products and services that keep pace with developments in the financial services industry and satisfy shifting customer needs and preferences. These enhancements and new products and services require the delivery of technology services by EVERTEC pursuant to the MSA, making our success dependent on EVERTEC’s ability to timely complete and introduce these enhancements and new products and services in a cost-effective manner.

Some of our competitors rely on financial services technology and outsourcing companies that are much larger than EVERTEC and that may have better technological capabilities and product offerings. Furthermore, EVERTEC is highly leveraged, which, besides exposing it to a number of financial and business risks, requires it to dedicate a substantial portion of its cash flow to meeting debt service requirements, reducing its operational flexibility and ability to invest resources in capital and other expenditures to improve and develop its business services in a constantly changing environment. In addition, financial services technology companies typically make capital investments to develop and modify their product and service offerings to facilitate their customers’ compliance with the extensive and evolving regulatory and industry requirements, and in most cases such costs are borne by the technology provider. Because of our relationship with EVERTEC, however, we may be required to bear the full cost of such developments and modifications pursuant to the MSA.

If EVERTEC’s technology services are not competitive in terms of price, speed and scalability versus comparable offerings from larger companies, our future success may be adversely affected. Furthermore, if our relationship with EVERTEC hinders our ability to compete successfully, including by satisfying shifting customer needs and preferences through enhancements to our existing products and services and the introduction of new products and services that keep pace with developments in the financial services industry, our ability to attract and retain customers and to match products and services offered by competitors could be impaired and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.

Our ability to transition to a new financial services technology provider, and to replace the other services that are provided to us by EVERTEC, may be lengthy and complex.

Switching from one vendor of core bank processing and related technology services to a new vendor is a complex process that carries business and financial risks, even where such a switch can be accomplished without violating our contractual obligations to EVERTEC. The implementation cycle for such a transition can be lengthy and require significant financial and management resources from us. Such a transition can also expose us, and our clients, to increased costs (including conversion costs) and business disruption. If we decided to transition to a new financial services technology provider, either at the end of the term of the MSA and related agreements or earlier upon the occurrence of an early termination thereunder, these potential transition risks could result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although EVERTEC has agreed to provide certain transition assistance to us in connection with the termination of the MSA, we are ultimately dependent on their ability to provide those services in a responsive and competent manner. Furthermore, we may require transition assistance from EVERTEC beyond the term of the MSA, delaying and lengthening any transition process away from EVERTEC while increasing related costs.

Under the MSA, we are required to provide written notice of non-renewal no less than one year prior to the relevant termination date in order to avoid an automatic three-year renewal. In practice, however, if we decided to switch to a new provider, we would have to commence procuring and working on a transition process much earlier and such process may extend beyond the current term of the MSA. Furthermore, if we were unsuccessful or decided not to complete the transition after expending significant funds and management resources, it could also result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The value of our remaining ownership interest in EVERTEC, and the revenues we derive from EVERTEC, could be materially reduced if we decided not to renew our agreements with EVERTEC or were to terminate them before the expiration of their term.

We continue to have a 16.19% ownership interest in EVERTEC and account for this investment under the equity method. As such, we include our investment in EVERTEC in other assets and our proportionate share of income or loss is included in other operating income in our consolidated statements of operations. For 2019, our share of EVERTEC’s changes in equity recognized in income was $17.3 million. The carrying value of our investment in EVERTEC was, as of December 31, 2019, approximately $74 million. Meanwhile, the services EVERTEC delivers to us represent a significant portion of EVERTEC’s revenues (approximately 45% for 2019). As a result, if we were not to renew the MSA and our other agreements with EVERTEC, or otherwise terminate them before the end of their term, EVERTEC’s financial position and results of operations could be materially adversely affected and the value of our remaining ownership interest in EVERTEC, and the income we report from this investment, may be materially reduced. Furthermore, revenue from EVERTEC’s merchant acquiring business, which constitutes approximately 22% of EVERTEC’s revenues, depends, in part, on EVERTEC’s alliance with BPPR. If such relationship were to suffer, EVERTEC’s business may be adversely affected.

Furthermore, future sales of our EVERTEC common stock, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of EVERTEC common stock and thus the value we may be able to realize on the sale of our remaining holdings.

 

RISKS RELATING TO AN INVESTMENT IN OUR SECURITIES

The issuance of additional shares of equity securities could further dilute existing holders of our Common Stock.

We have not issued equity securities since 2010, other than in connection with compensation plans or our dividend reinvestment plan. In the future, however, we may raise capital through public or private equity financings to fund our operations or expansions, to pursue acquisitions or to increase our capital to comply with regulatory capital measures. If we raise funds by issuing equity securities, or instruments that are convertible into equity securities, the ownership interest of our existing common stockholders would be reduced, the new equity securities may have rights and preferences superior to those of our Common Stock or outstanding Preferred Stock, and the issuance could be at a price which is dilutive to current stockholders.

 

Dividends on our Common Stock and Preferred Stock may be suspended and stockholders may not receive funds in connection with their investment in our Common Stock or Preferred Stock without selling their shares.

Holders of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as our Board of Directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. During 2009, we suspended dividend payments on our Common Stock and Preferred Stock. We resumed payment of dividends on our Preferred Stock in December 2010 and on our Common Stock in October 2015. There can be no assurance that any dividends will be declared on the Preferred Stock or Common Stock in any future periods.

 

This could adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock and Preferred Stock. Also, we are a bank holding company and our ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on certain Federal regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve Board regarding capital adequacy and dividends. It is Federal Reserve Board policy that bank holding companies should pay dividends on common stock only out of the net income available to common stock over the past year and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the organization’s current and expected future capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.

 

In addition, the terms of our outstanding junior subordinated debt securities held by each trust that has issued trust preferred securities, prohibit us from declaring or paying any dividends or distributions on our capital stock, including our Common Stock and Preferred Stock, or from purchasing, acquiring, or making a liquidation payment on such stock, if we have given notice of our election to defer interest payments but the related deferral period has not yet commenced or a deferral period is continuing.

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Accordingly, stockholders may have to sell some or all of their shares of our Common Stock or Preferred Stock in order to generate cash flow from their investment. Stockholders may not realize a gain on their investment when they sell the Common Stock or Preferred Stock and may lose the entire amount of their investment.

 

Certain of the provisions contained in our Certificate of Incorporation have the effect of making it more difficult to change the Board of Directors, and may make the Board of Directors less responsive to stockholder control.

Our certificate of incorporation provides that the members of the Board of Directors are divided into three classes as nearly equal as possible. At each annual meeting of stockholders, one-third of the members of the Board of Directors will be elected for a three-year term, and the other directors will remain in office until their three-year terms expire. Therefore, control of the Board of Directors cannot be changed in one year, and at least two annual meetings must be held before a majority of the members of the Board of Directors can be changed. Our certificate of incorporation also provides that a director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed by the stockholders only for cause by a vote of at least two -thirds of the combined voting power of the outstanding capital stock entitled to vote for the election of directors. These provisions have the effect of making it more difficult to change the Board of Directors, and may make the Board of Directors less responsive to stockholder control. These provisions also may tend to discourage attempts by third parties to acquire Popular because of the additional time and expense involved and a greater possibility of failure, and, as a result, may adversely affect the price that a potential purchaser would be willing to pay for the capital stock, thereby reducing the amount a stockholder might realize in, for example, a tender offer for our capital stock.

For further information of other risks faced by Popular please refer to the Management’s Discussion & Analysis section of the Annual Report.

 

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of December 31, 2019, BPPR operated 174 branches, of which 69 were owned and 105 were leased premises, and PB operated 51 branches of which 5 were owned and 46 were on leased premises. Also, the Corporation had 622 ATMs operating in Puerto Rico, 23 in Virgin Islands and 119 in the U.S. Mainland. The principal properties owned by Popular for banking operations and other services are described below. Our management believes that each of our facilities is well maintained and suitable for its purpose.

Puerto Rico

Popular Center, the twenty-story Popular and BPPR headquarters building, located at 209 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

Popular Center North Building, a three-story building, on the same block as Popular Center.

Popular Street Building, a parking and office building located at Ponce de León Avenue and Popular Street, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

Cupey Center Complex, one building, three-stories high, two buildings, two-stories high each, and two buildings three-stories high each located in Cupey, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Stop 22 Building, a twelve story structure located in Santurce, Puerto Rico.

Centro Europa Building, a seven-story office and retail building in Santurce, Puerto Rico.

Old San Juan Building, a twelve-story structure located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Guaynabo Corporate Office Park Building, a two-story building located in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

Altamira Building, a nine-story office building located in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.

El Señorial Center, a four-story office building and a two-story branch building located in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Caparra Center Building, a ten-story office building located at 1451 FD Roosevelt Avenue, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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Ponce de León 167 Building, a five-story office building located in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico.

U.S. & British Virgin Islands

BPPR Virgin Islands Center, a three-story building located in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Popular Center -Tortola, a four-story building located in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

For a discussion of Legal proceedings, see Note 26, “Commitments and Contingencies”, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report in this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Common Stock

Popular’s Common Stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “BPOP”.

 

During 2019, the Corporation declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.30 (2018 - $0.25). On November 14, 2019, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its outstanding common stock, payable on January 2, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 5, 2019. On January 9, 2020, the Corporation announced it plans to increase the Corporation’s quarterly common stock dividend from $0.30 per share to $0.40 per share, commencing with the dividend payable in the second quarter of 2020, subject to the approval by the Corporation’s Board of Directors. The Common Stock ranks junior to all series of Preferred Stock as to dividend rights and/or as to rights on liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Popular. Our ability to declare or pay dividends on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, the Common Stock is subject to certain restrictions in the event that Popular fails to pay or set aside full dividends on the Preferred Stock for the latest dividend period.

 

On December 12, 2019, the Corporation completed a $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction (“ASR”) with respect to its common stock, a component of its 2019 capital plan. In connection therewith, the Corporation received an initial delivery of 3,500,000 shares of common stock during the first quarter of 2019 and received 1,165,607 additional shares of common stock on December 12, 2019. The final number of shares delivered at settlement was based on the average daily volume weighted average price of its common stock, net of a discount, during the term of the ASR, which amounted to $53.58. The Corporation accounted for the ASR as a treasury stock transaction.

 

On January 31, 2020, the Corporation entered into a $500 million ASR with respect to its common stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. Accordingly, as a result of the receipt of the initial shares, the Corporation recognized in shareholders’ equity approximately $400 million in treasury stock and $100 million as a reduction of capital surplus. The Corporation expects to further adjust its treasury stock and capital surplus accounts to reflect the delivery or receipt of cash or shares upon the termination of the ASR agreement, which will depend on the average price of the Corporation’s shares during the term of the ASR.

 

Additional information concerning legal or regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends by Popular, BPPR and PB is contained under the caption “Regulation and Supervision” in Item 1 herein.

As of February 25, 2020, Popular had 6,876 stockholders of record of the Common Stock, not including beneficial owners whose shares are held in record names of brokers or other nominees. The last sales price for the Common Stock on that date was $51.07 per share.

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Preferred Stock

 

Popular has 30,000,000 shares of authorized Preferred Stock that may be issued in one or more series, and the shares of each series shall have such rights and preferences as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. Popular’s Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 consisted of:

 

885,726 shares of 6.375% non-cumulative monthly income Preferred Stock, Series A, no par value, liquidation preference value of $25 per share.

1,120,665 shares of 8.25% non-cumulative monthly income Preferred Stock, Series B, no par value, liquidation preference value of $25 per share.

 

All series of Preferred Stock are pari passu. Dividends on each series of Preferred Stock are payable if declared by our Board of Directors. Our ability to declare and pay dividends on the Preferred Stock is dependent on certain Federal regulatory considerations, including the guidelines of the Federal Reserve Board regarding capital adequacy and dividends. The Board of Directors is not obligated to declare dividends and dividends do not accumulate in the event they are not paid.

Monthly dividends on the Preferred Stock amounted to a total of $3.7 million for 2019. There can be no assurance that any dividends will be declared on the Preferred Stock in any future periods.

On February 24, 2020, the Corporation redeemed all outstanding shares of its 8.25% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series B (“Series B Preferred Stock”) at the redemption price of $25.00 per share, plus $0.1375 in accrued and unpaid dividends on each share, for a total payment per share in amount the of $25.1375.

 

Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan

 

Popular offers a dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan for our stockholders that allows them to reinvest their dividends in shares of the Common Stock at a 5% discount from the average market price at the time of the issuance, as well as purchase shares of Common Stock directly from Popular by making optional cash payments at prevailing market prices.

 

Equity Based Plans

 

In April 2004, the Corporation’s shareholders adopted the Popular, Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan. As of December 31, 2019, the maximum number of shares of common stock remaining available for future issuance under this plan was 779,923. For information about the securities remaining available for issuance under our equity based plans, refer to Part III, Item 12.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

The following table sets forth the details of purchases of Common Stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2019:

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not in thousands

 

 

 

Period

 

Total Number of Shares Purchased

Average Price Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs

October 1 – October 31

-

-

-

-

November 1 – November 30

-

-

-

-

December 1 – December 31

1,165,607

$58.69

1,165,607

-

Total December 31, 2019

1,165,607

$58.69

1,165,607

-

 

Equity Compensation Plans

36


 

 

For information about our equity compensation plans, refer to Part III, Item 12.

 

Stock Performance Graph (1)

 

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return during the measurement period with the cumulative total return, assuming reinvestment of dividends, of the Nasdaq Bank Index and the Nasdaq Composite Index.

 

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, 2014, plus (ii) the change in the per share price since the measurement date, by the share price at the measurement date.

37


 

COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE RETURN

Total Return of December 31

December 31, 2014 =100

 

Picture 1 

 

(1) Unless Popular specifically states otherwise, this Stock Performance Graph shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference and shall not constitute soliciting material or otherwise be considered filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

The information required by this item appears in Table 1, “Selected Financial Data”, and the text under the caption “Statement of Operations Analysis” in the Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Our long-term senior debt and Preferred Stock on a consolidated basis as of December 31 of each of the last five years is:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

(in thousands)

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Long-term obligations

$1,101,608

$1,256,102

$1,536,356

$1,574,852

$1,662,508

Non-cumulative Preferred Stock

50,160

50,160

50,160

50,160

50,160

 

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The information required by this item appears in the Annual Report under the caption Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and is incorporated herein by reference.

38


 

 

Table 15, “Maturity Distribution of Earning Assets”, in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Annual Report, takes into consideration prepayment assumptions as determined by management based on the expected interest rate scenario.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The information regarding the market risk of our investments appears under the caption “Risk Management” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Annual Report, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 

The information required by this item appears in the Annual Report under the caption “Statistical Summaries”, and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by Popular in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

 

Assessment on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The information under the captions “Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” are located in our Annual Report and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended on December 31, 2019, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None

 

PART III

 

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The information contained under the captions “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”, “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports”, “Corporate Governance”, “Nominees for Election as Directors and Other Directors” and

39


 

“Executive Officers” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference. The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics to be followed by our employees, officers (including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Comptroller) and directors to achieve conduct that reflects our ethical principles. The Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.popular.com. We will post on our website any amendments to the Code of Ethics or any waivers from a provision of Code of Ethics granted to the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Principal Accounting Officer.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in the Proxy Statement under the caption “Executive and Director Compensation,” including the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the “2019 Executive Compensation Tables and Compensation Information” and the “Compensation of Non-Employee Directors,” and under the caption “Committees of the Board – Talent Compensation Committee - Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS

 

The information under the captions “Principal Shareholders” and “Shares Beneficially Owned by Directors and Executive Officers of Popular” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The following tables sets forth information as of December 31, 2019 regarding securities remaining available for issuance to directors and eligible employees under our equity based compensation plans.

 

 

 

 

Plan Category

Plan

Number of Securities

Remaining Available

for Future Issuance

Under Equity Compensation

Plan

Equity compensation plan approved by security holders

2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan

779,923

Total

 

779,923

 

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

The information under the caption “Board of Directors’ Independence” and “Certain Relationships and Transactions” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is set forth under Proposal 7 – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm in the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a). The following financial statements and reports included on pages 108 through 272 of the Financial Review and Supplementary Information of Popular’s Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated herein by reference:

 

(1) Financial Statements

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2019 and 2018

40


 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(2) Financial Statement Schedules: No schedules are presented because the information is not applicable or is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements described in (a) (1) above or in the notes thereto.

 

(3) Exhibits

 

ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

 

None.

 

The exhibits listed on the Exhibits Index below are filed herewith or are incorporated herein by reference.

41


 

Exhibit Index

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of June 30, 2010, among Popular, Inc., AP Carib Holdings Ltd., Carib Acquisition, Inc. and EVERTEC, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2010 and filed on July 8, 2010).

 

 

2.2

Second Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 8, 2010, among Popular, Inc., EVERTEC, Inc., AP Carib Holdings, Ltd. and Carib Acquisition, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 8, 2010 and filed on August 12, 2010).

 

 

2.3

Third Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 15, 2010, among Popular, Inc., EVERTEC, Inc., AP Carib Holdings, Ltd. And Carib Acquisition, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8- K dated September 15, 2010 and filed on September 21, 2010).

 

 

2.4

Fourth Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 30, 2010, among Popular, Inc., EVERTEC, Inc., AP Carib Holdings, Ltd. and Carib Acquisition, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8- K dated September 30, 2010 and filed on October 6, 2010).

 

 

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Popular, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018).

 

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Popular, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed on January 2, 2020).

 

 

4.1

Specimen of Physical Common Stock Certificate of Popular, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 29, 2012 and filed on May 30, 2012).

 

 

4.2

Certificate of Designation of Popular, Inc.’s 6.375% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, 2003 Series A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of Popular, Inc.’s Form 8-A filed on February 25, 2003).

 

 

4.3

Form of certificate representing Popular, Inc.’s 6.375% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, 2003 Series A (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Form 8-A filed on February 25, 2003).

 

 

4.4

Certificate of Designation of Popular, Inc.’s 8.25% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3 of Popular, Inc.’s Form 8-A filed on May 28, 2008).

 

 

4.5

Form of certificate representing the Popular, Inc.’s 8.25% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series B (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of Popular, Inc.’s Form 8-A filed on May 28, 2008).

 

 

4.6

Senior Indenture of Popular, Inc., dated as of February 15, 1995, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture thereto, dated as of May 8, 1997, each between Popular, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(d) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-26941, of Popular, Inc., Popular International Bank, Inc., and Popular North America, Inc., filed on May 12, 1997).

 

 

4.7

Second Supplemental Indenture of Popular, Inc., dated as of August 5, 1999, between Popular, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 5, 1999 and filed on August 17, 1999).

 

 

4.8

Subordinated Indenture of Popular, Inc., dated as of November 30, 1995, between Popular, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(e) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333- 26941, of Popular, Inc., Popular International Bank, Inc. and Popular North America, Inc., filed on May 12, 1997).

42


 

 

 

4.9

Senior Indenture of Popular North America, Inc., dated as of October 1, 1991, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture thereto, dated as of February 28, 1995, and by the Second Supplemental Indenture thereto, dated as of May 8, 1997, each among Popular North America, Inc., Popular, Inc., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f) to the Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-26941, of Popular, Inc., Popular International Bank, Inc. and Popular North America, Inc., filed on May 12, 1997).

 

 

4.10

Third Supplemental Indenture of Popular North America, Inc., dated as of August 5, 1999, among Popular North America, Inc., Popular, Inc., as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(h) to Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated August 5, 1999, as filed on August 17, 1999).

4.11

Junior Subordinated Indenture of Popular, Inc., dated as of October 31, 2003, between Popular, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon, as successor trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated October 31,2003 and filed on November 4, 2003).

 

 

4.12

Description of Popular, Inc.’s securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act. (1)

 

 

10.1

Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2010, among Popular, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and EVERTEC, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated and filed on October 14, 2011).

 

 

10.2

Technology Agreement, dated as of September 30, 2010, between Popular, Inc. and EVERTEC, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.4 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 30, 2010 and filed on October 6, 2010).

 

 

10.3

Stockholder Agreement, dated as of April 17, 2012, among Carib Latam Holdings, Inc., and each of the holders of Carib Latam Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 17, 2012 and filed on April 23, 2012).

 

 

10.4

Popular, Inc. Senior Executive Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated April 23, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.2 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998). *

 

 

10.5

Popular, Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004). *

 

 

10.6

Amendment to the Popular, Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Annex A of Popular’s Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on March 15, 2013). *

 

 

10.7

Form of Compensation Agreement for Directors Elected Chairman of a Committee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004). *

 

 

10.8

Form of Compensation Agreement for Directors not Elected Chairman of a Committee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004). *

 

 

10.9

Compensation Agreement for Alejandro M. Ballester as director of Popular, Inc., dated January 28, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009). *

 

 

10.10

Compensation Agreement for Carlos A. Unanue as director of Popular, Inc., dated January 28, 2010 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009). *

 

 

10.11

Compensation Agreement for C. Kim Goodwin as director of Popular, Inc., dated May 10, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011). *

 

 

10.12

Compensation Agreement for Joaquin E. Bacardi, III as director of Popular, Inc., dated April 30, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013). *

 

 

10.13

Compensation Agreement for John. W. Diercksen as director of Popular, Inc., dated October 18, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013). *

 

 

43


 

 

 

10.14

Form of 2015 Long-Term Equity Incentive Award and Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2015). *

 

 

10.15

Form of 2016 Long-Term Equity Incentive Award and Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015). *

 

 

10.16

Form of Director Compensation Letter, Election Form and Restricted Stock Agreement, effective April 26, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2016). *

 

 

10.17

Form of 2017 Long-Term Equity Incentive Award and Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017). *

 

 

10.18

Long-Term Equity Incentive Award and Agreement for Ignacio Alvarez, dated as of June 22, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017). *

 

 

10.19

Form of Popular, Inc. 2018 Long-Term Equity Incentive Award and Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018). *

 

 

10.20

Director Compensation Letter, Election Form and Restricted Stock Agreement for Myrna M. Soto, dated June 22, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018). *

 

 

10.21

Director Compensation Letter, Election Form and Restricted Stock Agreement for Robert Carrady, dated December 29, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018). *

 

 

10.22

Form of Director Compensation Letter, Election Form and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, effective May 7, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018). *

 

 

10.23

Form of Popular, Inc. 2019 Long-Term Equity Incentive Award and Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019). *

 

 

10.24

Director Compensation Letter, Election Form and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Richard L. Carrión, dated July 1, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2019). *

44


 

13.1

Popular, Inc.’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2019. (1)

 

 

21.1

Schedule of Subsidiaries of Popular, Inc. (1)

 

 

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. (1)

 

 

31.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

 

 

31.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

 

 

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

 

 

32.2

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1)

 

 

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline Document. (1)

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (1)

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (1)

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definitions Linkbase Document (1)

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (1)

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1)

104

The cover page of Popular, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, formatted in Inline XBRL (included within the Exhibit 101 attachments) (1)

 

 

(1)

Included herewith

*

This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Popular, Inc. has not filed as exhibits certain instruments defining the rights of holders of debt of Popular, Inc. not exceeding 10% of the total assets of Popular, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Popular, Inc. hereby agrees to furnish upon request to the Commission a copy of each instrument defining the rights of holders of senior and subordinated debt of Popular, Inc., or of any of its consolidated subsidiaries.

45


 

SIGNATURES

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 2, 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

POPULAR, INC.

 

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

By: /S/ IGNACIO ALVAREZ

 

 

Ignacio Alvarez

 

 

President and

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

 

/S/ RICHARD L. CARRIÓN

Chairman of the Board

03-02-20

Richard L. Carrión

 

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ IGNACIO ALVAREZ

President, Chief Executive Officer

03-02-20

Ignacio Alvarez

and Director

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ CARLOS J. VÁZQUEZ

Principal Financial Officer

03-02-20

Carlos J. Vázquez

 

 

Executive Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ JORGE J. GARCÍA

Principal Accounting Officer

03-02-20

Jorge J. García

 

 

Senior Vice President and Comptroller

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ ALEJANDRO M. BALLESTER

Director

03-02-20

Alejandro M. Ballester

 

 

 

 

 

S/ MARÍA LUISA FERRÉ

Director

03-02-20

María Luisa Ferré

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ C. KIM GOODWIN

Director

03-02-20

C. Kim Goodwin

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ JOAQUÍN E. BACARDÍ, III

Director

03-02-20

Joaquín E. Bacardi, III

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ CARLOS A. UNANUE

Director

03-02-20

Carlos A. Unanue

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ JOHN W. DIERCKSEN

Director

03-02-20

John W. Diercksen

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ MYRNA M. SOTO

Director

03-02-20

Myrna M. Soto

 

 

 

 

 

/S/ ROBERT CARRADY

Director

03-02-20

Robert Carrady

 

 

46


 

Financial Review and

Supplementary Information

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

49

 

 

 

 

Statistical Summaries

102

 

 

 

 

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

107

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public

Accounting Firm

108

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of

December 31, 2019 and 2018

111

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the

years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

112

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive

Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

113

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’

Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

114

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the

years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

115

 

 

 

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

117

 

 

 

47


 

Management’s Discussion and

Analysis of Financial Condition

and Results of Operations

 

Forward-Looking Statements

49

 

Overview

50

 

Critical Accounting Policies / Estimates

54

 

Statement of Operations Analysis

60

 

Net Interest Income

60

 

Provision for Loan Losses

63

 

Non-Interest Income

63

 

Operating Expenses

64

 

Income Taxes

65

 

Fourth Quarter Results

65

 

Reportable Segment Result

66

 

Statement of Financial Condition Analysis

68

 

Assets

68

 

Liabilities

69

 

Stockholders’ Equity

70

 

Regulatory Capital

71

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other Commitments

73

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

73

 

Risk Management

 

75

 

Market / Interest Rate Risk

75

 

Liquidity

81

 

Enterprise Risk and Operational Risk Management

100

 

Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Issued but Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards

101

 

Adjusted net income – Non-GAAP Financial Measure

101

 

Statistical Summaries

 

 

 

Statements of Financial Condition

102

 

Statements of Operations

103

 

Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income

104

 

Quarterly Financial Data

106

 

48


 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

The information included in this report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements about Popular Inc.’s (the “Corporation,” “Popular,” “we,” “us,” “our”) business, financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives and future performance. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on management’s current expectations and, by their nature, involve risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions. Potential factors, some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include without limitation the effect of competitive and economic factors, and our reaction to those factors, the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, delinquency trends, market risk and the impact of interest rate changes, capital markets conditions, capital adequacy and liquidity, and the effect of legal and regulatory proceedings and new accounting standards on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continues,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project” and similar expressions and future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

 

Various factors, some of which are beyond Popular’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the rate of growth or decline in the economy and employment levels, as well as general business and economic conditions in the geographic areas we serve and, in particular, in Puerto Rico, where a significant portion of our business is concentrated; the impact of the current fiscal and economic challenges of Puerto Rico and the measures taken and to be taken by the Puerto Rico Government and the Federally-appointed oversight board on the economy, our customers and our business; the impact of the pending debt restructuring proceedings under Title III of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act and of other actions taken or to be taken to address Puerto Rico’s fiscal challenges on the value of our portfolio of Puerto Rico government securities and loans to governmental entities and of our commercial, mortgage and consumer loan portfolios where private borrowers could be directly affected by governmental action; changes in interest rates and market liquidity, which may reduce interest margins, impact funding sources and affect our ability to originate and distribute financial products in the primary and secondary markets; the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies; changes in federal bank regulatory and supervisory policies, including required levels of capital and the impact of proposed capital standards on our capital ratios; additional Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments; regulatory approvals that may be necessary to undertake certain actions or consummate strategic transactions such as acquisitions and dispositions; unforeseen or catastrophic events, including extreme weather events, other natural disasters, man-made disasters or the emergence of pandemics, which could cause a disruption in our operations or other adverse consequences for our business; the relative strength or weakness of the consumer and commercial credit sectors and of the real estate markets in Puerto Rico and the other markets in which borrowers are located; the performance of the stock and bond markets; competition in the financial services industry; possible legislative, tax or regulatory changes; and a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure or those of EVERTEC, Inc., our provider of core financial transaction processing and information technology services, or of other third parties providing services to us, including as a result of cyberattacks, e-fraud, denial-of-services and computer intrusion, that might result in loss or breach of customer data, disruption of services, reputational damage or additional costs to Popular. Other possible events or factors that could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements include the following: negative economic conditions that adversely affect housing prices, the job market, consumer confidence and spending habits which may affect, among other things, the level of non-performing assets, charge-offs and provision expense; changes in market rates and prices which may adversely impact the value of financial assets and liabilities; liabilities resulting from litigation and regulatory investigations; changes in accounting standards, rules and interpretations; our ability to grow our core businesses; decisions to downsize, sell or close units or otherwise change our business mix; and management’s ability to identify and manage these and other risks. Moreover, the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings, as discussed in “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” of the Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, is inherently uncertain and depends on judicial interpretations of law and the findings of regulators, judges and/or juries.

 

All forward-looking statements included in this report are based upon information available to the Corporation as of the date of this report, and other than as required by law, including the requirements of applicable securities laws, we assume no obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

 

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The description of the Corporation’s business and risk factors contained in Item 1 and 1A of its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 discusses additional information about the business of the Corporation and the material risk factors that, in addition to the other information in this report, readers should consider.

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Corporation is a diversified, publicly-owned financial holding company subject to the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Corporation has operations in Puerto Rico, the United States (“U.S.”) mainland, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. In Puerto Rico, the Corporation provides retail, mortgage, and commercial banking services through its principal banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (“BPPR”), as well as investment banking, broker-dealer, auto and equipment leasing and financing, and insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. In the U.S. mainland, the Corporation provides retail, mortgage and commercial banking services through its New York-chartered banking subsidiary, Popular Bank (“PB”), which has branches located in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements presents information about the Corporation’s business segments.

The Corporation has several investments which it accounts for under the equity method. These include the 16.19% interest in EVERTEC, a 15.84% interest in Centro Financiero BHD Leon, S.A. (“BHD Leon”), among other investments in limited partnerships which mainly hold loans and investment securities. EVERTEC provides transaction processing services throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and also provides to the Corporation core banking and transaction processing and other services. BHD León is a diversified financial services institution operating in the Dominican Republic. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded approximately $42.9 million in earnings from these investments on an aggregate basis. The carrying amounts of these investments as of December 31, 2019 were $237.1 million. Refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information of the Corporation’s investments under the equity method.

 

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

 

Accelerated share repurchase transaction

On December 12, 2019, the Corporation completed a $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction (“ASR”) with respect to its common stock, a component of its 2019 capital plan. In connection therewith, the Corporation received an initial delivery of 3,500,000 shares of common stock during the first quarter of 2019 and received 1,165,607 additional shares of common stock on December 12, 2019. The final number of shares delivered at settlement was based on the average daily volume weighted average price of its common stock, net of a discount, during the term of the ASR, which amounted to $53.58. The Corporation accounted for the ASR as a treasury stock transaction.

Increase in quarterly common stock dividend

As part of its capital plan for 2019, on January 23, 2019, the Corporation announced an increase in its quarterly common stock dividend from $0.25 per share to $0.30 per share, payable commencing in the second quarter of 2019. On February 15, 2019, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved the first quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its outstanding common stock, which was paid on April 1, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8, 2019.

 

 

Planned Capital Actions for 2020

On January 9, 2020, the Corporation announced the following actions as part of its capital plan for 2020: (i) an increase in the Corporation’s quarterly common stock dividend from $0.30 per share to $0.40 per share, commencing with the dividend payable in the second quarter of 2020, subject to the approval of the Corporation’s Board of Directors; and (ii) common stock repurchases of up to $500 million.

 

On February 24, 2020, the Corporation redeemed all outstanding shares of its 8.25% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series B (“Series B Preferred Stock”). The redemption price of the Series B Preferred Stock was $25.00 per share, plus $0.1375 in accrued and unpaid dividends on each share, for a total payment per share in the amount of $25.1375.

 

On January 30, 2020, the Corporation entered into a $500 million ASR with respect to its common stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. As a result of the receipt of the initial shares, the Corporation recognized in shareholders’ equity

50


 

approximately $400 million in treasury stock and $100 million as a reduction in capital surplus. The Corporation expects to further adjust its treasury stock and capital surplus to reflect the delivery or receipt of cash or shares upon the termination of the ASR agreement, which will depend on the average price of the Corporation’s shares during the term of the ASR.

 

Refer to Table 1 for selected financial data for the past five years.

 

Table 1 - Selected Financial Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(Dollars in thousands, except per common share data)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

$

2,260,793

$

2,021,848

$

1,725,944

$

1,634,573

$

1,603,014

 

 

Interest expense

 

369,099

 

286,971

 

223,980

 

212,518

 

194,031

 

 

Net interest income

 

1,891,694

 

1,734,877

 

1,501,964

 

1,422,055

 

1,408,983

 

 

Provision (reversal) for loan losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-covered loans

 

165,779

 

226,342

 

319,682

 

171,126

 

217,458

 

 

 

Covered loans

 

-

 

1,730

 

5,742

 

(1,110)

 

24,020

 

 

Non-interest income

 

569,883

 

652,494

 

419,167

 

297,936

 

519,541

 

 

Operating expenses

 

1,477,482

 

1,421,562

 

1,257,196

 

1,255,635

 

1,288,221

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

147,181

 

119,579

 

230,830

 

78,784

 

(495,172)

 

 

Income from continuing operations

 

671,135

 

618,158

 

107,681

 

215,556

 

893,997

 

 

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,135

 

1,347

 

 

 

Net income

$

671,135

$

618,158

$

107,681

$

216,691

$

895,344

 

 

 

Net income applicable to common stock

$

667,412

$

614,435

$

103,958

$

212,968

$

891,621

 

PER COMMON SHARE DATA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

$

6.89

$

6.07

$

1.02

$

2.05

$

8.65

 

 

 

From discontinued operations

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.01

 

0.01

 

 

 

Total

$

6.89

$

6.07

$

1.02

$

2.06

$

8.66

 

 

Diluted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From continuing operations

$

6.88

$

6.06

$

1.02

$

2.05

$

8.64

 

 

 

From discontinued operations

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.01

 

0.01

 

 

 

Total

$

6.88

$

6.06

$

1.02

$

2.06

$

8.65

 

 

Dividends declared

$

1.20

$

1.00

$

1.00

$

0.60

$

0.30

 

 

Common equity per share

 

62.42

 

53.88

 

49.51

 

49.60

 

48.79

 

 

Market value per common share

 

58.75

 

47.22

 

35.49

 

43.82

 

28.34

 

 

Outstanding shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average - basic

 

96,848,835

 

101,142,258

 

101,966,429

 

103,275,264

 

102,967,186

 

 

 

Average - assuming dilution

 

96,997,800

 

101,308,643

 

102,045,336

 

103,377,283

 

103,124,309

 

 

 

End of period

 

95,589,629

 

99,942,845

 

102,068,981

 

103,790,932

 

103,618,976

 

AVERAGE BALANCES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loans[1]

$

26,806,368

$

25,062,730

$

23,511,293

$

23,062,242

$

23,045,308

 

 

Earning assets

 

44,944,793

 

43,275,366

 

37,668,573

 

33,713,158

 

31,451,081

 

 

Total assets

 

50,341,827

 

46,639,858

 

41,404,139

 

37,613,742

 

35,186,305

 

 

Deposits

 

42,218,796

 

38,487,422

 

33,182,522

 

29,066,010

 

26,778,582

 

 

Borrowings

 

1,404,459

 

1,879,229

 

2,000,840

 

2,339,399

 

2,757,334

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

5,713,517

 

5,444,152

 

5,345,244

 

5,278,477

 

4,704,862

 

PERIOD END BALANCE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loans[1]

$

27,466,076

$

26,559,311

$

24,942,463

$

23,435,446

$

23,129,230

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

477,708

 

569,348

 

623,426

 

540,651

 

537,111

 

 

Earning assets

 

48,674,705

 

44,325,489

 

40,680,553

 

34,861,193

 

31,717,124

 

 

Total assets

 

52,115,324

 

47,604,577

 

44,277,337

 

38,661,609

 

35,761,733

 

 

Deposits

 

43,758,606

 

39,710,039

 

35,453,508

 

30,496,224

 

27,209,723

 

 

Borrowings

 

1,294,986

 

1,537,673

 

2,023,485

 

2,055,477

 

2,425,853

 

 

Total stockholders' equity

 

6,016,779

 

5,435,057

 

5,103,905

 

5,197,957

 

5,105,324

 

51


 

SELECTED RATIOS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest margin (non-taxable equivalent basis)

 

4.03

%

4.01

%

3.99

%

4.22

%

4.48

%

 

Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis) -Non-GAAP

 

4.43

 

4.34

 

4.28

 

4.48

 

4.74

 

 

Return on average total assets

 

1.33

 

1.33

 

0.26

 

0.58

 

2.54

 

 

Return on average common stockholders' equity

 

11.78

 

11.39

 

1.96

 

4.07

 

19.16

 

 

Tier I Capital to risk-adjusted assets

 

17.76

 

16.90

 

16.30

 

16.48

 

16.21

 

 

Total Capital to risk-adjusted assets

 

20.31

 

19.54

 

19.22

 

19.48

 

18.78

 

[1] Includes loans held-for-sale and covered loans.

 

Adjusted results of operations – Non-GAAP financial measure

 

Adjusted net income

 

The Corporation prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or the “reported basis”). In addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported basis, management monitors “Adjusted net income” of the Corporation and excludes the impact of certain transactions on the results of its operations. Adjusted net income is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that Adjusted net income provides meaningful information about the underlying performance of the Corporation’s ongoing operations. No adjustments to net income are reflected for the year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Table 35 for a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis

 

Net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, is presented with its different components on Table 3 for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared with the same period in 2018, segregated by major categories of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

 

The interest earning assets include investment securities and loans that are exempt from income tax, principally in Puerto Rico. The main sources of tax-exempt interest income are certain investments in obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and sponsored entities, and certain obligations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its agencies and assets held by the Corporation’s international banking entities. To facilitate the comparison of all interest related to these assets, the interest income has been converted to a taxable equivalent basis, using the applicable statutory income tax rates for each period. The taxable equivalent computation considers the interest expense and other related expense disallowances required by the Puerto Rico tax law. Under Puerto Rico tax law, the exempt interest can be deducted up to the amount of taxable income. Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis is a non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes that this presentation provides meaningful information since it facilitates the comparison of revenues arising from taxable and exempt sources.

Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Corporation may not be comparable to similarly named Non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies.

Financial highlights for the year ended December 31, 2019

The Corporation’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $671.1 million, compared to a net income of $618.2 million for 2018. The results for the year ended December 31, 2018 include a pre-tax gain of $94.6 million resulting from the Termination Agreement with the FDIC previously disclosed; a net income tax benefit of $63.9 million resulting from the impact of the Termination Agreement and the related Tax Closing Agreement and $27.7 million non-cash income tax expense as a result of a reduction in the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset related to the Puerto Rico operations due to the reduction in tax rates as a result of an amendment to the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code. Excluding the impact of the above-mentioned transactions, detailed in Table 35 the Adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $487.3 million.

The discussion that follows provides highlights of the Corporation’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the results of operations of 2018. It also provides some highlights with respect to the Corporation’s financial condition, credit quality, capital and liquidity. Table 2 presents a five-year summary of the components of net income (loss) as a percentage of

52


 

average total assets.

 

Table 2 - Components of Net Income as a Percentage of Average Total Assets

 

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Net interest income

3.76

%

3.72

%

3.63

%

3.78

%

4.00

%

Provision for loan losses

(0.33)

 

(0.49)

 

(0.79)

 

(0.45)

 

(0.69)

 

Mortgage banking activities

0.06

 

0.11

 

0.06

 

0.15

 

0.23

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities

-

 

-

 

(0.02)

 

-

 

(0.04)

 

Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale

-

 

-

 

-

 

0.02

 

-

 

Net (loss) trading account on debt securities

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(0.01)

 

Indemnity reserve on loans sold expense

-

 

(0.03)

 

(0.05)

 

(0.05)

 

(0.05)

 

FDIC loss share income (expense)

-

 

0.20

 

(0.02)

 

(0.55)

 

0.06

 

Other non-interest income

1.07

 

1.12

 

1.05

 

1.22

 

1.29

 

Total net interest income and non-interest income, net of provision for loan losses

4.56

 

4.63

 

3.86

 

4.12

 

4.79

 

Operating expenses

(2.94)

 

(3.05)

 

(3.04)

 

(3.34)

 

(3.66)

 

Income before income tax

1.62

 

1.58

 

0.82

 

0.78

 

1.13

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

0.29

 

0.26

 

0.56

 

0.20

 

(1.41)

 

Net income

1.33

%

1.32

%

0.26

%

0.58

%

2.54

%

 

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $1.9 billion, an increase of $156.8 million when compared to 2018. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven by higher interest income from loans and securities, partially offset by lower interest income from money market investments and higher interest expense on deposits. Refer to the Net Interest Income section of this MD&A for additional information.

 

The Corporation’s total provision for loan losses totaled $165.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with $228.1 million for 2018. The decrease was mainly related to revisions to certain loss estimates and to incremental reserves for two large commercial borrowers during 2018, coupled with credit quality improvements in the mortgage portfolio during 2019. Non-performing assets totaled $650 million at December 31, 2019, reflecting a decrease of $98 million when compared to December 31, 2018. Refer to the Provision for Loan Losses and Credit Risk sections of this MD&A for information on the allowance for loan losses, non-performing assets, troubled debt restructurings, net charge-offs and credit quality metrics.

 

Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $569.9 million, a decrease of $82.6 million, when compared with 2018. Excluding the unfavorable variance in FDIC loss share income (expense) of $94.7 million as a result of the Termination Agreement, non-interest income increased by $12.1 million primarily driven by higher service charges on deposit accounts, higher other service fees and a favorable variance in adjustments to indemnity reserves, partially offset by lower income from mortgage banking activities and lower other operating income. Refer to the Non-Interest Income section of this MD&A for additional information on the major variances of the different categories of non-interest income.

 

Total operating expenses amounted to $1.5 billion for the year 2019, compared with $1.4 billion at December 31, 2018, an increase of $55.9 million. Operating expenses for 2019 were impacted by higher personnel costs by $27.6 million and higher professional fees of $34.6 million. Refer to the Operating Expenses section of this MD&A for additional information.

 

Income tax expense amounted to $147.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with an income tax expense of $119.6 million for the previous year. The income tax expense for the year 2019 includes an income tax benefit of approximately $26 million related to a revision of the amount of exempt income earned in prior years and certain adjustments pertaining to tax periods for which the statute of limitations had expired. During 2018, the Corporation recorded a net income tax benefit of $63.9 million related to the impact of the FDIC Termination Agreement, and a non-cash income tax expense of $27.7 million due to a reduction in

53


 

the Puerto Rico corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. Refer to the Income Taxes section in this MD&A and Note 38 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on income taxes.

 

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s total assets were $52.1 billion, compared with $47.6 billion at December 31, 2018, an increase of $4.5 billion, mainly driven by an increase in the Corporation’s debt securities available-for-sale portfolio by $4.3 billion and $0.9 billion in the loans held-in-portfolio. Refer to the Statement of Condition Analysis section of this MD&A for additional information.

 

Deposits amounted to $43.8 billion at December 31, 2019, compared with $39.7 billion at December 31, 2018. Table 7 presents a breakdown of deposits by major categories. The increase in deposits was mainly due to higher Puerto Rico public sector deposits at BPPR by $2.9 billion and an increase of $0.9 billion at Popular Bank, mainly from retail deposits gathered through its online platform. The Corporation’s borrowings totaled $1.3 billion at December 31, 2019, compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2018, reflecting a decrease of $0.2 billion mostly due to the maturity of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and repurchase agreements. Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information on the Corporation’s borrowings.

 

Refer to Table 6 in the Statement of Financial Condition Analysis section of this MD&A for the percentage allocation of the composition of the Corporation’s financing to total assets.

 

Stockholders’ equity totaled $6.0 billion at December 31, 2019, compared with $5.4 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase was mainly due to net income of $671.1 million for the year 2019 and higher unrealized gains on debt securities available-for-sale by $266 million, partially offset by the impact of the $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction and declared dividends of $116 million on common stock (quarterly dividends of $0.30 per share) and $3.7 million in dividends on preferred stock. The Corporation and its banking subsidiaries continue to be well-capitalized at December 31, 2019. The Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio at December 31, 2019 was 17.76%, compared to 16.90% at December 31, 2018.

 

For further discussion of operating results, financial condition and business risks refer to the narrative and tables included herein.

 

The shares of the Corporation’s common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol BPOP.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES / ESTIMATES

The accounting and reporting policies followed by the Corporation and its subsidiaries conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial services industry. The Corporation’s significant accounting policies are described in detail in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and should be read in conjunction with this section.

Critical accounting policies require management to make estimates and assumptions, which involve significant judgment about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that involve a high degree of subjectivity. These estimates are made under facts and circumstances at a point in time and changes in those facts and circumstances could produce actual results that differ from those estimates. The following MD&A section is a summary of what management considers the Corporation’s critical accounting policies and estimates.

 

Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments

The Corporation currently measures at fair value on a recurring basis its trading debt securities, debt securities available-for-sale, certain equity securities, derivatives and mortgage servicing rights. Occasionally, the Corporation may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held-for-sale, impaired loans held-in-portfolio that are collateral dependent and certain other assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically result from the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

The Corporation categorizes its assets and liabilities measured at fair value under the three-level hierarchy. The level within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the valuation methodology used for fair value measurement are observable.

54


 

The Corporation requires the use of observable inputs when available, in order to minimize the use of unobservable inputs to determine fair value. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities. The amount of judgment involved in estimating the fair value of a financial instrument depends upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market parameters. In addition, it may be affected by other factors such as the type of instrument, the liquidity of the market for the instrument, transparency around the inputs to the valuation, as well as the contractual characteristics of the instrument.

Broker quotes used for fair value measurements inherently reflect any lack of liquidity in the market since they represent an exit price from the perspective of the market participants. Financial assets that were fair valued using broker quotes amounted to $ 8 million at December 31, 2019, of which $ 1 million were Level 3 assets and $ 7 million were Level 2 assets. Level 3 assets consisted principally of tax-exempt GNMA mortgage-backed securities. Fair value for these securities was based on an internally-prepared matrix derived from local broker quotes. The main input used in the matrix pricing was non-binding local broker quotes obtained from limited trade activity. Therefore, these securities were classified as Level 3.

Trading Debt Securities and Debt Securities Available-for-Sale

The majority of the values for trading debt securities and debt securities available-for-sale are obtained from third-party pricing services and are validated with alternate pricing sources when available. Securities not priced by a secondary pricing source are documented and validated internally according to their significance to the Corporation’s financial statements. Management has established materiality thresholds according to the investment class to monitor and investigate material deviations in prices obtained from the primary pricing service provider and the secondary pricing source used as support for the valuation results. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation did not adjust any prices obtained from pricing service providers or broker dealers.

Inputs are evaluated to ascertain that they consider current market conditions, including the relative liquidity of the market. When a market quote for a specific security is not available, the pricing service provider generally uses observable data to derive an exit price for the instrument, such as benchmark yield curves and trade data for similar products. To the extent trading data is not available, the pricing service provider relies on specific information including dialogue with brokers, buy side clients, credit ratings, spreads to established benchmarks and transactions on similar securities, to draw correlations based on the characteristics of the evaluated instrument. If for any reason the pricing service provider cannot observe data required to feed its model, it discontinues pricing the instrument. During the year ended December 31, 2019, none of the Corporation’s debt securities were subject to pricing discontinuance by the pricing service providers. The pricing methodology and approach of our primary pricing service providers is concluded to be consistent with the fair value measurement guidance.

Furthermore, management assesses the fair value of its portfolio of investment securities at least on a quarterly basis, which includes analyzing changes in fair value that have resulted in losses that may be considered other-than-temporary. Factors considered include, for example, the nature of the investment, severity and duration of possible impairments, industry reports, sector credit ratings, economic environment, creditworthiness of the issuers and any guarantees.

Securities are classified in the fair value hierarchy according to product type, characteristics and market liquidity. At the end of each period, management assesses the valuation hierarchy for each asset or liability measured. The fair value measurement analysis performed by the Corporation includes validation procedures and review of market changes, pricing methodology, assumption and level hierarchy changes, and evaluation of distressed transactions.

Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Corporation’s valuation methodologies used for the assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

 

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Interest on loans is accrued and recorded as interest income based upon the principal amount outstanding.

Non-accrual loans are those loans on which the accrual of interest is discontinued. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all previously accrued and unpaid interest is charged against income and the loan is accounted for either on a cash-basis method or on the cost-recovery method. Loans designated as non-accruing are returned to accrual status when the Corporation expects repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest. The determination as to the ultimate collectability of the loan’s balance may involve management’s judgment in the evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects for repayment.

55


 

Refer to the MD&A section titled Credit Risk, particularly the Non-performing assets sub-section, for a detailed description of the Corporation’s non-accruing and charge-off policies by major loan categories.

One of the most critical and complex accounting estimates is associated with the determination of the allowance for loan losses. The provision for loan losses charged to current operations is based on this determination. The Corporation’s assessment of the allowance for loan losses is determined in accordance with accounting guidance, specifically guidance of loss contingencies in ASC Subtopic 450-20 and loan impairment guidance in ASC Section 310-10-35.

For a detailed description of the principal factors used to determine the general reserves of the allowance for loan losses and for the principal enhancements Management made to its methodology, refer to Note 9.

According to the loan impairment accounting guidance in ASC Section 310-10-35, a loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the principal and/or interest are not going to be collected according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Current information and events include “environmental” factors, e.g. existing industry, geographical, economic and political factors. Probable means the future event or events which will confirm the loss or impairment of the loan is likely to occur. The collateral dependent method is generally used for the impairment determination on commercial and construction loans since the expected realizable value of the loan is based upon the proceeds received from the liquidation of the collateral property. For commercial properties, the “as is” value or the “income approach” value is used depending on the financial condition of the subject borrower and/or the nature of the subject collateral. In most cases, impaired commercial loans do not have reliable or sustainable cash flow to use the discounted cash flow valuation method. As a general rule, the appraisal valuation used by the Corporation for impaired construction loans is based on discounted value to a single purchaser, discounted sell out or “as is” depending on the condition and status of the project and the performance of the same. Appraisals may be adjusted due to their age, property conditions, geographical area or general market conditions. The adjustments applied are based upon internal information, like other appraisals and/or loss severity information that can provide historical trends in the real estate market. Discount rates used may change from time to time based on management’s estimates.

For additional information on the Corporation’s policy of its impaired loans, refer to Note 2. In addition, refer to the Credit Risk section of this MD&A for detailed information on the Corporation’s collateral value estimation for other real estate.

The Corporation’s management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis following a systematic methodology in order to provide for known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. In developing its assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, the Corporation must rely on estimates and exercise judgment regarding matters where the ultimate outcome is unknown such as economic developments affecting specific customers, industries or markets. Other factors that can affect management’s estimates are the years of historical data to include when estimating losses, the level of volatility of losses in a specific portfolio, changes in underwriting standards, financial accounting standards and loan impairment measurement, among others. Changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, in economic conditions, in historical loss experience and in the condition of the various markets in which collateral may be sold may all affect the required level of the allowance for loan losses. Consequently, the business, financial condition, liquidity, capital and results of operations could also be affected.

A restructuring constitutes a TDR when the Corporation separately concludes that the restructuring constitutes a concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. For information on the Corporation’s TDR policy, refer to Note 2.

 

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality Accounted for Under ASC 310-30

ASC Subtopic 310-30 provides two specific criteria that have to be met in order for a loan to be within its scope: (1) credit deterioration on the loan from its inception until the acquisition date and (2) that it is probable that not all of the contractual cash flows will be collected on the loan. Once in the scope of ASC Subtopic 310-30, the credit portion of the fair value discount on an acquired loan cannot be accreted into income until the acquirer has assessed that it expects to receive more cash flows on the loan than initially anticipated.

Generally, acquired loans that meet the definition for nonaccrual status fall within the Corporation’s definition of impaired loans under ASC Subtopic 310-30. Also, for acquisitions that include a significant amount of impaired loans, an election can be made for non-impaired loans included in such transactions to apply the accretable yield method (expected cash flow model of ASC Subtopic 310-30), by analogy, to those loans. Those loans are disclosed as a loan that was acquired with credit deterioration and impairment.

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, impaired loans are aggregated into pools based on loans that have common risk characteristics. Each loan pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows.

56


 

Characteristics considered in pooling loans include loan type, interest rate type, accruing status, amortization type, rate index and source type. Once the pools are defined, the Corporation maintains the integrity of the pool of multiple loans accounted for as a single asset.

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the fair value of the loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income using the effective yield method over the estimated life of the loan if the timing and amount of the future cash flows of the pool is reasonably estimable. The non-accretable difference represents the difference between contractually required principal and interest and the cash flows expected to be collected. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are recognized as interest income prospectively as an adjustment to accretable yield over the pool’s remaining life. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are generally recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses.

Over the life of the acquired loans that are accounted under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the Corporation continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected on individual loans or on pools of loans sharing common risk characteristics. The Corporation evaluates at each balance sheet date whether the present value of its loans determined using the effective interest rates has decreased based on revised estimated cash flows and if so, recognizes a provision for loan loss in its Consolidated Statement of Operations and an allowance for loan losses in its Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. For any increases in cash flows expected to be collected from borrowers, the Corporation adjusts the amount of accretable yield recognized on the loans on a prospective basis over the pool’s remaining life.

 

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, and attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or paid. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when the changes are enacted.

The calculation of periodic income taxes is complex and requires the use of estimates and judgments. The Corporation has recorded two accruals for income taxes: (i) the net estimated amount currently due or to be received from taxing jurisdictions, including any reserve for potential examination issues, and (ii) a deferred income tax that represents the estimated impact of temporary differences between how the Corporation recognizes assets and liabilities under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), and how such assets and liabilities are recognized under the tax code. Differences in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could impact the Corporation’s financial position or its results of operations. In estimating taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into consideration statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance.

A deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation allowance if based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance should be sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is realizable is based on weighting all available evidence, including both positive and negative evidence. The realization of deferred tax assets, including carryforwards and deductible temporary differences, depends upon the existence of sufficient taxable income of the same character during the carryback or carryforward period. The realization of deferred tax assets requires the consideration of all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies.

Management evaluates the realization of the deferred tax asset by taxing jurisdiction. The U.S. mainland operations are evaluated as a whole since a consolidated income tax return is filed; on the other hand, the deferred tax asset related to the Puerto Rico operations is evaluated on an entity by entity basis, since no consolidation is allowed in the income tax filing. Accordingly, this evaluation is composed of three major components: U.S. mainland operations, Puerto Rico banking operations and Holding Company.

For the evaluation of the realization of the deferred tax asset by taxing jurisdiction, refer to Note 38.

57


 

Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns. The Code provides a dividends-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.

Changes in the Corporation’s estimates can occur due to changes in tax rates, new business strategies, newly enacted guidance, and resolution of issues with taxing authorities regarding previously taken tax positions. Such changes could affect the amount of accrued taxes. The Corporation has made tax payments in accordance with estimated tax payments rules. Any remaining payment will not have any significant impact on liquidity and capital resources.

The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns and future profitability. The accounting for deferred tax consequences represents management’s best estimate of those future events. Changes in management’s current estimates, due to unanticipated events, could have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation establishes tax liabilities or reduces tax assets for uncertain tax positions when, despite its assessment that its tax return positions are appropriate and supportable under local tax law, the Corporation believes it may not succeed in realizing the tax benefit of certain positions if challenged. In evaluating a tax position, the Corporation determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. The Corporation’s estimate of the ultimate tax liability contains assumptions based on past experiences, and judgments about potential actions by taxing jurisdictions as well as judgments about the likely outcome of issues that have been raised by taxing jurisdictions. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Corporation evaluates these uncertain tax positions each quarter and adjusts the related tax liabilities or assets in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of a tax audit or the expiration of a statute of limitations. The Corporation believes the estimates and assumptions used to support its evaluation of uncertain tax positions are reasonable.

After consideration of the effect on U.S. federal tax of unrecognized U.S. state tax benefits, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including U.S. and Puerto Rico that, if recognized, would affect the Corporation’s effective tax rate, was approximately $10.5 million at December 31, 2019 and $9.0 million at December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 38 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on this subject matter. The Corporation anticipates a reduction in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months, which could amount to approximately $2.1 million.

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 statutes of limitation, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examinations, litigation and legislative activity and the addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions. Although the outcome of tax audits is uncertain, the Corporation believes that adequate amounts of tax, interest and penalties have been provided for any adjustments that are expected to result from open years. From time to time, the Corporation is audited by various federal, state and local authorities regarding income tax matters. Although management believes its approach in determining the appropriate tax treatment is supportable and in accordance with the accounting standards, it is possible that the final tax authority will take a tax position that is different than the tax position reflected in the Corporation’s income tax provision and other tax reserves. As each audit is conducted, adjustments, if any, are appropriately recorded in the consolidated financial statement in the period determined. Such differences could have an adverse effect on the Corporation’s income tax provision or benefit, or other tax reserves, in the reporting period in which such determination is made and, consequently, on the Corporation’s results of operations, financial position and / or cash flows for such period.

 

Goodwill

The Corporation’s goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets having an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment. Intangibles with indefinite lives are evaluated for impairment at least annually, and on a more frequent basis, if events or circumstances indicate impairment could have taken place. Such events could include, among others, a significant adverse change in the business climate, an adverse action by a regulator, an unanticipated change in the competitive environment and a decision to change the operations or dispose of a reporting unit.

Under applicable accounting standards, goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting

58


 

unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step must be performed. The second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated possible impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles (including any unrecognized intangible assets, such as unrecognized core deposits and trademark) as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The Corporation estimates the fair values of the assets and liabilities of a reporting unit, consistent with the requirements of the fair value measurements accounting standard, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value of the assets and liabilities reflects market conditions, thus volatility in prices could have a material impact on the determination of the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill at the impairment test date. The adjustments to measure the assets, liabilities and intangibles at fair value are for the purpose of measuring the implied fair value of goodwill and such adjustments are not reflected in the Consolidated Statement of Condition. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss recognized cannot exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted under applicable accounting standards. BPPR and PB passed Step 1 in the annual test as of July 31, 2019. For a detailed description of the annual goodwill impairment evaluation performed by the Corporation during the third quarter of 2019, refer to Note 17.

At December 31, 2019, goodwill amounted to $671 million. Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides the assignment of goodwill by reportable segment.

Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for changes on the annual goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASU 2017-04.

 

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations

The Corporation provides pension and restoration benefit plans for certain employees of various subsidiaries. The Corporation also provides certain health care benefits for retired employees of BPPR. The non-contributory defined pension and benefit restoration plans (“the Pension Plans”) are frozen with regards to all future benefit accruals.

The estimated benefit costs and obligations of the Pension Plans and Postretirement Health Care Benefit Plan (“OPEB Plan”) are impacted by the use of subjective assumptions, which can materially affect recorded amounts, including expected returns on plan assets, discount rates, termination rates, retirement rates and health care trend rates. Management applies judgment in the determination of these factors, which normally undergo evaluation against current industry practice and the actual experience of the Corporation. The Corporation uses an independent actuarial firm for assistance in the determination of the Pension Plans and OPEB Plan costs and obligations. Detailed information on the Plans and related valuation assumptions are included in Note 32 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation periodically reviews its assumption for the long-term expected return on Pension Plans assets. The Pension Plans’ assets fair value at December 31, 2019 was $800 million. The expected return on plan assets is determined by considering various factors, including a total fund return estimate based on a weighted-average of estimated returns for each asset class in each plan. Asset class returns are estimated using current and projected economic and market factors such as real rates of return, inflation, credit spreads, equity risk premiums and excess return expectations.

As part of the review, the Corporation’s independent consulting actuaries performed an analysis of expected returns based on each plan’s expected asset allocation for the year 2020 using the Willis Towers Watson US Expected Return Estimator. This analysis is reviewed by the Corporation and used as a tool to develop expected rates of return, together with other data. This forecast reflects the actuarial firm’s view of expected long-term rates of return for each significant asset class or economic indicator; for example, 8.5% for large cap stocks, 8.8% for small cap stocks, 8.9% for international stocks, 3.2% for aggregate fixed-income securities and 3.6% for long government/credit at January 1, 2020. A range of expected investment returns is developed, and this range relies both on forecasts and on broad-market historical benchmarks for expected returns, correlations, and volatilities for each asset class.

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As a consequence of recent reviews, the Corporation decreased its expected return on plan assets for year 2020 to 5.0% and 5.8% for the Pension Plans. Expected rates of return of 5.3% and 6.0% had been used for 2019 and 5.5% and 6.0% had been used for 2018 for the Pension Plans. Since the expected return assumption is on a long-term basis, it is not materially impacted by the yearly fluctuations (either positive or negative) in the actual return on assets. The expected return can be materially impacted by a change in the plan’s asset allocation.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (“pension expense”) for the Pension Plans amounted to $19.6 million in 2019. The total pension expense included a benefit of $32.4 million for the expected return on assets.

Pension expense is sensitive to changes in the expected return on assets. For example, decreasing the expected rate of return for 2019 from 5.00% to 4.75% would increase the projected 2020 pension expense for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan, the Corporation’s largest plan, by approximately $1.9 million.

If the projected benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets, the Corporation shall recognize a liability equal to the unfunded projected benefit obligation and vice versa, if the fair value of plan assets exceeds the projected benefit obligation, the Corporation recognizes an asset equal to the overfunded projected benefit obligation. This asset or liability may result in a taxable or deductible temporary difference and its tax effect shall be recognized as an income tax expense or benefit which shall be allocated to various components of the financial statements, including other comprehensive income. The determination of the fair value of pension plan obligations involves judgment, and any changes in those estimates could impact the Corporation’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. Management believes that the fair value estimates of the Pension Plans assets are reasonable given the valuation methodologies used to measure the investments at fair value as described in Note 30. Also, the compositions of the plan assets are primarily in equity and debt securities, which have readily determinable quoted market prices. The Corporation had recorded a liability for the underfunded pension benefit obligation of $52.6 million at December 31, 2019.

The Corporation uses the spot rate yield curve from the Willis Towers Watson RATE: Link (10/90) Model to discount the expected projected cash flows of the plans. The Corporation used an equivalent single weighted average discount rate which ranged from 3.22% to 3.27% for the Pension Plans and 3.38% for the OPEB Plan to determine the benefit obligations at December 31, 2019.

A 50 basis point decrease to each of the rates in the December 31, 2019 Willis Towers Watson RATE: Link (10/90) Model as of the beginning of 2020 would increase the projected 2020 expense for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan by approximately $2.2 million. The change would not affect the minimum required contribution to the Pension Plans.

The OPEB Plan was unfunded (no assets were held by the plan) at December 31, 2019. The Corporation had recorded a liability for the underfunded postretirement benefit obligation of $168.7 million at December 31, 2019.

 

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS ANALYSIS

Pursuant to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (“FAST”) Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation S-K, discussions related to the changes in results of operations from fiscal year 2018 to 2017 have been omitted. Such omitted discussion can be found under Item 7 of our annual Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between the revenue generated from earning assets, including loan fees, less the interest cost of deposits and borrowed money. Several risk factors might influence net interest income including the economic environment in which we operate, market driven events, changes in volumes, repricing characteristics, loans fees collected, moratoriums granted on loan payments and delay charges, interest collected on nonaccrual loans, as well as strategic decisions made by the Corporation’s management. Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $1.9 billion compared to $1.7 billion in 2018. Net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $2.1 billion compared to $1.9 billion in 2018.

The average key index rates for the years 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

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2019

 

2018

 

Prime rate………………………………………………………………………………………………….

5.28%

4.91%

Fed funds rate……………………………………………………………………………………………..

2.15

1.82

3-month LIBOR……………………………………………………………………………………………

2.33

2.31

3-month Treasury Bill…………………………………………………………………………………….

2.09

1.96

10-year Treasury………………………………………………………………………………………….

2.14

2.91

FNMA 30-year…………………………………………………………………………………………….

2.85

3.60

Average outstanding securities balances are based upon amortized cost excluding any unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale. Non-accrual loans have been included in the respective average loans and leases categories. Loan fees collected, and costs incurred in the origination of loans are deferred and amortized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to interest yield. Prepayment penalties, late fees collected and the amortization of premiums / discounts on purchased loans are also included as part of the loan yield. Interest income for the period ended December 31, 2019 included a favorable impact, excluding the discount accretion on covered loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, of $55.5 million, related to those items, compared to $47.2 million for the same period in 2018. The increase of $8.2 million is mainly due to a full year of amortization of the fair value discount related to the Reliable portfolio, acquired in the third quarter of 2018.

Table 3 presents the different components of the Corporation’s net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared with the same period in 2018, segregated by major categories of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin increased by 2 basis points to 4.03% in 2019, compared to 4.01% in 2018. The increase in net interest margin is mainly driven by the loan portfolio acquired from Wells Fargo in 2018 (the “Reliable Transaction”) and the increase in the investments and commercial portfolio. These positive drivers were partially offset by a decrease in market interest rates, lower money market investments and higher volume and cost of interest-bearing liabilities. On a taxable equivalent basis, net interest margin was 4.43% in 2019, compared to 4.34% in 2018. Net interest income increased by $156.8 million year over year. On a taxable equivalent basis, net interest income increased by $202.5 million. The increase of $45.7 million in the taxable equivalent adjustment is directly related to a higher volume of tax-exempt investments in Puerto Rico. The main variances in net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis were:

Positive variances:

Higher interest income from investment securities due to higher volume of U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities related to recent purchases to deploy liquidity and benefit from the Puerto Rico tax exemption of these assets and higher yield driven by the increase in market rates; and

Higher interest income from loans:

Commercial loans, driven by higher volume in the U.S. and loans acquired in the Reliable transaction; and

Auto and lease portfolios in P.R. due to both the full year of the Reliable portfolio versus five-month in 2018 and the organic growth at Popular Auto.

Negative variances:

Lower interest income from money market investments due to the use of excess liquidity to acquire the Reliable portfolio and investment securities; and

Higher interest expense on deposits mainly due to higher volumes in most categories, predominantly the increase in deposits from the Puerto Rico government, retail and corporate deposits and higher deposit volumes in the U.S. to fund loan growth.

Due to the Corporation’s current asset sensitive position, the recent reductions of 0.25% of the Fed Funds Rate by the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) on July 31, 2019, September 18, 2019 and October 30, 2019, and further expectation of lower

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interest rates will negatively impact our future results. See the Risk Management: Market / Interest Rate Risk section of this MD&A for additional information related to the Corporation’s interest rate risk.

 

Table 3 - Analysis of Levels & Yields on a Taxable Equivalent Basis from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP)

 

Years ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Variance

Average Volume

 

Average Yields / Costs

 

 

 

Interest

 

Attributable to

 

2019

 

2018

Variance

 

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Variance

 

Rate

 

Volume

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

$

4,166

$

5,943

$

(1,777)

 

2.16

%

1.87

%

0.29

%

 

Money market investments

$

89,824

$

111,289

$

(21,465)

$

15,157

$

(36,622)

 

15,905

 

12,193

 

3,712

 

3.15

 

2.99

 

0.16

 

 

Investment securities

 

501,781

 

364,362

 

137,419

 

21,661

 

115,758

 

68

 

76

 

(8)

 

7.55

 

7.55

 

-

 

 

Trading securities

 

5,103

 

5,772

 

(669)

 

-

 

(669)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total money market,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

investment and trading

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,139

 

18,212

 

1,927

 

2.96

 

2.64

 

0.32

 

 

 

securities

 

596,708

 

481,423

 

115,285

 

36,818

 

78,467

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,171

 

11,698

 

473

 

6.11

 

6.03

 

0.08

 

 

 

Commercial

 

743,682

 

705,190

 

38,492

 

9,649

 

28,843

 

801

 

915

 

(114)

 

6.59

 

6.37

 

0.22

 

 

 

Construction

 

52,767

 

58,270

 

(5,503)

 

1,987

 

(7,490)

 

989

 

867

 

122

 

6.06

 

5.98

 

0.08

 

 

 

Leasing

 

59,935

 

51,868

 

8,067

 

664

 

7,403

 

7,121

 

7,119

 

2

 

5.36

 

5.30

 

0.06

 

 

 

Mortgage

 

381,493

 

377,139

 

4,354

 

4,250

 

104

 

2,885

 

2,847

 

38

 

11.81

 

11.53

 

0.29

 

 

 

Consumer

 

340,848

 

328,165

 

12,683

 

7,298

 

5,385

 

2,839

 

1,617

 

1,222

 

9.59

 

9.95

 

(0.36)

 

 

 

Auto

 

272,169

 

160,908

 

111,261

 

(6,123)

 

117,384

 

26,806

 

25,063

 

1,743

 

6.90

 

6.71

 

0.19

 

 

Total loans

 

1,850,894

 

1,681,540

 

169,354

 

17,725

 

151,629

$

46,945

$

43,275

$

3,670

 

5.21

%

5.00

%

0.21

%

 

Total earning assets

$

2,447,602

$

2,162,963

$

284,639

$

54,543

$

230,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

15,327

$

12,688

$

2,639

 

0.96

%

0.64

%

0.32

%

 

 

NOW and money market [1]

$

146,684

$

80,665

$

66,019

$

44,662

$

21,357

 

10,249

 

9,439

 

810

 

0.44

 

0.34

 

0.10

 

 

 

Savings

 

45,516

 

31,878

 

13,638

 

9,142

 

4,496

 

7,770

 

7,570

 

200

 

1.45

 

1.21

 

0.24

 

 

 

Time deposits

 

112,658

 

91,722

 

20,936

 

18,990

 

1,946

 

33,346

 

29,697

 

3,649

 

0.91

 

0.69

 

0.22

 

 

Total deposits

 

304,858

 

204,265

 

100,593

 

72,794

 

27,799

 

231

 

358

 

(127)

 

2.64

 

2.01

 

0.63

 

 

Short-term borrowings

 

6,099

 

7,210

 

(1,111)

 

1,864

 

(2,975)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other medium and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,194

 

1,521

 

(327)

 

4.77

 

4.96

 

(0.19)

 

 

 

long-term debt

 

58,142

 

75,496

 

(17,354)

 

(3,424)

 

(13,930)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest bearing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

34,771

 

31,576

 

3,195

 

1.06

 

0.91

 

0.15

 

 

 

liabilities

 

369,099

 

286,971

 

82,128

 

71,234

 

10,894

 

8,873

 

8,790

 

83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,301

 

2,909

 

392

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other sources of funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

46,945

$

43,275

$

3,670

 

0.78

%

0.66

%

0.12

%

 

Total source of funds

 

369,099

 

286,971

 

82,128

 

71,234

 

10,894

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.43

%

4.34

%

0.09

%

 

Net interest margin/ income on a taxable equivalent basis (Non-GAAP)

 

2,078,503

 

1,875,992

 

202,511

$

(16,691)

$

219,202

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.15

%

4.09

%

0.06

%

 

Net interest spread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxable equivalent adjustment

 

186,809

 

141,116

 

45,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.03

%

4.01

%

0.02

%

 

Net interest margin/ income non-taxable equivalent basis (GAAP)

$

1,891,694

$

1,734,876

$

156,818

 

 

 

 

Note: The changes that are not due solely to volume or rate are allocated to volume and rate based on the proportion of the change in each category.

[1] Includes interest bearing demand deposits corresponding to certain government entities in Puerto Rico.

62


 

Provision for Loan Losses

The Corporation’s provision for loan losses was $165.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $228.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $62.3 million.

The provision for loan losses for Puerto Rico segment was $135.8 million, compared to $196.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a decrease of $60.7 million. The decrease in the provision for the year ended December 31, 2019 was mainly related to revisions to certain loss estimates and to incremental reserves for two large impaired commercial borrowers during the same period in 2018, coupled with the continued credit quality improvements in the mortgage portfolio during 2019. These positive variances were in part offset by higher reserves for the auto loans portfolio.

The Popular U.S. segment continued to reflect strong growth and favorable credit quality metrics. The provision for loan losses for this segment amounted to $30.0 million, flat when compared to $29.9 million for the same period in 2018.

Refer to the Credit Risk section of this MD&A for a detailed analysis of net charge-offs, non-performing assets, the allowance for loan losses and selected loan losses statistics.

 

Non-Interest Income

For the year ended December 31, 2019, non-interest income decreased by $82.6 million, when compared with the previous year. Excluding the unfavorable variance in FDIC loss share income (expense) of $94.7 million as a result of the Termination Agreement, non-interest income increased by $12.1 million primarily driven by:

Higher service charges on deposit accounts by $10.3 million, mainly at BPPR, due to higher fees on transactional cash management services;

 

Higher other service fees by $27.2 million mainly due to higher credit card fees by $9.2 million as a result of higher interchange income resulting from higher transactional volumes, higher insurance fees by $8.2 million in part due to higher contingent insurance commissions by $6.0 million and higher other fees by $6.9 million in part due to retail auto loan servicing fee income;

 

Higher net unrealized gains on equity securities by $4.6 million; and

 

Favorable variance in adjustments to indemnity reserves of $12.6 million mainly due to a lower provision related to loans previously sold with credit recourse and a release of a $4.4 million reserve previously established in connection with a 2013 transaction at BPPR.

 

These favorable variances were partially offset by:

 

Lower income from mortgage banking activities by $20.7 million mainly due to higher unfavorable fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights by $19.0 million, net of portfolio amortization, and higher realized losses on closed derivatives positions by $8.8 million; partially offset by higher gains on securitization transactions by $8.3 million; and

 

Lower other operating income by $23.0 million mainly resulting from $19.0 million in insurance recoveries related to Hurricane Maria received during 2018 and lower modification fees received for the successful completion of loss mitigation alternatives by $11.2 million, partially offset by higher aggregated net earnings from investments under the equity method by $4.9 million.

 

63


 

Operating Expenses

 

Table 4 provides a breakdown of operating expenses by major categories.

 

Table 4 - Operating Expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Personnel costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salaries

$

351,788

 

$

326,509

 

$

313,394

 

$

308,135

 

$

304,618

 

 

Commissions, incentives and other bonuses

 

97,764

 

 

90,000

 

 

70,099

 

 

73,684

 

 

79,305

 

 

Pension, postretirement and medical insurance

 

41,804

 

 

39,660

 

 

40,065

 

 

41,203

 

 

36,743

 

 

Other personnel costs, including payroll taxes

 

99,269

 

 

106,819

 

 

53,204

 

 

54,373

 

 

49,537

 

 

Total personnel costs

 

590,625

 

 

562,988

 

 

476,762

 

 

477,395

 

 

470,203

 

Net occupancy expenses

 

96,339

 

 

88,329

 

 

89,194

 

 

85,653

 

 

86,888

 

Equipment expenses

 

84,215

 

 

71,788

 

 

65,142

 

 

62,225

 

 

60,110

 

Other taxes

 

51,653

 

 

46,284

 

 

43,382

 

 

42,304

 

 

39,797

 

Professional fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collections, appraisals and other credit related fees

 

16,300

 

 

14,700

 

 

14,415

 

 

14,607

 

 

23,098

 

 

Programming, processing and other technology services

 

247,332

 

 

216,128

 

 

199,873

 

 

205,466

 

 

191,895

 

 

Legal fees, excluding collections

 

12,877

 

 

19,072

 

 

11,763

 

 

42,393

 

 

26,122

 

 

Other professional fees

 

107,902

 

 

99,944

 

 

66,437

 

 

60,577

 

 

67,870

 

 

Total professional fees

 

384,411

 

 

349,844

 

 

292,488

 

 

323,043

 

 

308,985

 

Communications

 

23,450

 

 

23,107

 

 

22,466

 

 

23,897

 

 

25,146

 

Business promotion

 

75,372

 

 

65,918

 

 

58,445

 

 

53,014

 

 

52,076

 

FDIC deposit insurance

 

18,179

 

 

27,757

 

 

26,392

 

 

24,512

 

 

27,626

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

-

 

 

12,522

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses

 

4,298

 

 

23,338

 

 

48,540

 

 

47,119

 

 

85,568

 

Other operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit and debit card processing, volume, interchange and other expenses

 

38,059

 

 

27,979

 

 

26,201

 

 

20,796

 

 

22,854

 

 

Operational losses

 

21,414

 

 

35,798

 

 

39,612

 

 

35,995

 

 

20,663

 

 

All other

 

80,097

 

 

76,584

 

 

59,194

 

 

43,737

 

 

58,874

 

 

Total other operating expenses

 

139,570

 

 

140,361

 

 

125,007

 

 

100,528

 

 

102,391

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

9,370

 

 

9,326

 

 

9,378

 

 

12,144

 

 

11,019

 

Goodwill and trademark impairment losses

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3,801

 

 

-

 

Restructuring costs

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

18,412

 

Total operating expenses

$

1,477,482

 

$

1,421,562

 

$

1,257,196

 

$

1,255,635

 

$

1,288,221

 

Personnel costs to average assets

 

1.17

%

 

1.21

%

 

1.15

%

 

1.27

%

 

1.34

%

Operating expenses to average assets

 

2.93

 

 

3.05

 

 

3.04

 

 

3.34

 

 

3.66

 

Employees (full-time equivalent)

 

8,560

 

 

8,474

 

 

7,784

 

 

7,828

 

 

7,810

 

Average assets per employee (in millions)

 

$5.88

 

 

$5.50

 

 

$5.32

 

 

$4.81

 

 

$4.51

 

 

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 increased by $55.9 million, when compared with the previous year, mostly due to:

Higher personnel cost by $27.6 million, including higher salaries by $25.3 million due to an increase in headcount, reflecting the integration of Reliable personnel during August 2018; higher commissions, incentives and other bonuses by $7.8 million and an increase of $3.2 million related to annual incentives tied to the Corporation’s financial performance, partially offset by a decrease of $7.6 million in other personnel cost mainly related with the implementation of the voluntary retirement program during prior year;

64


 

Higher net occupancy expense by $8.0 million due to insurance claim reimbursement received during 2018 and higher insurance cost and electricity expense;

Higher equipment expense by $12.4 million due to higher purchases of furniture and equipment and higher software and maintenance expenses;

Higher professional fees by $34.6 million mainly due to higher programming, processing and other technology expenses by $31.2 million in part related to the Reliable system conversion; and higher advisory expense by $5.0 million related to Corporate initiatives; and

Higher business promotions by $9.5 million mainly due to higher customer reward program expense and higher advertising cost.

These negative variances were partially offset by:

Lower FDIC deposit insurance by $9.6 million mainly driven by the termination of the surcharge period in 2018;

A loss of $12.5 million during the year 2018, resulting from the early extinguishment of its outstanding 7.00% Senior Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”); and

Lower OREO expenses by $19.0 million due to higher gain on sales by $9.6 million and lower write-downs on valuation of mortgage, commercial and construction properties by $7.5 million.

 

INCOME TAXES

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded income tax expense of $147.2 million, compared to $119.6 million for the previous year. The income tax expense for the year 2019 includes an income tax benefit of approximately $26 million related to a revision of the amount of exempt income for prior years and certain adjustments pertaining to tax periods for which the statute of limitations had expired.

On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law Act No. 257 of 2018, which amended the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code to, among other things, reduce the Puerto Rico corporate income tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. The Corporation recognized a $27.7 million non-cash income tax expense as a result of a reduction in the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset (“DTA”) related to its Puerto Rico operations, due to the aforementioned reduction in tax rates at which it expects to realize the benefit of the DTA. During 2018, the Corporation also recorded a tax benefit of $108.9 million related to the Tax Closing Agreement entered into in connection with the FDIC Transaction, net of an income tax expense of $45.0 million from the gain resulting from the Termination Agreement with the FDIC recognized during 2018.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had a deferred tax asset amounting to $0.9 billion, net of a valuation allowance of $0.5 billion. The deferred tax asset related to the U.S. operations was $0.3 billion, net of a valuation allowance of $0.4 billion.

Refer to Note 38 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate and additional information on deferred tax asset balances.

 

Fourth Quarter Results

The Corporation recognized net income of $166.8 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared with a net income of $106.4 million for the same quarter of 2018. The results for the fourth quarter of 2019 include an income tax benefit of approximately $18 million related to the revision of the amount of exempt income for prior years, while the results for the fourth quarter of 2018 include $27.7 million of income tax expense due to a reduction in the Corporation’s DTA, as further discussed below.

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted to $467.4 million, compared with $476.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. The decrease in net interest income was mainly due to higher interest expense on deposits driven by higher average balance; lower interest income from the commercial loan portfolio, resulting from lower market rates in the adjustable rate portfolio and originations in a declining interest rate environment; partially offset by higher income from money market, trading and investment securities as a result of higher volume of earning assets.

65


 

The provision for loan losses amounted to $47.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared to $42.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase of $4.6 million is reflected at PB by $7.2 million, partially offset by a decrease in BPPR of $2.6 million.

Non-interest income amounted to $152.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared with $153.2 million for the same quarter in 2018. The decrease was mainly due to lower other operating income by $12.9 million which included $9.5 million in recoveries from hurricane related claims during the fourth quarter of 2018, lower mortgage banking activities by $5.9 million mainly due to unfavorable fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights; partially offset by a favorable variance in adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold by $7.8 million, higher other service fees by $5.3 million mainly due to higher insurance fees, higher service charges on deposits accounts by $2.7 million and higher net gain on equity securities by $2.4 million.

Operating expenses totaled $390.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared with $396.5 million for the same quarter in the previous year. The decrease is mainly related to lower personnel costs by $14.7 million due to the impact of the voluntary retirement program which was effective for employees who confirmed their election to participate before the end of the year 2018 and lower incentive compensation; and the expense of $12.5 million related to the early redemption of the 2019 Notes during the fourth quarter of 2018; partially offset by higher professional fees by $14.0 million due to higher advisory expenses related to Corporate initiatives and higher credit and debit card processing, volume, interchange expenses by $5.7 million.

Income tax expense amounted to $15.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared with income tax expense of $84.0 million for the same quarter of 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Corporation recorded a tax benefit of approximately $18 million related to the revision of the amount of exempt income for prior years. During the fourth quarter of 2018 the Corporation recognized a $27.7 million non-cash income tax expense as a result of a reduction in the Corporation’s DTA related to its Puerto Rico operations, due to the reduction in Corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%.

 

REPORTABLE SEGMENT RESULTS

 

The Corporation’s reportable segments for managerial reporting purposes consist of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and Popular U.S. A Corporate group has been defined to support the reportable segments.

 

For a description of the Corporation’s reportable segments, including additional financial information and the underlying management accounting process, refer to Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As discussed in Note 40, effective on January 1, 2019, the Corporation’s management changed the measurement basis for its reportable segments. Historically, for management reporting purposes, the Corporation had reversed the effect of the intercompany billings from itself, as holding company, to its subsidiaries for certain services or expenses incurred on their behalf. In addition, the Corporation used to reflect an income tax expense allocation for several of its subsidiaries which are Limited Liability Companies (“LLCs”) and had made an election to be treated as pass through entities for income tax purposes. The Corporation’s management has determined to discontinue making these adjustments, effective on January 1, 2019, for purposes of its management and reportable segment reporting. The Corporation reflected these changes in the measurement of the reportable segments’ results prospectively beginning on January 1, 2019.

 

The Corporate group reported a net income of $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to a net loss of $89.7 million for the previous year. The increase in the net income was attributed to lower operating expenses by $107.0 million as a result of the change in the measurement basis of the intercompany billings from Popular Inc., holding company to its subsidiaries, as discussed above, and the early extinguishment of debt of $12.5 million related to the redemption of the 2019 Notes during 2018.

 

Highlights on the earnings results for the reportable segments are discussed below:

 

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

The Banco Popular de Puerto Rico reportable segment’s net income amounted to $609.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared with $630.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The principal factors that contributed to the variance in the financial results included the following:

 

66


 

Higher net interest income by $151.8 million due to higher interest income of loans by $140.4 million, reflecting growth in the auto portfolio and higher interest income on debt securities by $106.1 million; partially offset by higher interest expense from deposits by $71.8 million due to higher volumes predominantly the increase of deposits from the Puerto Rico government. The BPPR segment’s net interest margin was 4.30% for 2019 compared with 4.27% for the same period in 2018;

 

Lower provision for loans losses by $62.9 million driven by revisions to certain loss estimates and to incremental reserves for two large impaired commercial borrowers in 2018, coupled with the continued credit quality improvements in the mortgage portfolio during 2019. These positive variances were in part offset by higher reserves for the auto loans portfolio;

 

Lower non-interest income by $86.2 million mainly due to:

 

Lower mortgage banking activities by $20.7 million due to unfavorable fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights, and higher realized losses on closed derivatives position; and

 

Unfavorable variance in FDIC loss share (expense) income by $94.7 million driven by the impact of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements; and

 

Lower other operating income by $22.3 million mainly resulting from insurance recoveries related to Hurricane Maria of $19.0 million received during 2018.

Partially offset by:

 

Higher service charges on deposit accounts by $9.3 million due to higher fees on transactional cash management services;

 

Higher other service fees by $27.5 million due debit and credit card fees resulting from higher transactional volumes; higher retail auto loan servicing fee income; and

 

Favorable variance in adjustments to indemnity reserves of $12.6 million related to loans previously sold with credit recourse and a release of $4.4 million reserve established in connection with a 2013 transaction.

 

Higher operating expenses by $141.0 million, mainly due to:

 

Higher personnel costs by $15.3 million, including higher salaries by $9.9 million due to an increase in headcount, this increase includes the integration of Reliable personnel during August 2018 and an increase of $2.5 million related to the incentive compensation tied to the Corporation’s financial performance;

 

Higher equipment expense by $11.0 million due to higher purchases of furniture and equipment and higher software and maintenance expenses;

 

Higher professional fees by $28.1 million due to higher programming, processing and other technology expenses by $29.7 million in part related to Reliable system conversion;

 

Higher business promotions by $9.7 million mainly due to higher customer reward program expense and higher advertising cost; and

Higher other operating expenses by $93.4 million mainly to the change in the measurement basis of the intercompany billings from Popular Inc., holding company to its subsidiaries, mentioned above.

Partially offset by:

 

Lower OREO expense by $18.7 million due higher gain on sales by $11.1 million and lower write-downs on valuation of mortgage, commercial and construction properties by $7.5 million.

 

67


 

Higher income tax expense by $7.9 million mainly due to a net tax benefit of $27.7 million recorded in 2018 in connection with the FDIC Termination Agreement, refer to table 35 and higher tax rate; partially offset by a tax benefit of approximately $26 million related to the revision of the amount of exempt income earned in prior years and certain adjustments pertaining to tax periods for which the statue of limitations had expired. Refer to Note 38, Income Taxes for additional information.

 

Popular U.S.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the reportable segment of Popular U.S. reported net income of $55.3 million, compared with a net income of $77.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The principal factors that contributed to the variance in the financial results included the following:

 

Lower net interest income by $9.1 million mainly due to higher interest expense from deposits by $27.5 million driven by higher volumes to fund loan growth, partially offset by higher interest income of loans by $16.6 million driven by higher volume. The Popular U.S. reportable segment’s net interest margin was 3.32% for 2019 compared with 3.54% for the same period in 2018;

 

Provision for loan losses remained flat at $30 million for both years;

 

Non-interest income of $23.2 million was relatively flat when compared to $20.0 million the previous year;

 

Higher operating expenses by $22.3 million driven by higher personnel costs by $8.9 million mainly due to higher salaries and commissions and higher other operating expenses by $9.3 million mainly due to the change in the measurement basis of the intercompany billings from Popular Inc., holding company to its subsidiaries, mentioned above.

 

Income taxes favorable variance of $6.1 million mainly due to the decrease in pretax income.

 

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ANALYSIS

Assets

The Corporation’s total assets were $52.1 billion at December 31, 2019, compared to $47.6 billion at December 31, 2018. Refer to the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2019 and 2018 included in this 2019 Annual Report. Also, refer to the Statistical Summary 2015-2019 in this MD&A for Condensed Statements of Financial Condition for the past five years.

Money market, trading and investment securities

Money market investments totaled $3.3 billion at December 31, 2019 compared to $4.2 billion at December 31, 2018. The decrease was mainly due to purchases of debt securities available-for-sale.

Debt securities available-for-sale increased by $4.3 billion to $17.6 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly due to purchases of U.S. Treasury securities and mortgage-backed securities at BPPR, partially offset by maturities and paydowns. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information with respect to the Corporation’s debt securities available-for-sale.

Loans

Refer to Table 5 for a breakdown of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, the principal category of earning assets. Also, refer to Note 8 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information about the Corporation’s loan portfolio composition and loan purchases and sales.

Loans held-in-portfolio increased by $0.9 billion to $27.4 billion at December 31, 2019 mainly driven by growth of auto loans and leases and credit cards at the BPPR segment, coupled with an increase at PB across its commercial and mortgage loan portfolios.

 

 

68


 

Table 5 - Loans Ending Balances

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

(in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

2015

Loans not covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$

12,312,751

$

12,043,019

$

11,488,861

$

10,798,507

 

$

10,099,163

Construction

 

831,092

 

779,449

 

880,029

 

776,300

 

 

681,106

Legacy[1]

 

22,105

 

25,949

 

32,980

 

45,293

 

 

64,436

Lease financing

 

1,059,507

 

934,773

 

809,990

 

702,893

 

 

627,650

Mortgage

 

7,183,532

 

7,235,258

 

7,270,407

 

6,696,361

 

 

7,036,081

Consumer

 

5,997,886

 

5,489,441

 

3,810,527

 

3,754,393

 

 

3,837,679

Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio

 

27,406,873

 

26,507,889

 

24,292,794

 

22,773,747

 

 

22,346,115

Loans covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage

 

-

 

-

 

502,930

 

556,570

 

 

627,102

Consumer

 

-

 

-

 

14,344

 

16,308

 

 

19,013

Loans covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements

 

-

 

-

 

517,274

 

572,878

 

 

646,115

Total loans held-in-portfolio

 

27,406,873

 

26,507,889

 

24,810,068

 

23,346,625

 

 

22,992,230

Loans held-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

45,074

Construction

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

95

Mortgage

 

59,203

 

51,422

 

132,395

 

88,821

 

 

91,831

Total loans held-for-sale

 

59,203

 

51,422

 

132,395

 

88,821

 

 

137,000

Total loans

$

27,466,076

$

26,559,311

$

24,942,463

$

23,435,446

 

$

23,129,230

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

 

Other assets

Other assets increased by $0.1 billion mainly due to the recognition of right-of-use assets as a result of the implementation of the new lease accounting standard, as discussed in Note 35, which required balance sheet recognition of operating lease contracts, an increase in mortgage loan claims as a result of higher inflows impacted by the end of the foreclosure moratorium on FHA-insured mortgages and an increase in prepaid taxes, partially offset by a decrease in net deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 15 for a breakdown of the principal categories that comprise the caption of “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Liabilities

The Corporation’s total liabilities were $46.1 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of $3.9 billion compared to $42.2 billion at December 31, 2018, mainly due to deposits as discussed below. Refer to the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition included in this Form 10-K.

 

Deposits and Borrowings

The composition of the Corporation’s financing to total assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018 is included in Table 6.

69


 

Table 6 - Financing to Total Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

December 31,

% increase (decrease)

 

% of total assets

(In millions)

 

2019

 

2018

from 2018 to 2019

 

2019

 

2018

 

Non-interest bearing deposits

$

9,160

$

9,149

0.1

%

17.6

%

19.2

%

Interest-bearing core deposits

 

29,610

 

25,714

15.2

 

56.8

 

54.0

 

Other interest-bearing deposits

 

4,988

 

4,847

2.9

 

9.6

 

10.2

 

Repurchase agreements

 

193

 

282

(31.6)

 

0.4

 

0.6

 

Notes payable

 

1,102

 

1,256

(12.3)

 

2.1

 

2.7

 

Other liabilities

 

1,045

 

922

13.3

 

2.0

 

1.9

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

6,017

 

5,435

10.7

 

11.5

 

11.4

 

 

Deposits

The Corporation’s deposits totaled $43.8 billion at December 31, 2019, compared to $39.7 billion at December 31, 2018.The deposits increase of $4.1 billion was mainly due to an increase of $2.9 billion in Puerto Rico public sector deposits and an increase of $0.9 billion in retail deposits at Popular Bank mainly from deposits gathered through its online platform. Refer to Table 7 for a breakdown of the Corporation’s deposits at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Table 7 - Deposits Ending Balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

Demand deposits [1]

$

16,566,145

 

$

16,077,023

 

$

12,460,081

 

$

9,053,897

 

$

7,221,238

Savings, NOW and money market deposits (non-brokered)

 

19,169,899

 

 

15,616,247

 

 

15,054,242

 

 

13,327,298

 

 

11,440,693

Savings, NOW and money market deposits (brokered)

 

347,765

 

 

400,004

 

 

424,307

 

 

405,487

 

 

382,424

Time deposits (non-brokered)

 

7,546,621

 

 

7,500,544

 

 

7,411,140

 

 

7,486,717

 

 

7,274,157

Time deposits (brokered CDs)

 

128,176

 

 

116,221

 

 

103,738

 

 

222,825

 

 

891,211

Total deposits

$

43,758,606

 

$

39,710,039

 

$

35,453,508

 

$

30,496,224

 

$

27,209,723

[1] Includes interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits.

 

Borrowings

The Corporation’s borrowings amounted to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.2 billion when compared to December 31, 2018, mainly due to maturities of Federal Home Loan Bank advances and repurchase agreements at PB. Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information on the Corporation’s borrowings. Also, refer to the Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other Commitments section in this MD&A for additional information on the Corporation’s contractual obligations.

Other liabilities

The Corporation’s other liabilities amounted to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of $0.1 billion when compared to December 31, 2018, mainly due to the recognition of operating lease liabilities, as discussed above, partially offset by a decrease in the liability for rebooked GNMA loans sold with an option to repurchase and credit recourse liability.

Stockholders’ Equity

Stockholders’ equity totaled $6.0 billion at December 31, 2019, compared to $5.4 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase of $0.6 billion was mainly due to net income of $671.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 and higher unrealized gains on debt securities available-for-sale by $266.0 million, partially offset by the impact of the $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction and declared dividends of $116.0 million on common stock and $3.7 million in dividends on preferred stock.

Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, Comprehensive Income and of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for information on the composition of stockholders’ equity. Also, refer to Note 24 for a detail of accumulated other comprehensive loss, an integral component of stockholders’ equity.

70


 

REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Corporation and its bank subsidiaries are subject to capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve. The current risk-based capital standards applicable to Popular, Inc. and the Banks, BPPR and PB, are based on the final capital framework of Basel III. The capital rules of Basel III which became effective on January 1, 2015, established a “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”) capital measure and specified that Tier 1 capital consist of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 Capital” instruments meeting specified requirements. Table 8 presents the Corporation’s capital adequacy information for the years 2015 through 2019 under the regulatory guidance applicable during those years. Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements presents further information on the Corporation’s regulatory capital requirements, including the regulatory capital ratios of its depository institutions, BPPR and PB. The Corporation continues to exceed the well-capitalized guidelines under the federal banking regulations.

 

Table 8 - Capital Adequacy Data

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

 

2015

 

Risk-based capital:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier 1 capital

$

5,121,240

 

 

$

4,631,511

 

 

$

4,226,519

 

$

4,121,208

 

 

4,049,576

 

 

Tier 1 capital

$

5,121,240

 

 

$

4,631,511

 

 

$

4,226,519

 

$

4,121,208

 

$

4,049,576

 

 

Supplementary (Tier 2) capital

 

737,375

 

 

 

722,688

 

 

 

758,746

 

 

748,007

 

 

642,833

 

 

Total capital

$

5,858,615

 

 

$

5,354,199

 

 

$

4,985,265

 

$

4,869,215

 

$

4,692,409

 

 

Total risk-weighted assets

$

28,840,368

 

 

$

27,403,718

 

 

$

25,935,696

 

$

25,001,334

 

$

24,987,144

 

Adjusted average quarterly assets

$

51,057,484

 

 

$

46,876,424

 

 

$

42,185,805

 

$

37,785,070

 

$

34,253,625

 

Ratios:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier 1 capital

 

17.76

%

 

 

16.90

%

 

 

16.30

%

 

16.48

%

 

16.21

%

 

Tier 1 capital

 

17.76

 

 

 

16.90

 

 

 

16.30

 

 

16.48

 

 

16.21

 

 

Total capital

 

20.31

 

 

 

19.54

 

 

 

19.22

 

 

19.48

 

 

18.78

 

 

Leverage ratio

 

10.03

 

 

 

9.88

 

 

 

10.02

 

 

10.91

 

 

11.82

 

 

Average equity to assets

 

11.35

 

 

 

11.67

 

 

 

12.91

 

 

14.03

 

 

13.37

 

 

Average tangible equity to assets

 

10.11

 

 

 

10.37

 

 

 

11.48

 

 

12.45

 

 

11.95

 

 

Average equity to loans

 

21.31

 

 

 

21.72

 

 

 

22.73

 

 

22.89

 

 

20.42

 

The increase in the CET1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio, total capital ratio and leverage ratio as of December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 was mostly due to the year’s earnings, partially offset by the accelerated common stock repurchase of $250 million, the increase in risk weighted assets driven by the growth in auto loans and leases, higher available-for-sale securities and the recognition of right-of-use assets.

An institution is considered “well-capitalized” if it maintains a total capital ratio of 10%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8%, a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5% and a leverage ratio of 5%. The Corporation’s ratios presented in Table 8 show that the Corporation was “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes, the highest classification, under Basel III for years 2015 through 2019. BPPR and PB were also well-capitalized for all years presented.

The Basel III Capital Rules also introduce a new 2.5% “capital conservation buffer”, composed entirely of CET1, on top of the three minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the capital conservation buffer will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. As of January 1, 2019, Popular, BPPR and PB are required to maintain an additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of CET1, effectively resulting in minimum ratios of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7%, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5%, and (iii) Total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%.

Table 9 reconciles the Corporation’s total common stockholders’ equity to common equity Tier 1 capital.

 

Table 9 - Reconciliation Common Equity Tier 1 Capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

71


 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Common stockholders’ equity

$

5,966,619

 

$

5,384,897

 

AOCI related adjustments due to opt-out election

 

113,155

 

 

378,038

 

Goodwill, net of associated deferred tax liability (DTL)

 

(596,994)

 

 

(596,695)

 

Intangible assets, net of associated DTLs

 

(28,780)

 

 

(26,833)

 

Deferred tax assets and other deductions

 

(332,763)

 

 

(507,896)

 

Common equity tier 1 capital

$

5,121,237

 

$

4,631,511

 

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

17.76

%

 

16.90

%

 

Non-GAAP financial measures

The tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per common share, which are presented in the table that follows, are non-GAAP measures. 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 accounting method of accounting for mergers and acquisitions. Neither tangible common equity nor tangible assets or related measures should be considered in isolation or as a substitute for stockholders’ equity, total assets or any other measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“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.

Table 10 provides a reconciliation of total stockholders’ equity to tangible common equity and total assets to tangible assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

72


 

Table 10 - Reconciliation Tangible Common Equity and Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

 

(In thousands, except share or per share information)

 

 

2019

 

 

 

2018

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

$

6,016,779

 

 

$

5,435,057

 

Less: Preferred stock

 

 

(50,160)

 

 

 

(50,160)

 

Less: Goodwill

 

 

(671,122)

 

 

 

(671,122)

 

Less: Other intangibles

 

 

(28,780)

 

 

 

(26,833)

 

Total tangible common equity

 

$

5,266,717

 

 

$

4,686,942

 

Total assets

 

$

52,115,324

 

 

$

47,604,577

 

Less: Goodwill

 

 

(671,122)

 

 

 

(671,122)

 

Less: Other intangibles

 

 

(28,780)

 

 

 

(26,833)

 

Total tangible assets

 

$

51,415,422

 

 

$

46,906,622

 

Tangible common equity to tangible assets at end of period

 

 

10.24

%

 

 

9.99

%

Common shares outstanding at end of period

 

 

95,589,629

 

 

 

99,942,845

 

Tangible book value per common share

 

$

55.10

 

 

$

46.90

 

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER COMMITMENTS

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 than the full contract or notional amount of the transaction. 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 commitments may include loan commitments and standby letters of credit. These commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process 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 statement of financial position. Other types of off-balance sheet arrangements that the Corporation enters in the ordinary course of business include derivatives, operating leases and provision of guarantees, indemnifications, and representation and warranties. Refer to Note 25 for a detailed discussion related to the Corporation’s obligations under credit recourse and representation and warranties arrangements.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

The Corporation has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commercial commitments, which require future cash payments on debt and lease agreements.

As previously indicated, the Corporation also enters into derivative contracts under which it is required either to receive or pay cash, depending on changes in interest rates. These contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated statements of financial condition with the fair value representing the net present value of the expected future cash receipts and payments based on market rates of interest as of the statement of condition date. The fair value of the contract changes daily as interest rates change. The Corporation may also be required to post additional collateral on margin calls on the derivatives and repurchase transactions.

At December 31, 2019, the aggregate contractual cash obligations, including purchase obligations and borrowings, by maturities, are presented in Table 11.

 

Table 11 - Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

(In thousands)

 

Less than 1 year

 

1 to 3 years

 

3 to 5 years

 

After 5 years

 

 

Total

Certificates of deposits

$

4,612,460

$

1,883,329

$

1,118,447

$

60,561

 

$

7,674,797

Assets sold under agreement to repurchase

 

193,378

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

 

193,378

Long-term debt

 

139,920

 

153,188

 

346,941

 

461,559

 

 

1,101,608

Operating leases

 

29,872

 

50,985

 

41,433

 

70,842

 

 

193,132

Finance leases

 

3,068

 

6,411

 

6,797

 

8,220

 

 

24,496

73


 

Total contractual cash obligations

$

4,978,698

$

2,093,913

$

1,513,618

$

601,182

 

$

9,187,411

 

Under the Corporation’s repurchase agreements, Popular is required to deposit cash or qualifying securities to meet margin requirements. To the extent that the value of securities previously pledged as collateral declines because of changes in interest rates, the Corporation will be required to deposit additional cash or securities to meet its margin requirements, thereby adversely affecting its liquidity.

 

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s liability on its pension, restoration and postretirement benefit plans amounted to approximately $221 million, compared with $222 million at December 31, 2018. The Corporation’s expected contributions to the pension and benefit restoration plans are minimal, while the expected contributions to the postretirement benefit plan to fund current benefit payment requirements are estimated at $6.5 million for 2020. Obligations to these plans are based on current and projected obligations of the plans, performance of the plan assets, if applicable, and any participant contributions. Refer to Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on these plans. Management believes that the effect of the pension and postretirement plans on liquidity is not significant to the Corporation’s overall financial condition. The BPPR’s non-contributory defined pension and benefit restoration plans are frozen with regards to all future benefit accruals.

 

At December 31, 2019, the liability for uncertain tax positions was $16.3 million, compared with $7.2 million as of the end of 2018. This liability represents an estimate of tax positions that the Corporation has taken in its tax returns which may ultimately not be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. The ultimate amount and timing of any future cash settlements cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty. Under the statute of limitations, the liability for uncertain tax positions expires as follows: 2020 - $1.5 million, 2021 - $11.3 million, 2022 - $1.1 million and 2023 - $1.1 million. Additionally, $1.4 million is not subject to the statute of limitations. As a result of examinations, the Corporation anticipates a reduction in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months, which could amount to approximately $2.1 million, including interests.

 

The Corporation also utilizes lending-related financial instruments in the normal course of business to accommodate the financial needs of its customers. The Corporation’s exposure to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of these instruments. The Corporation uses credit procedures and policies in making those commitments and conditional obligations as it does in extending loans to customers. Since many of the commitments expire without being drawn upon or a default occurring, the total contractual amounts are not representative of the Corporation’s actual future credit exposure or liquidity requirements for these commitments.

 

The following table presents the contractual amounts related to the Corporation’s off-balance sheet lending and other activities at December 31, 2019:

 

Table 12 - Off-Balance Sheet Lending and Other Activities

 

 

 

Amount of commitment - Expiration Period

(In thousands)

 

2020

Years 2021 - 2022

Years 2023 - 2024

Years 2025 - thereafter

Total

Commitments to extend credit

 

$

7,406,856

$

736,833

$

119,180

$

94,647

$

8,357,516

Commercial letters of credit

 

 

2,629

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

2,629

Standby letters of credit

 

 

34,514

 

40,672

 

-

 

-

 

75,186

Commitments to originate or fund mortgage loans

 

 

95,321

 

1,332

 

-

 

-

 

96,653

Total

 

$

7,539,320

$

778,837

$

119,180

$

94,647

$

8,531,984

 

Refer to Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on credit commitments and contingencies.

74


 

RISK MANAGEMENT

Market / Interest Rate Risk

The financial results and capital levels of the Corporation are constantly exposed to market, interest rate and liquidity risks.

Market risk refers to the risk of a reduction in the Corporation’s capital due to changes in the market valuation of its assets and/or liabilities.

Most of the assets subject to market valuation risk are debt securities classified as available-for-sale. Refer to Notes 6 and 7 for further information on the debt securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios. Debt securities classified as available-for-sale amounted to $17.6 billion as of December 31, 2019. Other assets subject to market risk include loans held-for-sale, which amounted to $59 million, mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) which amounted to $151 million and securities classified as “trading”, which amounted to $40 million, as of December 31, 2019.

Interest Rate Risk (“IRR”)

The Corporation’s net interest income is subject to various categories of interest rate risk, including repricing, basis, yield curve and option risks. In managing interest rate risk, management may alter the mix of floating and fixed rate assets and liabilities, change pricing schedules, adjust maturities through sales and purchases of investment securities, and enter into derivative contracts, among other alternatives.

Interest rate risk management is an active process that encompasses monitoring loan and deposit flows complemented by investment and funding activities. Effective management of interest rate risk begins with understanding the dynamic characteristics of assets and liabilities and determining the appropriate rate risk position given line of business forecasts, management objectives, market expectations and policy constraints.

Management utilizes various tools to assess IRR, including Net Interest Income (“NII”) simulation modeling, static gap analysis, and Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”). The three methodologies complement each other and are used jointly in the evaluation of the Corporation’s IRR. NII simulation modeling is prepared for a five-year period, which in conjunction with the EVE analysis, provides management a better view of long-term IRR.

Net interest income simulation analysis performed by legal entity and on a consolidated basis is a tool used by the Corporation in estimating the potential change in net interest income resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates. Sensitivity analysis is calculated using a simulation model which incorporates actual balance sheet figures detailed by maturity and interest yields or costs.

Management assesses interest rate risk by comparing various NII simulations under different interest rate scenarios that differ in direction of interest rate changes, the degree of change and the projected shape of the yield curve. For example, the types of rate scenarios processed during the quarter include flat rates, implied forwards, parallel and non-parallel rate shocks. Management also performs analyses to isolate and measure basis and prepayment risk exposures.

The asset and liability management group performs validation procedures on various assumptions used as part of the simulation analyses as well as validations of results on a monthly basis. In addition, the model and processes used to assess IRR are subject to independent validations according to the guidelines established in the Model Governance and Validation policy.

The Corporation processes NII simulations under interest rate scenarios in which the yield curve is assumed to rise and decline by the same amount (parallel shifts). The rate scenarios considered in these market risk simulations reflect parallel changes of -100, -200, +100, +200 and +400 basis points during the succeeding twelve-month period. Simulation analyses are based on many assumptions, including relative levels of market interest rates across all yield curve points and indexes, interest rate spreads, loan prepayments and deposit elasticity. Thus, they should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results. Further, the estimates do not contemplate actions that management could take to respond to changes in interest rates. By their nature, these forward-looking computations are only estimates and may be different from what may actually occur in the future. The following table presents the results of the simulations at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, assuming a static balance sheet and parallel changes over flat spot rates over a one-year time horizon:

75


 

Table 13 - Net Interest Income Sensitivity (One Year Projection)

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount Change

Percent Change

 

 

Amount Change

Percent Change

 

Change in interest rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+400 basis points

$

64,351

3.37

%

$

151,871

8.12

%

+200 basis points

 

32,766

1.72

 

 

76,479

4.09

 

+100 basis points

 

16,379

0.86

 

 

39,234

2.10

 

-100 basis points

 

(35,213)

(1.84)

 

 

(26,305)

(1.41)

 

-200 basis points

 

(131,874)

(6.91)

 

 

(145,819)

(7.80)

 

 

At December 31, 2019, the simulations showed that the Corporation maintains an asset-sensitive position. This is primarily due to (i) a high level of money market and short-term investments that are highly sensitive to changes in interest rates, (ii) approximately 31% of the Corporation’s loan portfolio was comprised of variable rate loans, and (iii) low elasticity of the Corporation’s core deposit base. The asset sensitive position is more asymmetric in the more extreme -200 basis point scenario, as the Company does not expect it could lower deposit costs below zero. The Corporation’s current asset sensitive position as detailed above and further expectation of lower interest rates will negatively impact our future results. However, other factors like balance sheet size, asset mix and the shape of the yield curve will also impact these results.

 

The Corporation’s loan and investment portfolios are subject to prepayment risk, which results from the ability of a third-party to repay debt obligations prior to maturity. Prepayment risk also could have a significant impact on the duration of mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, since prepayments could shorten (or lower prepayments could extend) the weighted average life of these portfolios.

 

Table 14 - Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

By repricing dates

(Dollars in thousands)

 

0-30 days

 

Within 31 - 90 days

 

After three months but within six months

 

After six months but within nine months

 

After nine months but within one year

 

After one year but within two years

 

After two years

 

Non-interest bearing funds

 

Total

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market investments

$

3,262,286

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

3,262,286

Investment and trading securities

 

1,537,514

 

2,379,485

 

1,184,436

 

584,367

 

581,292

 

2,410,182

 

9,136,846

 

132,221

 

17,946,343

Loans

 

5,645,766

 

1,791,917

 

1,219,030

 

1,135,534

 

1,117,627

 

4,070,829

 

12,746,646

 

(261,273)

 

27,466,076

Other assets

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,440,619

 

3,440,619

Total

 

10,445,566

 

4,171,402

 

2,403,466

 

1,719,901

 

1,698,919

 

6,481,011

 

21,883,492

 

3,311,567

 

52,115,324

Liabilities and stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings, NOW and money market and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other interest bearing demand deposits

 

12,425,665

 

650,725

 

908,212

 

833,417

 

765,596

 

2,498,080

 

8,841,941

 

-

 

26,923,636

Certificates of deposit

 

1,982,057

 

650,883

 

713,261

 

711,511

 

673,910

 

1,217,131

 

1,726,044

 

-

 

7,674,797

Federal funds purchased and assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sold under agreements to repurchase

 

90,780

 

78,061

 

19,537

 

-

 

5,000

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

193,378

Notes payable

 

31,000

 

12,771

 

23,218

 

61,000

 

11,930

 

50,040

 

911,649

 

-

 

1,101,608

Non-interest bearing deposits

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

9,160,173

 

9,160,173

Other non-interest bearing liabilities

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,044,953

 

1,044,953

Stockholders' equity

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

6,016,779

 

6,016,779

Total

$

14,529,502

$

1,392,440

$

1,664,228

$

1,605,928

$

1,456,436

$

3,765,251

$

11,479,634

$

16,221,905

$

52,115,324

Interest rate sensitive gap

 

(4,083,936)

 

2,778,962

 

739,238

 

113,973

 

242,483

 

2,715,760

 

10,403,858

 

(12,910,338)

 

-

Cumulative interest rate sensitive gap

 

(4,083,936)

 

(1,304,974)

 

(565,736)

 

(451,763)

 

(209,280)

 

2,506,480

 

12,910,338

 

-

 

-

Cumulative interest rate sensitive gap

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to earning assets

 

(8.37)

%

(2.67)

%

(1.16)

%

(0.93)

%

(0.43)

%

5.14

%

26.45

%

-

 

-

 

Table 15, which presents the maturity distribution of earning assets, takes into consideration prepayment assumptions.

 

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Table 15 - Maturity Distribution of Earning Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

Maturities

 

 

 

 

 

 

After one year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

through five years

 

After five years

 

 

 

 

 

 

One year

 

Fixed

 

Variable

 

Fixed interest

 

Variable interest

 

 

(In thousands)

 

or less

 

interest rates

 

interest rates

 

rates

 

rates

 

Total

Money market securities

$

3,262,286

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

$

3,262,286

Investment and trading securities

 

6,240,531

$

8,325,318

$

23,726

$

3,183,906

$

12,975

 

17,786,456

Loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

 

3,122,399

 

3,342,064

 

2,899,260

 

1,485,724

 

1,485,409

 

12,334,856

Construction

 

646,413

 

10,007

 

170,131

 

3,337

 

1,204

 

831,092

Lease financing

 

328,530

 

726,511

 

-

 

4,466

 

-

 

1,059,507

Consumer

 

1,849,765

 

2,902,771

 

352,175

 

121,971

 

771,204

 

5,997,886

Mortgage

 

707,355

 

2,369,596

 

168,432

 

3,951,106

 

46,246

 

7,242,735

Subtotal loans

 

6,654,462

 

9,350,949

 

3,589,998

 

5,566,604

 

2,304,063

 

27,466,076

Total earning assets

$

16,157,279

$

17,676,267

$

3,613,724

$

8,750,510

$

2,317,038

$

48,514,818

Note: Equity securities available-for-sale and other investment securities, including Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock held by the Corporation, are not included in this table. Loans held-for-sale have been allocated according to the expected sale date.

 

Trading

The Corporation engages in trading activities in the ordinary course of business at its subsidiaries, BPPR and Popular Securities. Popular Securities’ trading activities consist primarily of market-making activities to meet expected customers’ needs related to its retail brokerage business, and purchases and sales of U.S. Government and government sponsored securities with the objective of realizing gains from expected short-term price movements. BPPR’s trading activities consist primarily of holding U.S. Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities classified as “trading” and hedging the related market risk with “TBA” (to-be-announced) market transactions. The objective is to derive spread income from the portfolio and not to benefit from short-term market movements. In addition, BPPR uses forward contracts or TBAs to hedge its securitization pipeline. Risks related to variations in interest rates and market volatility are hedged with TBAs that have characteristics similar to that of the forecasted security and its conversion timeline.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation held trading securities with a fair value of $40 million, representing approximately 0.1% of the Corporation’s total assets, compared with $38 million and 0.1%, respectively, at December 31, 2018. As shown in Table 16, the trading portfolio consists principally of mortgage-backed securities which at December 31, 2019 were investment grade securities. As of December 31, 2019, the trading portfolio also included $7 million in U.S. Treasury securities and $0.6 million in Puerto Rico government obligations ($6 million and $0.1 million as of December 31, 2018, respectively). Trading instruments are recognized at fair value, with changes resulting from fluctuations in market prices, interest rates or exchange rates reported in current period earnings. The Corporation recognized a net trading account gain of $ 994 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2019 and a net trading account loss of $208 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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Table 16 - Trading Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

 

Weighted Average Yield[1]

 

 

Amount

 

Weighted Average Yield[1]

 

Mortgage-backed securities

$

28,556

 

5.28

%

$

27,257

 

5.49

%

U.S. Treasury securities

 

7,083

 

1.22

 

 

6,278

 

2.13

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

606

 

5.72

 

 

659

 

5.62

 

Puerto Rico government obligations

 

633

 

2.60

 

 

134

 

0.26

 

Interest-only strips

 

440

 

12.05

 

 

484

 

12.05

 

Other

 

3,003

 

2.79

 

 

2,975

 

3.54

 

Total

$

40,321

 

4.42

%

$

37,787

 

4.85

%

[1] Not on a taxable equivalent basis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Corporation’s trading activities are limited by internal policies. For each of the two subsidiaries, the market risk assumed under trading activities is measured by the 5-day net value-at-risk (“VAR”), with a confidence level of 99%. The VAR measures the maximum estimated loss that may occur over a 5-day holding period, given a 99% probability.

The Corporation’s trading portfolio had a 5-day VAR of approximately $0.2 million for the last week in December 31, 2019. There are numerous assumptions and estimates associated with VAR modeling, and actual results could differ from these assumptions and estimates. Backtesting is performed to compare actual results against maximum estimated losses, in order to evaluate model and assumptions accuracy.

In the opinion of management, the size and composition of the trading portfolio does not represent a significant source of market risk for the Corporation.

 

Derivatives

Derivatives may be used by the Corporation as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy to minimize significant unexpected fluctuations in earnings and cash flows that are caused by fluctuations in interest rates. Derivative instruments that the Corporation may use include, among others, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, indexed options, and forward contracts. The Corporation does not use highly leveraged derivative instruments in its interest rate risk management strategy. The Corporation enters into interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and foreign exchange contracts for the benefit of commercial customers. Credit risk embedded in these transactions is reduced by requiring appropriate collateral from counterparties and entering into netting agreements whenever possible. All outstanding derivatives are recognized in the Corporation’s consolidated statement of condition at their fair value. Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the Corporation’s involvement in derivative instruments and hedging activities.

The Corporation’s derivative activities are entered primarily to offset the impact of market volatility on the economic value of assets or liabilities. The net effect on the market value of potential changes in interest rates of derivatives and other financial instruments is analyzed. The effectiveness of these hedges is monitored to ascertain that the Corporation is reducing market risk as expected. Derivative transactions are generally executed with instruments with a high correlation to the hedged asset or liability. The underlying index or instrument of the derivatives used by the Corporation is selected based on its similarity to the asset or liability being hedged. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, fixed and variable interest rate hedged assets and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in fair value. The effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation is expected to be substantially offset by the Corporation’s gains or losses on the derivative instruments that are linked to these hedged assets and liabilities. Management will assess if circumstances warrant liquidating or replacing the derivatives position in the hypothetical event that high correlation is reduced. Based on the Corporation’s derivative instruments outstanding at December 31, 2019, it is not anticipated that such a scenario would have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

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Certain derivative contracts also present credit risk and liquidity risk because the counterparties may not comply with the terms of the contract, or the collateral obtained might be illiquid or become so. The Corporation controls credit risk through approvals, limits and monitoring procedures, and through master netting and collateral agreements whenever possible. Further, as applicable under the terms of the master agreements, the Corporation may obtain collateral, where appropriate, to reduce credit risk. The credit risk attributed to the counterparty’s nonperformance risk is incorporated in the fair value of the derivatives. Additionally, as required by the fair value measurements guidance, the fair value of the Corporation’s own credit standing is considered in the fair value of the derivative liabilities. For information on the gain (loss) resulting from the inclusion of the credit risk in the fair value of the derivatives, refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements.

The Corporation performs appropriate due diligence and monitors the financial condition of counterparties that represent a significant volume of credit exposure. Additionally, the Corporation has exposure limits to prevent any undue funding exposure.

Cash Flow Hedges

The Corporation manages the variability of cash payments due to interest rate fluctuations by the effective use of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges and that are linked to specified hedged assets and liabilities. The cash flow hedges relate to forward contracts or TBA mortgage-backed securities that are sold and bought for future settlement to hedge mortgage-backed securities and loans prior to securitization. The seller agrees to deliver on a specified future date a specified instrument at a specified price or yield. These securities are hedging a forecasted transaction and are designated for cash flow hedge accounting. The notional amount of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2019 amounted to $ 98 million (2018 - $ 90 million).

Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for additional quantitative information on these derivative contracts.

 

Fair Value Hedges

The Corporation did not have any derivatives designated as fair value hedges during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Trading and Non-Hedging Derivative Activities

The Corporation enters into derivative positions based on market expectations or to benefit from price differentials between financial instruments and markets mostly to economically hedge a related asset or liability. The Corporation also enters into various derivatives to provide these types of derivative products to customers. These free-standing derivatives are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as part of the results of operations for the period.

Following is a description of the most significant of the Corporation’s derivative activities that are not designated for hedge accounting. Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for additional quantitative and qualitative information on these derivative instruments.

The Corporation has over-the-counter option contracts which are utilized in order to limit the Corporation’s exposure on customer deposits whose returns are tied to the S&P 500 or to certain other equity securities or commodity indexes. The Corporation offers certificates of deposit with returns linked to these indexes to its retail customers, principally in connection with individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and certificates of deposit. At December 31, 2019, these deposits amounted to $ 67 million (2018 - $ 63 million), or less than 1% (2018 – less than 1%) of the Corporation’s total deposits. In these certificates, the customer’s principal is guaranteed by the Corporation and insured by the FDIC to the maximum extent permitted by law. The instruments pay a return based on the increase of these indexes, as applicable, during the term of the instrument. Accordingly, this product gives customers the opportunity to invest in a product that protects the principal invested but allows the customer the potential to earn a return based on the performance of the indexes.

The risk of issuing certificates of deposit with returns tied to the applicable indexes is economically hedged by the Corporation. Indexed options are purchased from financial institutions with strong credit standings, whose return is designed to match the return payable on the certificates of deposit issued. By hedging the risk in this manner, the effective cost of these deposits is fixed. The contracts have a maturity and an index equal to the terms of the pool of retail deposits that they are economically hedging.

79


 

The purchased option contracts are initially accounted for at cost (i.e., amount of premium paid) and recorded as a derivative asset. The derivative asset is marked-to-market on a quarterly basis with changes in fair value charged to earnings. The deposits are hybrid instruments containing embedded options that must be bifurcated in accordance with the derivatives and hedging activities guidance. The initial value of the embedded option (component of the deposit contract that pays a return based on changes in the applicable indexes) is bifurcated from the related certificate of deposit and is initially recorded as a derivative liability and a corresponding discount on the certificate of deposit is recorded. Subsequently, the discount on the deposit is accreted and included as part of interest expense while the bifurcated option is marked-to-market with changes in fair value charged to earnings.

The purchased indexed options are used to economically hedge the bifurcated embedded option. These option contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, and therefore, cannot be designated as accounting hedges. At December 31, 2019, the notional amount of the indexed options on deposits approximated $ 69 million (2018 - $ 69 million) with a fair value of $ 18 million (asset) (2018 - $ 13 million) while the embedded options had a notional value of $ 67 million (2018 - $ 63 million) with a fair value of $ 16 million (liability) (2018 - $ 11 million).

Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for a description of other non-hedging derivative activities utilized by the Corporation during 2019 and 2018.

 

Foreign Exchange

The Corporation holds an interest in BHD León in the Dominican Republic, which is an investment accounted for under the equity method. The Corporation’s carrying value of the equity interest in BHD León approximated $151.6 million at December 31, 2019. This business is conducted in the country’s foreign currency. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment, from operations for which the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, is reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated statements of condition, except for highly-inflationary environments in which the effects would be included in the consolidated statements of operations. At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had approximately $ 57 million in an unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustment as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss, compared with an unfavorable adjustment of $ 50 million at December 31, 2018 and $ 43 million at December 31, 2017.

80


 

Liquidity

The objective of effective liquidity management is to ensure that the Corporation has sufficient liquidity to meet all of its financial obligations, finance expected future growth and maintain a reasonable safety margin for cash commitments under both normal and stressed market conditions. The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing the Corporation’s tolerance for liquidity risk, including approving relevant risk limits and policies. The Board of Directors has delegated the monitoring of these risks to the Risk Management Committee and the Asset/Liability Management Committee. The management of liquidity risk, on a long-term and day-to-day basis, is the responsibility of the Corporate Treasury Division. The Corporation’s Corporate Treasurer is responsible for implementing the policies and procedures approved by the Board of Directors and for monitoring the Corporation’s liquidity position on an ongoing basis. Also, the Corporate Treasury Division coordinates corporate wide liquidity management strategies and activities with the reportable segments, oversees policy breaches and manages the escalation process. The Financial and Operational Risk Management Division is responsible for the independent monitoring and reporting of adherence with established policies.

An institution’s liquidity may be pressured if, for example, its credit rating is downgraded, it experiences a sudden and unexpected substantial cash outflow, or some other event causes counterparties to avoid exposure to the institution. Factors that the Corporation does not control, such as the economic outlook, adverse ratings of its principal markets and regulatory changes, could also affect its ability to obtain funding.

Liquidity is managed by the Corporation at the level of the holding companies that own the banking and non-banking subsidiaries. It is also managed at the level of the banking and non-banking subsidiaries. The Corporation has adopted policies and limits to monitor more effectively the Corporation’s liquidity position and that of the banking subsidiaries. Additionally, contingency funding plans are used to model various stress events of different magnitudes and affecting different time horizons that assist management in evaluating the size of the liquidity buffers needed if those stress events occur. However, such models may not predict accurately how the market and customers might react to every event, and are dependent on many assumptions.

Deposits, including customer deposits, brokered deposits and public funds deposits, continue to be the most significant source of funds for the Corporation, funding 84% of the Corporation’s total assets at December 31, 2019 and 83% at December 31, 2018. The ratio of total ending loans to deposits was 63% at December 31, 2019, compared to 67% at December 31, 2018. In addition to traditional deposits, the Corporation maintains borrowing arrangements, which amounted to approximately $1.3 billion at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $1.5 billion). A detailed description of the Corporation’s borrowings, including their terms, is included in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Also, the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements provide information on the Corporation’s cash inflows and outflows.

As previously mentioned, during 2019 the Corporation executed actions corresponding to its capital and liquidity strategic plans. These included the $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction with respect to its common stock and an increase in quarterly common stock dividend from $0.25 per share to $0.30 per share. Refer to additional details of these transactions in the Overview section of this MD&A and Notes 22 - Stockholders Equity and Note 33 - Net Income Per Common Share.

The following sections provide further information on the Corporation’s major funding activities and needs, as well as the risks involved in these activities. Note 42 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides consolidating statements of condition, of operations and of cash flows which separately presents the Corporation’s bank holding companies and its subsidiaries as part of the “All other subsidiaries and eliminations” column.

Banking Subsidiaries

Primary sources of funding for the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries (BPPR and PB or “the banking subsidiaries”) include retail and commercial deposits, brokered deposits, unpledged investment securities, mortgage loan securitization, and, to a lesser extent, loan sales. In addition, the Corporation maintains borrowing facilities with the FHLB and at the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FRB”), and has a considerable amount of collateral pledged that can be used to raise funds under these facilities.

Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information of the Corporation’s borrowing facilities available through its banking subsidiaries.

The principal uses of funds for the banking subsidiaries include loan originations, investment portfolio purchases, loan purchases and repurchases, repayment of outstanding obligations (including deposits), advances on certain serviced portfolios, and operational expenses. Also, the banking subsidiaries assume liquidity risk related to collateral posting requirements for certain

81


 

activities mainly in connection with contractual commitments, recourse provisions, servicing advances, derivatives, credit card licensing agreements and support to several mutual funds administered by BPPR.

The banking subsidiaries maintain sufficient funding capacity to address large increases in funding requirements such as deposit outflows. The Corporation has established liquidity guidelines that require the banking subsidiaries to have sufficient liquidity to cover all short-term borrowings and a portion of deposits.

The Corporation’s ability to compete successfully in the marketplace for deposits, excluding brokered deposits, depends on various factors, including pricing, service, convenience and financial stability as reflected by operating results, credit ratings (by nationally recognized credit rating agencies), and importantly, FDIC deposit insurance. Although a downgrade in the credit ratings of the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries may impact their ability to raise retail and commercial deposits or the rate that it is required to pay on such deposits, management does not believe that the impact should be material. Deposits at all of the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries are federally insured (subject to FDIC limits) and this is expected to mitigate the potential effect of a downgrade in the credit ratings.

Deposits are a key source of funding as they tend to be less volatile than institutional borrowings and their cost is less sensitive to changes in market rates. Refer to Table 7 for a breakdown of deposits by major types. Core deposits are generated from a large base of consumer, corporate and institutional customers. Core deposits include all non-interest bearing deposits, savings deposits and certificates of deposit under $100,000, excluding brokered deposits with denominations under $100,000. Core deposits have historically provided the Corporation with a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds. Core deposits totaled $ 38.8 billion, or 89% of total deposits, at December 31, 2019, compared with $34.9 billion, or 88% of total deposits, at December 31, 2018. Core deposits financed 80% of the Corporation’s earning assets at December 31, 2019, compared with 79% at December 31, 2018.

The distribution by maturity of certificates of deposits with denominations of $100,000 and over at December 31, 2019 is presented in the table that follows:

 

Table 17 - Distribution by Maturity of Certificate of Deposits of $100,000 and Over

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

3 months or less

 

$

2,113,896

3 to 6 months

 

 

289,296

6 to 12 months

 

 

783,862

Over 12 months

 

 

1,353,903

Total

 

$

4,540,957

 

Average deposits, including brokered deposits, for the year ended December 31, 2019 represented 94% of average earning assets, compared with 89% for the year ended December 31, 2018. Table 18 summarizes average deposits for the past five years.

82


 

Table 18 - Average Total Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

$

8,872,897

$

8,790,314

$

7,338,455

$

6,607,639

$

6,146,504

Savings accounts

 

10,425,345

 

9,621,162

 

8,268,969

 

7,528,057

 

7,027,238

NOW, money market and other interest bearing demand accounts

 

15,159,364

 

12,516,921

 

9,958,772

 

7,024,810

 

5,446,933

Certificates of deposit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under $100,000

 

1,444,078

 

1,924,723

 

2,455,073

 

2,525,448

 

3,537,307

 

$100,000 and over

 

4,563,811

 

4,371,151

 

4,127,668

 

4,240,008

 

3,755,412

 

Certificates of deposit

 

6,007,889

 

6,295,874

 

6,582,741

 

6,765,456

 

7,292,719

Other time deposits

 

1,753,301

 

1,263,150

 

1,033,585

 

1,140,048

 

865,189

 

Total interest bearing deposits

 

33,345,899

 

29,697,107

 

25,844,067

 

22,458,371

 

20,632,079

 

Total average deposits

$

42,218,796

$

38,487,421

$

33,182,522

$

29,066,010

$

26,778,583

 

The Corporation had $ 0.5 billion in brokered deposits at December 31, 2019 and 2018, which financed approximately 1% of its total assets. In the event that any of the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries’ regulatory capital ratios fall below those required by a well-capitalized institution or are subject to capital restrictions by the regulators, that banking subsidiary faces the risk of not being able to raise or maintain brokered deposits and faces limitations on the rate paid on deposits, which may hinder the Corporation’s ability to effectively compete in its retail markets and could affect its deposit raising efforts.

At December 31, 2019, management believes that the banking subsidiaries had sufficient current and projected liquidity sources to meet their anticipated cash flow obligations, as well as special needs and off-balance sheet commitments, in the ordinary course of business and have sufficient liquidity resources to address a stress event. Although the banking subsidiaries have historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances, no assurance can be given that they would be able to replace those funds in the future if the Corporation’s financial condition or general market conditions were to deteriorate. The Corporation’s financial flexibility will be severely constrained if its banking subsidiaries are unable to maintain access to funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future financing needs at acceptable interest rates. The banking subsidiaries also are required to deposit cash or qualifying securities to meet margin requirements. To the extent that the value of securities previously pledged as collateral declines because of market changes, the Corporation will be required to deposit additional cash or securities to meet its margin requirements, thereby adversely affecting its liquidity. Finally, if management is required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources to meet its future growth, revenues may not increase proportionately to cover costs. In this case, profitability would be adversely affected.

Bank Holding Companies

The principal sources of funding for the bank holding companies (the “BHCs”), which are Popular, Inc. (holding company only) and PNA, include cash on hand, investment securities, dividends received from banking and non-banking subsidiaries (subject to regulatory limits and authorizations) asset sales, credit facilities available from affiliate banking subsidiaries and proceeds from potential securities offerings.

The principal use of these funds includes the repayment of debt, and interest payments to holders of senior debt and junior subordinated deferrable interest (related to trust preferred securities) and capitalizing its banking subsidiaries.

The BHCs have in the past borrowed in the money markets and in the corporate debt market primarily to finance their non-banking subsidiaries, however, the cash needs of the Corporation’s non-banking subsidiaries other than to repay indebtedness and interest are now minimal. These sources of funding have become more costly due to the reductions in the Corporation’s credit ratings. The Corporation’s principal credit ratings are below “investment grade”, which affects the Corporation’s ability to raise funds in the capital markets. The Corporation has an automatic shelf registration statement filed and effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which permits the Corporation to issue an unspecified amount of debt or equity securities.

The outstanding balance of notes payable at the BHCs amounted to $680 million at December 31, 2019 and $679 million at December 31, 2018.

83


 

The contractual maturities of the BHCs notes payable at December 31, 2019 are presented in Table 19.

 

Table 19 - Distribution of BHC's Notes Payable by Contractual Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

Year

 

(In thousands)

2023

 

295,307

Later years

 

384,902

Total

$

680,209

 

The BHCs liquidity position continues to be adequate with sufficient cash on hand, investments and other sources of liquidity which are expected to be enough to meet all BHCs obligations during the foreseeable future.

Non-banking subsidiaries

The principal sources of funding for the non-banking subsidiaries include internally generated cash flows from operations, loan sales, repurchase agreements, capital injections and borrowed funds from their direct parent companies or the holding companies. The principal uses of funds for the non-banking subsidiaries include repayment of maturing debt, operational expenses and payment of dividends to the BHCs. The liquidity needs of the non-banking subsidiaries are minimal since most of them are funded internally from operating cash flows or from intercompany borrowings or capital contributions from their holding companies. On July 1, 2019, Popular Securities received a capital contribution amounting to $4 million from Popular, Inc.

Dividends

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation declared quarterly dividends on its outstanding common stock of $0.30 per share, for a year-to-date total of $ 116.0 million. The dividends for the Corporation’s Series A and Series B preferred stock amounted to $3.7 million. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the BHC’s received dividends amounting to $400 million from BPPR, $8 million in dividends from its non-banking subsidiaries, $2 million in dividends from EVERTEC’s parent company and $13 million in dividends from its investments in BHD Leon.

Other Funding Sources and Capital

The debt securities portfolio provides an additional source of liquidity, which may be realized through either securities sales or repurchase agreements. The Corporation’s debt securities portfolio consists primarily of liquid U.S. government debt securities, U.S. government sponsored agency debt securities, U.S. government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities, and U.S. government sponsored agency collateralized mortgage obligations that can be used to raise funds in the repo markets. The availability of the repurchase agreement would be subject to having sufficient unpledged collateral available at the time the transactions are to be consummated, in addition to overall liquidity and risk appetite of the various counterparties. The Corporation’s unpledged debt securities amounted to $5.4 billion at December 31, 2019 and $4.3 billion at December 31, 2018. A substantial portion of these debt securities could be used to raise financing in the U.S. money markets or from secured lending sources.

Additional liquidity may be provided through loan maturities, prepayments and sales. The loan portfolio can also be used to obtain funding in the capital markets. In particular, mortgage loans and some types of consumer loans, have secondary markets which the Corporation could use.

Risks to Liquidity

Total lines of credit outstanding are not necessarily a measure of the total credit available on a continuing basis. Some of these lines could be subject to collateral requirements, standards of creditworthiness, leverage ratios and other regulatory requirements, among other factors. Derivatives, such as those embedded in long-term repurchase transactions or interest rate swaps, and off-balance sheet exposures, such as recourse, performance bonds or credit card arrangements, are subject to collateral requirements. As their fair value increases, the collateral requirements may increase, thereby reducing the balance of unpledged securities.

The importance of the Puerto Rico market for the Corporation is an additional risk factor that could affect its financing activities. In the case of a deterioration in economic and fiscal conditions in Puerto Rico, the credit quality of the Corporation could be affected and result in higher credit costs. The Puerto Rico economy continues to face various challenges, including significant pressures in some sectors of the residential real estate market. Refer to the Geographic and Government Risk section of this MD&A for some highlights on the current status of the Puerto Rico economy and the ongoing fiscal crisis.

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Factors that the Corporation does not control, such as the economic outlook and credit ratings of its principal markets and regulatory changes, could also affect its ability to obtain funding. In order to prepare for the possibility of such scenario, management has adopted contingency plans for raising financing under stress scenarios when important sources of funds that are usually fully available are temporarily unavailable. These plans call for using alternate funding mechanisms, such as the pledging of certain asset classes and accessing secured credit lines and loan facilities put in place with the FHLB and the FRB.

The credit ratings of Popular’s debt obligations are a relevant factor for liquidity because they impact the Corporation’s ability to borrow in the capital markets, its cost and access to funding sources. Credit ratings are based on the financial strength, credit quality and concentrations in the loan portfolio, the level and volatility of earnings, capital adequacy, the quality of management, geographic concentration in Puerto Rico, the liquidity of the balance sheet, the availability of a significant base of core retail and commercial deposits, and the Corporation’s ability to access a broad array of wholesale funding sources, among other factors.

The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries have historically not used unsecured capital market borrowings to finance its operations, and therefore are less sensitive to the level and changes in the Corporation’s overall credit ratings.

Obligations Subject to Rating Triggers or Collateral Requirements

The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries currently do not use borrowings that are rated by the major rating agencies, as these banking subsidiaries are funded primarily with deposits and secured borrowings. The banking subsidiaries had $9 million in deposits at December 31, 2019 that are subject to rating triggers.

In addition, certain mortgage servicing and custodial agreements that BPPR has with third parties include rating covenants. In the event of a credit rating downgrade, the third parties have the right to require the institution to engage a substitute cash custodian for escrow deposits and/or increase collateral levels securing the recourse obligations. Also, as discussed in Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Corporation services residential mortgage loans subject to credit recourse provisions. Certain contractual agreements require the Corporation to post collateral to secure such recourse obligations if the institution’s required credit ratings are not maintained. Collateral pledged by the Corporation to secure recourse obligations amounted to approximately $66 million at December 31, 2019. The Corporation could be required to post additional collateral under the agreements. Management expects that it would be able to meet additional collateral requirements if and when needed. The requirements to post collateral under certain agreements or the loss of escrow deposits could reduce the Corporation’s liquidity resources and impact its operating results.

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Credit Risk

 

Geographic and Government Risk

 

The Corporation is exposed to geographic and government risk. The Corporation’s assets and revenue composition by geographical area and by business segment reporting are presented in Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

 

A significant portion of our financial activities and credit exposure is concentrated in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (the “Commonwealth” or “Puerto Rico”), which faces severe economic and fiscal challenges.

 

Economic Performance

 

The Commonwealth’s economy entered a recession in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 and its gross national product (“GNP”) has contracted (in real terms) every fiscal year between 2007 and 2018, with the exception of fiscal year 2012. Pursuant to the latest Puerto Rico Planning Board (the “Planning Board”) estimates, published in July 2019, the Commonwealth’s real GNP for fiscal years 2017 and 2018 decreased by 3% and 4.7%, respectively. The Planning Board’s report also projected an increase in real GNP of approximately 2% and 3.6% in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, respectively, in part due to the influx of federal funds and private insurance payments to repair damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and María. The Planning Board’s projections do not account for the economic impact of the recent seismic activity, discussed below. For information regarding the economic projections of the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, see Fiscal Plans, Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, below.

 

Fiscal Crisis

The Commonwealth remains in the midst of a profound fiscal crisis affecting the central government and many of its instrumentalities, public corporations and municipalities. This fiscal crisis has been primarily the result of economic contraction, persistent and significant budget deficits, a high debt burden, unfunded legacy obligations, and lack of access to the capital markets, among other factors. As a result of the crisis, the Commonwealth and certain of its instrumentalities have been unable to make debt service payments on their outstanding bonds and notes since 2016. The escalating fiscal and economic crisis and imminent widespread defaults prompted the U.S. Congress to enact the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) in June 2016. The Commonwealth and several of its instrumentalities are currently in the process of restructuring their debts through the debt restructuring mechanisms provided by PROMESA.

Recent Seismic Activity

 

On January 7, 2020, Puerto Rico was stuck by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake, which caused island-wide power outages and significant damage to infrastructure and property in the southwest region of the island. The 6.4 earthquake was preceded by foreshocks and followed by aftershocks. The extent of the damages caused by the recent seismic activity is still unknown and loss estimates vary, but the United States Geological Survey has preliminarily estimated the losses at approximately $100 million. It is still too early to fully assess the impact of the recent seismic activity on the Puerto Rico economy.

 

PROMESA

 

PROMESA, among other things, created a seven-member federally-appointed oversight board (the “Oversight Board”) with ample powers over the fiscal and economic affairs of the Commonwealth, its public corporations, instrumentalities and municipalities and established two mechanisms for the restructuring of the obligations of such entities. Pursuant to PROMESA, the Oversight Board will remain in place until market access is restored and balanced budgets, in accordance with modified accrual accounting, are produced for at least four consecutive years. In August 2016, President Obama appointed the seven voting members of the Oversight Board through the process established in PROMESA, which authorized the President to select the members from several lists required to be submitted by congressional leaders. The constitutionality of such appointments, however, is currently being challenged before the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

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In October 2016, the Oversight Board designated the Commonwealth and all of its public corporations and instrumentalities as “covered entities” under PROMESA. The only Commonwealth government entities that were not subject to such initial designation were the Commonwealth’s municipalities. In May 2019, however, the Oversight Board designated all of the Commonwealth’s municipalities as covered entities. At the Oversight Board’s request, covered entities are required to submit fiscal plans and annual budgets to the Oversight Board for its review and approval. They are also required to seek Oversight Board approval to issue, guarantee or modify their debts and to enter into contracts with an aggregate value of $10 million or more. Finally, covered entities are potentially eligible to avail themselves of the debt restructuring processes provided by PROMESA.

 

Fiscal Plans

 

Commonwealth Fiscal Plan. The Oversight Board has certified several versions of fiscal plans for the Commonwealth since 2017. The most recent fiscal plan for the Commonwealth certified by the Oversight Board is dated as of May 9, 2019 (the “2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan”). The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan estimates a 4.7% contraction in real GNP in fiscal year 2018, after accounting for the impact of disaster relief funding and the measures and structural reforms contemplated by the plan. It also projects that disaster relief spending will have a short-term stimulative effect on the economy, which, combined with the estimated effects of the proposed fiscal measures and structural reforms, will result in real GNP growth of approximately 4% and 1.5% in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, respectively. Pursuant to the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, the Commonwealth’s population is estimated to steadily decline at rates of approximately 1% to 2% annually through fiscal year 2024. The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan’s projections do not account for the impact of the recent seismic activity, discussed below.

 

Before accounting for the impact of the measures and structural reforms contemplated therein, the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan projects a pre-contractual debt service surplus in fiscal years 2018 through 2020. This surplus is not projected to continue after fiscal year 2020, as federal disaster relief funding slows down. The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan projects that, without major Government action, the Commonwealth would suffer an annual primary deficit starting in fiscal year 2021. The Oversight Board estimates that the fiscal measures contemplated by the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan will drive approximately $13.6 billion in savings and extra revenue through fiscal year 2024. However, even after accounting for the impact of the fiscal measures and structural reforms and before contractual debt service, the projections reflect an annual deficit starting in fiscal year 2038. After contractual debt service, the surplus projected in fiscal years 2019 to 2024 drops significantly and annual deficits begin in fiscal year 2027. Based on such long-term projections, the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan concludes that the Commonwealth cannot afford to meet all of its contractual debt obligations, even with aggressive implementation of the structural reforms and measures contemplated by the plan.

The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan does not contemplate the restructuring of the debt of the Commonwealth’s municipalities. It does, however, contemplate the gradual reduction and the ultimate elimination of budgetary subsidies provided by the Commonwealth to municipalities, which constitute a material portion of the operating revenues of certain municipalities. Since fiscal year 2017, Commonwealth appropriations to municipalities have been reduced by approximately 64% (from approximately $370 million in fiscal year 2017 to approximately $132 million in fiscal year 2020). The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan provides for additional reductions in appropriations to municipalities every fiscal year, holding appropriations constant at $112 million starting in fiscal year 2022, before ultimately phasing out all appropriations in fiscal year 2024.

 

Other Fiscal Plans. Pursuant to PROMESA, the Oversight Board has also requested and certified fiscal plans for several public corporations and instrumentalities. Such plans conclude that such entities cannot afford to meet all of their contractual obligations as currently scheduled. The certified fiscal plan for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”), Puerto Rico’s electric power utility, contemplates the transformation of Puerto Rico’s electric system through, among other things, the establishment of a public-private partnership with respect to PREPA’s transmission and distribution system, and calls for significant structural reforms at PREPA. The plan also contemplates changes to the treatment of the municipal contribution in lieu of taxes, which could result in increased electricity expenses for municipalities.

 

Pending Title III Proceedings

 

On May 3, 2017, the Oversight Board, on behalf of the Commonwealth, filed a petition in the U.S. District Court to restructure the Commonwealth’s liabilities under Title III of PROMESA. The Oversight Board has subsequently filed analogous petitions with respect to the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation (“COFINA”), the Employees Retirement System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (“ERS”), the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority, PREPA and the Puerto Rico

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Public Buildings Authority (“PBA”). On February 12, 2019, the government completed a restructuring of COFINA’s debts pursuant to a plan of adjustment confirmed by the U.S. District Court. On September 27, 2019, the Oversight Board filed a plan of adjustment for the Commonwealth, ERS and PBA in the pending debt restructuring proceedings under Title III of PROMESA. On February 9, 2020, the Oversight Board announced that it had reached a new agreement with certain bondholders on a new framework for a plan of adjustment. The Oversight Board stated that it intends to file an amended plan of adjustment on or before February 28, 2020. The agreement, which has not yet been confirmed by the court, is not supported by the Governor of Puerto Rico in its current form, and may suffer significant changes before confirmation, provides a preliminary framework for the Commonwealth to exit bankruptcy.

 

Exposure of the Corporation

 

The credit quality of BPPR’s loan portfolio reflects, among other things, the general economic conditions in Puerto Rico and other adverse conditions affecting Puerto Rico consumers and businesses. The effects of the prolonged recession have been reflected in limited loan demand, an increase in the rate of foreclosures and delinquencies on loans granted in Puerto Rico. While PROMESA provides a process to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis, the length and complexity of the Title III proceedings for the Commonwealth and various of its instrumentalities and the adjustment measures required by the fiscal plans present significant economic risks. In addition, the measures taken to address the fiscal crisis and those that will have to be taken in the near future will likely affect many of our individual customers and customers’ businesses, which could cause credit losses that adversely affect us and may negatively affect consumer confidence. This, in turn, could result in reductions in consumer spending that may also adversely impact our interest and non-interest revenues. If global or local economic conditions worsen or the Government of Puerto Rico and the Oversight Board are unable to adequately manage the Commonwealth’s fiscal and economic challenges, including by consummating an orderly restructuring of its debt obligations while continuing to provide essential services, these adverse effects could continue or worsen in ways that we are not able to predict.

 

At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government and its instrumentalities and municipalities totaled $432 million and $458 million, respectively, which amounts were fully outstanding on such dates. Further deterioration of the Commonwealth’s fiscal and economic situation could adversely affect the value of our Puerto Rico government obligations, resulting in losses to us. Of the amount outstanding, $391 million consists of loans and $41 million are securities ($413 million and $45 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018). Substantially all of the amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 were obligations from various Puerto Rico municipalities. In most cases, these were “general obligations” of a municipality, to which the applicable municipality has pledged its good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power, or “special obligations” of a municipality, to which the applicable municipality has pledged other revenues. On July 1, 2019, the Corporation received principal payments amounting to $22 million from various obligations from Puerto Rico municipalities. At December 31, 2019, 75% of the Corporation’s exposure to municipal loans and securities was concentrated in the municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo, Carolina and Bayamón. For additional discussion of the Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government and its instrumentalities and municipalities, refer to Note 26 – Commitments and Contingencies.

 

In addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had $350 million in loans insured or securities issued by Puerto Rico governmental entities, but for which the principal source of repayment is non-governmental ($368 million at December 31, 2018). These included $276 million in residential mortgage loans insured by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (“HFA”), a governmental instrumentality that has been designated as a covered entity under PROMESA (December 31, 2018 - $293 million). These mortgage loans are secured by first mortgages on Puerto Rico residential properties and the HFA insurance covers losses in the event of a borrower default and upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions. The Corporation also had, at December 31, 2019, $46 million in bonds issued by HFA which are secured by second mortgage loans on Puerto Rico residential properties, and for which HFA also provides insurance to cover losses in the event of a borrower default, and upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions (December 31, 2018 - $45 million). In the event that the mortgage loans insured by HFA and held by the Corporation directly or those serving as collateral for the HFA bonds default and the collateral is insufficient to satisfy the outstanding balance of this loans, HFA’s ability to honor its insurance will depend, among other factors, on the financial condition of HFA at the time such obligations become due and payable. Although the Governor is currently authorized by local legislation to impose a temporary moratorium on the financial obligations of the HFA, she has not exercised this power as of the date hereof. In addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had $7 million in securities issued by HFA that have been economically defeased and refunded and for which securities consisting of U.S. agencies and Treasury obligations have been escrowed (December 31, 2018 - $7 million), and $21 million of commercial real estate notes issued by government entities, but that are payable from rent paid by non-governmental parties (December 31, 2018 - $23 million).

 

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BPPR’s commercial loan portfolio also includes loans to private borrowers who are service providers, lessors, suppliers or have other relationships with the government. These borrowers could be negatively affected by the fiscal measures to be implemented to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis and the ongoing Title III proceedings under PROMESA described above. Similarly, BPPR’s mortgage and consumer loan portfolios include loans to current and former government employees which could also be negatively affected by fiscal measures such as employee layoffs or furloughs or reductions in pension benefits.

 

BPPR also has a significant amount of deposits from the Commonwealth, its instrumentalities, and municipalities. The amount of such deposits may fluctuate depending on the financial condition and liquidity of such entities, as well as on the ability of BPPR to maintain these customer relationships.

 

The Corporation may also have direct exposure with regards to avoidance and other causes of action initiated by the Oversight Board on behalf of the Commonwealth or other Title III debtors. For additional information regarding such exposure, refer to Note 26 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

United States Virgin Islands

 

The Corporation has operations in the United States Virgin Islands (the “USVI”) and has credit exposure to USVI government entities.

 

The USVI has been experiencing a number of fiscal and economic challenges that could adversely affect the ability of its public corporations and instrumentalities to service their outstanding debt obligations. 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 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 USVI government entities or imposing a stay on creditor remedies, including by making PROMESA applicable to the USVI.

 

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s direct exposure to USVI instrumentalities and public corporations amounted to approximately $71 million, of which $67 million is outstanding (compared to $76 million and $68 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018). Of the amount outstanding, approximately (i) $42 million represents loans to the West Indian Company LTD, a government-owned company that owns and operates a cruise ship pier and shopping mall complex in St. Thomas, (ii) $17 million represents loans to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, a public corporation of the USVI that operates USVI’s water production and electric generation plants, and (iii) $8 million represents loans to the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, a public corporation of the USVI created for the purpose of raising capital for public projects (compared to $42 million, $14 million and $12 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018).

 

U.S. Government

 

As further detailed in Notes 6 and 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, a substantial portion of the Corporation’s investment securities represented exposure to the U.S. Government in the form of U.S. Government sponsored entities, as well as agency mortgage-backed and U.S. Treasury securities. In addition, $1.1 billion of residential mortgages and $66 million commercial loans were insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies at December 31, 2019 (compared to $1.2 billion and $74 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018).

 

Non-Performing Assets

Non-performing assets (“NPAs”) include primarily past-due loans that are no longer accruing interest, renegotiated loans, and real estate property acquired through foreclosure. A summary, including certain credit quality metrics, is presented in Table 20.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s credit quality metrics continued to show favorable trends. The credit metrics of our BPPR operations reflected lower non-performing loans (“NPLs”), lower NPL inflows, and lower net charge-offs (“NCO’s”). The U.S. operations continued to reflect solid growth and strong credit quality results. Net charge-offs increase was related to the taxi

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medallion portfolio, which carrying value was reduced to $19 million at December 31, 2019. The Corporation continues to be attentive to the performance of its portfolios and related credit metrics. The following presents credit quality results for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Total NPAs decreased by $98 million when compared with December 31, 2018. This decrease was primarily driven by lower NPLs in the BPPR segment by $69 million, combined with lower other real estate owned loans (“OREOs”) by $14 million. The decrease in the BPPR’s NPLs was mostly due to lower mortgage and commercial NPLs by $40 million and $36 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2019, NPLs secured by real estate amounted to $406 million in the Puerto Rico operations and $26 million in Popular U.S. These figures were $459 million and $49 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018.

The Corporation’s commercial loan portfolio secured by real estate (“CRE”) amounted to $7.7 billion at December 31, 2019, of which $1.9 billion was secured with owner occupied properties, compared with $7.8 billion and $2.0 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2018. CRE NPLs amounted to $113 million at December 31, 2019, compared with $129 million at December 31, 2018. The CRE NPL ratios for the BPPR and Popular U.S. segments were 2.88% and 0.07%, respectively, at December 31, 2019, compared with 3.05% and 0.02%, respectively, at December 31, 2018.

In addition to the NPLs included in Table 20, at December 31, 2019, there were $207 million of performing loans, mostly commercial loans, which in management’s opinion, are currently subject to potential future classification as non-performing and are considered impaired (December 31, 2018 - $153 million).

For the year ended December 31, 2019, total inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio, excluding consumer loans, decreased by $169 million, or 36%, when compared to the inflows for the same period in 2018. Inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio at the BPPR segment decreased by $152 million, or 36%, compared to the year ended 2018, mostly driven by lower mortgage and commercial inflows by $99 million and $48 million, respectively.

Inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio at the Popular U.S. segment decreased by $17 million, or 46%, from the same period in 2018.

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Table 20 - Non-Performing Assets

 

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

 

Non-accrual loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$

147,255

$

3,505

$

150,760

$

182,950

$

1,076

$

184,026

$

161,226

$

3,839

$

165,065

 

Construction

 

119

 

26

 

145

 

1,788

 

12,060

 

13,848

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Legacy[1]

 

-

 

1,999

 

1,999

 

-

 

2,627

 

2,627

 

-

 

3,039

 

3,039

 

Leasing

 

3,657

 

-

 

3,657

 

3,313

 

-

 

3,313

 

2,974

 

-

 

2,974

 

Mortgage

 

283,708

 

11,091

 

294,799

 

323,565

 

11,033

 

334,598

 

306,697

 

14,852

 

321,549

 

Consumer

 

64,461

 

12,020

 

76,481

 

56,482

 

16,193

 

72,675

 

40,543

 

17,787

 

58,330

 

Total non-performing loans held-in-portfolio, excluding covered loans

 

499,200

 

28,641

 

527,841

 

568,098

 

42,989

 

611,087

 

511,440

 

39,517

 

550,957

 

Other real estate owned ("OREO"), excluding covered OREO

 

120,011

 

2,061

 

122,072

 

134,063

 

2,642

 

136,705

 

167,253

 

2,007

 

169,260

 

Total non-performing assets, excluding covered assets

$

619,211

$

30,702

$

649,913

$

702,161

$

45,631

$

747,792

$

678,693

$

41,524

$

720,217

 

Covered loans and OREO[3]

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

22,948

 

-

 

22,948

 

Total non-performing assets [2]

$

619,211

$

30,702

$

649,913

$

702,161

$

45,631

$

747,792

$

701,641

$

41,524

$

743,165

 

Accruing loans past-due 90 days or more[4] [5]

$

460,133

$

-

$

460,133

$

612,543

$

-

$

612,543

$

1,225,149

$

-

$

1,225,149

 

Excluding covered loans:[6]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

%

 

 

 

 

2.31

%

 

 

 

 

2.27

%

Including covered loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

1.93

%

 

 

 

 

2.31

%

 

 

 

 

2.23

%

Interest lost

 

 

 

 

$

29,469

 

 

 

 

$

35,170

 

 

 

 

$

29,920

 

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

[2] There were no non-performing loans held-for-sale as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

[3] The amount consists of $3 million in non-performing loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-20 and $20 million in covered OREO at December 31, 2017. It excludes covered loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analyses.

[4] The carrying value of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 that are contractually 90 days or more past due was $153 million at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $216 million; December 31, 2017 - $272 million). This amount is excluded from the above table as the loans’ accretable yield interest recognition is independent from the underlying contractual loan delinquency status.

[5] It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured. The balance of these loans includes $103 million at December 31, 2019 related to the rebooking of loans previously pooled into GNMA securities, in which the Corporation had a buy-back option as further described below (December 31, 2018 - $134 million; December 31, 2017 - $840 million). These balances include $213 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA that are no longer accruing interest as of December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $283 million; December 31, 2017 - $178 million). Furthermore, the Corporation has approximately $65 million in reverse mortgage loans which are guaranteed by FHA, but which are currently not accruing interest. Due to the guaranteed nature of the loans, it is the Corporation's policy to exclude these balances from non-performing assets (December 31, 2018 - $69 million; December 31, 2017 - $58 million).

[6] These asset quality ratios have been adjusted to remove the impact of covered loans. Appropriate adjustments to the numerator and denominator have been reflected in the calculation of these ratios. Management believes the inclusion of acquired loans in certain asset quality ratios that include non-performing assets, past due loans or net charge-offs in the numerator and denominator results in distortions of these ratios and they may not be comparable to other periods presented or to other portfolios that were not impacted by purchase accounting.

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Table 20 (continued) - Non-Performing Assets

 

 

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

 

Non-accrual loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$

159,655

$

3,693

$

163,348

$

177,902

$

3,914

$

181,816

 

Construction

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,550

 

-

 

3,550

 

Legacy[1]

 

-

 

3,337

 

3,337

 

-

 

3,649

 

3,649

 

Leasing

 

3,062

 

-

 

3,062

 

3,009

 

-

 

3,009

 

Mortgage

 

318,194

 

11,713

 

329,907

 

337,933

 

13,538

 

351,471

 

Consumer

 

51,597

 

6,664

 

58,261

 

52,440

 

5,864

 

58,304

 

Total non-performing loans held-in-portfolio, excluding covered loans

 

532,508

 

25,407

 

557,915

 

574,834

 

26,965

 

601,799

 

Non-performing loans held-for-sale[2]

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

44,696

 

473

 

45,169

 

Other real estate owned ("OREO"), excluding covered OREO

 

177,412

 

3,033

 

180,445

 

151,439

 

3,792

 

155,231

 

Total non-performing assets, excluding covered assets

$

709,920

$

28,440

$

738,360

$

770,969

$

31,230

$

802,199

 

Covered loans and OREO[3]

 

36,044

 

-

 

36,044

 

40,571

 

-

 

40,571

 

Total non-performing assets

$

745,964

$

28,440

$

774,404

$

811,540

$

31,230

$

842,770

 

Accruing loans past-due 90 days or more[4] [5]

$

426,652

$

-

$

426,652

$

446,725

$

-

$

446,725

 

Excluding covered loans:[6]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

2.45

%

 

 

 

 

2.69

%

Including covered loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

2.41

%

 

 

 

 

2.63

%

Interest lost

 

 

 

 

$

29,385

 

 

 

 

$

27,644

 

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

 

[2] There were no non-performing loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2016. Non-performing loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2015 consist of $45 million in commercial loans and $95 thousand in construction loans.

 

[3] The amount consists of $4 million in non-performing loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-20 and $32 million in covered OREO at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 - $4 million and $37 million, respectively). It excludes covered loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analyses.

 

[4] The carrying value of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 that are contractually 90 days or more past due was $282 million at December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 - $349 million). This amount is excluded from the above table as the loans’ accretable yield interest recognition is independent from the underlying contractual loan delinquency status.

 

[5] It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured. These balances include $181 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA that are no longer accruing interest as of December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 - $164 million). Furthermore, the Corporation has approximately $68 million in reverse mortgage loans which are guaranteed by FHA, but which are currently not accruing interest. Due to the guaranteed nature of the loans, it is the Corporation's policy to exclude these balances from non-performing assets (December 31, 2015 - $70 million).

 

[6] These asset quality ratios have been adjusted to remove the impact of covered loans. Appropriate adjustments to the numerator and denominator have been reflected in the calculation of these ratios. Management believes the inclusion of acquired loans in certain asset quality ratios that include non-performing assets, past due loans or net charge-offs in the numerator and denominator results in distortions of these ratios and they may not be comparable to other periods presented or to other portfolios that were not impacted by purchase accounting.

 

92


 

Table 21 - Activity in Non-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer Loans)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance

$

508,303

$

26,796

$

535,099

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New non-performing loans

 

274,135

 

19,651

 

293,786

 

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

 

-

 

501

 

501

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO

 

(32,481)

 

(601)

 

(33,082)

 

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

 

(59,191)

 

(4,825)

 

(64,016)

 

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

 

(254,847)

 

(14,867)

 

(269,714)

 

 

Non-performing loans sold

 

(4,837)

 

(10,034)

 

(14,871)

Ending balance NPLs[1]

$

431,082

$

16,621

$

447,703

[1]

Includes $2.0 million of NPLs related to the legacy portfolio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 22 - Activity in Non-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer Loans)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance

$

467,923

$

21,730

$

489,653

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New non-performing loans

 

424,969

 

37,197

 

462,166

 

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

 

763

 

178

 

941

 

 

Reclassification from construction loans to commercial loans

 

3,413

 

-

 

3,413

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO

 

(30,613)

 

(686)

 

(31,299)

 

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

 

(71,283)

 

(6,211)

 

(77,494)

 

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

 

(286,869)

 

(25,412)

 

(312,281)

Ending balance NPLs[1]

$

508,303

$

26,796

$

535,099

[1]

Includes $2.6 million of NPLs related to the legacy portfolio.

93


 

Table 23 - Activity in Non-Performing Commercial Loans Held-In-Portfolio

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance - NPLs

$182,950

 

$1,076

 

$184,026

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

New non-performing loans

71,063

 

7,564

 

78,627

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

-

 

80

 

80

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO

(7,692)

 

-

 

(7,692)

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

(33,562)

 

(2,074)

 

(35,636)

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

(60,667)

 

(3,141)

 

(63,808)

 

Non-performing loans sold

(4,837)

 

-

 

(4,837)

Ending balance - NPLs

$147,255

 

$3,505

 

$150,760

 

Table 24 - Activity in Non-Performing Commercial Loans Held-in-Portfolio

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance - NPLs

$161,226

 

$3,839

 

$165,065

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

New non-performing loans

118,233

 

4,795

 

123,028

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

647

 

-

 

647

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO

(7,060)

 

-

 

(7,060)

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

(23,208)

 

(266)

 

(23,474)

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

(66,888)

 

(7,292)

 

(74,180)

Ending balance - NPLs

$182,950

 

$1,076

 

$184,026

 

Table 25 - Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-In-Portfolio

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance - NPLs

$1,788

 

$12,060

 

$13,848

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

-

 

215

 

215

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

-

 

(2,215)

 

(2,215)

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

(1,669)

 

-

 

(1,669)

 

Non-performing loans sold

-

 

(10,034)

 

(10,034)

Ending balance - NPLs

$119

 

$26

 

$145

94


 

Table 26 - Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-in-Portfolio

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance - NPLs

$-

 

$-

 

$-

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

New non-performing loans

4,177

 

17,901

 

22,078

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

116

 

-

 

116

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

-

 

(5,806)

 

(5,806)

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

(2,505)

 

(35)

 

(2,540)

Ending balance - NPLs

$1,788

 

$12,060

 

$13,848

 

Table 27 - Activity in Non-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance - NPLs

$323,565

 

$11,033

 

$334,598

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

New non-performing loans

203,072

 

11,877

 

214,949

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

-

 

158

 

158

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO

(24,789)

 

(601)

 

(25,390)

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

(25,629)

 

(539)

 

(26,168)

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

(192,511)

 

(10,837)

 

(203,348)

Ending balance - NPLs

$283,708

 

$11,091

 

$294,799

 

Table 28 - Activity in Non-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

Beginning balance - NPLs

$306,697

 

$14,852

 

$321,549

Plus:

 

 

 

 

 

 

New non-performing loans

302,559

 

13,371

 

315,930

 

Advances on existing non-performing loans

-

 

150

 

150

 

Reclassification from covered loans

3,413

 

-

 

3,413

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO

(23,553)

 

(686)

 

(24,239)

 

Non-performing loans charged-off

(48,075)

 

(152)

 

(48,227)

 

Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

(217,476)

 

(16,502)

 

(233,978)

Ending balance - NPLs

$323,565

 

$11,033

 

$334,598

95


 

Loan Delinquencies

Another key measure used to evaluate and monitor the Corporation’s asset quality is loan delinquencies. Loans delinquent 30 days or more and delinquencies, as a percentage of their related portfolio category at December 31, 2019 and 2018, are presented below.

 

Table 29 - Loan Delinquencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Loans delinquent 30 days or more

Total loans

Total delinquencies as a percentage of total loans

 

Loans delinquent 30 days or more

Total loans

Total delinquencies as a percentage of total loans

 

Commercial

$

231,692

$

12,312,751

 

1.88

%

$

406,442

$

12,043,019

 

3.37

%

Construction

 

1,700

 

831,092

 

0.20

 

 

13,848

 

779,449

 

1.78

 

Legacy

 

2,056

 

22,105

 

9.30

 

 

3,267

 

25,949

 

12.59

 

Leasing

 

18,724

 

1,059,507

 

1.77

 

 

12,803

 

934,773

 

1.37

 

Mortgage

 

1,299,443

 

7,183,532

 

18.09

 

 

1,474,923

 

7,235,258

 

20.39

 

Consumer

 

249,987

 

5,997,886

 

4.17

 

 

196,325

 

5,489,441

 

3.58

 

Loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

59,203

 

-

 

 

173

 

51,422

 

0.34

 

Total

$

1,803,602

$

27,466,076

 

6.57

%

$

2,107,781

$

26,559,311

 

7.94

%

 

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”)

The allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), which represents management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio, is maintained at a sufficient level to provide for estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio. The Corporation’s management evaluates the adequacy of the ALLL on a quarterly basis. In this evaluation, management considers current economic conditions and the resulting impact on Popular Inc.’s loan portfolio, the composition of the portfolio by loan type and risk characteristics, historical loss experience, results of periodic credit reviews of individual loans, regulatory requirements and loan impairment measurement, among other factors.

 

The Corporation must rely on estimates and exercise judgment regarding matters where the ultimate outcome is unknown, such as economic developments affecting specific customers, industries or markets. Other factors that can affect management’s estimates are the years of historical data when estimating losses, changes in underwriting standards, financial accounting standards and loan impairment measurements, among others. Changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, in economic conditions, in historical loss experience and in the condition of the various markets in which collateral may be sold, may also affect the required level of the allowance for loan losses. Consequently, the business financial condition, liquidity, capital and results of operations could also be affected. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for a description of the Corporation’s allowance for loans losses methodology.

 

At December 31, 2019, the ALLL amounted to $478 million, a decrease of $92 million, when compared with December 31, 2018. The BPPR ALLL decreased by $75 million, mostly due to commercial charge-offs taken during the year on previously reserved loans, continued improvements in the credit loss trends of the mortgage portfolio, and a $8.2 million reserve release from a $40 million loan relationship, in the ASC 310-30 portfolio, sold during the third quarter of 2019. These positive variances were partially offset by higher reserves for the auto loans portfolio. The Popular U.S. segment decreased by $17 million to $45 million, when compared to December 31, 2018, mostly related to charge-offs from the taxi medallion portfolio, which carrying value amounted to $19 million at December 31, 2019. The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $165.8 million, decreasing by $62.3 million from the same period in the prior year. Refer to the Provision for Loan Losses section of this MD&A for additional information.

 

Preliminary impact estimate of the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”), Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

 

96


 

Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K for an update on the Corporation’s implementation efforts for the current expected credit loss model (“CECL”), pursuant to FASB ASU Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326).

 

The following table presents net charge-offs to average loans held-in-portfolio (“HIP”) ratios by loan category for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 30 - Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans HIP (Non-covered loans)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular Inc.

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular Inc.

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular Inc.

 

Commercial

0.48

%

0.65

%

0.54

%

0.91

%

0.44

%

0.73

%

0.31

%

0.88

%

0.51

%

Construction

(2.82)

 

0.32

 

(0.11)

 

(1.54)

 

0.71

 

0.49

 

(2.88)

 

-

 

(0.32)

 

Leasing

0.94

 

-

 

0.94

 

0.70

 

-

 

0.70

 

0.91

 

-

 

0.91

 

Legacy

-

 

(5.85)

 

(5.85)

 

-

 

(6.89)

 

(6.89)

 

-

 

(4.30)

 

(4.30)

 

Mortgage

0.67

 

0.05

 

0.59

 

1.05

 

(0.05)

 

0.93

 

1.30

 

0.03

 

1.15

 

Consumer

2.42

 

3.27

 

2.49

 

2.64

 

3.68

 

2.74

 

2.77

 

3.17

 

2.82

 

Total

1.06

%

0.68

%

0.96

%

1.31

%

0.61

%

1.13

%

1.13

%

0.82

%

1.05

%

 

NCOs for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $257.4 million, decreasing by $24.7 million when compared to the same period in 2018. The BPPR segment decreased by $32.1 million mainly driven by lower commercial and mortgage NCOs by $31.2 million and $24.8 million, respectively. This decrease was offset by higher consumer NCOs by $22.4 million, mostly related to auto loans mainly due the seasoning of the Reliable acquired portfolio and revisions to the auto loans charge-off policy.

97


 

Table 31 - Composition of ALLL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial

Construction

 

Legacy [1]

 

Leasing

 

Mortgage

Consumer

Total

 

Specific ALLL

$

20,533

 

$

6

 

$

-

$

61

 

$

42,804

 

$

21,822

 

$

85,226

 

Impaired loans

$

399,549

 

$

119

 

$

-

$

507

 

$

531,855

 

$

100,791

 

$

1,032,821

 

Specific ALLL to impaired loans

 

5.14

%

 

5.04

%

 

-

%

12.03

%

 

8.05

%

 

21.65

%

 

8.25

%

General ALLL

$

126,519

 

$

4,772

 

$

630

$

10,707

 

$

78,304

 

$

171,550

 

$

392,482

 

Loans held-in-portfolio, excluding impaired loans

$

11,913,202

 

$

830,973

 

$

22,105

$

1,059,000

 

$

6,651,677

 

$

5,897,095

 

$

26,374,052

 

General ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio, excluding impaired loans

 

1.06

%

 

0.57

%

 

2.85

%

1.01

%

 

1.18

%

 

2.91

%

 

1.49

%

Total ALLL

$

147,052

 

$

4,778

 

$

630

$

10,768

 

$

121,108

 

$

193,372

 

$

477,708

 

Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio

$

12,312,751

 

$

831,092

 

$

22,105

$

1,059,507

 

$

7,183,532

 

$

5,997,886

 

$

27,406,873

 

ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio

 

1.19

%

 

0.57

%

 

2.85

%

1.02

%

 

1.69

%

 

3.22

%

 

1.74

%

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the

Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table 32 - Composition of ALLL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial

Construction

 

Legacy [1]

 

Leasing

 

Mortgage

Consumer

Total

 

Specific ALLL

$

52,190

 

$

56

 

$

-

$

320

 

$

41,211

 

$

25,893

 

$

119,670

 

Impaired loans

$

398,518

 

$

13,848

 

$

-

$

1,099

 

$

518,888

 

$

112,742

 

$

1,045,095

 

Specific ALLL to impaired loans

 

13.10

%

 

0.40

%

 

-

%

29.12

%

 

7.94

%

 

22.97

%

 

11.45

%

General ALLL

$

186,925

 

$

7,368

 

$

969

$

11,166

 

$

106,201

 

$

137,049

 

$

449,678

 

Loans held-in-portfolio, excluding impaired loans

$

11,644,501

 

$

765,601

 

$

25,949

$

933,674

 

$

6,716,370

 

$

5,376,699

 

$

25,462,794

 

General ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio, excluding impaired loans

 

1.61

%

 

0.96

%

 

3.73

%

1.20

%

 

1.58

%

 

2.55

%

 

1.77

%

Total ALLL

$

239,115

 

$

7,424

 

$

969

$

11,486

 

$

147,412

 

$

162,942

 

$

569,348

 

Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio

$

12,043,019

 

$

779,449

 

$

25,949

$

934,773

 

$

7,235,258

 

$

5,489,441

 

$

26,507,889

 

ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio

 

1.99

%

 

0.95

%

 

3.73

%

1.23

%

 

2.04

%

 

2.97

%

 

2.15

%

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the

Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

 

Table 33 details the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan categories. The breakdown is made for analytical purposes, and it is not necessarily indicative of the categories in which future loan losses may occur.

98


 

Table 33 - Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

At December 31,

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

 

 

% of loans

 

 

% of loans

 

 

% of loans

 

 

% of loans

 

 

% of loans

 

 

 

in each

 

 

in each

 

 

in each

 

 

in each

 

 

in each

 

 

 

category to

 

 

category to

 

 

category to

 

 

category to

 

 

category to

 

(Dollars in millions)

ALLL

total loans

 

ALLL

total loans

 

ALLL

total loans

 

ALLL

total loans

 

ALLL

total loans

 

Commercial

$147.0

44.9

%

$239.1

45.5

%

$215.7

47.3

%

$202.7

47.4

%

$196.8

45.2

%

Construction

4.8

3.0

 

7.4

2.9

 

8.4

3.6

 

9.5

3.4

 

8.9

3.0

 

Legacy

0.6

0.1

 

1.0

0.1

 

0.8

0.2

 

1.3

0.2

 

2.7

0.3

 

Leasing

10.8

3.9

 

11.5

3.5

 

12.0

3.3

 

7.7

3.1

 

11.0

2.8

 

Mortgage

121.1

26.2

 

147.4

27.3

 

163.6

29.9

 

147.9

29.4

 

133.3

31.5

 

Consumer

193.4

21.9

 

162.9

20.7

 

189.7

15.7

 

141.2

16.5

 

150.2

17.2

 

Total[1]

$477.7

100.0

%

$569.3

100.0

%

$590.2

100.0

%

$510.3

100.0

%

$502.9

100.0

%

[1] Note: For purposes of this table the term loans refers to loans held-in-portfolio excluding covered loans and held-for-sale.

 

Troubled debt restructurings

The Corporation’s troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) loans amounted to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2019, increasing by $72 million, or approximately 4.74%, from December 31, 2018, mainly driven by higher TDRs in the BPPR segment by $70 million. The increase in BPPR was mostly related to higher mortgage TDRs by $97 million, of which $82 million were government guaranteed loans, partially offset by decreases of $13 million and $11 million in the BPPR consumer and commercial TDRs, respectively. TDRs in accruing status increased by $103 million from December 31, 2018, mostly related to BPPR mortgage TDRs, while non-accruing TDRs decreased by $31 million.

Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on modifications considered troubled debt restructurings, including certain qualitative and quantitative data about troubled debt restructurings performed in the past twelve months.

The following tables present the approximate amount and percentage of commercial impaired loans for which the Corporation relied on appraisals dated more than one year old for purposes of impairment requirements at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

Appraisals may be adjusted due to their age and the type, location and condition of the property, area or general market conditions to reflect the expected change in value between the effective date of the appraisal and the impairment measurement date. Refer to the Allowance for Loan Losses section of Note 2, “Summary of significant accounting policies" for additional information.

 

Table 34 - Impaired Loans With Appraisals Dated 1 Year Or Older

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

Total Impaired Loans – Held-in-portfolio (HIP)

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Count

 

 

Outstanding Principal Balance

 

Impaired Loans with Appraisals Over One-Year Old [1]

 

Commercial

131

 

$

340,762

 

15

%

[1] Based on outstanding balance of total impaired loans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99


 

December 31, 2018

 

 

Total Impaired Loans – Held-in-portfolio (HIP)

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Count

 

 

Outstanding Principal Balance

 

Impaired Loans with Appraisals Over One-Year Old [1]

 

Commercial

110

 

$

335,044

 

3

%

Construction

1

 

 

1,788

 

-

 

[1] Based on outstanding balance of total impaired loans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enterprise Risk and Operational Risk Management

The ERM & Market Risk Unit within the Financial and Operational Risk Management Division (the “FORM Division”) is responsible, in coordination with the Chief Risk Officer, for overseeing the implementation of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework, as well as developing and overseeing the implementation of risk programs and reporting that facilitate a broad integrated view of risks. The ERM & Market Risk Unit also leads the ongoing development of a strong risk management culture and the framework that support effective risk governance. For new products and services, the unit has put in place processes to ensure that an appropriate standard readiness assessment is performed before launching a new product or initiative. Similar procedures are followed with the Treasury Division for transactions involving the purchase and sale of assets, and by the Mergers and Acquisitions Division for acquisition transactions.

Operational risk can manifest itself in various ways, including errors, fraud, cyber attacks, business interruptions, inappropriate behavior of employees, and failure to perform in a timely manner, among others. These events can potentially result in financial losses and other damages to the Corporation, including reputational harm. The successful management of operational risk is particularly important to a diversified financial services company like Popular because of the nature, volume and complexity of its various businesses.

To monitor and control operational risk and mitigate related losses, the Corporation maintains a system of comprehensive policies and controls. The Corporation’s Operational Risk Committee (ORCO) and the Cyber Security Committee which are composed of senior level representatives from the business lines and corporate functions, provide executive oversight to facilitate consistency of effective policies, best practices, controls and monitoring tools for managing and assessing all types of operational risks across the Corporation. The FORM Division, within the Corporation’s Risk Management Group, serves as ORCO’s operating arm and is responsible for establishing baseline processes to measure, monitor, limit and manage operational risk. In addition, the Auditing Division provides oversight about policy compliance and ensures adequate attention is paid to correct the identified issues.

Effective May 2018, the Corporation created the Corporate Security Group (“CSG”), under the direction of the Chief Security Officer (“CSO”). The CSG now leads all efforts pertaining to cybersecurity, enterprise fraud, and data privacy; including developing strategies and oversight processes with policies and programs that mitigate compliance, operational, strategic, financial and reputational risks associated with the safeguarding of the Corporation’s and our customers’ data and assets. The CSG also leads the Cyber Security Committee.

Operational risks fall into two major categories: business specific and corporate-wide affecting all business lines. The primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of business specific risks relies on business unit managers. Accordingly, business unit managers are responsible for ensuring that appropriate risk containment measures, including corporate-wide or business segment specific policies and procedures, controls and monitoring tools, are in place to minimize risk occurrence and loss exposures. Examples of these include personnel management practices, data reconciliation processes, transaction processing monitoring and analysis and contingency plans for systems interruptions. To manage corporate-wide risks, specialized functions, such as Legal, Cyber Security, Business Continuity, Outsourcing Risk Management, Finance and Compliance, among others, assist the business units in the development and implementation of risk management practices specific to the needs of the individual businesses.

Operational risk management plays a different role in each category. For business specific risks, the FORM Division works with the segments to ensure consistency in policies, processes, and assessments. With respect to corporate-wide risks, such as cyber and information security, business continuity and outsourcing risk management, legal and compliance, the risks are assessed, and a consolidated corporate view is developed and communicated to the business level. Procedures exist that are designed to ensure that policies relating to conduct, ethics, and business practices are followed. We continually monitor the system of internal controls,

100


 

data processing systems, and corporate-wide processes and procedures to manage operational risk at appropriate, cost-effective levels. An additional level of review is applied to current and potential regulation and its impact on business processes, to ensure that appropriate controls are put in place to address regulatory requirements.

Today’s threats to customer information and information systems are complex, more wide spread, continually emerging, and increasing at a rapid pace. The Corporation continuously monitors these threats and, to date, we have not experienced any material losses as a result of cyber attacks.

 

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Refer to Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements” to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Adjusted net income – Non-GAAP Financial Measure

 

The Corporation prepares its Consolidated Financial Statements using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or the “reported basis”). In addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported basis, management monitors the “Adjusted net income” of the Corporation and excludes from such calculation the impact of certain transactions on the results of its operations. Management believes that the “Adjusted net income” provides meaningful information to investors about the underlying performance of the Corporation’s ongoing operations. “Adjusted net income” is a non-GAAP financial measure.

No adjustments are reflected for the year ended December 31, 2019. The following table describes adjustments to net income for the year ended 2018.

 

Table 35 - Adjusted Net Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 (Non-GAAP)

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Pre-tax

Income tax effect

Impact on net income

U.S. GAAP Net income

 

 

$618,158

Non-GAAP Adjustments:

 

 

 

Termination of FDIC Shared-Loss Agreements[1]

$(94,633)

$45,059

(49,574)

Tax Closing Agreement[2]

-

(108,946)

(108,946)

Impact of Law Act No.257[3]

-

27,686

27,686

Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)

 

 

$487,324

[1]On May 22, 2018, BPPR entered into a Termination Agreement with the FDIC to terminate all Shared-Loss Agreements in connection with the acquisition of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Westernbank Puerto Rico in 2010. As a result, BPPR recognized a pre-tax gain of $94.6 million, net of the related professional and advisory fees of $8.1 million associated with the Termination Agreement. Refer to Note 10 - FDIC Loss-Share Asset and True Up Payment Obligation for additional information.

[2]Represents the impact of the Termination Agreement on income taxes. In June 2012, the Corporation entered into a Tax Closing Agreement with the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury to clarify the tax treatment related to the loans acquired in the FDIC Transaction in accordance with the provisions of the Puerto Rico Tax Code. Based on the provisions of this Tax Closing Agreement, the Corporation recognized a net income tax benefit of $108.9 million during the second quarter of 2018. Refer to Note 38- Income Taxes for additional information.

[3]On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law Act No.257 of 2018, which amended the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, to among other things, reduce the Puerto Rico corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. The resulting adjustments reduced the DTA related to the Corporation's P.R. operations as a result of a lower realizable benefit at the lower tax rate. Refer to Note 38- Income Taxes for additional information.

101


 

Statistical Summary 2015-2019

Statements of Financial Condition

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

(In thousands)

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

$

388,311

$

394,035

$

402,857

$

362,394

$

363,674

Money market investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

23,637

 

96,338

 

 

Time deposits with other banks

 

3,262,286

 

4,171,048

 

5,255,119

 

2,866,580

 

2,083,754

 

 

Total money market investments

 

3,262,286

 

4,171,048

 

5,255,119

 

2,890,217

 

2,180,092

Trading account debt securities, at fair value

 

40,321

 

37,787

 

33,926

 

52,034

 

64,527

Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value

 

17,648,473

 

13,300,184

 

10,176,923

 

8,207,684

 

6,060,594

Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

 

97,662

 

101,575

 

107,019

 

111,299

 

114,101

Equity securities

 

159,887

 

155,584

 

165,103

 

164,513

 

168,580

Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value

 

59,203

 

51,422

 

132,395

 

88,821

 

137,000

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans not covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC

 

27,587,856

 

26,663,713

 

24,423,427

 

22,895,172

 

22,453,813

 

 

Loans covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC

 

-

 

-

 

517,274

 

572,878

 

646,115

 

 

Less – Unearned income

 

180,983

 

155,824

 

130,633

 

121,425

 

107,698

 

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

477,708

 

569,348

 

623,426

 

540,651

 

537,111

 

 

Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

 

26,929,165

 

25,938,541

 

24,186,642

 

22,805,974

 

22,455,119

FDIC loss-share asset

 

-

 

-

 

45,192

 

69,334

 

310,221

Premises and equipment, net

 

556,650

 

569,808

 

547,142

 

543,981

 

502,611

Other real estate not covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC

 

122,072

 

136,705

 

169,260

 

180,445

 

155,231

Other real estate covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC

 

-

 

-

 

19,595

 

32,128

 

36,685

Accrued income receivable

 

180,871

 

166,022

 

213,844

 

138,042

 

124,234

Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value

 

150,906

 

169,777

 

168,031

 

196,889

 

211,405

Other assets

 

1,819,615

 

1,714,134

 

1,991,323

 

2,145,510

 

2,193,162

Goodwill

 

671,122

 

671,122

 

627,294

 

627,294

 

626,388

Other intangible assets

 

28,780

 

26,833

 

35,672

 

45,050

 

58,109

Total assets

$

52,115,324

$

47,604,577

$

44,277,337

$

38,661,609

$

35,761,733

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing

$

9,160,173

$

9,149,036

$

8,490,945

$

6,980,443

$

6,401,515

 

 

Interest bearing

 

34,598,433

 

30,561,003

 

26,962,563

 

23,515,781

 

20,808,208

 

 

Total deposits

 

43,758,606

 

39,710,039

 

35,453,508

 

30,496,224

 

27,209,723

Federal funds purchased and assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

193,378

 

281,529

 

390,921

 

479,425

 

762,145

Other short-term borrowings

 

-

 

42

 

96,208

 

1,200

 

1,200

Notes payable

 

1,101,608

 

1,256,102

 

1,536,356

 

1,574,852

 

1,662,508

Other liabilities

 

1,044,953

 

921,808

 

1,696,439

 

911,951

 

1,019,018

Liabilities from discontinued operations

 

 

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,815

 

 

Total liabilities

 

46,098,545

 

42,169,520

 

39,173,432

 

33,463,652

 

30,656,409

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

50,160

 

50,160

 

50,160

 

50,160

 

50,160

Common stock

 

1,044

 

1,043

 

1,042

 

1,040

 

1,038

Surplus

 

4,447,412

 

4,365,606

 

4,298,503

 

4,255,022

 

4,229,156

Retained earnings

 

2,147,915

 

1,651,731

 

1,194,994

 

1,220,307

 

1,087,957

Treasury stock – at cost

 

(459,814)

 

(205,509)

 

(90,142)

 

(8,286)

 

(6,101)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

(169,938)

 

(427,974)

 

(350,652)

 

(320,286)

 

(256,886)

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

6,016,779

 

5,435,057

 

5,103,905

 

5,197,957

 

5,105,324

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

52,115,324

$

47,604,577

$

44,277,337

$

38,661,609

$

35,761,733

102


 

Statistical Summary 2015-2019

Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

$

1,802,968

 

$

1,645,736

 

$

1,478,765

 

$

1,459,720

 

$

1,458,706

Money market investments

 

89,823

 

 

111,288

 

 

51,495

 

 

16,428

 

 

7,243

Investment securities

 

368,002

 

 

264,824

 

 

195,684

 

 

158,425

 

 

137,065

Total interest income

 

2,260,793

 

 

2,021,848

 

 

1,725,944

 

 

1,634,573

 

 

1,603,014

Less - Interest expense

 

369,099

 

 

286,971

 

 

223,980

 

 

212,518

 

 

194,031

Net interest income

 

1,891,694

 

 

1,734,877

 

 

1,501,964

 

 

1,422,055

 

 

1,408,983

Provision for loan losses - non-covered loans

 

165,779

 

 

226,342

 

 

319,682

 

 

171,126

 

 

217,458

Provision (reversal) for loan losses - covered loans

 

-

 

 

1,730

 

 

5,742

 

 

(1,110)

 

 

24,020

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

1,725,915

 

 

1,506,805

 

 

1,176,540

 

 

1,252,039

 

 

1,167,505

Mortgage banking activities

 

32,093

 

 

52,802

 

 

25,496

 

 

56,538

 

 

81,802

Net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities

 

(20)

 

 

-

 

 

83

 

 

38

 

 

141

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(8,299)

 

 

(209)

 

 

(14,445)

Net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities

 

2,506

 

 

(2,081)

 

 

251

 

 

1,924

 

 

-

Trading profit (loss) on trading account debt securities

 

994

 

 

(208)

 

 

(817)

 

 

(785)

 

 

(4,723)

Net gain (loss) on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

 

33

 

 

(420)

 

 

8,245

 

 

542

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense

 

(343)

 

 

(12,959)

 

 

(22,377)

 

 

(17,285)

 

 

(18,628)

FDIC loss-share income (expense)

 

-

 

 

94,725

 

 

(10,066)

 

 

(207,779)

 

 

20,062

Other non-interest income

 

534,653

 

 

520,182

 

 

435,316

 

 

457,249

 

 

454,790

Total non-interest income

 

569,883

 

 

652,494

 

 

419,167

 

 

297,936

 

 

519,541

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel costs

 

590,625

 

 

562,988

 

 

476,762

 

 

477,395

 

 

470,203

All other operating expenses

 

886,857

 

 

858,574

 

 

780,434

 

 

778,240

 

 

818,018

Total operating expenses

 

1,477,482

 

 

1,421,562

 

 

1,257,196

 

 

1,255,635

 

 

1,288,221

Income from continuing operations, before income tax

 

818,316

 

 

737,737

 

 

338,511

 

 

294,340

 

 

398,825

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

147,181

 

 

119,579

 

 

230,830

 

 

78,784

 

 

(495,172)

Income from continuing operations

$

671,135

 

$

618,158

 

$

107,681

 

$

215,556

 

$

893,997

Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,135

 

 

1,347

Net Income

$

671,135

 

$

618,158

 

$

107,681

 

$

216,691

 

$

895,344

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock

$

667,412

 

$

614,435

 

$

103,958

 

$

212,968

 

$

891,621

103


 

Statistical Summary 2015-2019

Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income

 

On a Taxable Equivalent Basis*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

Average Rate

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

Average Rate

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

Average Rate

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market investments

$

4,166,293

$

89,824

2.16

%

$

5,943,442

$

111,289

1.87

%

$

4,480,651

$

51,496

1.15

%

U.S. Treasury securities

 

9,823,518

 

302,025

3.07

 

 

6,189,239

 

168,885

2.73

 

 

2,969,635

 

49,916

1.68

 

Obligations of U.S. Government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sponsored entities

 

234,553

 

5,911

2.52

 

 

515,870

 

10,664

2.07

 

 

667,140

 

13,593

2.04

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and political subdivisions

 

93,313

 

6,394

6.85

 

 

96,801

 

6,816

7.04

 

 

111,455

 

7,409

6.65

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mortgage-backed securities

 

5,582,051

 

178,964

3.21

 

 

5,216,728

 

168,565

3.23

 

 

5,667,586

 

182,485

3.22

 

Other

 

171,223

 

8,487

4.96

 

 

174,095

 

9,432

5.42

 

 

185,672

 

9,290

5.00

 

Total investment securities

 

15,904,658

 

501,781

3.15

 

 

12,192,733

 

364,362

2.99

 

 

9,601,488

 

262,693

2.74

 

Trading account securities

 

67,596

 

5,103

7.55

 

 

76,461

 

5,772

7.55

 

 

75,111

 

5,728

7.63

 

Loans (net of unearned income)

 

26,806,368

 

1,850,894

6.90

 

 

25,062,730

 

1,681,540

6.71

 

 

23,511,293

 

1,515,092

6.44

 

 

Total interest earning assets/Interest income

$

46,944,915

$

2,447,602

5.21

%

$

43,275,366

$

2,162,963

5.00

%

$

37,668,543

$

1,835,009

4.87

%

 

Total non-interest earning assets

 

3,396,912

 

 

 

 

 

3,364,492

 

 

 

 

 

3,735,596

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets from continuing operations

$

50,341,827

 

 

 

 

$

46,639,858

 

 

 

 

$

41,404,139

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets from discontinued operations

 

-

 

-

-

 

 

-

 

-

-

 

 

-

 

-

-

 

 

Total assets

$

50,341,827

 

 

 

 

$

46,639,858

 

 

 

 

$

41,404,139

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings, NOW, money market and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

interest bearing demand accounts

$

25,575,455

$

192,200

0.75

%

$

22,127,223

$

112,543

0.51

%

$

18,218,583

$

57,714

0.32

%

Time deposits

 

7,770,430

 

112,658

1.45

 

 

7,569,884

 

91,722

1.21

 

 

7,625,484

 

84,150

1.10

 

Short-term borrowings

 

231,268

 

6,099

2.64

 

 

358,418

 

7,210

2.01

 

 

452,205

 

5,725

1.27

 

Notes payable

 

1,194,119

 

58,142

4.77

 

 

1,520,812

 

75,496

4.96

 

 

1,548,635

 

76,392

4.93

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest bearing liabilities/Interest expense

 

34,771,272

 

369,099

1.06

 

 

31,576,337

 

286,971

0.91

 

 

27,844,907

 

223,981

0.80

 

 

Total non-interest bearing liabilities

 

9,857,038

 

 

 

 

 

9,621,378

 

 

 

 

 

8,214,703

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities from continuing operations

 

44,628,310

 

 

 

 

 

41,197,715

 

 

 

 

 

36,059,610

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities from discontinued operations

 

-

 

-

-

 

 

-

 

-

-

 

 

-

 

-

-

 

Total liabilities

 

44,628,310

 

 

 

 

 

41,197,715

 

 

 

 

 

36,059,610

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

5,713,517

 

 

 

 

 

5,442,143

 

 

 

 

 

5,344,529

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

50,341,827

 

 

 

 

$

46,639,858

 

 

 

 

$

41,404,139

 

 

 

 

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis

 

 

$

2,078,503

 

 

 

 

$

1,875,992

 

 

 

 

$

1,611,028

 

 

Cost of funding earning assets

 

 

 

 

0.78

%

 

 

 

 

0.66

%

 

 

 

 

0.59

%

Net interest margin

 

 

 

 

4.43

%

 

 

 

 

4.34

%

 

 

 

 

4.28

%

Effect of the taxable equivalent adjustment

 

 

 

186,809

 

 

 

 

 

141,116

 

 

 

 

 

109,065

 

 

Net interest income per books

 

 

$

1,891,694

 

 

 

 

$

1,734,876

 

 

 

 

$

1,501,963

 

 

 

* Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of some loans and investments on their yield, using the applicable statutory income tax rates. The computation considers the interest expense disallowance required by the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code. This adjustment is shown in order to compare the yields of the tax exempt and taxable assets on a taxable basis.

 

Note: Average loan balances include the average balance of non-accruing loans. No interest income is recognized for these loans in accordance with the Corporation’s policy.

104


 

Statistical Summary 2015-2019

Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income

 

On a Taxable Equivalent Basis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2016

 

2015

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

Average Rate

 

Average Balance

 

Interest

Average Rate

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest earning assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Money market investments

$

3,103,390

$

16,428

0.53

%

$

2,382,045

$

7,243

0.30

%

U.S. Treasury securities

 

1,567,364

 

21,835

1.39

 

 

921,249

 

13,559

1.47

 

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

810,568

 

15,743

1.94

 

 

1,278,469

 

21,962

1.72

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

subdivisions

 

127,694

 

8,496

6.65

 

 

159,110

 

11,776

7.40

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

backed securities

 

4,735,418

 

147,097

3.11

 

 

3,275,702

 

105,562

3.22

 

Other

 

188,145

 

8,944

4.75

 

 

188,849

 

9,758

5.17

 

 

Total investment securities

 

7,429,189

 

202,115

2.72

 

 

5,823,379

 

162,617

2.79

 

Trading account securities

 

118,341

 

8,083

6.83

 

 

200,349

 

13,067

6.52

 

Loans (net of unearned income)

 

23,062,242

 

1,495,639

6.49

 

 

23,045,308

 

1,503,493

6.52

 

 

Total interest earning assets/Interest income

$

33,713,162

$

1,722,265

5.11

%

$

31,451,081

$

1,686,420

5.36

%

 

Total non-interest earning assets

 

3,900,580

 

 

 

 

 

3,735,224

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets from continuing operations

$

37,613,742

 

 

 

 

$

35,186,305

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

37,613,742

 

 

 

 

$

35,186,305

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest bearing liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Savings, NOW, money market and other interest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

bearing demand accounts

$

14,548,307

$

45,550

0.31

%

$

12,474,170

$

36,290

0.29

%

Time deposits

 

7,910,063

 

82,027

1.04

 

 

8,157,908

 

71,243

0.87

 

Short-term borrowings

 

763,496

 

7,812

1.02

 

 

1,028,406

 

7,512

0.73

 

Notes payable

 

1,575,903

 

77,129

4.89

 

 

1,728,928

 

78,986

4.57

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total interest bearing liabilities/Interest expense

 

24,797,769

 

212,518

0.86

 

 

23,389,412

 

194,031

0.83

 

 

Total non-interest bearing liabilities

 

7,535,742

 

 

 

 

 

7,089,940

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities from continuing operations

 

32,333,511

 

 

 

 

 

30,479,352

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities from discontinued operations

 

1,754

 

-

-

 

 

2,091

 

-

-

 

Total liabilities

 

32,335,265

 

 

 

 

 

30,481,443

 

 

 

 

Stockholders' equity

 

5,278,477

 

 

 

 

 

4,704,862

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

37,613,742

 

 

 

 

$

35,186,305

 

 

 

 

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis

 

 

$

1,509,747

 

 

 

 

$

1,492,389

 

 

Cost of funding earning assets

 

 

 

 

0.63

%

 

 

 

 

0.62

%

Net interest margin

 

 

 

 

4.48

%

 

 

 

 

4.74

%

Effect of the taxable equivalent adjustment

 

 

 

87,692

 

 

 

 

 

83,406

 

 

Net interest income per books

 

 

$

1,422,055

 

 

 

 

$

1,408,983

 

 

 

* Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of loans and investments on their yield, using the applicable statutory income tax rates. The computation considers the interest expense disallowance required by the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code. This adjustment is shown in order to compare the yield of the tax exempt and taxable assets on a taxable basis.

 

Note: Average loan balances include the average balance of non-accruing loans. No interest income is recognized for these loans in accordance with the Corporation’s policy.

105


 

Statistical Summary 2018-2019

Quarterly Financial Data

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

(In thousands, except per

 

Fourth

 

Third

 

Second

 

First

 

Fourth

 

Third

 

Second

 

First

 

common share information)

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

Summary of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

$

559,869

$

571,976

$

570,979

$

557,969

$

559,555

$

528,365

$

480,850

$

453,078

 

Interest expense

 

92,445

 

94,985

 

94,663

 

87,006

 

83,330

 

76,896

 

66,714

 

60,031

 

Net interest income

 

467,424

 

476,991

 

476,316

 

470,963

 

476,225

 

451,469

 

414,136

 

393,047

 

Provision for loan losses - non-covered loans

 

47,224

 

36,539

 

40,191

 

41,825

 

42,568

 

54,387

 

60,054

 

69,333

 

Provision for loan losses - covered loans

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,730

 

Mortgage banking activities

 

13,448

 

10,492

 

(1,773)

 

9,926

 

19,394

 

11,269

 

10,071

 

12,068

 

Net loss on sale of debt securities

 

-

 

(20)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities

 

332

 

213

 

528

 

1,433

 

(2,039)

 

370

 

234

 

(646)

 

Net profit (loss) on trading account debt securities

 

17

 

295

 

422

 

260

 

91

 

(122)

 

21

 

(198)

 

Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

33

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

Adjustments (expense) to indemnity reserves on loans sold

 

1,321

 

(3,411)

 

1,840

 

(93)

 

(6,477)

 

(3,029)

 

(527)

 

(2,926)

 

FDIC loss-share income (expense)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

102,752

 

(8,027)

 

Other non-interest income

 

137,297

 

135,143

 

137,309

 

124,904

 

142,165

 

142,533

 

122,258

 

113,226

 

Operating expenses

 

390,572

 

376,475

 

363,015

 

347,420

 

396,455

 

365,437

 

337,668

 

322,002

 

Income before income tax

 

182,043

 

206,689

 

211,436

 

218,148

 

190,369

 

182,666

 

251,223

 

113,479

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

15,258

 

41,370

 

40,330

 

50,223

 

83,966

 

42,018

 

(28,560)

 

22,155

 

Net income

$

166,785

$

165,319

$

171,106

$

167,925

$

106,403

$

140,648

$

279,783

$

91,324

 

Net income applicable to common stock

$

165,854

$

164,389

$

170,175

$

166,994

$

105,472

$

139,718

$

278,852

$

90,393

 

Net income per common share - basic

$

1.72

$

1.71

$

1.77

$

1.69

$

1.06

$

1.38

$

2.74

$

0.89

 

Net income per common share - diluted

$

1.72

$

1.70

$

1.76

$

1.69

$

1.05

$

1.38

$

2.73

$

0.89

 

Dividends declared per common share

$

0.30

$

0.30

$

0.30

$

0.30

$

0.25

$

0.25

$

0.25

$

0.25

 

Selected Average Balances

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

51,974

$

50,941

$

49,775

$

48,627

$

47,920

$

47,490

$

46,851

$

44,250

 

Loans

 

27,081

 

26,892

 

26,733

 

26,492

 

26,337

 

25,591

 

24,219

 

24,073

 

Interest earning assets

 

48,546

 

47,506

 

46,397

 

45,265

 

44,615

 

44,138

 

43,477

 

40,821

 

Deposits

 

43,785

 

42,822

 

41,715

 

40,527

 

39,890

 

39,277

 

38,663

 

36,068

 

Interest bearing liabilities

 

36,236

 

35,438

 

34,295

 

33,043

 

32,642

 

32,267

 

31,650

 

29,663

 

Selected Ratios

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return on average assets

 

1.27

%

1.29

%

1.38

%

1.40

%

0.88

%

1.17

%

2.40

%

0.84

%

Return on average common equity

 

11.27

 

11.44

 

12.31

 

12.17

 

7.57

 

10.10

 

20.84

 

7.06

 

Note: Because each reporting period stands on its own the sum of the net income (loss) per common share for the quarters may not equal to the net income (loss) per common share for the year.

106


 

Picture 6

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Popular, Inc. (the “Corporation”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a - 15(f) and 15d - 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and for our assessment of internal control over financial reporting. The Corporation’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 accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and includes controls over the preparation of financial statements in accordance with the instructions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C) to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA). The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Corporation;

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Corporation; and

(iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection 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 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.

The management of Popular, Inc. has assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Based on our assessment, management concluded that the Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 based on the criteria referred to above.

The Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, has audited the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, as stated in their report dated March 2, 2020 which appears herein.

 

Picture 5

 

Picture 4

Ignacio Alvarez

 

Carlos J. Vázquez

President and

 

Executive Vice President

Chief Executive Officer

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

107


 

Picture 1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and

Stockholders of Popular, Inc.

 

 

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Popular, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Corporation as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

 

Basis for Opinions

 

The Corporation's management is responsible for these consolidated 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 Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and on the Corporation'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 Corporation 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as

108


 

well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated 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. 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. Management's assessment and our audit of Popular, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting also included controls over the preparation of financial statements in accordance with the instructions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C) to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA). A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) 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 (iii) 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 matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”) –Qualitative Judgmental Reserves Related to the Puerto Rico Loan Portfolio

 

As described in Notes 9 and 26 to the consolidated financial statements, the Corporation’s ALLL related to the Puerto Rico loan portfolio was $433 million as of December 31, 2019. Management follows a systematic methodology to establish and evaluate the adequacy of the ALLL to provide for inherent losses in the loan

portfolio. As disclosed by management, since the Corporation’s business activities are concentrated primarily in Puerto Rico, its results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends of the Puerto Rico economy, which remains in the midst of a fiscal and economic crisis. Management’s ALLL methodology includes qualitative judgmental reserves based on stressed credit quality assumptions to provide for probable losses in the loan portfolios, including the Puerto Rico loan portfolio, not embedded in the historical loss rates.

 

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the qualitative judgmental reserves related to the Puerto Rico loan portfolio is a critical audit matter are (i) there was a high

109


 

degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity involved in applying procedures relating to the qualitative judgmental reserves due to the significant amount of judgment and estimation necessary by management when determining the ALLL, including the qualitative judgmental reserves; (ii) significant audit effort and significant auditor judgment were necessary to evaluate the audit evidence obtained relating to the reasonableness of the stressed credit quality assumptions used to determine the qualitative judgmental reserves; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in evaluating the audit evidence obtained from these procedures.

 

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s ALLL estimation process, which included controls over management’s determination of the qualitative judgmental reserves related to the Puerto Rico loan portfolio. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for estimating the qualitative judgmental reserves, including testing the completeness and accuracy of data used in the estimate and involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of the methodology and the reasonableness of the stressed credit quality assumptions used to determine the qualitative judgmental reserves.

Picture 3

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico

March 2, 2020

 

We have served as the Corporation’s auditor since 1971, which includes periods before the Corporation became subject to SEC reporting requirements.

 

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

(OF PUERTO RICO)

License No. LLP-216 Expires Dec. 1, 2022

Stamp E392792 of the P.R. Society of

Certified Public Accountants has been

affixed to the file copy of this report

 

110


 

POPULAR, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

December 31,

(In thousands, except share information)

2019

2018

Assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

$

388,311

$

394,035

Money market investments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time deposits with other banks

 

3,262,286

 

4,171,048

 

 

Total money market investments

 

3,262,286

 

4,171,048

Trading account debt securities, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pledged securities with creditors’ right to repledge

 

598

 

598

 

 

Other trading account debt securities

 

39,723

 

37,189

Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pledged securities with creditors’ right to repledge

 

202,585

 

280,502

 

 

Other debt securities available-for-sale

 

17,445,888

 

13,019,682

Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value 2019 - $105,110; 2018 - $102,653)

 

97,662

 

101,575

Equity securities (realizable value 2019 -$165,952); (2018 - $159,821)

 

159,887

 

155,584

Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value

 

59,203

 

51,422

Loans held-in-portfolio

 

27,587,856

 

26,663,713

 

 

Less – Unearned income

 

180,983

 

155,824

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

477,708

 

569,348

 

 

Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

 

26,929,165

 

25,938,541

Premises and equipment, net

 

556,650

 

569,808

Other real estate

 

122,072

 

136,705

Accrued income receivable

 

180,871

 

166,022

Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value

 

150,906

 

169,777

Other assets

 

1,819,615

 

1,714,134

Goodwill

 

671,122

 

671,122

Other intangible assets

 

28,780

 

26,833

Total assets

$

52,115,324

$

47,604,577

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing

$

9,160,173

$

9,149,036

 

 

Interest bearing

 

34,598,433

 

30,561,003

 

 

Total deposits

 

43,758,606

 

39,710,039

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

193,378

 

281,529

Other short-term borrowings

 

-

 

42

Notes payable

 

1,101,608

 

1,256,102

Other liabilities

 

1,044,953

 

921,808

 

 

Total liabilities

 

46,098,545

 

42,169,520

Commitments and contingencies (Refer to Note 26)

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 2,006,391 shares issued and outstanding

 

50,160

 

50,160

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 170,000,000 shares authorized;104,392,222 shares issued (2018 - 104,320,303) and 95,589,629 shares outstanding (2018 - 99,942,845)

 

1,044

 

1,043

Surplus

 

4,447,412

 

4,365,606

Retained earnings

 

2,147,915

 

1,651,731

Treasury stock - at cost, 8,802,593 shares (2018 - 4,377,458)

 

(459,814)

 

(205,509)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

(169,938)

 

(427,974)

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

6,016,779

 

5,435,057

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

52,115,324

$

47,604,577

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

111


 

POPULAR, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share information)

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Interest income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

$

1,802,968

 

$

1,645,736

 

$

1,478,765

 

Money market investments

 

89,823

 

 

111,288

 

 

51,495

 

Investment securities

 

368,002

 

 

264,824

 

 

195,684

 

 

Total interest income

 

2,260,793

 

 

2,021,848

 

 

1,725,944

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

304,858

 

 

204,265

 

 

141,864

 

Short-term borrowings

 

6,100

 

 

7,210

 

 

5,724

 

Long-term debt

 

58,141

 

 

75,496

 

 

76,392

 

 

Total interest expense

 

369,099

 

 

286,971

 

 

223,980

Net interest income

 

1,891,694

 

 

1,734,877

 

 

1,501,964

Provision for loan losses - non-covered loans

 

165,779

 

 

226,342

 

 

319,682

Provision for loan losses - covered loans

 

-

 

 

1,730

 

 

5,742

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

 

1,725,915

 

 

1,506,805

 

 

1,176,540

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

160,933

 

 

150,677

 

 

153,709

Other service fees

 

285,206

 

 

258,020

 

 

217,267

Mortgage banking activities (Refer to Note 11)

 

32,093

 

 

52,802

 

 

25,496

Net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities

 

(20)

 

 

-

 

 

83

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(8,299)

Net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities

 

2,506

 

 

(2,081)

 

 

251

Net profit (loss) on trading account debt securities

 

994

 

 

(208)

 

 

(817)

Net gain (loss) on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

 

33

 

 

(420)

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense

 

(343)

 

 

(12,959)

 

 

(22,377)

FDIC loss-share income (expense) (Refer to Note 36)

 

-

 

 

94,725

 

 

(10,066)

Other operating income

 

88,514

 

 

111,485

 

 

64,340

 

 

Total non-interest income

 

569,883

 

 

652,494

 

 

419,167

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel costs

 

590,625

 

 

562,988

 

 

476,762

Net occupancy expenses

 

96,339

 

 

88,329

 

 

89,194

Equipment expenses

 

84,215

 

 

71,788

 

 

65,142

Other taxes

 

51,653

 

 

46,284

 

 

43,382

Professional fees

 

384,411

 

 

349,844

 

 

292,488

Communications

 

23,450

 

 

23,107

 

 

22,466

Business promotion

 

75,372

 

 

65,918

 

 

58,445

FDIC deposit insurance

 

18,179

 

 

27,757

 

 

26,392

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

-

 

 

12,522

 

 

-

Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses

 

4,298

 

 

23,338

 

 

48,540

Other operating expenses

 

139,570

 

 

140,361

 

 

125,007

Amortization of intangibles

 

9,370

 

 

9,326

 

 

9,378

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

1,477,482

 

 

1,421,562

 

 

1,257,196

Income before income tax

 

818,316

 

 

737,737

 

 

338,511

Income tax expense

 

147,181

 

 

119,579

 

 

230,830

Net Income

$

671,135

 

$

618,158

 

$

107,681

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock

$

667,412

 

$

614,435

 

$

103,958

Net Income per Common Share – Basic

$

6.89

 

$

6.07

 

$

1.02

Net Income per Common Share – Diluted

$

6.88

 

$

6.06

 

$

1.02

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

112


 

POPULAR, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Net income

$

671,135

 

$

618,158

 

$

107,681

Reclassification to retained earnings due to cumulative effect of accounting change

 

(50)

 

 

(605)

 

 

-

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

(6,847)

 

 

(6,902)

 

 

(3,078)

Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans

 

(21,874)

 

 

(15,497)

 

 

(8,465)

 

Amortization of net losses

 

23,508

 

 

21,542

 

 

22,428

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

-

 

 

(3,470)

 

 

(3,800)

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities arising during the period

 

286,063

 

 

(71,255)

 

 

(45,307)

 

Other-than-temporary impairment included in net income

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,299

 

Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income

 

20

 

 

-

 

 

(83)

Unrealized holding gains on equity securities arising during the period

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

151

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(251)

Unrealized net (losses) gains on cash flow hedges

 

(5,741)

 

 

536

 

 

(1,295)

 

Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income

 

3,882

 

 

(1,110)

 

 

1,888

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax

 

278,961

 

 

(76,761)

 

 

(29,513)

Income tax expense

 

(20,925)

 

 

(561)

 

 

(853)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

258,036

 

 

(77,322)

 

 

(30,366)

Comprehensive income, net of tax

$

929,171

 

$

540,836

 

$

77,315

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax effect allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans

$

8,203

 

$

6,044

 

$

3,301

 

Amortization of net losses

 

(8,817)

 

 

(8,401)

 

 

(8,744)

 

Amortization of prior service credit

 

-

 

 

1,354

 

 

1,482

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities arising during the period

 

(20,113)

 

 

219

 

 

4,861

 

Other-than-temporary impairment included in net income

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,559)

 

Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income

 

(4)

 

 

-

 

 

17

Unrealized holding gains on equity securities arising during the period

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(30)

 

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

50

Unrealized net (losses) gains on cash flow hedges

 

1,302

 

 

(210)

 

 

505

 

Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income

 

(1,496)

 

 

433

 

 

(736)

Income tax expense

$

(20,925)

 

$

(561)

 

$

(853)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

113


 

POPULAR, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

Preferred

 

 

Retained

Treasury

comprehensive

 

 

(In thousands)

stock

stock

Surplus

earnings

stock

loss

Total

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

1,040

$

50,160

$

4,255,022

$

1,220,307

$

(8,286)

$

(320,286)

 

5,197,957

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

107,681

 

 

 

 

 

107,681

Issuance of stock

 

2

 

 

 

6,945

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,947

Dividends declared:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(102,136)

 

 

 

 

 

(102,136)

 

Preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,723)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,723)

Common stock purchases

 

 

 

 

 

4,518

 

 

 

(81,938)

 

 

 

(77,420)

Common stock reissuance

 

 

 

 

 

(13)

 

 

 

82

 

 

 

69

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

4,896

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,896

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(30,366)

 

(30,366)

Transfer to statutory reserve

 

 

 

 

 

27,135

 

(27,135)

 

 

 

 

 

-

Balance at December 31, 2017

$

1,042

$

50,160

$

4,298,503

$

1,194,994

$

(90,142)

$

(350,652)

 

5,103,905

Cumulative effect of accounting change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,935

 

 

 

 

 

1,935

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

618,158

 

 

 

 

 

618,158

Issuance of stock

 

1

 

 

 

3,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,341

Dividends declared:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(101,293)

 

 

 

 

 

(101,293)

 

Preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,723)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,723)

Common stock purchases[2]

 

 

 

 

 

(86)

 

 

 

(127,379)

 

 

 

(127,465)

Common stock reissuance

 

 

 

 

 

351

 

 

 

3,576

 

 

 

3,927

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

5,158

 

 

 

8,436

 

 

 

13,594

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(77,322)

 

(77,322)

Transfer to statutory reserve

 

 

 

 

 

58,340

 

(58,340)

 

 

 

 

 

-

Balance at December 31, 2018

$

1,043

$

50,160

$

4,365,606

$

1,651,731

$

(205,509)

$

(427,974)

 

5,435,057

Cumulative effect of accounting change

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,905

 

 

 

 

 

4,905

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

671,135

 

 

 

 

 

671,135

Issuance of stock

 

1

 

 

 

3,496

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,497

Dividends declared:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(116,022)

 

 

 

 

 

(116,022)

 

Preferred stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3,723)

 

 

 

 

 

(3,723)

Common stock purchases[3]

 

 

 

 

 

15,740

 

 

 

(271,752)

 

 

 

(256,012)

Common stock reissuance

 

 

 

 

 

374

 

 

 

4,848

 

 

 

5,222

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

2,085

 

 

 

12,599

 

 

 

14,684

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

258,036

 

258,036

Transfer to statutory reserve

 

 

 

 

 

60,111

 

(60,111)

 

 

 

 

 

-

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

1,044

$

50,160

$

4,447,412

$

2,147,915

$

(459,814)

$

(169,938)

 

6,016,779

[1]

Dividends declared per common share during the year ended December 31, 2019 - $1.20 (2018 - $1.00; 2017 - $1.00).

[2]

During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Corporation completed a $125 million accelerated share repurchase transaction with respect to its common stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. Refer to Note 22 for additional information.

[3]

During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation completed a $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction with respect to its common stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. Refer to Note 22 for additional information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

Disclosure of changes in number of shares:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Preferred Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning and end of year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,006,391

 

2,006,391

 

2,006,391

Common Stock:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at beginning of year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

104,320,303

 

104,238,159

 

104,058,684

 

Issuance of stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

71,919

 

82,144

 

179,475

 

Balance at end of year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

104,392,222

 

104,320,303

 

104,238,159

 

Treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(8,802,593)

 

(4,377,458)

 

(2,169,178)

Common Stock – Outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

95,589,629

 

99,942,845

 

102,068,981

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

114


 

POPULAR, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

671,135

 

$

618,158

 

$

107,681

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for loan losses

 

165,779

 

 

228,072

 

 

325,424

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

9,370

 

 

9,326

 

 

9,378

 

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

 

58,067

 

 

53,300

 

 

48,364

 

Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees

 

(158,070)

 

 

(87,154)

 

 

(22,310)

 

Share-based compensation

 

12,303

 

 

10,521

 

 

-

 

Impairment losses on long-lived assets

 

2,591

 

 

272

 

 

4,784

 

Other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,299

 

Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights

 

27,771

 

 

8,477

 

 

36,519

 

FDIC loss-share (income) expense

 

-

 

 

(94,725)

 

 

10,066

 

Adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold

 

343

 

 

12,959

 

 

22,377

 

Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions

 

(28,011)

 

 

(24,217)

 

 

(18,247)

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

141,332

 

 

(12,320)

 

 

207,428

 

(Gain) loss on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

(6,666)

 

 

15,984

 

 

4,281

 

 

Proceeds from insurance claims

 

(1,205)

 

 

(20,147)

 

 

-

 

 

Early extinguishment of debt

 

-

 

 

12,522

 

 

-

 

 

Sale and valuation adjustments of debt securities

 

20

 

 

-

 

 

(83)

 

 

Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale and mortgage banking activities

 

(15,888)

 

 

(9,681)

 

 

(16,670)

 

 

Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

 

(21,982)

 

 

6,833

 

 

21,715

 

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale

 

(223,939)

 

 

(232,264)

 

 

(244,385)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale

 

71,075

 

 

66,687

 

 

69,464

 

Net originations on loans held-for-sale

 

(289,430)

 

 

(254,582)

 

 

(315,522)

 

Net decrease (increase) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading debt securities

 

460,969

 

 

458,447

 

 

503,108

 

 

Equity securities

 

(8,032)

 

 

(1,622)

 

 

(1,269)

 

 

Accrued income receivable

 

(8,369)

 

 

49,288

 

 

(75,802)

 

 

Other assets

 

(37,847)

 

 

264,841

 

 

(65,844)

 

Net (decrease) increase in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest payable

 

(284)

 

 

(9,786)

 

 

2,549

 

 

Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation

 

778

 

 

4,558

 

 

(13,100)

 

 

Other liabilities

 

(116,443)

 

 

(226,244)

 

 

28,279

Total adjustments

 

34,232

 

 

229,345

 

 

528,803

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

705,367

 

 

847,503

 

 

636,484

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease (increase) in money market investments

 

905,558

 

 

1,083,515

 

 

(2,366,932)

 

Purchases of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

(18,733,295)

 

 

(10,050,165)

 

 

(4,139,650)

 

 

Equity

 

(16,300)

 

 

(13,068)

 

 

(29,672)

 

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

14,650,440

 

 

6,946,209

 

 

2,023,295

 

 

Held-to-maturity

 

5,913

 

 

7,280

 

 

6,232

 

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

99,445

 

 

-

 

 

14,423

 

 

Equity

 

20,030

 

 

24,209

 

 

30,250

 

Net disbursements on loans

 

(641,029)

 

 

(6,665)

 

 

(398,676)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans

 

110,534

 

 

29,669

 

 

415

 

Acquisition of loan portfolios

 

(619,737)

 

 

(601,550)

 

 

(535,534)

 

Payments to acquire other intangibles

 

(10,382)

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Net payments (to) from FDIC under loss sharing agreements

 

-

 

 

(25,012)

 

 

(7,679)

 

Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired

 

-

 

 

(1,843,333)

 

 

-

 

Return of capital from equity method investments

 

6,942

 

 

4,090

 

 

8,194

 

Acquisition of premises and equipment

 

(75,665)

 

 

(80,549)

 

 

(62,697)

 

Proceeds from insurance claims

 

1,205

 

 

20,147

 

 

-

115


 

 

Proceeds from sale of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

18,608

 

 

9,185

 

 

9,753

 

 

Foreclosed assets

 

107,881

 

 

105,371

 

 

96,540

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,169,852)

 

 

(4,390,667)

 

 

(5,351,738)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

4,043,955

 

 

4,259,651

 

 

4,954,105

 

 

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

(88,151)

 

 

(109,391)

 

 

(88,505)

 

 

Other short-term borrowings

 

(41)

 

 

(96,167)

 

 

95,008

 

Payments of notes payable

 

(210,377)

 

 

(755,966)

 

 

(95,607)

 

Principal payments of finance leases

 

(1,726)

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Payments for debt extinguishment

 

-

 

 

(12,522)

 

 

-

 

Proceeds from issuance of notes payable

 

75,000

 

 

473,819

 

 

55,000

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

8,719

 

 

7,268

 

 

7,016

 

Dividends paid

 

(115,810)

 

 

(105,441)

 

 

(95,910)

 

Net payments for repurchase of common stock

 

(250,581)

 

 

(125,264)

 

 

(75,664)

 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

 

(5,431)

 

 

(2,201)

 

 

(1,756)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

3,455,557

 

 

3,533,786

 

 

4,753,687

Net decrease in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash

 

(8,928)

 

 

(9,378)

 

 

38,433

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

403,251

 

 

412,629

 

 

374,196

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

$

394,323

 

$

403,251

 

$

412,629

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1 -

Nature of Operations

118

 

Note 2 -

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

119

 

Note 3 -

New Accounting Pronouncements

129

 

Note 4 -

Business Combination

136

 

Note 5 -

Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks and Certain Securities

138

 

Note 6 -

Debt Securities Available-For-Sale

139

 

Note 7 -

Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity

143

 

Note 8 -

Loans

145

 

Note 9 -

Allowance for loan losses

151

 

Note 10 -

FDIC Loss Share Asset and True-Up Payment Obligation

168

 

Note 11 -

Mortgage Banking Activities

169

 

Note 12 -

Transfers of Financial Assets and Mortgage Servicing Assets

170

 

Note 13 -

Premises and Equipment

174

 

Note 14 -

Other Real Estate Owned

175

 

Note 15 -

Other Assets

176

 

Note 16 -

Investment in Equity Investees

177

 

Note 17 -

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

178

 

Note 18 -

Deposits

182

 

Note 19 -

Borrowings

183

 

Note 20 -

Trust Preferred Securities

186

 

Note 21 -

Other Liabilities

187

 

Note 22 -

Stockholders’ Equity

188

 

Note 23 -

Regulatory Capital Requirements

190

 

Note 24 -

Other comprehensive Loss

192

 

Note 25 -

Guarantees

194

 

Note 26 -

Commitments and Contingencies

197

 

Note 27-

Non-consolidated Variable Interest Entities

204

 

Note 28 -

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

206

 

Note 29 -

Related Party Transactions

210

 

Note 30 -

Fair value Measurement

215

 

Note 31 -

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

223

 

Note 32 -

Employee Benefits

226

 

Note 33 -

Net Income per Common Share

233

 

Note 34 -

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

234

 

Note 35 -

Leases

236

 

Note 36 -

FDIC Loss Share Income (Expense)

238

 

Note 37 -

Stock-Based Compensation

239

 

Note 38 -

Income Taxes

242

 

Note 39 -

Supplemental Disclosure on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

247

 

Note 40 -

Segment Reporting

248

 

Note 41 -

Popular, Inc. (Holding company only) Financial Information

254

 

Note 42 -

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor and Issuers of Registered Guaranteed Securities

257

 

Note 43 -

Subsequent Events

272

 

117


 

Note 1 – Nature of operations

Popular, Inc. (the “Corporation or “Popular”) is a diversified, publicly-owned financial holding company subject to the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Corporation has operations in Puerto Rico, the mainland United States (“U.S.”) and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. In Puerto Rico, the Corporation provides retail, mortgage and commercial banking services, through its principal banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (“BPPR”), as well as investment banking, broker-dealer, auto and equipment leasing and financing, and insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. In the mainland U.S., the Corporation provides retail, mortgage and commercial banking services through its New York-chartered banking subsidiary, Popular Bank (“PB”), which has branches located in New York, New Jersey and Florida.

 

 

118


 

Note 2 – Summary of significant accounting policies

The accounting and financial reporting policies of Popular, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with prevailing practices within the financial services industry.

The following is a description of the most significant of these policies:

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Popular, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In accordance with the consolidation guidance for variable interest entities, the Corporation would also consolidate any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which it has a controlling financial interest; and therefore, it is the primary beneficiary. Assets held in a fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Corporation and, accordingly, are not included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Unconsolidated investments, in which there is at least 20% ownership and the Corporation exercises significant influence, are generally accounted for by the equity method with earnings recorded in other operating income. These investments are included in other assets and the Corporation’s proportionate share of income or loss is included in other operating income. Those investments in which there is less than 20% ownership, are generally carried under the cost method of accounting, unless significant influence is exercised. Under the cost method, the Corporation recognizes income when dividends are received. Limited partnerships are accounted for by the equity method unless the investor’s interest is so “minor” that the limited partner may have virtually no influence over partnership operating and financial policies.

Statutory business trusts that are wholly-owned by the Corporation and are issuers of trust preferred securities are not consolidated in the Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method. Under this method, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date are measured at their fair values as of the acquisition date. The acquisition date is the date the acquirer obtains control. Also, assets or liabilities arising from noncontractual contingencies are measured at their acquisition date at fair value only if it is more likely than not that they meet the definition of an asset or liability. Acquisition-related restructuring costs that do not meet certain criteria of exit or disposal activities are expensed as incurred. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred. Changes in income tax valuation allowances for acquired deferred tax assets are recognized in earnings subsequent to the measurement period as an adjustment to income tax expense. Contingent consideration classified as an asset or a liability is remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. The changes in fair value of the contingent consideration are recognized in earnings unless the arrangement is a hedging instrument for which changes are initially recognized in other comprehensive income.

On August 1, 2018, Popular, Inc., through its subsidiary Popular Auto, LLC, acquired and assumed from Reliable Financial Services, Inc. and Reliable Finance Holding Co. (“Reliable”), subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, certain assets and liabilities related to their auto finance business in Puerto Rico (the “Reliable Transaction” or “Transaction”). The Corporation determined that this acquisition constituted a business combination as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805 “Business Combinations”. Refer to Note 4, Business combination, for further details on the Reliable Transaction.

There were no significant business combinations during 2019.

Use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and contingent assets and liabilities at 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.

Fair value measurements

The Corporation determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on the fair value framework established in the guidance for Fair Value Measurements in ASC Subtopic 820-10, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Fair value is defined 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. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value which are (1) quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets, (2)

119


 

observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data, and (3) unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.

The guidance in ASC Subtopic 820-10 also addresses measuring fair value in situations where markets are inactive and transactions are not orderly. Transactions or quoted prices for assets and liabilities may not be determinative of fair value when transactions are not orderly, and thus, may require adjustments to estimate fair value. Price quotes based on transactions that are not orderly should be given little, if any, weight in measuring fair value. Price quotes based on transactions that are orderly shall be considered in determining fair value, and the weight given is based on facts and circumstances. If sufficient information is not available to determine if price quotes are based on orderly transactions, less weight should be given to the price quote relative to other transactions that are known to be orderly.

Investment securities

Investment securities are classified in four categories and accounted for as follows:

Debt securities that the Corporation has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as debt securities held-to-maturity and reported 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. An investment in debt securities is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost. For other-than-temporary impairments, the Corporation assesses if it has both the intent and the ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in its fair value to its amortized cost. An other-than-temporary impairment not related to a credit loss (defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis) for a held-to-maturity security is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss and amortized over the remaining life of the debt security. The amortized cost basis for a debt security is adjusted by the credit loss amount of other-than-temporary impairments.

Debt securities classified as trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in non-interest income.

Debt securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or trading, and which have a readily available fair value, are classified as debt securities available-for-sale and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported, net of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The specific identification method is used to determine realized gains and losses on debt securities available-for-sale, which are included in net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Declines in the value of debt securities that are considered other-than-temporary reduce the value of the asset, and the estimated loss is recorded in non-interest income. For debt securities, the Corporation assesses whether (a) it has the intent to sell the debt security, or (b) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is met, an other-than-temporary impairment on the security is recognized. In instances in which a determination is made that a credit loss (defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis) exists but the entity does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its remaining amortized cost basis (i.e., the amortized cost basis less any current-period credit loss), the impairment is separated into (a) the amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss, and (b) the amount of the total impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the total impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amount of the total impairment related to all other factors is recognized in other comprehensive loss. The other-than-temporary impairment analyses for debt securities are performed on a quarterly basis.

Equity securities that have readily available fair values are reported at fair value. Equity securities that do not have readily available fair values are measured at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. Stock that is owned by the Corporation to comply with regulatory requirements, such as Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, is included in this category, and their realizable value equals their cost. Unrealized gains and losses of equity securities are included in net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

120


 

The amortization of premiums is deducted and the accretion of discounts is added to net interest income based on the interest method over the outstanding period of the related securities. Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a trade date basis.

Derivative financial instruments

All derivatives are recognized on the Statements of Financial Condition at fair value. The Corporation’s policy is not to offset the fair value amounts recognized for multiple derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under a master netting arrangement nor to offset the fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from the same master netting arrangement as the derivative instruments.

For a cash flow hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument, to the extent that it is effective, are recorded net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and subsequently reclassified to net income (loss) in the same period(s) that the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is immediately recognized in current earnings. For free-standing derivative instruments, changes in fair values are reported in current period earnings.

Prior to entering a hedge transaction, the Corporation formally documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivative instruments to specific assets and liabilities on the Statements of Financial Condition or to specific forecasted transactions or firm commitments along with a formal assessment, at both inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, as to the effectiveness of the derivative instrument in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge, a derivative expires, is sold, terminated, when it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will occur or when it is determined that it is no longer appropriate. When hedge accounting is discontinued the derivative continues to be carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings.

For non-exchange traded contracts, fair value is based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques for which the determination of fair value may require significant management judgment or estimation.

The fair value of derivative instruments considers the risk of non-performance by the counterparty or the Corporation, as applicable.

The Corporation obtains or pledges collateral in connection with its derivative activities when applicable under the agreement .

Loans

Loans are classified as loans held-in-portfolio when management has the intent and ability to hold the loan for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff. The foreseeable future is a management judgment which is determined based upon the type of loan, business strategies, current market conditions, balance sheet management and liquidity needs. Management’s view of the foreseeable future may change based on changes in these conditions. When a decision is made to sell or securitize a loan that was not originated or initially acquired with the intent to sell or securitize, the loan is reclassified from held-in-portfolio into held-for-sale. Due to changing market conditions or other strategic initiatives, management’s intent with respect to the disposition of the loan may change, and accordingly, loans previously classified as held-for-sale may be reclassified into held-in-portfolio. Loans transferred between loans held-for-sale and held-in-portfolio classifications are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value at the date of transfer.

Purchased loans are accounted at fair value upon acquisition. Credit discounts are included in the determination of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded at the acquisition date.

Loans held-for-sale are stated at the lower of cost or fair value, cost being determined based on the outstanding loan balance less unearned income, and fair value determined, generally in the aggregate. Fair value is measured based on current market prices for similar loans, outstanding investor commitments, prices of recent sales or discounted cash flow analyses which utilize inputs and assumptions which are believed to be consistent with market participants’ views. The cost basis also includes consideration of deferred origination fees and costs, which are recognized in earnings at the time of sale. Upon reclassification to held-for-sale, credit related fair value adjustments are recorded as a reduction in the allowance for loan losses (“ALLL”). To the extent that the loan's reduction in value has not already been provided for in the allowance for loan losses, an additional loan loss provision is recorded. Subsequent to reclassification to held-for-sale, the amount, by which cost exceeds fair value, if any, is accounted for as a valuation allowance with changes therein included in the determination of net income (loss) for the period in which the change occurs.

Loans held-in-portfolio are reported at their outstanding principal balances net of any unearned income, charge-offs, unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans, and premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Fees collected and costs incurred in the origination of new loans are deferred and amortized using the interest method or a method which approximates the interest method over the term of the loan as an adjustment to interest yield.

121


 

The past due status of a loan is determined in accordance with its contractual repayment terms. Furthermore, loans are reported as past due when either interest or principal remains unpaid for 30 days or more in accordance with its contractual repayment terms.

Non-accrual loans are those loans on which the accrual of interest is discontinued. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, all previously accrued and unpaid interest is charged against income and the loan is accounted for either on a cash-basis method or on the cost-recovery method. Loans designated as non-accruing are returned to accrual status when the Corporation expects repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest.

Recognition of interest income on commercial and construction loans is discontinued when the loans are 90 days or more in arrears on payments of principal or interest or when other factors indicate that the collection of principal and interest is doubtful. The impaired portion of secured loan past due as to principal and interest is charged-off not later than 365 days past due. However, in the case of a collateral dependent loan individually evaluated for impairment, the excess of the recorded investment over the fair value of the collateral (portion deemed uncollectible) is generally promptly charged-off, but in any event, not later than the quarter following the quarter in which such excess was first recognized. Commercial unsecured loans are charged-off no later than 180 days past due. Recognition of interest income on mortgage loans is generally discontinued when loans are 90 days or more in arrears on payments of principal or interest. The impaired portion of a mortgage loan is charged-off when the loan is 180 days past due. The Corporation discontinues the recognition of interest on residential mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”) or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) when 15-months delinquent as to principal or interest. The principal repayment on these loans is insured. Recognition of interest income on closed-end consumer loans and home equity lines of credit is discontinued when the loans are 90 days or more in arrears on payments of principal or interest. Income is generally recognized on open-end consumer loans, except for home equity lines of credit, until the loans are charged-off. Recognition of interest income for lease financing is ceased when loans are 90 days or more in arrears. Closed-end consumer loans and leases are charged-off when they are 120 days in arrears. Open-end (revolving credit) consumer loans are charged-off when 180 days in arrears. Commercial and consumer overdrafts are generally charged-off no later than 60 days past their due date.

A loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is typically in non-accrual status at the time of the modification. The TDR loan continues in non-accrual status until the borrower has demonstrated a willingness and ability to make the restructured loan payments (at least six months of sustained performance after the modification (or one year for loans providing for quarterly or semi-annual payments)) and management has concluded that it is probable that the borrower would not be in payment default in the foreseeable future.

Lease financing

The Corporation leases passenger and commercial vehicles and equipment to individual and corporate customers. The finance method of accounting is used to recognize revenue on lease contracts that meet the criteria specified in the guidance for leases in ASC Topic 842. Aggregate rentals due over the term of the leases less unearned income are included in finance lease contracts receivable. Unearned income is amortized using a method which results in approximate level rates of return on the principal amounts outstanding. Finance lease origination fees and costs are deferred and amortized over the average life of the lease as an adjustment to the interest yield.

Revenue for other leases is recognized as it becomes due under the terms of the agreement.

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality accounted for under ASC 310-30

Loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 represent loans showing evidence of credit deterioration and that it is probable, at the date of acquisition, that the Corporation would not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Generally, acquired loans that meet the definition for nonaccrual status fall within the Corporation’s definition of impaired loans under ASC Subtopic 310-30. Also, for acquisitions that include a significant amount of impaired loans, an election can be made for non-impaired loans included in such transactions to apply the accretable yield method (expected cash flow model of ASC Subtopic 310-30), by analogy, to those loans. Those loans are disclosed as a loan that was acquired with credit deterioration and impairment.

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, impaired loans are aggregated into pools based on loans that have common risk characteristics. Each loan pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite interest rate and an aggregate expectation of cash flows. Characteristics considered in pooling loans include loan type, interest rate type, accruing status, amortization type, rate index and source type. Once the pools are defined, the Corporation maintains the integrity of the pool of multiple loans accounted for as a single asset.

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the difference between the undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the fair value in the loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as interest income using the effective yield method over the estimated life of the loan if the timing and amount of the future cash flows of the pool is reasonably estimable. Therefore, these loans are not considered non-

122


 

performing. The non-accretable difference represents the difference between contractually required principal and interest and the cash flows expected to be collected. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are recognized as a reduction of any allowance for loan losses established after the acquisition and then as an increase in the accretable yield for the loans prospectively. Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses. Loans charged-off against the non-accretable difference established in purchase accounting are not reported as charge-offs. Charge-offs on loans accounted under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are recorded only to the extent that losses exceed the non-accretable difference established with purchase accounting.

Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information with respect to loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality under ASC 310-30.

Allowance for loan losses

The Corporation follows a systematic methodology to establish and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to provide for inherent losses in the loan portfolio. This methodology includes the consideration of factors such as current economic conditions, portfolio risk characteristics, prior loss experience and results of periodic credit reviews of individual loans. The provision for loan losses charged to current operations is based on this methodology. Loan losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

The Corporation’s assessment of the allowance for loan losses is determined in accordance with the guidance of loss contingencies in ASC Subtopic 450-20 and loan impairment guidance in ASC Section 310-10-35. Also, the Corporation determines the allowance for loan losses on purchased impaired loans and purchased loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, by evaluating decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date.

For a detailed description of the principal factors used to determine the general reserves of the allowance for loan losses and for the principal enhancements Management made to its methodology, refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

According to the loan impairment accounting guidance in ASC Section 310-10-35, a loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the principal and/or interest are not going to be collected according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. Current information and events include “environmental” factors, e.g. existing industry, geographical, economic and political factors. Probable means the future event or events which will confirm the loss or impairment of the loan is likely to occur.

The Corporation defines commercial and construction impaired loans as borrowers with total debt greater than or equal to $1 million with 90 days or more past due, as well as all loans whose terms have been modified in a troubled debt restructuring (“TDRs”). In addition, larger commercial and construction loans ($1 million and over) that exhibit probable or observed credit weaknesses are subject to individual review and thus evaluated for impairment. Commercial and construction loans that originally met the Corporation’s threshold for impairment identification in a prior period, but due to charge-offs or payments are currently below the $1 million threshold and are still 90 days past due, except for TDRs, are accounted for under the Corporation’s general reserve methodology. Although the accounting codification guidance for specific impairment of a loan excludes large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment (e.g. mortgage and consumer loans), it specifically requires that loan modifications considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) be analyzed under its provisions. An allowance for loan impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of an impaired loan exceeds the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate, the observable market price of the loan, if available, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The fair value of the collateral is generally based on appraisals. Appraisals may be adjusted due to their age, and the type, location, and condition of the property or area or general market conditions to reflect the expected change in value between the effective date of the appraisal and the impairment measurement date. The Corporation requests updated appraisal reports from pre-approved appraisers for loans that are considered impaired following the Corporation’s reappraisals policy. This policy requires updated appraisals for loans secured by real estate (including construction loans) either annually or every two years depending on the total exposure of the borrower. As a general procedure, the Corporation internally reviews appraisals as part of the underwriting and approval process and also for credits considered impaired.

Troubled debt restructurings

A restructuring constitutes a TDR when the Corporation separately concludes that both of the following conditions exist: 1) the restructuring constitute a concession and 2) the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties. The concessions stem from an agreement between the Corporation and the debtor or are imposed by law or a court. These concessions could include a reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended to maximize collection. A concession has been granted when, as a result of the restructuring, the Corporation does not expect to collect all

123


 

amounts due, including interest accrued at the original contract rate. If the payment of principal is dependent on the value of collateral, the current value of the collateral is taken into consideration in determining the amount of principal to be collected; therefore, all factors that changed are considered to determine if a concession was granted, including the change in the fair value of the underlying collateral that may be used to repay the loan. Classification of loan modifications as TDRs involves a degree of judgment. Indicators that the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties which are considered include: (i) the borrower is currently in default on any of its debt or it is probable that the borrower would be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification; (ii) the borrower has declared or is in the process of declaring bankruptcy; (iii) there is significant doubt as to whether the borrower will continue to be a going concern; (iv) the borrower has securities that have been delisted, are in the process of being delisted, or are under threat of being delisted from an exchange; (v) based on estimates and projections that only encompass the borrower’s current business capabilities, it is forecasted that the entity-specific cash flows will be insufficient to service the debt (both interest and principal) in accordance with the contractual terms of the existing agreement through maturity; and (vi) absent the current modification, the borrower cannot obtain funds from sources other than the existing creditors at an effective interest rate equal to the current market interest rate for similar debt for a non-troubled debtor. The identification of TDRs is critical in the determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. Loans classified as TDRs may be excluded from TDR status if performance under the restructured terms exists for a reasonable period (at least twelve months of sustained performance) and the loan yields a market rate.

A loan may be restructured in a troubled debt restructuring into two (or more) loan agreements, for example, Note A and Note B. Note A represents the portion of the original loan principal amount that is expected to be fully collected along with contractual interest. Note B represents the portion of the original loan that may be considered uncollectible and charged-off, but the obligation is not forgiven to the borrower. Note A may be returned to accrual status provided all of the conditions for a TDR to be returned to accrual status are met. The modified loans are considered TDRs and thus, are evaluated under the framework of ASC Section 310-10-35 as long as the loans are not part of a pool of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30.

Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional qualitative information on TDRs and the Corporation’s determination of the allowance for loan losses.

Reserve for unfunded commitments

The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The determination of the adequacy of the reserve is based upon an evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities. Net adjustments to the reserve for unfunded commitments are included in other operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Transfers and servicing of financial assets

The transfer of an entire financial asset, a group of entire financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset in which the Corporation surrenders control over the assets is accounted for as a sale if all of the following conditions set forth in ASC Topic 860 are met: (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 these criteria, the Corporation is prevented from derecognizing the transferred financial assets and the transaction is accounted for as a secured borrowing. For federal and Puerto Rico income tax purposes, the Corporation treats the transfers of loans which do not qualify as “true sales” under the applicable accounting guidance, as sales, recognizing a deferred tax asset or liability on the transaction.

For transfers of financial assets that satisfy the conditions to be accounted for as sales, the Corporation derecognizes all assets sold; recognizes all assets obtained and liabilities incurred in consideration as proceeds of the sale, including servicing assets and servicing liabilities, if applicable; initially measures at fair value assets obtained and liabilities incurred in a sale; and recognizes in earnings any gain or loss on the sale.

The guidance on transfer of financial assets requires a true sale analysis of the treatment of the transfer under state law as if the Corporation was a debtor under the bankruptcy code. A true sale legal analysis includes several legally relevant factors, such as the nature and level of recourse to the transferor, and the nature of retained interests in the loans sold. The analytical conclusion as to a true sale is never absolute and unconditional, but contains qualifications based on the inherent equitable powers of a bankruptcy court, as well as the unsettled state of the common law. Once the legal isolation test has been met, other factors concerning the nature and extent of the transferor’s control over the transferred assets are taken into account in order to determine whether derecognition of assets is warranted.

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The Corporation sells mortgage loans to the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) in the normal course of business and retains the servicing rights. The GNMA programs under which the loans are sold allow the Corporation to repurchase individual delinquent loans that meet certain criteria. At the Corporation’s option, and without GNMA’s prior authorization, the Corporation may repurchase the delinquent loan for an amount equal to 100% of the remaining principal balance of the loan. Once the Corporation has the unconditional ability to repurchase the delinquent loan, the Corporation is deemed to have regained effective control over the loan and recognizes the loan on its balance sheet as well as an offsetting liability, regardless of the Corporation’s intent to repurchase the loan.

Servicing assets

The Corporation periodically sells or securitizes loans while retaining the obligation to perform the servicing of such loans. In addition, the Corporation may purchase or assume the right to service loans originated by others. Whenever the Corporation undertakes an obligation to service a loan, management assesses whether a servicing asset or liability should be recognized. A servicing asset is recognized whenever the compensation for servicing is expected to more than adequately compensate the servicer for performing the servicing. Likewise, a servicing liability would be recognized in the event that servicing fees to be received are not expected to adequately compensate the Corporation for its expected cost. Mortgage servicing assets recorded at fair value are separately presented on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

All separately recognized servicing assets are initially recognized at fair value. For subsequent measurement of servicing rights, the Corporation has elected the fair value method for mortgage loans servicing rights (“MSRs”). Under the fair value measurement method, MSRs are recorded at fair value each reporting period, and changes in fair value are reported in mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Contractual servicing fees including ancillary income and late fees, as well as fair value adjustments, and impairment losses, if any, are reported in mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Loan servicing fees, which are based on a percentage of the principal balances of the loans serviced, are credited to income as loan payments are collected.

The fair value of servicing rights is estimated by using a cash flow valuation model which calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration actual and expected loan prepayment rates, discount rates, servicing costs, and other economic factors, which are determined based on current market conditions.

 

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each type of asset. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Costs of maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets are expensed as incurred. Costs of renewals and betterments are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, their cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings as realized or incurred, respectively.

The Corporation capitalizes interest cost incurred in the construction of significant real estate projects, which consist primarily of facilities for its own use or intended for lease. The amount of interest cost capitalized is to be an allocation of the interest cost incurred during the period required to substantially complete the asset. The interest rate for capitalization purposes is to be based on a weighted average rate on the Corporation’s outstanding borrowings, unless there is a specific new borrowing associated with the asset. Interest cost capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was not significant.

The Corporation has operating lease arrangements primarily associated with the rental of premises to support its branch network or for general office space. Certain of these arrangements are non-cancellable and provide for rent escalations and renewal options. Rent expense on non-cancellable operating leases with scheduled rent increases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Impairment of long-lived assets

The Corporation evaluates for impairment its long-lived assets to be held and used, and long-lived assets to be disposed of, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

Other real estate

Other real estate, received in satisfaction of a loan, is recorded at fair value less estimated costs of disposal. The difference between the carrying amount of the loan and the fair value less cost to sell is recorded as an adjustment to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, any losses in the carrying value arising from periodic re-evaluations of the properties, and any

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gains or losses on the sale of these properties are credited or charged to expense in the period incurred and are included as OREO expenses. The cost of maintaining and operating such properties is expensed as incurred.

Updated appraisals are obtained to adjust the value of the other real estate assets. The frequency depends on the loan type and total credit exposure. The appraisal for a commercial or construction other real estate property with a book value equal to or greater than $1 million is updated annually and if lower than $1 million it is updated every two years. For residential mortgage properties, the Corporation requests appraisals annually.

Appraisals may be adjusted due to age, collateral inspections, property profiles, or general market conditions. The adjustments applied are based upon internal information such as other appraisals for the type of properties and/or loss severity information that can provide historical trends in the real estate market, and may change from time to time based on market conditions.

Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill is recognized when the purchase price is higher than the fair value of net assets acquired in business combinations under the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate possible impairment using a two-step process at each reporting unit level. The first step of the goodwill impairment test, used to identify potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of the reporting unit is not considered impaired and the second step of the impairment test is unnecessary. If needed, the second step consists of comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. In determining the fair value of a reporting unit, the Corporation generally uses a combination of methods, which include market price multiples of comparable companies and the discounted cash flow analysis. Goodwill impairment losses are recorded as part of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for changes on the annual goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASU 2017-04.

Other intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life are not amortized, but are tested for impairment using a one-step process which compares the fair value with the carrying amount of the asset. In determining that an intangible asset has an indefinite life, the Corporation considers expected cash inflows and legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic and other factors, which could limit the intangible asset’s useful life.

Other identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life, mainly core deposits, are amortized using various methods over the periods benefited, which range from 5 to 10 years. These intangibles are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairments on intangible assets with a finite useful life are evaluated under the guidance for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.

Assets sold / purchased under agreements to repurchase / resell

Repurchase and resell agreements are treated as collateralized financing transactions and are carried at the amounts at which the assets will be subsequently reacquired or resold as specified in the respective agreements.

It is the Corporation’s policy to take possession of securities purchased under agreements to resell. However, the counterparties to such agreements maintain effective control over such securities, and accordingly those securities are not reflected in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Corporation monitors the fair value of the underlying securities as compared to the related receivable, including accrued interest.

It is the Corporation’s policy to maintain effective control over assets sold under agreements to repurchase; accordingly, such securities continue to be carried on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The Corporation may require counterparties to deposit additional collateral or return collateral pledged, when appropriate.

Software

Capitalized software is stated at cost, less accumulated amortization. Capitalized software includes purchased software and capitalizable application development costs associated with internally-developed software. Amortization, computed on a straight-line method, is charged to operations over the estimated useful life of the software. Capitalized software is included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition.

Guarantees, including indirect guarantees of indebtedness of others

The Corporation, as a guarantor, recognizes at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. Refer to Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosures on guarantees.

Treasury stock

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Treasury stock is recorded at cost and is carried as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. At the date of retirement or subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock. At retirement, the excess of the cost of the treasury stock over its par value is recorded entirely to surplus. At reissuance, the difference between the consideration received upon issuance and the specific cost is charged or credited to surplus.

Revenues from contract with customers

Refer to Note 34 for a detailed description of the Corporation’s policies on the recognition and presentation of revenues from contract with customers.

Foreign exchange

Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated to U.S. dollars using prevailing rates of exchange at the end of the period. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are translated using weighted average rates for the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment from operations for which the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar is reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss, except for highly inflationary environments in which the effects are included in other operating expenses.

The Corporation holds interests in Centro Financiero BHD León, S.A. (“BHD León”) in the Dominican Republic. The business of BHD León is mainly conducted in their country’s foreign currency. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustment from these operations is reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Refer to the disclosure of accumulated other comprehensive loss included in Note 24.

Income taxes

The Corporation recognizes 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 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.

The guidance for income taxes requires a reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically by the Corporation based on the more likely than not realization threshold criterion. In the assessment for a valuation allowance, appropriate consideration is given to all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other matters, all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, the future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies. In making such assessments, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.

The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment in assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Corporation’s financial statements or tax returns and future profitability. The Corporation’s accounting for deferred tax consequences represents management’s best estimate of those future events.

Positions taken in the Corporation’s tax returns may be subject to challenge by the taxing authorities upon examination. Uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions are both initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Interest on income tax uncertainties is classified within income tax expense in the Statement of Operations; while the penalties, if any, are accounted for as other operating expenses.

The Corporation accounts for the taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis (excluded from revenues).

Income tax expense or benefit for the year is allocated among continuing operations, discontinued operations, and other comprehensive income, as applicable. The amount allocated to continuing operations is the tax effect of the pre-tax income or loss from continuing operations that occurred during the year, plus or minus income tax effects of (a) changes in circumstances that cause a change in judgment about the realization of deferred tax assets in future years, (b) changes in tax laws or rates, (c) changes in tax status, and (d) tax-deductible dividends paid to shareholders, subject to certain exceptions.

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Employees’ retirement and other postretirement benefit plans

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 requires the recognition of the funded status of each defined pension benefit plan, retiree health care and other postretirement benefit plans on the Statement of Financial Condition.

Stock-based compensation

The Corporation opted to use the fair value method of recording stock-based compensation as described in the guidance for employee share plans in ASC Subtopic 718-50.

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances, except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. The presentation of comprehensive income (loss) is included in separate Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Net income per common share

Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income adjusted for preferred stock dividends, including undeclared or unpaid dividends if cumulative, and charges or credits related to the extinguishment of preferred stock or induced conversions of preferred stock, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted income per common share takes into consideration the weighted average common shares adjusted for the effect of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and warrants, if any, using the treasury stock method.

Statement of cash flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash on hand and amounts due from banks, including restricted cash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Note 3 - New accounting pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

FASB Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2018-14, Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans – General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans

 

The FASB issued ASU 2018-14 in August 2018, which modifies the disclosure requirements for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or postretirement plans. The most significant changes include the removal of the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year and the effects of a one-percentage point change in assumed health care cost trend rates on the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs and benefit obligation for postretirement health care benefits. In addition, certain disclosure requirements were added which include, but are not limited to, an explanation of the reasons for significant gains and losses related to changes in the benefit obligation for the period.

December 31, 2019

The Corporation early adopted ASU 2018-14 during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and was mainly impacted by the simplified disclosures of this ASU. Refer to amended disclosures on Note 32, Employee benefits.

FASB ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842): Codification Improvements

 

The FASB issued ASU 2019-01 in March 2019 which, among other things, reinstates the specific fair value guidance in ASC Topic 840 for lessors that are not manufacturers or dealers to continue to measure the fair value of an underlying asset at its cost and clarifies that lessors that are depository or lending institutions in the scope of ASC Topic 942 are required to present the principal portion of lessee payments received from sales-type or direct financing leases as cash flows from investing activities.

January 1, 2019

The Corporation early adopted ASU 2019-01 during the first quarter of 2019, but was not impacted by the adoption of this ASU.

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Standard

 

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

FASB ASUs, Leases (Topic 842)

 

The FASB has issued a series of ASUs which supersede ASC Topic 840 and set out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessors and lessees. The new guidance requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset (“ROU asset”) and a lease liability for all leases with a term greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to previous guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. In addition, the new leases standard requires lessors, among other things, to present lessor costs paid by the lessee to the lessor on a gross basis.

January 1, 2019

The Corporation adopted the new leases standard during the first quarter of 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. The Corporation made the following elections: to not reassess at the date of adoption whether any existing contracts were or contained leases, their lease classification, and initial direct costs; applied the transition provisions of the new leases standard at the adoption date; used hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease; and to not apply ASC Topic 842 to short-term leases.

 

As of January 1, 2019, the Corporation recognized ROU assets of $139 million, net of deferred rent liability of $15 million, and lease liabilities of $154 million on its operating leases. In addition, the Corporation recorded a positive cumulative effect adjustment of $4.8 million to retained earnings as a result of the reclassification of previously deferred gains on sale and operating lease back transactions.

FASB ASU 2018-16, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes

 

The FASB issued ASU 2018-16 in October 2018 which permits use of the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815 in addition to other permissible U.S. benchmark rates.

January 1, 2019

The Corporation adopted ASU 2018-16 during the first quarter of 2019. As such, the Corporation will consider this guidance for qualifying new hedging relationships entered into on or after the effective date.

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Standard

 

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

FASB ASU 2018-02, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 

The FASB issued ASU 2018-02 in February 2018, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These stranded tax effects result from recognizing in income the impact of changes in tax rates even when the related tax effects were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects.

January 1, 2019

The Corporation adopted ASU 2018-02 during the first quarter of 2019. As of December 31, 2018, the Corporation maintained a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets that were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income related to its U.S. operations. As such, the Corporation was not impacted by the adoption of this accounting pronouncement.

FASB ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities

 

The FASB issued ASU 2017-12 in August 2017, which makes more financial and nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for hedge accounting and changes how companies assess effectiveness by, among other things, eliminating the requirement for entities to recognize hedge ineffectiveness each reporting period for cash flow hedges and requiring presentation of the changes in fair value of cash flow hedges in the same income statement line item(s) as the earnings effect of the hedged items when the hedged item affects earnings.

January 1, 2019

The Corporation adopted ASU 2017-12 during the first quarter of 2019. The cumulative effect adjustment recorded to retained earnings to reverse the hedge ineffectiveness as of December 31, 2018 was not significant. There were no changes in presentation since the earnings effect of the hedges and the hedged items are already presented in the same income statement line item. In addition, the Corporation elected to continue to perform subsequent assessments of hedge effectiveness quantitatively.

 

Additionally, adoption of the following standards during 2019 did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

FASB ASUs 2019-07, Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates

 

FASB ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements

 

FASB ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting

 

FASB ASU 2017-11, Earnings per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Part I: Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features; Part II: Replacement of the Indefinite Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception

 

FASB ASU 2017-08, Receivables– Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities

 

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Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Adopted

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

 

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

FASB ASU 2020-01, Investments – Equity Securities (Topic 321), Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 321, Topic 323 and Topic 815

 

The FASB issued ASU 2020-01 in January 2020, which clarifies that an entity should consider observable transactions that require it to either apply or discontinue the equity method of accounting for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with Topic 321 and includes scope considerations for entities that hold certain non-derivative forward contracts and purchased options to acquire equity securities that, upon settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchase option, would be accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

January 1, 2021

The Corporation does not expect to be materially impacted by these amendments.

FASB ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

 

The FASB issued ASU 2019-12 in December 2019, which simplifies the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions such as the incremental approach for intra-period tax allocation and interim period income tax accounting for year-to-date losses that exceed anticipated losses. In addition, the ASU simplifies GAAP in a number of areas such as when separate financial statements of legal entities are not subject to tax and enacted changes in tax laws in interim periods.

January 1, 2021

The Corporation does not anticipate that the adoption of this accounting pronouncement will have a material effect on its Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

FASB ASU 2019-08, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Codification Improvements – Share-Based Consideration Payable to a Customer

 

The FASB issued ASU 2019-08 in November 2019, which requires that an entity measure and classify share-based payment awards granted to a customer in accordance with Topic 718. Therefore, the grant-date fair value of the share-based payment awards will be the basis for the reduction of the transaction price.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect to be impacted by these amendments since it does not grant share-based payment awards to its customers.

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Standard

 

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

FASB ASU 2018-18, Collaborative Arrangements (Topic 808): Clarifying the Interaction between Topic 808 and Topic 606

 

The FASB issued ASU 2018-18 in November 2018 which, among other things, provides guidance on how to assess whether certain collaborative arrangement transactions should be accounted for under Topic 606.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect to be impacted by these amendments since it does not have collaborative arrangements.

FASB ASU 2018-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities

 

The FASB issued ASU 2018-17 in October 2018, which requires entities to consider indirect interests held through related parties under common control on a proportional basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct interest in its entirety when determining whether a decision-making fee is a variable interest.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect to be materially impacted by these amendments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Standard

 

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

FASB ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other – Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract

 

The FASB issued ASU 2018-15 in August 2018 which, among other things, aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software, and clarifies the term over which such capitalized implementation costs should be amortized.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect to be significantly impacted by these amendments.

FASB ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Accounting for Goodwill Impairment

 

The FASB issued ASU 2017-04 in January 2017, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the two-step goodwill impairment test under the current guidance. Goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. Entities will be required to disclose the amount of goodwill at reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts.

January 1, 2020

Upon adoption of this standard, if the carrying amount of any of the reporting units exceeds its fair value, the Corporation would be required to record an impairment charge for the difference up to the amount of the goodwill.

FASB ASU 2017-03, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (Topic 250) and Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the September 22, 2016 and November 17, 2016 EITF Meetings (SEC Update)

 

The FASB issued ASU 2017-03 in January 2017, which incorporates into the Accounting Standards Codification recent SEC guidance about certain investments in qualified affordable housing and disclosing under SEC SAB Topic 11.M the effect on financial statements of adopting the revenue, leases and credit losses standards.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation has considered the guidance in this Update in its disclosures on the effect in its consolidated financial statements of adoption on the new Credit Loss Standard, discussed below.

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FASB ASUs Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)

 

Since June 2016, the FASB has issued a series of ASUs mainly related to credit losses (Topic 326), which replace the incurred loss model with a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost that are subject to credit losses and certain off-balance sheet exposures. CECL establishes a forward-looking methodology that reflects the expected credit losses over the lives of financial assets, starting when such assets are first acquired. Under the revised methodology, credit losses will be measured based on past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of financial assets. CECL also revises the approach to recognizing credit losses for available-for-sale securities by replacing the direct write-down approach with the allowance approach and limiting the allowance to the amount at which the security’s fair value is less than the amortized cost. In addition, CECL provides that the initial allowance for credit losses on purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) financial assets will be recorded as an increase to the purchase price, with subsequent changes to the allowance recorded as a credit loss expense. The amendments to Topic 326 include the areas of accrued interest receivable, transfers of loans and debt securities between classifications and the inclusion of expected recoveries in the allowance for credit losses including PCD assets. The standards also expand credit quality disclosures. These accounting standards updates were effective on January 1, 2020.

The Corporation expects that its allowance for loan and lease losses would increase by a range from $298 million to $326 million, or 62% to 68%. This increase is driven mainly by the Puerto Rico retail loan portfolios, including mortgage, auto and credit cards loans. In addition, the Corporation expects to recognize an allowance for credit losses of approximately $12 million related to its held-to-maturity debt securities portfolio. The increase in the allowance for the loans and securities portfolios will be reflected as a decrease to the opening balance of retained earnings, net of income taxes, except for approximately $10 million related to loans currently accounted under ASC Subtopic 310-30, which would result in a reclassification between certain contra loan balance accounts to the allowance for credit losses.

 

As part of the adoption of CECL, the Corporation has made the election to break the existing pools of purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans previously accounted for under the ASC Subtopic 310-30 guidance. These loans will be accounted for on an individual loan basis under the PCD accounting methodology under CECL. Following existing accounting guidance, PCI loans have been excluded from non-performing status. Upon transition to the individual loan measurement, these loans will no longer be excluded from non-performing status, resulting in an increase of $283 million in reported NPLs during the first quarter of 2020. This increase includes $156 million in loans currently over 90 days past due and $127 million in loans that are not delinquent in their payment terms but would be reported as non-performing due to other credit quality considerations.

 

The Corporation expects to continue to be well capitalized under the Basel III regulatory framework after the adoption of this standard. The Corporation will avail itself of the option to phase in over a period of three years the day-one effects on regulatory capital arising from the adoption of CECL. Considering the phase-in period provided by the regulatory framework, the estimated decrease of the Common Equity Tier One and Total Capital ratios would be of approximately 23 bps.

 

 

135


 

Note 4 Business combination

On August 1, 2018, Popular, Inc., through its subsidiary Popular Auto, LLC (“Popular Auto”), acquired and assumed from Reliable Financial Services, Inc. and Reliable Finance Holding Co. (“Reliable”), subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, certain assets and liabilities related to their auto finance business in Puerto Rico (the “Reliable Transaction” or “Transaction”). Popular Auto acquired approximately $1.6 billion in retail auto loans and $341 million in primarily auto-related commercial loans. The Corporation completed the integration of these operations during the third quarter of 2019 and continues to operate this business under the name of Popular Auto.

 

Wells Fargo retained approximately $398 million in retail auto loans as part of the Transaction and subsequently sold the same to a third party. Popular Auto has entered into a separate servicing agreement with respect to such loans.

 

Popular entered into the Transaction as part of its growth strategy to increase its market share in the auto finance business in Puerto Rico.

 

The following table presents the fair values of the consideration and major classes of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed by the Corporation as of August 1, 2018, net of cumulative measurement period adjustments as of period end.

 

 

Book value prior to

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

purchase accounting

 

 

Fair value

 

 

Measurement

 

As recorded by

(In thousands)

adjustments

 

 

adjustments

 

 

period adjustments

 

Popular, Inc.

Cash consideration

$

1,843,256

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

1,843,256

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans

$

1,912,866

 

$

(126,908)

[1]

$

16,505

[1]

$

1,802,463

Premises and equipment

 

1,246

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,246

Accrued income receivable

 

1,466

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,466

Other assets

 

5,020

 

 

-

 

 

(91)

 

 

4,929

Trademark

 

-

 

 

488

 

 

-

 

 

488

Total assets

$

1,920,598

 

$

(126,420)

 

$

16,414

 

$

1,810,592

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

$

11,164

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

11,164

Total liabilities

$

11,164

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

11,164

Net assets acquired

$

1,909,434

 

$

(126,420)

 

$

16,414

 

$

1,799,428

Goodwill on acquisition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

43,828

[1]

The fair value discount is comprised of $106 million related to the retail auto loans portfolio and $ 4 million related to the commercial loans portfolio.

 

During the fourth quarter of 2018, measurement period adjustments amounting to $16.5 million, were made to the estimated fair values of the loans acquired as part of the Transaction to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The increase in the fair value of retail auto loans and commercial loans by $12.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, was mainly attributed to decreases in credit loss expectations. The related cumulative adjustment to the amortization of the fair value discounts for the retail and commercial portfolios offset each other, resulting in an immaterial impact to the Corporation’s results.

 

Following is a description of the methods used to determine the fair values of significant assets acquired on the Reliable Transaction:

 

Loans

 

Retail Auto Loans

 

Fair values for retail auto loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology. Aggregation into pools considered characteristics such as payment terms, remaining terms, and credit quality. Principal and interest projections considered prepayment rates and credit loss expectations. The discount rates were developed based on the relative risk of the cash flows as of the valuation date, taking into account the expected life of the loans. Retail auto loans were accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-20. As of August 1, 2018, contractual cash flows amounted to $1.8 billion, from which $105 million are not expected to be collected.

 

136


 

Commercial Loans

 

Fair values for commercial loans were based on a probability of default/loss given default (“PD/LGD”) methodology. The PD was determined based on characteristics such as payment terms, remaining terms, and credit quality. Commercial loans were accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-20. As of August 1, 2018, contractual cash flows amounted to $348 million, from which $3 million are not expected to be collected.

 

Goodwill

 

The amount of goodwill is the residual difference between the consideration transferred to Wells Fargo and the fair value of the assets acquired, net of the liabilities assumed. The goodwill is deductible for income tax purposes.

 

Trademark

 

The fair value of the Reliable trademark was calculated using the relief-from-royalty method. The Reliable trademark is subject to amortization, since Popular intends to use the trademark for a limited period of time.

 

The operating results of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2018 include the operating results produced by the acquired assets and liabilities assumed for the period of August 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. This includes approximately $84.5 million in gross revenues, including $28.1 million in accretion of the fair value discount, and approximately $20.3 million in operating expenses, including $3.8 million of transaction-related expenses. The Corporation believes that given the amount of assets and liabilities assumed and the size of the operations acquired in relation to Popular’s operations, the historical results of Reliable are not significant to Popular’s results, and thus no pro forma information is presented.

 

 

 

137


 

Note 5 - Restrictions on cash and due from banks and certain securities

The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries, BPPR and PB, are required by federal and state regulatory agencies to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “Fed”) or other banks. Those required average reserve balances amounted to $ 1.6 billion at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $ 1.6 billion). Cash and due from banks, as well as other highly liquid securities, are used to cover the required average reserve balances.

 

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation held $52 million in restricted assets in the form of funds deposited in money market accounts, debt securities available for sale and equity securities (December 31, 2018 - $ 62 million). The restricted assets held in debt securities available for sale and equity securities consist primarily of assets held for the Corporation’s non-qualified retirement plans and fund deposits guaranteeing possible liens or encumbrances over the title of insured properties.

138


 

Note 6 – Debt securities available-for-sale

The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, approximate fair value, weighted average yield and contractual maturities of debt securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Gross

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Amortized

unrealized

unrealized

Fair

average

 

(In thousands)

cost

gains

losses

value

yield

 

U.S. Treasury securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

$

5,071,201

$

3,262

$

567

$

5,073,896

1.58

%

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

5,137,804

 

75,597

 

3,435

 

5,209,966

2.19

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

1,778,568

 

429

 

6,604

 

1,772,393

1.70

 

Total U.S. Treasury securities

 

11,987,573

 

79,288

 

10,606

 

12,056,255

1.86

 

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

62,492

 

2

 

21

 

62,473

1.45

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

60,021

 

-

 

90

 

59,931

1.48

 

Total obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

122,513

 

2

 

111

 

122,404

1.47

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

6,975

 

-

 

-

 

6,975

-

 

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

6,975

 

-

 

-

 

6,975

-

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

236

 

-

 

-

 

236

1.83

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

350

 

1

 

-

 

351

2.16

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

85,079

 

31

 

1,180

 

83,930

1.63

 

 

After 10 years

 

504,391

 

3,640

 

6,373

 

501,658

2.08

 

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

590,056

 

3,672

 

7,553

 

586,175

2.02

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

16

 

-

 

-

 

16

2.13

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

36,717

 

852

 

1

 

37,568

3.38

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

350,373

 

1,958

 

1,303

 

351,028

2.02

 

 

After 10 years

 

4,447,561

 

60,384

 

20,243

 

4,487,702

2.60

 

Total mortgage-backed securities

 

4,834,667

 

63,194

 

21,547

 

4,876,314

2.57

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

341

 

9

 

-

 

350

3.62

 

Total other

 

341

 

9

 

-

 

350

3.62

 

Total debt securities available-for-sale[1]

$

17,542,125

$

146,165

$

39,817

$

17,648,473

2.05

%

[1]

Includes $12.2 billion pledged to secure public and trust deposits, assets sold under agreements to repurchase, credit facilities and loan servicing agreements that the secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which $10.9 billion serve as collateral for public funds.

139


 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Gross

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Amortized

unrealized

unrealized

Fair

average

 

(In thousands)

cost

gains

losses

value

yield

 

U.S. Treasury securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

$

3,565,571

$

108

$

5,319

$

3,560,360

2.10

%

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

4,483,741

 

13,647

 

35,213

 

4,462,175

2.25

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

245,891

 

3,770

 

-

 

249,661

2.84

 

Total U.S. Treasury securities

 

8,295,203

 

17,525

 

40,532

 

8,272,196

2.21

 

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

212,951

 

-

 

1,406

 

211,545

1.44

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

123,857

 

1

 

2,094

 

121,764

1.51

 

Total obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

336,808

 

1

 

3,500

 

333,309

1.47

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

6,926

 

-

 

184

 

6,742

0.70

 

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

6,926

 

-

 

184

 

6,742

0.70

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

749

 

-

 

7

 

742

1.92

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

115,744

 

1

 

4,715

 

111,030

1.71

 

 

After 10 years

 

638,995

 

1,584

 

23,680

 

616,899

2.10

 

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

755,488

 

1,585

 

28,402

 

728,671

2.04

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

431

 

4

 

-

 

435

4.30

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

6,762

 

43

 

1

 

6,804

2.74

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

365,727

 

1,090

 

8,499

 

358,318

2.19

 

 

After 10 years

 

3,710,731

 

10,679

 

128,189

 

3,593,221

2.45

 

Total mortgage-backed securities

 

4,083,651

 

11,816

 

136,689

 

3,958,778

2.43

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

486

 

2

 

-

 

488

3.62

 

Total other

 

486

 

2

 

-

 

488

3.62

 

Total debt securities available-for-sale[1]

$

13,478,562

$

30,929

$

209,307

$

13,300,184

2.25

%

[1]

Includes $8.9 billion pledged to secure public and trust deposits, assets sold under agreements to repurchase, credit facilities and loan servicing agreements that the secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which $7.9 billion serve as collateral for public funds.

 

The weighted average yield on debt securities available-for-sale is based on amortized cost; therefore, it does not give effect to changes in fair value.

Securities not due on a single contractual maturity date, such as mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, are classified in the period of final contractual maturity. The expected maturities of collateralized mortgage obligations, mortgage-backed securities and certain other securities may differ from their contractual maturities because they may be subject to prepayments or may be called by the issuer.

The following table presents the aggregate amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2019 by contractual maturity.

 

(In thousands)

 

Amortized cost

 

Fair value

Within 1 year

$

5,140,920

$

5,143,596

After 1 to 5 years

 

5,235,233

 

5,308,166

After 5 to 10 years

 

2,214,020

 

2,207,351

After 10 years

 

4,951,952

 

4,989,360

Total debt securities available-for-sale

$

17,542,125

$

17,648,473

 

140


 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation sold U.S. Treasury Bills. The proceeds from these sales were $99 million. There were no debt securities available-for-sale sold during year ended December 31, 2018. Gross realized gains and losses on the sale of debt securities available-for-sale for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Gross realized gains

$

-

$

-

$

95

Gross realized losses

 

(20)

 

-

 

(12)

Net realized gains (losses) on sale of debt securities available-for-sale

$

(20)

$

-

$

83

 

The following tables present the Corporation’s fair value and gross unrealized losses of debt securities available-for-sale, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

(In thousands)

value

losses

value

losses

value

losses

U.S. Treasury securities

$

2,439,114

$

9,798

$

452,784

$

808

$

2,891,898

$

10,606

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

9,973

 

4

 

99,846

 

107

 

109,819

 

111

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

114,603

 

537

 

310,315

 

7,016

 

424,918

 

7,553

Mortgage-backed securities

 

179,312

 

693

 

1,784,414

 

20,854

 

1,963,726

 

21,547

Total debt securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position

$

2,743,002

$

11,032

$

2,647,359

$

28,785

$

5,390,361

$

39,817

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

(In thousands)

value

losses

value

losses

value

losses

U.S. Treasury securities

$

3,189,007

$

4,188

$

2,607,276

$

36,343

$

5,796,283

$

40,531

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

14,847

 

46

 

318,271

 

3,454

 

333,118

 

3,500

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

-

 

6,742

 

184

 

6,742

 

184

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

66,652

 

489

 

587,869

 

27,913

 

654,521

 

28,402

Mortgage-backed securities

 

125,872

 

2,280

 

3,478,635

 

134,410

 

3,604,507

 

136,690

Total debt securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position

$

3,396,378

$

7,003

$

6,998,793

$

202,304

$

10,395,171

$

209,307

 

 

As of December 31, 2019, the portfolio of available-for-sale debt securities reflects gross unrealized losses of approximately $40 million, driven mainly by mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.

Management evaluates debt securities for other-than-temporary (“OTTI”) declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, the value of a debt security is reduced and a corresponding charge to earnings is recognized for anticipated credit losses. The OTTI analysis requires management to consider various factors, which include, but are not limited to: (1) the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis, (2) the financial condition of the issuer or issuers, (3) actual collateral attributes, (4) the payment structure of the debt security and the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments, (5) any rating changes by a rating agency, (6) adverse conditions specifically related to the security, industry, or a geographic area, and (7) management’s intent to sell the debt security or whether it is more likely than not that the Corporation would be required to sell the debt security before a forecasted recovery occurs.

At December 31, 2019, management performed its quarterly analysis of all debt securities in an unrealized loss position. Based on the analysis performed, management concluded that no individual debt security was other-than-temporarily impaired as of such date. At December 31, 2019, the Corporation did not have the intent to sell debt securities in an unrealized loss position and it was not more likely than not that the Corporation would have to sell the debt securities prior to recovery of their amortized cost basis.

141


 

 

The following table states the name of issuers, and the aggregate amortized cost and fair value of the debt securities of such issuer (includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities), in which the aggregate amortized cost of such securities exceeds 10% of stockholders’ equity. This information excludes debt securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Investments in obligations issued by a state of the U.S. and its political subdivisions and agencies, which 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.

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Amortized cost

Fair value

Amortized cost

Fair value

FNMA

$

3,113,373

$

3,129,538

$

2,999,110

$

2,901,904

Freddie Mac

 

1,623,116

 

1,638,796

 

1,095,855

 

1,058,013

142


 

Note 7 –Debt securities held-to-maturity

The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, approximate fair value, weighted average yield and contractual maturities of debt securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Gross

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Amortized

unrealized

unrealized

Fair

average

 

(In thousands)

cost

gains

losses

value

yield

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

$

3,745

$

-

$

11

$

3,734

6.01

%

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

17,580

 

-

 

320

 

17,260

6.11

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

18,195

 

-

 

1,607

 

16,588

3.11

 

 

After 10 years

 

46,036

 

9,384

 

-

 

55,420

1.67

 

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

85,556

 

9,384

 

1,938

 

93,002

3.08

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

45

 

2

 

-

 

47

6.44

 

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

45

 

2

 

-

 

47

6.44

 

Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 10 years

 

11,561

 

-

 

-

 

11,561

6.51

 

Total securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

 

11,561

 

-

 

-

 

11,561

6.51

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

500

 

-

 

-

 

500

2.97

 

Total other

 

500

 

-

 

-

 

500

2.97

 

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

$

97,662

$

9,386

$

1,938

$

105,110

3.49

%

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

Gross

Gross

 

 

Weighted

 

 

 

Amortized

unrealized

unrealized

Fair

average

 

(In thousands)

cost

gains

losses

value

yield

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

$

3,510

$

-

$

36

$

3,474

5.99

%

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

16,505

 

-

 

1,081

 

15,424

6.07

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

23,885

 

-

 

1,704

 

22,181

3.61

 

 

After 10 years

 

45,559

 

3,943

 

47

 

49,455

1.79

 

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

89,459

 

3,943

 

2,868

 

90,534

3.23

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 5 to 10 years

 

55

 

3

 

-

 

58

5.45

 

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

55

 

3

 

-

 

58

5.45

 

Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 10 years

 

11,561

 

-

 

-

 

11,561

6.51

 

Total securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

 

11,561

 

-

 

-

 

11,561

6.51

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

 

500

 

-

 

-

 

500

2.97

 

Total other

 

500

 

-

 

-

 

500

2.97

 

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

$

101,575

$

3,946

$

2,868

$

102,653

3.60

%

 

Securities not due on a single contractual maturity date, such as collateralized mortgage obligations, are classified in the period of final contractual maturity. The expected maturities of collateralized mortgage obligations and certain other securities may differ from their contractual maturities because they may be subject to prepayments or may be called by the issuer.

The following table presents the aggregate amortized cost and fair value of debt securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2019 by contractual maturity.

143


 

(In thousands)

 

Amortized cost

 

Fair value

Within 1 year

$

4,245

$

4,234

After 1 to 5 years

 

17,625

 

17,307

After 5 to 10 years

 

18,195

 

16,588

After 10 years

 

57,597

 

66,981

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

$

97,662

$

105,110

 

The following tables present the Corporation’s fair value and gross unrealized losses of debt securities held-to-maturity, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

(In thousands)

value

losses

value

losses

value

losses

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

$

17,544

$

291

$

12,673

$

1,647

$

30,217

$

1,938

Total debt securities held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position

$

17,544

$

291

$

12,673

$

1,647

$

30,217

$

1,938

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Gross

 

 

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

Fair

unrealized

(In thousands)

value

losses

value

losses

value

losses

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

$

27,471

$

1,165

$

13,307

$

1,703

$

40,778

$

2,868

Total debt securities held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position

$

27,471

$

1,165

$

13,307

$

1,703

$

40,778

$

2,868

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As indicated in Note 6 to these Consolidated Financial Statements, management evaluates debt securities for OTTI declines in fair value on a quarterly basis.

The “Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions” classified as held-to-maturity at December 31, 2019 includes securities issued by municipalities of Puerto Rico that are generally not rated by a credit rating agency. This includes $40 million of general and special obligation bonds issued by three municipalities of Puerto Rico, which are payable primarily from certain property taxes imposed by the issuing municipality. In the case of general obligations, they also benefit from a pledge of the full faith, credit and unlimited taxing power of the issuing municipality, which is required by law to levy property taxes in an amount sufficient for the payment of debt service on such general obligation bonds.

The portfolio also includes $46 million in securities for which the underlying source of payment is second mortgage loans in Puerto Rico residential properties (not the government), but in which a government instrumentality provides a guarantee in the event of default and upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions. The Corporation performs periodic credit quality reviews on these issuers. Based on the quarterly analysis performed, management concluded that no individual debt security held-to-maturity was other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2019. A deterioration of the Puerto Rico economy or of the fiscal health of the Government of Puerto Rico and/or its instrumentalities (including if any of the issuing municipalities become subject to a debt restructuring proceeding under PROMESA) could further affect the value of these securities, resulting in losses to the Corporation.

The Corporation does not have the intent to sell debt securities held-to-maturity and it is more likely than not that the Corporation will not have to sell these debt securities prior to recovery of their amortized cost basis.

Refer to Note 26 for additional information on the Corporation’s exposure to the Puerto Rico Government.

 

144


 

Note 8 – Loans

For a summary of the accounting policies related to loans, interest recognition and allowance for loan losses refer to Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of this Form 10-K.

 

As previously disclosed in Note 4, as a result of the Reliable Transaction completed on August 1, 2018, Popular Auto, LLC, acquired approximately $1.6 billion in retail auto loans and $341 million in primarily auto-related commercial loans. These loans are included in the information presented in this note.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded purchases (including repurchases) of mortgage loans amounting to $423 million, consumer loans of $359 million including the acquisition of a credit card portfolio with an unpaid principal balance of $74 million, and commercial loans of $141 million, compared to purchases (including repurchases) of mortgage loans of $624 million and consumer loans of $205 million, during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

The Corporation performed whole-loan sales involving approximately $64 million of residential mortgage loans and $114 million of commercial and construction loans during the year ended December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $59 million of residential mortgage and $30 million of commercial loans). Also, during the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation securitized approximately $347 million of mortgage loans into Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) mortgage-backed securities and $ 111 million of mortgage loans into Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) mortgage-backed securities, compared to $ 413 million and $ 94 million, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Delinquency status

 

The following table presents the composition of loans held-in-portfolio (“HIP”), net of unearned income, by past due status, and by loan class including those that are in non-performing status or that are accruing interest but are past due 90 days or more at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

December 31, 2019

Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due 90 days or more

 

 

 

30-59

 

60-89

 

90 days

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accrual

 

 

Accruing

(In thousands)

 

days

 

days

 

or more

 

past due

 

Current

 

Loans HIP

 

 

loans

 

loans[1]

Commercial multi-family

 

$

2,941

 

$

129

 

$

1,512

 

$

4,582

 

$

143,267

 

$

147,849

 

 

$

1,473

 

$

-

Commercial real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-owner occupied

 

 

10,439

 

 

5,244

 

 

43,664

 

 

59,347

 

 

2,048,871

 

 

2,108,218

 

 

 

39,968

 

 

-

 

Owner occupied

 

 

5,704

 

 

3,978

 

 

84,537

 

 

94,219

 

 

1,492,110

 

 

1,586,329

 

 

 

69,276

 

 

-

Commercial and industrial

 

 

8,780

 

 

1,646

 

 

37,156

 

 

47,582

 

 

3,371,152

 

 

3,418,734

 

 

 

36,538

 

 

544

Construction

 

 

1,555

 

 

-

 

 

119

 

 

1,674

 

 

135,796

 

 

137,470

 

 

 

119

 

 

-

Mortgage

 

 

285,006

 

 

146,197

 

 

837,651

 

 

1,268,854

 

 

4,897,894

 

 

6,166,748

 

 

 

283,708

 

 

439,662

Leasing

 

 

12,014

 

 

3,053

 

 

3,657

 

 

18,724

 

 

1,040,783

 

 

1,059,507

 

 

 

3,657

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

 

11,358

 

 

7,928

 

 

19,461

 

 

38,747

 

 

1,085,053

 

 

1,123,800

 

 

 

-

 

 

19,461

 

Home equity lines of credit

 

 

-

 

 

85

 

 

-

 

 

85

 

 

4,953

 

 

5,038

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Personal

 

 

13,481

 

 

9,352

 

 

20,296

 

 

43,129

 

 

1,325,021

 

 

1,368,150

 

 

 

19,529

 

 

61

 

Auto

 

 

81,169

 

 

23,182

 

 

31,148

 

 

135,499

 

 

2,782,023

 

 

2,917,522

 

 

 

31,148

 

 

-

 

Other

 

 

358

 

 

1,418

 

 

14,189

 

 

15,965

 

 

124,902

 

 

140,867

 

 

 

13,784

 

 

405

Total

 

$

432,805

 

$

202,212

 

$

1,093,390

 

$

1,728,407

 

$

18,451,825

 

$

20,180,232

 

 

$

499,200

 

$

460,133

[1]

Loans HIP of $ 134 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis. Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for a description of the impact of CECL on the classification of non-performing loans.

145


 

December 31, 2019

Popular U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due 90 days or more

 

 

 

30-59

 

60-89

 

90 days

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accrual

 

 

Accruing

(In thousands)

 

days

 

days

 

or more

 

past due

 

Current

 

Loans HIP

 

 

loans

 

loans[1]

Commercial multi-family

 

$

9

 

$

-

 

$

2,097

 

$

2,106

 

$

1,645,204

 

$

1,647,310

 

 

$

2,097

 

$

-

Commercial real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-owner occupied

 

 

1,047

 

 

-

 

 

281

 

 

1,328

 

 

1,868,968

 

 

1,870,296

 

 

 

281

 

 

-

 

Owner occupied

 

 

1,750

 

 

-

 

 

251

 

 

2,001

 

 

337,134

 

 

339,135

 

 

 

251

 

 

-

Commercial and industrial

 

 

454

 

 

128

 

 

19,945

 

 

20,527

 

 

1,174,353

 

 

1,194,880

 

 

 

876

 

 

-

Construction

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

26

 

 

26

 

 

693,596

 

 

693,622

 

 

 

26

 

 

-

Mortgage

 

 

15,474

 

 

4,024

 

 

11,091

 

 

30,589

 

 

986,195

 

 

1,016,784

 

 

 

11,091

 

 

-

Legacy

 

 

49

 

 

8

 

 

1,999

 

 

2,056

 

 

20,049

 

 

22,105

 

 

 

1,999

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

36

 

 

36

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Home equity lines of credit

 

 

404

 

 

267

 

 

9,954

 

 

10,625

 

 

106,718

 

 

117,343

 

 

 

9,954

 

 

-

 

Personal

 

 

2,286

 

 

1,582

 

 

2,066

 

 

5,934

 

 

318,506

 

 

324,440

 

 

 

2,066

 

 

-

 

Other

 

 

3

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

3

 

 

687

 

 

690

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

Total

 

$

21,476

 

$

6,009

 

$

47,710

 

$

75,195

 

$

7,151,446

 

$

7,226,641

 

 

$

28,641

 

$

-

[1]

Loans HIP of $ 19 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis. Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for a description of the impact of CECL on the classification of non-performing loans.

 

December 31, 2019

Popular, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due 90 days or more

 

 

30-59

 

60-89

 

90 days

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accrual

 

 

Accruing

(In thousands)

days

 

days

 

or more

 

past due

 

Current

 

Loans HIP[3] [4]

 

 

loans

 

loans[5]

Commercial multi-family

$

2,950

 

$

129

 

$

3,609

 

$

6,688

 

$

1,788,471

 

$

1,795,159

 

 

$

3,570

 

$

-

Commercial real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-owner occupied

 

11,486

 

 

5,244

 

 

43,945

 

 

60,675

 

 

3,917,839

 

 

3,978,514

 

 

 

40,249

 

 

-

 

Owner occupied

 

7,454

 

 

3,978

 

 

84,788

 

 

96,220

 

 

1,829,244

 

 

1,925,464

 

 

 

69,527

 

 

-

Commercial and industrial

 

9,234

 

 

1,774

 

 

57,101

 

 

68,109

 

 

4,545,505

 

 

4,613,614

 

 

 

37,414

 

 

544

Construction

 

1,555

 

 

-

 

 

145

 

 

1,700

 

 

829,392

 

 

831,092

 

 

 

145

 

 

-

Mortgage[1]

 

300,480

 

 

150,221

 

 

848,742

 

 

1,299,443

 

 

5,884,089

 

 

7,183,532

 

 

 

294,799

 

 

439,662

Leasing

 

12,014

 

 

3,053

 

 

3,657

 

 

18,724

 

 

1,040,783

 

 

1,059,507

 

 

 

3,657

 

 

-

Legacy[2]

 

49

 

 

8

 

 

1,999

 

 

2,056

 

 

20,049

 

 

22,105

 

 

 

1,999

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

11,358

 

 

7,928

 

 

19,461

 

 

38,747

 

 

1,085,089

 

 

1,123,836

 

 

 

-

 

 

19,461

 

Home equity lines of credit

 

404

 

 

352

 

 

9,954

 

 

10,710

 

 

111,671

 

 

122,381

 

 

 

9,954

 

 

-

 

Personal

 

15,767

 

 

10,934

 

 

22,362

 

 

49,063

 

 

1,643,527

 

 

1,692,590

 

 

 

21,595

 

 

61

 

Auto

 

81,169

 

 

23,182

 

 

31,148

 

 

135,499

 

 

2,782,023

 

 

2,917,522

 

 

 

31,148

 

 

-

 

Other

 

361

 

 

1,418

 

 

14,189

 

 

15,968

 

 

125,589

 

 

141,557

 

 

 

13,784

 

 

405

Total

$

454,281

 

$

208,221

 

$

1,141,100

 

$

1,803,602

 

$

25,603,271

 

$

27,406,873

 

 

$

527,841

 

$

460,133

[1]

It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured.

[2]

The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. segment.

[3]

Loans held-in-portfolio are net of $ 181 million in unearned income and exclude $ 59 million in loans held-for-sale.

[4]

Includes $6.7 billion pledged to secure credit facilities and public funds that the secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which $4.6 billion were pledged at the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") as collateral for borrowings and $2.1 billion at the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") for discount window borrowings.

[5]

Loans HIP of $153 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis. Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for a description of the impact of CECL on the classification of non-performing loans.

146


 

December 31, 2018

Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due 90 days or more

 

 

 

 

30-59

 

 

60-89

 

 

90 days

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accrual

 

 

Accruing

(In thousands)

 

 

days

 

 

days

 

 

or more

 

past due

 

Current

 

Loans HIP

 

 

loans

 

loans[1]

Commercial multi-family

 

$

1,441

 

$

112

 

$

598

 

$

2,151

 

$

143,477

 

$

145,628

 

 

$

546

 

$

-

Commercial real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-owner occupied

 

 

92,075

 

 

839

 

 

45,691

 

 

138,605

 

 

2,183,996

 

 

2,322,601

 

 

 

39,257

 

 

-

 

Owner occupied

 

 

6,681

 

 

10,839

 

 

99,235

 

 

116,755

 

 

1,605,498

 

 

1,722,253

 

 

 

88,069

 

 

-

Commercial and industrial

 

 

4,137

 

 

641

 

 

55,321

 

 

60,099

 

 

3,122,062

 

 

3,182,161

 

 

 

55,078

 

 

243

Construction

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,788

 

 

1,788

 

 

84,167

 

 

85,955

 

 

 

1,788

 

 

-

Mortgage

 

 

275,367

 

 

128,104

 

 

1,043,607

 

 

1,447,078

 

 

4,986,245

 

 

6,433,323

 

 

 

323,565

 

 

595,525

Leasing

 

 

7,663

 

 

1,827

 

 

3,313

 

 

12,803

 

 

921,970

 

 

934,773

 

 

 

3,313

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

 

9,504

 

 

7,391

 

 

16,035

 

 

32,930

 

 

1,014,343

 

 

1,047,273

 

 

 

-

 

 

16,035

 

Home equity lines of credit

 

 

-

 

 

97

 

 

165

 

 

262

 

 

5,089

 

 

5,351

 

 

 

11

 

 

154

 

Personal

 

 

13,069

 

 

7,907

 

 

18,515

 

 

39,491

 

 

1,211,134

 

 

1,250,625

 

 

 

17,887

 

 

35

 

Auto

 

 

52,204

 

 

9,862

 

 

24,177

 

 

86,243

 

 

2,522,542

 

 

2,608,785

 

 

 

24,050

 

 

127

 

Other

 

 

566

 

 

288

 

 

14,958

 

 

15,812

 

 

128,932

 

 

144,744

 

 

 

14,534

 

 

424

Total

 

$

462,707

 

$

167,907

 

$

1,323,403

 

$

1,954,017

 

$

17,929,455

 

$

19,883,472

 

 

$

568,098

 

$

612,543

[1]

Non-covered loans HIP of $143 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis.

 

December 31, 2018

Popular U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due 90 days or more

 

 

 

 

30-59

 

 

60-89

 

 

90 days

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accrual

 

 

Accruing

(In thousands)

 

 

days

 

 

days

 

 

or more

 

 

past due

 

 

Current

 

 

Loans HIP

 

 

loans

 

loans[1]

Commercial multi-family

 

$

3,163

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

3,163

 

$

1,398,377

 

$

1,401,540

 

 

$

-

 

$

-

Commercial real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-owner occupied

 

 

707

 

 

288

 

 

365

 

 

1,360

 

 

1,880,384

 

 

1,881,744

 

 

 

365

 

 

-

 

Owner occupied

 

 

5,125

 

 

1,728

 

 

381

 

 

7,234

 

 

291,705

 

 

298,939

 

 

 

381

 

 

-

Commercial and industrial

 

 

2,354

 

 

995

 

 

73,726

 

 

77,075

 

 

1,011,078

 

 

1,088,153

 

 

 

330

 

 

-

Construction

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

12,060

 

 

12,060

 

 

681,434

 

 

693,494

 

 

 

12,060

 

 

-

Mortgage

 

 

13,615

 

 

3,197

 

 

11,033

 

 

27,845

 

 

774,090

 

 

801,935

 

 

 

11,033

 

 

-

Legacy

 

 

195

 

 

445

 

 

2,627

 

 

3,267

 

 

22,682

 

 

25,949

 

 

 

2,627

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

 

2

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2

 

 

36

 

 

38

 

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

Home equity lines of credit

 

 

886

 

 

464

 

 

13,579

 

 

14,929

 

 

128,123

 

 

143,052

 

 

 

13,579

 

 

-

 

Personal

 

 

2,319

 

 

1,723

 

 

2,610

 

 

6,652

 

 

282,697

 

 

289,349

 

 

 

2,610

 

 

-

 

Other

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4

 

 

4

 

 

220

 

 

224

 

 

 

4

 

 

-

Total

 

$

28,366

 

$

8,840

 

$

116,385

 

$

153,591

 

$

6,470,826

 

$

6,624,417

 

 

$

42,989

 

$

-

[1]

Non-covered loans HIP of $ 73 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis.

147


 

December 31, 2018

Popular, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past due 90 days or more

 

 

 

30-59

 

 

60-89

 

 

90 days

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-accrual

 

 

Accruing

(In thousands)

 

days

 

 

days

 

 

or more

 

 

past due

 

Current

 

Loans HIP[3] [4]

 

 

loans

 

loans[5]

Commercial multi-family

$

4,604

 

$

112

 

$

598

 

$

5,314

 

$

1,541,854

 

$

1,547,168

 

 

$

546

 

$

-

Commercial real estate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-owner occupied

 

92,782

 

 

1,127

 

 

46,056

 

 

139,965

 

 

4,064,380

 

 

4,204,345

 

 

 

39,622

 

 

-

 

Owner occupied

 

11,806

 

 

12,567

 

 

99,616

 

 

123,989

 

 

1,897,203

 

 

2,021,192

 

 

 

88,450

 

 

-

Commercial and industrial

 

6,491

 

 

1,636

 

 

129,047

 

 

137,174

 

 

4,133,140

 

 

4,270,314

 

 

 

55,408

 

 

243

Construction

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

13,848

 

 

13,848

 

 

765,601

 

 

779,449

 

 

 

13,848

 

 

-

Mortgage[1]

 

288,982

 

 

131,301

 

 

1,054,640

 

 

1,474,923

 

 

5,760,335

 

 

7,235,258

 

 

 

334,598

 

 

595,525

Leasing

 

7,663

 

 

1,827

 

 

3,313

 

 

12,803

 

 

921,970

 

 

934,773

 

 

 

3,313

 

 

-

Legacy[2]

 

195

 

 

445

 

 

2,627

 

 

3,267

 

 

22,682

 

 

25,949

 

 

 

2,627

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

9,506

 

 

7,391

 

 

16,035

 

 

32,932

 

 

1,014,379

 

 

1,047,311

 

 

 

-

 

 

16,035

 

Home equity lines of credit

 

886

 

 

561

 

 

13,744

 

 

15,191

 

 

133,212

 

 

148,403

 

 

 

13,590

 

 

154

 

Personal

 

15,388

 

 

9,630

 

 

21,125

 

 

46,143

 

 

1,493,831

 

 

1,539,974

 

 

 

20,497

 

 

35

 

Auto

 

52,204

 

 

9,862

 

 

24,177

 

 

86,243

 

 

2,522,542

 

 

2,608,785

 

 

 

24,050

 

 

127

 

Other

 

566

 

 

288

 

 

14,962

 

 

15,816

 

 

129,152

 

 

144,968

 

 

 

14,538

 

 

424

Total

$

491,073

 

$

176,747

 

$

1,439,788

 

$

2,107,608

 

$

24,400,281

 

$

26,507,889

 

 

$

611,087

 

$

612,543

[1]

It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured.

[2]

The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. segment.

[3]

Loans held-in-portfolio are net of $ 156 million in unearned income and exclude $ 51 million in loans held-for-sale.

[4]

Includes $6.9 billion pledged to secure credit facilities and public funds that the secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which $4.8 billion were pledged at the FHLB as collateral for borrowings and $2.1 billion at the FRB for discount window borrowings.

[5]

Non-covered loans HIP of $216 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis.

 

At December 31, 2019, mortgage loans held-in-portfolio include $1.4 billion of loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (“FHA”), or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) of which $441 million are 90 days or more past due, including $103 million of loans rebooked under the GNMA buyback option, discussed below (December 31, 2018 - $1.4 billion, $598 million and $134 million, respectively). Within this portfolio, loans in a delinquency status of 90 days or more are reported as accruing loans as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured. These balances include $213 million of residential mortgage loans in Puerto Rico that are no longer accruing interest as of December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $283 million). Additionally, the Corporation has approximately $65 million in reverse mortgage loans in Puerto Rico which are guaranteed by FHA, but which are currently not accruing interest at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $69 million).

 

Loans with a delinquency status of 90 days past due as of December 31, 2019 include $103 million in loans previously pooled into GNMA securities (December 31, 2018 - $134 million). Under the GNMA program, issuers such as BPPR have the option but not the obligation to repurchase loans that are 90 days or more past due. For accounting purposes, these loans subject to the repurchase option are required to be reflected on the financial statements of BPPR with an offsetting liability.

 

The components of the net financing leases receivable at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

148


 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

Total minimum lease payments

$

863,755

$

781,060

Estimated residual value of leased property (unguaranteed)

 

356,560

 

293,495

Deferred origination costs, net of fees

 

15,422

 

12,261

 

Less - Unearned financing income

 

176,121

 

151,881

Net minimum lease payments

 

1,059,616

 

934,935

 

Less - Allowance for loan losses

 

10,768

 

11,487

Net minimum lease payments, net of allowance for loan losses

$

1,048,848

$

923,448

 

At December 31, 2019, future minimum lease payments are expected to be received as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

2020

$

48,511

2021

 

90,049

2022

 

147,742

2023

 

205,834

2024 and thereafter

 

371,619

Total

$

863,755

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality accounted for under ASC 310-30

The following provides information of loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration as of the acquisition date, accounted for under the guidance of ASC 310-30.

The outstanding principal balance of acquired loans accounted pursuant to ASC Subtopic 310-30, amounted to $1.9 billion at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $2.2 billion). The carrying amount of these loans consisted of loans determined to be impaired at the time of acquisition, which are accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30 (“credit impaired loans”), and loans that were considered to be performing at the acquisition date, accounted for by analogy to ASC Subtopic 310-30 (“non-credit impaired loans”).

The following table provides the carrying amount of acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 by portfolio at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Carrying amount

(In thousands)

 

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Commercial real estate

$

670,566

$

801,774

Commercial and industrial

 

104,756

 

84,465

Mortgage

 

856,618

 

982,821

Consumer

 

11,778

 

14,496

Carrying amount

 

1,643,718

 

1,883,556

Allowance for loan losses

 

(74,039)

 

(122,135)

Carrying amount, net of allowance

$

1,569,679

$

1,761,421

149


 

At December 31, 2019, none of the acquired loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 were considered non-performing loans. Therefore, interest income, through accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cash flows, was recognized on all acquired loans.

Changes in the carrying amount and the accretable yield for the loans accounted pursuant to the ASC Subtopic 310-30, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:

 

 

Carrying amount of acquired loans accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30

 

 

 

For the years ended

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Beginning balance

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,883,556

$

2,108,993

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

 

39,492

 

16,645

Accretion

 

 

 

 

 

 

144,976

 

166,272

Collections / loan sales / charge-offs

 

 

 

 

 

 

(424,306)

 

(408,354)

Ending balance[1]

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,643,718

$

1,883,556

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

 

 

 

 

(74,039)

 

(122,135)

Ending balance, net of ALLL

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,569,679

$

1,761,421

[1]

At December 31, 2019, includes $1.2 billion of loans considered non-credit impaired at the acquisition date (December 31, 2018 - $1.4 billion).

 

Activity in the accretable yield of acquired loans accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30

 

 

 

For the years ended

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Beginning balance

 

 

 

 

$

1,092,504

$

1,214,488

Additions

 

 

 

 

 

23,556

 

6,535

Accretion

 

 

 

 

 

(144,976)

 

(166,272)

Change in expected cash flows

 

 

 

 

 

30,258

 

37,753

Ending balance[1]

 

 

 

 

$

1,001,342

$

1,092,504

[1]

At December 31, 2019, includes $ 0.7 billion for loans considered non-credit impaired at the acquisition date (December 31, 2018 - $0.8 billion).

150


 

Note 9 – Allowance for loan losses

The Corporation follows a systematic methodology to establish and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses (“ALLL”) to provide for inherent losses in the loan portfolio. This methodology includes the consideration of factors such as current economic conditions, portfolio risk characteristics, prior loss experience and results of periodic credit reviews of individual loans. The provision for loan losses charged to current operations is based on this methodology. Loan losses are charged and recoveries are credited to the ALLL.

The Corporation’s assessment of the ALLL is determined in accordance with the guidance of loss contingencies in ASC Subtopic 450-20 and loan impairment guidance in ASC Section 310-10-35. Also, the Corporation determines the ALLL on purchased impaired loans and purchased loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, by evaluating decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date.

The accounting guidance provides for the recognition of a loss allowance for groups of homogeneous loans. The determination of the general ALLL includes the following principal factors:

Base net loss rates, which are based on the moving average of annualized net loss rates computed over a 5-year historical loss period for the commercial and construction loan portfolios, and an 18-month period for the consumer and mortgage loan portfolios. The base net loss rates are applied by loan type and by legal entity.

 

Recent loss trend adjustment, which replaces the base loss rate with a 12-month average loss rate, when these trends are higher than the respective base loss rates. The objective of this adjustment is to allow for a more recent loss trend to be captured and reflected in the ALLL estimation process.

 

For the period ended December 31, 2019, 25% (December 31, 2018 - 26%) of the ALLL for the BPPR segment loan portfolios utilized the recent loss trend adjustment instead of the base loss. The effect of replacing the base loss with the recent loss trend adjustment was mainly concentrated in the leasing, auto and commercial real estate non-owner occupied portfolios for 2019 and in the commercial, mortgage, and overall consumer portfolios for 2018.

 

For the period ended December 31, 2019, 21% (December 31, 2018 - 28 %) of the Popular U.S. segment loan portfolios utilized the recent loss trend adjustment instead of the base loss. The effect of replacing the base loss with the recent loss trend adjustment was concentrated in the commercial multi-family, legacy, commercial real estate owner occupied and construction portfolios for 2019 and in the consumer portfolio for 2018.

 

Environmental factors, which include credit and macroeconomic indicators such as unemployment rate, economic activity index and delinquency rates, adopted to account for current market conditions that are likely to cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical losses. The Corporation reflects the effect of these environmental factors on each loan group as an adjustment that, as appropriate, increases the historical loss rate applied to each group. Environmental factors provide updated perspective on credit and economic conditions. Regression analysis is used to select these indicators and quantify the effect on the general ALLL. The Corporation’s methodology also includes qualitative judgmental reserves based on stressed credit quality assumptions to provide for probable losses in the loan portfolios not embedded in the historical loss rates.

 

During the third quarter of 2019, management completed the recalibration analysis of the environmental factors adjustments. The environmental factors adjustments are developed by performing regression analyses on selected credit and economic indicators for each applicable loan segment. The environmental factor models used to account for changes in current credit and macroeconomic conditions were reviewed and recalibrated based on the latest applicable trends.

 

The effect of the recalibration resulted in an increase of $4.6 million to the environmental factors adjustments reserve at the Popular U.S. segment.

 

The following tables present the changes in the allowance for loan losses, loan ending balances and whether such loans and the allowance pertain to loans individually or collectively evaluated for impairment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

151


 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Commercial

 

Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Leasing

 

Consumer

 

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

207,214

 

$

886

 

$

142,978

 

$

11,486

 

$

144,594

 

$

507,158

 

Provision (reversal of provision)

 

(41,440)

 

 

(3,417)

 

 

14,658

 

 

8,619

 

 

157,331

 

 

135,751

 

Charge-offs

 

(53,852)

 

 

(109)

 

 

(47,577)

 

 

(11,834)

 

 

(167,983)

 

 

(281,355)

 

Recoveries

 

19,141

 

 

3,214

 

 

6,222

 

 

2,497

 

 

40,023

 

 

71,097

Ending balance

$

131,063

 

$

574

 

$

116,281

 

$

10,768

 

$

173,965

 

$

432,651

Specific ALLL

$

20,533

 

$

6

 

$

40,596

 

$

61

 

$

20,259

 

$

81,455

General ALLL

$

110,530

 

$

568

 

$

75,685

 

$

10,707

 

$

153,706

 

$

351,196

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired loans

$

397,452

 

$

119

 

$

522,469

 

$

507

 

$

91,157

 

$

1,011,704

Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

 

6,863,678

 

 

137,351

 

 

5,644,279

 

 

1,059,000

 

 

5,464,220

 

 

19,168,528

Total loans held-in-portfolio

$

7,261,130

 

$

137,470

 

$

6,166,748

 

$

1,059,507

 

$

5,555,377

 

$

20,180,232

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

Popular U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Commercial

 

Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Legacy

 

Consumer

 

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

31,901

 

$

6,538

 

$

4,434

 

$

969

 

$

18,348

 

$

62,190

 

Provision (reversal of provision)

 

15,496

 

 

(127)

 

 

828

 

 

(1,738)

 

 

15,569

 

 

30,028

 

Charge-offs

 

(40,329)

 

 

(2,215)

 

 

(605)

 

 

105

 

 

(21,280)

 

 

(64,324)

 

Recoveries

 

8,921

 

 

8

 

 

170

 

 

1,294

 

 

6,770

 

 

17,163

Ending balance

$

15,989

 

$

4,204

 

$

4,827

 

$

630

 

$

19,407

 

$

45,057

Specific ALLL

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

2,208

 

$

-

 

$

1,563

 

$

3,771

General ALLL

$

15,989

 

$

4,204

 

$

2,619

 

$

630

 

$

17,844

 

$

41,286

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired loans

$

2,097

 

$

-

 

$

9,386

 

$

-

 

$

9,634

 

$

21,117

Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

 

5,049,524

 

 

693,622

 

 

1,007,398

 

 

22,105

 

 

432,875

 

 

7,205,524

Total loans held-in-portfolio

$

5,051,621

 

$

693,622

 

$

1,016,784

 

$

22,105

 

$

442,509

 

$

7,226,641

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

Popular, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Commercial

 

Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Legacy

Leasing

 

Consumer

 

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

239,115

 

$

7,424

 

$

147,412

 

$

969

$

11,486

 

$

162,942

 

$

569,348

 

Provision (reversal of provision)

 

(25,944)

 

 

(3,544)

 

 

15,486

 

 

(1,738)

 

8,619

 

 

172,900

 

 

165,779

 

Charge-offs

 

(94,181)

 

 

(2,324)

 

 

(48,182)

 

 

105

 

(11,834)

 

 

(189,263)

 

 

(345,679)

 

Recoveries

 

28,062

 

 

3,222

 

 

6,392

 

 

1,294

 

2,497

 

 

46,793

 

 

88,260

Ending balance

$

147,052

 

$

4,778

 

$

121,108

 

$

630

$

10,768

 

$

193,372

 

$

477,708

Specific ALLL

$

20,533

 

$

6

 

$

42,804

 

$

-

$

61

 

$

21,822

 

$

85,226

General ALLL

$

126,519

 

$

4,772

 

$

78,304

 

$

630

$

10,707

 

$

171,550

 

$

392,482

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired loans

$

399,549

 

$

119

 

$

531,855

 

$

-

$

507

 

$

100,791

 

$

1,032,821

Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

 

11,913,202

 

 

830,973

 

 

6,651,677

 

 

22,105

 

1,059,000

 

 

5,897,095

 

 

26,374,052

Total loans held-in-portfolio

$

12,312,751

 

$

831,092

 

$

7,183,532

 

$

22,105

$

1,059,507

 

$

5,997,886

 

$

27,406,873

152


 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

Puerto Rico - Non-covered loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Commercial

 

Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Leasing

 

Consumer

 

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

171,531

 

$

1,286

 

$

159,081

 

$

11,991

 

$

174,215

 

$

518,104

 

Provision (reversal of provision)

 

101,614

 

 

(1,754)

 

 

15,297

 

 

5,525

 

 

75,779

 

 

196,461

 

Charge-offs

 

(82,352)

 

 

(9)

 

 

(69,393)

 

 

(8,297)

 

 

(138,161)

 

 

(298,212)

 

Recoveries

 

16,421

 

 

1,363

 

 

4,571

 

 

2,267

 

 

32,573

 

 

57,195

 

Allowance transferred from covered loans

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

33,422

 

 

-

 

 

188

 

 

33,610

Ending balance

$

207,214

 

$

886

 

$

142,978

 

$

11,486

 

$

144,594

 

$

507,158

Specific ALLL

$

52,190

 

$

56

 

$

38,760

 

$

320

 

$

24,083

 

$

115,409

General ALLL

$

155,024

 

$

830

 

$

104,218

 

$

11,166

 

$

120,511

 

$

391,749

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired non-covered loans

$

398,518

 

$

1,788

 

$

509,468

 

$

1,099

 

$

104,235

 

$

1,015,108

Non-covered loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

 

6,974,125

 

 

84,167

 

 

5,923,855

 

 

933,674

 

 

4,952,543

 

 

18,868,364

Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio

$

7,372,643

 

$

85,955

 

$

6,433,323

 

$

934,773

 

$

5,056,778

 

$

19,883,472

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

Puerto Rico - Covered Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Commercial

 

Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Leasing

 

Consumer

 

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

32,521

 

$

-

 

$

723

 

$

33,244

 

Provision (reversal of provision)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

2,265

 

 

-

 

 

(535)

 

 

1,730

 

Charge-offs

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(1,446)

 

 

-

 

 

(2)

 

 

(1,448)

 

Recoveries

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

82

 

 

-

 

 

2

 

 

84

 

Allowance transferred to non-covered loans

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(33,422)

 

 

-

 

 

(188)

 

 

(33,610)

Ending balance

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

Specific ALLL

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

General ALLL

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired covered loans

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

Covered loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

Total covered loans held-in-portfolio

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

Popular U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Commercial

 

Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Legacy

 

Consumer

 

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

44,134

 

$

7,076

 

$

4,541

 

$

798

 

$

15,529

 

$

72,078

 

Provision (reversal of provision)

 

7,551

 

 

5,268

 

 

(478)

 

 

(1,861)

 

 

19,401

 

 

29,881

 

Charge-offs

 

(24,920)

 

 

(5,806)

 

 

(232)

 

 

114

 

 

(22,118)

 

 

(52,962)

 

Recoveries

 

5,136

 

 

-

 

 

603

 

 

1,918

 

 

5,536

 

 

13,193

Ending balance

$

31,901

 

$

6,538

 

$

4,434

 

$

969

 

$

18,348

 

$

62,190

Specific ALLL

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

2,451

 

$

-

 

$

1,810

 

$

4,261

General ALLL

$

31,901

 

$

6,538

 

$

1,983

 

$

969

 

$

16,538

 

$

57,929

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired loans

$

-

 

$

12,060

 

$

9,420

 

$

-

 

$

8,507

 

$

29,987

Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

 

4,670,376

 

 

681,434

 

 

792,515

 

 

25,949

 

 

424,156

 

 

6,594,430

Total loans held-in-portfolio

$

4,670,376

 

$

693,494

 

$

801,935

 

$

25,949

 

$

432,663

 

$

6,624,417

153


 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

Popular, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Commercial

Construction

Mortgage

Legacy

Leasing

Consumer

Total

Allowance for credit losses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning balance

$

215,665

$

8,362

$

196,143

$

798

$

11,991

$

190,467

$

623,426

 

Provision (reversal of provision)

 

109,165

 

3,514

 

17,084

 

(1,861)

 

5,525

 

94,645

 

228,072

 

Charge-offs

 

(107,272)

 

(5,815)

 

(71,071)

 

114

 

(8,297)

 

(160,281)

 

(352,622)

 

Recoveries

 

21,557

 

1,363

 

5,256

 

1,918

 

2,267

 

38,111

 

70,472

Ending balance

$

239,115

$

7,424

$

147,412

$

969

$

11,486

$

162,942

$

569,348

Specific ALLL

$

52,190

$

56

$

41,211

$

-

$

320

$

25,893

$

119,670

General ALLL

$

186,925

$

7,368

$

106,201

$

969

$

11,166

$

137,049

$

449,678

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impaired loans

$

398,518

$

13,848

$

518,888

$

-

$

1,099

$

112,742

$

1,045,095

Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

 

11,644,501

 

765,601

 

6,716,370

 

25,949

 

933,674

 

5,376,699

 

25,462,794

Total loans held-in-portfolio

$

12,043,019

$

779,449

$

7,235,258

$

25,949

$

934,773

$

5,489,441

$

26,507,889

 

The following table provides the activity in the allowance for loan losses related to loans accounted for pursuant to ASC Subtopic 310-30.

 

 

ASC 310-30

 

For the years ended

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Balance at beginning of period

$

122,135

 

$

119,505

Provision

 

1,119

 

 

61,270

Net charge-offs

 

(49,215)

 

 

(58,640)

Balance at end of period

$

74,039

 

$

122,135

 

Impaired loans

The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

154


 

December 31, 2019

Puerto Rico

 

Impaired Loans – With an

Impaired Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance

With No Allowance

Impaired Loans - Total

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

Recorded

principal

Related

Recorded

principal

Recorded

principal

 

Related

(In thousands)

investment

balance

allowance

investment

balance

investment

balance

 

allowance

Commercial multi-family

$

1,196

$

1,229

$

4

$

1,017

$

1,247

$

2,213

$

2,476

$

4

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

44,975

 

45,803

 

12,281

 

149,587

 

173,124

 

194,562

 

218,927

 

12,281

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

105,841

 

122,814

 

5,077

 

26,365

 

58,540

 

132,206

 

181,354

 

5,077

Commercial and industrial

 

43,640

 

47,611

 

3,171

 

24,831

 

44,255

 

68,471

 

91,866

 

3,171

Construction

 

119

 

119

 

6

 

-

 

-

 

119

 

119

 

6

Mortgage

 

420,949

 

479,936

 

40,596

 

101,520

 

134,331

 

522,469

 

614,267

 

40,596

Leasing

 

507

 

507

 

61

 

-

 

-

 

507

 

507

 

61

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

24,475

 

24,475

 

2,957

 

-

 

-

 

24,475

 

24,475

 

2,957

Personal

 

65,521

 

65,521

 

17,142

 

-

 

-

 

65,521

 

65,521

 

17,142

Auto

 

310

 

310

 

51

 

-

 

-

 

310

 

310

 

51

Other

 

851

 

851

 

109

 

-

 

-

 

851

 

851

 

109

Total Puerto Rico

$

708,384

$

789,176

$

81,455

$

303,320

$

411,497

$

1,011,704

$

1,200,673

$

81,455

 

December 31, 2019

Popular U.S.

 

Impaired Loans – With an

Impaired Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance

With No Allowance

Impaired Loans - Total

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

Recorded

principal

Related

Recorded

principal

Recorded

principal

Related

(In thousands)

investment

balance

allowance

investment

balance

investment

balance

allowance

Commercial multi-family

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

2,097

$

2,539

$

2,097

$

2,539

$

-

Mortgage

 

6,906

 

7,257

 

2,208

 

2,480

 

2,844

 

9,386

 

10,101

 

2,208

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HELOCs

 

6,691

 

6,691

 

1,560

 

2,829

 

3,087

 

9,520

 

9,778

 

1,560

Personal

 

26

 

26

 

3

 

88

 

88

 

114

 

114

 

3

Total Popular U.S.

$

13,623

$

13,974

$

3,771

$

7,494

$

8,558

$

21,117

$

22,532

$

3,771

 

December 31, 2019

Popular, Inc.

 

Impaired Loans – With an

Impaired Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance

With No Allowance

Impaired Loans - Total

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

Recorded

principal

Related

Recorded

principal

Recorded

principal

Related

(In thousands)

investment

balance

allowance

investment

balance

investment

balance

allowance

Commercial multi-family

$

1,196

$

1,229

$

4

$

3,114

$

3,786

$

4,310

$

5,015

$

4

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

44,975

 

45,803

 

12,281

 

149,587

 

173,124

 

194,562

 

218,927

 

12,281

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

105,841

 

122,814

 

5,077

 

26,365

 

58,540

 

132,206

 

181,354

 

5,077

Commercial and industrial

 

43,640

 

47,611

 

3,171

 

24,831

 

44,255

 

68,471

 

91,866

 

3,171

Construction

 

119

 

119

 

6

 

-

 

-

 

119

 

119

 

6

Mortgage

 

427,855

 

487,193

 

42,804

 

104,000

 

137,175

 

531,855

 

624,368

 

42,804

Leasing

 

507

 

507

 

61

 

-

 

-

 

507

 

507

 

61

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

24,475

 

24,475

 

2,957

 

-

 

-

 

24,475

 

24,475

 

2,957

HELOCs

 

6,691

 

6,691

 

1,560

 

2,829

 

3,087

 

9,520

 

9,778

 

1,560

Personal

 

65,547

 

65,547

 

17,145

 

88

 

88

 

65,635

 

65,635

 

17,145

Auto

 

310

 

310

 

51

 

-

 

-

 

310

 

310

 

51

Other

 

851

 

851

 

109

 

-

 

-

 

851

 

851

 

109

Total Popular, Inc.

$

722,007

$

803,150

$

85,226

$

310,814

$

420,055

$

1,032,821

$

1,223,205

$

85,226

155


 

December 31, 2018

Puerto Rico

 

Impaired Loans – With an

Impaired Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance

With No Allowance

Impaired Loans - Total

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

Recorded

principal

Related

Recorded

principal

Recorded

principal

 

Related

(In thousands)

investment

balance

allowance

investment

balance

investment

balance

 

allowance

Commercial multi-family

$

932

$

932

$

4

$

-

$

-

$

932

$

932

$

4

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

85,583

 

86,282

 

27,494

 

96,005

 

138,378

 

181,588

 

224,660

 

27,494

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

113,592

 

132,677

 

7,857

 

26,474

 

60,485

 

140,066

 

193,162

 

7,857

Commercial and industrial

 

65,208

 

67,094

 

16,835

 

10,724

 

20,968

 

75,932

 

88,062

 

16,835

Construction

 

1,788

 

1,788

 

56

 

-

 

-

 

1,788

 

1,788

 

56

Mortgage

 

408,767

 

458,010

 

38,760

 

100,701

 

135,084

 

509,468

 

593,094

 

38,760

Leasing

 

1,099

 

1,099

 

320

 

-

 

-

 

1,099

 

1,099

 

320

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

28,829

 

28,829

 

4,571

 

-

 

-

 

28,829

 

28,829

 

4,571

Personal

 

72,989

 

72,989

 

19,098

 

-

 

-

 

72,989

 

72,989

 

19,098

Auto

 

1,161

 

1,161

 

228

 

-

 

-

 

1,161

 

1,161

 

228

Other

 

1,256

 

1,256

 

186

 

-

 

-

 

1,256

 

1,256

 

186

Total Puerto Rico

$

781,204

$

852,117

$

115,409

$

233,904

$

354,915

$

1,015,108

$

1,207,032

$

115,409

 

December 31, 2018

Popular U.S.

 

Impaired Loans – With an

Impaired Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance

With No Allowance

Impaired Loans - Total

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

Recorded

principal

Related

Recorded

principal

Recorded

principal

Related

(In thousands)

investment

balance

allowance

investment

balance

investment

balance

allowance

Construction

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

12,060

$

18,127

$

12,060

$

18,127

$

-

Mortgage

 

7,237

 

8,899

 

2,451

 

2,183

 

3,127

 

9,420

 

12,026

 

2,451

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HELOCs

 

6,236

 

6,285

 

1,558

 

1,498

 

1,572

 

7,734

 

7,857

 

1,558

Personal

 

631

 

631

 

252

 

142

 

143

 

773

 

774

 

252

Total Popular U.S.

$

14,104

$

15,815

$

4,261

$

15,883

$

22,969

$

29,987

$

38,784

$

4,261

 

December 31, 2018

Popular, Inc.

 

Impaired Loans – With an

Impaired Loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allowance

With No Allowance

Impaired Loans - Total

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

Unpaid

 

 

 

Recorded

principal

Related

Recorded

principal

Recorded

principal

Related

(In thousands)

investment

balance

allowance

investment

balance

investment

balance

allowance

Commercial multi-family

$

932

$

932

$

4

$

-

$

-

$

932

$

932

$

4

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

85,583

 

86,282

 

27,494

 

96,005

 

138,378

 

181,588

 

224,660

 

27,494

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

113,592

 

132,677

 

7,857

 

26,474

 

60,485

 

140,066

 

193,162

 

7,857

Commercial and industrial

 

65,208

 

67,094

 

16,835

 

10,724

 

20,968

 

75,932

 

88,062

 

16,835

Construction

 

1,788

 

1,788

 

56

 

12,060

 

18,127

 

13,848

 

19,915

 

56

Mortgage

 

416,004

 

466,909

 

41,211

 

102,884

 

138,211

 

518,888

 

605,120

 

41,211

Leasing

 

1,099

 

1,099

 

320

 

-

 

-

 

1,099

 

1,099

 

320

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

28,829

 

28,829

 

4,571

 

-

 

-

 

28,829

 

28,829

 

4,571

HELOCs

 

6,236

 

6,285

 

1,558

 

1,498

 

1,572

 

7,734

 

7,857

 

1,558

Personal

 

73,620

 

73,620

 

19,350

 

142

 

143

 

73,762

 

73,763

 

19,350

Auto

 

1,161

 

1,161

 

228

 

-

 

-

 

1,161

 

1,161

 

228

Other

 

1,256

 

1,256

 

186

 

-

 

-

 

1,256

 

1,256

 

186

Total Popular, Inc.

$

795,308

$

867,932

$

119,670

$

249,787

$

377,884

$

1,045,095

$

1,245,816

$

119,670

156


 

The following tables present the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

 

Puerto Rico

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

 

Average

 

Interest

 

Average

 

Interest

 

Average

 

Interest

 

recorded

 

income

 

recorded

 

income

 

recorded

 

income

(In thousands)

investment

 

recognized

 

investment

 

recognized

 

investment

 

recognized

Commercial multi-family

$

1,470

 

$

50

 

$

1,343

 

$

-

 

$

2,813

 

$

50

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

183,233

 

 

5,742

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

183,233

 

 

5,742

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

137,710

 

 

6,528

 

 

626

 

 

-

 

 

138,336

 

 

6,528

Commercial and industrial

 

71,828

 

 

4,097

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

71,828

 

 

4,097

Construction

 

1,151

 

 

25

 

 

9,248

 

 

-

 

 

10,399

 

 

25

Mortgage

 

518,487

 

 

16,810

 

 

9,416

 

 

153

 

 

527,903

 

 

16,963

Leasing

 

823

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

823

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

26,775

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

26,775

 

 

-

HELOCs

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

8,988

 

 

-

 

 

8,988

 

 

-

Personal

 

69,664

 

 

282

 

 

380

 

 

-

 

 

70,044

 

 

282

Auto

 

823

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

823

 

 

-

Other

 

1,044

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,044

 

 

-

Total Popular, Inc.

$

1,013,008

 

$

33,534

 

$

30,001

 

$

153

 

$

1,043,009

 

$

33,687

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

Puerto Rico

 

Popular U.S.

 

Popular, Inc.

 

Average

 

Interest

 

Average

 

Interest

 

Average

 

Interest

 

recorded

 

income

 

recorded

 

income

 

recorded

 

income

(In thousands)

investment

 

recognized

 

investment

 

recognized

 

investment

 

recognized

Commercial multi-family

$

693

 

$

50

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

693

 

$

50

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

138,832

 

 

5,742

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

138,832

 

 

5,742

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

148,967

 

 

6,528

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

148,967

 

 

6,528

Commercial and industrial

 

69,406

 

 

4,097

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

69,406

 

 

4,097

Construction

 

2,094

 

 

25

 

 

9,565

 

 

-

 

 

11,659

 

 

25

Mortgage

 

509,038

 

 

17,663

 

 

9,258

 

 

165

 

 

518,296

 

 

17,828

Leasing

 

1,195

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,195

 

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

31,953

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

31,953

 

 

-

HELOCs

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

5,904

 

 

-

 

 

5,904

 

 

-

Personal

 

68,237

 

 

415

 

 

770

 

 

-

 

 

69,007

 

 

415

Auto

 

1,413

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,413

 

 

-

Other

 

1,248

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,248

 

 

-

Total Popular, Inc.

$

973,076

 

$

34,520

 

$

25,497

 

$

165

 

$

998,573

 

$

34,685

157


 

Modifications

A modification of a loan constitutes a troubled debt restructuring when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the modification constitutes a concession. For a summary of the accounting policy related to troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), refer to the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in Note 2 to these Consolidated Financial Statements.

TDRs amounted to $ 1.6 billion at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $ 1.5 billion). The amount of outstanding commitments to lend additional funds to debtors owing receivables whose terms have been modified in TDRs amounted to $ 14 million related to the commercial loan portfolio at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $ 16 million).

At December 31, 2019, the mortgage loan TDRs include $ 625 million guaranteed by U.S. sponsored entities at BPPR, compared to $ 543 million at December 31, 2018.

The following table presents the non-covered and covered loans classified as TDRs according to their accruing status and the related allowance at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

 

Accruing

 

Non-Accruing

 

Total

 

Related Allowance

 

 

 

Accruing

 

Non-Accruing

 

Total

 

Related Allowance

Loans held-in-portfolio:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$

237,861

$

111,587

$

349,448

$

16,443

 

 

$

229,758

$

130,921

$

360,679

$

46,889

Construction

 

-

 

119

 

119

 

6

 

 

 

-

 

1,788

 

1,788

 

56

Mortgage

 

1,013,561

 

126,036

 

1,139,597

 

42,012

 

 

 

906,712

 

135,758

 

1,042,470

 

41,211

Leases

 

264

 

243

 

507

 

61

 

 

 

668

 

440

 

1,108

 

320

Consumer

 

82,205

 

15,808

 

98,013

 

21,404

 

 

 

94,193

 

15,651

 

109,844

 

24,523

Loans held-in-portfolio

$

1,333,891

$

253,793

$

1,587,684

$

79,926

 

 

$

1,231,331

$

284,558

$

1,515,889

$

112,999

 

The following tables present the loan count by type of modification for those loans modified in a TDR during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. Loans modified as TDRs for the U.S. operations are considered insignificant to the Corporation.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

 

Reduction in interest rate

 

Extension of maturity date

 

Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity date

 

Other

Commercial multi-family

-

 

3

 

-

 

-

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

-

 

13

 

-

 

-

Commercial real estate owner occupied

1

 

29

 

-

 

-

Commercial and industrial

2

 

67

 

-

 

-

Mortgage

37

 

130

 

672

 

6

Leasing

-

 

1

 

2

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

515

 

-

 

2

 

189

HELOCs

-

 

16

 

12

 

-

Personal

668

 

4

 

-

 

3

Auto

-

 

6

 

2

 

-

Other

31

 

-

 

-

 

-

Total

1,254

 

269

 

690

 

198

158


 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

Reduction in interest rate

 

Extension of maturity date

 

Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity date

 

Other

Commercial multi-family

-

 

2

 

-

 

-

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

3

 

17

 

-

 

-

Commercial real estate owner occupied

4

 

64

 

-

 

-

Commercial and industrial

6

 

87

 

-

 

-

Construction

1

 

-

 

-

 

-

Mortgage

85

 

49

 

359

 

57

Leasing

-

 

-

 

4

 

-

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

579

 

-

 

4

 

432

HELOCs

-

 

27

 

11

 

1

Personal

1,356

 

6

 

-

 

2

Auto

-

 

7

 

3

 

-

Other

25

 

-

 

2

 

-

Total

2,059

 

259

 

383

 

492

 

The following tables present, by class, quantitative information related to loans modified as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

Popular, Inc.

For the year ended December 31, 2019

(Dollars in thousands)

Loan count

Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment

Post-modification outstanding recorded investment

Increase (decrease) in the allowance for loan losses as a result of modification

Commercial multi-family

3

$

346

$

295

$

(40)

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

13

 

58,142

 

58,116

 

2,811

Commercial real estate owner occupied

30

 

7,533

 

7,249

 

81

Commercial and industrial

69

 

14,991

 

15,435

 

1,368

Mortgage

845

 

83,833

 

77,308

 

2,814

Leasing

3

 

264

 

266

 

7

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

706

 

5,702

 

5,867

 

554

HELOCs

28

 

2,725

 

2,423

 

364

Personal

675

 

10,831

 

10,835

 

3,023

Auto

8

 

121

 

128

 

21

Other

31

 

206

 

206

 

30

Total

2,411

$

184,694

$

178,128

$

11,033

159


 

Popular, Inc.

For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

Loan count

Pre-modification outstanding recorded investment

Post-modification outstanding recorded investment

Increase (decrease) in the allowance for loan losses as a result of modification

Commercial multi-family

2

$

1,377

$

1,375

$

106

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

20

 

109,081

 

79,695

 

6,230

Commercial real estate owner occupied

68

 

31,233

 

29,962

 

1,170

Commercial and industrial

93

 

52,653

 

51,855

 

13,981

Construction

1

 

4,210

 

4,293

 

474

Mortgage

550

 

67,518

 

59,919

 

2,696

Leasing

4

 

98

 

96

 

30

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

1,015

 

10,065

 

10,671

 

1,331

HELOCs

39

 

3,961

 

3,891

 

935

Personal

1,364

 

21,976

 

21,979

 

6,320

Auto

10

 

173

 

152

 

26

Other

27

 

601

 

599

 

99

Total

3,193

$

302,946

$

264,487

$

33,398

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, four loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $ 9.1 million were restructured into multiple notes (“Note A / B split”). No charge-offs were recorded as part of those loan restructurings.

 

The following tables present, by class, TDRs that were subject to payment default and that had been modified as a TDR during the twelve months preceding the default date. Payment default is defined as a restructured loan becoming 90 days past due after being modified, foreclosed or charged-off, whichever occurs first. The recorded investment as of period end is inclusive of all partial paydowns and charge-offs since the modification date. Loans modified as a TDR that were fully paid down, charged-off or foreclosed upon by period end are not reported.

160


 

Defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2019

(Dollars in thousands)

Loan count

Recorded investment as of first default date

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

1

$

47

Commercial real estate owner occupied

3

 

495

Commercial and industrial

9

 

7,281

Mortgage

63

 

4,424

Leasing

1

 

22

Consumer:

 

 

 

Credit cards

302

 

2,808

HELOCs

1

 

135

Personal

197

 

5,640

Auto

2

 

24

Other

3

 

8

Total

582

$

20,884

 

Defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

Loan count

Recorded investment as of first default date

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

2

$

11,245

Commercial real estate owner occupied

5

 

480

Commercial and industrial

8

 

7,208

Mortgage

161

 

12,362

Consumer:

 

 

 

Credit cards

236

 

2,098

HELOCs

2

 

205

Personal

107

 

2,300

Auto

5

 

115

Other

1

 

7

Total

527

$

36,020

161


 

Commercial, consumer and mortgage loans modified in a TDR are closely monitored for delinquency as an early indicator of possible future default. If loans modified in a TDR subsequently default, the Corporation evaluates the loan for possible further impairment. The allowance for loan losses may be increased or partial charge-offs may be taken to further write-down the carrying value of the loan.

Credit Quality

The Corporation has defined a risk rating system to assign a rating to all credit exposures, particularly for the commercial and construction loan portfolios. Risk ratings in the aggregate provide the Corporation’s management the asset quality profile for the loan portfolio. The risk rating system provides for the assignment of ratings at the obligor level based on the financial condition of the borrower. The Corporation’s consumer and mortgage loans are not subject to the risk rating system. Consumer and mortgage loans are classified substandard or loss based on their delinquency status. All other consumer and mortgage loans that are not classified as substandard or loss would be considered “unrated”.

The Corporation’s obligor risk rating scales range from rating 1 (Excellent) to rating 14 (Loss). The obligor risk rating reflects the risk of payment default of a borrower in the ordinary course of business.

Pass Credit Classifications:

Pass (Scales 1 through 8) – Loans 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.

Watch (Scale 9) – Loans classified as watch have acceptable business credit, but borrower’s operations, cash flow or financial condition evidence more than average risk, requires above average levels of supervision and attention from Loan Officers.

Special Mention (Scale 10) - Loans classified as special mention 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 loan or of the Corporation’s credit position at some future date.

Adversely Classified Classifications:

Substandard (Scales 11 and 12) - Loans classified as substandard are deemed to be inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as such have well-defined 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 (Scale 13) - Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make the collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss (Scale 14) - Uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this asset even though partial recovery may be effected in the future.

Risk ratings scales 10 through 14 conform to regulatory ratings. The assignment of the obligor risk rating is based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debts such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors.

The Corporation periodically reviews its loans classification to evaluate if they are properly classified, and to determine impairment, if any. 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 has a Commercial Loan Review department within the Corporate Risk Reviews Division that reports directly to the Corporation’s Risk Management Committee and administratively to the Chief Risk Officer, which performs annual comprehensive credit process reviews of all lending groups in BPPR. This group evaluates the credit risk profile of each originating unit along with each unit’s credit administration effectiveness, including the assessment of the risk rating representative of the current credit quality of the loans, and the evaluation of collateral documentation. The monitoring performed by this group contributes to assess

162


 

compliance with credit policies and underwriting standards, determine the current level of credit risk, evaluate the effectiveness of the credit management process and identify control deficiencies that may arise in the credit-granting process. Based on its findings, Commercial Loan Review 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 of the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

The following tables present the outstanding balance, net of unearned income, of non-covered loans held-in-portfolio based on the Corporation’s assignment of obligor risk ratings as defined at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

163


 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

Special

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass/

 

 

(In thousands)

Watch

Mention

Substandard

Doubtful

Loss

Sub-total

Unrated

Total

Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial multi-family

$

1,341

$

3,870

$

1,793

$

-

$

-

$

7,004

$

140,845

$

147,849

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

492,357

 

166,810

 

239,448

 

3,290

 

-

 

901,905

 

1,206,313

 

2,108,218

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

192,895

 

184,678

 

183,377

 

1,629

 

-

 

562,579

 

1,023,750

 

1,586,329

Commercial and industrial

 

592,861

 

170,183

 

130,872

 

148

 

16

 

894,080

 

2,524,654

 

3,418,734

 

Total Commercial

 

1,279,454

 

525,541

 

555,490

 

5,067

 

16

 

2,365,568

 

4,895,562

 

7,261,130

Construction

 

340

 

649

 

20,771

 

-

 

-

 

21,760

 

115,710

 

137,470

Mortgage

 

2,187

 

2,218

 

127,621

 

-

 

-

 

132,026

 

6,034,722

 

6,166,748

Leasing

 

-

 

-

 

3,590

 

-

 

68

 

3,658

 

1,055,849

 

1,059,507

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

-

 

-

 

19,461

 

-

 

-

 

19,461

 

1,104,339

 

1,123,800

 

HELOCs

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

5,038

 

5,038

 

Personal

 

77

 

-

 

19,558

 

-

 

-

 

19,635

 

1,348,515

 

1,368,150

 

Auto

 

-

 

-

 

30,775

 

-

 

372

 

31,147

 

2,886,375

 

2,917,522

 

Other

 

459

 

11

 

15,020

 

-

 

53

 

15,543

 

125,324

 

140,867

 

Total Consumer

 

536

 

11

 

84,814

 

-

 

425

 

85,786

 

5,469,591

 

5,555,377

Total Puerto Rico

$

1,282,517

$

528,419

$

792,286

$

5,067

$

509

$

2,608,798

$

17,571,434

$

20,180,232

Popular U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial multi-family

$

48,359

$

13,827

$

8,433

$

-

$

-

$

70,619

$

1,576,691

$

1,647,310

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

80,608

 

24,383

 

100,658

 

-

 

-

 

205,649

 

1,664,647

 

1,870,296

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

27,298

 

5,709

 

13,826

 

-

 

-

 

46,833

 

292,302

 

339,135

Commercial and industrial

 

25,679

 

1,460

 

20,386

 

-

 

-

 

47,525

 

1,147,355

 

1,194,880

 

Total Commercial

 

181,944

 

45,379

 

143,303

 

-

 

-

 

370,626

 

4,680,995

 

5,051,621

Construction

 

46,644

 

17,291

 

44,798

 

-

 

-

 

108,733

 

584,889

 

693,622

Mortgage

 

-

 

-

 

11,091

 

-

 

-

 

11,091

 

1,005,693

 

1,016,784

Legacy

 

388

 

202

 

1,528

 

-

 

-

 

2,118

 

19,987

 

22,105

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

36

 

36

 

HELOCs

 

-

 

-

 

2,024

 

-

 

7,930

 

9,954

 

107,389

 

117,343

 

Personal

 

-

 

-

 

1,664

 

-

 

403

 

2,067

 

322,373

 

324,440

 

Other

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

690

 

690

 

Total Consumer

 

-

 

-

 

3,688

 

-

 

8,333

 

12,021

 

430,488

 

442,509

Total Popular U.S.

$

228,976

$

62,872

$

204,408

$

-

$

8,333

$

504,589

$

6,722,052

$

7,226,641

Popular, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial multi-family

$

49,700

$

17,697

$

10,226

$

-

$

-

$

77,623

$

1,717,536

$

1,795,159

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

572,965

 

191,193

 

340,106

 

3,290

 

-

 

1,107,554

 

2,870,960

 

3,978,514

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

220,193

 

190,387

 

197,203

 

1,629

 

-

 

609,412

 

1,316,052

 

1,925,464

Commercial and industrial

 

618,540

 

171,643

 

151,258

 

148

 

16

 

941,605

 

3,672,009

 

4,613,614

 

Total Commercial

 

1,461,398

 

570,920

 

698,793

 

5,067

 

16

 

2,736,194

 

9,576,557

 

12,312,751

Construction

 

46,984

 

17,940

 

65,569

 

-

 

-

 

130,493

 

700,599

 

831,092

Mortgage

 

2,187

 

2,218

 

138,712

 

-

 

-

 

143,117

 

7,040,415

 

7,183,532

Legacy

 

388

 

202

 

1,528

 

-

 

-

 

2,118

 

19,987

 

22,105

Leasing

 

-

 

-

 

3,590

 

-

 

68

 

3,658

 

1,055,849

 

1,059,507

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

-

 

-

 

19,461

 

-

 

-

 

19,461

 

1,104,375

 

1,123,836

 

HELOCs

 

-

 

-

 

2,024

 

-

 

7,930

 

9,954

 

112,427

 

122,381

 

Personal

 

77

 

-

 

21,222

 

-

 

403

 

21,702

 

1,670,888

 

1,692,590

 

Auto

 

-

 

-

 

30,775

 

-

 

372

 

31,147

 

2,886,375

 

2,917,522

 

Other

 

459

 

11

 

15,020

 

-

 

53

 

15,543

 

126,014

 

141,557

 

Total Consumer

 

536

 

11

 

88,502

 

-

 

8,758

 

97,807

 

5,900,079

 

5,997,886

Total Popular, Inc.

$

1,511,493

$

591,291

$

996,694

$

5,067

$

8,842

$

3,113,387

$

24,293,486

$

27,406,873

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table presents the weighted average obligor risk rating at December 31, 2019 for those classifications that consider a range of rating scales.

164


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average obligor risk rating

(Scales 11 and 12)

 

 

 

(Scales 1 through 8)

Puerto Rico:

 

 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass

 

 

Commercial multi-family

 

 

 

 

 

11.82

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.02

 

 

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.77

 

 

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.36

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.30

 

 

Commercial and industrial

 

 

 

 

 

11.26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.20

 

 

 

Total Commercial

 

 

 

 

 

11.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.10

 

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

11.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.85

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular U.S. :

 

 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass

 

 

Commercial multi-family

 

 

 

 

 

11.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.37

 

 

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.94

 

 

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.48

 

 

Commercial and industrial

 

 

 

 

 

11.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.63

 

 

 

Total Commercial

 

 

 

 

 

11.02

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.04

 

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

11.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.74

 

 

Legacy

 

 

 

 

 

11.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.95

 

 

165


 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

Special

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass/

 

 

(In thousands)

Watch

Mention

Substandard

Doubtful

Loss

Sub-total

Unrated

Total

Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial multi-family

$

1,634

$

4,548

$

3,590

$

-

$

-

$

9,772

$

135,856

$

145,628

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

470,506

 

233,173

 

342,962

 

-

 

-

 

1,046,641

 

1,275,960

 

2,322,601

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

262,476

 

174,510

 

291,468

 

2,078

 

-

 

730,532

 

991,721

 

1,722,253

Commercial and industrial

 

655,092

 

130,641

 

156,515

 

177

 

73

 

942,498

 

2,239,663

 

3,182,161

 

Total Commercial

 

1,389,708

 

542,872

 

794,535

 

2,255

 

73

 

2,729,443

 

4,643,200

 

7,372,643

Construction

 

147

 

634

 

1,788

 

-

 

-

 

2,569

 

83,386

 

85,955

Mortgage

 

3,057

 

2,182

 

154,506

 

-

 

-

 

159,745

 

6,273,578

 

6,433,323

Leasing

 

-

 

-

 

3,301

 

-

 

12

 

3,313

 

931,460

 

934,773

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

-

 

-

 

16,035

 

-

 

-

 

16,035

 

1,031,238

 

1,047,273

 

HELOCs

 

-

 

-

 

165

 

-

 

-

 

165

 

5,186

 

5,351

 

Personal

 

849

 

19

 

18,827

 

-

 

-

 

19,695

 

1,230,930

 

1,250,625

 

Auto

 

-

 

-

 

24,093

 

-

 

84

 

24,177

 

2,584,608

 

2,608,785

 

Other

 

-

 

-

 

14,743

 

-

 

215

 

14,958

 

129,786

 

144,744

 

Total Consumer

 

849

 

19

 

73,863

 

-

 

299

 

75,030

 

4,981,748

 

5,056,778

Total Puerto Rico

$

1,393,761

$

545,707

$

1,027,993

$

2,255

$

384

$

2,970,100

$

16,913,372

$

19,883,472

Popular U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial multi-family

$

85,901

$

7,123

$

6,979

$

-

$

-

$

100,003

$

1,301,537

$

1,401,540

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

152,635

 

9,839

 

46,555

 

-

 

-

 

209,029

 

1,672,715

 

1,881,744

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

49,415

 

23,963

 

2,394

 

-

 

-

 

75,772

 

223,167

 

298,939

Commercial and industrial

 

5,825

 

1,084

 

76,459

 

-

 

-

 

83,368

 

1,004,785

 

1,088,153

 

Total Commercial

 

293,776

 

42,009

 

132,387

 

-

 

-

 

468,172

 

4,202,204

 

4,670,376

Construction

 

35,375

 

37,741

 

58,005

 

-

 

-

 

131,121

 

562,373

 

693,494

Mortgage

 

-

 

-

 

11,032

 

-

 

-

 

11,032

 

790,903

 

801,935

Legacy

 

534

 

224

 

2,409

 

-

 

-

 

3,167

 

22,782

 

25,949

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

38

 

38

 

HELOCs

 

-

 

-

 

2,615

 

-

 

10,964

 

13,579

 

129,473

 

143,052

 

Personal

 

-

 

-

 

1,910

 

-

 

701

 

2,611

 

286,738

 

289,349

 

Other

 

-

 

-

 

4

 

-

 

-

 

4

 

220

 

224

 

Total Consumer

 

-

 

-

 

4,529

 

-

 

11,665

 

16,194

 

416,469

 

432,663

Total Popular U.S.

$

329,685

$

79,974

$

208,362

$

-

$

11,665

$

629,686

$

5,994,731

$

6,624,417

Popular, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial multi-family

$

87,535

$

11,671

$

10,569

$

-

$

-

$

109,775

$

1,437,393

$

1,547,168

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

623,141

 

243,012

 

389,517

 

-

 

-

 

1,255,670

 

2,948,675

 

4,204,345

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

311,891

 

198,473

 

293,862

 

2,078

 

-

 

806,304

 

1,214,888

 

2,021,192

Commercial and industrial

 

660,917

 

131,725

 

232,974

 

177

 

73

 

1,025,866

 

3,244,448

 

4,270,314

 

Total Commercial

 

1,683,484

 

584,881

 

926,922

 

2,255

 

73

 

3,197,615

 

8,845,404

 

12,043,019

Construction

 

35,522

 

38,375

 

59,793

 

-

 

-

 

133,690

 

645,759

 

779,449

Mortgage

 

3,057

 

2,182

 

165,538

 

-

 

-

 

170,777

 

7,064,481

 

7,235,258

Legacy

 

534

 

224

 

2,409

 

-

 

-

 

3,167

 

22,782

 

25,949

Leasing

 

-

 

-

 

3,301

 

-

 

12

 

3,313

 

931,460

 

934,773

Consumer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit cards

 

-

 

-

 

16,035

 

-

 

-

 

16,035

 

1,031,276

 

1,047,311

 

HELOCs

 

-

 

-

 

2,780

 

-

 

10,964

 

13,744

 

134,659

 

148,403

 

Personal

 

849

 

19

 

20,737

 

-

 

701

 

22,306

 

1,517,668

 

1,539,974

 

Auto

 

-

 

-

 

24,093

 

-

 

84

 

24,177

 

2,584,608

 

2,608,785

 

Other

 

-

 

-

 

14,747

 

-

 

215

 

14,962

 

130,006

 

144,968

 

Total Consumer

 

849

 

19

 

78,392

 

-

 

11,964

 

91,224

 

5,398,217

 

5,489,441

Total Popular, Inc.

$

1,723,446

$

625,681

$

1,236,355

$

2,255

$

12,049

$

3,599,786

$

22,908,103

$

26,507,889

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following table presents the weighted average obligor risk rating at December 31, 2018 for those classifications that consider a range of rating scales.

166


 

Weighted average obligor risk rating

(Scales 11 and 12)

 

 

 

(Scales 1 through 8)

Puerto Rico:

 

 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass

 

 

Commercial multi-family

 

 

 

 

 

11.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.02

 

 

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.93

 

 

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.25

 

 

Commercial and industrial

 

 

 

 

 

11.33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.15

 

 

 

Total Commercial

 

 

 

 

 

11.22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.09

 

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

12.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.64

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular U.S.:

 

 

 

 

Substandard

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pass

 

 

Commercial multi-family

 

 

 

 

 

11.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.39

 

 

Commercial real estate non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.01

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.82

 

 

Commercial real estate owner occupied

 

 

 

 

 

11.16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.55

 

 

Commercial and industrial

 

 

 

 

 

11.96

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.26

 

 

 

Total Commercial

 

 

 

 

 

11.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.14

 

 

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

11.21

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.85

 

 

Legacy

 

 

 

 

 

11.17

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.94

 

 

167


 

Note 10 FDIC loss-share asset and true-up payment obligation

In connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction, BPPR entered into loss-share arrangements with the FDIC with respect to the covered loans and other real estate owned. Pursuant to the terms of the loss-share arrangements, the FDIC’s obligation to reimburse BPPR for losses with respect to covered assets began with the first dollar of loss incurred. The FDIC reimbursed BPPR for 80% of losses with respect to covered assets, and BPPR reimbursed the FDIC for 80% of recoveries with respect to losses for which the FDIC paid reimbursement under loss-share arrangements. The loss-share component of the arrangements applicable to commercial (including construction) and consumer loans expired during the quarter ended June 30, 2015, but the arrangement provided for reimbursement of recoveries to the FDIC to continue through the quarter ending June 30, 2018, and for the single family mortgage loss-share component of such agreement to expire in the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

As of March 31, 2018, the Corporation had an FDIC loss share asset of $44.5 million related to the covered assets. As part of the loss-share agreements, BPPR had agreed to make a true-up payment to the FDIC 45 days following the last day (such day, the “true-up measurement date”) of the final shared-loss month, or upon the final disposition of all covered assets under the loss-share agreements, in the event losses on the loss-share agreements fail to reach expected levels. The estimated fair value of such true-up payment obligation at March 31, 2018 was approximately $171 million and was included as a contingent consideration within the caption of other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

On May 22, 2018, the Corporation entered into a Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with the FDIC to terminate all loss-share arrangements in connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction. Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, BPPR made a payment of approximately $23.7 million (the “Termination Payment”) to the FDIC as consideration for the termination of the loss-share agreements. Popular recorded a gain of $102.8 million within the FDIC loss share income (expense) caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations calculated based on the difference between the Termination Payment and the net amount of the true-up payment obligation and the FDIC loss share asset.

The following table sets forth the activity in the FDIC loss-share asset for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2018

 

2017

Balance at beginning of year

$

46,316

$

69,334

FDIC loss-share Termination Agreement

 

(45,659)

 

-

Amortization

 

(934)

 

(469)

Credit impairment losses to be covered under loss sharing agreements

 

104

 

3,136

Reimbursable expenses

 

537

 

2,454

Net payments from FDIC under loss-sharing agreements

 

(364)

 

(22,589)

Other adjustments attributable to FDIC loss-sharing agreements

 

-

 

(5,550)

Balance at end of period

$

-

$

46,316

Balance due to the FDIC for recoveries on covered assets

 

-

 

(1,124)

Balance at end of period

$

-

$

45,192

 

As a result of the Termination Agreement, assets that were covered by the loss share agreement, including covered loans in the amount of approximately $514.6 million and covered real estate owned assets in the amount of approximately $15.3 million as of March 31, 2018, were reclassified as non-covered. The Corporation now recognizes entirely all future credit losses, expenses, gains, and recoveries related to the formerly covered assets with no offset due to or from the FDIC.

168


 

Note 11 – Mortgage banking activities

Income from mortgage banking activities includes mortgage servicing fees earned in connection with administering residential mortgage loans and valuation adjustments on mortgage servicing rights. It also includes gain on sales and securitizations of residential mortgage loans and trading gains and losses on derivative contracts used to hedge the Corporation’s securitization activities. In addition, lower-of-cost-or-market valuation adjustments to residential mortgage loans held for sale, if any, are recorded as part of the mortgage banking activities.

The following table presents the components of mortgage banking activities:

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Mortgage servicing fees, net of fair value adjustments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage servicing fees

$

46,952

$

49,532

$

48,300

 

Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustments

 

(27,430)

 

(8,477)

 

(36,519)

Total mortgage servicing fees, net of fair value adjustments

 

19,522

 

41,055

 

11,781

Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation on loans held for sale

 

18,817

 

9,424

 

17,088

Trading account (loss) profit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized (losses) gains on outstanding derivative positions

 

-

 

(253)

 

184

 

Realized (losses) gains on closed derivative positions

 

(6,246)

 

2,576

 

(3,557)

Total trading account (loss) profit

 

(6,246)

 

2,323

 

(3,373)

Total mortgage banking activities

$

32,093

$

52,802

$

25,496

169


 

Note 12 – Transfers of financial assets and mortgage servicing assets

The Corporation typically transfers conforming residential mortgage loans in conjunction with GNMA and FNMA securitization transactions whereby the loans are exchanged for cash or securities and servicing rights. As seller, the Corporation has made certain representations and warranties with respect to the originally transferred loans and, in the past, has sold certain loans with credit recourse to a government-sponsored entity, namely FNMA. Refer to Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of such arrangements.

No liabilities were incurred as a result of these securitizations during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 because they did not contain any credit recourse arrangements. The Corporation recorded a net gain of $17.2 million and $8.9 million, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 related to the residential mortgage loans securitized.

The following tables present the initial fair value of the assets obtained as proceeds from residential mortgage loans securitized during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

Proceeds Obtained During the Year Ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Initial fair value

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading account debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities - GNMA

$

-

$

347,396

$

-

$

347,396

Mortgage-backed securities - FNMA

 

-

 

111,362

 

-

 

111,362

Total trading account debt securities

$

-

$

458,758

$

-

$

458,758

Mortgage servicing rights

$

-

$

-

$

8,185

$

8,185

Total

$

-

$

458,758

$

8,185

$

466,943

 

 

 

Proceeds Obtained During the Year Ended December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Initial fair value

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities available for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities - FNMA

$

-

$

11,865

$

-

$

11,865

Total debt securities available-for-sale

$

-

$

11,865

 

-

$

11,865

Trading account debt securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage-backed securities - GNMA

$

-

$

412,500

$

-

$

412,500

Mortgage-backed securities - FNMA

 

-

 

82,320

 

-

 

82,320

Total trading account debt securities

$

-

$

494,820

$

-

$

494,820

Mortgage servicing rights

$

-

$

-

$

9,337

$

9,337

Total

$

-

$

506,685

$

9,337

$

516,022

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation retained servicing rights on whole loan sales involving approximately $63 million in principal balance outstanding (2018 - $57 million), with net realized gains of approximately $1.6 million (2018 - $0.8 million). All loan sales performed during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were without credit recourse agreements.

The Corporation recognizes as assets the rights to service loans for others, whether these rights are purchased or result from asset transfers such as sales and securitizations. These mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) are measured at fair value.

The Corporation uses a discounted cash flow model to estimate the fair value of MSRs. The discounted cash flow model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate, cost to service, escrow account earnings, contractual servicing fee income, prepayment and late fees, among other considerations. Prepayment speeds are adjusted for the Corporation’s loan characteristics and portfolio behavior.

The following table presents the changes in MSRs measured using the fair value method for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

170


 

Residential MSRs

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Fair value at beginning of period

$

169,777

$

168,031

Additions

 

9,143

 

10,223

Changes due to payments on loans[1]

 

(11,549)

 

(13,459)

Reduction due to loan repurchases

 

(1,777)

 

(3,721)

Changes in fair value due to changes in valuation model inputs or assumptions

 

(14,190)

 

8,703

Other disposals

 

(498)

 

-

Fair value at end of period

$

150,906

$

169,777

[1]

Represents changes due to collection / realization of expected cash flows over time.

 

 

 

 

 

Residential mortgage loans serviced for others were $14.8 billion at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $15.7 billion).

Net mortgage servicing fees, a component of mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, include the changes from period to period in the fair value of the MSRs, including changes due to collection / realization of expected cash flows. The banking subsidiaries receive servicing fees based on a percentage of the outstanding loan balance. These servicing fees are credited to income when they are collected. At December 31, 2019, those weighted average mortgage servicing fees were 0.30% (2018 – 0.30%). Under these servicing agreements, the banking subsidiaries do not generally earn significant prepayment penalty fees on the underlying loans serviced.

The section below includes information on assumptions used in the valuation model of the MSRs, originated and purchased. Key economic assumptions used in measuring the servicing rights derived from loans securitized or sold by the Corporation during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

 

Years ended

 

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Prepayment speed

7.0

%

5.0

%

Weighted average life (in years)

9.5

 

10.8

 

Discount rate (annual rate)

10.9

%

11.0

%

 

Key economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of MSRs derived from sales and securitizations of mortgage loans performed by the banking subsidiaries and servicing rights purchased from other financial institutions, and the sensitivity to immediate changes in those assumptions, were as follows as of the end of the periods reported:

 

 

 

Originated MSRs

Purchased MSRs

 

 

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

(In thousands)

2019

2018

2019

2018

Fair value of servicing rights

$

58,842

 

$

69,400

 

$

92,064

 

$

100,377

 

Weighted average life (in years)

 

6.7

 

 

7.1

 

 

6.3

 

 

6.6

 

Weighted average prepayment speed (annual rate)

 

5.7

%

 

5.1

%

 

6.2

%

 

5.5

%

 

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

$

(1,303)

 

$

(1,430)

 

$

(2,306)

 

$

(2,200)

 

 

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

$

(2,568)

 

$

(2,817)

 

$

(4,525)

 

$

(4,328)

 

Weighted average discount rate (annual rate)

 

11.4

%

 

11.5

%

 

11.0

%

 

11.0

%

 

Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change

$

(2,381)

 

$

(3,125)

 

$

(3,603)

 

$

(4,354)

 

 

Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

$

(4,596)

 

$

(6,019)

 

$

(6,959)

 

$

(8,394)

 

171


 

The sensitivity analyses presented in the tables above for servicing rights are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10 and 20 percent variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in the sensitivity tables included herein, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the retained interest 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 and increased credit losses), which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities. At December 31, 2019, the Corporation serviced $1.2 billion (2018 - $1.3 billion) in residential mortgage loans with credit recourse to the Corporation. Refer to Note 25 for information on changes in the Corporation’s liability of estimated losses related to loans serviced with credit recourse.

 

Under the GNMA securitizations, the Corporation, as servicer, has the right to repurchase (but not the obligation), at its option and without GNMA’s prior authorization, any loan that is collateral for a GNMA guaranteed mortgage-backed security when certain delinquency criteria are met. At the time that individual loans meet GNMA’s specified delinquency criteria and are eligible for repurchase, the Corporation is deemed to have regained effective control over these loans if the Corporation was the pool issuer. At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had recorded $103 million in mortgage loans on its Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition related to this buy-back option program (2018 - $134 million). As long as the Corporation continues to service the loans that continue to be collateral in a GNMA guaranteed mortgage-backed security, the MSR is recognized by the Corporation. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation repurchased approximately $104 million of mortgage loans under the GNMA buy-back option program (2018 - $321 million). The determination to repurchase these loans was based on the economic benefits of the transaction, which results in a reduction of the servicing costs for these severely delinquent loans, mostly related to principal and interest advances. Furthermore, the risk associated with these loans is reduced due to their guaranteed nature. The Corporation places these loans under its loss mitigation programs and once brought back to current status, these may be either retained in portfolio or re-sold in the secondary market.

 

Quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit losses, and components of securitized financial assets and other assets managed together with them by the Corporation, including its own loan portfolio, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, are disclosed in the following tables. Loans securitized/sold represent loans in which the Corporation has continuing involvement in the form of credit recourse.

 

2019

(In thousands)

 

Total principal amount of loans, net of unearned

 

Principal amount 60 days or more past due

 

Net credit losses (recoveries)

Loans (owned and managed):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$

12,312,751

$

200,568

$

66,119

Construction

 

831,092

 

145

 

(898)

Legacy

 

22,105

 

2,007

 

(1,399)

Lease financing

 

1,059,507

 

6,710

 

9,337

Mortgage

 

8,404,911

 

1,071,537

 

40,644

Consumer

 

5,997,886

 

140,928

 

142,470

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans securitized / sold

 

1,162,176

 

72,574

 

(1,146)

Loans held-for-sale

 

59,203

 

-

 

-

Loans held-in-portfolio

$

27,406,873

$

1,349,321

$

257,419

172


 

2018

(In thousands)

 

Total principal amount of loans, net of unearned

 

Principal amount 60 days or more past due

 

Net credit losses (recoveries)

Loans (owned and managed):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial

$

12,043,019

$

290,759

$

85,715

Construction

 

779,449

 

13,848

 

4,452

Legacy

 

25,949

 

3,072

 

(2,032)

Lease financing

 

934,773

 

5,140

 

6,030

Mortgage

 

8,620,667

 

1,315,384

 

66,209

Consumer

 

5,489,441

 

117,775

 

122,170

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans securitized / sold

 

1,333,987

 

129,443

 

394

Loans held-for-sale

 

51,422

 

-

 

-

Loans held-in-portfolio

$

26,507,889

$

1,616,535

$

282,150

173


 

Note 13 - Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization as follows:

 

(In thousands)

Useful life in years

 

2019

 

2018

Premises and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

114,481

$

120,519

 

Buildings

10-50

 

535,602

 

515,985

 

Equipment

2-10

 

362,543

 

336,722

 

Leasehold improvements

3-10

 

92,923

 

84,244

 

 

 

 

991,068

 

936,951

 

Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

561,742

 

533,930

 

Subtotal

 

 

429,326

 

403,021

 

Construction in progress

 

 

12,843

 

32,334

Premises and equipment, net

 

$

556,650

$

555,874

Other premises and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings under capital leases

7-20

$

-

$

28,264

 

Less - Accumulated amortization

 

 

-

 

14,330

Other premises and equipment, net

 

$

-

$

13,934

Total premises and equipment, net

 

$

556,650

$

569,808

 

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment for the year 2019 was $58.1 million (2018 -$52.5 million; 2017 - $47.1 million), of which $27.3 million (2018 - $24.3 million; 2017 - $22.4 million) was charged to occupancy expense and $30.8 million (2018 - $28.2 million; 2017 - $24.7 million) was charged to equipment, communications and other operating expenses. Occupancy expense of premises and equipment is net of rental income of $19.3 million (2018 - $28.2 million; 2017 - $26.6 million). For information related to the amortization expense of finance leases, refer to Note 35 - Leases.

174


 

Note 14 – Other real estate owned

The following tables present the activity related to Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”), for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

Non-covered

 

Non-covered

 

 

 

 

OREO

 

OREO

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Commercial/Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Total

Balance at beginning of period

$

21,794

$

114,911

$

136,705

Write-downs in value

 

(1,584)

 

(4,541)

 

(6,125)

Additions

 

6,801

 

62,630

 

69,431

Sales

 

(9,892)

 

(67,137)

 

(77,029)

Other adjustments

 

(160)

 

(750)

 

(910)

Ending balance

$

16,959

$

105,113

$

122,072

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

Non-covered

 

Non-covered

 

Covered

 

 

 

 

 

OREO

 

OREO

 

OREO

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Commercial/Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Mortgage

 

Total

Balance at beginning of period

$

21,411

$

147,849

$

19,595

$

188,855

Write-downs in value

 

(2,974)

 

(10,380)

 

(287)

 

(13,641)

Additions

 

10,688

 

41,167

 

-

 

51,855

Sales

 

(8,108)

 

(78,330)

 

(3,282)

 

(89,720)

Other adjustments

 

777

 

(728)

 

(693)

 

(644)

Transfer to non-covered status[1]

 

-

 

15,333

 

(15,333)

 

-

Ending balance

$

21,794

$

114,911

$

-

$

136,705

[1]

Represents the reclassification of OREOs to the non-covered category, pursuant to the Termination Agreement of all shared-loss agreements with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation related to loans acquired from Westernbank, that was completed on May 22, 2018.

 

 

 

 

For the year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Non-covered

 

Non-covered

 

Covered

 

 

 

 

 

OREO

 

OREO

 

OREO

 

 

(In thousands)

 

Commercial/ Construction

 

Mortgage

 

Mortgage

 

Total

Balance at beginning of period

$

20,401

$

160,044

$

32,128

$

212,573

Write-downs in value[1]

 

(5,011)

 

(16,876)

 

(3,311)

 

(25,198)

Additions

 

8,918

 

70,763

 

9,912

 

89,593

Sales

 

(2,765)

 

(68,145)

 

(16,273)

 

(87,183)

Other adjustments

 

(132)

 

2,063

 

(2,861)

 

(930)

Ending balance

$

21,411

$

147,849

$

19,595

$

188,855

[1]

Includes $2.7 million related to the damages from Hurricane Maria, of which $1.3 million were for commercial and $1.4 million for residential.

175


 

Note 15 − Other assets

The caption of other assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition consists of the following major categories:

 

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Net deferred tax assets (net of valuation allowance)

$

886,353

$

1,049,895

Investments under the equity method

 

237,081

 

228,072

Prepaid taxes

 

47,226

 

33,842

Other prepaid expenses

 

82,425

 

82,742

Derivative assets

 

17,966

 

13,603

Trades receivable from brokers and counterparties

 

47,049

 

40,088

Principal, interest and escrow servicing advances

 

77,800

 

88,371

Guaranteed mortgage loan claims receivable

 

108,946

 

59,613

Operating ROU assets (Note 35)

 

149,849

 

-

Finance ROU assets (Note 35)

 

12,888

 

-

Others

 

152,032

 

117,908

Total other assets

$

1,819,615

$

1,714,134

176


 

Note 16 - Investments in equity investees

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded earnings of $43.0 million, from its equity investments, compared to $38.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The carrying value of the Corporation’s equity method investments was $237 million and $228 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

The following table presents aggregated summarized financial information of the Corporation’s equity method investees:

 

Years ended December 31,

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating results:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

$

927,510

$

1,074,055

$

931,627

 

Total expenses

 

677,385

 

673,632

 

663,069

 

Income tax expense

 

54,936

 

65,817

 

42,799

Net income

$

195,189

$

334,606

$

225,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheet:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

 

$

7,911,752

$

8,652,539

 

Total liabilities

 

 

$

6,425,642

$

6,090,722

 

Summarized financial information for these investees may be presented on a lag, due to the unavailability of information for the investees, at the respective balance sheet dates.

177


 

Note 17 – Goodwill and other intangible assets

 

There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2018, allocated by reportable segments, were as follows (refer to Note 40 for the definition of the Corporation’s reportable segments):

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at

Goodwill on

accounting

Goodwill

Balance at

(In thousands)

January 1, 2018

acquisition

adjustments

impairment

December 31, 2018

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

$

276,420

$

60,242

$

(16,414)

$

-

$

320,248

Popular U.S.

 

350,874

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

350,874

Total Popular, Inc.

$

627,294

$

60,242

$

(16,414)

$

-

$

671,122

 

The goodwill recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 in the reportable segment of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico of $43.8 million, net of purchase accounting adjustments, was related to the Reliable Transaction. Refer to Note 4, Business combination, for additional information.

 

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation had $6.1 million of identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, mostly associated with the E-LOAN trademark.

 

The following table reflects the components of other intangible assets subject to amortization:

 

 

 

 

Gross

 

 

 

Net

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Accumulated

 

Carrying

(In thousands)

 

Amount

 

Amortization

 

Value

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core deposits

 

$

37,224

 

$

29,792

 

$

7,432

 

Other customer relationships

 

 

42,909

 

 

28,075

 

 

14,834

 

Trademark

 

 

488

 

 

138

 

 

350

Total other intangible assets

 

$

80,621

 

$

58,005

 

$

22,616

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Core deposits

 

$

37,224

 

$

26,070

 

$

11,154

 

Other customer relationships

 

 

34,915

 

 

25,847

 

 

9,068

 

Trademark

 

 

488

 

 

41

 

 

447

Total other intangible assets

 

$

72,627

 

$

51,958

 

$

20,669

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized $9.6 million in customer relationship intangibles in connection with the acquisition of a credit card portfolio in Puerto Rico.

 

The trademark recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 of $0.5 million was related to the Reliable Transaction. Refer to Note 4, Business combination, for additional information.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized $ 9.4 million in amortization expense related to other intangible assets with definite useful lives (2018 - $ 9.3 million; 2017 - $9.4 million).

 

The following table presents the estimated amortization of the intangible assets with definite useful lives for each of the following periods:

178


 

(In thousands)

 

 

Year 2020

$

6,369

Year 2021

 

3,559

Year 2022

 

2,683

Year 2023

 

2,642

Year 2024

 

2,355

Later years

 

5,008

 

Results of the Annual Goodwill Impairment Test

 

The Corporation’s goodwill and other identifiable intangible assets having an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment, at least annually and on a more frequent basis if events or circumstances indicate impairment could have taken place. Such events could include, among others, a significant adverse change in the business climate, an adverse action by a regulator, an unanticipated change in the competitive environment and a decision to change the operations or dispose of a reporting unit.

 

Under applicable accounting standards, goodwill impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is considered not impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step must be performed. The second step involves calculating an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which the first step indicated possible impairment. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in the first step, over the aggregate fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles (including any unrecognized intangible assets, such as unrecognized core deposits and trademark) as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit. The Corporation estimates the fair values of the assets and liabilities of a reporting unit, consistent with the requirements of the fair value measurements accounting standard, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value of the assets and liabilities reflects market conditions, thus volatility in prices could have a material impact on the determination of the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill at the impairment test date. The adjustments to measure the assets, liabilities and intangibles at fair value are for the purpose of measuring the implied fair value of goodwill and such adjustments are not reflected in the consolidated statement of condition. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the excess. An impairment loss recognized cannot exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted under applicable accounting standards.

 

The Corporation performed the annual goodwill impairment evaluation for the entire organization during the third quarter of 2019 using July 31, 2019 as the annual evaluation date. The reporting units utilized for this evaluation were those that are one level below the business segments, which are the legal entities within the reportable segment. The Corporation follows push-down accounting, as such all goodwill is assigned to the reporting units when carrying out a business combination.

 

In determining the fair value of a reporting unit, the Corporation generally uses a combination of methods, including market price multiples of comparable companies and transactions, as well as discounted cash flow analysis. Management evaluates the particular circumstances of each reporting unit in order to determine the most appropriate valuation methodology. 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. Elements considered include current market and economic conditions, developments in specific lines of business, and any particular features in the individual reporting units.

 

The computations require management to make estimates and assumptions. Critical assumptions that are used as part of these evaluations include:

a selection of comparable publicly traded companies, based on nature of business, location and size;

179


 

a selection of comparable acquisition and capital raising transactions;

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, valuations were determined by calculating average price multiples of relevant value drivers from a group of companies that are comparable to the reporting unit being analyzed and applying those price multiples to the value drivers of the reporting unit. Multiples used are minority based multiples and thus, no control premium adjustment is made to the comparable companies market multiples. While the market price multiple is not an assumption, a presumption that it provides an indicator of the value of the reporting unit is inherent in the valuation. The determination of the market comparables also involves a degree of judgment.

 

For purposes of the discounted cash flows (“DCF”) approach, the valuation is based on estimated future cash flows. The financial projections used in the DCF valuation analysis for each reporting unit are based on the most recent (as of the valuation date) financial projections presented to the Corporation’s Asset / Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”). The growth assumptions included in these projections are based on management’s expectations for each reporting unit’s financial prospects considering economic and industry conditions as well as particular plans of each entity (i.e. restructuring plans, de-leveraging, etc.). The cost of equity used to discount the cash flows was calculated using the Ibbotson Build-Up Method and ranged from 11.14% to 12.58% for the 2019 analysis. The Ibbotson Build-Up Method builds up a cost of equity starting with the rate of return of a “risk-free” asset (20-year U.S. Treasury note) and adds to it additional risk elements such as equity risk premium, size premium and industry risk premium. The resulting discount rates were analyzed in terms of reasonability given the current market conditions and adjustments were made when necessary.

 

BPPR passed Step 1 in the annual test as of July 31, 2019. The results indicated that the average estimated fair value calculated in Step 1 using all valuation methodologies exceeded BPPR’s equity value by approximately $1.2 billion or 37%. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment on the goodwill recorded in BPPR at July 31, 2019 and there was no need for a Step 2 analysis. PB also passed Step 1 in the annual test as of July 31, 2019. The results indicated that the average estimated fair value calculated in Step 1 using all valuation methodologies exceeded PB’s equity value by approximately $338 million or 21%. Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment on the goodwill recorded in PB at July 31, 2019 and there was no need for a Step 2 analysis. The goodwill balance of BPPR and PB, as legal entities, represented approximately 91% of the Corporation’s total goodwill balance as of the July 31, 2019 valuation date.

 

Furthermore, as part of the analyses, management performed a reconciliation of the aggregate fair values determined for the reporting units to the market capitalization of the Corporation concluding that the fair value results determined for the reporting units in the July 31, 2019 annual assessment were reasonable.

 

The goodwill impairment evaluation process requires the Corporation to make estimates and assumptions with regard to the fair value of the reporting units. 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 reporting units where the goodwill is recorded. Declines in the Corporation’s market capitalization could increase the risk of goodwill impairment in the future. Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for changes on the annual goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASU 2017-04.

 

Management monitors events or changes in circumstances between annual tests to determine if these events or changes in circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

 

The following tables present the gross amount of goodwill and accumulated impairment losses by reportable segments.

180


 

December 31, 2019

 

Balance at

 

 

Balance at

Balance at

 

 

Balance at

 

January 1,

Accumulated

January 1,

December 31,

Accumulated

December 31,

 

2019

impairment

2019

2019

impairment

2019

(In thousands)

(gross amounts)

losses

(net amounts)

(gross amounts)

losses

(net amounts)

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

$

324,049

$

3,801

$

320,248

$

324,049

$

3,801

$

320,248

Popular U.S.

 

515,285

 

164,411

 

350,874

 

515,285

 

164,411

 

350,874

Total Popular, Inc.

$

839,334

$

168,212

$

671,122

$

839,334

$

168,212

$

671,122

 

December 31, 2018

 

Balance at

 

 

Balance at

Balance at

 

 

Balance at

 

January 1,

Accumulated

January 1,

December 31,

Accumulated

December 31,

 

2018

impairment

2018

2018

impairment

2018

(In thousands)

(gross amounts)

losses

(net amounts)

(gross amounts)

losses

(net amounts)

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

$

280,221

$

3,801

$

276,420

$

324,049

$

3,801

$

320,248

Popular U.S.

 

515,285

 

164,411

 

350,874

 

515,285

 

164,411

 

350,874

Total Popular, Inc.

$

795,506

$

168,212

$

627,294

$

839,334

$

168,212

$

671,122

181


 

Note 18 – Deposits

Total interest bearing deposits as of the end of the periods presented consisted of:

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Savings accounts

$

10,618,629

$

9,722,824

NOW, money market and other interest bearing demand deposits

 

16,305,007

 

13,221,415

Total savings, NOW, money market and other interest bearing demand deposits

 

26,923,636

 

22,944,239

Certificates of deposit:

 

 

 

 

 

Under $100,000

 

3,133,840

 

3,260,330

 

$100,000 and over

 

4,540,957

 

4,356,434

Total certificates of deposit

 

7,674,797

 

7,616,764

Total interest bearing deposits

$

34,598,433

$

30,561,003

A summary of certificates of deposit by maturity at December 31, 2019 follows:

(In thousands)

 

 

2020

$

4,612,460

2021

 

1,149,007

2022

 

734,322

2023

 

502,572

2024

 

615,875

2025 and thereafter

 

60,561

Total certificates of deposit

$

7,674,797

 

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had brokered deposits amounting to $0.5 billion (December 31, 2018 - $ 0.5 billion).

 

The aggregate amount of overdrafts in demand deposit accounts that were reclassified to loans was $4 million at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $5 million).

182


 

Note 19 – Borrowings

 

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase amounted $193 million at December 31, 2019 and $282 million December 31, 2018.

 

The Corporation’s repurchase transactions are overcollateralized with the securities detailed in the table below. The Corporation’s repurchase agreements have a right of set-off with the respective counterparty under the supplemental terms of the master repurchase agreements. In an event of default each party has a right of set-off against the other party for amounts owed in the related agreement and any other amount or obligation owed in respect of any other agreement or transaction between them. Pursuant to the Corporation’s accounting policy, the repurchase agreements are not offset with other repurchase agreements held with the same counterparty.

 

The following table presents information related to the Corporation’s repurchase transactions accounted for as secured borrowings that are collateralized with debt securities available-for-sale, other assets held-for-trading purposes or which have been obtained under agreements to resell. It is the Corporation’s policy to maintain effective control over assets sold under agreements to repurchase; accordingly, such securities continue to be carried on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

Repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings

 

 

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

Repurchase liability

 

 

Repurchase liability

 

 

 

Repurchase

weighted average

 

Repurchase

weighted average

(Dollars in thousands)

 

liability

interest rate

 

liability

interest rate

U.S. Treasury securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 30 days

$

88,646

2.59

%

$

138,689

2.56

%

 

After 30 to 90 days

 

78,061

2.36

 

 

79,374

2.47

 

 

After 90 days

 

24,538

2.52

 

 

19,558

2.72

 

Total U.S. Treasury securities

 

191,245

2.49

 

 

237,621

2.54

 

Obligations of U.S. government sponsored entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 30 to 90 days

 

-

-

 

 

6,055

2.45

 

Total obligations of U.S. government sponsored entities

 

-

-

 

 

6,055

2.45

 

Mortgage-backed securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 30 days

 

1,235

0.30

 

 

6,859

1.15

 

 

After 90 days

 

-

-

 

 

20,465

2.75

 

Total mortgage-backed securities

 

1,235

0.30

 

 

27,324

2.35

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 30 days

 

898

0.24

 

 

10,529

0.25

 

Total collateralized mortgage obligations

 

898

0.24

 

 

10,529

0.25

 

Total

$

193,378

2.46

%

$

281,529

2.43

%

 

Repurchase agreements in this portfolio are generally short-term, often overnight. As such our risk is very limited. We manage the liquidity risks arising from secured funding by sourcing funding globally from a diverse group of counterparties, providing a range of securities collateral and pursuing longer durations, when appropriate.

 

There were no other short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2019, compared to $42 thousand at December 31, 2018.

 

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Maximum aggregate balance outstanding at any month-end

$

281,833

 

$

401,606

 

Average monthly aggregate balance outstanding

$

222,565

 

$

330,585

 

Weighted average interest rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year

 

2.64

%

 

2.01

%

 

At December 31

 

2.50

%

 

2.44

%

 

183


 

The following table presents information related to the Corporation’s other short-term borrowings for the periods ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

Other short-term borrowings:

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

Others

$

-

 

$

42

 

Balance outstanding at the end of the period

$

-

 

$

42

 

Maximum aggregate balance outstanding at any month-end

$

160,000

 

$

186,200

 

Average monthly aggregate balance outstanding

$

8,703

 

$

27,833

 

Weighted average interest rate:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the year

 

2.50

%

 

2.04

%

 

At December 31

 

1.85

%

 

2.53

%

 

The following table presents the composition of notes payable at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

 

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Advances with the FHLB with maturities ranging from 2020 through 2029 paying interest at monthly fixed rates ranging from 1.14% to 4.19% (2018 - 0.95% to 4.19%)

$

421,399

 

$

524,052

Advances with the FHLB maturing on 2019 paying interest monthly at a floating rate of 0.34% over 1 month LIBOR

 

-

 

 

13,000

Advances with the FHLB maturing on 2019 paying interest quarterly at floating rates ranging from 0.12% to 0.24% over the 3 month LIBOR

 

-

 

 

19,724

Unsecured senior debt securities maturing on 2023 paying interest semiannually at a fixed rate of 6.125%, net of debt issuance costs of $4,693 (2018 - $5,961)

 

295,307

 

 

294,039

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (related to trust preferred securities) with maturities ranging from 2033 to 2034 with fixed interest rates ranging from 6.125% to 6.7%, net of debt issuance costs of $396 (2018 - $423)

 

384,902

 

 

384,875

Capital lease obligations

 

-

 

 

20,412

Total notes payable

$

1,101,608

 

$

1,256,102

 

A breakdown of borrowings by contractual maturities at December 31, 2019 is included in the table below.

 

Assets sold under

 

 

 

(In thousands)

agreements to repurchase

Notes payable

 

Total

2020

$

193,378

$

139,920

 

$

333,298

2021

 

-

 

50,040

 

 

50,040

2022

 

-

 

103,148

 

 

103,148

2023

 

-

 

318,568

 

 

318,568

2024

 

-

 

28,373

 

 

28,373

Later years

 

-

 

461,559

 

 

461,559

Total borrowings

$

193,378

$

1,101,608

 

$

1,294,986

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation had FHLB borrowing facilities whereby the Corporation could borrow up to $3.6 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, of which $0.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, were used. In addition, at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation had placed $0.9 billion of the available FHLB credit facility as collateral for a municipal letter of credit to secure deposits. The FHLB borrowing facilities are collateralized with loans held-in-portfolio, and do not have restrictive covenants or callable features.

 

184


 

Also, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation has a borrowing facility at the discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York amounting to $1.1 billion (2018 - $1.2 billion), which remained unused at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

185


 

Note 20 – Trust preferred securities

Statutory trusts established by the Corporation (Popular Capital Trust I, Popular North America Capital Trust I and Popular Capital Trust II) had issued trust preferred securities (also referred to as “capital securities”) to the public. The proceeds from such issuances, together with the proceeds of the related issuances of common securities of the trusts (the “common securities”), were used by the trusts to purchase junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (the “junior subordinated debentures”) issued by the Corporation.

The sole assets of the trusts consisted of the junior subordinated debentures of the Corporation and the related accrued interest receivable. These trusts are not consolidated by the Corporation pursuant to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The junior subordinated debentures are included by the Corporation as notes payable in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, while the common securities issued by the issuer trusts are included as debt securities held-to-maturity. The common securities of each trust are wholly-owned, or indirectly wholly-owned, by the Corporation.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, Popular North America, Inc. (“PNA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, redeemed all outstanding capital securities issued by BanPonce Trust I (the “Trust”), a statutory trust established by PNA, with an aggregate book value of $53 million, along with the common securities issued by the Trust, which resulted in the concurrent extinguishment of the related junior subordinated debentures amounting to $55 million.

The following table presents financial data pertaining to the different trusts at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular

 

North America

 

 

Popular

 

Issuer

Capital Trust I

 

Capital Trust I

 

Capital Trust Il

 

Capital securities

 

$

181,063

 

 

$

91,651

 

 

$

101,023

 

Distribution rate

 

 

6.700

%

 

 

6.564

%

 

 

6.125

%

Common securities

 

$

5,601

 

 

$

2,835

 

 

$

3,125

 

Junior subordinated debentures aggregate liquidation amount

 

$

186,664

 

 

$

94,486

 

 

$

104,148

 

Stated maturity date

 

November 2033

 

 

September 2034

 

 

December 2034

 

Reference notes

 

 

[2],[4],[5]

 

 

 

[1],[3],[5]

 

 

 

[2],[4],[5]

 

 

[1] Statutory business trust that is wholly-owned by PNA and indirectly wholly-owned by the Corporation.

[2] Statutory business trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation.

[3] The obligations of PNA under the junior subordinated debentures and its guarantees of the capital securities under the trust are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis by the Corporation to the extent set forth in the applicable guarantee agreement.

[4] These capital securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis by the Corporation to the extent set forth in the applicable guarantee agreement.

[5] The Corporation has the right, subject to any required prior approval from the Federal Reserve, to redeem after certain dates or upon the occurrence of certain events mentioned below, the junior subordinated debentures at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. The maturity of the junior subordinated debentures may be shortened at the option of the Corporation prior to their stated maturity dates (i) on or after the stated optional redemption dates stipulated in the agreements, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, or (ii) in whole, but not in part, at any time within 90 days following the occurrence and during the continuation of a tax event, an investment company event or a capital treatment event as set forth in the indentures relating to the capital securities, in each case subject to regulatory approval.

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation’s $374 million in trust preferred securities outstanding do not qualify for Tier 1 capital treatment, but instead qualify for Tier 2 capital treatment.

 

186


 

Note 21 − Other liabilities

The caption of other liabilities in the consolidated statements of financial condition consists of the following major categories:

 

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Accrued expenses

$

273,184

$

276,120

Accrued interest payable

 

44,026

 

44,638

Accounts payable

 

65,688

 

66,381

Dividends payable

 

29,027

 

25,092

Trades payable

 

4,084

 

64

Liability for GNMA loans sold with an option to repurchase

 

102,663

 

134,260

Reserves for loan indemnifications

 

38,074

 

67,066

Reserve for operational losses

 

35,665

 

40,921

Operating lease liabilities (Note 35)

 

165,139

 

-

Finance lease liabilities (Note 35)

 

19,810

 

-

Pension benefit obligation

 

52,616

 

68,736

Postretirement benefit obligation

 

168,681

 

153,415

Others

 

46,296

 

45,115

Total other liabilities

$

1,044,953

$

921,808

187


 

Note 22 – Stockholders’ equity

The Corporation’s common stock ranks junior to all series of preferred stock as to dividend rights and / or as to rights on liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation. Dividends on each series of preferred stocks are payable if declared. The Corporation’s ability to declare or pay dividends on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, its common stock is subject to certain restrictions in the event that the Corporation fails to pay or set aside full dividends on the preferred stock for the latest dividend period. The ability of the Corporation to pay dividends in the future is limited by regulatory requirements, legal availability of funds, recent and projected financial results, capital levels and liquidity of the Corporation, general business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

The Corporation’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Stock Market LLC (the “NASDAQ”) under the symbol BPOP. The 2003 Series A and 2008 Series B Preferred Stock are not listed on NASDAQ.

Preferred stocks

The Corporation has 30,000,000 shares of authorized preferred stock that may be issued in one or more series, and the shares of each series shall have such rights and preferences as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. The Corporation’s shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of:

 

6.375% non-cumulative monthly income preferred stock, 2003 Series A, no par value, liquidation preference value of $25 per share. Holders on record of the 2003 Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or an authorized committee thereof, out of funds legally available, non-cumulative cash dividends at the annual rate per share of 6.375% of their liquidation preference value, or $0.1328125 per share per month. These shares of preferred stock are perpetual, nonconvertible, have no preferential rights to purchase any securities of the Corporation and are redeemable solely at the option of the Corporation with the consent of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The redemption price per share is $25.00. The shares of 2003 Series A Preferred Stock have no voting rights, except for certain rights in instances when the Corporation does not pay dividends for a defined period. These shares are not subject to any sinking fund requirement. Cash dividends declared and paid on the 2003 Series A Preferred Stock amounted to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Outstanding shares of 2003 Series A Preferred Stock amounted to 885,726 at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

8.25% non-cumulative monthly income preferred stock, 2008 Series B, no par value, liquidation preference value of $25 per share. The shares of 2008 Series B Preferred Stock were issued in May 2008. Holders of record of the 2008 Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or an authorized committee thereof, out of funds legally available, non-cumulative cash dividends at the annual rate per share of 8.25% of their liquidation preferences, or $0.171875 per share per month. These shares of preferred stock are perpetual, nonconvertible, have no preferential rights to purchase any securities of the Corporation and are redeemable solely at the option of the Corporation with the consent of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System beginning on May 28, 2013. Cash dividends declared and paid on the 2008 Series B Preferred Stock amounted to $ 2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Outstanding shares of 2008 Series B Preferred Stock amounted to 1,120,665 at December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

On February 24, 2020, the Corporation redeemed all the outstanding shares of the 2008 Series B Preferred Stock. The redemption price of the 2008 Series B Preferred Stock was $25.00 per share, plus $0.1375 (representing the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends for the current monthly dividend period to the redemption date), for a total payment per share in the amount of $25.1375.

 

Common stocks

Dividends

During the year 2019, cash dividends of $1.20 (2018 - $1.00; 2017 - $1.00) per common share outstanding were declared amounting to $116.0 million (2018 - $101.3 million; 2017 - $102.1 million) of which $29.0 million were payable to shareholders of common stock at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $25.1 million; 2017 - $25.5 million). The quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share declared to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 5, 2019, was paid on January 2, 2020. On January 9, 2020, the Corporation announced as part of its capital plan for 2020, an increase in its quarterly common stock dividend from $0.30 per share to $0.40 per share, beginning in the second quarter of 2020, subject to approval by its Board of Directors. On February 28, 2020, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share on its outstanding common stock, payable on April 1, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2020.

188


 

 

Accelerated share repurchase transaction (“ASR”)

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Corporation completed a $250 million ASR. In connection therewith, the Corporation received an initial delivery of 3,500,000 shares of common stock during the first quarter of 2019 and received 1,165,607 additional shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2019. The final number of shares delivered at settlement was based on the average daily volume weighted average prince (“VWAP”) of its common stock, net of a discount, during the term of the ASR of $53.58. In connection with the transaction, the Corporation recognized $266 million in treasury stock, offset by $16 million adjustment to capital surplus. During 2018, the Corporation completed a $125 million ASR receiving 2,438,180 shares and recording $125 million in treasury stock. During 2017, the Corporation completed a $75 million ASR receiving 1,847,372 shares and recording $80 million in treasury stock, based on the stock’s spot price, offset by $5 million adjustment to capital surplus, resulting from the decline in the Corporation’s stock price during the term of the ASR.

On January 31, 2020, the Corporation entered into a $500 million ASR with respect to its common stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. As a result of the receipt of the initial shares, the Corporation recognized $400 million in treasury stock and $100 million as a reduction in capital surplus. The Corporation expects to further adjust its treasury stock and capital surplus to reflect the delivery or receipt of cash or shares upon the termination of the ASR agreement, which will depend on the average price of the Corporation’s shares during the term of the ASR.

Statutory reserve

The Banking Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requires that a minimum of 10% of BPPR’s net income for the year be transferred to a statutory reserve account until such statutory reserve equals the total of paid-in capital on common and preferred stock. Any losses incurred by a bank must first be charged to retained earnings and then to the reserve fund. Amounts credited to the reserve fund may not be used to pay dividends without the prior consent of the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Financial Institutions. The failure to maintain sufficient statutory reserves would preclude BPPR from paying dividends. BPPR’s statutory reserve fund amounted to $659 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $599 million; 2017 - $540 million). During 2019, $60 million was transferred to the statutory reserve account (2018 - $58 million, 2017 - $27 million). BPPR was in compliance with the statutory reserve requirement in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

189


 

Note 23 – Regulatory capital requirements

The Corporation, BPPR and PB are subject to various regulatory capital requirements imposed by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can lead to certain mandatory and additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. Popular, Inc., BPPR and PB are subject to Basel III capital requirements, including also revised minimum and well capitalized regulatory capital ratios and compliance with the standardized approach for determining risk-weighted assets.

The Basel III Capital Rules established a Common Equity Tier I (“CET1”) capital measure and related regulatory capital ratio CET1 to risk-weighted assets.

The Basel III Capital Rules provide that a depository institution will be deemed to be well capitalized if it maintained a leverage ratio of at least 5%, a CET1 ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8% and a total risk-based ratio of at least 10%. Management has determined that at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation exceeded all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

The Corporation has been designated by the Federal Reserve Board as a Financial Holding Company (“FHC”) and is eligible to engage in certain financial activities permitted under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, BPPR and PB were well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.

The following tables present the Corporation’s risk-based capital and leverage ratios at December 31, 2019 and 2018 under the Basel III regulatory guidance .

 

 

 

Actual

 

 

Capital adequacy minimum requirement (including conservation capital buffer)

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

Ratio

 

 

Amount

Ratio

 

 

 

2019

 

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

5,858,615

20.31

%

$

3,028,239

10.500

%

BPPR

 

4,226,374

19.98

 

 

2,220,908

10.500

 

PB

 

1,211,045

16.98

 

 

748,836

10.500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

5,121,240

17.76

%

$

2,018,826

7.000

%

BPPR

 

3,958,518

18.72

 

 

1,480,605

7.000

 

PB

 

1,165,710

16.35

 

 

499,224

7.000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

5,121,240

17.76

%

$

2,451,431

8.500

%

BPPR

 

3,958,518

18.72

 

 

1,797,878

8.500

 

PB

 

1,165,710

16.35

 

 

606,200

8.500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier I Capital (to Average Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

5,121,240

10.03

%

$

2,042,299

4

%

BPPR

 

3,958,518

9.62

 

 

1,645,851

4

 

PB

 

1,165,710

12.33

 

 

378,041

4

 

190


 

 

 

Actual

 

 

Capital adequacy minimum requirement (including conservation capital buffer)

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

Ratio

 

 

Amount

Ratio

 

 

 

2018

 

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

5,354,199

19.54

%

$

2,706,117

9.875

%

BPPR

 

3,900,536

19.00

 

 

2,027,005

9.875

 

PB

 

1,148,253

17.82

 

 

636,450

9.875

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

4,631,511

16.90

%

$

1,746,987

6.375

%

BPPR

 

3,638,009

17.72

 

 

1,308,573

6.375

 

PB

 

1,085,829

16.85

 

 

410,873

6.375

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

4,631,511

16.90

%

$

2,158,043

7.875

%

BPPR

 

3,638,009

17.72

 

 

1,616,473

7.875

 

PB

 

1,085,829

16.85

 

 

507,549

7.875

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier I Capital (to Average Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporation

$

4,631,511

9.88

%

$

1,875,057

4

%

BPPR

 

3,638,009

9.62

 

 

1,512,568

4

 

PB

 

1,085,829

12.42

 

 

349,580

4

 

 

The following table presents the minimum amounts and ratios for the Corporation’s banks to be categorized as well-capitalized.

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Amount

Ratio

 

 

Amount

Ratio

 

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BPPR

$

2,115,150

10

%

$

2,052,664

10

%

PB

 

713,177

10

 

 

644,506

10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BPPR

$

1,374,848

6.5

%

$

1,334,231

6.5

%

PB

 

463,565

6.5

 

 

418,929

6.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BPPR

$

1,692,120

8

%

$

1,642,131

8

%

PB

 

570,542

8

 

 

515,605

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tier I Capital (to Average Assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BPPR

$

2,057,314

5

%

$

1,890,709

5

%

PB

 

472,551

5

 

 

436,975

5

 

191


 

Note 24 – Other comprehensive loss

The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

 

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component [1]

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Foreign currency translation

Beginning Balance

$

(49,936)

$

(43,034)

$

(39,956)

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

(6,847)

 

(6,902)

 

(3,078)

 

 

Net change

 

(6,847)

 

(6,902)

 

(3,078)

 

 

Ending balance

$

(56,783)

$

(49,936)

$

(43,034)

Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans

Beginning Balance

$

(203,836)

$

(205,408)

$

(211,610)

 

 

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications

 

(13,671)

 

(9,453)

 

(5,164)

 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for amortization of net losses

 

14,691

 

13,141

 

13,684

 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for amortization of prior service credit

 

-

 

(2,116)

 

(2,318)

 

 

Net change

 

1,020

 

1,572

 

6,202

 

 

Ending balance

$

(202,816)

$

(203,836)

$

(205,408)

Unrealized net holding gains (losses) on debt securities

Beginning Balance

$

(173,811)

$

(102,775)

$

(69,003)

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

265,950

 

(71,036)

 

(40,446)

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

-

 

-

 

6,740

 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss for losses (gains) on securities

 

16

 

-

 

(66)

 

 

Net change

 

265,966

 

(71,036)

 

(33,772)

 

 

Ending balance

$

92,155

$

(173,811)

$

(102,775)

Unrealized net holding gains on equity securities

Beginning Balance

$

-

$

605

$

685

 

 

Reclassification to retained earnings due to cumulative effect adjustment of accounting change

 

-

 

(605)

 

-

 

 

Other comprehensive income before reclassifications

 

-

 

-

 

121

 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income for gains on securities

 

-

 

-

 

(201)

 

 

Net change

 

-

 

(605)

 

(80)

 

 

Ending balance

$

-

$

-

$

605

Unrealized net losses on cash flow hedges

Beginning Balance

$

(391)

$

(40)

$

(402)

 

 

Reclassification to retained earnings due to cumulative effect adjustment of accounting change

 

(50)

 

-

 

-

 

 

Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications

 

(4,439)

 

326

 

(790)

 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

2,386

 

(677)

 

1,152

 

 

Net change

 

(2,103)

 

(351)

 

362

 

 

Ending balance

$

(2,494)

$

(391)

$

(40)

 

 

Total

$

(169,938)

$

(427,974)

$

(350,652)

[1] All amounts presented are net of tax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

192


 

 

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

 

 

 

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

 

Affected Line Item in the

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

Consolidated Statements of Operations

2019

2018

2017

Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of net losses

Personnel costs

$

(23,508)

$

(21,542)

$

(22,428)

 

Amortization of prior service credit

Personnel costs

 

-

 

3,470

 

3,800

 

 

Total before tax

 

(23,508)

 

(18,072)

 

(18,628)

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

8,817

 

7,047

 

7,262

 

 

Total net of tax

$

(14,691)

$

(11,025)

$

(11,366)

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized (loss) gain on sale of debt securities

Net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities

$

(20)

$

-

$

83

 

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

(8,299)

 

 

Total before tax

 

(20)

 

-

 

(8,216)

 

 

Income tax benefit

 

4

 

-

 

1,542

 

 

Total net of tax

$

(16)

$

-

$

(6,674)

Unrealized holding gains on equity securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Realized gain on sale of equity securities

Net gain, including impairment on equity securities

$

-

$

-

$

251

 

 

Total before tax

 

-

 

-

 

251

 

 

Income tax expense

 

-

 

-

 

(50)

 

 

Total net of tax

$

-

$

-

$

201

Unrealized net (losses) gains on cash flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward contracts

Mortgage banking activities

$

(3,992)

$

1,110

$

(1,888)

 

Interest rate swaps

Other operating income

 

110

 

-

 

-

 

 

Total before tax

 

(3,882)

 

1,110

 

(1,888)

 

 

Income tax benefit (expense)

 

1,496

 

(433)

 

736

 

 

Total net of tax

$

(2,386)

$

677

$

(1,152)

 

 

Total reclassification adjustments, net of tax

$

(17,093)

$

(10,348)

$

(18,991)

193


 

Note 25 – Guarantees

The Corporation has obligations upon the occurrence of certain events under financial guarantees provided in certain contractual agreements as summarized below.

 

The Corporation issues financial standby letters of credit and has risk participation in standby letters of credit issued by other financial institutions, in each case to guarantee the performance of various customers to third parties. If the customers failed to meet its financial or performance obligation to the third party under the terms of the contract, then, upon their request, the Corporation would be obligated to make the payment to the guaranteed party. At December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded a liability of $0.3 million (December 31, 2018 - $0.3 million), which represents the unamortized balance of the obligations undertaken in issuing the guarantees under the standby letters of credit. In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 460, the Corporation recognizes at fair value the obligation at inception of the standby letters of credit. The fair value approximates the fee received from the customer for issuing such commitments. These fees are deferred and are recognized over the commitment period. The contracted amounts in standby letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, shown in Note 26, represent the maximum potential amount of future payments that the Corporation could be required to make under the guarantees in the event of nonperformance by the customers. These standby letters of credit are used by the customers as a credit enhancement and typically expire without being drawn upon. The Corporation’s standby letters of credit are generally secured, and in the event of nonperformance by the customers, the Corporation has rights to the underlying collateral provided, which normally includes cash, marketable securities, real estate, receivables, and others. Management does not anticipate any material losses related to these instruments.

 

Also, from time to time, the Corporation securitized mortgage loans into guaranteed mortgage-backed securities subject in certain instances, to lifetime credit recourse on the loans that serve as collateral for the mortgage-backed securities. The Corporation has not sold any mortgage loans subject to credit recourse since 2009. Also, from time to time, the Corporation may sell, in bulk sale transactions, residential mortgage loans and Small Business Administration (“SBA”) commercial loans subject to credit recourse or to certain representations and warranties from the Corporation to the purchaser. These representations and warranties may relate, for example, to borrower creditworthiness, loan documentation, collateral, prepayment and early payment defaults. The Corporation may be required to repurchase the loans under the credit recourse agreements or representation and warranties.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation serviced $1.2 billion (December 31, 2018 - $1.3 billion) in residential mortgage loans subject to credit recourse provisions, principally loans associated with FNMA and FHLMC residential mortgage loan securitization programs. In the event of any customer default, pursuant to the credit recourse provided, the Corporation is required to repurchase the loan or reimburse the third party investor for the incurred loss. The maximum potential amount of future payments that the Corporation would be required to make under the recourse arrangements in the event of nonperformance by the borrowers is equivalent to the total outstanding balance of the residential mortgage loans serviced with recourse and interest, if applicable. During 2019, the Corporation repurchased approximately $57 million of unpaid principal balance in mortgage loans subject to the credit recourse provisions (2018 - $27 million). In the event of nonperformance by the borrower, the Corporation has rights to the underlying collateral securing the mortgage loan. The Corporation suffers losses on these loans when the proceeds from a foreclosure sale of the property underlying a defaulted mortgage loan are less than the outstanding principal balance of the loan plus any uncollected interest advanced and the costs of holding and disposing the related property. At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s liability established to cover the estimated credit loss exposure related to loans sold or serviced with credit recourse amounted to $35 million (December 31, 2018 - $56 million). The following table shows the changes in the Corporation’s liability of estimated losses from these credit recourses agreements, included in the consolidated statements of financial condition during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

Balance as of beginning of period

$

56,230

$

58,820

Provision for recourse liability

 

2,122

 

12,200

Net charge-offs

 

(23,490)

 

(14,790)

Balance as of end of period

$

34,862

$

56,230

 

The estimated losses to be absorbed under the credit recourse arrangements are recorded as a liability when the loans are sold and are updated by accruing or reversing expense (categorized in the line item “Adjustments (expense) to indemnity reserves on loans

194


 

sold” in the consolidated statements of operations) throughout the life of the loan, as necessary, when additional relevant information becomes available. The methodology used to estimate the recourse liability is a function of the recourse arrangements given and considers a variety of factors, which include actual defaults and historical loss experience, foreclosure rate, estimated future defaults and the probability that a loan would be delinquent. Statistical methods are used to estimate the recourse liability. Expected loss rates are applied to different loan segmentations. The expected loss, which represents the amount expected to be lost on a given loan, considers the probability of default and loss severity. The probability of default represents the probability that a loan in good standing would become 90 days delinquent within the following twelve-month period. Regression analysis quantifies the relationship between the default event and loan-specific characteristics, including credit scores, loan-to-value ratios, and loan aging, among others.

 

When the Corporation sells or securitizes mortgage loans, it generally makes customary representations and warranties regarding the characteristics of the loans sold. The Corporation’s mortgage operations in Puerto Rico group conforming mortgage loans into pools which are exchanged for FNMA and GNMA mortgage-backed securities, which are generally sold to private investors, or are sold directly to FNMA for cash. As required under the government agency programs, quality review procedures are performed by the Corporation to ensure that asset guideline qualifications are met. To the extent the loans do not meet specified characteristics, the Corporation may be required to repurchase such loans or indemnify for losses and bear any subsequent loss related to the loans. There were no repurchases under BPPR’s representation and warranty arrangements during the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $12 million during the year ended December 31, 2018. A substantial amount of these loans reinstate to performing status or have mortgage insurance, and thus the ultimate losses on the loans are not deemed significant.

 

During the second quarter of 2019, the Corporation recorded the release of a $4.4 million reserve taken in connection with a sale of loans completed during the year 2013.

 

The following table presents the changes in the Corporation’s liability for estimated losses associated with the indemnifications and representations and warranties related to loans sold during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

Balance as of beginning of period

$

10,837

 

$

11,742

Provision (reversal) for representation and warranties

 

(5,020)

 

 

78

Net charge-offs

 

(75)

 

 

(983)

Settlements paid

 

(2,530)

 

 

-

Balance as of end of period

$

3,212

 

$

10,837

 

Servicing agreements relating to the mortgage-backed securities programs of FNMA and GNMA, and to mortgage loans sold or serviced to certain other investors, including FHLMC, require the Corporation to advance funds to make scheduled payments of principal, interest, taxes and insurance, if such payments have not been received from the borrowers. At December 31, 2019, the Corporation serviced $14.8 billion in mortgage loans for third-parties, including the loans serviced with credit recourse (December 31, 2018 - $15.7 billion). The Corporation generally recovers funds advanced pursuant to these arrangements from the mortgage owner, from liquidation proceeds when the mortgage loan is foreclosed or, in the case of FHA/VA loans, under the applicable FHA and VA insurance and guarantees programs. However, in the meantime, the Corporation must absorb the cost of the funds it advances during the time the advance is outstanding. The Corporation must also bear the costs of attempting to collect on delinquent and defaulted mortgage loans. In addition, if a defaulted loan is not cured, the mortgage loan would be canceled as part of the foreclosure proceedings and the Corporation would not receive any future servicing income with respect to that loan. At December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance of funds advanced by the Corporation under such mortgage loan servicing agreements was approximately $78 million (December 31, 2018 - $88 million). To the extent the mortgage loans underlying the Corporation’s servicing portfolio experience increased delinquencies, the Corporation would be required to dedicate additional cash resources to comply with its obligation to advance funds as well as incur additional administrative costs related to increases in collection efforts.

 

195


 

Popular, Inc. Holding Company (“PIHC”) fully and unconditionally guarantees certain borrowing obligations issued by certain of its 100% owned consolidated subsidiaries amounting to $94 million at both December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. In addition, at both December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, PIHC fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a subordinated basis $374 million of capital securities (trust preferred securities) issued by wholly-owned issuing trust entities to the extent set forth in the applicable guarantee agreement. Refer to Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for further information on the trust preferred securities.

196


 

Note 26 – Commitments and contingencies

Off-balance sheet risk

The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet credit risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments include loan commitments, letters of credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

The Corporation’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees is represented by the contractual notional amounts of those instruments. The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making these commitments and conditional obligations as it does for those reflected on the consolidated statements of financial condition.

Financial instruments with off-balance sheet credit risk, whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk as of the end of the periods presented were as follows:

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Commitments to extend credit:

 

 

 

 

 

Credit card lines

$

4,889,694

$

4,468,481

 

Commercial and construction lines of credit

 

3,205,306

 

2,751,390

 

Other consumer unused credit commitments

 

262,516

 

254,491

Commercial letters of credit

 

2,629

 

2,695

Standby letters of credit

 

75,186

 

26,479

Commitments to originate or fund mortgage loans

 

96,653

 

22,629

 

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation maintained a reserve of approximately $9 million and $8 million, respectively, for potential losses associated with unfunded loan commitments related to commercial and consumer lines of credit.

 

Other commitments

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s also maintained other non-credit commitments for approximately $2.5 million, primarily for the acquisition of other investments.

 

Business concentration

Since the Corporation’s business activities are concentrated primarily in Puerto Rico, its results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon the general trends of the Puerto Rico economy and, in particular, the residential and commercial real estate markets. The concentration of the Corporation’s operations in Puerto Rico exposes it to greater risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic base. Its asset and revenue composition by geographical area is presented in Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Puerto Rico remains in the midst of a profound fiscal and economic crisis. In response to such crisis, the U.S. Congress enacted the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) in 2016, which, among other things, established a Fiscal Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico (the “Oversight Board”) and a framework for the restructuring of the debts of the Commonwealth, its instrumentalities and municipalities. The Commonwealth and several of its instrumentalities have commenced debt restructuring proceedings under PROMESA. As of the date of this report, while municipalities have been recently designated as covered entities under PROMESA, no municipality has commenced, or has been authorized by the Oversight Board to commence, any such debt restructuring proceeding under PROMESA.

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government and its instrumentalities and municipalities totaled $432 million and $458 million, respectively, which amounts were fully outstanding on such dates. Of this amount, $391 million consists of loans and $41 million are securities ($413 million and $ 45 million at December 31, 2018). Substantially all of the amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 were obligations from various Puerto Rico municipalities. In most cases, these were “general obligations” of a municipality, to which the applicable municipality has pledged its good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power, or “special obligations” of a municipality, to which the applicable municipality has pledged other revenues. At December 31, 2019, 75% of the Corporation’s exposure to municipal loans and securities was concentrated in the municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo, Carolina and Bayamón. On July 1, 2019 the Corporation received principal payments amounting to $22 million from various obligations from Puerto Rico municipalities.

197


 

 

The following table details the loans and investments representing the Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government according to their maturities as of December 31, 2019:

 

(In thousands)

 

Investment Portfolio

 

Loans

 

Total Outstanding

 

Total Exposure

Central Government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After 1 to 5 years

$

8

$

-

$

8

$

8

After 5 to 10 years

 

30

 

-

 

30

 

30

After 10 years

 

540

 

-

 

540

 

540

Total Central Government

 

578

 

-

 

578

 

578

Municipalities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Within 1 year

 

3,745

 

78,108

 

81,853

 

81,853

After 1 to 5 years

 

17,580

 

139,283

 

156,863

 

156,863

After 5 to 10 years

 

18,195

 

82,967

 

101,162

 

101,162

After 10 years

 

655

 

90,601

 

91,256

 

91,256

Total Municipalities

 

40,175

 

390,959

 

431,134

 

431,134

Total Direct Government Exposure

$

40,753

$

390,959

$

431,712

$

431,712

 

In addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had $350 million in loans insured or securities issued by Puerto Rico governmental entities but for which the principal source of repayment is non-governmental ($368 million at December 31, 2018). These included $276 million in residential mortgage loans insured by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (“HFA”), a governmental instrumentality that has been designated as a covered entity under PROMESA (December 31, 2018 - $293 million). These mortgage loans are secured by first mortgages on Puerto Rico residential properties and the HFA insurance covers losses in the event of a borrower default and upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions. The Corporation also had at December 31, 2019, $46 million in bonds issued by HFA which are secured by second mortgage loans on Puerto Rico residential properties, and for which HFA also provides insurance to cover losses in the event of a borrower default and upon the satisfaction of certain other conditions (December 31, 2018 - $45 million). In the event that the mortgage loans insured by HFA and held by the Corporation directly or those serving as collateral for the HFA bonds default and the collateral is insufficient to satisfy the outstanding balance of these loans, HFA’s ability to honor its insurance will depend, among other factors, on the financial condition of HFA at the time such obligations become due and payable. Although the Governor is currently authorized by local legislation to impose a temporary moratorium on the financial obligations of the HFA, the Governor has not exercised this power as of the date hereof. In addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had $7 million in securities issued by HFA that have been economically defeased and refunded and for which securities consisting of U.S. agencies and Treasury obligations have been escrowed (December 31, 2018 - $7 million), and $21 million of commercial real estate notes issued by government entities but that are payable from rent paid by non-governmental parties (December 31, 2018 - $23 million).

 

BPPR’s commercial loan portfolio also includes loans to private borrowers who are service providers, lessors, suppliers or have other relationships with the government. These borrowers could be negatively affected by the fiscal measures to be implemented to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis and the ongoing Title III proceedings under PROMESA described above. Similarly, BPPR’s mortgage and consumer loan portfolios include loans to government employees which could also be negatively affected by fiscal measures such as employee layoffs or furloughs.

 

The Corporation has operations in the United States Virgin Islands (the “USVI”) and has approximately $71 million in direct exposure to USVI government entities. The USVI has been experiencing a number of fiscal and economic challenges that could adversely affect the ability of its public corporations and instrumentalities to service their outstanding debt obligations.

198


 

Legal Proceedings

The nature of Popular’s business ordinarily results in a certain number of claims, litigation, investigations, and legal and administrative cases and proceedings (“Legal Proceedings”). When the Corporation determines that it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted, it vigorously defends itself. The Corporation will consider the settlement of cases (including cases where it has meritorious defenses) when, in management’s judgment, it is in the best interest of both the Corporation and its shareholders to do so. On at least a quarterly basis, Popular assesses its liabilities and contingencies relating to outstanding Legal Proceedings utilizing the latest information available. For matters where it is probable that the Corporation will incur a material loss and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Corporation establishes an accrual for the loss. Once established, the accrual is adjusted on at least a quarterly basis as appropriate to reflect any relevant developments. For matters where a material loss is not probable, or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably estimated, no accrual is established.

 

In certain cases, exposure to loss exists in excess of the accrual to the extent such loss is reasonably possible, but not probable. Management believes and estimates that the range of reasonably possible losses (with respect to those matters where such limits may be determined, in excess of amounts accrued) for current Legal Proceedings ranged from $0 to approximately $28.4 million as of December 31, 2019. For certain other cases, management cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss at this time. Any estimate involves significant judgment, given the varying stages of the Legal Proceedings (including the fact that many of them are currently in preliminary stages), the existence of multiple defendants in several of the current Legal Proceedings whose share of liability has yet to be determined, the numerous unresolved issues in many of the Legal Proceedings, and the inherent uncertainty of the various potential outcomes of such Legal Proceedings. Accordingly, management’s estimate will change from time-to-time, and actual losses may be more or less than the current estimate.

 

While the outcome of Legal Proceedings is inherently uncertain, based on information currently available, advice of counsel, and available insurance coverage, management believes that the amount it has already accrued is adequate and any incremental liability arising from the Legal Proceedings in matters in which a loss amount can be reasonably estimated will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position. However, in the event of unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters in a reporting period, if unfavorable, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position for that particular period.

 

Set forth below is a description of the Corporation’s significant Legal Proceedings.

 

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO

 

Hazard Insurance Commission-Related Litigation

 

Popular, Inc., BPPR and Popular Insurance, LLC (the “Popular Defendants”) have been named defendants in a putative class action complaint captioned Pérez Díaz v. Popular, Inc., et al, filed before the Court of First Instance, Arecibo Part. The complaint seeks damages and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief on behalf of the purported class against the Popular Defendants, as well as Antilles Insurance Company and MAPFRE-PRAICO Insurance Company (the “Defendant Insurance Companies”). Plaintiffs allege that the Popular Defendants have been unjustly enriched by failing to reimburse them for commissions paid by the Defendant Insurance Companies to the insurance agent and/or mortgagee for policy years when no claims were filed against their hazard insurance policies. They demand the reimbursement to the purported “class” of an estimated $400 million plus legal interest, for the “good experience” commissions allegedly paid by the Defendant Insurance Companies during the relevant time period, as well as injunctive relief seeking to enjoin the Defendant Insurance Companies from paying commissions to the insurance agent/mortgagee and ordering them to pay those fees directly to the insured. A motion for dismissal on the merits filed by the Defendant Insurance Companies was denied with a right to replead following limited targeted discovery. Each of the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals and the Puerto Rico Supreme Court denied the Popular Defendants’ request to review the lower court’s denial of the motion to dismiss. In December 2017, plaintiffs amended the complaint and, on January 2018, defendants filed an answer thereto. Separately, in October 2017, the Court entered an order whereby it broadly certified the class, after which the Popular Defendants filed a certiorari petition before the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals in relation to the class certification, which the Court declined to entertain. In November 2018 and in January 2019, Plaintiffs filed voluntary dismissal petitions against MAPFRE-PRAICO Insurance Company and Antilles Insurance Company, respectively, leaving the Popular Defendants as the sole remaining defendants in the action.

 

199


 

In April 2019, the Court amended the class definition to limit it to individual homeowners whose residential units were subject to a mortgage from BPPR who, in turn, obtained risk insurance policies with Antilles Insurance or MAPFRE Insurance through Popular Insurance from 2002 to 2015, and who did not make insurance claims against said policies during their effective term. The Court set March 20, 2020 as the deadline to complete discovery and scheduled a pre-trial hearing and tentative trial dates for the second half of 2020.

 

BPPR has separately been named a defendant in a putative class action complaint captioned Ramirez Torres, et al. v. Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, et al, filed before the Puerto Rico Court of First Instance, San Juan Part. The complaint seeks damages and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief on behalf of the purported class against the same Popular Defendants, as well as other financial institutions with insurance brokerage subsidiaries in Puerto Rico. Plaintiffs contend that in November 2015 Antilles Insurance Company obtained approval from the Puerto Rico Insurance Commissioner to market an endorsement that allowed its customers to obtain reimbursement on their insurance deductible for good experience, but that defendants failed to offer this product or disclose its existence to their customers, favoring other products instead, in violation of their duties as insurance brokers. Plaintiffs seek a determination that defendants unlawfully failed to comply with their duty to disclose the existence of this new insurance product, as well as double or treble damages (the latter subject to a determination that defendants engaged in monopolistic practices in failing to offer this product). In July 2017, after co-defendants filed motions to dismiss the complaint and opposed the request for preliminary injunctive relief, the Court dismissed the complaint with prejudice. In August 2017, plaintiffs appealed this judgment and, in March 2018, the Court of Appeals reversed the Court of First Instance’s dismissal. The Puerto Rico Supreme Court denied review. On August 15, 2019, the Popular Defendants and the Plaintiffs filed a Joint Motion where they informed the Court that Plaintiffs were simultaneously filing voluntary dismissals with prejudice against all other parties. On September 13, 2019, a status hearing was held where the Plaintiffs and the Popular Defendants informed the Court that the parties were in the process of stipulating a class for settlement purposes. The Court held a further status hearing on February 20, 2020, where it set a hearing for March 12, 2020 to preliminarily approve the terms of a proposed class settlement being negotiated among the parties.

 

 

Mortgage-Related Litigation and Claims

 

BPPR has been named a defendant in a putative class action captioned Lilliam González Camacho, et al. v. Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, et al., filed before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico on behalf of mortgage-holders who have allegedly been subjected to illegal foreclosures and/or loan modifications through their mortgage servicers. Plaintiffs maintain that when they sought to reduce their loan payments, defendants failed to provide them with such reduced loan payments, instead subjecting them to lengthy loss mitigation processes while filing foreclosure claims against them in parallel (or dual tracking). Plaintiffs assert that such actions violate the Home Affordable Modification Program (“HAMP”), the Home Affordable Refinance Program (“HARP”) and other federally sponsored loan modification programs, as well as the Puerto Rico Mortgage Debtor Assistance Act and the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”). For the alleged violations stated above, plaintiffs request that all defendants (over 20, including all local banks) be held jointly and severally liable in an amount no less than $400 million. BPPR filed a motion to dismiss in August 2017, as did most co-defendants, and, in March 2018, the District Court dismissed the complaint in its entirety. After being denied reconsideration by the District Court, on August 2018, plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The Court of Appeals has entered an order where it consolidated three pending appeals related to the same subset of facts. The plaintiffs filed their appellate brief on August 2019, but on September 2019, the Court of Appeals ordered plaintiffs to submit a new brief for the consolidated appeals that complied with the applicable appellate procedural rules. In October 2019, plaintiffs filed a revised brief, which defendants believe yet again do not comply with applicable court rules. On November 4, 2019, defendants filed their appellate brief, along with a motion to dismiss the appeal due to the plaintiffs’ repeated failure to comply with the Circuit Court’s rules and orders. The appeal is now fully briefed and pending resolution.

 

BPPR has also been named a defendant in another putative class action captioned Yiries Josef Saad Maura v. Banco Popular, et al., filed by the same counsel who filed the González Camacho action referenced above, on behalf of residential customers of the defendant banks who have allegedly been subject to illegal foreclosures and/or loan modifications through their mortgage servicers. As in González Camacho, plaintiffs contend that when they sought to reduce their loan payments, defendants failed to provide them with such reduced loan payments, instead subjecting them to lengthy loss mitigation processes while filing foreclosure claims against them in parallel, all in violation of TILA, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (“RESPA”), the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (“ECOA”), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) and other consumer-protection laws and regulations. Plaintiffs did not include a specific amount of damages in their complaint. After waiving service of

200


 

process, BPPR filed a motion to dismiss the complaint on the same grounds as those asserted in the González Camacho action (as did most co-defendants, separately). BPPR further filed a motion to oppose class certification, which the Court granted in September 2018. On April 5, 2019, the Court entered an Opinion and Order granting BPPR’s and several other defendants’ motions to dismiss with prejudice. Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Reconsideration in April 2019, which Popular timely opposed. In September 2019, the Court issued an Amended Opinion and Order dismissing plaintiffs’ claims against all defendants, denying the reconsideration requests and other pending motions, and issuing final judgment. On October 17, 2019, the Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the Court’s Amended Opinion and Order, which was denied on December 16, 2019. On January 13, 2020, Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The Court has yet to set a briefing schedule.

 

BPPR has been named a defendant in a complaint for damages and breach of contract captioned Héctor Robles Rodriguez et al. v. Municipio de Ceiba, et al. Plaintiffs are residents of a development called Hacienda Las Lomas. Through the Doral Bank-FDIC assisted transaction, BPPR acquired a significant number of mortgage loans within this development and is currently the primary mortgage lender in the project. Plaintiffs claim damages against the developer, contractor, the relevant insurance companies, and most recently, their mortgage lenders, because of a landslide that occurred in October 2015, affecting various streets and houses within the development. Plaintiffs specifically allege that the mortgage lenders, including BPPR, should be deemed liable for their alleged failure to properly inspect the subject properties. Plaintiffs demand $30 million in damages plus attorney’s fees, costs and the annulment of their mortgages. BPPR extended plaintiffs four consecutive six-month payment forbearances, the last of which is still in effect. In November 2017, the FDIC notified BPPR that it had agreed to indemnify the Bank in connection with its Doral Bank-related exposure, pursuant to the terms of the relevant Purchase and Assumption Agreement with the FDIC. The FDIC filed a Notice of Removal to the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico on March 2018 and, in April 2018, the state court stayed the proceedings in response thereto. In October 2018, the Court granted the FDIC’s motion to stay the proceedings until plaintiffs have exhausted administrative remedies and, thereafter, the FDIC filed a motion to dismiss all claims for lack of subject matter jurisdiction due to plaintiffs’ failure to properly make any applicable administrative claims. Such motion was referred to a Magistrate Judge, which on May 17, 2019 recommended that the motion be granted and all claims against the FDIC be dismissed. On September 30, 2019, the District Judge issued an order where she adopted the Report and Recommendation of the Magistrate Judge granting the FDIC’s Motion to Dismiss and remanding the remaining claims related to mortgage loans not acquired from Doral (approximately eight (8) loans) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico’s Court of First Instance. The District Judge has yet to issue an Opinion and Order triggering the applicable appeal terms. The parties, however, have reached a settlement in principle and expect to complete documentation related thereto during the first half of 2020.

 

Insufficient Funds Fees Class Action

 

On February 7, 2020, BPPR was served with a putative class action complaint captioned Soto-Melendez vs. Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, filed before the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The complaint alleges breach of contract due to BPPR’s purported practice of (a) assessing more than one insufficient funds fees (“NSF Fees”) on the same “item” or transaction and (b) charging both NSF Fees and overdraft fees (“OD Fees”) on the same item or transaction, and is filed on behalf of all persons who during the applicable statute of limitations period were charged NSF Fees and/or OD Fees pursuant to this purported practices. BPPR was served with process and expects to timely file a responsive pleading.

 

Other Significant Proceedings

 

In June 2017, a syndicate comprised of BPPR and other local banks (the “Lenders”) filed an involuntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding against Betteroads Asphalt and Betterecycling Corporation (the “Involuntary Debtors”). This filing followed attempts by the Lenders to restructure and resolve the Involuntary Debtors’ obligations and outstanding defaults under a certain credit agreement, first through good faith negotiations and subsequently, through the filing of a collection action against the Involuntary Debtors in local court. The Involuntary Debtors subsequently counterclaimed, asserting damages in excess of $900 million. The Lenders ultimately joined in the commencement of these involuntary bankruptcy proceedings against the Debtors in order to preserve and recover the Involuntary Debtors’ assets, having confirmed that the Involuntary Debtors were transferring assets out of their estate for little or no consideration.

 

The Involuntary Debtors filed a motion to dismiss the proceedings and for damages against the syndicate, arguing both that this petition was filed in bad faith and that there was a bona fide dispute as to the petitioners’ claims, as set forth in the counterclaim filed by the Involuntary Debtors in local court. After the Court held hearings on June and July 2019 to consider whether the involuntary petitions were filed in bad faith, that is, for an improper purpose that constitutes an abuse of the bankruptcy process on October 11,

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2019, the Court entered an Opinion and Order determining that the involuntary petitions were not filed in bad faith and issued an order for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code granting the involuntary petitions. On October 25, 2019, the debtors filed a Notice of Appeal to the U.S. District Court. Debtors’ appellate briefs are due by March 4, 2020 and Lenders’ appellate briefs are due thirty (30) days thereafter.

 

On February 11, 2020, the Debtors initiated an adversary proceeding seeking in excess of $80 million in damages, alleging that in 2016 the Lenders illegally foreclosed on their accounts receivable and as a result illegally interfered with contracts entered with third parties, forcing the Debtors into bankruptcy. Debtors further seek a judgment declaring that Lenders do not possess security interests over certain personal property of the Debtors because either such security interests were not adequately perfected according to Puerto Rico law, or the security interests were lost upon the lapsing date of the financing statements that the Lenders had originally perfected in connection with such interests. Lenders expect to timely file a responsive pleading to the adversary proceeding.

 

POPULAR BANK

 

Employment-Related Litigation

 

On July 30, 2019, Popular Bank (“PB”) was served in a putative class complaint in which it was named as a defendant along with five (5) current PB employees (collectively, the “AB Defendants”), captioned Aileen Betances, et al. v. Popular Bank, et al., filed before the Supreme Court of the State of New York (the “AB Action”). The complaint, filed by five (5) current and former PB employees, seeks to recover damages for the AB Defendants' alleged violation of local and state sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation laws. Additionally, on July 30, 2019, PB was served in a putative class complaint in which it was named as a defendant along with six (6) current PB employees (collectively, the “DR Defendants”), captioned Damian Reyes, et al. v. Popular Bank, et al., filed before the Supreme Court of the State of New York (the “DR Action”). The DR Action, filed by three (3) current and former PB employees, seeks to recover damages for the DR Defendants’ alleged violation of local and state discrimination and retaliation laws. Plaintiffs in both complaints are represented by the same legal counsel, and five of the six named individual defendants in the DR Action are the same named individual defendants in the AB Action. Both complaints are related, among other things, to allegations of purported sexual harassment and/or misconduct by a former PB employee as well as PB’s actions in connection thereto and seek no less than $100 million in damages each. On October 21, 2019, PB and the other defendants filed several Motions to Dismiss. Plaintiffs opposed such motions on December 11, 2019 and PB and the other defendants replied on January 22, 2020. The Motions to Dismiss are pending resolution.

 

POPULAR SECURITIES

 

Puerto Rico Bonds and Closed-End Investment Funds

 

The volatility in prices and declines in value that Puerto Rico municipal bonds and closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in Puerto Rico municipal bonds have experienced since August 2013 have led to regulatory inquiries, customer complaints and arbitrations for most broker-dealers in Puerto Rico, including Popular Securities. Popular Securities has received customer complaints and, as of February 28, 2020, is named as a respondent (among other broker-dealers) in 173 pending arbitration proceedings with aggregate claimed amounts of approximately $226 million, including one arbitration with claimed damages of approximately $30 million. While Popular Securities believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted in these proceedings, it has often determined that it is in its best interest to settle certain claims rather than expend the money and resources required to see such cases to completion. The Puerto Rico Government’s defaults and non-payment of its various debt obligations, as well as the Commonwealth’s and the Financial Oversight Management Board’s (the “Oversight Board”) decision to pursue restructurings under Title III and Title VI of PROMESA, have increased and may continue to increase the number of customer complaints (and claimed damages) filed against Popular Securities concerning Puerto Rico bonds and closed-end investment companies that invest primarily in Puerto Rico bonds. An adverse result in the arbitration proceedings described above, or a significant increase in customer complaints, could have a material adverse effect on Popular.

 

PROMESA Title III Proceedings

 

In 2017, the Oversight Board engaged the law firm of Kobre & Kim to carry out an independent investigation on behalf of the Oversight Board regarding, among other things, the causes of the Puerto Rico financial crisis. Popular, Inc., BPPR and Popular

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Securities (collectively, the “Popular Companies”) were served by, and cooperated with, the Oversight Board in connection with requests for the preservation and voluntary production of certain documents and witnesses with respect to Kobre & Kim’s independent investigation.

 

On August 20, 2018, Kobre & Kim issued its Final Report, which contained various references to the Popular Companies, including an allegation that Popular Securities participated as an underwriter in the Commonwealth’s 2014 issuance of government obligation bonds notwithstanding having allegedly advised against it. The report noted that such allegation could give rise to an unjust enrichment claim against the Corporation and could also serve as a basis to equitably subordinate claims filed by the Corporation in the Title III proceeding to other third-party claims.

 

After the publication of the Final Report, the Oversight Board created a special claims committee (“SCC”) and, before the end of the applicable two-year statute of limitations for the filing of such claims pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the SCC, along with the Commonwealth’s Unsecured Creditors’ Committee (“UCC”), filed various avoidance, fraudulent transfer and other claims against third parties, including government vendors and financial institutions and other professionals involved in bond issuances being challenged as invalid by the SCC and the UCC. The Popular Companies, the SCC and the UCC have entered into a tolling agreement with respect to potential claims the SCC and the UCC, on behalf of the Commonwealth or other Title III debtors, may assert against the Popular Companies for the avoidance and recovery of payments and/or transfers made to the Popular Companies or as a result of any role of the Popular Companies in the offering of the aforementioned challenged bond issuances.

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Note 27 – Non-consolidated variable interest entities

The Corporation is involved with three statutory trusts which it established to issue trust preferred securities to the public. These trusts are deemed to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”) since the equity investors at risk have no substantial decision-making rights. The Corporation does not hold any variable interest in the trusts, and therefore, cannot be the trusts’ primary beneficiary. Furthermore, the Corporation concluded that it did not hold a controlling financial interest in these trusts since the decisions of the trusts are predetermined through the trust documents and the guarantee of the trust preferred securities is irrelevant since in substance the sponsor is guaranteeing its own debt.

Also, the Corporation is involved with various special purpose entities mainly in guaranteed mortgage securitization transactions, including GNMA and FNMA. These special purpose entities are deemed to be VIEs since they lack equity investments at risk. The Corporation’s continuing involvement in these guaranteed loan securitizations includes owning certain beneficial interests in the form of securities as well as the servicing rights retained. The Corporation is not required to provide additional financial support to any of the variable interest entities to which it has transferred the financial assets. The mortgage-backed securities, to the extent retained, are classified in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as available-for-sale or trading securities. The Corporation concluded that, essentially, these entities (FNMA and GNMA) control the design of their respective VIEs, dictate the quality and nature of the collateral, require the underlying insurance, set the servicing standards via the servicing guides and can change them at will, and can remove a primary servicer with cause, and without cause in the case of FNMA. Moreover, through their guarantee obligations, agencies (FNMA and GNMA) have the obligation to absorb losses that could be potentially significant to the VIE.

The Corporation holds variable interests in these VIEs in the form of agency mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, including those securities originated by the Corporation and those acquired from third parties. Additionally, the Corporation holds agency mortgage-backed securities and agency collateralized mortgage obligations issued by third party VIEs in which it has no other form of continuing involvement. Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the debt securities outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, which are classified as available-for-sale and trading securities in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. In addition, the Corporation holds variable interests in the form of servicing fees, since it retains the right to service the transferred loans in those government-sponsored special purpose entities (“SPEs”) and may also purchase the right to service loans in other government-sponsored SPEs that were transferred to those SPEs by a third-party.

The following table presents the carrying amount and classification of the assets related to the Corporation’s variable interests in non-consolidated VIEs and the maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Corporation’s involvement as servicer of GNMA and FNMA loans at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Assets

 

 

 

 

Servicing assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage servicing rights

$

115,718

$

136,280

Total servicing assets

$

115,718

$

136,280

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Servicing advances

$

29,212

$

37,988

Total other assets

$

29,212

$

37,988

Total assets

$

144,930

$

174,268

Maximum exposure to loss

$

144,930

$

174,268

 

The size of the non-consolidated VIEs, in which the Corporation has a variable interest in the form of servicing fees, measured as the total unpaid principal balance of the loans, amounted to $9.9 billion at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $10.6 billion).

The Corporation determined that the maximum exposure to loss includes the fair value of the MSRs and the assumption that the servicing advances at December 31, 2019 and 2018 will not be recovered. The agency debt securities are not included as part of the maximum exposure to loss since they are guaranteed by the related agencies.

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In September of 2011, BPPR sold construction and commercial real estate loans to a newly created joint venture, PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC. In March of 2013, BPPR completed a sale of commercial and construction loans, and commercial and single family real estate owned to a newly created joint venture, PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC.

These joint ventures were created for the limited purpose of acquiring the loans from BPPR; servicing the loans through a third-party servicer; ultimately working out, resolving and/or foreclosing the loans; and indirectly owning, operating, constructing, developing, leasing and selling any real properties acquired by the joint ventures through deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure, or by resolution of any loan.

BPPR provided financing to these entities for the acquisition of the assets. In addition, BPPR provided these joint ventures with a non-revolving advance facility to cover unfunded commitments and costs-to-complete related to certain construction projects, and a revolving working capital line to fund certain operating expenses of the joint venture. As part of these transactions, BPPR received $ 48 million and $92 million, for PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC, respectively, in cash and a 24.9% equity interest in each joint venture. The Corporation is not required to provide any other financial support to these joint ventures. BPPR accounted for both transactions as a true sale pursuant to ASC Subtopic 860-10.

The Corporation has determined that PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC are VIEs but it is not the primary beneficiary. All decisions are made by Caribbean Property Group (“CPG”) (or an affiliate thereof) (the “Manager”), except for certain limited material decisions which would require the unanimous consent of all members. The Manager is authorized to execute and deliver on behalf of the joint ventures any and all documents, contracts, certificates, agreements and instruments, and to take any action deemed necessary in the benefit of the joint ventures. All financing facilities extended by BPPR to these joint ventures have been repaid in full. The Corporation maintains a variable interests in these VIEs in the form of the 24.9% equity interests. The equity interest is accounted for under the equity method of accounting pursuant to ASC Subtopic 323-10.

The following tables present the carrying amount and classification of the assets and liabilities related to the Corporation’s variable interests in the non-consolidated VIEs, PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013- International, LLC, and their maximum exposure to loss at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC

PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity investment

$

6,306

$

6,469

$

3,333

$

5,794

Total assets

$

6,306

$

6,469

$

3,333

$

5,794

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

$

(3)

$

(2,566)

$

(5,081)

$

(7,994)

Total liabilities

$

(3)

$

(2,566)

$

(5,081)

$

(7,994)

Total net assets

$

6,303

$

3,903

$

(1,748)

$

(2,200)

Maximum exposure to loss

$

6,303

$

3,903

$

-

$

-

 

ASU 2009-17 requires that an ongoing primary beneficiary assessment should be made to determine whether the Corporation is the primary beneficiary of any of the VIEs it is involved with. The conclusion on the assessment of these non-consolidated VIEs has not changed since their initial evaluation. The Corporation concluded that it is still not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore, these VIEs are not required to be consolidated in the Corporation’s financial statements at December 31, 2019.

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Note 28 – Derivative instruments and hedging activities

The use of derivatives is incorporated as part of the Corporation’s overall interest rate risk management strategy to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and cash flows that are caused by interest rate volatility. The Corporation’s goal is to manage interest rate sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest income is not materially affected by movements in interest rates. The Corporation uses derivatives in its trading activities to facilitate customer transactions, and as a means of risk management. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged fixed and variable interest rate assets and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in fair value. The effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation is expected to be substantially offset by the Corporation’s gains or losses on the derivative instruments that are linked to these hedged assets and liabilities. As a matter of policy, the Corporation does not use highly leveraged derivative instruments for interest rate risk management.

Market risk is the adverse effect that a change in interest rates, currency exchange rates, or implied volatility rates might have on the value of a financial instrument. The Corporation manages the market risk associated with interest rates and, to a limited extent, with fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates by establishing and monitoring limits for the types and degree of risk that may be undertaken.

By using derivative instruments, the Corporation exposes itself to credit and market risk. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its performance obligations under a derivative contract, the Corporation’s credit risk will equal the fair value of the derivative asset. Generally, when the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, this indicates that the counterparty owes the Corporation, thus creating a repayment risk for the Corporation. To manage the level of credit risk, the Corporation deals with counterparties of good credit standing, enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and, when appropriate, obtains collateral. On the other hand, when the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Corporation owes the counterparty and, therefore, the fair value of derivatives liabilities incorporates nonperformance risk or the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled.

The credit risk attributed to the counterparty’s nonperformance risk is incorporated in the fair value of the derivatives. Additionally, as required by the fair value measurements guidance, the fair value of the Corporation’s own credit standing is considered in the fair value of the derivative liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, inclusion of the credit risk in the fair value of the derivatives resulted in a gain of $0.2 million from the Corporation’s credit standing adjustment. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Corporation recognized a loss of $0.6 million and a gain of $0.2 million, respectively, from the Corporation’s credit standing adjustment. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Corporation recognized a loss of $0.1 million from the assessment of the counterparties’ credit risk.

The Corporation’s derivatives are subject to agreements which allow a right of set-off with each respective counterparty. In an event of default each party has a right of set-off against the other party for amounts owed in the related agreement and any other amount or obligation owed in respect of any other agreement or transaction between them. Pursuant to the Corporation’s accounting policy, the fair value of derivatives is not offset with the fair value of other derivatives held with the same counterparty even if these agreements allow a right of set-off. In addition, the fair value of derivatives is not offset with the amounts for the right to reclaim financial collateral or the obligation to return financial collateral.

Financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges or non-hedging derivatives outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

 

 

Notional amount

 

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement of

 

Fair value at

Statement of

 

Fair value at

 

 

At December 31,

 

condition

 

December 31,

condition

 

December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

classification

 

2019

 

2018

classification

 

2019

 

2018

Derivatives designated as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forward contracts

$

97,600

$

89,590

 

Other assets

$

32

$

12

Other liabilities

$

264

$

734

Total derivatives designated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as hedging instruments

$

97,600

$

89,590

 

 

$

32

$

12

 

$

264

$

734

206


 

Derivatives not designated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate caps

 

169,962

 

177,826

 

Other assets

 

1

 

125

Other liabilities

 

1

 

119

Indexed options on deposits

 

69,354

 

69,254

 

Other assets

 

17,933

 

13,466

-

 

-

 

-

Bifurcated embedded options

 

66,755

 

62,902

 

-

 

-

 

-

Interest bearing deposits

 

16,354

 

11,467

Total derivatives not

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

designated as

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hedging instruments

$

306,071

$

309,982

 

 

$

17,934

$

13,591

 

$

16,355

$

11,586

Total derivative assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and liabilities

$

403,671

$

399,572

 

 

$

17,966

$

13,603

 

$

16,619

$

12,320

 

Cash Flow Hedges

The Corporation utilizes forward contracts to hedge the sale of mortgage-backed securities with duration terms over one month. Interest rate forwards are contracts for the delayed delivery of securities, which the seller agrees to deliver on a specified future date at a specified price or yield. These forward contracts are hedging a forecasted transaction and thus qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) corresponding to these forward contracts is expected to be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months. These contracts have a maximum remaining maturity of 83 days at December 31, 2019.

For cash flow hedges, net gains (losses) on derivative contracts that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to current period earnings are included in the line item in which the hedged item is recorded and during the period in which the forecasted transaction impacts earnings, as presented in the tables below.

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (effective portion)

 

Classification in the statement of operations of the net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion and ineffective portion)

 

Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)

 

Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion)

Forward contracts

$

(3,502)

 

Mortgage banking activities

$

(3,992)

$

-

Total

$

(3,502)

 

 

$

(3,992)

$

-

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (effective portion)

 

Classification in the statement of operations of the net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion and ineffective portion)

 

Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)

 

Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion)

Forward contracts

$

536

 

Mortgage banking activities

$

1,202

$

(92)

Total

$

536

 

 

$

1,202

$

(92)

207


 

Year ended December 31, 2017

(In thousands)

Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives (effective portion)

 

Classification in the statement of operations of the net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion and ineffective portion)

 

Amount of net gain (loss) reclassified from AOCI into income (effective portion)

 

Amount of net gain (loss) recognized in income on derivatives (ineffective portion)

Forward contracts

$

(1,295)

 

Mortgage banking activities

$

(1,920)

$

32

Total

$

(1,295)

 

 

$

(1,920)

$

32

 

Fair Value Hedges

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no derivatives designated as fair value hedges.

Non-Hedging Activities

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized a loss of $ 1.2 million (2018 – gain of $ 1.3 million; 2017 – loss of $ 0.9 million) related to its non-hedging derivatives, as detailed in the table below.

 

 

Amount of Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives

 

 

Year ended

Year ended

Year ended

 

Classification of Net Gain (Loss)

December 31,

December 31,

December 31,

(In thousands)

Recognized in Income on Derivatives

2019

2018

2017

Forward contracts

Mortgage banking activities

$

(2,254)

$

1,213

$

(1,484)

Interest rate swaps

Other operating income

 

-

 

-

 

51

Foreign currency forward contracts

Other operating income

 

-

 

-

 

67

Foreign currency forward contracts

Interest expense

 

-

 

-

 

(14)

Interest rate caps

Other operating income

 

(5)

 

(4)

 

(48)

Indexed options on deposits

Interest expense

 

7,898

 

114

 

5,934

Bifurcated embedded options

Interest expense

 

(6,883)

 

(50)

 

(5,429)

Total

 

$

(1,244)

$

1,273

$

(923)

 

Forward Contracts

The Corporation has forward contracts to sell mortgage-backed securities, which are accounted for as trading derivatives. Changes in their fair value are recognized in mortgage banking activities.

Interest Rates Swaps and Foreign Currency and Exchange Rate Commitments

In addition to using derivative instruments as part of its interest rate risk management strategy, the Corporation also utilizes derivatives, such as interest rate swaps and foreign exchange forward contracts, in its capacity as an intermediary on behalf of its customers. The Corporation minimizes its market risk and credit risk by taking offsetting positions under the same terms and conditions with credit limit approvals and monitoring procedures. Market value changes on these swaps and other derivatives are recognized in earnings in the period of change.

Interest Rate Caps

The Corporation enters into interest rate caps as an intermediary on behalf of its customers and simultaneously takes offsetting positions under the same terms and conditions, thus minimizing its market and credit risks.

 

Indexed and Embedded Options

The Corporation offers certain customers’ deposits whose return are tied to the performance of the Standard and Poor’s (“S&P 500”) stock market indexes, and other deposits whose returns are tied to other stock market indexes or other equity securities performance. The Corporation bifurcated the related options embedded within these customers’ deposits from the host contract in

208


 

accordance with ASC Subtopic 815-15. In order to limit the Corporation’s exposure to changes in these indexes, the Corporation purchases indexed options which returns are tied to the same indexes from major broker dealer companies in the over the counter market. Accordingly, the embedded options and the related indexed options are marked-to-market through earnings.

 

209


 

Note 29 – Related party transactions

The Corporation grants loans to its directors, executive officers, including certain related individuals or organizations, and affiliates in the ordinary course of business. The activity and balance of these loans were as follows:

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2017

$

182,989

New loans

 

1,068

Payments

 

(12,040)

Other changes

 

(38,698)

Balance at December 31, 2018

$

133,319

New loans

 

1,491

Payments

 

(1,800)

Other changes, including existing loans to new related parties

 

44

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

133,054

New loans and payments include disbursements and collections from existing lines of credit.

 

In June 2006, family members of a director of the Corporation, obtained a $0.8 million mortgage loan from Popular Mortgage, Inc., now a division of BPPR, secured by a residential property. The director was not a director of the Corporation at the time the loan was made. In March, 2012 the loan was restructured under BPPR’s loss mitigation program. During 2017, the borrower defaulted on his payment obligations under the restructured loan and as of December 31, 2018 the loan was 670 days past due. On October 2019, the Corporation completed a short sale of this loan which resulted in a charge-off of $0.4 million.

 

In 2010, as part of the Westernbank FDIC assisted transaction, BPPR acquired (i) four commercial loans made to entities that were wholly owned by one brother-in-law of a director of the Corporation and (ii) one commercial loan made to an entity that was owned by the same brother-in-law together with this director’s father-in-law and another brother-in-law. The loans were secured by real estate and personally guaranteed by the owners of each entity. The loans were originated by Westernbank between 2001 and 2005 and had an aggregate outstanding principal balance of approximately $33.5 million when they were acquired by BPPR in 2010. Between 2011 and 2014, the loans were restructured to consist of (i) five notes with an aggregate outstanding principal balance of $19.8 million with a 6% annual interest rate (“Notes A”) and (ii) five notes with an aggregate outstanding balance of $13.5 million with a 1% annual interest rate, to be paid upon maturity (“Notes B”). The restructured notes had a maturity of September 30, 2016 and, thereafter, various interim renewals were approved, with the last two renewals occurring in July and October 2019. The July and October 2019 renewals each included a three (3) month interim renewal from June 30, 2019 to September 30, 2019 and from September 30, 2019 to December 31, 2019, respectively, continuing under the same repayment schedule at a 4.5% fixed rate in Notes A and 1% fixed rate in Notes B. In February 2020, and pursuant to the terms of the Related Party Policy, the Audit Committee approved another renewal which includes a four (4) month interim renewal from December 31, 2019 to April 30, 2020 continuing at the same repayment schedule in Notes A and Notes B as the July and October 2019 renewals. After April 30, 2020, the approved renewal provides for a 24-month extension, from April 30, 2020 to April 30, 2022, with Notes A subject to an interest rate of 5%, and Notes B continuing at a 1% interest rate. The approved renewal also contemplates the modification and addition of certain covenants to Notes A. Also, the approved renewal provides for the entity owned by one brother-in-law together with a director’s father-in-law and another brother-in-law to purchase the participation of a director’s father-in-law and another brother-in-law, the consent for said entity and another related entity to incur in additional indebtedness, and the issuance by a third related entity of an unsecured term note in the amount of $49 thousand with a 5 year maturity at 7% interest rate. The aggregate outstanding balance on the loans as of December 31, 2019 was approximately $31.2 million.

 

The brother of an executive officer of the Corporation and his wife have three outstanding loans, each secured by the borrowers’ principal residence, where BPPR acts as either lender or servicer. The aggregate original amount of these loans was of $0.7 million, comprised of one mortgage loan of approximately $0.5 million, which is owned by a third-party investor and in which BPPR is the servicer, one mortgage loan of $0.1 million secured by a second mortgage and another mortgage loan of $0.1 million secured by a third mortgage. As of December 31, 2019, the borrowers were in default with their respective obligations under all of these loan

210


 

agreements. In February 2019, and pursuant to the terms of the Related Party Policy, the Audit Committee approved a series of transactions related to the aforementioned mortgages. With respect to the first mortgage, the parties will enter into a deed in lieu of foreclosure pursuant to which the property will be transferred to the investor free and clear of liens. In connection therewith, BPPR will also release the second and third mortgages over the residential property, subject to the following conditions. The borrowers will be required to make a cash contribution of $20 thousand to reduce the principal amount of the second mortgage loan and issue, for the benefit of BPPR, a promissory note in the amount of $82 thousand in order to grant BPPR the right to collect from borrowers the balance of such debt. With respect to the third mortgage loan, the borrowers will issue an unsecured promissory note that will benefit from a corporate guaranty from the entity under which the Corporation’s brother operates a property appraisal business. Borrowers will be required to make monthly payments of $500 until the maturity date of the promissory note, when the financial capacity of borrowers will be re-evaluated, and a new payment plan is expected to be entered into.

 

In April 2010, in connection with the acquisition of the Westernbank assets from the FDIC, as receiver, BPPR acquired a term loan to a corporate borrower partially owned by an investment corporation in which the Corporation’s Chairman, at that time the Chief Executive Officer, as well as certain of his family members, are the owners. In addition, the Chairman’s sister and brother-in-law are owners of an entity that holds an ownership interest in the borrower. At the time the loan was acquired by BPPR, it had an unpaid principal balance of $40.2 million. In May 2017, this loan was sold by BPPR to Popular, Inc., holding company (“PIHC”). At the time of sale, the loan had an unpaid principal balance of $37.9 million. PIHC paid $37.9 million to BPPR for the loan, of which $6.0 million was recognized by BPPR as a capital contribution representing the difference between the fair value and the book value of the loan at the time of transfer. Immediately upon being acquired by PIHC, the loan’s maturity was extended by 90 days (under the same terms as originally contracted) to provide the PIHC additional time to evaluate a refinancing or long-term extension of the loan. In August 2017, the credit facility was refinanced with a stated maturity in February 2019. During 2017, the facility was subject to the loan payment moratorium offered as part of the hurricane relief efforts. As such, interest payments amounting to approximately $0.5 million were deferred and capitalized as part of the loan balance. In February 2019, the Audit Committee approved, under the Related Party Policy, a 36-month renewal of the loan at an interest rate of 5.75% and a 30-year amortization schedule. As of December 31, 2019, the unpaid principal balance amounted to $37.1 million.

 

 

In August 2018, BPPR acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Reliable Financial Services and Reliable Finance Holding Company, Puerto Rico-based subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company engaged in the auto finance business in Puerto Rico. Refer to Note 4 for additional information on this transaction. As part of the acquisition transaction, the Corporation entered into an agreement with Reliable Financial Services to sublease the space necessary to continue the acquired operations. Reliable Financial Services’ underlying lease agreement was with an entity in which the Chairman of the Corporation’s Board and his family members hold an ownership interest, described in the preceding paragraph as having a loan with the Corporation. This lease expired on April 30, 2019 pursuant to its terms. During 2019, the Corporation paid to Reliable Financial Services approximately $0.5 million under the sublease.

 

The Corporation has had loan transactions with the Corporation’s directors, executive officers, including certain related individuals or organizations, and affiliates, and proposes to continue such transactions in the ordinary course of its business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing for comparable loan transactions with third parties, except as disclosed above. Except as discussed above, the extensions of credit have not involved and do not currently involve more than normal risks of collection or present other unfavorable features.

 

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries held deposits from related parties, excluding EVERTEC, Inc. (“EVERTEC”) amounting to $576 million (2018 - $632 million).

 

From time to time, the Corporation, in the ordinary course of business, obtains services from related parties that have some association with the Corporation. Management believes the terms of such arrangements are consistent with arrangements entered into with independent third parties.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation made contributions of approximately $1.1 million to Fundación Banco Popular and Popular Bank Foundation, which are not-for-profit corporations dedicated to philanthropic work (2018 - $2.1 million).

211


 

The Corporation also provided human and operational resources to support the activities of the Fundación Banco Popular which in 2019 amounted to approximately $1.4 million (2018- $1.3 million).

 

 

Related party transactions with EVERTEC, as an affiliate

 

The Corporation has an investment in EVERTEC, Inc. (“EVERTEC”), which provides various processing and information technology services to the Corporation and its subsidiaries and gives BPPR access to the ATH network owned and operated by EVERTEC. As of December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s stake in EVERTEC was 16.19%.The Corporation continues to have significant influence over EVERTEC. Accordingly, the investment in EVERTEC is accounted for under the equity method and is evaluated for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that a decrease in value of the investment has occurred that is other than temporary.

 

The Corporation received $2.3 million in dividend distributions during the year ended December 31, 2019 from its investments in EVERTEC’s holding company (December 31, 2018 - $1.2 million). The Corporation’s equity in EVERTEC is presented in the table which follows and is included as part of “other assets” in the consolidated statement of financial condition.

(In thousands)

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

December 31, 2018

Equity investment in EVERTEC

$

73,534

 

$

60,591

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Corporation had the following financial condition balances outstanding with EVERTEC at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018. Items that represent liabilities to the Corporation are presented with parenthesis.

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Accounts receivable (Other assets)

$

7,779

$

6,829

Deposits

 

(63,850)

 

(28,606)

Accounts payable (Other liabilities)

 

(1,290)

 

(3,671)

Net total

$

(57,361)

$

(25,448)

 

The Corporation’s proportionate share of income from EVERTEC is included in other operating income in the consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents the Corporation’s proportionate share of EVERTEC’s income and changes in stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

2017

Share of income from investment in EVERTEC

$

16,749

 

$

13,892

$

8,924

Share of other changes in EVERTEC's stockholders' equity

 

516

 

 

1,659

 

2,659

Share of EVERTEC's changes in equity recognized in income

$

17,265

 

$

15,551

$

11,583

 

The following tables present the impact of transactions and service payments between the Corporation and EVERTEC (as an affiliate) and their impact on the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Items that represent expenses to the Corporation are presented with parenthesis.

 

Years ended December 31,

 

(In thousands)

2019

2018

2017

Category

Interest expense on deposits

$

(106)

$

(79)

$

(44)

Interest expense

ATH and credit cards interchange income from services to EVERTEC

 

29,224

 

33,658

 

28,136

Other service fees

Rental income charged to EVERTEC

 

7,418

 

7,271

 

6,855

Net occupancy

Fees on services provided by EVERTEC

 

(219,992)

 

(174,048)

 

(176,971)

Professional fees

Other services provided to EVERTEC

 

1,118

 

1,059

 

1,236

Other operating expenses

Total

$

(182,338)

$

(132,139)

$

(140,788)

 

 

212


 

PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC

As indicated in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Corporation holds a24.9 % equity interest in PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC.

The Corporation’s equity in PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC is presented in the table which follows and is included as part of “other assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

 

 

PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC

 

PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC

(In thousands)

 

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

 

December 31, 2019

 

December 31, 2018

Equity investment

$

6,306

$

6,469

$

3,333

$

5,794

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Corporation held deposits from these entities, as follows:

 

PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC

 

PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

 

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Deposits (non-interest bearing)

$

(3)

$

(2,566)

 

$

(5,081)

$

(7,994)

 

The Corporation’s proportionate share of income or loss from these entities is presented in the following table and is included in other operating income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

 

 

PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC

 

PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

2019

 

2018

Share of (loss) income from the equity investment

$

(163)

$

(356)

 

$

231

$

(5,073)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation received $2.7 million in capital distributions from its investment in PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC (December 31, 2018 - $ 2.0 million). No capital distributions was received from its investment in PRLP Holdings, LLC during the year ended December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $0.4 million).

213


 

 

Centro Financiero BHD León

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had a 15.84% equity interest in Centro Financiero BHD León, S.A. (“BHD León”), one of the largest banking and financial services groups in the Dominican Republic. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recorded $26.6 million in earnings from its investment in BHD León (December 31, 2018 - $27.2 million), which had a carrying amount of $151.6 million at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $143.5 million). On December 2017, BPPR extended a credit facility of $40 million to BHD León. This credit facility was repaid during the quarter ended March 31, 2018. The Corporation received $12.6 million in dividend distributions during the year ended December 31, 2019 from its investment in BHD León (December 31, 2018 - $12.6 million).

On June 30, 2017, BPPR extended an $8 million credit facility to Grupo Financiero Leon, S.A. Panamá (“GFL”), a shareholder of BHD León. The sources of repayment for this loan were the dividends to be received by GFL from its investment in BHD León. BPPR’s credit facility ranked pari passu with another $8 million credit facility extended to GFL by BHD International Panama, an affiliate of BHD León. This credit facility was repaid during the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

Investment Companies

The Corporation provides advisory services to several investment companies registered under the Puerto Rico Investment Companies Act in exchange for a fee. The Corporation also provides administrative, custody and transfer agency services to these investment companies. These fees are calculated at an annual rate of the average net assets of the investment company, as defined in each agreement. Due to its advisory role, the Corporation considers these investment companies as related parties.

For the year ended December 31, 2019 administrative fees charged to these investment companies amounted to $6.4 million (December 31, 2018 - $6.7 million) and waived fees amounted to $2.2 million (December 31, 2018 - $2.1 million), for a net fee of $4.2 million (December 31, 2018 - $4.6 million).

The Corporation, through its subsidiary BPPR, has also entered into certain uncommitted credit facilities with those investment companies. As of December 31, 2019, the available lines of credit facilities amounted to $330 million (December 31, 2018 - $330 million). The aggregate sum of all outstanding balances under all credit facilities that may be made available by BPPR, from time to time, to those investment companies for which BPPR acts as investment advisor or co-investment advisor, shall never exceed the lesser of $200 million or 10% of BPPR’s capital. At December 31, 2019 there was no outstanding balance for these credit facilities.

214


 

Note 30 – Fair value measurement

ASC Subtopic 820-10 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels in order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and disclosures. The hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the reliability of inputs as follows:

Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Corporation has the ability to access at the measurement date. Valuation on these instruments does not necessitate a significant degree of judgment since valuations are based on quoted prices that are readily available in an active market.

 

Level 2 - Quoted prices other than those included in Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or that can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Unobservable inputs reflect the Corporation’s own judgements about assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

The Corporation maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the observable inputs be used when available. Fair value is based upon quoted market prices when available. If listed prices or quotes are not available, the Corporation employs internally-developed models that primarily use market-based inputs including yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, and credit curves, among others. Valuation adjustments are limited to those necessary to ensure that the financial instrument’s fair value is adequately representative of the price that would be received or paid in the marketplace. These adjustments include amounts that reflect counterparty credit quality, the Corporation’s credit standing, constraints on liquidity and unobservable parameters that are applied consistently.

The estimated fair value may be subjective in nature and may involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment for certain financial instruments. Changes in the underlying assumptions used in calculating fair value could significantly affect the results.

Fair Value on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis

The following fair value hierarchy tables present information about the Corporation’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:

215


 

At December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

$

3,841,715

$

8,214,540

$

-

$

12,056,255

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

-

 

122,404

 

-

 

122,404

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

6,975

 

-

 

6,975

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

-

 

586,175

 

-

 

586,175

Mortgage-backed securities

 

-

 

4,875,132

 

1,182

 

4,876,314

Other

 

-

 

350

 

-

 

350

Total debt securities available-for-sale

$

3,841,715

$

13,805,576

$

1,182

$

17,648,473

Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

$

7,081

$

2

$

-

$

7,083

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

633

 

-

 

633

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

-

 

76

 

530

 

606

Mortgage-backed securities

 

-

 

28,556

 

-

 

28,556

Other

 

-

 

3,003

 

440

 

3,443

Total trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives

$

7,081

$

32,270

$

970

$

40,321

Equity securities

$

-

$

21,327

$

-

$

21,327

Mortgage servicing rights

 

-

 

-

 

150,906

 

150,906

Derivatives

 

-

 

17,966

 

-

 

17,966

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

3,848,796

$

13,877,139

$

153,058

$

17,878,993

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

$

-

$

(16,619)

$

-

$

(16,619)

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

-

$

(16,619)

$

-

$

(16,619)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

216


 

At December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt securities available-for-sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

$

2,719,740

$

5,552,456

$

-

$

8,272,196

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

 

-

 

333,309

 

-

 

333,309

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

6,742

 

-

 

6,742

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

 

-

 

728,671

 

-

 

728,671

Mortgage-backed securities

 

-

 

3,957,545

 

1,233

 

3,958,778

Other

 

-

 

488

 

-

 

488

Total debt securities available-for-sale

$

2,719,740

$

10,579,211

$

1,233

$

13,300,184

Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities

$

6,278

$

-

$

-

$

6,278

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

 

-

 

134

 

-

 

134

Collateralized mortgage obligations

 

-

 

48

 

611

 

659

Mortgage-backed securities

 

-

 

27,214

 

43

 

27,257

Other

 

-

 

2,974

 

485

 

3,459

Total trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives

$

6,278

$

30,370

$

1,139

$

37,787

Equity securities

$

-

$

13,296

$

-

$

13,296

Mortgage servicing rights

 

-

 

-

 

169,777

 

169,777

Derivatives

 

-

 

13,603

 

-

 

13,603

Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

2,726,018

$

10,636,480

$

172,149

$

13,534,647

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

$

-

$

(12,320)

$

-

$

(12,320)

Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

$

-

$

(12,320)

$

-

$

(12,320)

 

The fair value information included in the following tables is not as of period end, but as of the date that the fair value measurement was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and excludes nonrecurring fair value measurements of assets no longer outstanding as of the reporting date.

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

 

NONRECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-downs

Loans[1]

$

-

$

-

$

35,363

$

35,363

$

(13,533)

Other real estate owned[2]

 

-

 

-

 

18,132

 

18,132

 

(3,526)

Other foreclosed assets[2]

 

-

 

-

 

1,213

 

1,213

 

(156)

Long-lived assets held-for-sale[3]

 

-

 

-

 

2,500

 

2,500

 

(2,591)

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

$

-

$

-

$

57,208

$

57,208

$

(19,806)

[1]

Relates mostly to certain impaired collateral dependent loans. The impairment was measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is derived from appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Section 310-10-35. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[2]

Represents the fair value of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were written down to their fair value. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[3]

Represents the fair value of long-lived assets held-for-sale that were written down to their fair value.

217


 

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

 

NONRECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-downs

Loans[1]

$

-

$

-

$

73,893

$

73,893

$

(25,745)

Other real estate owned[2]

 

-

 

-

 

43,463

 

43,463

 

(9,189)

Other foreclosed assets[2]

 

-

 

-

 

1,349

 

1,349

 

(722)

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

$

-

$

-

$

118,705

$

118,705

$

(35,656)

[1]

Relates mostly to certain impaired collateral dependent loans. The impairment was measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is derived from appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Section 310-10-35. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[2]

Represents the fair value of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were written down to their fair value. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

 

Year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

 

 

NONRECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Write-downs

Loans[1]

$

-

$

-

$

64,041

$

64,041

$

(16,807)

Other real estate owned[2] [3]

 

-

 

-

 

89,743

 

89,743

 

(19,085)

Other foreclosed assets[2]

 

-

 

-

 

2,176

 

2,176

 

(890)

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

$

-

$

-

$

155,960

$

155,960

$

(36,782)

[1]

Relates mostly to certain impaired collateral dependent loans. The impairment was measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is derived from appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Section 310-10-35. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[2]

Represents the fair value of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were written down to their fair value. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[3]

Write-down include $2.7 million related to estimated damages caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria based on the sample of properties examined.

 

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

MBS

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

classified

CMOs

 

 

securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

as debt

classified

MBS

classified

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

as trading

classified as

as trading

Mortgage

 

 

 

available-

account debt

trading account

account debt

servicing

Total

(In thousands)

for-sale

securities

debt securities

securities

rights

assets

Balance at January 1, 2019

$

1,233

$

611

$

43

$

485

$

169,777

$

172,149

Gains (losses) included in earnings

 

-

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

(45)

 

(27,516)

 

(27,563)

Gains (losses) included in OCI

 

(1)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1)

Additions

 

-

 

71

 

25

 

-

 

9,143

 

9,239

Settlements

 

(50)

 

(151)

 

(41)

 

-

 

(498)

 

(740)

Transfers out of Level 3

 

-

 

-

 

(26)

 

-

 

-

 

(26)

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

1,182

$

530

$

-

$

440

$

150,906

$

153,058

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets still held at December 31, 2019

$

-

$

1

$

-

$

20

$

(14,190)

$

(14,169)

218


 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

MBS

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

classified

CMOs

 

 

securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as debt

classified

MBS

classified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

as trading

classified as

as trading

Mortgage

 

 

 

 

 

 

available-

account debt

trading account

account debt

servicing

Total

Contingent

Total

(In thousands)

for-sale

securities

debt securities

securities

rights

assets

consideration [1]

liabilities

Balance at January 1, 2018

$

1,288

$

529

$

43

$

529

$

168,031

$

170,420

$

(164,858)

$

(164,858)

Gains (losses) included in earnings

 

-

 

2

 

-

 

(44)

 

(8,477)

 

(8,519)

 

(6,112)

 

(6,112)

Gains (losses) included in OCI

 

(5)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(5)

 

-

 

-

Additions

 

-

 

260

 

-

 

-

 

10,223

 

10,483

 

-

 

-

Settlements

 

(50)

 

(180)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(230)

 

170,970

 

170,970

Balance at December 31, 2018

$

1,233

$

611

$

43

$

485

$

169,777

$

172,149

$

-

$

-

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets still held at December 31, 2018

$

-

$

2

$

-

$

20

$

8,703

$

8,725

$

-

$

-

[1]

Effective May 22, 2018, the Corporation entered into a Termination Agreement with the FDIC to terminate the Corporation’s loss share arrangement ahead of their contractual maturities. Refer to Note 10 for additional information.

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

MBS

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

classified

CMOs

 

 

securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

as debt

classified

MBS

classified

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

securities

as trading

classified as

as trading

Mortgage

 

 

 

 

 

 

available-

account debt

trading account

account debt

servicing

Total

Contingent

Total

(In thousands)

for-sale

securities

debt securities

securities

rights

assets

consideration

liabilities

Balance at January 1, 2017

$

1,392

$

1,321

$

4,755

$

602

$

196,889

$

204,959

$

(153,158)

$

(153,158)

Gains (losses) included in earnings

 

-

 

-

 

(124)

 

(73)

 

(36,519)

 

(36,716)

 

(11,700)

 

(11,700)

Gains (losses) included in OCI

 

9

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

9

 

-

 

-

Additions

 

-

 

44

 

332

 

-

 

7,661

 

8,037

 

-

 

-

Sales

 

-

 

(365)

 

(156)

 

-

 

-

 

(521)

 

-

 

-

Settlements

 

(25)

 

(195)

 

(876)

 

-

 

-

 

(1,096)

 

-

 

-

Transfers out of Level 3

 

(88)

 

(276)

 

(3,888)

 

-

 

-

 

(4,252)

 

-

 

-

Balance at December 31, 2017

$

1,288

$

529

$

43

$

529

$

168,031

$

170,420

$

(164,858)

$

(164,858)

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in earnings relating to assets still held at December 31, 2017

$

-

$

-

$

(3)

$

42

$

(18,986)

$

(18,947)

$

(11,700)

$

(11,700)

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017, certain MBS and CMO’s were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 due to a change in valuation technique from an internally-prepared pricing matrix and discounted cash flow models, respectively, to a bond’s theoretical value.

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 for Level 3 assets and liabilities included in the previous tables are reported in the consolidated statement of operations as follows:

 

 

 

2019

2018

2017

 

 

Total

Changes in unrealized

Total

Changes in unrealized

Total

Changes in unrealized

 

 

gains (losses)

gains (losses)

gains (losses)

gains (losses)

gains (losses)

gains (losses)

 

 

included

relating to assets still

included

relating to assets still

included

relating to assets still

(In thousands)

in earnings

held at reporting date

in earnings

held at reporting date

in earnings

held at reporting date

FDIC loss share (expense) income

$

-

$

-

$

(6,112)

$

-

$

(11,700)

$

(11,700)

Mortgage banking activities

 

(27,516)

 

(14,190)

 

(8,477)

 

8,703

 

(36,519)

 

(18,986)

Trading account (loss) profit

 

(47)

 

21

 

(42)

 

22

 

(197)

 

39

Total

$

(27,563)

$

(14,169)

$

(14,631)

$

8,725

$

(48,416)

$

(30,647)

219


 

The following tables include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3 instruments, excluding those instruments for which the unobservable inputs were not developed by the Corporation such as prices of prior transactions and/or unadjusted third-party pricing sources at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

Valuation technique

Unobservable inputs

Weighted average (range) [1]

CMO's - trading

$

530

 

Discounted cash flow model

Weighted average life

1.6 years (1.3 - 1.8 years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yield

4.0% (3.9% - 4.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayment speed

18.3% (14.8% - 20.7%)

 

Other - trading

$

440

 

Discounted cash flow model

Weighted average life

3.8 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yield

12.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayment speed

10.8%

 

Mortgage servicing rights

$

150,906

 

Discounted cash flow model

Prepayment speed

6%(0.2% - 18.5%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average life

6.5 years (0.1 - 14.4 years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

11.1% (9.5% - 14.7%)

 

Loans held-in-portfolio

$

38,907

[2]

External appraisal

Haircut applied on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

external appraisals

10.0%

 

Other real estate owned

$

16,119

[3]

External appraisal

Haircut applied on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

external appraisals

23.8% (5.0% - 35.0%)

 

[1]

Weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements were calculated by relative fair value.

[2]

Loans held-in-portfolio in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.

[3]

Other real estate owned in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.

 

 

 

 

Fair value

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at December 31,

 

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2018

 

Valuation technique

Unobservable inputs

Weighted average (range) [1]

CMO's - trading

$

611

 

Discounted cash flow model

Weighted average life

1.9 years (1.3 - 2.1 years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yield

4.1% (3.9% - 4.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayment speed

18.9% (16.3% - 20.7%)

 

Other - trading

$

485

 

Discounted cash flow model

Weighted average life

5.2 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yield

12.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepayment speed

10.8%

 

Mortgage servicing rights

$

169,777

 

Discounted cash flow model

Prepayment speed

5.3% (0.2% - 17.8%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average life

6.8 years (0.1 - 17.4 years)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate

11.2% (9.5% - 15.0%)

 

Loans held-in-portfolio

$

61,020

[2]

External appraisal

Haircut applied on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

external appraisals

10.3% (10.0% - 20.0%)

 

Other real estate owned

$

35,233

[3]

External appraisal

Haircut applied on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

external appraisals

24.7% (15.0% - 30.0%)

 

[1]

Weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements were calculated by relative fair value.

[2]

Loans held-in-portfolio in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.

[3]

Other real estate owned in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.

 

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s collateralized mortgage obligations and interest-only collateralized mortgage obligation (reported as “other”), which are classified in the “trading” category, are yield, constant prepayment rate, and weighted average life. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation would result in significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for the constant prepayment rate will generate a directionally opposite change in the weighted average life. For example, as the average life is reduced by a higher constant prepayment rate, a lower yield will be realized, and when there is a reduction in the constant prepayment rate, the average life of these collateralized mortgage obligations will extend, thus resulting in a higher yield.The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s mortgage servicing rights are constant prepayment rates and discount rates. Increases in interest rates may result in lower prepayments. Discount rates vary according to products and / or portfolios depending on the perceived risk. Increases in discount rates result in a lower fair value measurement.

 

Following is a description of the Corporation’s valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value. The disclosure requirements exclude certain financial instruments and all non-financial instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts of the financial instruments disclosed do not represent management’s estimate of the underlying value of the Corporation.

Trading account debt securities and debt securities available-for-sale

220


 

U.S. Treasury securities: The fair value of U.S. Treasury notes is based on yields that are interpolated from the constant maturity treasury curve. These securities are classified as Level 2. U.S. Treasury bills are classified as Level 1 given the high volume of trades and pricing based on those trades.

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities: The Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities include U.S. agency securities, which fair value is based on an active exchange market and on quoted market prices for similar securities. The U.S. agency securities are classified as Level 2.

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions: Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions include municipal bonds. The bonds are segregated and the like characteristics divided into specific sectors. Market inputs used in the evaluation process include all or some of the following: trades, bid price or spread, two sided markets, quotes, benchmark curves including but not limited to Treasury benchmarks, LIBOR and swap curves, market data feeds such as those obtained from municipal market sources, discount and capital rates, and trustee reports. The municipal bonds are classified as Level 2.

Mortgage-backed securities: Certain agency mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) are priced based on a bond’s theoretical value derived from similar bonds defined by credit quality and market sector. Their fair value incorporates an option adjusted spread. The agency MBS are classified as Level 2. Other agency MBS such as GNMA Puerto Rico Serials are priced using an internally-prepared pricing matrix with quoted prices from local brokers dealers. These particular MBS are classified as Level 3.

Collateralized mortgage obligations: Agency collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are priced based on a bond’s theoretical value derived from similar bonds defined by credit quality and market sector and for which fair value incorporates an option adjusted spread. The option adjusted spread model includes prepayment and volatility assumptions, ratings (whole loans collateral) and spread adjustments. These CMOs are classified as Level 2. Other CMOs, due to their limited liquidity, are classified as Level 3 due to the insufficiency of inputs such as broker quotes, executed trades, credit information and cash flows.

Corporate securities (included as “other” in the “available-for-sale” category): Given that the quoted prices are for similar instruments, these securities are classified as Level 2.

Mutual funds, other equity securities, corporate securities, U.S. Treasury bills, and interest-only strips (included as “other” in the “trading account debt securities” category): For corporate securities and mutual funds, quoted prices for these security types are obtained from broker dealers. Given that the quoted prices are for similar instruments or do not trade in highly liquid markets, these securities are classified as Level 2. The important variables in determining the prices of Puerto Rico tax-exempt mutual fund shares are net asset value, dividend yield and type of assets in the fund. All funds trade based on a relevant dividend yield taking into consideration the aforementioned variables. In addition, demand and supply also affect the price. Other equity securities that do not trade in highly liquid markets are classified as Level 2. U.S. Treasury bills are classified as Level 1 given the high volume of trades and pricing based on those trades. Given that the fair value was estimated based on a discounted cash flow model using unobservable inputs, interest-only strips are classified as Level 3.

 

Equity securities

Equity securities are comprised principally of shares in closed-ended and open-ended mutual funds. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market at the shares’ market value. Open-ended funds are considered to be liquid, as investors can sell their shares continually to the fund and are priced at NAV. These equity securities are classified as Level 2.

 

Mortgage servicing rights

Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices. MSRs are priced internally using a discounted cash flow model. The discounted cash flow model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, including portfolio characteristics, prepayments assumptions, discount rates, delinquency and foreclosure rates, late charges, other ancillary revenues, cost to service and other economic factors. Prepayment speeds are adjusted for the Corporation’s loan characteristics and portfolio behavior. Due to the unobservable nature of certain valuation inputs, the MSRs are classified as Level 3.

Derivatives

Interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and indexed options are traded in over-the-counter active markets. These derivatives are indexed to an observable interest rate benchmark, such as LIBOR or equity indexes, and are priced using an income approach based on present value and option pricing models using observable inputs. Other derivatives are liquid and have quoted prices, such as forward contracts or “to be announced securities” (“TBAs”). All of these derivatives are classified as Level 2. The

221


 

non-performance risk is determined using internally-developed models that consider the collateral held, the remaining term, and the creditworthiness of the entity that bears the risk, and uses available public data or internally-developed data related to current spreads that denote their probability of default.

Contingent consideration liability

The fair value of the true-up payment obligation (contingent consideration) to the FDIC as it relates to the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction was estimated using projected cash flows related to the loss sharing agreements at the true-up measurement date. It took into consideration the intrinsic loss estimate, asset premium/discount, cumulative shared loss payments, and the cumulative servicing amount related to the loan portfolio.

On a quarterly basis, management evaluated and revised the estimated credit loss rates that are used to determine expected cash flows on the covered loan pools. The expected credit losses on the loan pools are used to determine the loss share cash flows expected to be paid to the FDIC when the true-up payment is due.

The true-up payment obligation was discounted using a term rate consistent with the time remaining until the payment is due. The discount rate was an estimate of the sum of the risk-free benchmark rate for the term remaining before the true-up payment is due and a risk premium to account for the credit risk profile of BPPR. The risk premium was calculated based on a volume weighted average spread of the Corporation’s outstanding senior unsecured debt over the equivalent T Note. The true-up payment obligation was classified as Level 3. As disclosed in Note 10, this true-up payment obligation ended as part of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC.

Loans held-in-portfolio considered impaired under ASC Section 310-10-35 that are collateral dependent

The impairment is measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is derived from appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of ASC Section 310-10-35, and which could be subject to internal adjustments based on the age of the appraisal. Currently, the associated loans considered impaired are classified as Level 3.

Loans measured at fair value pursuant to lower of cost or fair value adjustments

Loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis pursuant to lower of cost or fair value were priced based on secondary market prices and discounted cash flow models which incorporate internally-developed assumptions for prepayments and credit loss estimates. These loans are classified as Level 3.

Other real estate owned and other foreclosed assets

Other real estate owned includes real estate properties securing mortgage, consumer, and commercial loans. Other foreclosed assets include primarily automobiles securing auto loans. The fair value of foreclosed assets may be determined using an external appraisal, broker price opinion, or an internal valuation. These foreclosed assets are classified as Level 3 since they are subject to internal adjustments.

222


 

Note 31 – Fair value of financial instruments

The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which an asset or obligation could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. For those financial instruments with no quoted market prices available, fair values have been estimated using present value calculations or other valuation techniques, as well as management’s best judgment with respect to current economic conditions, including discount rates, estimates of future cash flows, and prepayment assumptions. Many of these estimates involve various assumptions and may vary significantly from amounts that could be realized in actual transactions.

The fair values reflected herein have been determined based on the prevailing rate environment at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, as applicable. In different interest rate environments, fair value estimates can differ significantly, especially for certain fixed rate financial instruments. In addition, the fair values presented do not attempt to estimate the value of the Corporation’s fee generating businesses and anticipated future business activities, that is, they do not represent the Corporation’s value as a going concern.

 

The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments with their corresponding level in the fair value hierarchy. The aggregate fair value amounts of the financial instruments disclosed do not represent management’s estimate of the underlying value of the Corporation.

 

223


 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

Financial Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

$

388,311

$

388,311

$

-

$

-

$

388,311

Money market investments

 

3,262,286

 

3,256,274

 

6,012

 

-

 

3,262,286

Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives[1]

 

40,321

 

7,081

 

32,270

 

970

 

40,321

Debt securities available-for-sale[1]

 

17,648,473

 

3,841,715

 

13,805,576

 

1,182

 

17,648,473

Debt securities held-to-maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

$

85,556

$

-

$

-

$

93,002

$

93,002

 

Collateralized mortgage obligation-federal agency

 

45

 

-

 

-

 

47

 

47

 

Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

 

11,561

 

-

 

11,561

 

-

 

11,561

 

Other

 

500

 

-

 

500

 

-

 

500

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

$

97,662

$

-

$

12,061

$

93,049

$

105,110

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FHLB stock

$

43,787

$

-

$

43,787

$

-

$

43,787

 

FRB stock

 

93,470

 

-

 

93,470

 

-

 

93,470

 

Other investments

 

22,630

 

-

 

21,328

 

7,367

 

28,695

Total equity securities

$

159,887

$

-

$

158,585

$

7,367

$

165,952

Loans held-for-sale

$

59,203

$

-

$

-

$

60,030

$

60,030

Loans held-in-portfolio

 

26,929,165

 

-

 

-

 

25,051,400

 

25,051,400

Mortgage servicing rights

 

150,906

 

-

 

-

 

150,906

 

150,906

Derivatives

 

17,966

 

-

 

17,966

 

-

 

17,966

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

Financial Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand deposits

$

36,083,809

$

-

$

36,083,809

$

-

$

36,083,809

 

Time deposits

 

7,674,797

 

-

 

7,598,732

 

-

 

7,598,732

Total deposits

$

43,758,606

$

-

$

43,682,541

$

-

$

43,682,541

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

$

193,378

$

-

$

193,271

$

-

$

193,271

Notes payable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FHLB advances

$

421,399

$

-

$

429,718

$

-

$

429,718

 

Unsecured senior debt securities

 

295,307

 

-

 

323,415

 

-

 

323,415

 

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (related to trust preferred securities)

 

384,902

 

-

 

395,216

 

-

 

395,216

Total notes payable

$

1,101,608

$

-

$

1,148,349

$

-

$

1,148,349

Derivatives

$

16,619

$

-

$

16,619

$

-

$

16,619

[1]

Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fair value by class of financial asset and its hierarchy level

224


 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

Financial Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

$

394,035

$

394,035

$

-

$

-

$

394,035

Money market investments

 

4,171,048

 

4,161,832

 

9,216

 

-

 

4,171,048

Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives[1]

 

37,787

 

6,278

 

30,370

 

1,139

 

37,787

Debt securities available-for-sale[1]

 

13,300,184

 

2,719,740

 

10,579,211

 

1,233

 

13,300,184

Debt securities held-to-maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

$

89,459

$

-

$

-

$

90,534

$

90,534

 

Collateralized mortgage obligation-federal agency

 

55

 

-

 

-

 

58

 

58

 

Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

 

11,561

 

-

 

11,561

 

-

 

11,561

 

Other

 

500

 

-

 

500

 

-

 

500

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

$

101,575

$

-

$

12,061

$

90,592

$

102,653

Equity securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FHLB stock

$

51,628

$

-

$

51,628

$

-

$

51,628

 

FRB stock

 

89,358

 

-

 

89,358

 

-

 

89,358

 

Other investments

 

14,598

 

-

 

13,296

 

5,539

 

18,835

Total equity securities

$

155,584

$

-

$

154,282

$

5,539

$

159,821

Loans held-for-sale

$

51,422

$

-

$

-

$

52,474

$

52,474

Loans held-in-portfolio

 

25,938,541

 

-

 

-

 

23,143,027

 

23,143,027

Mortgage servicing rights

 

169,777

 

-

 

-

 

169,777

 

169,777

Derivatives

 

13,603

 

-

 

13,603

 

-

 

13,603

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

Carrying

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

Financial Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Demand deposits

$

32,093,274

$

-

$

32,093,274

$

-

$

32,093,274

 

Time deposits

 

7,616,765

 

-

 

7,392,698

 

-

 

7,392,698

Total deposits

$

39,710,039

$

-

$

39,485,972

$

-

$

39,485,972

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

$

281,529

$

-

$

281,535

$

-

$

281,535

Other short-term borrowings[2]

$

42

$

-

$

42

$

-

$

42

Notes payable:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FHLB advances

$

556,776

$

-

$

553,111

$

-

$

553,111

 

Unsecured senior debt

 

294,039

 

-

 

302,664

 

-

 

302,664

 

Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (related to trust preferred securities)

 

384,875

 

-

 

381,079

 

-

 

381,079

 

Capital lease obligations

 

20,412

 

-

 

-

 

20,412

 

20,412

Total notes payable

$

1,256,102

$

-

$

1,236,854

$

20,412

$

1,257,266

Derivatives

$

12,320

$

-

$

12,320

$

-

$

12,320

[1]

Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fair value by class of financial asset and its hierarchy level.

[2]

Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the composition of other short-term borrowings.

 

The notional amount of commitments to extend credit at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is $8.4 billion and $ 7.5 billion, respectively, and represents the unused portion of credit facilities granted to customers. The notional amount of letters of credit at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is $ 78 million and $ 29 million respectively, and represents the contractual amount that is required to be paid in the event of nonperformance. The fair value of commitments to extend credit and letters of credit, which are based on the fees charged to enter into those agreements, are not material to Popular’s financial statements.

 

225


 

Note 32 – Employee benefits

 

Certain employees of BPPR are covered by three non-contributory defined benefit pension plans, the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan and two Restoration Plans. Pension benefits are based on age, years of credited service, and final average compensation (the “Pension Plans”).

The Pension Plans are currently closed to new hires and the accrual of benefits are frozen to all participants. The Pension Plans’ benefit formula is based on a percentage of average final compensation and years of service as of the plan freeze date. Normal retirement age under the retirement plan is age 65 with 5 years of service. Pension costs are funded in accordance with minimum funding standards under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Benefits under the Pension Plans are subject to the U.S. and Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code limits on compensation and benefits. Benefits under restoration plans restore benefits to selected employees that are limited under the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan due to U.S. and Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code limits and a compensation definition that excludes amounts deferred pursuant to nonqualified arrangements.

In addition to providing pension benefits, BPPR provides certain health care benefits for certain retired employees (the “OPEB Plan”). Regular employees of BPPR, hired before February 1, 2000, may become eligible for health care benefits, provided they reach retirement age while working for BPPR.

The Corporation’s funding policy is to make annual contributions to the plans, when necessary, in amounts which fully provide for all benefits as they become due under the plans.

The Corporation’s pension fund investment strategy is to invest in a prudent manner for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to participants. A well defined internal structure has been established to develop and implement a risk-controlled investment strategy that is targeted to produce a total return that, when combined with BPPR contributions to the fund, will maintain the fund’s ability to meet all required benefit obligations. Risk is controlled through diversification of asset types, such as investments in domestic and international equities and fixed income.

Equity investments include various types of stock and index funds. Also, this category includes Popular, Inc.’s common stock. Fixed income investments include U.S. Government securities and other U.S. agencies’ obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities and index funds, among others. A designated committee periodically reviews the performance of the pension plans’ investments and assets allocation. The Trustee and the money managers are allowed to exercise investment discretion, subject to limitations established by the pension plans’ investment policies. The plans forbid money managers to enter into derivative transactions, unless approved by the Trustee.

The overall expected long-term rate-of-return-on-assets assumption reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation. The assumption has been determined by reflecting expectations regarding future rates of return for the plan assets, with consideration given to the distribution of the investments by asset class and historical rates of return for each individual asset class. This process is reevaluated at least on an annual basis and if market, actuarial and economic conditions change, adjustments to the rate of return may come into place.

The Pension Plans weighted average asset allocation as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the approved asset allocation ranges, by asset category, are summarized in the table below.

 

 

Minimum allotment

Maximum allotment

2019

2018

Equity

0

%

70

%

36

%

32

%

Debt securities

0

%

100

%

62

%

65

%

Popular related securities

0

%

5

%

1

%

1

%

Cash and cash equivalents

0

%

100

%

1

%

2

%

 

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Pension Plans’ assets at fair value at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Investments measured at net asset value per share (“NAV”) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy, but are presented in order to permit reconciliation of the plans’ assets.

 

226


 

 

 

2019

 

2018

(In thousands)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Measured at NAV

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Measured at NAV

 

Total

Obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies, states and political subdivisions

$

-

$

171,744

$

-

$

7,239

$

178,983

$

-

$

165,832

$

-

$

7,137

$

172,969

Corporate bonds and debentures

 

-

 

304,958

 

-

 

7,730

 

312,688

 

-

 

256,657

 

-

 

6,987

 

263,644

Equity securities - Common Stocks

 

116,254

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

116,254

 

90,175

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

90,175

Equity securities - ETF's

 

52,083

 

35,559

 

-

 

-

 

87,642

 

39,394

 

29,635

 

-

 

-

 

69,029

Foreign commingled trust funds

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

82,030

 

82,030

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

59,362

 

59,362

Mutual fund

 

-

 

4,490

 

-

 

-

 

4,490

 

-

 

3,630

 

-

 

-

 

3,630

Mortgage-backed securities

 

-

 

5,777

 

-

 

-

 

5,777

 

-

 

11,349

 

-

 

-

 

11,349

Private equity investments

 

-

 

-

 

74

 

-

 

74

 

-

 

-

 

68

 

-

 

68

Cash and cash equivalents

 

7,401

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

7,401

 

10,573

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

10,573

Accrued investment income

 

-

 

-

 

4,596

 

-

 

4,596

 

-

 

-

 

5,024

 

-

 

5,024

Total assets

$

175,738

$

522,528

$

4,670

$

96,999

$

799,935

$

140,142

$

467,103

$

5,092

$

73,486

$

685,823

 

The closing prices reported in the active markets in which the securities are traded are used to value the investments.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for investments measured at fair value:

Obligations of U.S. Government, its agencies, states and political subdivisions - The fair value of Obligations of U.S. Government and its agencies obligations are based on an active exchange market and on quoted market prices for similar securities. U.S. agency structured notes are priced based on a bond’s theoretical value from similar bonds defined by credit quality and market sector and for which the fair value incorporates an option adjusted spread in deriving their fair value. The fair value of municipal bonds are based on trade data on these instruments reported on Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (“MSRB”) transaction reporting system or comparable bonds from the same issuer and credit quality. These securities are classified as Level 2, except for the governmental index funds that are measured at NAV.

Corporate bonds and debentures - Corporate bonds and debentures are valued at fair value at the closing price reported in the active market in which the bond is traded. These securities are classified as Level 2, except for the corporate bond funds that are measured at NAV.

Equity securities – common stocks - Equity securities with quoted market prices obtained from an active exchange market and high liquidity are classified as Level 1.

Equity securities – ETF’s – Exchange Traded Funds shares with quoted market prices obtained from an active exchange market. Highly liquid ETF’s are classified as Level 1 while less liquid ETF’s are classified as Level 2.

Foreign commingled trust fund- Collective investment funds are valued at the NAV of shares held by the plan at year end.

Mutual funds – Mutual funds are valued at the NAV of shares held by the plan at year end. Mutual funds are classified as Level 2.

Mortgage-backed securities The fair value is based on trade data from brokers and exchange platforms where these instruments regularly trade. Certain agency mortgage and other asset backed securities (“MBS”) are priced based on a bond’s theoretical value from similar bonds defined by credit quality and market sector. Their fair value incorporates an option adjusted spread and prepayment projections. The agency MBS are classified as Level 2.

Private equity investments - Private equity investments include an investment in a private equity fund. The fund value is recorded at its net realizable value which is affected by the changes in the fair market value of the investments held in the fund. This fund is classified as Level 3.

227


 

Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of the fair value since it is available on demand or due to their short-term maturity. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as Level 1.

Accrued investment income – Given the short-term nature of these assets, their carrying amount approximates fair value. Since there is a lack of observable inputs related to instrument specific attributes, these are reported as Level 3.

The preceding valuation methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the plan believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.

The following table presents the change in Level 3 assets measured at fair value.

 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

Balance at beginning of year

$

5,092

$

4,758

Actual return on plan assets:

 

 

 

 

Purchases, sales, issuance and settlements (net)

 

(422)

 

334

Balance at end of year

$

4,670

$

5,092

 

There were no transfers in and/or out of Level 3 for financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. There were no transfers in and/or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

Information on the shares of common stock held by the pension plans is provided in the table that follows.

 

(In thousands, except number of shares information)

 

2019

 

2018

Shares of Popular, Inc. common stock

 

156,444

 

152,804

Fair value of shares of Popular, Inc. common stock

$

9,191

$

7,215

Dividends paid on shares of Popular, Inc. common stock held by the plan

$

177

$

151

 

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

OPEB Plan

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Personnel costs:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

$

-

$

-

$

-

$

759

$

1,028

$

1,026

Other operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest cost

 

28,439

 

25,493

 

25,889

 

5,955

 

5,562

 

5,703

Expected return on plan assets

 

(32,388)

 

(40,240)

 

(42,752)

 

-

 

-

 

-

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(3,470)

 

(3,800)

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

23,508

 

20,260

 

21,859

 

-

 

1,282

 

569

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

$

19,559

$

5,513

$

4,996

$

6,714

$

4,402

$

3,498

Termination benefit loss

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,790

 

-

Total benefit cost

$

19,559

$

5,513

$

4,996

$

6,714

$

6,192

$

3,498

 

228


 

During the year 2018, the termination benefit loss of $1.8 million related to the additional health care benefits provided to the eligible employees that accepted to participate in the “VRP” was recorded as “Personnel costs” in the consolidated statement of operations.

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, there is no service cost recognized as part of the net periodic cost for the Pension Plans since the accrual of benefits for all participants has been frozen. As part of the implementation of ASU 2017-07, the other components of net periodic cost other than the service cost components were reclassified from “Personnel costs” to “Other operating expenses” in the consolidated statement of operations in the amount of $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 for Pension Plans and $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 for the OPEB Plan.

 

The following table sets forth the aggregate status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

229


 

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

OPEB Plan

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Change in benefit obligation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

$

754,558

$

816,988

$

153,415

$

170,720

Service cost

 

-

 

-

 

759

 

1,028

Interest cost

 

28,439

 

25,493

 

5,955

 

5,562

Termination benefit loss

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

1,790

Actuarial (gain) loss[1]

 

113,642

 

(47,549)

 

15,752

 

(20,547)

Benefits paid

 

(44,088)

 

(40,374)

 

(7,200)

 

(5,138)

Benefit obligation at end of year

$

852,551

$

754,558

$

168,681

$

153,415

Change in fair value of plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

$

685,823

$

767,539

$

-

$

-

Actual return on plan assets

 

137,970

 

(41,572)

 

-

 

-

Employer contributions

 

20,230

 

230

 

7,200

 

5,138

Benefits paid

 

(44,088)

 

(40,374)

 

(7,200)

 

(5,138)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

$

799,935

$

685,823

$

-

$

-

Funded status of the plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

$

(852,551)

$

(754,558)

$

(168,681)

$

(153,415)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

799,935

 

685,823

 

-

 

-

Funded status at year end

$

(52,616)

$

(68,735)

$

(168,681)

$

(153,415)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

288,882

 

304,330

 

21,472

 

5,720

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)

$

288,882

$

304,330

$

21,472

$

5,720

Reconciliation of net (liabilities) assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net liabilities at beginning of year

$

(68,735)

$

(49,449)

$

(153,415)

$

(170,720)

Amount recognized in AOCL at beginning of year, pre-tax

 

304,330

 

290,327

 

5,720

 

24,079

Amount prepaid at beginning of year

 

235,595

 

240,878

 

(147,695)

 

(146,641)

Net periodic benefit cost

 

(19,559)

 

(5,513)

 

(6,714)

 

(4,402)

Additional benefit cost

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1,790)

Contributions

 

20,230

 

230

 

7,200

 

5,138

Amount prepaid at end of year

 

236,266

 

235,595

 

(147,209)

 

(147,695)

Amount recognized in AOCL

 

(288,882)

 

(304,330)

 

(21,472)

 

(5,720)

Net liabilities at end of year

$

(52,616)

$

(68,735)

$

(168,681)

$

(153,415)

[1]

For 2019, significant components of the Pension Plans actuarial loss that changed the benefit obligation were mainly related to updates in discount and mortality rates. For OPEB Plans significant components of the actuarial loss that change the benefit obligation were mainly related to updates in discount and mortality rates partially offset by update in healthcare election rates and expected annual healthcare costs. For 2018, significant components of the Pension Plans actuarial gains that change the benefit obligation were mostly related to updates in discount rate partially offset by the impact of the 2018 Voluntary Retirement Program. For OPEB Plans significant components of the actuarial gain that change the benefit obligation were mainly related to updates in discount rate and expected annual healthcare costs.

 

230


 

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), pre-tax, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

(In thousands)

 

Pension Plans

 

OPEB Plan

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year

$

304,330

$

290,327

$

5,720

$

24,079

Increase (decrease) in AOCL:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior service credit

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

3,470

 

Amortization of actuarial losses

 

(23,508)

 

(20,260)

 

-

 

(1,282)

Occurring during the year:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net actuarial (gains) losses

 

8,060

 

34,263

 

15,752

 

(20,547)

Total (decrease) increase in AOCL

 

(15,448)

 

14,003

 

15,752

 

(18,359)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year

$

288,882

$

304,330

$

21,472

$

5,720

 

The Corporation estimates the service and interest cost components utilizing a full yield curve approach in the estimation of these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to their underlying projected cash flows.

To determine benefit obligation at year end, the Corporation used a weighted average of annual spot rates applied to future expected cash flows for years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The following table presents the discount rate and assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine the benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost for the plans:

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

OPEB Plan

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31:

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

Discount rate for benefit obligation

4.20-4.23

%

3.54-3.56

%

3.98-4.02

%

4.30

%

3.62

%

4.10

%

Discount rate for service cost

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

4.49

%

3.74

%

4.30

%

Discount rate for interest cost

3.87-3.90

%

3.16-3.20

%

3.35-3.42

%

3.99

%

3.32

%

3.58

%

Expected return on plan assets

5.30-6.00

%

5.50-6.00

%

6.50

%

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

Initial health care cost trend rate

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

5.00

%

5.50

%

6.00

%

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

5.00

%

5.00

%

5.00

%

Year that the ultimate trend rate is reached

N/A

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

2019

 

2019

 

2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension Plans

OPEB Plan

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at December 31:

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

Discount rate for benefit obligation

 

 

 

 

3.22-3.27

%

4.20-4.23

%

3.38

%

4.30

%

Initial health care cost trend rate

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

5.00

%

5.00

%

Ultimate health care cost trend rate

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

5.00

%

5.00

%

Year that the ultimate trend rate is reached

 

 

 

 

N/A

 

N/A

 

2019

 

2019

 

 

The following table presents information for plans with a projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

231


 

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

OPEB Plan

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Projected benefit obligation

$

852,551

$

754,558

$

168,681

$

153,415

Accumulated benefit obligation

 

852,551

 

754,558

 

168,681

 

153,415

Fair value of plan assets

 

799,935

 

685,823

 

-

 

-

 

The Corporation expects to pay the following contributions to the plans during the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

(In thousands)

2020

Pension Plans

$

229

OPEB Plan

$

6,515

 

Benefit payments projected to be made from the plans during the next ten years are presented in the table below.

 

(In thousands)

 

Pension Plans

 

OPEB Plan

2020

$

48,161

$

6,515

2021

 

45,152

 

6,510

2022

 

45,295

 

6,661

2023

 

45,498

 

6,843

2024

 

45,696

 

7,057

2025 - 2029

 

228,701

 

38,483

 

The table below presents a breakdown of the plans’ assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

 

 

Pension Plans

 

OPEB Plan

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

Current liabilities

$

227

$

225

$

6,456

$

8,007

Non-current liabilities

 

52,389

 

68,510

 

162,225

 

145,408

 

Savings plans

The Corporation also provides defined contribution savings plans pursuant to Section 1081.01(d) of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code and Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, as applicable, for substantially all the employees of the Corporation. Investments in the plans are participant-directed, and employer matching contributions are determined based on the specific provisions of each plan. Employees are fully vested in the employer’s contribution after five years of service. The cost of providing these benefits in the year ended December 31, 2019 was $15.1 million (2018 - $12.7 million, 2017 - $10 million).

The plans held 1,378,048 (2018 – 1,490,253) shares of common stock of the Corporation with a market value of approximately $81 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $70.4 million).

232


 

Note 33 – Net income per common share

The following table sets forth the computation of net income per common share (“EPS”), basic and diluted, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

 

(In thousands, except per share information)

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Net income from continuing operations

 

$

671,135

$

618,158

$

107,681

Preferred stock dividends

 

 

(3,723)

 

(3,723)

 

(3,723)

Net income applicable to common stock

 

$

667,412

$

614,435

$

103,958

Average common shares outstanding

 

 

96,848,835

 

101,142,258

 

101,966,429

Average potential dilutive common shares

 

 

148,965

 

166,385

 

78,907

Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution

 

 

96,997,800

 

101,308,643

 

102,045,336

Basic EPS from continuing operations

 

$

6.89

$

6.07

$

1.02

Total Basic EPS

 

$

6.89

$

6.07

$

1.02

Diluted EPS from continuing operations

 

$

6.88

$

6.06

$

1.02

Total Diluted EPS

 

$

6.88

$

6.06

$

1.02

 

As disclosed in Note 22, as of December 31, 2019, the Corporation completed a $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction (“ASR”) and, in connection therewith, received an initial delivery of 3,500,000 shares of common stock during the first quarter of 2019 and 1,165,607 additional shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2019. The final number of shares delivered at settlement was based on the average daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of its common stock, net of a discount, during the term of the ASR, which amounted to $53.58.

 

Potential common shares consist of common stock issuable under the assumed exercise of stock options, restricted stock and performance shares awards using the treasury stock method. This method assumes that the potential common shares are issued and the proceeds from exercise, in addition to the amount of compensation cost attributed to future services, are used to purchase common stock at the exercise date. The difference between the number of potential shares issued and the shares purchased is added as incremental shares to the actual number of shares outstanding to compute diluted earnings per share. Warrants, stock options, restricted stock and performance shares awards, if any, that result in lower potential 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 in earnings per common share.

233


 

Note 34 – Revenue from contracts with customers

The following table presents the Corporation’s revenue streams from contracts with customers by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

2018

2017

 

 

 

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

 

BPPR

 

Popular U.S.

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

$

146,384

$

14,549

$

137,062

$

13,615

$

140,342

$

13,367

Other service fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debit card fees

 

 

46,066

 

1,076

 

45,139

 

1,035

 

41,851

 

870

 

Insurance fees, excluding reinsurance

 

 

42,995

 

3,803

 

33,951

 

3,667

 

31,030

 

3,060

 

Credit card fees, excluding late fees and membership fees

 

 

86,884

 

866

 

74,609

 

921

 

56,938

 

890

 

Sale and administration of investment products

 

 

23,072

 

-

 

21,895

 

-

 

21,958

 

-

 

Trust fees

 

 

21,198

 

-

 

20,351

 

-

 

20,408

 

-

Total revenue from contracts with customers

[1]

$

366,599

$

20,294

$

333,007

$

19,238

$

312,527

$

18,187

[1] The amounts include intersegment transactions of $ 3.8 million, $ 3.2 million and $ 3.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when, or as, the performance obligations are satisfied by the Corporation by transferring the promised services to the customers. A service is transferred to the customer when, or as, the customer obtains control of that service. A performance obligation may be satisfied over time or at a point in time. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied over time is recognized based on the services that have been rendered to date. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point in time is recognized when the customer obtains control over the service. The transaction price, or the amount of revenue recognized, reflects the consideration the Corporation expects to be entitled to in exchange for those promised services. In determining the transaction price, the Corporation considers the effects of variable consideration. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur. The Corporation is the principal in a transaction if it obtains control of the specified goods or services before they are transferred to the customer. If the Corporation acts as principal, revenues are presented in the gross amount of consideration to which it expects to be entitled and are not netted with any related expenses. On the other hand, the Corporation is an agent if it does not control the specified goods or services before they are transferred to the customer. If the Corporation acts as an agent, revenues are presented in the amount of consideration to which it expects to be entitled, net of related expenses.

 

Following is a description of the nature and timing of revenue streams from contracts with customers:

 

Service charges on deposit accounts

Service charges on deposit accounts are earned on retail and commercial deposit activities and include, but are not limited to, nonsufficient fund fees, overdraft fees and checks stop payment fees. These transaction-based fees are recognized at a point in time, upon occurrence of an activity or event or upon the occurrence of a condition which triggers the fee assessment. The Corporation is acting as principal in these transactions.

 

Debit card fees

Debit card fees include, but are not limited to, interchange fees, surcharging income and foreign transaction fees. These transaction-based fees are recognized at a point in time, upon occurrence of an activity or event or upon the occurrence of a condition which triggers the fee assessment. Interchange fees are recognized upon settlement of the debit card payment transactions. The Corporation is acting as principal in these transactions.

 

Insurance fees

Insurance fees include, but are not limited to, commissions and contingent commissions. Commissions and fees are recognized when related policies are effective since the Corporation does not have an enforceable right to payment for services completed to date. An allowance is created for expected adjustments to commissions earned related to policy cancellations. Contingent commissions are recorded on an accrual basis when the amount to be received is notified by the insurance company. The

234


 

Corporation is acting as an agent since it arranges for the sale of the policies and receives commissions if, and when, it achieves the sale.

 

Credit card fees

Credit card fees include, but are not limited to, interchange fees, additional card fees, cash advance fees, balance transfer fees, foreign transaction fees, and returned payments fees. Credit card fees are recognized at a point in time, upon the occurrence of an activity or an event. Interchange fees are recognized upon settlement of the credit card payment transactions. The Corporation is acting as principal in these transactions.

 

Sale and administration of investment products

Fees from the sale and administration of investment products include, but are not limited to, commission income from the sale of investment products, asset management fees, underwriting fees, and mutual fund fees.

 

Commission income from investment products is recognized on the trade date since clearing, trade execution, and custody services are satisfied when the customer acquires or disposes of the rights to obtain the economic benefits of the investment products and brokerage contracts have no fixed duration and are terminable at will by either party. The Corporation is acting as principal in these transactions since it performs the service of providing the customer with the ability to acquire or dispose of the rights to obtain the economic benefits of investment products.

 

Asset management fees are satisfied over time and are recognized in arrears. At contract inception, the estimate of the asset management fee is constrained from the inclusion in the transaction price since the promised consideration is dependent on the market and thus is highly susceptible to factors outside the manager’s influence. As advisor, the broker-dealer subsidiary is acting as principal.

 

Underwriting fees are recognized at a point in time, when the investment products are sold in the open market at a markup. When the broker-dealer subsidiary is lead underwriter, it is acting as an agent. In turn, when it is a participating underwriter, it is acting as principal.

 

Mutual fund fees, such as distribution fees, are considered variable consideration and are recognized over time, as the uncertainty of the fees to be received is resolved as NAV is determined and investor activity occurs. The promise to provide distribution-related services is considered a single performance obligation as it requires the provision of a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer. When the broker-dealer subsidiary is acting as a distributor, it is acting as principal. In turn, when it acts as third-party dealer, it is acting as an agent.

 

Trust fees

Trust fees are recognized from retirement plan, mutual fund administration, investment management, trustee, escrow, and custody and safekeeping services. These asset management services are considered a single performance obligation as it requires the provision of a series of distinct services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer. The performance obligation is satisfied over time, except for optional services and certain other services that are satisfied at a point in time. Revenues are recognized in arrears, when, or as, the services are rendered. The Corporation is acting as principal since, as asset manager, it has the obligation to provide the specified service to the customer and has the ultimate discretion in establishing the fee paid by the customer for the specified services.

235


 

Note 35 – Leases

The Corporation enters in the ordinary course of business into operating and finance leases for land, buildings and equipment. These contracts generally do not include purchase options or residual value guarantees. The remaining lease terms of 0.1 to 34.0years considers options to extend the leases for up to 20.0 years. The Corporation identifies leases when it has both the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset.

The Corporation recognizes right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) and lease liabilities related to operating and finance leases in its Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition under the caption of other assets and other liabilities, respectively. Refer to Note 15 and Note 21, respectively, for information on the balances of these lease assets and liabilities.

The Corporation uses the incremental borrowing rate for purposes of discounting lease payments for operating and finance leases, since it does not have enough information to determine the rates implicit in the leases. The discount rates are based on fixed-rate and fully amortizing borrowing facilities of its banking subsidiaries that are collateralized. For leases held by non-banking subsidiaries, a credit spread is added to this rate based on financing transactions with a similar credit risk profile.

The following table presents the undiscounted cash flows of operating and finance leases for each of the following periods:

(In thousands)

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

2023

 

2024

 

Later Years

 

Total Lease Payments

 

Less: Imputed Interest

 

Total

Operating Leases

$

29,872

$

27,445

$

23,540

$

21,257

$

20,176

$

70,842

$

193,132

$

(27,993)

$

165,139

Finance Leases

 

3,068

 

3,159

 

3,252

 

3,349

 

3,448

 

8,220

 

24,496

 

(4,686)

 

19,810

 

At December 31, 2018, operating lease commitments under lessee arrangements were $33.4 million, $29.5 million, $26.9 million, $23.3 million, $21.1 million for 2019 through 2023, respectively, and $77.9 million in the aggregate for all years thereafter. The following table presents the lease cost recognized by the Corporation in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:

 

 

 

 

Year ended

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

Finance lease cost:

 

 

 

Amortization of ROU assets

$

1,701

 

Interest on lease liabilities

 

1,194

Operating lease cost

 

30,664

Short-term lease cost

 

252

Variable lease cost

 

97

Sublease income

 

(113)

Total lease cost

$

33,795

 

 

Total rental expense for all operating leases, except those with terms of a month or less that were not renewed, for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $31.2 million (2017 - $32.1 million), which is included in net occupancy, equipment and communication expenses, according to their nature. Total amortization and interest expense for capital leases for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $1.5 million (2017 - $1.3 million) and $1.2 million (2017 - $1.2 million), respectively.

 

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information and other related information related to operating and finance leases.

236


 

 

 

 

 

Year ended

(Dollars in thousands)

 

December 31, 2019

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Operating cash flows from operating leases

$

30,073

 

Operating cash flows from finance leases

 

1,200

 

Financing cash flows from finance leases

 

1,726

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations:

 

 

 

Operating leases

$

28,430

 

Finance leases

 

661

Weighted-average remaining lease term:

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

8.7

years

 

Finance leases

 

7.3

years

Weighted-average discount rate:

 

 

 

 

Operating leases

 

3.4

%

 

Finance leases

 

5.9

%

 

As of December 31, 2019, the Corporation has additional operating leases contracts that have not yet commenced with an undiscounted contract amount of $3.8 million, which will have lease terms ranging from 10 to 20 years.

237


 

Note 36 – FDIC loss share income (expense)

On May 22, 2018, the Corporation entered into a Termination Agreement with the FDIC to terminate all loss-share arrangements in connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction. Refer to Note 10 for additional information of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC. The caption of FDIC loss-share income (expense) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of the following major categories:

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2018

 

2017

Amortization

$

(934)

$

(469)

80% mirror accounting on credit impairment losses

 

104

 

3,136

80% mirror accounting on reimbursable expenses

 

537

 

2,454

80% mirror accounting on recoveries on covered assets, including rental income

 

 

 

 

 

on OREOs, subject to reimbursement to the FDIC

 

(1,658)

 

2,405

Change in true-up payment obligation

 

(6,112)

 

(11,700)

Gain on FDIC loss-share Termination Agreement[1]

 

102,752

 

-

Other

 

36

 

(5,892)

Total FDIC loss share income (expense)

$

94,725

$

(10,066)

[1] Refer to Note 10 for additional information of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC.

238


 

Note 37 - Stock-based compensation

Incentive Plan

The Popular, Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) permits the issuance of several types of stock based compensation for employees and directors of the Corporation and/or any of its subsidiaries. Participants in the Incentive Plan are designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (or its delegate as determined by the Board). Under the Incentive Plan, the Corporation has issued restricted stock and performance shares for its employees and restricted stock and restricted stock units (“RSU”) to its directors.

 

The restricted shares for employees, will become vested based on the employees’ continued service with Popular. Unless otherwise stated in an agreement, the compensation cost associated with the shares of restricted stock is determined based on a two-prong vesting schedule. The first part is vested ratably over five years commencing at the date of grant (the “graduated vesting portion”) and the second part is vested at termination of employment after attaining 55 years of age and 10 years of service (the “retirement vesting portion”). The graduated vesting portion is accelerated at termination of employment after attaining 55 years of age and 10 years of service. The vesting schedule for restricted shares granted on or after 2014 was modified as follows, the first part is vested ratably over four years commencing at the date of the grant (the “graduated vesting portion”) and the second part is vested at termination of employment after attaining the earlier of 55 years of age and 10 years of service or 60 years of age and 5 years of service (the “retirement vesting portion”). The graduated vesting portion is accelerated at termination of employment after attaining the earlier of 55 years of age and 10 years of service or 60 years of age and 5 years of service.

 

The performance share awards consist of the opportunity to receive shares of Popular, Inc.’s common stock provided that the Corporation achieves certain goals during a three-year performance cycle. The goals will be based on two metrics weighted equally: the Relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and the Absolute Earnings per Share (“EPS”) goals. The TSR metric is considered to be a market condition under ASC 718. For equity settled awards based on a market condition, the fair value is determined as of the grant date and is not subsequently revised based on actual performance. The EPS performance metric is considered to be a performance condition under ASC 718. The fair value is determined based on the probability of achieving the EPS goal as of each reporting period. The TSR and EPS metrics are equally weighted and work independently. The number of shares that will ultimately vest ranges from 50% to a 150% of target based on both market (TSR) and performance (EPS) conditions. The performance shares vest at the end of the three-year performance cycle. If a participant terminate employment after attaining the earlier of 55 years of age and 10 years of service or 60 years of age and 5 years of service, the performance shares shall continue outstanding and vest at the end of the performance cycle.

 

The following table summarizes the restricted stock and performance shares activity under the Incentive Plan for members of management.

 

 

(Not in thousands)

Shares

 

Weighted-average grant date fair value

Non-vested at January 1, 2017

383,982

$

26.35

Granted

212,200

 

42.57

Performance Shares Quantity Adjustment

(232,989)

 

29.10

Vested

(67,853)

 

48.54

Non-vested at December 31, 2017

295,340

$

30.75

Granted

239,062

 

45.81

Performance Shares Quantity Adjustment

234,076

 

33.09

Vested

(372,271)

 

35.83

Forfeited

(14,021)

 

37.35

Non-vested at December 31, 2018

382,186

$

36.41

Granted

218,169

 

55.55

Performance Shares Quantity Adjustment

15,061

 

55.72

Vested

(270,051)

 

44.73

Non-vested at December 31, 2019

345,365

$

41.68

 

239


 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, 152,773 shares of restricted stock (2018 - 166,648; 2017 - 138,516) were awarded to management under the Incentive Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2019, 65,396 performance shares (2018 - 72,414; 2017 - 73,684) were awarded to management under the Incentive Plan.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized $7.7 million of restricted stock expense related to management incentive awards, with a tax benefit of $1.2 million (2018 - $6.9 million, with a tax benefit of $1.1 million; 2017 - $5.6 million, with a tax benefit of $1.1 million). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the fair market value of the restricted stock vested was $13.7 million at grant date and $18.9 million at vesting date. This triggers a windfall of $1.9 million that was recorded as a reduction on income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2019 the Corporation recognized $4.6 million of performance shares expense, with a tax benefit of $0.3 million (2018 - $5.6 million, with a tax benefit of $0.4 million; 2017 - $1.2 million, with a tax benefit of $0.1 million). The total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards to members of management at December 31, 2019 was $8.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years.

The following table summarizes the restricted stock and RSU activity under the Incentive Plan for members of the Board of Directors:

 

(Not in thousands)

Restricted stock

 

Weighted-average grant date fair value

RSU

 

Weighted-average grant date fair value

Non-vested at January 1, 2017

-

 

-

-

 

-

Granted

25,771

$

38.42

-

$

-

Vested

(25,771)

 

38.42

-

 

-

Forfeited

-

 

-

-

 

-

Non-vested at December 31, 2017

-

 

-

-

 

-

Granted

25,159

$

46.71

-

$

-

Vested

(25,159)

 

46.71

-

 

-

Forfeited

-

 

-

-

 

-

Non-vested at December 31, 2018

-

 

-

-

 

-

Granted

1,052

$

49.25

27,449

$

57.64

Vested

(1,052)

 

49.25

(27,449)

 

57.64

Forfeited

-

 

-

-

 

-

Non-vested at December 31, 2019

-

 

-

-

 

-

240


 

Effective on May 2019, all equity awards granted to the directors may be paid in either restricted stocks or RSU, at the directors’ election. For the year 2019, all directors elected RSU. The directors’ equity awards will vest and become non-forfeitable on the grant date of such award. At the director’s option, the shares of common stocks underlying the RSU award shall be delivered to the director after its retirement, either on a fix date or in annual installments. To the extent that cash dividends are paid on the Corporation’s outstanding common stocks, the director will receive an additional number of RSU that reflect reinvested dividend equivalent.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation granted 1,052 shares of restricted stock to members of the Board of Directors of Popular, Inc. (2018 - 25,159; 2017 – 25,771) and 27,449 RSUs were granted to members of the Board of Directors of Popular, Inc., which became vested at grant date. No RSU were granted to the members of the Board of Directors of Popular, Inc. for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. During 2019, the Corporation recognized $52 thousand of restricted stock expense related to these restricted stock grants, with a tax benefit of $6 thousand (2018 - $1.6 million, with a tax benefit of $0.2 million; 2017 - $1.3 million, with a tax benefit of $0.1 million) and $1.6 million of restricted stock expense related to these RSU, with a tax benefit of $0.2 million. No restricted stock expense was recognized for years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 related to RSU. The fair value at vesting date of the restricted stock shares and RSU vested during the year ended December 31, 2019 for directors was $52 thousand and $1.6 million respectively.

 

 

241


 

Note 38 – Income taxes

The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, are summarized in the following table.

 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Current income tax (benefit) expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico

$

2,251

$

126,700

$

17,356

Federal and States

 

3,598

 

6,841

 

6,046

Subtotal

 

5,849

 

133,541

 

23,402

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico

 

123,337

 

(62,601)

 

31,132

Federal and States

 

17,995

 

20,953

 

7,938

Adjustment for enacted changes in income tax laws

 

-

 

27,686

 

168,358

Subtotal

 

141,332

 

(13,962)

 

207,428

Total income tax expense

$

147,181

$

119,579

$

230,830

 

The reasons for the difference between the income tax expense applicable to income before provision for income taxes and the amount computed by applying the statutory tax rate in Puerto Rico were as follows:

 

 

 

 

2019

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

(In thousands)

 

Amount

% of pre-tax income

 

 

Amount

% of pre-tax income

 

 

Amount

% of pre-tax income

 

Computed income tax at statutory rates

$

306,869

38

%

$

287,717

39

%

$

132,020

39

%

Benefit of net tax exempt interest income

 

(145,597)

(18)

 

 

(97,199)

(13)

 

 

(76,815)

(23)

 

Effect of income subject to preferential tax rate[1]

 

(9,562)

(1)

 

 

(111,738)

(15)

 

 

(13,104)

(4)

 

Deferred tax asset valuation allowance

 

16,992

2

 

 

27,336

4

 

 

20,882

6

 

Difference in tax rates due to multiple jurisdictions

 

(12,888)

(2)

 

 

(16,324)

(3)

 

 

(2,217)

(1)

 

Adjustment in net deferred tax due to change in the applicable tax rate

 

(6,559)

(1)

 

 

27,686

4

 

 

168,358

50

 

Unrecognized tax benefits

 

-

-

 

 

(1,621)

-

 

 

(1,185)

-

 

State and local taxes

 

4,749

1

 

 

8,772

1

 

 

4,123

1

 

Others

 

(6,823)

(1)

 

 

(5,050)

(1)

 

 

(1,232)

-

 

Income tax expense

$

147,181

18

%

$

119,579

16

%

$

230,830

68

%

[1] For the year ended December 31,2018, includes the impact of the Tax Closing Agreement entered into in connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted Transaction.

 

For the year ended December 31,2019, the Corporation recorded income tax expense of $147.2 million, compared to $119.6 million for the previous year. The results for the year 2019 include an income tax benefit of approximately $26 million related to a revision of the amount of exempt income earned in prior years and certain adjustments pertaining to tax periods for which the statute of limitations had expired.

 

Income tax expense of $119.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 reflects the impact of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC. In June 2012, the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury and the Corporation entered into a Tax Closing Agreement (the “Tax Closing Agreement”) to clarify the tax treatment related to the loans acquired in the FDIC Transaction in accordance with the provisions of the Puerto Rico Tax Code. The Tax Closing Agreement provides that these loans are capital assets and any principal amount collected in excess of the amount paid for such loans will be taxed as a capital gain. The Tax Closing Agreement further provides that the Corporation’s tax liability upon the termination of the Shared-Loss Agreements be calculated based on the “deemed sale” of the underlying loans. As a result, in connection with the Termination Agreement with the FDIC, the Corporation recognized an additional income tax expense of $49.8 million associated with the “deemed sale” incremental tax liability at the capital gains rate per the Tax Closing Agreement. In addition, the Corporation recognized an income tax benefit of $158.7 million related to the increase in deferred tax assets due to increase in the tax basis of the loans as a result of the “deemed sale” for a net

242


 

tax benefit of $108.9 million. Also, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of $45.0 million related to the gain resulting from the Termination Agreement, mainly related to the reversal of net deferred tax liability of the true-up payment obligation and the FDIC Loss Share Asset.

 

On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law Act No. 257 of 2018, which amended the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code to, among other things, reduce the Puerto Rico corporate income tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. The Corporation recognized $27.7 million of income tax expense as a result of a reduction in the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset related to its Puerto Rico operations, due to aforementioned reduction in tax rate at which it expects to realize the benefit of the deferred tax asset.

 

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 at December 31 were as follows:

243


 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

 

PR

 

US

 

Total

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax credits available for carryforward

$

2,368

$

5,269

$

7,637

Net operating loss and other carryforward available

 

112,803

 

716,796

 

829,599

Postretirement and pension benefits

 

82,623

 

-

 

82,623

Deferred loan origination fees

 

2,519

 

(2,759)

 

(240)

Allowance for loan losses

 

405,475

 

10,981

 

416,456

Accelerated depreciation

 

3,439

 

4,914

 

8,353

FDIC-assisted transaction

 

82,684

 

-

 

82,684

Intercompany deferred gains

 

1,604

 

-

 

1,604

Lease liability

 

22,694

 

23,387

 

46,081

Difference in outside basis from pass-through entities

 

21,670

 

-

 

21,670

Other temporary differences

 

26,554

 

7,460

 

34,014

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

 

764,433

 

766,048

 

1,530,481

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indefinite-lived intangibles

 

37,411

 

36,058

 

73,469

Unrealized net gain (loss) on trading and available-for-sale securities

 

15,635

 

432

 

16,067

Right of use assets

 

20,598

 

21,430

 

42,028

Other temporary differences

 

12,778

 

1,179

 

13,957

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

 

86,422

 

59,099

 

145,521

Valuation allowance

 

100,175

 

399,800

 

499,975

Net deferred tax asset

$

577,836

$

307,149

$

884,985

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

(In thousands)

 

PR

 

US

 

Total

Deferred tax assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax credits available for carryforward

$

15,900

$

7,757

$

23,657

Net operating loss and other carryforward available

 

116,154

 

720,933

 

837,087

Postretirement and pension benefits

 

83,390

 

-

 

83,390

Deferred loan origination fees

 

3,216

 

(1,280)

 

1,936

Allowance for loan losses

 

516,643

 

18,612

 

535,255

Deferred gains

 

-

 

2,551

 

2,551

Accelerated depreciation

 

1,963

 

5,786

 

7,749

FDIC-assisted transaction

 

95,851

 

-

 

95,851

Intercompany deferred gains

 

1,518

 

-

 

1,518

Difference in outside basis from pass-through entities

 

20,209

 

-

 

20,209

Other temporary differences

 

24,957

 

7,522

 

32,479

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

 

879,801

 

761,881

 

1,641,682

Deferred tax liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indefinite-lived intangibles

 

34,081

 

39,597

 

73,678

Unrealized net gain (loss) on trading and available-for-sale securities

 

23,823

 

(12,783)

 

11,040

Other temporary differences

 

10,579

 

1,109

 

11,688

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

 

68,483

 

27,923

 

96,406

Valuation allowance

 

89,852

 

406,455

 

496,307

Net deferred tax asset

$

721,466

$

327,503

$

1,048,969

244


 

The net deferred tax asset shown in the table above at December 31, 2019 is reflected in the consolidated statements of financial condition as $0.9 billion in net deferred tax assets (in the “other assets” caption) (2018 - $1.0 billion in deferred tax asset in the “other assets” caption) and $1.4 million in deferred tax liabilities (in the “other liabilities” caption) (2018 - $926 thousands in deferred tax liabilities in the “other liabilities” caption), reflecting the aggregate deferred tax assets or liabilities of individual tax-paying subsidiaries of the Corporation.

Included as part of the other carryforwards available are $29 million related to contributions to BPPR’s qualified pension plan that have no expiration date. Additionally, the deferred tax asset related to the NOLs outstanding at December 31, 2019 expires as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

2020

$

492

2021

 

16

2022

 

396

2024

 

9,181

2025

 

13,516

2026

 

13,403

2027

 

22,343

2028

 

324,569

2029

 

110,075

2030

 

100,017

2031

 

94,332

2032

 

16,801

2033

 

2,945

2034

 

81,253

2037

 

7,489

2038

 

1,642

2039

 

2,104

 

$

800,574

 

 

A deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation allowance if based on the weight of all available evidence, it is more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The valuation allowance should be sufficient to reduce the deferred tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. At December 31, 2019 the net deferred tax asset of the U.S. operations amounted to $707 million with a valuation allowance of approximately $400 million, for a net deferred tax asset after valuation allowance of approximately $307 million. As of December 31, 2019, after weighting all positive and negative evidence, the Corporation concluded that it is more likely than not that approximately $307 million of the deferred tax asset from the U.S. operations, comprised mainly of net operating losses, will be realized. The Corporation based this determination on its estimated earnings available to realize the deferred tax asset for the remaining carryforward period, together with the historical level of book income adjusted by permanent differences. Management will continue to evaluate the realization of the deferred tax asset each quarter and adjust as any changes arise.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s net deferred tax assets related to its Puerto Rico operations amounted to $578 million.

The Corporation’s Puerto Rico Banking operation is not in a cumulative loss position and has sustained profitability for the three year period ended December 31, 2019. This is considered a strong piece of objectively verifiable positive evidence that out weights any negative evidence considered by management in the evaluation of the realization of the deferred tax asset. Based on this evidence and management’s estimate of future taxable income, the Corporation has concluded that it is more likely than not that such net deferred tax asset of the Puerto Rico Banking operations will be realized.

245


 

The Holding Company operation is in a cumulative loss position, taking into account taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences, for the three years period ending December 31, 2019. Management expect these losses will be a trend in future years. This objectively verifiable negative evidence is considered by management a strong negative evidence that will suggest that income in future years will be insufficient to support the realization of all deferred tax asset. After weighting of all positive and negative evidence management concluded, as of the reporting date, that it is more likely than not that the Holding Company will not be able to realize any portion of the deferred tax assets, considering the criteria of ASC Topic 740. Accordingly, the Corporation has maintained a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset of $100 million as of December 2019.

Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns. However, certain subsidiaries that are organized as limited liability companies with a partnership election are treated as pass-through entities for Puerto Rico tax purposes. The Code provides a dividends-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’s subsidiaries in the United States file a consolidated federal income tax return. The intercompany settlement of taxes paid is based on tax sharing agreements which generally allocate taxes to each entity based on a separate return basis.

The following table presents a reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits.

 

(In millions)

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2018

$

7.3

Additions for tax positions related to 2018

 

1.1

Reduction as a result of lapse of statute of limitations

 

(1.2)

Balance at December 31, 2018

$

7.2

Additions for tax positions related to prior years [1]

 

9.1

Balance at December 31, 2019

$

16.3

[1]

The Corporation recorded a deferred tax asset of $8.7 million associated with the unrecognized tax benefit. Since the uncertainty of the tax position is related to the timing of the tax benefit, it met the more likely than not standard of ASC 740-10-25-6.

 

At December 31, 2019, the total amount of interest recognized in the statement of financial condition approximated $3.5 million (2018 - $2.8 million). The total interest expense recognized during 2019 was $664 thousand (2018 - $615 thousand net of the reduction of $483 thousand due to the expiration of the statute of limitations). Management determined that, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was no need to accrue for the payment of penalties. The Corporation’s policy is to report interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense, while the penalties, if any, are reported in other operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

After consideration of the effect on U.S. federal tax of unrecognized U.S. state tax benefits, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including U.S. and Puerto Rico that, if recognized, would affect the Corporation’s effective tax rate, was approximately $10.5 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $9.0 million).

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, status of examinations, litigation and legislative activity, and the addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in Puerto Rico, the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. states and political subdivisions, and foreign jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2019, the following years remain subject to examination in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction – 2016 and thereafter and in the Puerto Rico jurisdiction – 2014 and thereafter. The Corporation anticipates a reduction in the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months, which could amount to approximately $2.1 million.

246


 

Note 39 – Supplemental disclosure on the consolidated statements of cash flows

Additional disclosures on cash flow information and non-cash activities for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are listed in the following table:

 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Income taxes paid

$

14,461

$

4,116

$

2,433

Interest paid

 

369,383

 

296,757

 

221,432

Non-cash activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans transferred to other real estate

 

67,056

 

47,965

 

82,035

Loans transferred to other property

 

53,286

 

43,645

 

27,407

Total loans transferred to foreclosed assets

 

120,342

 

91,610

 

109,442

Loans transferred to other assets

 

16,503

 

16,843

 

7,514

Financed sales of other real estate assets

 

15,907

 

16,779

 

11,237

Financed sales of other foreclosed assets

 

30,840

 

17,867

 

8,435

Total financed sales of foreclosed assets

 

46,747

 

34,646

 

19,672

Transfers from loans held-in-portfolio to loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

2,472

Transfers from loans held-for-sale to loans held-in-portfolio

 

7,829

 

20,938

 

1,705

Loans securitized into investment securities[1]

 

458,758

 

506,685

 

462,033

Trades receivables from brokers and counterparties

 

39,364

 

40,088

 

7,514

Trades payable to brokers and counterparties

 

4,084

 

64

 

2

Receivables from investments securities

 

-

 

70,000

 

70,000

Recognition of mortgage servicing rights on securitizations or asset transfers

 

9,143

 

10,223

 

7,661

Interest capitalized on loans subject to the temporary payment moratorium

 

-

 

481

 

46,944

Loans booked under the GNMA buy-back option

 

72,480

 

384,371

 

790,942

Capitalization of Right of Use Assets

 

189,097

 

-

 

-

Gain from the FDIC Termination Agreement

 

-

 

102,752

 

-

[1]

Includes loans securitized into trading securities and subsequently sold before year end.

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and due from banks, and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

 

 

 

 

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Cash and due from banks

$

361,705

$

353,936

$

381,289

Restricted cash and due from banks

 

26,606

 

40,099

 

21,568

Restricted cash in money market investments

 

6,012

 

9,216

 

9,772

Total cash and due from banks, and restricted cash[2]

$

394,323

$

403,251

$

412,629

[2]

Refer to Note 5 - Restrictions on cash and due from banks and certain securities for nature of restrictions.

247


 

Note 40 – Segment reporting

The Corporation’s corporate structure consists of two reportable segments – Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and Popular U.S.

Management determined the reportable segments based on the internal reporting used to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. The segments were determined based on the organizational structure, which focuses primarily on the markets the segments serve, as well as on the products and services offered by the segments.

 

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico:

Given that Banco Popular de Puerto Rico constitutes a significant portion of the Corporation’s results of operations and total assets at December 31, 2019, additional disclosures are provided for the business areas included in this reportable segment, as described below:

 

 

Commercial banking represents the Corporation’s banking operations conducted at BPPR, which are targeted mainly to corporate, small and middle size businesses. It includes aspects of the lending and depository businesses, as well as other finance and advisory services. BPPR allocates funds across business areas based on duration matched transfer pricing at market rates. This area also incorporates income related with the investment of excess funds, as well as a proportionate share of the investment function of BPPR.

 

Consumer and retail banking represents the branch banking operations of BPPR which focus on retail clients. It includes the consumer lending business operations of BPPR, as well as the lending operations of Popular Auto and Popular Mortgage. Popular Auto focuses on auto and lease financing, while Popular Mortgage focuses principally on residential mortgage loan originations. During 2018, the Reliable brand was transferred to Popular, Inc. and is being used by Popular Auto. The consumer and retail banking area also incorporates income related with the investment of excess funds from the branch network, as well as a proportionate share of the investment function of BPPR.

 

Other financial services include the trust and asset management service units of BPPR, the brokerage and investment banking operations of Popular Securities, and the insurance agency and reinsurance businesses of Popular Insurance, Popular Insurance V.I., Popular Risk Services, and Popular Life Re. Most of the services that are provided by these subsidiaries generate profits based on fee income. Popular Insurance V.I. was dissolved on December 31, 2018.

 

Popular U.S.:

Popular U.S. reportable segment consists of the banking operations of Popular Bank (PB) and Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A. PB operates through a retail branch network in the U.S. mainland under the name of Popular. Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A. offers investment and insurance services across the PB branch network.

 

The Corporate group consists primarily of the holding companies Popular, Inc., Popular North America, Popular International Bank and certain of the Corporation’s investments accounted for under the equity method, including EVERTEC and Centro Financiero BHD, León.

 

The accounting policies of the individual operating segments are the same as those of the Corporation. Transactions between reportable segments are primarily conducted at market rates, resulting in profits that are eliminated for reporting consolidated results of operations.

 

Effective on January 1, 2019, the Corporation’s management changed the measurement basis for its reportable segments. Historically, for management reporting purposes, the Corporation had reversed the effect of the intercompany billings from Popular Inc., holding company, to its subsidiaries for certain services or expenses incurred on their behalf. In addition, the Corporation used to reflect an income tax expense allocation for several of its subsidiaries which are Limited Liability Companies (“LLCs”) and had made an election to be treated as a pass through entities for income tax purposes. The Corporation’s management has determined to discontinue making these adjustments, effective on January 1, 2019, for purposes of its management and reportable segment reporting. The Corporation reflected these changes in the measurement of the reportable segments’ results prospectively beginning on January 1, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the intercompany billings from Popular, Inc to Banco Popular de Puerto Rico amounted to $78.3 million (2017 - $66.4 million) and to the Popular U.S. reportable segments amounted to $12.5 million (2017 - $10.3 million).

248


 

 

The tables that follow present the results of operations and total assets by reportable segments:

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

Banco Popular

 

 

 

Intersegment

(In thousands)

 

 

 

de Puerto Rico

 

Popular U.S.

 

Eliminations

Net interest income

 

 

$

1,633,950

$

295,470

$

(51)

Provision for loan losses

 

 

 

135,495

 

30,028

 

-

Non-interest income

 

 

 

506,739

 

23,160

 

(561)

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

8,610

 

664

 

-

Depreciation expense

 

 

 

49,058

 

8,263

 

-

Other operating expenses

 

 

 

1,208,458

 

205,219

 

(547)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

129,145

 

19,164

 

-

Net income

 

 

$

609,923

$

55,292

$

(65)

Segment assets

 

 

$

41,756,864

$

10,056,316

$

(18,576)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2019

 

 

Reportable

 

 

 

 

 

Total

(In thousands)

 

Segments

 

Corporate

 

Eliminations

 

Popular, Inc.

Net interest income (expense)

$

1,929,369

$

(37,675)

$

-

$

1,891,694

Provision for loan losses

 

165,523

 

256

 

-

 

165,779

Non-interest income

 

529,338

 

43,901

 

(3,356)

 

569,883

Amortization of intangibles

 

9,274

 

96

 

-

 

9,370

Depreciation expense

 

57,321

 

746

 

-

 

58,067

Other operating expenses

 

1,413,130

 

55

 

(3,140)

 

1,410,045

Income tax expense (expense)

 

148,309

 

(1,041)

 

(87)

 

147,181

Net income

$

665,150

$

6,114

$

(129)

$

671,135

Segment assets

$

51,794,604

$

5,228,276

$

(4,907,556)

$

52,115,324

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

Banco Popular

 

 

 

Intersegment

(In thousands)

 

 

 

de Puerto Rico

 

Popular U.S.

 

Eliminations

Net interest income

 

 

$

1,482,178

$

304,576

$

(2)

Provision for loan losses

 

 

 

198,442

 

29,881

 

-

Non-interest income

 

 

 

592,938

 

19,988

 

(560)

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

8,620

 

665

 

-

Depreciation expense

 

 

 

43,504

 

9,053

 

-

Other operating expenses

 

 

 

1,073,012

 

182,154

 

(546)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

121,195

 

25,294

 

-

Net income

 

 

$

630,343

$

77,517

$

(16)

Segment assets

 

 

$

38,037,696

$

9,381,636

$

(114,923)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

Reportable

 

 

 

 

 

Total

(In thousands)

 

Segments

 

Corporate

 

Eliminations

 

Popular, Inc.

Net interest income (expense)

$

1,786,752

$

(51,875)

$

-

$

1,734,877

Provision (reversal) for loan losses

 

228,323

 

(251)

 

-

 

228,072

Non-interest income

 

612,366

 

42,914

 

(2,786)

 

652,494

Amortization of intangibles

 

9,285

 

41

 

-

 

9,326

Depreciation expense

 

52,557

 

743

 

-

 

53,300

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

-

 

12,522

 

-

 

12,522

Other operating expenses

 

1,254,620

 

94,640

 

(2,846)

 

1,346,414

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

146,489

 

(26,947)

 

37

 

119,579

Net income (loss)

$

707,844

$

(89,709)

$

23

$

618,158

Segment assets

$

47,304,409

$

5,099,491

$

(4,799,323)

$

47,604,577

249


 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

Banco Popular

 

 

 

Intersegment

(In thousands)

 

 

 

de Puerto Rico

 

Popular U.S.

 

Eliminations

Net interest income

 

 

$

1,279,844

$

280,946

$

(217)

Provision for loan losses

 

 

 

253,032

 

77,944

 

-

Non-interest income

 

 

 

364,164

 

20,430

 

(572)

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

 

8,713

 

665

 

-

Depreciation expense

 

 

 

39,162

 

8,553

 

-

Other operating expenses

 

 

 

957,924

 

170,042

 

(551)

Income tax expense

 

 

 

72,741

 

191,749

 

(93)

Net income (loss)

 

 

$

312,436

$

(147,577)

$

(145)

Segment assets

 

 

$

34,843,668

$

9,168,256

$

(16,992)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

Reportable

 

 

 

 

 

Total

(In thousands)

 

Segments

 

Corporate

 

Eliminations

 

Popular, Inc.

Net interest income (expense)

$

1,560,573

$

(58,609)

$

-

$

1,501,964

Provision for loan losses

 

330,976

 

403

 

(5,955)

 

325,424

Non-interest income

 

384,022

 

37,949

 

(2,804)

 

419,167

Amortization of intangibles

 

9,378

 

-

 

-

 

9,378

Depreciation expense

 

47,715

 

649

 

-

 

48,364

Other operating expenses

 

1,127,415

 

74,731

 

(2,692)

 

1,199,454

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

264,397

 

(35,835)

 

2,268

 

230,830

Net income (loss)

$

164,714

$

(60,608)

$

3,575

$

107,681

Segment assets

$

43,994,932

$

5,046,153

$

(4,763,748)

$

44,277,337

250


 

Additional disclosures with respect to the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico reportable segment are as follows:

 

December 31, 2019

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

Consumer

 

Other

 

 

 

Total Banco

 

 

Commercial

 

and Retail

 

Financial

 

 

 

Popular de

(In thousands)

 

Banking

 

Banking

 

Services

 

Eliminations

 

Puerto Rico

Net interest income

$

619,926

$

1,009,196

$

4,828

$

-

$

1,633,950

Provision (reversal) for loan losses

 

(46,099)

 

181,594

 

-

 

-

 

135,495

Non-interest income

 

99,758

 

303,268

 

106,218

 

(2,505)

 

506,739

Amortization of intangibles

 

195

 

4,294

 

4,121

 

-

 

8,610

Depreciation expense

 

20,024

 

28,411

 

623

 

-

 

49,058

Other operating expenses

 

309,762

 

835,582

 

65,631

 

(2,517)

 

1,208,458

Income tax expense

 

104,636

 

11,999

 

12,510

 

-

 

129,145

Net income

$

331,166

$

250,584

$

28,161

$

12

$

609,923

Segment assets

$

34,340,842

$

23,976,004

$

380,557

$

(16,940,539)

$

41,756,864

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

Consumer

 

Other

 

Eliminations

 

Total Banco

 

 

Commercial

 

and Retail

 

Financial

 

and Other

 

Popular de

(In thousands)

 

Banking

 

Banking

 

Services

 

Adjustments [1]

 

Puerto Rico

Net interest income

$

584,293

$

892,735

$

5,201

$

(51)

$

1,482,178

Provision for loan losses

 

105,604

 

92,838

 

-

 

-

 

198,442

Non-interest income

 

84,762

 

311,775

 

95,199

 

101,202

 

592,938

Amortization of intangibles

 

208

 

4,275

 

4,137

 

-

 

8,620

Depreciation expense

 

17,668

 

25,222

 

614

 

-

 

43,504

Other operating expenses

 

276,158

 

718,990

 

71,344

 

6,520

 

1,073,012

Income tax expense

 

76,255

 

100,925

 

7,903

 

(63,888)

 

121,195

Net income

$

193,162

$

262,260

$

16,402

$

158,519

$

630,343

Segment assets

$

27,712,852

$

22,712,950

$

376,992

$

(12,765,098)

$

38,037,696

[1]

Includes the impact of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC and the Tax Closing Agreement entered into in connection with the FDIC transaction. These transactions resulted in a gain of $102.8 million reported in the non-interest income line, other operating expenses of $8.1 million and a net tax benefit of $63.9 million. Refer to Notes 10 and 38 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

251


 

December 31, 2017

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

Consumer

 

Other

 

 

 

Total Banco

 

 

Commercial

 

and Retail

 

Financial

 

 

 

Popular de

(In thousands)

 

Banking

 

Banking

 

Services

 

Eliminations

 

Puerto Rico

Net interest income

$

518,404

$

753,922

$

7,499

$

19

$

1,279,844

Provision for loan losses

 

8,911

 

244,121

 

-

 

-

 

253,032

Non-interest income

 

79,630

 

194,741

 

90,222

 

(429)

 

364,164

Amortization of intangibles

 

211

 

4,274

 

4,228

 

-

 

8,713

Depreciation expense

 

17,338

 

21,120

 

704

 

-

 

39,162

Other operating expenses

 

239,369

 

656,998

 

62,030

 

(473)

 

957,924

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

93,378

 

(31,404)

 

10,767

 

-

 

72,741

Net income

$

238,827

$

53,554

$

19,992

$

63

$

312,436

Segment assets

$

21,735,909

$

20,180,173

$

520,717

$

(7,593,131)

$

34,843,668

 

Geographic Information

 

The following information presents selected financial information based on the geographic location where the Corporation conducts its business. The banking operations of BPPR are primarily based in Puerto Rico, where it has the largest retail banking franchise. BPPR also conducts banking operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and New York. BPPR’s banking operations in the United States include E-loan, an online platform used to offer personal loans, co-branded credit cards offerings and an online deposit gathering platform. In the Virgin Islands, the BPPR segment offers banking products, including loans and deposits. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the BPPR segment generated approximately $55.7 million (2018 - $37.6 million, 2017 - $24.5 million) in revenues from its operations in the United States, including net interest income, service charges on deposit accounts and other service fees. In addition, the BPPR segment generated $47.6 million in revenues (2018 - $48.8 million, 2017 - $50.5 million) from its operations in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. At December 31, 2019, total assets for the BPPR segment related to its operations in the United States amounted to $635 million (2018 - $455 million) and total deposits amounted to $46 million (2018 - $92 million).

 

 

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

Revenues:[1]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Puerto Rico

$

2,016,089

$

1,953,671

$

1,527,758

 

 

United States

 

371,368

 

357,680

 

318,093

 

 

Other

 

74,120

 

76,020

 

75,280

 

Total consolidated revenues

$

2,461,577

$

2,387,371

$

1,921,131

 

[1]

Total revenues include net interest income, service charges on deposit accounts, other service fees, mortgage banking activities, net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities, other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities, net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities, net profit (loss) on trading account debt securities, net gain (loss) on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale, indemnity reserves on loans sold expense, FDIC loss-share income (expense) and other operating income.

252


 

Selected Balance Sheet Information

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Puerto Rico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

40,544,255

$

36,863,930

$

33,705,624

 

Loans

 

18,989,286

 

18,837,742

 

17,591,078

 

Deposits

 

34,664,243

 

31,237,529

 

27,575,292

United States

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

10,693,536

$

9,847,944

$

9,648,865

 

Loans

 

7,819,187

 

7,034,075

 

6,608,056

 

Deposits

 

7,664,792

 

6,878,599

 

6,635,153

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

$

877,533

$

892,703

$

922,848

 

Loans

 

657,603

 

687,494

 

743,329

 

Deposits [1]

 

1,429,571

 

1,593,911

 

1,243,063

[1]

Represents deposits from BPPR operations located in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

 

253


 

Note 41 - Popular, Inc. (holding company only) financial information

The following condensed financial information presents the financial position of Popular, Inc. Holding Company only at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

 

Condensed Statements of Condition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks (includes $56,008 due from bank subsidiary (2018 - $68,022))

$

55,956

$

68,022

Money market investments

 

221,598

 

176,256

Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (includes $8,726 in common securities from statutory trusts (2018 - $8,726))

 

8,726

 

8,726

Equity securities, at lower of cost or realizable value[1]

 

10,744

 

6,693

Investment in BPPR and subsidiaries, at equity

 

4,233,046

 

3,813,640

Investment in Popular North America and subsidiaries, at equity

 

1,749,518

 

1,648,577

Investment in other non-bank subsidiaries, at equity

 

260,501

 

241,902

Other loans

 

32,027

 

32,678

 

Less - Allowance for loan losses

 

410

 

155

Premises and equipment

 

3,893

 

3,394

Investment in equity method investees

 

75,739

 

62,781

Other assets (includes $4,353 due from subsidiaries and affiliate (2018 - $1,355))

 

25,087

 

20,281

Total assets

$

6,676,425

$

6,082,795

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Notes payable

$

586,119

$

584,851

Other liabilities (includes $2,109 due to subsidiaries and affiliate (2018 - $3,110))

 

73,596

 

62,799

Stockholders’ equity

 

6,016,710

 

5,435,145

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

6,676,425

$

6,082,795

[1] Refer to Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for information on the statutory trusts.

 

Condensed Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividends from subsidiaries

$

408,000

$

453,200

$

211,500

 

Interest income (includes $4,237 due from subsidiaries and affiliates (2018 - $6,121; 2017 - $3,183))

 

6,669

 

8,366

 

4,238

 

Earnings from investments in equity method investees

 

17,279

 

15,498

 

11,761

 

Other operating income

 

1

 

253

 

86

 

Net gain (loss), including impairment, on equity securities

 

988

 

(777)

 

-

 

Net gain on trading account debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

266

Total income

 

432,937

 

476,540

 

227,851

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

38,528

 

51,218

 

52,470

 

Provision (reversal) for loan losses

 

256

 

(251)

 

403

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

-

 

12,522

 

-

 

Operating expenses (includes expenses for services provided by subsidiaries and affiliate of $14,400 (2018 - $10,511 ; 2017 - $8,225)), net of reimbursement by subsidiaries for services provided by parent of $106,725 (2018 - $90,807 ; 2017 - $76,720)

 

80

 

3,656

 

(1,773)

Total expenses

 

38,864

 

67,145

 

51,100

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

 

394,073

 

409,395

 

176,751

Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries

 

277,062

 

208,763

 

(69,070)

Net income

$

671,135

$

618,158

$

107,681

Comprehensive income, net of tax

$

929,171

$

540,836

$

77,315

254


 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

(In thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

671,135

$

618,158

$

107,681

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions

 

(277,062)

 

(208,763)

 

69,070

 

Provision (reversal) for loan losses

 

256

 

(251)

 

403

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

96

 

41

 

-

 

Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees

 

1,240

 

2,022

 

2,086

 

Share-based compensation

 

7,927

 

7,441

 

-

 

Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions

 

(14,948)

 

(14,333)

 

(7,765)

 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

-

 

12,522

 

-

 

Net (increase) decrease in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

(4,051)

 

(1,583)

 

(1,346)

 

 

Other assets

 

1,134

 

344

 

8,696

 

Net (decrease) increase in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest payable

 

-

 

(10,288)

 

-

 

 

Other liabilities

 

2,508

 

8,059

 

3,230

Total adjustments

 

(282,900)

 

(204,789)

 

74,374

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

388,235

 

413,369

 

182,055

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (increase) decrease in money market investments

 

(45,000)

 

70,000

 

6,000

 

Net repayments on other loans

 

677

 

536

 

181

 

Capital contribution to subsidiaries

 

(9,000)

 

(87,000)

 

(5,955)

 

Return of capital from wholly owned subsidiaries

 

13,000

 

13,000

 

22,400

 

Acquisition of loans portfolio

 

-

 

-

 

(31,909)

 

Acquisition of trademark

 

-

 

-

 

(5,560)

 

Acquisition of premises and equipment

 

(1,289)

 

(1,099)

 

(965)

 

Proceeds from sale of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment

 

3

 

293

 

23

 

 

Foreclosed assets

 

-

 

-

 

38

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(41,609)

 

(4,270)

 

(15,747)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payments of notes payable

 

-

 

(448,518)

 

-

 

Payments of debt extinguishment

 

-

 

(12,522)

 

-

 

Proceeds from issuance of notes payable

 

-

 

293,819

 

-

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

13,451

 

11,653

 

7,016

 

Dividends paid

 

(115,810)

 

(105,441)

 

(95,910)

 

Net payments for repurchase of common stock

 

(250,571)

 

(125,731)

 

(75,668)

 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

 

(5,420)

 

(2,201)

 

(1,756)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(358,350)

 

(388,941)

 

(166,318)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash

 

(11,724)

 

20,158

 

(10)

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

68,278

 

48,120

 

48,130

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

$

56,554

$

68,278

$

48,120

 

255


 

Popular, Inc. (parent company only) received dividend distributions from its direct equity method investees amounting to $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 - $1.2 million).

 

Notes payable include junior subordinated debentures issued by the Corporation that are associated to capital securities issued by the Popular Capital Trust I and Popular Capital Trust II and medium-term notes. Refer to Note 20 for a description of significant provisions related to these junior subordinated debentures. The following table presents the aggregate amounts by contractual maturities of notes payable at December 31, 2019:

 

Year

 

(In thousands)

2020

$

-

2021

 

-

2022

 

-

2023

 

-

2024

 

295,307

Later years

 

290,812

Total

$

586,119

256


 

Note 42 – Condensed consolidating financial information of guarantor and issuers of registered guaranteed securities

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial position of Popular, Inc. Holding Company (“PIHC”) (parent only), Popular North America, Inc. (“PNA”) and all other subsidiaries of the Corporation at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

PNA is an operating, 100% subsidiary of PIHC and is the holding company of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Equity One, Inc. and Popular Bank, including Popular Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries Popular Equipment Finance, Inc., Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A., and E-LOAN, Inc.

PIHC fully and unconditionally guarantees all registered debt securities issued by PNA.

257


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Condition

 

 

At December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular Inc.

PNA

 

subsidiaries and

 

Elimination

 

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

Holding Co.

 

eliminations

 

entries

 

Consolidated

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

$

55,956

$

-

 

$

388,363

 

$

(56,008)

 

$

388,311

Money market investments

 

 

221,598

 

16,029

 

 

3,261,688

 

 

(237,029)

 

 

3,262,286

Trading account debt securities, at fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

40,321

 

 

-

 

 

40,321

Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

17,648,473

 

 

-

 

 

17,648,473

Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

 

 

8,726

 

2,835

 

 

86,101

 

 

-

 

 

97,662

Equity securities

 

 

10,744

 

20

 

 

149,322

 

 

(199)

 

 

159,887

Investment in subsidiaries

 

 

6,243,065

 

1,806,583

 

 

-

 

 

(8,049,648)

 

 

-

Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

59,203

 

 

-

 

 

59,203

Loans held-in-portfolio

 

 

32,027

 

-

 

 

27,549,874

 

 

5,955

 

 

27,587,856

 

Less - Unearned income

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

180,983

 

 

-

 

 

180,983

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

410

 

-

 

 

477,298

 

 

-

 

 

477,708

 

Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

 

 

31,617

 

-

 

 

26,891,593

 

 

5,955

 

 

26,929,165

Premises and equipment, net

 

 

3,893

 

-

 

 

552,757

 

 

-

 

 

556,650

Other real estate

 

 

146

 

-

 

 

121,926

 

 

-

 

 

122,072

Accrued income receivable

 

 

382

 

108

 

 

180,630

 

 

(249)

 

 

180,871

Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

150,906

 

 

-

 

 

150,906

Other assets

 

 

93,835

 

21,324

 

 

1,722,839

 

 

(18,383)

 

 

1,819,615

Goodwill

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

671,123

 

 

(1)

 

 

671,122

Other intangible assets

 

 

6,463

 

-

 

 

22,317

 

 

-

 

 

28,780

Total assets

 

$

6,676,425

$

1,846,899

 

$

51,947,562

 

$

(8,355,562)

 

$

52,115,324

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing

 

$

-

$

-

 

$

9,216,181

 

$

(56,008)

 

$

9,160,173

 

Interest bearing

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

34,835,462

 

 

(237,029)

 

 

34,598,433

 

 

Total deposits

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

44,051,643

 

 

(293,037)

 

 

43,758,606

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

193,378

 

 

-

 

 

193,378

Notes payable

 

 

586,119

 

94,090

 

 

421,399

 

 

-

 

 

1,101,608

Other liabilities

 

 

73,596

 

3,200

 

 

986,865

 

 

(18,708)

 

 

1,044,953

Total liabilities

 

 

659,715

 

97,290

 

 

45,653,285

 

 

(311,745)

 

 

46,098,545

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

 

50,160

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

50,160

Common stock

 

 

1,044

 

2

 

 

56,307

 

 

(56,309)

 

 

1,044

Surplus

 

 

4,438,706

 

4,173,169

 

 

5,847,389

 

 

(10,011,852)

 

 

4,447,412

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

 

2,156,442

 

(2,425,429)

 

 

555,398

 

 

1,861,504

 

 

2,147,915

Treasury stock, at cost

 

 

(459,704)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(110)

 

 

(459,814)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

 

 

(169,938)

 

1,867

 

 

(164,817)

 

 

162,950

 

 

(169,938)

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

6,016,710

 

1,749,609

 

 

6,294,277

 

 

(8,043,817)

 

 

6,016,779

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

$

6,676,425

$

1,846,899

 

$

51,947,562

 

$

(8,355,562)

 

$

52,115,324

258


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Condition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular, Inc.

PNA

 

subsidiaries and

 

Elimination

 

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

Holding Co.

 

eliminations

 

entries

 

Consolidated

Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

 

$

68,022

$

-

 

$

394,035

 

$

(68,022)

 

$

394,035

Money market investments

 

 

176,256

 

15,288

 

 

4,170,792

 

 

(191,288)

 

 

4,171,048

Trading account debt securities, at fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

37,787

 

 

-

 

 

37,787

Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

13,300,184

 

 

-

 

 

13,300,184

Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost

 

 

8,726

 

2,835

 

 

90,014

 

 

-

 

 

101,575

Equity securities

 

 

6,693

 

20

 

 

149,012

 

 

(141)

 

 

155,584

Investment in subsidiaries

 

 

5,704,119

 

1,700,082

 

 

-

 

 

(7,404,201)

 

 

-

Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

51,422

 

 

-

 

 

51,422

Loans held-in-portfolio

 

 

32,678

 

-

 

 

26,625,080

 

 

5,955

 

 

26,663,713

 

Less - Unearned income

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

155,824

 

 

-

 

 

155,824

 

 

Allowance for loan losses

 

 

155

 

-

 

 

569,193

 

 

-

 

 

569,348

 

Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

 

 

32,523

 

-

 

 

25,900,063

 

 

5,955

 

 

25,938,541

Premises and equipment, net

 

 

3,394

 

-

 

 

566,414

 

 

-

 

 

569,808

Other real estate

 

 

146

 

-

 

 

136,559

 

 

-

 

 

136,705

Accrued income receivable

 

 

284

 

116

 

 

165,767

 

 

(145)

 

 

166,022

Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

169,777

 

 

-

 

 

169,777

Other assets

 

 

76,073

 

27,639

 

 

1,626,119

 

 

(15,697)

 

 

1,714,134

Goodwill

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

671,123

 

 

(1)

 

 

671,122

Other intangible assets

 

 

6,559

 

-

 

 

20,274

 

 

-

 

 

26,833

Total assets

 

$

6,082,795

$

1,745,980

 

$

47,449,342

 

$

(7,673,540)

 

$

47,604,577

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest bearing

 

$

-

$

-

 

$

9,217,058

 

$

(68,022)

 

$

9,149,036

 

Interest bearing

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

30,752,291

 

 

(191,288)

 

 

30,561,003

 

 

Total deposits

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

39,969,349

 

 

(259,310)

 

 

39,710,039

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

281,529

 

 

-

 

 

281,529

Other short-term borrowings

 

 

-

 

-

 

 

42

 

 

-

 

 

42

Notes payable

 

 

584,851

 

94,063

 

 

577,188

 

 

-

 

 

1,256,102

Other liabilities

 

 

62,799

 

3,287

 

 

871,733

 

 

(16,011)

 

 

921,808

Total liabilities

 

 

647,650

 

97,350

 

 

41,699,841

 

 

(275,321)

 

 

42,169,520

Stockholders' equity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock

 

 

50,160

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

50,160

Common stock

 

 

1,043

 

2

 

 

56,307

 

 

(56,309)

 

 

1,043

Surplus

 

 

4,357,079

 

4,172,983

 

 

5,790,324

 

 

(9,954,780)

 

 

4,365,606

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

 

1,660,258

 

(2,479,503)

 

 

327,713

 

 

2,143,263

 

 

1,651,731

Treasury stock, at cost

 

 

(205,421)

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(88)

 

 

(205,509)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

 

 

(427,974)

 

(44,852)

 

 

(424,843)

 

 

469,695

 

 

(427,974)

Total stockholders' equity

 

 

5,435,145

 

1,648,630

 

 

5,749,501

 

 

(7,398,219)

 

 

5,435,057

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

 

$

6,082,795

$

1,745,980

 

$

47,449,342

 

$

(7,673,540)

 

$

47,604,577

259


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular, Inc.

PNA

subsidiaries and

Elimination

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

Holding Co.

eliminations

entries

Consolidated

Interest and dividend income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend income from subsidiaries

 

$

408,000

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(408,000)

 

$

-

 

Loans

 

 

2,231

 

 

-

 

 

1,800,737

 

 

-

 

 

1,802,968

 

Money market investments

 

 

3,670

 

 

211

 

 

89,824

 

 

(3,882)

 

 

89,823

 

Investment securities

 

 

768

 

 

186

 

 

367,048

 

 

-

 

 

368,002

 

Total interest and dividend income

 

 

414,669

 

 

397

 

 

2,257,609

 

 

(411,882)

 

 

2,260,793

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

308,740

 

 

(3,882)

 

 

304,858

 

Short-term borrowings

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

6,100

 

 

-

 

 

6,100

 

Long-term debt

 

 

38,528

 

 

6,229

 

 

13,384

 

 

-

 

 

58,141

 

Total interest expense

 

 

38,528

 

 

6,229

 

 

328,224

 

 

(3,882)

 

 

369,099

Net interest income (expense)

 

 

376,141

 

 

(5,832)

 

 

1,929,385

 

 

(408,000)

 

 

1,891,694

Provision for loan losses

 

 

256

 

 

-

 

 

165,523

 

 

-

 

 

165,779

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

 

 

375,885

 

 

(5,832)

 

 

1,763,862

 

 

(408,000)

 

 

1,725,915

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

160,933

 

 

-

 

 

160,933

Other service fees

 

 

1

 

 

-

 

 

288,471

 

 

(3,266)

 

 

285,206

Mortgage banking activities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

32,093

 

 

-

 

 

32,093

Net loss on sale of debt securities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(20)

 

 

-

 

 

(20)

Net gain, including impairment on equity securities

 

 

988

 

 

-

 

 

1,555

 

 

(37)

 

 

2,506

Net gain on trading account debt securities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

994

 

 

-

 

 

994

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(343)

 

 

-

 

 

(343)

Other operating income (expense)

 

 

17,279

 

 

(984)

 

 

72,272

 

 

(53)

 

 

88,514

 

Total non-interest income (expense)

 

 

18,268

 

 

(984)

 

 

555,955

 

 

(3,356)

 

 

569,883

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel costs

 

 

63,258

 

 

-

 

 

527,367

 

 

-

 

 

590,625

Net occupancy expenses

 

 

4,297

 

 

-

 

 

92,084

 

 

(42)

 

 

96,339

Equipment expenses

 

 

3,525

 

 

4

 

 

80,686

 

 

-

 

 

84,215

Other taxes

 

 

248

 

 

1

 

 

51,404

 

 

-

 

 

51,653

Professional fees

 

 

21,323

 

 

113

 

 

363,479

 

 

(504)

 

 

384,411

Communications

 

 

616

 

 

-

 

 

22,834

 

 

-

 

 

23,450

Business promotion

 

 

3,918

 

 

-

 

 

71,454

 

 

-

 

 

75,372

FDIC deposit insurance

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

18,179

 

 

-

 

 

18,179

Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

4,298

 

 

-

 

 

4,298

Other operating expenses

 

 

(97,201)

 

 

56

 

 

239,309

 

 

(2,594)

 

 

139,570

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

96

 

 

-

 

 

9,274

 

 

-

 

 

9,370

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

80

 

 

174

 

 

1,480,368

 

 

(3,140)

 

 

1,477,482

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

394,073

 

 

(6,990)

 

 

839,449

 

 

(408,216)

 

 

818,316

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

-

 

 

(1,468)

 

 

148,735

 

 

(86)

 

 

147,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

260


 

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

394,073

 

 

(5,522)

 

 

690,714

 

 

(408,130)

 

 

671,135

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

277,062

 

 

54,773

 

 

-

 

 

(331,835)

 

 

-

Net income

 

$

671,135

 

$

49,251

 

$

690,714

 

$

(739,965)

 

$

671,135

Comprehensive income, net of tax

 

$

929,171

 

$

95,970

 

$

950,740

 

$

(1,046,710)

 

$

929,171

261


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular, Inc.

PNA

subsidiaries and

Elimination

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

Holding Co.

eliminations

entries

Consolidated

Interest and dividend income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend income from subsidiaries

 

$

453,200

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(453,200)

 

$

-

 

Loans

 

 

2,115

 

 

-

 

 

1,643,670

 

 

(49)

 

 

1,645,736

 

Money market investments

 

 

5,555

 

 

69

 

 

111,287

 

 

(5,623)

 

 

111,288

 

Investment securities

 

 

696

 

 

279

 

 

263,849

 

 

-

 

 

264,824

 

Total interest and dividend income

 

 

461,566

 

 

348

 

 

2,018,806

 

 

(458,872)

 

 

2,021,848

Interest expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

209,888

 

 

(5,623)

 

 

204,265

 

Short-term borrowings

 

 

-

 

 

49

 

 

7,210

 

 

(49)

 

 

7,210

 

Long-term debt

 

 

51,218

 

 

9,330

 

 

14,948

 

 

-

 

 

75,496

 

Total interest expense

 

 

51,218

 

 

9,379

 

 

232,046

 

 

(5,672)

 

 

286,971

Net interest income (expense)

 

 

410,348

 

 

(9,031)

 

 

1,786,760

 

 

(453,200)

 

 

1,734,877

Provision (reversal) for loan losses- non-covered loans

 

 

(251)

 

 

-

 

 

226,593

 

 

-

 

 

226,342

Provision for loan losses- covered loans

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

1,730

 

 

-

 

 

1,730

Net interest income (expense) after provision (reversal) for loan losses

 

 

410,599

 

 

(9,031)

 

 

1,558,437

 

 

(453,200)

 

 

1,506,805

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

150,677

 

 

-

 

 

150,677

Other service fees

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

260,730

 

 

(2,710)

 

 

258,020

Mortgage banking activities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

52,802

 

 

-

 

 

52,802

Net loss, including impairment on equity securities

 

 

(777)

 

 

-

 

 

(1,268)

 

 

(36)

 

 

(2,081)

Net loss on trading account debt securities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(208)

 

 

-

 

 

(208)

Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

33

 

 

-

 

 

33

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(12,959)

 

 

-

 

 

(12,959)

FDIC loss-share income

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

94,725

 

 

-

 

 

94,725

Other operating income

 

 

15,751

 

 

737

 

 

95,037

 

 

(40)

 

 

111,485

 

Total non-interest income

 

 

14,974

 

 

737

 

 

639,569

 

 

(2,786)

 

 

652,494

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel costs

 

 

59,821

 

 

-

 

 

503,167

 

 

-

 

 

562,988

Net occupancy expenses

 

 

4,055

 

 

-

 

 

84,274

 

 

-

 

 

88,329

Equipment expenses

 

 

3,433

 

 

3

 

 

68,352

 

 

-

 

 

71,788

Other taxes

 

 

233

 

 

1

 

 

46,050

 

 

-

 

 

46,284

Professional fees

 

 

18,159

 

 

178

 

 

331,978

 

 

(471)

 

 

349,844

Communications

 

 

485

 

 

-

 

 

22,622

 

 

-

 

 

23,107

Business promotion

 

 

2,236

 

 

-

 

 

63,682

 

 

-

 

 

65,918

FDIC deposit insurance

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

27,757

 

 

-

 

 

27,757

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

 

 

12,522

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

12,522

Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

23,338

 

 

-

 

 

23,338

Other operating expenses

 

 

(84,807)

 

 

80

 

 

227,463

 

 

(2,375)

 

 

140,361

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

41

 

 

-

 

 

9,285

 

 

-

 

 

9,326

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

16,178

 

 

262

 

 

1,407,968

 

 

(2,846)

 

 

1,421,562

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

409,395

 

 

(8,556)

 

 

790,038

 

 

(453,140)

 

 

737,737

Income tax expense

 

 

-

 

 

3,267

 

 

116,275

 

 

37

 

 

119,579

262


 

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

409,395

 

 

(11,823)

 

 

673,763

 

 

(453,177)

 

 

618,158

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

208,763

 

 

69,027

 

 

-

 

 

(277,790)

 

 

-

Net income

 

$

618,158

 

$

57,204

 

$

673,763

 

$

(730,967)

 

$

618,158

Comprehensive income, net of tax

 

$

540,836

 

$

41,838

 

$

597,768

 

$

(639,606)

 

$

540,836

263


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular, Inc.

PNA

subsidiaries and

Elimination

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

Holding Co.

eliminations

entries

Consolidated

Interest and dividend income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dividend income from subsidiaries

 

$

211,500

 

$

-

 

$

-

 

$

(211,500)

 

$

-

 

Loans

 

 

1,056

 

 

-

 

 

1,477,713

 

 

(4)

 

 

1,478,765

 

Money market investments

 

 

2,616

 

 

54

 

 

51,495

 

 

(2,670)

 

 

51,495

 

Investment securities

 

 

566

 

 

322

 

 

194,796

 

 

-

 

 

195,684

 

Total interest and dividend income

 

 

215,738

 

 

376

 

 

1,724,004

 

 

(214,174)

 

 

1,725,944

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

144,534

 

 

(2,670)

 

 

141,864

 

Short-term borrowings

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

5,728

 

 

(4)

 

 

5,724

 

Long-term debt

 

 

52,470

 

 

10,767

 

 

13,155

 

 

-

 

 

76,392

 

Total interest expense

 

 

52,470

 

 

10,767

 

 

163,417

 

 

(2,674)

 

 

223,980

Net interest income (expense)

 

 

163,268

 

 

(10,391)

 

 

1,560,587

 

 

(211,500)

 

 

1,501,964

Provision for loan losses- non-covered loans

 

 

403

 

 

-

 

 

325,234

 

 

(5,955)

 

 

319,682

Provision for loan losses- covered loans

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

5,742

 

 

-

 

 

5,742

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

 

 

162,865

 

 

(10,391)

 

 

1,229,611

 

 

(205,545)

 

 

1,176,540

Service charges on deposit accounts

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

153,709

 

 

-

 

 

153,709

Other service fees

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

220,073

 

 

(2,806)

 

 

217,267

Mortgage banking activities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

25,496

 

 

-

 

 

25,496

Net gain on sale of debt securities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

83

 

 

-

 

 

83

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(8,299)

 

 

-

 

 

(8,299)

Net gain on equity securities

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

251

 

 

-

 

 

251

Net profit (loss) on trading account debt securities

 

 

266

 

 

-

 

 

(1,110)

 

 

27

 

 

(817)

Net loss on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(420)

 

 

-

 

 

(420)

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(22,377)

 

 

-

 

 

(22,377)

FDIC loss-share expense

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

(10,066)

 

 

-

 

 

(10,066)

Other operating income

 

 

11,847

 

 

921

 

 

51,598

 

 

(26)

 

 

64,340

 

Total non-interest income

 

 

12,113

 

 

921

 

 

408,938

 

 

(2,805)

 

 

419,167

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personnel costs

 

 

47,561

 

 

-

 

 

429,201

 

 

-

 

 

476,762

Net occupancy expenses

 

 

3,876

 

 

-

 

 

85,318

 

 

-

 

 

89,194

Equipment expenses

 

 

2,925

 

 

2

 

 

62,215

 

 

-

 

 

65,142

Other taxes

 

 

217

 

 

-

 

 

43,165

 

 

-

 

 

43,382

Professional fees

 

 

11,766

 

 

(427)

 

 

281,585

 

 

(436)

 

 

292,488

Communications

 

 

549

 

 

-

 

 

21,917

 

 

-

 

 

22,466

Business promotion

 

 

2,014

 

 

-

 

 

56,431

 

 

-

 

 

58,445

FDIC deposit insurance

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

26,392

 

 

-

 

 

26,392

Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses

 

 

42

 

 

-

 

 

48,498

 

 

-

 

 

48,540

Other operating expenses

 

 

(70,723)

 

 

51

 

 

197,935

 

 

(2,256)

 

 

125,007

Amortization of intangibles

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

9,378

 

 

-

 

 

9,378

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

(1,773)

 

 

(374)

 

 

1,262,035

 

 

(2,692)

 

 

1,257,196

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

176,751

 

 

(9,096)

 

 

376,514

 

 

(205,658)

 

 

338,511

Income tax (benefit) expense

 

 

-

 

 

(8,382)

 

 

236,944

 

 

2,268

 

 

230,830

264


 

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

176,751

 

 

(714)

 

 

139,570

 

 

(207,926)

 

 

107,681

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

 

 

(69,070)

 

 

(153,944)

 

 

-

 

 

223,014

 

 

-

Net Income (loss)

 

$

107,681

 

$

(154,658)

 

$

139,570

 

$

15,088

 

$

107,681

Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

 

$

77,315

$

 

(162,195)

 

$

108,663

 

$

53,532

 

$

77,315

265


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular, Inc.

 

PNA

 

subsidiaries

 

Elimination

 

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

 

Holding Co.

 

and eliminations

 

entries

 

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

671,135

$

49,251

$

690,714

$

(739,965)

$

671,135

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions

 

(277,062)

 

(54,773)

 

-

 

331,835

 

-

 

Provision for loan losses

 

256

 

-

 

165,523

 

-

 

165,779

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

96

 

-

 

9,274

 

-

 

9,370

 

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

 

746

 

-

 

57,321

 

-

 

58,067

 

Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees

 

1,240

 

27

 

(159,337)

 

-

 

(158,070)

 

Share-based compensation

 

7,927

 

-

 

4,376

 

-

 

12,303

 

Impairment losses on long-lived assets

 

-

 

-

 

2,591

 

-

 

2,591

 

Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights

 

-

 

-

 

27,771

 

-

 

27,771

 

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense

 

-

 

-

 

343

 

-

 

343

 

(Earnings) losses from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions

 

(14,948)

 

984

 

(14,047)

 

-

 

(28,011)

 

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

 

-

 

(1,468)

 

142,886

 

(86)

 

141,332

 

Loss (gain) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

41

 

-

 

(6,707)

 

-

 

(6,666)

 

 

 

Proceeds from insurance claims

 

-

 

-

 

(1,205)

 

-

 

(1,205)

 

 

 

Sale of debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

20

 

-

 

20

 

 

 

Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held for sale and mortgage banking activities

 

-

 

-

 

(15,888)

 

-

 

(15,888)

 

 

 

Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

 

-

 

-

 

(21,982)

 

-

 

(21,982)

 

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(223,939)

 

-

 

(223,939)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

71,075

 

-

 

71,075

 

Net originations on loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(289,430)

 

-

 

(289,430)

 

Net decrease (increase) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

460,969

 

-

 

460,969

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

(4,051)

 

-

 

(3,981)

 

-

 

(8,032)

 

 

 

Accrued income receivable

 

(98)

 

8

 

(8,383)

 

104

 

(8,369)

 

 

 

Other assets

 

445

 

2,571

 

(43,636)

 

2,773

 

(37,847)

 

Net (decrease) increase in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest payable

 

-

 

-

 

(180)

 

(104)

 

(284)

 

 

 

Pension and other postretirement benefits obligations

 

-

 

-

 

778

 

-

 

778

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

2,508

 

(87)

 

(116,270)

 

(2,594)

 

(116,443)

Total adjustments

 

(282,900)

 

(52,738)

 

37,942

 

331,928

 

34,232

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

388,235

 

(3,487)

 

728,656

 

(408,037)

 

705,367

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (increase) decrease in money market investments

 

(45,000)

 

(741)

 

905,558

 

45,741

 

905,558

 

Purchases of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(18,733,295)

 

-

 

(18,733,295)

 

 

 

Equity

 

-

 

-

 

(16,359)

 

59

 

(16,300)

 

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

14,650,440

 

-

 

14,650,440

 

 

 

Held-to-maturity

 

-

 

-

 

5,913

 

-

 

5,913

 

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available for sale

 

-

 

-

 

99,445

 

-

 

99,445

 

 

 

Equity

 

-

 

-

 

20,030

 

-

 

20,030

 

Net repayments (disbursements) on loans

 

677

 

-

 

(641,706)

 

-

 

(641,029)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans

 

-

 

-

 

110,534

 

-

 

110,534

 

Acquisition of loan portfolios

 

-

 

-

 

(619,737)

 

-

 

(619,737)

 

Payments to acquire other intangible

 

-

 

-

 

(10,382)

 

-

 

(10,382)

 

Return of capital from equity method investments

 

-

 

4,228

 

2,714

 

-

 

6,942

 

Capital contribution to subsidiary

 

(9,000)

 

-

 

-

 

9,000

 

-

 

Return of capital from wholly-owned subsidiaries

 

13,000

 

-

 

-

 

(13,000)

 

-

 

Acquisition of premises and equipment

 

(1,289)

 

-

 

(74,376)

 

-

 

(75,665)

 

Proceeds from insurance claims

 

-

 

-

 

1,205

 

-

 

1,205

266


 

 

Proceeds from sale of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

3

 

-

 

18,605

 

-

 

18,608

 

 

 

Foreclosed assets

 

-

 

-

 

107,881

 

-

 

107,881

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(41,609)

 

3,487

 

(4,173,530)

 

41,800

 

(4,169,852)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

-

 

-

 

4,077,682

 

(33,727)

 

4,043,955

 

 

 

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

-

 

-

 

(88,151)

 

-

 

(88,151)

 

 

 

Other short-term borrowings

 

-

 

-

 

(41)

 

-

 

(41)

 

Payments of notes payable

 

-

 

-

 

(210,377)

 

-

 

(210,377)

 

Principal payments of finance leases

 

-

 

-

 

(1,726)

 

-

 

(1,726)

 

Proceeds from issuance of notes payable

 

-

 

-

 

75,000

 

-

 

75,000

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

13,451

 

-

 

(4,732)

 

-

 

8,719

 

Dividends paid to parent company

 

-

 

-

 

(408,000)

 

408,000

 

-

 

Dividends paid

 

(115,810)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(115,810)

 

Net payments for repurchase of common stock

 

(250,571)

 

-

 

12

 

(22)

 

(250,581)

 

Return of capital to parent company

 

-

 

-

 

(13,000)

 

13,000

 

-

 

Capital contribution from parent

 

-

 

-

 

9,000

 

(9,000)

 

-

 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

 

(5,420)

 

-

 

(11)

 

-

 

(5,431)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(358,350)

 

-

 

3,435,656

 

378,251

 

3,455,557

Net decrease in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash

 

(11,724)

 

-

 

(9,218)

 

12,014

 

(8,928)

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

68,278

 

-

 

402,995

 

(68,022)

 

403,251

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

$

56,554

$

-

$

393,777

$

(56,008)

$

394,323

267


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular, Inc.

 

PNA

 

subsidiaries

 

Elimination

 

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

 

Holding Co.

 

and eliminations

 

entries

 

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$

618,158

$

57,204

$

673,763

$

(730,967)

$

618,158

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions

 

(208,763)

 

(69,027)

 

-

 

277,790

 

-

 

Provision (reversal) for loan losses

 

(251)

 

-

 

228,323

 

-

 

228,072

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

41

 

-

 

9,285

 

-

 

9,326

 

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

 

743

 

-

 

52,557

 

-

 

53,300

 

Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees

 

2,022

 

27

 

(89,203)

 

-

 

(87,154)

 

Share-based compensation

 

7,441

 

-

 

3,080

 

-

 

10,521

 

Impairment losses on long-lived assets

 

-

 

-

 

272

 

-

 

272

 

Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights

 

-

 

-

 

8,477

 

-

 

8,477

 

FDIC loss-share income

 

-

 

-

 

(94,725)

 

-

 

(94,725)

 

Adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold

 

-

 

-

 

12,959

 

-

 

12,959

 

Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions

 

(14,333)

 

(737)

 

(9,147)

 

-

 

(24,217)

 

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)

 

-

 

1,531

 

(13,888)

 

37

 

(12,320)

 

Loss (gain) on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

22

 

-

 

15,962

 

-

 

15,984

 

 

 

Proceeds from insurance claims

 

-

 

-

 

(20,147)

 

-

 

(20,147)

 

 

 

Early extinguishment of debt

 

12,522

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

12,522

 

 

 

Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held for sale and mortgage banking activities

 

-

 

-

 

(9,681)

 

-

 

(9,681)

 

 

 

Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

 

-

 

-

 

6,833

 

-

 

6,833

 

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(232,264)

 

-

 

(232,264)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

66,687

 

-

 

66,687

 

Net originations on loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(254,582)

 

-

 

(254,582)

 

Net decrease (increase) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

458,548

 

(101)

 

458,447

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

(1,583)

 

-

 

(39)

 

-

 

(1,622)

 

 

 

Accrued income receivable

 

85

 

(4)

 

49,273

 

(66)

 

49,288

 

 

 

Other assets

 

(506)

 

(83)

 

264,482

 

948

 

264,841

 

Net (decrease) increase in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest payable

 

(10,288)

 

(1,891)

 

2,327

 

66

 

(9,786)

 

 

 

Pension and other postretirement benefits obligations

 

-

 

-

 

4,558

 

-

 

4,558

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

8,059

 

(99)

 

(233,160)

 

(1,044)

 

(226,244)

Total adjustments

 

(204,789)

 

(70,283)

 

226,787

 

277,630

 

229,345

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

413,369

 

(13,079)

 

900,550

 

(453,337)

 

847,503

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease (increase) in money market investments

 

70,000

 

(12,481)

 

1,083,515

 

(57,519)

 

1,083,515

 

Purchases of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(10,050,165)

 

-

 

(10,050,165)

 

 

 

Equity

 

-

 

-

 

(13,208)

 

140

 

(13,068)

 

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

6,946,209

 

-

 

6,946,209

 

 

 

Held-to-maturity

 

-

 

1,637

 

5,643

 

-

 

7,280

 

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

-

 

-

 

24,209

 

-

 

24,209

 

Net repayments (disbursements) on loans

 

536

 

-

 

(7,201)

 

-

 

(6,665)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans

 

-

 

-

 

29,669

 

-

 

29,669

 

Acquisition of loan portfolios

 

-

 

-

 

(601,550)

 

-

 

(601,550)

 

Net payments (to) from FDIC under loss-sharing agreements

 

-

 

-

 

(25,012)

 

-

 

(25,012)

 

Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired

 

-

 

-

 

(1,843,333)

 

-

 

(1,843,333)

 

Return of capital from equity method investments

 

-

 

5,963

 

(1,873)

 

-

 

4,090

 

Capital contribution to subsidiary

 

(87,000)

 

-

 

-

 

87,000

 

-

 

Return of capital from wholly-owned subsidiaries

 

13,000

 

-

 

-

 

(13,000)

 

-

268


 

 

Acquisition of premises and equipment

 

(1,099)

 

-

 

(79,450)

 

-

 

(80,549)

 

Proceeds from insurance claims

 

-

 

-

 

20,147

 

-

 

20,147

 

Proceeds from sale of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

293

 

-

 

8,892

 

-

 

9,185

 

 

 

Foreclosed assets

 

-

 

-

 

105,371

 

-

 

105,371

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(4,270)

 

(4,881)

 

(4,398,137)

 

16,621

 

(4,390,667)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

-

 

-

 

4,221,975

 

37,676

 

4,259,651

 

 

 

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

-

 

-

 

(109,391)

 

-

 

(109,391)

 

 

 

Other short-term borrowings

 

-

 

-

 

(96,167)

 

-

 

(96,167)

 

Payments of notes payable

 

(448,518)

 

(54,502)

 

(252,946)

 

-

 

(755,966)

 

Payments of debt extinguishment

 

(12,522)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(12,522)

 

Proceeds from issuance of notes payable

 

293,819

 

-

 

180,000

 

-

 

473,819

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

11,653

 

-

 

(4,385)

 

-

 

7,268

 

Dividends paid to parent company

 

-

 

-

 

(453,200)

 

453,200

 

-

 

Dividends paid

 

(105,441)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(105,441)

 

Net payments for repurchase of common stock

 

(125,731)

 

-

 

471

 

(4)

 

(125,264)

 

Return of capital to parent company

 

-

 

-

 

(13,000)

 

13,000

 

-

 

Capital contribution from parent

 

-

 

72,000

 

15,000

 

(87,000)

 

-

 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

 

(2,201)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(2,201)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(388,941)

 

17,498

 

3,488,357

 

416,872

 

3,533,786

Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash

 

20,158

 

(462)

 

(9,230)

 

(19,844)

 

(9,378)

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

48,120

 

462

 

412,225

 

(48,178)

 

412,629

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

$

68,278

$

-

$

402,995

$

(68,022)

$

403,251

269


 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Popular, Inc.

 

PNA

 

subsidiaries

 

Elimination

 

Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

 

Holding Co.

 

Holding Co.

 

and eliminations

 

entries

 

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

$

107,681

$

(154,658)

$

139,570

$

15,088

$

107,681

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions

 

69,070

 

153,944

 

-

 

(223,014)

 

-

 

Provision for loan losses

 

403

 

-

 

325,021

 

-

 

325,424

 

Amortization of intangibles

 

-

 

-

 

9,378

 

-

 

9,378

 

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment

 

649

 

-

 

47,715

 

-

 

48,364

 

Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees

 

2,086

 

27

 

(24,423)

 

-

 

(22,310)

 

Impairment losses on long-lived assets

 

-

 

-

 

4,784

 

-

 

4,784

 

Other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

8,299

 

-

 

8,299

 

Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights

 

-

 

-

 

36,519

 

-

 

36,519

 

FDIC loss-share expense

 

-

 

-

 

10,066

 

-

 

10,066

 

Adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold

 

-

 

-

 

22,377

 

-

 

22,377

 

Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions

 

(7,765)

 

(921)

 

(9,561)

 

-

 

(18,247)

 

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

 

-

 

(8,382)

 

215,864

 

(54)

 

207,428

 

(Gain) loss on:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

(8)

 

-

 

4,289

 

-

 

4,281

 

 

 

Sale and valuation adjustments of debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

(83)

 

-

 

(83)

 

 

 

Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held for sale and mortgage banking activities

 

-

 

-

 

(16,670)

 

-

 

(16,670)

 

 

 

Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

 

42

 

-

 

21,673

 

-

 

21,715

 

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(244,385)

 

-

 

(244,385)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

69,464

 

-

 

69,464

 

Net originations on loans held-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(315,522)

 

-

 

(315,522)

 

Net decrease (increase) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trading debt securities

 

-

 

-

 

503,108

 

-

 

503,108

 

 

 

Equity securities

 

(1,346)

 

-

 

108

 

(31)

 

(1,269)

 

 

 

Accrued income receivable

 

(748)

 

26

 

(75,201)

 

121

 

(75,802)

 

 

 

Other assets

 

8,761

 

-

 

(76,727)

 

2,122

 

(65,844)

 

Net increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest payable

 

-

 

-

 

2,670

 

(121)

 

2,549

 

 

 

Pension and other postretirement benefits obligations

 

-

 

-

 

(13,100)

 

-

 

(13,100)

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

3,230

 

(758)

 

25,466

 

341

 

28,279

Total adjustments

 

74,374

 

143,936

 

531,129

 

(220,636)

 

528,803

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

182,055

 

(10,722)

 

670,699

 

(205,548)

 

636,484

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease (increase) in money market investments

 

6,000

 

10,455

 

(2,365,132)

 

(18,255)

 

(2,366,932)

 

Purchases of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

(4,139,650)

 

-

 

(4,139,650)

 

 

 

Equity

 

-

 

-

 

(29,672)

 

-

 

(29,672)

 

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

2,023,295

 

-

 

2,023,295

 

 

 

Held-to-maturity

 

-

 

-

 

6,232

 

-

 

6,232

 

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale

 

-

 

-

 

14,423

 

-

 

14,423

 

 

 

Equity

 

-

 

-

 

30,250

 

-

 

30,250

 

Net repayments (disbursements) on loans

 

181

 

-

 

(398,857)

 

-

 

(398,676)

 

Proceeds from sale of loans

 

-

 

-

 

38,279

 

(37,864)

 

415

 

Acquisition of loan portfolios

 

(31,909)

 

-

 

(541,489)

 

37,864

 

(535,534)

 

Acquisition of trademark

 

(5,560)

 

-

 

5,560

 

-

 

-

 

Net payments (to) from FDIC under loss-sharing agreements

 

-

 

-

 

(7,679)

 

-

 

(7,679)

 

Return of capital from equity method investments

 

-

 

138

 

8,056

 

-

 

8,194

 

Capital contribution to subsidiary

 

(5,955)

 

-

 

5,955

 

-

 

-

 

Return of capital from wholly-owned subsidiaries

 

22,400

 

10,400

 

-

 

(32,800)

 

-

270


 

 

Acquisition of premises and equipment

 

(965)

 

-

 

(61,732)

 

-

 

(62,697)

 

Proceeds from sale of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Premises and equipment and other productive assets

 

23

 

-

 

9,730

 

-

 

9,753

 

 

 

Foreclosed assets

 

38

 

-

 

96,502

 

-

 

96,540

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

 

(15,747)

 

20,993

 

(5,305,929)

 

(51,055)

 

(5,351,738)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

 

-

 

-

 

4,935,948

 

18,157

 

4,954,105

 

 

 

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase

 

-

 

-

 

(88,505)

 

-

 

(88,505)

 

 

 

Other short-term borrowings

 

-

 

-

 

95,008

 

-

 

95,008

 

Payments of notes payable

 

-

 

-

 

(95,607)

 

-

 

(95,607)

 

Proceeds from issuance of notes payable

 

-

 

-

 

55,000

 

-

 

55,000

 

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

 

7,016

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

7,016

 

Dividends paid to parent company

 

-

 

-

 

(211,500)

 

211,500

 

-

 

Dividends paid

 

(95,910)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(95,910)

 

Net payments for repurchase of common stock

 

(75,668)

 

-

 

-

 

4

 

(75,664)

 

Return of capital to parent company

 

-

 

(10,400)

 

(22,400)

 

32,800

 

-

 

Capital contribution from parent

 

-

 

-

 

5,955

 

(5,955)

 

-

 

Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

 

(1,756)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1,756)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

(166,318)

 

(10,400)

 

4,673,899

 

256,506

 

4,753,687

Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash

 

(10)

 

(129)

 

38,669

 

(97)

 

38,433

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period

 

48,130

 

591

 

373,556

 

(48,081)

 

374,196

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

$

48,120

$

462

$

412,225

$

(48,178)

$

412,629

271


 

Note 43 ─ Subsequent events

On January 30, 2020, the Corporation entered into an accelerated share repurchase transaction of $500 million with respect to its common stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. Accordingly, as a result of the receipt of the initial shares, the Corporation recognized in shareholders’ equity approximately $400 million in treasury stock and $100 million as a reduction of capital surplus. The Corporation expects to further adjust its treasury stock and capital surplus accounts to reflect the delivery or receipt of cash or shares upon the termination of the ASR agreement, which will depend on the average price of the Corporation’s shares during the term of the ASR, less a discount. The final settlement of the ASR is expected to occur no later than the fourth quarter of 2020.

 

On February 24, 2020, the Corporation redeemed all outstanding shares of its 8.25% Non-Cumulative Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series B. The redemption price of the Series B Preferred Stock was $25.00 per share, plus $0.1375 in accrued and unpaid dividends on each share, for a total payment per share in the amount of $25.1375.

272