POPULAR, INC. (BPOP)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Depository Institutions > SIC 6022 State Commercial Banks
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=763901. Latest filing source: 0001193125-26-085756.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read BPOP's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read BPOP's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 3,783,009,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-02 |
| Net income | 833,159,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-02 |
| Assets | 75,348,267,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-03-02 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-03-02. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000763901.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,634,573,000 | 1,725,944,000 | 2,021,848,000 | 2,260,793,000 | 2,091,551,000 | 2,122,637,000 | 2,465,911,000 | 3,245,307,000 | 3,673,263,000 | 3,783,009,000 | |||||
| Net income | 216,691,000 | 107,681,000 | 618,158,000 | 671,135,000 | 506,622,000 | 934,889,000 | 1,102,641,000 | 541,342,000 | 614,212,000 | 833,159,000 | |||||
| Diluted EPS | 2.06 | 1.02 | 6.06 | 6.88 | 5.87 | 11.46 | 14.63 | 7.52 | 8.56 | 12.30 | |||||
| Operating cash flow | 596,573,000 | 636,484,000 | 847,503,000 | 705,367,000 | 678,772,000 | 1,005,158,000 | 1,014,538,000 | 686,612,000 | 674,722,000 | 878,447,000 | |||||
| Capital expenditures | 100,320,000 | 62,697,000 | 80,549,000 | 75,665,000 | 60,073,000 | 72,781,000 | 103,789,000 | 208,044,000 | 213,412,000 | 197,460,000 | |||||
| Dividends paid | 65,932,000 | 95,910,000 | 105,441,000 | 115,810,000 | 133,645,000 | 141,466,000 | 161,516,000 | 159,860,000 | 180,461,000 | 197,568,000 | |||||
| Share buybacks | 361,000 | 17,000 | 559,000 | 483,000 | 450,000 | 217,300,000 | |||||||||
| Assets | 38,661,609,000 | 44,277,337,000 | 47,604,577,000 | 52,115,324,000 | 65,926,000,000 | 75,097,899,000 | 67,637,917,000 | 70,758,155,000 | 73,045,383,000 | 75,348,267,000 | |||||
| Liabilities | 33,463,652,000 | 39,173,432,000 | 42,169,520,000 | 46,098,545,000 | 59,897,313,000 | 69,128,502,000 | 63,544,492,000 | 65,611,202,000 | 67,432,317,000 | 69,099,188,000 | |||||
| Stockholders' equity | 5,197,957,000 | 5,103,905,000 | 5,435,057,000 | 6,016,779,000 | 6,028,687,000 | 5,969,397,000 | 4,093,425,000 | 5,146,953,000 | 5,613,066,000 | 6,249,079,000 | |||||
| Free cash flow | 496,253,000 | 573,787,000 | 766,954,000 | 629,702,000 | 618,699,000 | 932,377,000 | 910,749,000 | 478,568,000 | 461,310,000 | 680,987,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 13.26% | 6.24% | 30.57% | 29.69% | 24.22% | 44.04% | 44.72% | 16.68% | 16.72% | 22.02% | |||||
| Return on equity | 4.17% | 2.11% | 11.37% | 11.15% | 8.40% | 15.66% | 26.94% | 10.52% | 10.94% | 13.33% | |||||
| Return on assets | 0.56% | 0.24% | 1.30% | 1.29% | 0.77% | 1.24% | 1.63% | 0.77% | 0.84% | 1.11% | |||||
| Liabilities / equity | 6.44 | 7.68 | 7.76 | 7.66 | 9.94 | 11.58 | 15.52 | 12.75 | 12.01 | 11.06 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-085756; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001193125-26-085756; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001193125-26-085756; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: PaymentsOfDividends. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividends.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2024 ended 2024-12-31; accession 0001193125-25-043848; filed 2025-03-03. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001193125-26-085756; filed 2026-03-02. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-08. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0000763901.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 2.77 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 5.70 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 2.22 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 794,007,000 | 151,160,000 | 2.10 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 844,786,000 | 136,609,000 | 1.90 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 867,492,000 | 94,594,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 894,141,000 | 103,283,000 | 1.43 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 921,907,000 | 177,789,000 | 2.46 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 937,448,000 | 155,323,000 | 2.16 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 919,767,000 | 177,817,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 916,998,000 | 177,502,000 | 2.56 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 943,872,000 | 210,440,000 | 3.09 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 966,649,000 | 211,317,000 | 3.14 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 955,490,000 | 233,900,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 947,216,000 | 245,674,000 | 3.78 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-214600; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-214600; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001193125-26-214600; filed 2026-05-08. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001193125-26-214600.
Latest 10-K MD&A
Management’s
Discussion
and
Analysis
included
in this
Form
10-K
for
information
on
recent
significant
events that have
impacted or
will impact
our current and
future operations.
Human Capital Management
Popular seeks
to embody our
values and
behaviors throughout
our human capital
management practices.
Attracting,
developing,
and retaining
top talent
in an
environment
that promotes
wellness, inclusion,
respect, continuous
learning,
and transparency
are
fundamental
pillars of
the Corporation’s
long-term strategy.
As of December
31, 2025, Popular
employed 9,427
individuals,
none
of whom were
represented
by a collective
bargaining group.
Nurturing Well
-Being: Employee
Health & Financial
Security
Popular
believes
that the
health and
financial
wellness
of our
employees
is fundamental
to delivering
high-quality
service
to our
customers
and
contributing
positively
to
the
communities
in
which
we
operate.
Accordingly,
the
Corporation
offers
a
comprehensive
health and
wellness program
that includes
medical, pharmacy,
vision, and
dental insurance,
as well as additional
wellness initiatives.
Our programs
are designed
to ensure that
healthcare is
both accessible
and affordable
for our employees,
with Popular covering
up to 78%
of health
insurance premiums,
a figure that
surpasses regional
benchmarks.
In 2025,
we strengthened
our health
and
wellness
offerings
by opening
a state-of-the-art
fitness center
in our San
Juan, Puerto
Rico campus,
to encourage
an active
and
balanced
lifestyle.
As of
December
2025,
the fitness
center
had
a total
of 2,030
members,
including
active
employees,
eligible
family members
and retirees.
Additionally,
the
Corporation
promotes
employee
health
and
well-being
by
encouraging
annual
physical
examinations
and
operating
a comprehensive
health and
wellness center
at its Puerto
Rico corporate
offices, staffed
with healthcare
providers and
enhanced
by
the
addition
of
an
on-site
psychologist
to
provide
mental
health
support.
The
center
received
over
15,000
visits
from employees
during 2025.
Popular
also seeks
to foster
work-life
balance
by offering
paid time
off
benefits
to our
employees,
including
community
service
leave,
paid
parental
leave,
and
flexible
work
arrangements.
Our
hybrid
work
model,
available
to
approximately
half
of
our
workforce,
is
designed
to
strike
an
appropriate
balance
between
employee
flexibility
and
business
needs,
reinforcing
our
commitment
to
a flexible
and
productive
work
environment.
In
addition,
we regularly
offer
activities
and
workshops
focused
on
physical fitness
and personal financial
management.
Popular
further
offers
a 401(k)
savings
and
investment
plan,
in
which
98%
of
employees
participate.
Under
the
plan,
Popular
11
matches
$0.50 for
every
dollar
contributed
by an
employee,
up to
8% of
the employee’s
salary.
Moreover,
Popular
maintains
a
profit-sharing
plan, contingent
upon the
achievement
of pre-established
financial
goals, to
further
align employee
compensation
with
the
Corporation’s
overall
performance.
Under
the
profit-sharing
plan,
employees
may
receive
up
to
8%
of
their
eligible
compensation
(capped
at $70,000),
with the
first
4% paid
in cash
and any
amount
above that
threshold
paid to
the employee’s
savings
and
investment
plan
account.
Additionally,
Popular
regularly
reviews
employees’
base
compensation
to
remain
competitive
with market salaries
for comparable
positions.
Empowering Growth:
Our Commitment
to Talent
Developmen
t
We
are committed
to fostering
the continuous
development
and upskilling
of our
employees
and
believe
this
is fundamental
to
maintaining
our competitive
advantage.
Towards
that end,
Popular
offers
development
opportunities
designed
to strengthen
our
employees’
knowledge,
capabilities
and
skills,
supporting
their
personal
growth
while
enhancing
Popular’s
business
strategies
and organizational
effectiveness.
Our 40,000
square foot
development
center in
San Juan,
Puerto Rico,
and our satellite
facilities
in New York,
South Florida,
and
the
Virgin
Islands,
offer
year-round
training
sessions,
activities
and
workshops.
In
2025,
there
were
approximately
6,700
registered
participations
in corporate
academy
voluntary
courses,
new
employee
orientations,
health
coordinator
certifications,
and
manager
onboarding
programs—an
increase
of
approximately
2,500
compared
to
the
participation
levels
in
2024.
These
courses
offer
instructor-led
training
experiences
for
employees
to
develop
and
apply
critical
core
and
technical
skills.
Our
commitment
to
continuous
learning
is
further
supported
through
employee
access
to
Learning,
which
provides
an
extensive
library
of
over
16,000
e-learning
courses,
enabling
employees
to
pursue
self-directed
learning
aligned
with
both
professional
development goals
and business
needs.
Our
focus
on
training
and
development
has
provided
internal
growth
opportunities
for
our
workforce.
As
a
result,
the
Corporation’s
internal
mobility
rate in
2025 was
47%, reflecting
employees
who applied
for or
were selected
for open
positions,
received
promotions,
or made
lateral
moves
within
the
organization.
Additionally,
we continued
strengthening
key skills
across
accelerated
development
programs
focused
on
data
science,
agile
methodologies,
analytics,
process
efficiency,
and
product
management.
During
2025,
approximately
400
employees
participated
in these
programs,
further
enhancing
the
organization’s
talent.
During
2025,
Popular
successfully
implemented
the Executive
Development
Program,
engaging
over
80 executive
leaders
in a
comprehensive
initiative
focused
on strengthening
key
behaviors,
including
agility,
accountability,
collaboration,
and leadership
mindset,
aligned
with
our
company
values.
In
addition,
we
introduced
the
Middle
Management
Development
Program,
a two-
year
development
journey
for
over
1,700
leaders
designed
to
reinforce
alignment
with
the
Corporation’s
values
and
expected
behaviors
while
fostering
sustainable
organizational
transformation.
Furthermore,
we provided
our
leaders
with
advanced
tools
to support more
effective and
impactful performance
discussions.
Our
organizational
effectiveness
strategy
was
crucial
in
advancing
organizational
development
through
targeted
initiatives,
including
assessments,
team
integration
activities,
new
manager
integration
facilitations,
and
team
alignment
sessions.
These
efforts
are
designed
to
foster
a
cohesive,
agile,
and
adaptable
workforce
capable
of
supporting
the
Corporation’s
evolving
business objectives.
Enhancing Leadership
Continuity through
Strategic Succession
Planning
Popular’s
business
strategy
integrates
succession
planning
to
ensure
effective
and
orderly
leadership
transitions.
Succession
plans
for senior
management
are
developed
by the
Chief
Executive
Officer
and
presented
to the
Board
of Directors.
Popular’s
succession
planning
also
leverages
our
Executive
Talent
Management
Program
to
identify
high-potential
and
high-performing
managers,
providing
them
with
targeted
learning
opportunities
to
enhance
their
skills
and
prepare
them
for
future
senior
management positions.
Employee Experience
Popular
is
committed
to
providing
an
exceptional
employee
experience
that
inspires
our
employees
to
deliver
outstanding
service
to
our
customers
and
communities.
We
recognize
the
evolving
nature
of
our
employees’
needs
and
expectations
and
have
a
robust
approach
to
measuring
and
understanding
their
journey.
Our
employee
engagement
and
experience
survey
program
includes
biannual
pulse surveys,
an annual
enterprise-wide
survey,
and additional
surveys
that assess
the end
-to-end
employee
journey.
We believe
that these
insights
contributed
to our
ability
to maintain
a stable
employee
turnover
rate of
8.5%
as
of
the
end
of
2025.
Furthermore,
our
employee-experience
efforts
are
reflected
in
record
participation
rate
of
77%
and
a
sustained
employee-loyalty
score of
81%, positioning
us above
the 50th
percentile
of the Qualtrics
global benchmark
and above
the financial
services industry
average benchmark.
12
Board Oversight
in Human Capital
The
Talent
and
Compensation
Committee
of
the
Corporation’s
Board
of
Directors
has
oversight
responsibility
for
the
Corporation’s
human
capital
management
practices.
As
part
of
its
responsibilities,
the
Talent
and
Compensation
Committee
reviews
and
advises
management
on
the
Corporation’s
overall
compensation
philosophy,
programs
and
policies,
and
on
the
Corporation’s
talent
acquisition
and
development,
workforce
engagement,
succession
planning,
and
corporate
culture,
among
other human capital
matters.
We
encourage
you
to
review
our Corporate
Sustainability
Report
published
on www.popular.com
for more
detailed
information
regarding
the Corporation’s
human capital
management
programs
and initiatives.
The information
on the
Corporation’s
website,
including
the
Corporation’s
Corporate
Sustainability
Report,
is
not,
and
will
not
be
deemed
to
be,
a
part
of
this
Form
10-K
or
incorporated
into any of the
Corporation’s
filings with
the SEC.
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 Bank
Holding Company Act
of 1956
(as amended, 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”).
Popular’s
broker-dealer
/
investment adviser
subsidiary,
Popular Securities,
LLC (“PS”)
and investment
adviser subsidiary
Popular Asset
Management LLC
(“PAM”)
are subject
to
regulation by
the SEC,
the Financial
Industry
Regulatory Authority
(“FINRA”), and
the Securities
Investor
Protection Corporation, among others. Other of our non-bank subsidiaries conduct reinsurance and
insurance producer and agency
activities, which are
subject to other
federal, state and
Puerto Rico laws
and regulations as
well as licensing
and regulation by
the
Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and,
for one insurance agency subsidiary, the NYSDFS.
Enhanced Prudential Standards
Under
the
Dodd-Frank
Wall
Street
Reform
and
Consumer
Protection
Act
(the
“Dodd-Frank
Act”),
as
modified
by
the
Economic
Growth,
Regulatory
Relief,
and
Consumer
Protection
Act
and
the
federal
banking
regulators’
2019
“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, 2025,
Popular had total consolidated assets of $75.3 billion.
13
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
hand,
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 non-bank 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 and Resolution-Related Requirements
A
bank holding
company with
$250 billion
or more
in total
consolidated assets
(or that
is a
Category III
firm based
on
certain risk-based indicators described in the Tailoring
Rules) 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
June
2024,
the
FDIC
finalized
amendments
to
the
resolution
planning
requirements for insured depository institutions with
$50 billion or more in
total assets. The amendments require insured
depository
institutions with
between $50
billion and $100
billion in
assets to submit
informational filings on
a three-year cycle,
with an
interim
supplement updating key information submitted in the off years. These amendments
became effective October 1, 2024, and BPPR’s
first submission under the new rule is due by
April 1, 2026.
On August
29, 2023,
the Federal
Reserve Board,
FDIC and
Office of
the Comptroller
of the
Currency (“OCC”)
issued a
proposed
rule
that
would
require
bank
holding
companies
and
insured
depository
institutions
with
$100
billion
or
more
in
consolidated assets (as well as their insured depository institution affiliates) to maintain minimum
amounts of eligible long-term debt
(generally, debt
that is unsecured, has
a maturity greater than one
year from issuance and satisfies
additional criteria), subject to a
three-year phase-in
period. The
proposal would
also apply
“clean holding
company” requirements
to Category
II through
IV bank
holding companies,
which would,
among other
things, prohibit
those holding
companies from
entering into
derivatives and
certain
other financial
contracts with
third parties.
As of
December 31,
2025, Popular,
PNA, BPPR
and PB’s
total assets
were below
the
thresholds for applicability
of these rules,
except that BPPR
is subject to
the FDIC’s resolution
planning requirements applicable to
insured depository institutions with more than $50
billion but less than $100 billion in assets.
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 larger
depository institutions with over $10 billion in assets,
such as BPPR
and PB, the FDIC uses a “scorecard” methodology, which 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.
Taking
into
account the
adjustments the
FDIC
may
make
to
the
base
rate,
the
total
base
assessment rate could range from 1.5 to 40 basis points
on an annualized basis.
In
October
2022,
the
FDIC
finalized
a
rule
that
increased
initial
base
deposit
insurance
assessment
rates
by
2
basis
points, beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The FDIC, as required under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
14
(“FDIA”), established
a plan
in September
2020 to
restore the
DIF reserve
ratio to
meet or
exceed the
statutory minimum
of 1.35
percent within
eight years. The
increased assessment is
intended to improve
the likelihood that
the DIF
reserve ratio would
reach
the required minimum by the statutory deadline
of September 30, 2028.
As of December 31, 2025, BPPR and
PB had a DIF average total asset
less average tangible equity assessment base of
$69 billion.
On
November 16,
2023,
the
FDIC finalized
a
rule
that
imposes
a special
assessment to
recover the
costs to
the
DIF
resulting
from
the
FDIC’s
use,
in
March
2023,
of
the systemic
risk
exception to
the
least-cost resolution
test
under the
FDIA
in
connection with the
receiverships of Silicon
Valley Bank
and Signature Bank.
The FDIC estimated
in approving the
rule that those
assessed losses total $16.3 billion. The rule provides
that this loss estimate will be periodically adjusted,
which will affect the amount
of
the special
assessment. Under
the rule,
the assessment
base is
the
estimated uninsured
deposits that
an insured
depository
institution reported in its Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (“Call Report”) at December 31, 2022,
excluding the first $5
billion
in estimated
uninsured deposits.
For
a holding
company
that
has
more than
one
insured depository
institution subsidiary,
such as Popular,
the $5 billion
exclusion is allocated
among the company’s
insured depository institution subsidiaries
in proportion
to each
insured depository
institution’s estimated
uninsured deposits.
The special
assessments were
to be
collected at
an annual
rate of approximately 13.4 basis points per
year (3.36 basis points per quarter) over
eight quarters,
with the first assessment period
having begun
January 1,
2024. In
June 2024,
due to
the increase
in the
estimate of
losses, the
FDIC announced that
it projected
that the special
assessment would be collected
for an additional
two quarters beyond the
initial eight quarter collection
period, at a
lower rate.
In December
2025, the
FDIC reduced
the rate
at which
the assessment
is collected,
with an
invoice payment
date of
March 30, 2026, from 3.36 basis points to
2.97 basis points,
and also reduced the collection period back
to eight quarters.
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.
Popular does not
believe the brokered
deposits regulations have
had or
will have a material effect on the funding or liquidity
of BPPR and PB.
Capital Adequacy
Popular, PNA,
BPPR and PB are
each required to comply
with applicable capital adequacy standards
established by the
federal
banking
agencies
(the
“Capital
Rules”),
which
implement
the
Basel
III
framework
set
forth
by
the
Basel
Committee
on
Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) as
well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank
Act.
Among other
matters, the
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 Capital
Rules, for 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 Capital Rules’ specific requirements.
Pursuant to the 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 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). Popular, BPPR
and PB are
therefore 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
15
risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%.
Pursuant
to
the
Capital
Rules,
the
effects
of
certain
accumulated other
comprehensive income
or
loss
(“AOCI”)
items
included in stockholders’ equity
(for example, marks-to-market of securities
held in the available
for sale portfolio) are
not excluded
from
regulatory
capital
ratios;
however,
banking
organizations
that
are
not
subject
to
Categories
I
or
II
standards
under
the
framework for
banking organizations
with $100
billion or
more in
assets, 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
available for
sale
securities portfolios.
On July
27, 2023,
the federal
banking regulators
proposed revisions
to the
Capital Rules
to implement
the
Basel Committee’s 2017 standards, described
below, and make
other changes to the
Capital Rules, including the ability
of banking
organizations in Categories III and IV to elect not to recognize most elements of AOCI in regulatory capital. The proposal introduces
revised credit risk, equity risk, operational risk, credit valuation adjustment risk and market risk requirements, among other changes.
However, the
revised capital requirements
of the
proposed rule would
not apply
to Popular,
BPPR, or
PB because
they have
less
than $100 billion in total consolidated assets and trading
assets and liabilities below the threshold for market risk requirements. The
federal
banking
regulators have
subsequently indicated
that
they
expect to
issue
a
revised
proposal, the
timing
and contents
of
which are uncertain.
The
Capital
Rules
preclude certain
hybrid
securities, such
as
trust
preferred
securities, from
inclusion
in
bank
holding
companies’
Tier
1
capital.
Trust
preferred
securities
not
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. As
of December
31, 2025,
Popular has
$193 million
of trust
preferred securities
outstanding which
no longer
qualify for
Tier
1 capital
treatment, but
instead
qualify for Tier 2 capital treatment.
The Capital Rules also provide for a number of deductions
from and adjustments to CET1.
Banking organizations that are
not subject to Category
I or II standards
are subject to rules that
provide for simplified capital requirements relating
to the threshold
deductions
for
certain
mortgage
servicing
assets,
deferred
tax
assets,
investments
in
the
capital
of
unconsolidated
financial
institutions and inclusion of minority interests
in regulatory capital.
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. Refer
to “Prompt Corrective Action” below for further
discussion.
In
December 2017,
the Basel
Committee published
standards that
it
described as
the finalization
of the
Basel III
post-
crisis regulatory
reforms. 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.
Under the current U.S. capital rules, operational risk capital requirements and a capital floor apply only to Category I and Category II
banking organizations and not to Popular, BPPR and PB.
In 2020, federal bank regulators adopted a rule
that allowed banking organizations to elect to delay
temporarily the
estimated effects of adopting the Current Expected Credit
Loss (“CECL”) model of ASU 2016-13 on regulatory
capital until January
2022 and subsequently to phase in the effects through
January 2025. The Corporation’s capital ratios
at December 31, 2025 reflect
the full phased in impact from the adoption of CECL.
Refer to
the Consolidated
Financial Statements
in this
Form 10-K.,
Note 20
and Table
10 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 this
Form 10-K Note 2 for more information regarding
CECL.
Prompt Corrective Action
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.
16
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 FDIA 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, 2025,
both BPPR and PB met the quantitative requirements
for ‘well capitalized’ status.
Restrictions on Dividends and Repurchases
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, after
considering those
years’ dividend
activity,
less any
required transfers to
surplus or
to a
fund for
the retirement
of any
preferred stock. During the year
ended December 31, 2025, BPPR declared
cash dividends of $575
million, a portion of
which was
used by Popular for the payments of the cash dividends on its
outstanding common stock. At December 31, 2025, BPPR needed to
obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before declaring a dividend
in excess of $191 million due to its
retained income,
declared dividend activity and transfers to statutory reserves over the three years ended December 31, 2025. 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
and
the
NYSDFS.
During the
year ended
December 31,
2025, Popular
received cash
dividends of
$23 million
from Popular
International
Bank, Inc. (“PIBI”) and $22 million from its other
non-banking subsidiaries.
It is Federal Reserve Board policy that bank holding companies generally should pay dividends on common
stock only out
17
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.
Federal Reserve
policy
also
provides that
a
bank
holding company
should
inform
the
Federal
Reserve
reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that
exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is
being paid or
that could result in a material adverse change
to the bank holding company’s capital structure.
The
Federal Reserve
Board
also restricts
the
ability of
banking
organizations to
conduct stock
repurchases. In
certain
circumstances, a banking organization’s repurchases
of its common stock may
be subject to a
prior approval or notice requirement
under other regulations or policies of the Federal Reserve. Any redemption or
repurchase of preferred stock or subordinated debt is
subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve.
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. Accordingly, dividends from current or accumulated earnings and profits
paid by PNA to Popular, Inc. sourced from the
U.S. operations of PB are subject to a 10% tax withholding.
A corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business is generally subject to a branch profits tax of 30% on its earnings and profits
for the
taxable year that are “effectively connected” with
such U.S. trade or business, adjusted as
provided by U.S. federal income tax law.
Accordingly,
to
the extent
BPPR’s
U.S. operations
generate effectively
connected earnings
and profits
that
are not
reinvested in
such U.S. operations
(and that are
not otherwise adjusted
as provided by
U.S. federal income tax
law), such effectively
connected
earnings and profits will generally be subject
to a branch profits tax of 30%.
Refer to
Part II,
Item 5,
“Market for
Registrant’s Common
Equity,
Related Stockholder
Matters and
Issuer Purchases
of
Equity Securities” for further information on Popular’s
distribution of dividends and repurchases of equity
securities.
See
“Puerto
Rico
Regulation”
below
for
a
description
of
certain
restrictions
on
BPPR’s
ability
to
pay
dividends
under
Puerto Rico law.
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 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
company
that
meets
management
and
capital
standards
and
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.” As noted above, a bank
holding company electing to be a financial
holding company must itself be and remain
well capitalized and well managed. The Federal Reserve Board’s
regulations applicable
to bank holding companies separately define
“well capitalized” for bank holding companies,
such as Popular,
to require maintaining
a tier 1 capital
ratio of at least
6% and a total capital
ratio of at least 10%.
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
18
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.
Furthermore, 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 “Volcker
Rule” adopted
as part
of the
Dodd-Frank Act
restricts the
ability of
Popular and
its subsidiaries,
including
BPPR and PB as
well as non-banking subsidiaries, 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
subject to
the Volcker
Rule; therefore, the Volcker Rule does not have a material effect on our
operations.
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.
The
Anti-Money
Laundering
Act
of
2020
(“AMLA”),
which
amended
the
Bank
Secrecy
Act
(the
“BSA”),
is
intended
to
comprehensively
reform
and
modernize
U.S.
anti-money
laundering
laws.
Among
other
things,
the
AMLA
codifies
a
risk-based
approach to anti-money laundering compliance for financial institutions; requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury to
promulgate
priorities
for
anti-money
laundering
and
countering
the
financing
of
terrorism
policy;
requires
the
development
of
standards
for
testing technology and
internal processes for BSA
compliance; expands enforcement-
and investigation-related authority,
including
a
significant
expansion
in
the
available
sanctions
for
certain
BSA
violations;
and
expands
BSA
whistleblower
incentives
and
protections.
Many
of
the
statutory
provisions
in
the
AMLA
require
additional
rulemakings,
reports
and
other
measures,
and
the
impact
of
the
AMLA
will
depend on,
among
other
things,
rulemaking and
implementation guidance.
In
June
2021,
the
Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of
the U.S. Department of the
Treasury,
issued the priorities for anti-money laundering
and
countering the
financing of
terrorism policy
required under AMLA.
The priorities
include: corruption, cybercrime,
terrorist financing,
fraud, transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and
proliferation financing.
Federal regulators
regularly examine BSA/Anti-Money
Laundering and sanctions
compliance to
enhance their
adequacy
and effectiveness, and the frequency and extent of such examinations
and related remedial actions have been
increasing.
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 offices or branches, add subsidiaries
and affiliates, expand into new financial activities and merge
with or purchase other financial institutions.
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.
In
October
2023,
the
Federal
Reserve
Board
proposed
amendments
to
its
rules
on
interchange
fees.
If
adopted,
the
19
proposed changes
would establish
a maximum
permissible interchange
fee of
no more
than 14.4
cents per
transaction plus
four
basis
points
multiplied
by
the
value
of
the
transaction.
The
fraud
prevention
adjustment
would
be
increased
to
1.3
cents
per
transaction. The proposed changes would also establish an automatic update of
the interchange fee cap every other year based on
a survey of debit card issuers.
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. During 2025, the CFPB reduced its staff by over 80%. The
reduction in force is the subject of litigation, and
the
staffing
cuts
are
currently
stayed
pending
the
federal
circuit
court’s
en
banc
rehearing
of
the
case.
The
impact
of
these
developments
on
banking
organizations
subject
to
CFPB
regulation
and
supervision,
including
us,
is
uncertain.
The
Consumer
Financial Protection Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and standards that are more stringent than those adopted
at
the federal
level and,
in certain
circumstances, permits
state attorneys
general to
enforce compliance
with both
the state
and
federal laws and regulations. States and state attorneys general
may increase regulatory, investigative and enforcement activity with
respect to consumer protection, in
response to changes in regulation, supervision
and enforcement of consumer protection laws
by
federal regulators.
On October 22, 2024, the CFPB finalized a new rule to implement Section 1033 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act
that
requires
a
provider
of
payment
accounts
or
products,
such
as
a
bank,
to
make
data
available
to
consumers
upon
request
regarding the
products or
services they
obtain from
the provider.
Any such
data provider
also has
to make
such data
available to
third parties, with the consumer’s express authorization and
through an interface that satisfies formatting, performance
and security
standards,
for
the
purpose
of
such
third
parties
providing
the
consumer
with
financial
products
or
services
requested
by
the
consumer. Data required to be made available under the rule includes
transaction information, account balance, account and routing
numbers,
terms
and
conditions,
upcoming
bill
information,
and
certain
account
verification
data.
The
rule
is
intended
to
give
consumers
control
over
their
financial
data,
including
with
whom
it
is
shared,
and
encourage
competition
in
the
provision
of
consumer financial
products or
services. For
banks with
at least
$10 billion
and less
than $250
billion in
total assets,
compliance
with the rule’s requirements is required beginning on
April 1, 2027. The rule is the subject of litigation,
which is currently stayed while
the CFPB considers revisions to the rule.
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,
including
denial
by
federal
regulators
of
proposed
merger,
acquisition, restructuring, or other expansionary activity.
Protection of Customer Personal Information and
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001193125-25-043848.
Management’s
Discussion
and
Analysis
included
in
this
Form
10-K
for
information on
the approval
of policies
to manage
liquidity risk.
Additionally,
contingency funding
plans are
used to
model various
stressful
events
of
different
magnitudes
that
affect
different
time
horizons,
to
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. 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,
fund
planned
capital
distributions
and
maintain
a
reasonable
safety
margin
for
cash
needs
under
both
normal
and
stressed
market
conditions.
Sources of Liquidity
Deposits, including
customer deposits,
brokered deposits
and public
funds deposits,
continue to
be the
most significant
source of
funds
for
the
Corporation,
representing
89%
and
90%
of
funding
of
the
Corporation’s
total
assets
at
December
31,
2024
and
December 31, 2023, respectively.
The ratio of total ending loans to deposits was 57% at December 31, 2024 and 55% at December
31, 2023.
In addition to
traditional deposits, the
Corporation maintains borrowing arrangements, which
amounted to approximately
$1.2
billion
in
outstanding
balances
at
December
31,
2024
(December
31,
2023
-
$1.1
billion).
A
detailed
description
of
the
Corporation’s
borrowings,
including
their
terms,
is
included
in
Note
16
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.
The
following
sections
provide
further
information
on
the
Corporation’s
major
funding
activities
and
needs,
as
well
as
the
risks
involved in these activities.
Banking Subsidiaries
Primary
sources of
funding
for the
Corporation’s
banking subsidiaries
(BPPR and
PB
or,
collectively,
“the banking
subsidiaries”)
include
retail,
commercial
and
public
sector
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.
During the fourth quarter of 2024 the Corporation had no material incremental use of its available liquidity sources. At December 31,
2024, the Corporation’s available liquidity increased to
$ 21.6 billion from $19.5 billion
on December 31, 2023. The liquidity sources
of the Corporation at December 31, 2024 are
presented in Table 17 below:
Table 17 - Liquidity Sources
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Total
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Total
Unpledged securities and unused funding
sources:
Money market (excess funds at the
Federal Reserve Bank)
$
4,882,358
$
1,488,857
$
6,371,215
$
5,516,636
$
1,475,143
$
6,991,779
Unpledged securities
3,806,066
522,869
4,328,935
4,212,480
347,791
4,560,271
FHLB borrowing capacity
2,777,090
1,058,921
3,836,011
2,157,685
1,341,329
3,499,014
Discount window of the Federal Reserve
Bank borrowing capacity
4,839,388
2,178,646
7,018,034
2,605,674
1,818,946
4,424,620
Total available liquidity
$
16,304,902
$
5,249,293
$
21,554,195
$
14,492,475
$
4,983,209
$
19,475,684
85
Refer
to
Note
16
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
activities mainly
in
connection
with
contractual
commitments,
recourse
provisions,
servicing
advances,
derivatives
and
credit
card
licensing
agreements.
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.
Deposits are
a key
source of
funding. Refer
to Table
8 for
a breakdown
of deposits
by major
types. Core
deposits are
generated
from a large base of consumer, corporate and public sector customers. Core deposits
include certificates
of deposit under $250,000,
all
interest-bearing
transactional
deposit
accounts,
non-interest-bearing
deposits,
and
savings
deposits.
Core
deposits
exclude
brokered
deposits
and
certificates
of
deposit
over
$250,000.
Core
deposits,
excluding
P.R.
public
funds,
which
are
fully
collateralized, have
historically provided
the Corporation
with a
sizable source
of relatively
stable and
low-cost funds.
P.R.
public
funds, while linked to market interest rates, provide a stable source of funding
with an attractive earning spread. As of December 31,
2024, total Puerto Rico public sector deposits were
$19.5 billion, compared to $18.1 billion at
December 31, 2023.
Core deposits
totaled $59.9
billion, or
92% of
total deposits,
at December
31, 2024,
compared with
$59.0 billion,
or 93%
of total
deposits, at December 31, 2023. Core deposits financed 86% of the Corporation’s earning assets at December 31, 2024, compared
with 88% at December 31, 2023.
The distribution by maturity of certificates of deposit with denominations of $250,000 and over at December 31, 2024 is presented in
the table that follows:
Table 18 - Distribution by
Maturity of Certificates of Deposit of $250,000 and Over
(In thousands)
3 months or less
$
2,313,814
Over 3 to 12 months
934,934
Over 1 year to 3 years
204,776
Over 3 years
176,027
Total
$
3,629,551
For the
years ended
December 31,
2024 and
2023, average
deposits, including
brokered deposits,
represented 92%
of average
earning assets. Table 19 summarizes average deposits for the past two years.
86
Table 19 - Average
Total Deposits
For the years ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2024
2023
Deposits excluding P.R.
government deposits:
Demand deposits
$
15,065,039
$
15,307,152
Savings, NOW and money market deposits (non-brokered)
21,228,157
21,914,790
Savings, NOW and money market deposits (brokered)
764,696
756,343
Time deposits (non-brokered)
7,227,460
6,470,210
Time deposits (brokered CDs)
956,223
722,328
Sub-total deposits excluding P.R.
government
deposits
45,241,575
45,170,823
P.R. government
deposits:
Demand deposits
[1]
11,754,910
11,997,257
Savings, NOW and money market deposits (non-brokered)
6,728,781
4,795,092
Time deposits (non-brokered)
719,017
583,308
Sub-total P.R.
government
deposits
19,202,708
17,375,657
Average total deposits
$
64,444,283
$
62,546,480
[1] Includes interest bearing demand deposits.
The Corporation had
$1.6 billion in
brokered deposits at
December 31, 2024,
which financed approximately
2% of its
total assets
(December 31, 2023 - $1.7 billion and 2%,
respectively).
As of
December 31,
2024, 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 would
be
severely constrained if
the banking subsidiaries
are unable to
maintain access to
funding or if
adequate funding 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
on
repurchase
agreements,
deposit
agreements
and
other
collateralized
borrowing facilities. 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 or collateral requirements and would need
to
rely
more
heavily
on
alternative
funding
sources.
In
these
scenarios,
the
Corporation’s
financial
flexibility
and
ability
to
grow
revenues may not increase proportionately to cover costs and
profitability would be adversely affected.
The Corporation considers balances in
excess of $250,000 to have a
higher potential liquidity risk.
Table
20 reflects the aggregate
balance in
deposit accounts
in excess
of $250,000,
including collateralized
public funds
and deposits
outside of
the U.S.
and its
territories.
Collateralized public funds, as presented in Table 20, represent public deposit balances from governmental
entities in the
U.S.
and
its
territories,
including
Puerto
Rico
and
the
United
States
Virgin
Islands,
collateralized
based
on
such
jurisdictions’
applicable collateral requirements.
87
Table 20 - Deposits
31-Dec-24
Popular, Inc.
(Dollars in thousands)
BPPR
% of Total
Popular U.S.
% of Total
(Consolidated)
% of Total
Deposits:
Deposits balances under $250,000 [1]
$
23,588,937
44
%
$
7,961,334
68
%
$
31,550,271
49
%
Transactional deposits balances over
$250,000
8,046,175
15
%
1,944,674
16
%
9,990,849
15
%
Time deposits balances over $250,000
1,991,934
4
%
813,424
7
%
2,805,358
4
%
Uninsured foreign deposits
450,068
1
%
-
-
%
450,068
1
%
Collateralized public funds
19,771,083
36
%
316,716
3
%
20,087,799
31
%
Intercompany deposits
205,839
-
%
667,839
6
%
-
-
%
Total deposits
$
54,054,036
100
%
$
11,703,987
100
%
$
64,884,345
100
%
[1] Includes the first $250,000 in balances of transactional
and time deposit accounts with balances in excess
of $250,000.
31-Dec-23
Popular, Inc.
(Dollars in thousands)
BPPR
% of Total
Popular U.S.
% of Total
(Consolidated)
% of Total
Deposits
Deposits balances under $250,000 [1]
$
23,683,475
45
%
$
7,760,363
69
%
$
31,443,838
49
%
Transactional deposits balances over
$250,000
8,632,491
16
%
2,230,978
20
%
10,863,469
17
%
Time deposits balances over $250,000
1,926,005
4
%
361,315
3
%
2,287,320
4
%
Uninsured foreign deposits
418,334
1
%
-
-
%
418,334
1
%
Collateralized public funds
18,313,612
34
%
291,670
3
%
18,605,282
29
%
Intercompany deposits
159,163
-
%
626,312
5
%
-
-
%
Total deposits
$
53,133,080
100
%
$
11,270,638
100
%
$
63,618,243
100
%
[1] Includes the first $250,000 in balances of transactional
and time deposit accounts with balances in excess
of $250,000.
Bank Holding Companies
The principal
sources of
funding for
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,
asset sales,
credit
facilities
available from
affiliate banking subsidiaries and proceeds from potential securities offerings.
Dividends from banking and non-banking subsidiaries
are subject
to various
regulatory limits
and authorization
requirements imposed
by banking
regulators, including
the FED
and the
NYDFS, that may limit the ability of those subsidiaries
to act as a source of funding to the BHCs.
The principal uses of these funds include the repayment of debt, interest payments to holders of senior debt and junior subordinated
deferrable interest debentures (related to trust preferred securities), the payment of dividends to common stockholders,
repurchases
of the Corporation’s securities and capitalizing its subsidiaries.
The
outstanding
balance
of
notes
payable
at
the
BHCs
amounted
to
$594
million
at
December
31,
2024
and
$592
million
at
December 31, 2023.
The contractual maturities of the BHCs notes payable
at December 31, 2024 are presented in
Table 21.
Table 21
- Distribution of BHC's Notes Payable by Contractual
Maturity
Year
(In thousands)
2028
$
395,198
Later years
198,373
Total
$
593,571
88
As
of December
31, 2024,
the BHCs
had cash
and money
markets investments
totaling $635
million and
borrowing potential
of
$165 million from its secured facility with BPPR.
The BHCs’
liquidity position continues to be adequate with sufficient cash
on hand,
investments and
other sources of
liquidity that are
expected to be
sufficient to
meet all
interest payments and
dividend obligations
for the foreseeable future.
Additionally, the Corporation’s
latest quarterly dividend was $0.70 per share
or approximately $49 million
per quarter.
The BHCs have in
the past borrowed in the
corporate debt market primarily to finance
their non-banking subsidiaries and refinance
debt
obligations.
These
sources
of
funding
are
more
costly
given
that
two
out
of
three
principal
credit
rating
agencies
rate
the
Corporation’s
debt
securities
below “investment
grade”.
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.
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.
During the
year ended
December 31,
2024,
Popular,
Inc. made
capital contributions
of $1.7
million to
Popular Impact Fund, its wholly owned subsidiary.
Dividends
During
the
year
ended
December
31,
2024,
the
Corporation
declared
cash
dividends
of
$2.56
per
common
share
outstanding
($183.9 million in the aggregate). The dividends for the Corporation’s Series A preferred stock amounted to $1.4 million. On July 24,
2024, the corporation announced an
increase in the Corporation’s
quarterly common stock dividend from
$0.62 to $0.70 per
share,
commencing with the dividend payable in the first
quarter of 2025.
During the
year ended December
31, 2024,
the BHCs
received dividends and
distributions amounting to
$600 million from
BPPR,
$50
million
from
PNA
and
$23
million
from
its
other
non-banking
subsidiaries.
Dividends
from
BPPR
constitute
Popular,
Inc.’s
primary source of
liquidity. In
addition, during the year
ended December 31, 2024,
Popular International Bank Inc.,
a wholly owned
subsidiary of Popular, Inc., received $19.4 million in cash dividends
and $2.9 million in stock dividends from its investment
in BHD.
Other Funding Sources and Capital
In addition to cash reserves held at the FRB that totaled $ 6.4 billion at December 31, 2024, the debt securities portfolio provides an
additional
source
of
liquidity,
which
may
be
realized
through
either
securities
sales,
collateralized
borrowings
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
repurchase
agreements
would
be
subject
to
having
sufficient
unpledged
collateral
available
at
the
time
the
transactions are
consummated, in addition
to overall
liquidity and
risk appetite
of the
various counterparties.
Refer to
Table
17 for
details of
the Corporation’s
unpledged debt
securities and
available credit
facilities with
the FHLB
and the
discount window
of the
Federal Reserve Bank. A substantial portion
of these debt securities could
be used to raise financing
in the U.S. money markets
or
from secured lending sources, subject to changes in
their fair market value and customary adjustments (haircuts).
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. Mortgage loans and some
types of consumer loans,
have secondary markets which the
Corporation
could use.
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.
89
Refer to
Note 23
to the
Consolidated Financial
Statements for
information on
the Corporation’s
commitments to
extent credit
and
other non-credit commitments.
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
32
to
the
Consolidated
Financial
Statements
for
more
information
on
operating
leases
and
to
Note
22
to
the
Consolidated
Financial
Statements for
a detailed
discussion related
to the
Corporation’s guarantees,
indemnifications obligations, and
representation and
warranties arrangements.
The Corporation monitors its cash requirements, including
its contractual obligations and debt commitments.
Financial Information of Guarantor and Issuers of Registered
Guaranteed Securities
The principal sources of funding for Popular, Inc. Holding Company (“PIHC”) and Popular North America, Inc. (“PNA”) have included
dividends received from their banking and non-banking subsidiaries,
asset sales and proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity.
As further
described below,
in the
Risk to
Liquidity section,
various statutory
provisions limit
the dividends
an insured
depository
institution may pay to its holding company without
regulatory approval.
The Corporation ("PIHC") is
the parent holding company
of Popular North America (“PNA”)
and operates financial services through
its subsidiaries. PNA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Popular, Inc., manages entities such as Equity One, Inc., and PB, including PB’s
subsidiaries: Popular Equipment Finance, LLC,
Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A., and E-LOAN, Inc.
PNA has issued junior subordinated debentures guaranteed by PIHC (the “obligor group”), purchased by statutory
trusts established
by the Corporation using proceeds from trust preferred
securities (“capital securities”) and common securities
of the trusts.
PIHC guarantees
the junior
subordinated debentures
issued by
PNA. If
PIHC fails
to make
interest payments
on the
debentures
held by the trust,
the trust will not
distribute payments on the
capital securities. The guarantee
ranks subordinate and junior
in right
of
payment to
all
other liabilities
of
PIHC and
equally with
all
other PIHC-issued
guarantees, allowing
direct
legal
action against
PIHC without involving other entities.
Funding
for
PIHC
and
PNA
includes
dividends
from
subsidiaries,
asset
sales,
and
proceeds
from
debt
and
equity
issuance.
Statutory provisions limit the dividends an insured
depository institution can pay to its holding
company without regulatory approval.
The summarized financial
information below shows
the combined financial
position of the
obligor group as
of December 31,
2024,
and December 31, 2023, and their operations for the years ending on those dates. Excluded are investments and equity in earnings
from subsidiaries and affiliates outside the obligor group.
Intercompany balances
and transactions
within the
obligor group
have been
eliminated. Material
amounts due
from, due
to, and
transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates are shown separately. Related party transactions
are also presented separately.
90
Table 22 - Summarized Statement
of Condition
(In thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Assets
Cash and money market investments
$
634,809
$
388,025
Investment securities
35,150
29,973
Accounts receivables from non-obligor subsidiaries
14,602
14,469
Other loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $281 (2023
- $51))
25,381
26,906
Investment in equity method investees
5,279
5,265
Other assets
65,483
51,315
Total assets
$
780,704
$
515,953
Liabilities and Stockholders' equity
Accounts payable to non-obligor subsidiaries
$
12,163
$
7,023
Notes payable
593,571
592,283
Other liabilities
126,718
114,660
Stockholders' equity (deficit)
48,252
(198,013)
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity
$
780,704
$
515,953
Table 23 - Summarized Statement
of Operations
For the years ended
(In thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Income:
Dividends from non-obligor subsidiaries
$
623,000
$
208,000
Interest income from non-obligor subsidiaries and affiliates
9,784
15,579
Earnings (losses) from investments in equity method investees
15
(84)
Other operating income
2,399
4,664
Total income
$
635,198
$
228,159
Expenses:
Services provided by non-obligor subsidiaries and affiliates
(net of
reimbursement by subsidiaries for services provided by parent
of
$172,449 (2023 - $161,333))
$
13,328
$
13,513
Other expenses
37,391
36,216
Income tax expense (benefit)
[1]
20,725
(1,238)
Total expenses
$
71,444
$
48,491
Net income
$
563,754
$
179,668
[1] As discussed
in Note 1
to the Consolidated
Financial Statements, the
net income for
the year ended
December 31, 2024,
included $22.9
million of expenses,
of which $16.5
million was
reflected in income
tax expense
and $6.4 million
was reflected
in other operating
expenses,
related
to
an
out-of-period
adjustment
associated
with
the
Corporation’s
U.S.
subsidiary’s
non-payment
of
taxes
on
certain
intercompany
distributions to the Bank Holding Company (BHC) in Puerto Rico,
a foreign corporation for U.S. tax purposes.
In addition to
the dividend income
reflected in the
Statement of Operations
table above, during
the year ended
December
31, 2024, the
obligor group recorded a
$67.4 million of
capital distributions from
non-obligor subsidiaries which were
in an
accumulated loss position and accordingly were
recorded as a reduction to the investments
(2023 - $64.0 million).
91
Risk to Liquidity
The
Corporation’s
liquidity
may
come
under
pressure
if
it
experiences
significant
unexpected
cash
outflows
due
to
deposit
withdrawals,
which
could
arise
from
various
factors
like
loss
of
depositor
confidence,
exogenous events,
a
downgrade
in
credit
rating, or other events causing counterparties to avoid
exposure. The Corporation’s liquidity risk is impacted by
the following:
●
External factors such as the
economic outlook (the P.R.
market poses additional risk factors, refer to
the Geographic and
Government Risk
section of
this MD&A
for highlights
regarding Puerto
Rico's economy
and fiscal
status),
interest rate
volatility,
inflation,
debt
market
disruptions, and
regulatory
changes
(e.g.
if
regulatory
capital
ratios
fall
below
required
thresholds,
the
Corporation’s
banking
subsidiaries
may
face
challenges
raising
or
retaining
brokered
deposits
and
limitations on deposit interest rates) can impact
funding ability.
●
Management has
contingency plans
involving alternate
funding mechanisms
like pledging
asset classes
and accessing
secured credit lines and loan facilities with the FHLB
and FRB, subject to positive tangible capital requirements.
●
The Corporation’s ability to compete in the
deposit market relies on pricing, service, convenience, financial stability,
credit
ratings, customer confidence, and FDIC deposit insurance
coverage.
●
Public sector
deposits require
high-credit-quality securities
as collateral;
hence, liquidity
risks from
public sector
deposit
outflows
are
mitigated
as
the
bank
receives
its
collateral
back.
The
Corporation
uses
fixed-rate
U.S.
Treasury
debt
securities as collateral, which are subject to market value fluctuations based on interest rate changes. Rate increases can
reduce collateral value, requiring additional collateral,
thus decreasing unpledged securities.
●
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.
Investors should refer to
Liquidity Risk section of
“Part I, Item
1A” of this
Form 10-K for
an additional discussion of
liquidity risks to
which the Corporation is subject.
In addition to regulatory limits previously discussed, the
ability of a bank subsidiary to up-stream
dividends to its BHC could thus be
impacted by
its financial
performance and
capital, including
tangible and
regulatory capital,
thus potentially
limiting the
amount of
cash moving
up to
the BHCs
from the
banking subsidiaries. This
could, in
turn, affect
the BHCs
ability to
declare dividends
on its
outstanding common and preferred stock, repurchase its securities or meet its
debt obligations, for example. During the year ended
December 31,
2024, BPPR
declared cash
dividends of
$600 million
to PIHC
and could
declare a
dividend of
up to
approximately
$318 million without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board due to its retained income, declared dividend activity and transfers
to statutory
reserves over
the measurement
period. In
addition, pursuant
to the
FRB requirements,
PB may
not declare
or pay
a
dividend without the prior approval of the Federal
Reserve Board and the NYSDFS.
The Corporation’s
banking subsidiaries have
historically not used
unsecured capital market
borrowings to finance
their operations,
and therefore are less sensitive to the level and
changes in the Corporation’s overall credit ratings.
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 36 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
(“Puerto
Rico”), which has faced severe economic and fiscal
challenges in the past and may face additional
challenges in the future.
Economic Performance
92
Puerto Rico's economy
is closely linked
to the United
States (“U.S.”) economy,
as most of
the external factors
that influence
it are
shaped by U.S.
policies and economic performance,
including federal transfer payments, tax
policies, interest rates, inflation,
trade
policies, and geopolitical developments.
Puerto Rico’s economy
historically followed the
economic trends of the
U.S. economy.
However, from
2007 to 2017,
Puerto Rico’s
economy suffered
a severe
recession, with
real gross
national product
(“GNP”) contracting
approximately 15%
during this
period.
The recession was exacerbated by the damaged caused by Hurricane María in 2017. Since 2018, Puerto Rico’s economy has been
gradually recovering,
with a
temporary interruption
in 2020
due to
the COVID-19
pandemic, in
part aided
by the
large amount
of
federal
disaster
relief
and
recovery
assistance
funds
received
in
connection
with
recent
natural
disasters
and
the
COVID-19
pandemic. Future
growth depends
on multiple
factors, including
the level
of
ongoing federal
assistance and
the timetable
for
its
deployment. Estimates
from the
Puerto Rico
Planning Board
indicated that
real GNP
grew by
2.8% during
fiscal year
2024 (July
2023-June
2024)
and
is
projected to
grow by
1.4%
in
fiscal
year 2025
(July
2024-June 2025).
However,
the
latest Puerto
Rico
Economic Activity Index showed a 1.1% year-over-year
decline and a 0.1% month-over-month decline in November
2024. While this
index is not a direct measure of real GNP, it is an indicator of ongoing economic
activity.
In
2021
and
2022,
inflation
rose
sharply
in
the
U.S.
and
Puerto
Rico
due
to
post-pandemic
demand
and
supply
chain
issues.
Inflation
began
to
decrease
by
mid-2022
as
the
Federal
Reserve
raised
interest
rates,
largely
stabilizing
by
September
2024,
leading to a series of rate reductions by the Federal Reserve for the first
time in four years. As of January 2025, the U.S. Consumer
Price Index
showed a
3.0% year-over-year
increase, still
above the
Federal Reserve’s
2% target.
In Puerto
Rico, the
Consumer
Price Index increased by 1.7% over the 12
months ending in November 2024.
Fiscal Challenges of Puerto Rico and its Municipalities
As
Puerto Rico’s
economy contracted
in the
2000s, public
debt
increased rapidly
due to
borrowing to
cover
deficits to
pay
debt
service, pension benefits,
and other expenditures.
By 2016, the
government had over
$120 billion in
combined debt and
unfunded
pension liabilities, lost access to capital markets, and
faced a fiscal crisis.
In response, the U.S. Congress enacted the Puerto Rico Oversight,
Management, and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) in June
2016. PROMESA
established an Oversight
Board with
significant control
over Puerto
Rico’s fiscal
and economic
affairs, including
those of
its public
corporations,
instrumentalities and
municipalities (collectively,
“PR Government
Entities”). The
Oversight Board
will
remain
in
place
until
market
access
is
restored
and
balanced
budgets
are
achieved
for
at
least
four
consecutive
years.
PROMESA also established
two mechanisms for
the restructuring of
the obligations of
PR Government Entities:
(a) Title
III, an
in-
court process akin
to that of
the U.S. Bankruptcy Code
and which permits
adjustment of a broad
range of obligations, and
(b) Title
VI, a largely out-of-court process through which a
supermajority of creditors can accept modifications to
debt and bind holdouts.
Since
2017,
Puerto
Rico
and
several
of
its
instrumentalities
have
availed
themselves
of
these
mechanisms.
The
Puerto
Rico
government exited Title III in March 2022, and several instrumentalities, such as the Government Development Bank and the Puerto
Rico Highways and Transportation
Authority have also completed
debt restructurings under Titles
III or VI
of PROMESA. However,
the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority is still undergoing
its debt restructuring.
Puerto
Rico's economic
difficulties
have also
impacted its
municipalities. Historically,
the central
government provided
significant
municipal subsidies.
However,
these, have
decreased pursuant
to fiscal
measures required
by the
Oversight Board.
This decline
has been partly offset by federal disaster and COVID-relief funding received
by municipalities in recent years. The latest Puerto Rico
fiscal plan proposes a
restructured grant system to enhance
municipal services and encourage accountability through
performance
metrics.
Municipalities
are
subject
to
PROMESA,
and
the
Oversight
Board
has
required
certain
municipalities
to
submit
fiscal
plans
and
annual budgets
for review
and approval.
Municipalities are
also required
to seek
Oversight Board
approval to
issue, guarantee
or
modify
their
debts
and
to
enter
into
significant
contracts.
To
date
no
municipality
has
availed
itself
of
the
debt
restructuring
mechanisms available to them under PROMESA.
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.
Deterioration in the Puerto
Rico economy has resulted
in the
93
past, and could
result in the future,
in higher delinquencies, greater
charge-offs and increased losses,
which could materially affect
our financial condition and results of operations.
At
December
31,
2024,
the
Corporation’s
direct
exposure
to
PR
Government
Entities
totaled
$336
million,
all
of
which
were
outstanding,
compared
to
$362
million,
of
which
$333
million
were
outstanding,
at
December
31,
2023.
Substantially
all
of
the
Corporation’s direct exposure
outstanding at December 31,
2024 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 basic property tax
or
sales
tax
revenues.
At
December
31,
2024,
80%
of
the
Corporation’s
exposure
to
municipal
loans
and
securities
was
concentrated in the municipalities of San
Juan, Guaynabo, Carolina and Caguas.
In July 2024, the
Corporation received scheduled
principal payments
amounting to
$40 million
from various
obligations from
Puerto Rico
municipalities. For
additional discussion
of
the
Corporation’s
direct
exposure to
the
Puerto
Rico
government and
its
instrumentalities and
municipalities, refer
to
Note
23
–
Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.
In
addition, at
December 31,
2024,
the
Corporation had
$220
million
in
loans
insured
or
securities issued
by
PR
Governmental
Entities, but for
which the principal source
of repayment is non-governmental ($238 million
at December 31, 2023). These included
$176 million in
residential mortgage loans insured
by the Puerto
Rico Housing Finance Authority
(“HFA”), a
PR Government Entity
(December 31, 2023
- $191
million). The Corporation
also had,
at December 31,
2024, $38 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,
2023 -
$40 million).
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.
The
Corporation
does
not
consider
the
government
guarantee
when
estimating
the
credit
losses
associated with this portfolio.
BPPR’s
commercial loan
portfolio also
includes loans
to
private borrowers
who
are service
providers, lessors,
suppliers or
have
other
relationships
with
the
PR
government.
These
borrowers
could
be
negatively
affected
by
a
deterioration
in
the
fiscal
and
economic
situation
of
PR
Government
Entities.
Similarly,
BPPR’s
mortgage
and
consumer
loan
portfolios
include
loans
to
government
employees
and
retirees,
which
could
also
be
negatively
affected
by
fiscal
measures,
such
as
employee
layoffs
or
furloughs or reductions in pension benefits, if the
fiscal and economic situation deteriorates.
As
of
December
31,
2024,
BPPR
had
$19.5
billion
in
deposits
from
the
Puerto
Rico
government,
its
instrumentalities,
and
municipalities. The rate at
which public deposit balances may
decline is uncertain and
difficult to predict. The
amount and timing of
any such
reduction is likely
to be
impacted by,
for example, the
level of federal
assistance, the speed
at which
such assistance is
distributed and the financial condition, liquidity and cash management practices of such entities, as well as on the ability of BPPR
to
maintain these customer relationships.
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,
which 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, 2024,
the Corporation
had approximately $28
million in
direct exposure to
USVI government
entities (December
31, 2023 - $28 million).
British Virgin Islands
The
Corporation has
operations
in
the
British Virgin
Islands
(“BVI”),
which
was
negatively
affected by
the
COVID-19
pandemic,
particularly as
a reduction
in the
tourism activity
which accounts
for a
significant portion
of its
economy.
Although the
Corporation
has
no
significant
exposure
to
a
single
borrower
in
the
BVI,
at
December
31,
2024,
it
has
a
loan
portfolio
amounting
to
approximately
$196
million
comprised
of
various
retail
and
commercial
clients,
compared
to
a
loan
portfolio
of
$205
million
at
December 31, 2023.
94
U.S. Government
As further detailed in Notes
5 and 6 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, $2.1 billion of residential mortgages and $87.4 million commercial
loans
were insured
or guaranteed
by the
U.S. Government
or its
agencies at
December 31,
2024 (compared
to
$1.9 billion
and $89.2
million, respectively, at December 31, 2023).
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 24.
The Corporation’s
credit quality
metrics remained
stable during
2024, when
compared to
the previous
year.
While non-performing
loans
(“NPLs”),
net
charge
offs
(“NCOs”)
and
inflows
to
NPLs
remained
near
or
below
historical averages,
consumer
portfolios
reflected
increased
delinquencies
and
NCOs.
The
mortgage
and
commercial
portfolios
continued
to
operate
with
low
levels
of
delinquencies and NCOs. The
Corporation continues to actively monitor
changes in the macroeconomic environment
and borrower
performance given higher
interest rates and
inflationary pressures. Management believes
that the improvements
over recent years
in risk management practices
and the overall risk
profile of the Corporation’s
loan portfolios position Popular to
continue to operate
successfully under the current environment.
Total
NPAs
decreased
by
$30.0
million
when
compared
with
December
31,
2023.
Total
NPLs
decreased
by
$6.8
million
from
December
31,
2023.
BPPR’s
NPLs
decreased
by
$36.6
million,
across
most
loan
categories,
except
consumer
NPLs
which
reflected an
increase of
$7.4 million,
mostly driven
by the
auto portfolio.
Popular U.S.
NPLs increased
by $29.8
million, driven
by
higher commercial and mortgage NPLs
by $12.5 million and
$18.7 million, respectively.
The mortgage NPL increase
was impacted
by a single loan amounting to $17.1 million.
On December
31, 2024,
the ratio
of NPLs
to total
loans held-in-portfolio
was 0.95%,
compared to
1.02%, at
December 31,
2023.
Other real estate owned loans (“OREOs”) decreased
by $23.1 million from December 31, 2023. The
decrease in OREO was driven
by the
sale of
residential properties. On
December 31, 2024,
NPLs secured by
real estate
amounted to $200
million in the
Puerto
Rico operations and $56 million in Popular U.S,
compared with $231 million and $24 million,
respectively, on December 31, 2023.
The Corporation’s
commercial loan
portfolio secured
by real
estate (“CRE”)
amounted to
$10.9 billion
on December
31, 2024,
of
which
$3.2
billion
was
secured
with
owner
occupied
properties,
compared
with
$10.6
billion
and
$3.1
billion,
respectively,
on
December 31,
2023. Office
space leasing exposure
in our
non-owner occupied CRE
portfolio is limited,
representing only 1.9%
or
$714 million of our total loan portfolio. The
exposure is mainly comprised of low- to mid- rise properties with an
average loan size of
$2.4 million and is well diversified across tenant
type.
CRE NPLs
amounted to
$53.7 million
at December
31, 2024,
compared with
$47.6 million
at December
31, 2023.
The CRE
NPL
ratios for the BPPR and Popular U.S. segments were 0.64% and 0.37%, respectively,
at December 31, 2024, compared with 0.86%
and 0.13%, respectively, at December 31, 2023.
In addition to the NPLs included in Table 24, at December 31, 2024, there were $596 million of performing loans, mostly commercial
loans, which in management’s opinion, are currently subject to potential future classification as non-performing (December 31, 2023
- $510 million).
The following table presents the Corporation’s NPAs as of December 31, 2024
and 2023:
95
Table 24 - Non-Performing
Assets
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Non-accrual loans:
Commercial
Commercial multi-family
$
79
$
8,700
$
8,779
$
1,991
$
-
$
1,991
Commercial real estate non-owner
occupied
6,429
8,015
14,444
8,745
1,117
9,862
Commercial real estate owner occupied
25,258
5,191
30,449
29,430
6,274
35,704
Commercial and industrial
19,335
1,748
21,083
32,826
3,772
36,598
Total Commercial
51,101
23,654
74,755
72,992
11,163
84,155
Construction
-
-
-
6,378
-
6,378
Leasing
9,588
-
9,588
8,632
-
8,632
Mortgage
158,442
29,890
188,332
175,106
11,191
186,297
Consumer
Home equity lines of credit
-
3,393
3,393
-
3,733
3,733
Personal
20,269
1,741
22,010
19,031
2,805
21,836
Auto
51,792
-
51,792
45,615
-
45,615
Other
899
11
910
964
1
965
Total Consumer
72,960
5,145
78,105
65,610
6,539
72,149
Total non-performing
loans held-in-portfolio
292,091
58,689
350,780
328,718
28,893
357,611
Other real estate owned (“OREO”)
57,197
71
57,268
80,176
240
80,416
Total non-performing
assets
[1]
$
349,288
$
58,760
$
408,048
$
408,894
$
29,133
$
438,027
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
[2]
$
242,250
$
190
$
242,440
$
268,362
$
109
$
268,471
Non-performing loans
to loans held-in-
portfolio
0.95
%
1.02
%
Interest Lost
15,565
18,697
[1] There were no non-performing loans held-for-sale
as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
[2] 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 $65
million of
residential
mortgage
loans insured
by FHA
or guaranteed
by the
VA
that are
no longer
accruing interest
as of
December 31,
2024 (December
31, 2023
- $106
million).
Furthermore,
at
December
31,2024
the
Corporation
had
approximately
$31
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 fr
om non-
performing assets (December 31, 2023 - $38 million).
For
the
year
ended
December
31,
2024,
total
inflows
of
NPLs
held-in-portfolio,
excluding
consumer
loans,
increased
by
$44.6
million, compared
to the
same period
in 2023.
Inflows of
NPLs held-in-portfolio at
the BPPR
segment decreased
by $21.7
million,
compared to the same period in 2023, mainly driven by lower commercial and construction inflows by $28.8 million and $9.3 million,
respectively, in part offset by higher mortgage inflows by $16.4 million. Inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio at the Popular U.S. segment
increased by $66.3 million from the same period in 2023, mainly driven by higher commercial and mortgage inflows by $33.0 million
and $33.3
million,
respectively.
The increase
in commercial
NPL inflows
was primarily
driven by
a single
$17.3 million
loan sold
during the fourth quarter of 2024. Meanwhile,
the rise in mortgage NPL inflows included the
impact of a recurring $17.1 million loan.
Tables 25 to 32 present the Corporation’s inflows to NPLs for the years ended 2024 and 2023.
96
Table 25 - Activity in Non
-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer
Loans)
For the year ended December 31, 2024
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance
- NPLs
$
254,476
$
22,354
$
276,830
Plus:
New non-performing loans
158,713
98,088
256,801
Advances on existing non-performing loans
-
382
382
Less:
Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
(16,572)
(24)
(16,596)
Non-performing loans charged-off
(18,643)
(1,885)
(20,528)
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(168,431)
(65,371)
(233,802)
Ending balance - NPLs
$
209,543
$
53,544
$
263,087
Table 26 - Activity in Non
-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer
Loans)
For the year ended December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance - NPLs
$
324,562
$
31,356
$
355,918
Plus:
New non-performing loans
180,426
31,484
211,910
Advances on existing non-performing loans
-
681
681
Less:
Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
(36,684)
(58)
(36,742)
Non-performing loans charged-off
(10,128)
(4,837)
(14,965)
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(203,700)
(36,272)
(239,972)
Ending balance -
NPLs
$
254,476
$
22,354
$
276,830
97
Table 27 - Activity in Non
-Performing Commercial Loans Held-In-Portfolio
For the year ended December 31, 2024
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance - NPLs
$72,992
$11,163
$84,155
Plus:
New non-performing loans
15,749
48,764
64,513
Advances on existing non-performing loans
-
314
314
Less:
Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
(358)
-
(358)
Non-performing loans charged-off
(18,485)
(1,867)
(20,352)
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(18,797)
(34,720)
(53,517)
Ending balance - NPLs
$51,101
$23,654
$74,755
Table 28 - Activity in Non
-Performing Commercial Loans Held-in-Portfolio
For the year ended December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance - NPLs
$82,171
10,868
$93,039
Plus:
New non-performing loans
44,542
15,533
60,075
Advances on existing non-performing loans
-
550
550
Less:
Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
(5,930)
-
(5,930)
Non-performing loans charged-off
(7,664)
(4,837)
(12,501)
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(40,127)
(10,951)
(51,078)
Ending balance - NPLs
$72,992
$11,163
$84,155
Table 29
-
Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-In
-Portfolio
For the year ended December 31, 2024
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance - NPLs
$6,378
$-
$6,378
Less:
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(6,378)
-
(6,378)
Ending balance - NPLs
$-
$-
$-
98
Table 30 -
Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-in
-Portfolio
For the year ended December 31, 2023
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance - NPLs
$-
$-
$-
Plus:
New non-performing loans
9,284
-
9,284
Less:
Non-performing loans charged-off
(2,537)
-
(2,537)
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(369)
-
(369)
Ending balance - NPLs
$6,378
$-
$6,378
Table 31 - Activity in Non
-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio
For the year ended December 31,
2024
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance - NPLs
$175,106
$11,191
$186,297
Plus:
New non-performing loans
142,964
49,324
192,288
Advances on existing non-performing loans
-
68
68
Less:
Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
(16,214)
(24)
(16,238)
Non-performing loans charged-off
(158)
(18)
(176)
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(143,256)
(30,651)
(173,907)
Ending balance - NPLs
$158,442
$29,890
$188,332
Table 32 - Activity in Non
-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio
For the year ended December 31,
2023
(In thousands)
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Beginning balance - NPLs
$242,391
$20,488
$262,879
Plus:
New non-performing loans
126,600
15,951
142,551
Advances on existing non-performing loans
-
131
131
Less:
Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
(30,754)
(58)
(30,812)
Non-performing loans charged-off
73
-
73
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
(163,204)
(25,321)
(188,525)
Ending balance - NPLs
$175,106
$11,191
$186,297
99
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,
2024
and
2023,
are
presented
below.
Table 33 - Loan Delinquencies
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
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
Commercial multi-family
$
15,826
$
2,399,620
0.66
%
$
13,657
$
2,415,620
0.57
%
Commercial real estate
non-owner occupied
24,925
5,363,235
0.46
17,051
5,087,421
0.34
Commercial real estate
owner occupied
42,311
3,157,746
1.34
69,239
3,080,635
2.25
Commercial and industrial
49,942
7,741,562
0.65
58,953
7,126,121
0.83
Total Commercial
133,004
18,662,163
0.71
158,900
17,709,797
0.90
Construction
1,039
1,263,792
0.08
6,378
959,280
0.66
Leasing
39,641
1,925,405
2.06
35,491
1,731,809
2.05
Mortgage
[1]
798,130
8,114,183
9.84
859,537
7,695,917
11.17
Consumer
Credit cards
59,078
1,218,079
4.85
46,436
1,135,747
4.09
Home equity lines of credit
5,054
73,571
6.87
5,465
65,953
8.29
Personal
57,835
1,855,244
3.12
59,682
1,945,247
3.07
Auto
191,008
3,823,437
5.00
173,119
3,660,780
4.73
Other
3,930
171,778
2.29
3,063
160,441
1.91
Total Consumer
316,905
7,142,109
4.44
287,765
6,968,168
4.13
Loans held-for-sale
-
5,423
-
-
4,301
-
Total
$
1,288,719
$
37,113,075
3.47
%
$
1,348,071
$
35,069,272
3.84
%
[1]
Loans delinquent 30 days or more includes $0.4 billion
of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed
by the VA as of December
31, 2024 (December 31, 2023 - $0.5 billion). Refer to Note
7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information
of guaranteed loans.
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”)
The ACL
represents management’s
estimate of
expected credit
losses through
the remaining
contractual life
of the
different loan
segments, impacted by expected prepayments. The ACL
is maintained at a sufficient
level to provide for estimated credit
losses on
collateral dependent loans as well as loans modified
for borrowers with financial difficulties separately from the remainder
of the loan
portfolio. The Corporation’s
management evaluates the adequacy
of the ACL
on a quarterly
basis. In this
evaluation, management
considers current
conditions, macroeconomic
economic expectations through
a reasonable
and supportable
period, historical
loss
experience,
portfolio composition
by
loan
type
and
risk
characteristics,
results
of
periodic credit
reviews
of
individual loans,
and
regulatory requirements, amongst 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
recalibration
of
statistical
models
used
to
calculate
lifetime
expected
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, and
in the
condition of
the various
markets in
which collateral
may be
sold, may
also affect
the required
level of
the allowance
for credit
losses. Consequently,
the business
financial condition,
liquidity,
capital, and
results of
operations
could also be affected.
100
On
December
31,
2024,
the
ACL
increased
by
$16.7
million
from
December
31,
2023
to
$746.0
million.
The
ACL
for
BPPR
increased by
$30.8 million,
driven by
a combined
$23.4 million
increase in
reserves for
the consumer
and lease
portfolios and
an
increase of $9.5
million in reserves
for commercial loans.
These increases were
mainly due to
a combination of
growth across the
different segments
and changes
in credit
quality trends
for the
credit cards
portfolios. In
PB, the
ACL decreased
by $14.1
million,
when compared
to December
31, 2023,
mainly due
to lower
reserves for
the commercial
portfolio resulting
from improvements
in
credit
quality,
as
well as
lower balances
in the
consumer portfolios.
The Corporation’s
ratio of
the allowance
for credit
losses to
loans held-in-portfolio was 2.01% on December 31, 2024, compared to 2.08% on December 31, 2023. The ratio of the allowance for
credit losses to NPLs held-in-portfolio stood at 212.68%,
compared to 203.95% on December 31, 2023.
Given that any one
economic outlook is inherently uncertain, the
Corporation leverages multiple scenarios to estimate
its ACL. The
baseline scenario continues to be assigned the highest probability,
followed by the pessimistic scenario. The weight assigned to the
pessimistic
scenario
decreased
during
the
first
quarter
of
2024
in
response
to
the
positive
momentum
in
the
economy
as
expectations for
the Federal
Reserve achieving
a soft
landing have
improved. The
Corporation evaluates,
at least
on an
annual
basis, the assumptions tied to the CECL accounting framework. These include
the reasonable and supportable period as well as the
reversion window.
The
provision for
credit
losses
related
to
the
loans
held-in-portfolio for
the year
ended December
31,
2024,
was
$258.4 million,
compared to $201.5 million for the year ended December 30, 2023, largely driven by higher NCOs due to credit quality changes and
commercial
loan
growth.
Refer
to
Note
8
–
Allowance
for
credit
losses
–
loans
held-in-portfolio
to
the
Consolidated
Financial
Statements, and to the Provision for Credit Losses
section of this MD&A for additional information.
Tables 34 to 35 details the allowance for credit losses by loan categories and the percentage
it represents of total loans held-in-
portfolio and NPLs. The breakdown is made for analytical
purposes, and it is not necessarily indicative of the
categories in which
future loan losses may occur.
101
Table 34 - Allowance for Credit
Losses - Loan Portfolios
December 31, 2024
(Dollars in thousands)
Total ACL
Total loans held-
in-portfolio
ACL to loans held-
in-portfolio
Total non-
performing loans
held-in-portfolio
ACL to non-
performing loans
held-in-portfolio
Commercial
Commercial multi-family
$
9,236
$
2,399,620
0.38
%
$
8,779
105.21
%
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
54,494
5,363,235
1.02
%
14,444
377.28
%
Commercial real estate owner occupied
49,828
3,157,746
1.58
%
30,449
163.64
%
Commercial and industrial
146,006
7,741,562
1.89
%
21,083
692.53
%
Total Commercial
$
259,564
$
18,662,163
1.39
%
$
74,755
347.22
%
Construction
11,264
1,263,792
0.89
%
-
N.M.
Leasing
16,419
1,925,405
0.85
%
9,588
171.25
%
Mortgage
82,409
8,114,183
1.02
%
188,332
43.76
%
Consumer
Credit cards
99,130
1,218,079
8.14
%
-
N.M.
Home equity lines of credit
1,503
73,571
2.04
%
3,393
44.30
%
Personal
102,736
1,855,244
5.54
%
22,010
466.77
%
Auto
165,995
3,823,437
4.34
%
51,792
320.50
%
Other
7,004
171,778
4.08
%
910
769.67
%
Total Consumer
$
376,368
$
7,142,109
5.27
%
$
78,105
481.87
%
Total
$
746,024
$
37,107,652
2.01
%
$
350,780
212.68
%
N.M. - Not meaningful.
Table 35 - Allowance for Credit
Losses - Loan Portfolios
December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Total ACL
Total loans held-
in-portfolio
ACL to loans held-
in-portfolio
Total non-
performing loans
held-in-portfolio
ACL to non-
performing loans
held-in-portfolio
Commercial
Commercial multi-family
$
13,740
$
2,415,620
0.57
%
$
1,991
690.11
%
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
65,453
5,087,421
1.29
%
9,862
663.69
%
Commercial real estate owner occupied
56,864
3,080,635
1.85
%
35,704
159.27
%
Commercial and industrial
122,356
7,126,121
1.72
%
36,598
334.32
%
Total Commercial
$
258,413
$
17,709,797
1.46
%
$
84,155
307.07
%
Construction
12,686
959,280
1.32
%
6,378
198.90
%
Leasing
9,708
1,731,809
0.56
%
8,632
112.47
%
Mortgage
83,214
7,695,917
1.08
%
186,297
44.67
%
Consumer
Credit cards
80,487
1,135,747
7.09
%
-
N.M.
Home equity lines of credit
1,978
65,953
3.00
%
3,733
52.99
%
Personal
117,790
1,945,247
6.06
%
21,836
539.43
%
Auto
157,931
3,660,780
4.31
%
45,615
346.23
%
Other
7,134
160,441
4.45
%
965
739.27
%
Total Consumer
$
365,320
$
6,968,168
5.24
%
$
72,149
506.34
%
Total
$
729,341
$
35,064,971
2.08
%
$
357,611
203.95
%
N.M. - Not meaningful.
Table
36
details
the
breakdown
of
the
allowance
for
credit
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.
102
Table 36 - Allocation of the
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans
At December 31,
2024
2023
% of loans
% of loans
in each
in each
category to
category to
(Dollars in millions)
ACL
total loans
ACL
total loans
Commercial
Commercial multi-family
$9.2
6.5
%
$13.7
6.9
%
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
54.5
14.5
65.4
14.5
Commercial real estate owner occupied
49.9
8.5
56.9
8.8
Commercial and industrial
146.0
20.8
122.4
20.3
Total Commercial
$259.6
50.3
%
$258.4
50.5
%
Construction
11.3
3.4
12.7
2.7
Leasing
16.4
5.2
9.7
5.0
Mortgage
82.4
21.9
83.2
21.9
Consumer
Credit cards
99.1
3.3
80.5
3.2
Home equity lines of credit
1.5
0.2
2.0
0.2
Personal
102.7
5.0
117.8
5.5
Auto
166.0
10.2
157.9
10.4
Other Consumer
7.0
0.5
7.1
0.6
Total Consumer
$376.3
19.2
%
$365.3
19.9
%
Total
[1]
$746.0
100.0
%
$729.3
100.0
%
[1] Note: For purposes of this table the term loans refers to
loans held-in-portfolio excluding loans held-for-sale.
The following
table presents
net charge-offs
to average
loans held-in-portfolio
(“HIP”) ratios
by loan
category for
the years
ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023:
Table 37 - Net Charge-Offs
(Recoveries) to Average Loans HIP
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular Inc.
BPPR
Popular U.S.
Popular Inc.
Commercial
0.17
%
0.04
%
0.11
%
(0.10)
%
0.02
%
(0.05)
%
Construction
(0.59)
(0.01)
(0.10)
1.59
-
0.32
Mortgage
(0.21)
(0.01)
(0.18)
(0.22)
(0.02)
(0.19)
Leasing
0.67
-
0.67
0.43
-
0.43
Consumer
3.06
7.44
3.20
2.18
6.20
2.35
Total
0.89
%
0.18
%
0.68
%
0.55
%
0.19
%
0.44
%
NCOs for the year ended December 31, 2024,
amounted to $241.8 million, increasing by $95.4 million when compared to the
same
period in 2023.
The BPPR segment
increased by $95.4
million mainly driven
by higher consumer
and commercial NCOs
by $68.6
103
million and $25.4 million, respectively. The consumer NCOs continue to gradually
increase mainly due to credit quality changes. The
PB segment NCOs remained flat year-over-year.
Loan Modifications
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024,
modified loans to borrowers with financial difficulty
amounted to $455 million, of
which $430 million were in accruing status. The
BPPR segment’s modifications to borrowers with financial
difficulty amounted to
$441 million, mainly comprised of commercial and mortgage
loans of $358 million and $66 million, respectively. A total of $44
million
of the mortgage modifications were related to government
guaranteed loans. The Popular U.S. segment’s modifications
to
borrowers with financial difficulty amounted to $14 million,
of which $12 million were commercial loans.
Refer
to
Note
8
to
the
Consolidated
Financial
Statements
for
additional
information
on
modifications
made
to
borrowers
experiencing financial difficulties.
Enterprise Risk Management
The Corporation’s
Board of
Directors has
established a
Risk Management
Committee (“RMC”)
to, among
other things,
assist the
Board in its (i) oversight of the Corporation’s overall risk framework and (ii)
to monitor, review, and approve policies to measure, limit
and manage the Corporation’s risks.
The
Corporation
has
established
a
three
lines
of
defense
framework:
(a)
business
line
management constitutes
the
first
line
of
defense by identifying
and managing the
risks associated with
business activities, (b) components
of the Risk
Management Group
and
the
Corporate
Security
Group,
among
others,
act
as
the
second
line
of
defense
by,
among
other
things,
measuring
and
reporting on the Corporation’s risk activities, and (c) the Corporate Auditing Division
,
as the third line of defense, reporting directly to
the Audit Committee of the Board, by independently providing
assurance regarding the effectiveness of the risk
framework.
The Enterprise Risk Management Committee (the “ERM Committee”)
is a management committee whose purpose is to oversee and
monitor Market, Interest, Liquidity,
Regulatory and Financial Compliance, BSA/AML & Sanctions, Regulatory,
Strategic, Operational
(including
Fraud
and
Third
Party
Risk,
among
others),
Information
Technology
and
Cyber
Security,
Legal,
Credit,
Climate
and
Reputational risks, as
defined in the
Risk Appetite Statement
(“RAS”) of the
Risk Management Policy
and within the
Corporation’s
Enterprise Risk
Management (“ERM”)
framework. The
ERM
Committee and
the Enterprise
Risk Management
Department in
the
Financial and Operational
Risk Management Division
(the “FORM Division”),
in coordination with
the Chief Risk
Officer,
create the
framework to identify and manage multiple and cross-enterprise
risks, and to articulate the RAS and supporting
metrics.
The
Enterprise
Risk
Management
Department
has
established
a
process
to
ensure
that
an
appropriate
standard
readiness
assessment is performed before we launch a new product or service. Similar procedures are performed by the Treasury Division for
transactions involving
the purchase
and sale
of assets,
and by
the Mergers
and Acquisitions
Division for
acquisition transactions.
The Enterprise Risk Management Department has a Corporate Issues
Management Policy to promote on time remediation of issues
and increase the
governance and transparency around
the number and
the severity of
issues identified for each
business unit and
corporate
function
by
all
sources.
The
Enterprise
Risk
Management
Department
also
has
a
Corporate
Regulatory
Change
Management Program
to
oversee,
on
a
risk
basis,
the
implementation of
laws
and
regulations by
the
appropriate
business and
support areas.
The Asset/Liability
Committee (“ALCO”),
composed of
senior management
representatives from
the business
lines and
corporate
functions, and the Corporate Finance Group, are responsible for planning and executing the
Corporation’s market, interest rate risk,
funding
activities
and
strategy,
as
well
as
for
implementing
approved
policies
and
procedures.
The
ALCO
also
reviews
the
Corporation’s
capital
policy
and
the
attainment
of
the
capital
management
objectives.
In
addition,
the
Financial
Risk,
Corporate
Insurance & Advisory Department independently measures,
monitors and reports compliance with
liquidity and market risk policies,
and oversees controls surrounding interest risk measurements.
The Corporate Compliance
Committee, comprised of
senior management team
members and representatives
from the Regulatory
and Financial
Compliance Division
and the
Financial Crimes
Compliance Division,
among others,
are responsible
for overseeing
and
assessing
the
adequacy
of
the
risk
management
processes
that
support
Popular’s
compliance
program
for
identifying,
assessing,
measuring,
monitoring,
testing,
mitigating,
and
reporting
compliance
risks.
They
also
supervise
Popular’s
reporting
obligations
under
the
compliance
program
to
assess
the
adequacy,
consistency
and
timeliness
of
the
reporting
of
compliance-
related risks across the Corporation.
104
The Regulatory Affairs
team is responsible
for maintaining an
open dialog with
the banking regulatory
agencies to have
regulatory
risks properly identified, measured, monitored, as well as communicated to
the appropriate regulatory agency as necessary to keep
them apprised of material matters within the purview
of these agencies.
The
Credit
Strategy
Committee,
composed
of
senior
level
management
representatives
from
the
business
lines
and
corporate
functions, and the Corporate Credit Risk Management Division,
are responsible for monitoring credit risk management
activities both
at
the corporate
level
and
across all
Popular subsidiaries
providing for
the
development and
consistent
application of
credit
risk
policies, processes
and procedures
that measure,
limit and
manage credit
risks, while
seeking to
maintain the
effectiveness and
efficiency of the operating and businesses processes.
The Corporation’s Operational Risk Committee (“ORCO”) composed of senior
level management representatives from the business
lines
and
corporate
functions,
provide
executive
oversight
of
the
operational
risk
management
activities
of
Popular
and
its
subsidiaries providing
for the
development and
consistent application
of operational
risk policies,
processes, and
procedures that
measure,
limit,
and
manage
operational
risks
while
maintaining
the
effectiveness
and
efficiency
of
the
operating
and
business
processes.
The
FORM
Division,
within
the
Risk
Management
Group,
serves
as
ORCO’s
operating
arm
and
is
responsible
for
establishing baseline processes to measure, monitor, limit and manage
operational risk.
The Corporate Security Group (“CSG”), under the direction of the
Chief Security Officer, 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
Corporation’s and
our customers’
data and
assets.
The Information Technology
and Cyber Risk
Committee, composed of senior
management representatives from the
business lines
and
corporate
functions,
the
Information
Technology
Division
and
the
CSG,
are
responsible
for
the
oversight
and
monitoring
of
information
technology
and
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001193125-24-053017.
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
$70.8 billion, total
deposits of
$63.6 billion
and stockholders’
equity of $5.1 billion at
December 31, 2023. At December 31,
2023, 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” or
“Popular U.S.”), which has
branches in New York,
New Jersey and Florida;
as well
as investment and
insurance services, and commercial
direct financing leases through
specialized subsidiaries. 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
that include
direct loan
origination and
participating loans
originated by
PB,
BPPR
offers
or
holds
financial
products
on
a
National
scale
in
the
U.S.
market,
including
personal
loans
previously
originated under
the E-Loan
brand, purchased
personal loans
originated by
third parties,
and
gathering insured
institutional
deposits via online deposit gathering platforms. In the U.S. and British
Virgin Islands, BPPR offers a range of banking products,
including loans and deposits to both retail and
commercial customers.
For further information about the Corporation’s results segregated by
its reportable segments, see “Reportable Segment Results” in
the Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results
of Operations section
(“MD&A”) and Note
37 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form
10-K.
Transformation Initiative:
The
Corporation
launched
a
significant,
multi-year,
broad-based
technological
and
business
process
transformation
during
the
second half of 2022. The
needs and expectations of our
clients, as well as the
competitive landscape, have evolved, compelling us
to make important investments in our technological infrastructure and adopt more agile practices. We
believe these investments will
result in an enhanced digital experience for our clients, as
well as better technology and more efficient processes for our employees,
and make us a more efficient and
profitable company, allowing us to
achieve a 14% return on tangible common equity target by
the
end of 2025.
Our technology and business transformation
will be a significant
priority for the Corporation over
the next three years
and beyond. Refer to the Overview section
of Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in
this Form 10-K for information on
recent significant events that have impacted or will
impact our current and future operations.
Lending Activities
8
We concentrate our lending activities in the following areas:
(1) Commercial.
Commercial loans are comprised of (i) commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans and leases 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 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
unsecured 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,
community or homeowners’ associations, 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.
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 37 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included in this
Form 10-K.
Our loan portfolio is diversified by loan category.
However, approximately 55% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 consisted
of real estate-related
loans, including residential
mortgage loans, construction
loans and commercial
loans secured by
commercial
real estate. The table below presents the distribution
of our loan portfolio by loan category at
December 31, 2023.
Loan category
(Dollars in millions)
BPPR
%
PB
%
POPULAR
%
C&I
$4,796
20
$2,330
22
$7,126
20
CRE
4,695
19
5,888
56
10,583
30
Construction
170
1
789
7
959
3
Leasing
1,732
7
-
-
1,732
5
Consumer
6,726
27
243
2
6,969
20
Mortgage
6,392
26
1,304
13
7,696
22
Total
$24,511
100
$10,554
100
$35,065
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, our
deposits portfolio
and our
exposure to
the Government
of Puerto
Rico, see
“Financial Condition
– Loans”,
“Financial
Condition
–
Deposits”
and
“Credit
Risk
–
Geographical and
Government
Risk” in
the
MD&A
and
to
Note
24
-
Commitment and
Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in this Form 10-K.
9
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 through
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 maintainin
g
a prudent
balance
of risk-taking
across
diversified
risk types
and business
units,
compliance
with regulator
y
guidance,
and
controlling
the
exposure
to lower
credit
quality
assets.
We maintain
comprehensive
credit policies
for all lines of
business in order
to mitigate credit
risk. Our credit
policies
are
approved by
our Board
of Directors.
These policies set
forth,
among
other
things,
the objectives, scope and
responsibilities of the
credit
management cycle.
Our
internal
written
procedures
establish
underwriting
standards
and
procedures
for
monitoring
and
evaluating
loan
portfolio
quality
and
require
prompt
identificatio
n
and
quantificatio
n
of
asset
quality
deterioration
or
potential
loss
to
ensure
the
adequacy
of
the
allowance
for
credit
losses.
These
written
procedures
establish
various
approval
and
lending
limit
levels,
ranging
from
bank
branch
or
department
officers
to
managerial
and
senior
management
levels.
Approval
levels are
primarily
determined
by the
amount,
type
of loan
and risk
characteristics
of the credit
facility.
Our
credit
policies
and
procedures
establish
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,
an analysis
of financial
information
contained
in
a
credit
approval
package,
a
risk
rating
determination
and
reports
from
credit
agencies
and appraisal
s
for
real
estate-related
loans when applicable
.
The credit
policies
also
set
forth
the
required
closing
documentation
depending
on the
loan
and the
collateral
type.
Although
we originat
e
most
of our
loans
internally
in both
the
Puerto
Rico
and mainlan
d
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 borrower
s
and apply
the
same
criteria
as we do
for
loans
originated
by us. This also
includes
a review
of the
applicable
legal
documentation.
Refer
to
the
Credit
Risk
section
of
the
MD&A
included
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
.
Some commercia
l
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 restructure
d
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 busines
s
and the
loans
continue
to be recorde
d
as performing.
We
evaluate
various
factors
to
determine
if
a
borrower
is
experiencing
financial
difficulties.
Indicators
that
the
borrower
is
experiencing
financial difficultie
s
include,
for example:
(i)
the borrower
is currently
in default on
any of its debt
or it is
probable tha
t
the borrower
would be
in payment
default on
any of
its debt
in th
e
foreseeable
future
without
the modification
;
(ii)
the
borrower
has declare
d
or is in
the
process
of declarin
g
bankruptcy;
(iii)
there
is significan
t
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 threa
t
of bein
g
delisted
from
an exchange
;
(v) based
on estimates
and projection
s
that
only
encompass
the
current
business
capabilities
,
the
borrower
forecasts
that
its
entity-specifi
c
cash
flows
will
be
insufficien
t
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.
10
We
have
specialized
workout
officers
who
handle
the majority
of
commercial
loans
that
are
past
due
90
days
and
over,
borrowers
experiencing
financial
difficulties
,
and loans
that
are considere
d
problem
loans
based
on their
risk profile
.
As a
general
policy,
we
do
not
advance
additional
money
to
borrowers
who
have
loans
that
are
90
days
past
due
or
over.
In
commercial
and
construction
loans,
certain
exceptions
may
be approve
d
under
certain
circumstances,
including
(i) when
past
due
status
is administrativ
e
in nature,
such
as expiration
of a loan
facility
before
the
new documentatio
n
is executed,
and not as
a result
of paymen
t
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
and
approved
following
our
credit
policy
guidelines
and
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, discusse
d
in detail
below,
business
activities
that
expose the
Corporation to
credit
risk
are 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 industr
y
or other
criteria,
such
as a percentage
of the
banks’
capital.
Refer to Note 2 and Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
in this Form 10-K, for additional information
on loan modifications to borrowers with financial difficulties.
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
originatin
g
loans,
acquiring
deposits
and
providing
other
banking
services.
Most
of
our
direct
competitio
n
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
broader range of products
and services.
We
also
compete
with
specialized
players
in th
e
local
financial
industry
that
are
not subjec
t
to
the
same
regulatory
restrictions
as domestic
banks
and bank holdin
g
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 car
d
companies,
consumer
finance
companies,
institutional
lenders
and other
financial
and non-financia
l
institutions
and
entities.
Credit
unions
generally
provide
basic
consumer
financial
services.
These
competitors
collectively
represent a significant
portion of the
market and have
a 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
experience
pricing
pressure
as
some
of
our
competitors
seek
to
increase
market
share
by
reducing
prices
for
services
or
the
rates
charged
on
loans,
increasing
the
interest
rates
offered
on
deposits
or offering
more flexible
terms. Increased
competition
could require
that we
increase
the rates
offered
on deposits
and
lower the rates
charged on loans,
which could adversely
affect our profitability.
Economic
factors,
along
with
legislative
and
technological
changes,
have
an
ongoing
impact
on
the
competitive
environment
within
the financia
l
services
industry.
We work
to anticipat
e
and adap
t
to dynamic
competitive
conditions
whether
through developing
and marketing
innovative
products
and services,
adopting
or developin
g
new technologie
s
that
differentiat
e
our products
and
services,
cross-marketing,
or
providing
personalized
banking
services.
We
strive
to
distinguish
ourselves
from
other
banks
and
financial
services
providers
in our
marketplace
by providin
g
a high
level
of service
to enhance
customer
11
loyalty
and to attrac
t
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
sufficientl
y
improve
our
services
and/or
banking
products,
in
order
to
successfully
compete
in
our
primary
service
areas.
Human Capital Management
Popular
seeks
to
embody
our
purpose
of “putting
people
at the
center
of progress”
throughout
its human
capital
management.
Attracting,
developing
and
retaining
top
talent
in
an
environment
that
promotes
wellness,
diversity,
inclusion,
learning
and
transparency
are
fundamental
pillars
of
our
long-term
strategy.
As
of
December
31,
2023,
Popular
has
approximately
9,237
employees,
none of whom
are represented
by a collective
bargaining group.
Nurturing Well-Being: Employee Health & Financial
Security
Popular believes
that the
health and
financial
wellness of
Popular’s employees
is essential
to enable
Popular to
effectively
serve
its customers
and contribute
positively
to the
communities
where it
operates.
Our health
and wellness
program includes
health,
pharmacy,
vision and
dental insurance,
as well
as other
wellness
initiatives.
Our programs
seek to
ensure that
healthcare
being
both accessible
and affordable
for our
employees,
with Popular
covering
up to
90% of
health
insurance
premiums,
a figure
that
surpasses
regional
benchmarks.
In
2023,
we
launched
a
leadership
guide
on
mental
health
to
support
leaders
in
promoting
emotional
wellness
within
their
teams
and
engaging
with
team
members
who
may
be
facing
mental
health
challenges.
Additionally,
the Corporation
promotes employee
health and
wellbeing by
encouraging
annual physical
exams and
maintaining
a
health
and
wellness
center
at
its
Puerto
Rico-based
corporate
offices
staffed
with
healthcare
providers,
where
employees
can
complete
their
physical
exam,
receive
acute
care
or visit
a nutritionist
or
psychologist
free
of charge.
Our
health
and
wellness
center received
over 15,680 visits
from employees
during 2023.
Popular
also seeks
to foster
work-life
balance by
providing
paid time
off benefits
to our
employees,
including community
service
leave,
paid
parental
leave
and
flexible
work
arrangements.
Our
hybrid
work
model,
accessible
to
approximately
half
of
our
workforce,
underscores our
commitment to
flexible work
environments.
Moreover,
we continuously
offer activities
and workshops
centered on
physical fitness
and personal financial
management.
Popular
further
provides
a 401(k)
savings
and investment
plan, in
which
98% of
employees
participate.
Popular
matches
$0.50
for every
dollar
the employee
contributes
to the
401(k)
plan,
up to
8% of
their
salary.
Moreover,
Popular
offers
a profit
-sharing
plan,
contingent
upon
the
achievement
of
pre-set
financial
goals,
to
further
align
employee
compensation
with
its
collective
success.
The
profit-sharing
plan
allows
employees
to
receive
up to
8%
of
their
eligible
compensation
(capped
at
$70,000),
of
which
the
first
4%
is
paid
in
cash
and
anything
beyond
such
percent
is
paid
to
the
employee’s
Savings
and
Investment
Plan
account. Popular
regularly
evaluates employees’
base compensation
to better
compete with
the salaries
paid in similar
positions
in
other
companies.
Our
ongoing
enhancements
to
our
employees’
compensation
includes
market-aligned
salary
adjustments,
merit increases
and raising
our hourly
pay rates to
$15 per hour
in Puerto Rico
and $16 per
hour in the Virgin
Islands as
of 2023,
and $17
per hour
in Florida
and $20 per
hour in
New York
and New Jersey
as of 2022.
In 2023,
we invested
more than
$22.5M
in enhancing
our employees’
compensation.
Empowering Growth: Our Commitment to Talent Development
We
are
committed
to
fostering
the
continuous
development
and
upskilling
of
our
employees
and
believe
it
is
fundamental
to
maintaining
our
competitive
edge.
Towards
that
end,
Popular
provides
development
opportunities
aimed
at
strengthening
our
employees’
knowledge,
abilities
and skills
to support
their
personal
growth which,
in turn,
seeks
to enhance
Popular’s
business
strategies
and
organizational
competencies.
Our
40,000
square
foot
Development
Center
in
San
Juan,
Puerto
Rico
and
our
satellite
facilities
in New
York,
South Florida,
and the Virgin
Islands offer
year-round
training sessions,
activities
and workshops.
In 2023,
we transitioned
back to
in-person
sessions,
but also
continued
offering
virtual
training
programs.
Our seven
corporate
academies
had
more
than
8,000
registrations
from
our
employees
during
2023,
approximately
1,600
more
than
in
2022.
Our
commitment
to continuous
learning
is further
supported
by offering
our employees
access to
Learning,
which provides
an extensive
library
of over
16,000
e-learning
courses.
In 2023,
users
totaled
61% of
our employees,
an increase
of 24%
from
2022, for a
total of 17,006
hours logged
during the year.
12
Our
focus
on
training
and
development
has
provided
internal
growth
opportunities
to
our
workforce.
As
a
result,
the
Corporation’s
internal mobility
rate in 2023
was 36%. This
included employees
who applied
or were selected
for vacancies,
were
promoted,
or
had
lateral
movements.
Additionally,
we
invested
in
the
education
of
over
100
practitioners
through
Accelerated
Development
Programs
focused
on
data
science,
analytics,
process
excellence,
and
program
management.
The
Corporation
also
offered
its
employees
advanced
training
in
software
engineering,
including,
but
not
limited
to,
coding
and
software
development.
Leadership
development
remains
a
priority
at
Popular,
as
we
believe
it
is
vital
for
driving
results,
maintaining
employee
engagement
and achieving
our strategic
objectives.
With this
in mind,
we launched
a new
leadership
program
in 2023
focused
on
exploring
the
role
Popular’s
leaders
play
in
creating
the
right
environment
for
our
culture
to
thrive.
Our
organizational
development
strategy
aims
to
enhance
both
organizational
and
leadership
effectiveness
by
preparing
us
to
meet
future
challenges.
In
2023,
we
facilitated
organizational
development
interventions
that
focused
on
change
management,
team
alignment, and
leader effectiveness.
Enhancing Leadership Continuity through Strategic
Succession Planning
Popular’s business
strategy further
takes into
account succession
planning to
ensure effective
leadership transitions.
Succession
plans for
senior management
are developed
by the CEO
and presented
to the Board
of Directors.
Popular’s succession
planning
also
leverages
our
Executive
Talent
Management
Program
(the
“Program”)
that
seeks
to
identify
high-potential
and
high-
performing
managers,
which
are
provided
with
learning
opportunities
to
enhance
their
skills
and
prepare
them
for
senior
management positions.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Popular
is
committed
to
fostering
a
diverse,
equitable
and
inclusive
workplace.
As
of
December
31,
2023,
64.5%
of
the
Corporation’s
employees were
female, and
35.5% were male.
Women accounted
for 63% of first
and mid-level
management and
36.6%
of
executive-level
management
as
of
such
date.
We
have
recently
enriched
our
talent
pool
with
the
inclusion
of
professionals
from Latin America,
thereby enhancing
multicultural
diversity
within our organization.
Central to
our diversity
efforts
is our
multidisciplinary
Diversity,
Equity and
Inclusion
(“DEI”)
Council,
which is
overseen
by our
Corporate
Diversity
Officer.
Our
DEI Policy
is committed
to attracting,
retaining
and developing
a diverse
employment
population;
fostering
a work
environment
where
employees
are
treated
equitably
and
with
respect;
and
seeking,
creating,
and
maintaining
business
relationships
with
diverse suppliers.
We
are
committed
to
fair
pay
and
conduct
related
pay
analyses
on
an
annual
basis.
The
results
for
2023
revealed
a
1.8
percentage
point
improvement
in
Puerto
Rico
and
the
Virgin
Islands
and
a
6.4
percentage
point
improvement
in
the
United
States
in
our
gender-related
pay
differences
compared
to
the
end
of
2022.
Our
commitment
to
gender
equality
has
been
recognized
in the Bloomberg
Gender Equality
Index for two
consecutive
years (2021-2022
and 2022-2023).
Our
Employee
Resource
Groups
(“ERGs”)
are
key
resources
that
support
our
DEI
strategy.
In
2023,
our
existing
ERGs
witnessed
substantial
growth
in
membership.
Popular
Pride,
our
ERG
focused
on
the
LGBTQ+
community,
seeks
to
enhance
organizational
awareness
and engagement
of LGBTQ
issues.
Network
of Women
in Popular,
focused
on empowering
women,
and
Popular
Embrace,
focused
on
functional
diversity,
also
achieved
notable
milestones,
including
partnering
with
our
human
resources
division
to
educate
and
promote
specific
wellness
initiatives
and
efforts.
Additionally,
during
2023
we
established
a
Black/African
American ERG in
the US.
Popular also
supports victims
of gender-based
violence and
provides a
special leave
of 15 days
eligible to
employees
located in
Puerto Rico
in order to
handle situations
related to gender
violence, domestic
violence or
stalking.
Employee Experience
Popular
aims
to
provide
an
exceptional
employee
experience
that
inspires
its
employees
to
deliver
outstanding
service
to
customers
and communities.
We
recognize
the
dynamic
nature
of employee
needs
and
expectations
and
have implemented
a
more
robust
approach
to measure
and
understand
the
employee’s
journey.
In
2023,
we revised
our
comprehensive
Employee
Engagement
&
Experience
Survey
program
to
(i)
increase
our
assessments
from
biennial
to
quarterly
and
annually
and
(ii)
include
additional
surveys
that
measure
the
end-to-end
employee
journey
from
recruiting
and
onboarding
to
offboarding.
We
13
believe that
the insights
received from
these surveys
have allowed
us to
introduce
people initiatives
that have
helped us
reduce
our turnover
rate to 7.9%
as of the
end of 2023,
a 2.9 percentage
point improvement
from 2022.
Our voluntary
turnover rate
also
saw a notable
decrease to
6.4%, down
2.4 percentage
points from
the previous
year.
Furthermore,
the survey
has enabled
us to
monitor
our employee
loyalty
score
and identify
initiatives
to maintain
or enhance
our current
score
of 84%,
which positions
us
within the 75th
percentile of
the Qualtrics
global benchmark
and above the
average benchmark
of the financial
industry.
Board Oversight in Human Capital
The
Talent
and
Compensation
Committee
of
the
Corporation’s
Board
of
Directors
has
oversight
responsibility
for
the
Corporation’s
human capital
management.
As part
of its
responsibilities,
the Talent
and Compensation
Committee
reviews and
advises
management
on the
Corporation’s
general
compensation
philosophy,
programs
and policies,
and
on the
Corporation’s
talent
acquisition
and development,
workforce
engagement,
succession
planning,
culture,
diversity,
equity
(including
pay equity)
and inclusion,
among other human
capital topics.
We
encourage
you
to
review
our Corporate
Sustainability
Report
published
on www.popular.com
for more
detailed
information
regarding
the Corporation’s
human capital
management
programs
and initiatives.
The information
on the
Corporation’s
website,
including
the
Corporation’s
Corporate
Sustainability
Report,
is
not,
and
will
not
be
deemed
to
be,
a
part
of
this
Form
10-K
or
incorporated
into any of the
Corporation’s
filings with
the SEC.
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 Bank
Holding Company Act
of 1956
(as amended, 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”).
Popular’s
broker-dealer
/
investment adviser
subsidiary,
Popular Securities,
LLC (“PS”)
and investment
advisor subsidiary
Popular Asset
Management LLC
(“PAM”)
are subject
to
regulation by
the SEC,
the Financial
Industry
Regulatory Authority
(“FINRA”), and
the Securities
Investor
Protection Corporation, among others. Other of our non-bank subsidiaries conduct reinsurance and
insurance producer and agency
activities, which are
subject to other
federal, state and
Puerto Rico laws
and regulations as
well as licensing
and regulation by
the
Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and,
for one insurance agency subsidiary, the NYSDFS.
Enhanced Prudential Standards
Under
the
Dodd-Frank
Wall
Street
Reform
and
Consumer
Protection
Act
(the
“Dodd-Frank
Act”),
as
modified
by
the
Economic
Growth,
Regulatory
Relief,
and
Consumer
Protection
Act
and
the
federal
banking
regulators’
2019
“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, 2023,
Popular had total consolidated assets of $70.8 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
hand,
and
that
impose
collateralization
requirements
on
such
credit
14
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 and Resolution-Related Requirements
A
bank holding
company with
$250 billion
or more
in total
consolidated assets
(or that
is a
Category III
firm based
on
certain risk-based indicators described in the Tailoring
Rules) 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
2018,
the
FDIC
issued
a
moratorium
on
resolution
plans
for
insured
depository institutions
with more
than $50
billion in
assets. The
moratorium is
still in
effect for
insured depository
institutions with
more than
$50 billion
but less
than $100
billion in
assets. On
August 29,
2023, the
FDIC proposed
amendments to
the resolution
planning requirements
for insured
depository institutions
with $50
billion or
more in
total assets.
The amendments
would require
insured depository institutions with between $50 billion and
$100 billion in assets to submit informational filings on
a two-year cycle,
with an interim supplement updating key information
submitted in the off years.
On August
29, 2023,
the Federal
Reserve Board,
FDIC and
Office of
the Comptroller
of the
Currency (“OCC”)
issued a
proposed
rule
that
would
require
bank
holding
companies
and
insured
depository
institutions
with
$100
billion
or
more
in
consolidated assets (as well as their insured depository institution affiliates) to maintain minimum
amounts of eligible long-term debt
(generally, debt
that is unsecured, has
a maturity greater than one
year from issuance and satisfies
additional criteria), subject to a
three-year phase-in
period. The
proposal would
also apply
“clean holding
company” requirements
to Category
II through
IV bank
holding companies, which would, among other things, prohibit
entering into derivatives and certain other
financial contracts with third
parties.
As of December 31, 2023, Popular,
PNA, BPPR and PB’s total assets were below
the thresholds for applicability of these
rules, except that BPPR would be subject to the
FDIC’s proposed amendments to its resolution planning requirements applicable to
insured depository institutions
with more than
$50 billion but
less than $100
billion in assets
(if those amendments
are adopted as
proposed).
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 larger
depository institutions with over $10 billion in assets,
such as BPPR
and PB, the FDIC uses a “scorecard” methodology, which 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.
In
October
2022,
the
FDIC
finalized
a
rule
that
increased
initial
base
deposit
insurance
assessment
rates
by
2
basis
points, beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The FDIC, as required under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act
15
(“FDIA”), established
a plan
in September
2020 to
restore the
DIF reserve
ratio to
meet or
exceed the
statutory minimum
of 1.35
percent within
eight years. The
increased assessment is
intended to improve
the likelihood that
the DIF
reserve ratio would
reach
the required minimum by the statutory deadline
of September 30, 2028.
As
of
December
31,
2023,
we
had
a
DIF
average
total
asset
less
average
tangible
equity
assessment
base
of
approximately $66 billion.
On
November 16,
2023,
the
FDIC finalized
a
rule
that
imposes
a special
assessment to
recover the
costs to
the
DIF
resulting
from
the
FDIC’s
use,
in
March
2023,
of
the
systemic
risk
exception to
the
least-cost resolution
test
under the
FDIA
in
connection with the
receiverships of Silicon
Valley Bank
and Signature Bank.
The FDIC estimated
in approving the
rule that those
assessed losses
total approximately $16.3
billion. The
rule provides
that this
loss estimate
will be
periodically adjusted, which
will
affect
the
amount
of
the
special assessment.
Under the
rule, the
assessment
base
is
the
estimated uninsured
deposits that
an
insured depository
institution reported
in its
Consolidated Reports of
Condition and Income
(“Call Report”)
at December
31, 2022,
excluding the
first
$5 billion
in estimated
uninsured deposits.
For a
holding company
that
has more
than one
insured depository
institution
subsidiary,
such
as
Popular,
the
$5
billion
exclusion
is
allocated
among
the
company’s
insured
depository
institution
subsidiaries in
proportion to
each insured
depository institution’s
estimated uninsured
deposits. The
special
assessments will
be
collected at
an annual
rate of
approximately 13.4 basis
points per year
(3.36 basis
points per
quarter) over eight
quarters in
2024
and 2025,
with the
first assessment
period beginning
January 1,
2024. Because
the estimated
loss pursuant
to the
systemic risk
determination
will
be
periodically adjusted,
the
FDIC
retains the
ability to
cease
collection
early,
extend the
special
assessment
collection period and
impose a final
shortfall special assessment
on a one-time
basis. Popular expects the
special assessments to
be
tax
deductible. The
total
of
the assessments
for Popular
is
estimated at
$71.4 million
and such
amount
was recorded
as
an
expense in
the quarter
of adoption
(the quarter
ended December
31, 2023).
As of
December 31,
2023, the
FDIC’s loss
estimate
described in the final rule
had increased by approximately $4.1 billion to $20.4
billion, or approximately 25%. If such increase
in the
FDIC’s
loss
estimate
remains
unchanged and
is
assessed
in
the
same
manner,
the
Corporation estimates
that
the
incremental
expense for the special assessments could be approximately
$18 million.
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.
Popular does not
believe the brokered
deposits regulations have
had or
will have a material effect on the funding or liquidity
of BPPR and PB.
Capital Adequacy
Popular, PNA,
BPPR and PB are
each required to comply
with applicable capital adequacy standards
established by the
federal
banking
agencies
(the
“Capital
Rules”),
which
implement
the
Basel
III
framework
set
forth
by
the
Basel
Committee
on
Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) as
well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank
Act.
Among other
matters, the
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 Capital
Rules, for 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 Capital Rules’ specific requirements.
Pursuant to the 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 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
16
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 stockholders’
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
Capital Rules, the
effects of certain
AOCI
items
are
not
excluded;
however,
banking
organizations
that
are
not
subject
to
Categories
I
or
II
standards
under
the
framework for
banking organizations
with $100
billion or
more in
assets, 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
available for
sale
securities portfolios.
The
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. As
of December
31, 2023,
Popular has
$193 million
of trust
preferred securities
outstanding which
no longer
qualify for
Tier
1 capital
treatment, but
instead
qualify for Tier 2 capital treatment.
The Capital Rules also provide for a number of deductions
from and adjustments to CET1.
Banking organizations that are
not subject to Category
I or II standards
are subject to rules that
provide for simplified capital requirements relating
to the threshold
deductions
for
certain
mortgage
servicing
assets,
deferred
tax
assets,
investments
in
the
capital
of
unconsolidated
financial
institutions and inclusion of minority interests
in regulatory capital.
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. Refer
to “Prompt Corrective Action” below for further
discussion.
In
December 2017,
the Basel
Committee published
standards that
it
described as
the finalization
of the
Basel III
post-
crisis regulatory
reforms. 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.
Under the
current U.S.
capital rules,
operational risk
capital requirements
and a
capital floor
apply only
to advanced
approaches
institutions, and not to Popular, BPPR and PB.
On
July
27,
2023,
the
federal
banking
regulators
proposed
revisions
to
the
Capital
Rules
to
implement
the
Basel
Committee’s
2017
standards
and
make
other
changes
to
the
Capital
Rules,
including
the
ability
of
banking
organizations
in
Categories III and
IV to
elect not to
recognize most elements
of AOCI in
regulatory capital. The
proposal introduces revised
credit
risk, equity risk, operational risk, credit valuation adjustment risk and market risk requirements, among other changes. However,
the
revised capital requirements of the proposed rule would not apply to Popular, BPPR, or PB because
they have less than $100 billion
in total consolidated assets and trading assets and
liabilities below the threshold for market risk
requirements.
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 revised
the agencies’
other rules to
reflect the update
to the
accounting
standards. Popular has availed 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. In
2020, federal
bank regulators
adopted a
rule that
allowed banking
organizations to
elect to
delay
temporarily
the
estimated
effects
of
adopting
CECL
on
regulatory
capital
until
January
2022
and
subsequently
to
phase
in
the
effects through January 2025.
Refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K., Note 21 and Table 9 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 this Form
10-K Note 2 for more information regarding CECL.
17
Prompt Corrective Action
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 FDIA 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, 2023,
both BPPR and PB met the quantitative requirements
for ‘well capitalized’ status.
Restrictions on Dividends and Repurchases
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, after
considering those
years’ dividend
activity,
less any
required transfers to
surplus or
to a
fund for
the retirement
of any
preferred stock. During the year
ended December 31, 2023, BPPR declared
cash dividends of $200
million, a portion of
which was
used by Popular for the payments of the cash dividends on its
outstanding common stock. At December 31, 2023, BPPR needed to
obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before declaring a dividend
in excess of $387 million due to its
retained income,
declared dividend activity and transfers to statutory reserves over the
three year’s ended December 31, 2023. In addition, a member
18
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
and
the
NYSDFS.
During the year
ended December 31,
2023, PB
declared cash dividends
of $50
million, a portion
of which
was used
by
Popular for the payments of the cash dividends on
its outstanding common stock.
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.
Federal Reserve
policy
also
provides that
a
bank
holding company
should
inform
the
Federal
Reserve
reasonably in advance of declaring or paying a dividend that
exceeds earnings for the period for which the dividend is
being paid or
that could result in a material adverse change
to the bank holding company’s capital structure.
The
Federal Reserve
Board
also restricts
the
ability of
banking
organizations to
conduct stock
repurchases. In
certain
circumstances, a banking organization’s repurchases
of its common stock may
be subject to a
prior approval or notice requirement
under other regulations or policies of the Federal Reserve. Any redemption or
repurchase of preferred stock or subordinated debt is
subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve.
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. Accordingly, dividends from current or accumulated earnings and profits
paid by PNA to Popular, Inc. sourced from the
U.S. operations of PB are subject to a 10%
tax withholding.
Refer to
Part II,
Item 5,
“Market for
Registrant’s Common
Equity,
Related Stockholder
Matters and
Issuer Purchases
of
Equity Securities” for further information on Popular’s
distribution of dividends and repurchases of equity
securities.
See
“Puerto
Rico
Regulation”
below
for
a
description
of
certain
restrictions
on
BPPR’s
ability
to
pay
dividends
under
Puerto Rico law.
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 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
company
who
meets
management
and
capital
standards
and
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.” As noted above, a bank
holding company electing to be a financial
holding company must itself be and remain
well capitalized and well managed. The Federal Reserve Board’s
regulations applicable
to bank holding companies separately define
“well capitalized” for bank holding companies,
such as Popular,
to require maintaining
a tier 1 capital
ratio of at least
6% and a total capital
ratio of at least 10%.
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
19
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.
Furthermore, 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 “Volcker
Rule” adopted
as part
of the
Dodd-Frank Act
restricts the
ability of
Popular and
its subsidiaries,
including
BPPR and PB as
well as non-banking subsidiaries, 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
subject to
the Volcker
Rule; therefore, the Volcker Rule does not have a material effect on our
operations.
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.
The
Anti-Money
Laundering
Act
of
2020
(“AMLA”),
which
amended
the
Bank
Secrecy
Act
(the
“BSA”),
is
intended
to
comprehensively
reform
and
modernize
U.S.
anti-money
laundering
laws.
Among
other
things,
the
AMLA
codifies
a
risk-based
approach to anti-money laundering compliance for financial institutions; requires the U.S. Department of the Treasury to
promulgate
priorities
for
anti-money
laundering
and
countering
the
financing
of
terrorism
policy;
requires
the
development
of
standards
for
testing technology and
internal processes for BSA
compliance; expands enforcement-
and investigation-related authority,
including
a
significant
expansion
in
the
available
sanctions
for
certain
BSA
violations;
and
expands
BSA
whistleblower
incentives
and
protections. Many of
the statutory provisions
in the AMLA
will require additional
rulemakings, reports and
other measures, and
the
impact
of
the
AMLA
will
depend on,
among
other
things,
rulemaking and
implementation guidance.
In
June
2021,
the
Financial
Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of
the U.S. Department of the
Treasury,
issued the priorities for anti-money laundering
and
countering the
financing of
terrorism policy
required under AMLA.
The priorities
include: corruption, cybercrime,
terrorist financing,
fraud, transnational crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and
proliferation financing.
Federal regulators
regularly examine BSA/Anti-Money
Laundering and sanctions
compliance to
enhance their
adequacy
and effectiveness, and the frequency and extent of such examinations
and related remedial actions have been
increasing.
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 offices or branches, add subsidiaries
and affiliates, expand
into new financial activities
and merge with or
purchase other financial institutions.
On October 24, 2023,
the
OCC,
the
Federal
Reserve
Board,
and
the
FDIC
jointly
issued
a
final
rule
to
modernize
the
federal
banking
agencies’
CRA
regulations and respond to changes in the
banking industry. Among other
items, the final rule introduces new tests
under which the
performance of banks will
be assessed and includes
data collection and reporting requirements,
many of which are
applicable only
to banks with over
$10 billion in assets, such
as BPPR and PB.
The effective date of
the final rule is
April 1, 2024; however,
banks
will not be required to begin complying with certain provisions
of the final rule until January 1, 2026, with data reporting requirements
becoming applicable on January 1, 2027.
20
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.
In
October
2023,
the
Federal
Reserve
Board
proposed
amendments
to
its
rules
on
interchange
fees.
The
proposed
changes would establish a
maximum permissible interchange fee of
no more than
14.4 cents per transaction
plus four basis points
multiplied by
the value
of the
transaction. The
fraud prevention
adjustment would
be increased
to 1.3
cents per
transaction. The
proposed rule would also establish an automatic update of the interchange fee cap every other year based on a survey of debit card
issuers.
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.
On October
19, 2023,
the CFPB
proposed a
new rule
to implement
Section 1033
of the
Consumer Financial
Protection
Act
that
would require
a provider
of
payment accounts
or
products, such
as a
bank, to
make data
available to
consumers upon
request regarding the products or services they obtain from the provider. Any such data
provider would also have to make such data
available to third
parties, with the consumer’s
express authorization and through
an interface that satisfies
formatting, performance
and security standards, for the purpose of such third parties providing the consumer with financial products or services requested by
the
consumer.
Data
that
would
be
required
to
be
made
available under
the
rule
would
include
transaction
information,
account
balance, account
and routing
numbers, terms and
conditions, upcoming bill
information, and certain
account verification data.
The
proposed
rule
is
intended
to
give
consumers
control
over
their
financial
data,
including
with
whom
it
is
shared,
and
encourage
competition in the provision of consumer financial products or services. For banks with at least $850 million and less than $50 billion
in
total
assets,
compliance
with
the
proposed
rule’s
requirements
would
be
required
approximately
two
and
a
half
years
after
adoption of the final rule. For
banks with at least $50 billion and
less than $500 billion in total
assets, compliance with the proposed
rule’s requirements would be required approximately
one year after adoption of the final rule.
On
January
17,
2024,
the
CFPB
proposed
a
rule
that
would
significantly
reform
the
regulatory
framework
governing
overdraft practices applicable
to banks such
as BPPR and
PB that have
more than $10
billion in assets.
The proposed rule
would
modify
or
eliminate
several
long-standing
exclusions
from
requirements
generally
applicable
to
consumer
credit
that
previously
exempted certain overdraft practices.
The proposal would also generally require banks to restructure many overdraft fees, overdraft
lines
of credit,
and other
overdraft practices
as separate
consumer credit
accounts that
would be
subject to
those requirements.
These changes
to the
regulatory framework could
result in
BPPR and
PB, among
other things,
facing higher
compliance costs
in
charging
overdraft
fees,
experiencing
a
decreased
ability
to
recover
amounts
extended
as
overdraft
protection,
reducing
the
availability of overdraft protection, and/or charging lower
overdraft fees.
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.
21
Protection of Customer Personal Information and
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001193125-23-056454.
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,
commercial banking
services,
as well
as equipment
leasing and
financing, through
its New
York-chartered banking subsidiary, Popular Bank (“PB” or “Popular U.S.”) which has branches located in New York, New Jersey and
Florida. Note 37 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements presents information about the Corporation’s business
segments.
YEAR 2022 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Acquisition of Key Customer Channels and Amendments
to Commercial Contracts with Evertec
On July 1, 2022, BPPR completed the announced acquisition of certain assets from Evertec Group, LLC (“Evertec Group”), a wholly
owned
subsidiary
of
Evertec,
Inc.
(“Evertec”)
(NYSE:
EVTC),
to
service
certain
BPPR
channels
(the
“Business
Acquisition
Transaction”).
As
a
result
of
the closing
of
the Business
Acquisition Transaction,
BPPR
acquired
from
Evertec Group
certain critical
channels,
including
BPPR’s
retail
and
business
digital
banking
and
commercial
cash
management
applications.
In
connection
with
the
Business Acquisition Transaction, BPPR
also entered into amended and
restated service agreements with Evertec Group
pursuant
to
which
Evertec
Group
will
continue
to
provide
various
information
technology
and
transaction
processing
services
to
Popular,
BPPR and their respective subsidiaries.
Under the
amended service
agreements, Evertec
Group no
longer has
exclusive rights
to provide
certain of
Popular’s technology
services. The
amended service
agreements include
discounted pricing
and lowered
caps on
contractual pricing
escalators tied
to
the Consumer Price Index. As
part of the transaction, BPPR and Evertec
also entered into a revenue sharing
structure for BPPR in
connection
with
its
merchant
acquiring
relationship
with
Evertec.
Under
the
terms
of
the
amended
and
restated
Master
Service
Agreement (“MSA”), Evertec will be entitled to receive monthly payments
from the Corporation to the extent that Evertec’s revenues,
covered under the MSA, fall below certain agreed
annualized minimum amounts.
As consideration for the
Business Acquisition Transaction, BPPR delivered
to Evertec Group 4,589,169 shares
of Evertec common
stock valued at closing at $169.2 million (based on Evertec’s stock price on June 30, 2022 of $36.88). A total of $144.8 million of the
consideration for
the transaction
was attributed
to the
acquisition of
the critical
channels of
which $28.7
million were
attributed to
software
intangible
assets
and
$116.1
million
were
attributed
to
goodwill.
The
transaction
was
accounted
for
as
a
business
combination.
The
remaining
$24.2
million
was
attributed
to
the
renegotiation of
the
MSA
with
Evertec
and
was
recorded
as
an
52
expense. The Corporation also recorded a credit of $6.9 million in Evertec billings under the MSA during the third quarter of 2022 as
a result of the Business Acquisition Transaction, resulting in a net
expense charge for the quarter of $17.3
million.
On
August
15,
2022,
the
Corporation
completed
the
sale
of
its
remaining
7,065,634
shares
of
common
stock
of
Evertec
(the
“Evertec Stock Sale”, and collectively
with the Business Acquisition Transaction,
the “Evertec Transactions”). Following
the Evertec
Stock
Sale, Popular
no longer
owns any
Evertec common
stock. The
impact of
the
gain on
the sale
of
Evertec shares
used as
consideration
for
the
Business
Acquisition
Transaction
in
exchange
for
the
acquired
applications
on
July
1,
2022
and
the
net
expense associated with the renegotiation of the MSA resulted in an
after-tax gain of $97.9 million, while the Evertec Stock Sale and
the related
accounting adjustments resulted
in an after-tax
gain of $128.8
million, recorded during
the third quarter
of 2022, for
an
aggregate after-tax gain of $226.6 million.
Transformation Initiative:
Leveraging the completion
of the Evertec
Transactions, the
Corporation embarked on
a broad-based multi-year,
technological and
business
process
transformation
during
the
second
half
of
2022.
The
needs
and
expectations
of
our
clients,
as
well
as
the
competitive landscape, have evolved, requiring us to make important investments in our technological infrastructure and adopt more
agile practices.
Our technology and business
transformation will be a
significant priority for the
company over the next
three years
and beyond.
Through December
31, 2022,
excluding compensation
costs of
our employees
involved in
the initiative,
we expensed
$24 million
toward this effort,
primarily in professional
fees and technology
related expenses. As
part of this
transformation, we aim
to expand
our digital capabilities,
modernize our technology
platform, and implement
agile and efficient
business processes across
the entire
company.
In
2023,
we
plan
an
expense
of
approximately
$50
million
toward
this
effort,
excluding
employee
compensation
and
capitalized costs.
We
expect the
expenses tied
to
this transformation
initiative, which
will continue
through 2025
to
result in
an
enhanced digital experience for our clients, as well as better technology and more efficient processes for our employees. We expect
this effort to contribute to better efficiency
and higher earnings, resulting in a targeted sustainable return on tangible common equity
of 14% by the end of 2025.
To
facilitate
the
transparency
of
the
progress
with
these
efforts,
effective
in
the
fourth
quarter
of
2022,
the
Corporation
has
separated
technology,
professional
fees
and
transactional
activities
as
standalone
expense
categories
in
the
accompanying
Consolidated Statement of Operations. Refer to additional
information in the Operating expenses section
of this MD&A.
Capital Actions
On July 12,
2022, the Corporation completed
an accelerated share repurchase
(“ASR”) program for the
repurchase of $400 million
of
Popular’s
common
stock
for
which
an
initial
delivery
of
3,483,942
shares
were
delivered
in
March
2022
(the
“March
ASR
Agreement”). Upon
the final
settlement of
the March
ASR Agreement,
the Corporation
received an
additional 1,582,922 shares
of
common stock.
The Corporation
repurchased a
total of
5,066,864 shares
at an
average purchase
price of
$78.9443, which
were
recorded as treasury stock by $440 million under
the March ASR Agreement.
On December 7, 2022, the Corporation completed
the settlement of another ASR agreement (the
“August ASR Agreement”) for the
repurchase of
$231 million
of Popular’s
common stock,
for which
an initial
2,339,241 shares
were delivered
on August
26, 2022.
Upon the final
settlement of the
August ASR Agreement, the
Corporation received an additional
840,024 shares of common
stock.
The Corporation repurchased a total of
3,179,265 shares at an average purchase price
of $72.66, which were recorded as treasury
stock by $245 million under the August ASR Agreement.
Hurricanes Fiona and Ian
On September
18, 2022,
Hurricane Fiona made
landfall in
the southwest
area of
Puerto Rico
as a
Category 1
hurricane, bringing
record rainfall and flooding throughout the island and affecting communities where BPPR does business. Hurricane Fiona’s rain and
winds
caused
a
complete
blackout
on
the
island
and
caused
considerable
damage
to
certain
sectors
in
the
southwest
region.
President
Biden
issued
a
disaster
declaration
for
the
island.
While
the
impact
to
BPPR’s
operation
was
not
material,
certain
customers, highly concentrated in certain municipalities, were
impacted by the disaster.
53
As
part
of
hurricane
relief
efforts
on
the
island,
the
Corporation
waived
late-payment
fees
on
individual
lending
products
from
September 16 through October 31, 2022. Popular also waived, through September 30, withdrawal fees payable by our customers at
ATMs
outside of
the Popular
network and
fees payable
by customers
of other
banking institutions
at Popular’s ATMs.
In addition,
the Corporation
offered to
clients impacted
by the
hurricane a
moratorium of
up to
three monthly
payments, up
to December
31,
2022, on
personal and
commercial credit
cards, auto
loans, leases
and personal
loans, subject
to certain
eligibility requirements.
Mortgage clients
may also
benefit from
different payment
relief alternatives
available, depending
on their
type of
loan. Loan
relief
options for commercial clients are reviewed on a case-by-case
basis.
Separately,
on September 28,
2022, Hurricane Ian made
a landfall on
the west coast
of central Florida
as a Category
4 hurricane,
causing extensive
floods and
destruction in
the impacted
areas in
Florida. President
Biden made
a major
disaster declaration
for
certain counties
in central
Florida. PB
and BPPR
do not
have significant
operations in
the area
but have
some limited
retail and
commercial clients who reside or have business activities
in the impacted areas.
For
clients
impacted
by
the
hurricane
that
reside
in
counties
in
Florida declared
as
disaster zones
by
President
Biden,
Popular
offered a moratorium
for up to
three payments, up to
January 31, 2023, subject
to certain eligibility requirements.
As in the case
of
Puerto Rico, relief options for commercial clients
are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Refer to the Credit Risk section of this MD&A
for additional information of the loan moratorium
offered to clients.
Transfer of Securities from Available-for Sale to Held-To-Maturity
In October 2022, the
Corporation transferred U.S. Treasury securities
with a fair value
of $6.5 billion (par value
of $7.4 billion) from
its available-for-sale portfolio to its held-to-maturity portfolio. Management changed its intent, given its ability to hold these securities
to maturity
due to
the Corporation’s
liquidity position
and its
intention to
reduce the
impact on
accumulated other
comprehensive
income (loss) (“AOCI”) and tangible capital of further
increases in interest rates.
The
securities
were reclassified
at
fair value
at the
time
of
the transfer.
At
the
date of
the transfer,
these
securities
had
pre-tax
unrealized
losses
of
$873.0
million
recorded
in
AOCI.
This
fair
value
discount
is
being
accreted
to
interest
income
and
the
unrealized loss remaining in
AOCI is being amortized,
offsetting each other through
the remaining life of
the securities. There were
no realized gains or losses recorded as a result
of this transfer.
While changes
in the
amount of
unrealized gains
and losses
in AOCI
have an
impact on
the Corporation’s
and its
wholly-owned
banking
subsidiaries’
tangible
capital
ratios,
they
do
not
impact
regulatory
capital
ratios,
in
accordance
with
the
regulatory
framework.
Refer
to
Note
7
to
the
Consolidated
Financial
Statements
which
presents
information
about
the
Corporation’s
Debt
Securities Held-to-Maturity for additional details
Partial Release of the Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance
During the
fourth quarter
of 2022,
the Corporation
recorded a
partial reversal
of the
deferred tax
asset valuation
allowance of
the
U.S. operations of $68.2 million. As
of December 31, 2022, the deferred tax
asset (“DTA”) for
the U.S. operations, mainly related to
net
operating
losses
(“NOLs”),
was
valued
at
$278
million,
net
of
the
corresponding
valuation
allowance
of
$402
million.
The
reversal during
the fourth
quarter was
determined based
on management’s
expectation of
the realization
of additional
amounts of
federal
and
state
NOLs
over
their
remaining
carryover
period.
The
determination
was
based
on
the
U.S.
operations’
sustained
profitability during the
years ended December 31,
2021 and 2022,
together with evidence of
stable credit metrics
and the length
of
the expiration of the net operating losses. As of December 31, 2022, the Corporation had approximately $525 million in
DTA related
to federal
NOLs with
expiration dates
between 2028
and 2033
and approximately
$135 million
in DTA
related to
state NOLs
with
expiration dates between 2030 and 2036.
54
Table 1 - Selected Financial Data
Years ended December
31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per common share data)
2022
2021
2020
CONDENSED STATEMENTS
OF OPERATIONS
Interest income
$
2,465,911
$
2,122,637
$
2,091,551
Interest expense
298,552
165,047
234,938
Net interest income
2,167,359
1,957,590
1,856,613
Provision for credit losses (benefit)
83,030
(193,464)
292,536
Non-interest income
897,062
642,128
512,312
Operating expenses
1,746,420
1,549,275
1,457,829
Income tax expense
132,330
309,018
111,938
Net income
$
1,102,641
$
934,889
$
506,622
Net income applicable to common stock
$
1,101,229
$
933,477
$
504,864
PER COMMON SHARE DATA
Net income per common share - basic
$
14.65
$
11.49
$
5.88
Net income per common share - diluted
14.63
11.46
5.87
Dividends declared
2.20
1.75
1.60
Common equity per share
56.66
74.48
71.30
Market value per common share
66.32
82.04
56.32
Outstanding shares:
Average - basic
75,147,263
81,263,027
85,882,371
Average - assuming dilution
75,274,003
81,420,154
85,975,259
End of period
71,853,720
79,851,169
84,244,235
AVERAGE BALANCES
Net loans
[1]
$
30,405,281
$
29,074,036
$
28,384,981
Earning assets
69,729,933
68,088,675
56,404,607
Total assets
72,808,604
71,168,650
59,583,455
Deposits
64,716,404
63,102,916
51,585,779
Borrowings
1,119,878
1,255,495
1,321,772
Total stockholders'
equity
6,009,225
5,777,652
5,419,938
PERIOD END BALANCE
Net loans
[1]
$
32,083,150
$
29,299,725
$
29,484,651
Allowance for credit losses - loans portfolio
720,302
695,366
896,250
Earning assets
64,251,062
72,103,862
62,989,715
Total assets
67,637,917
75,097,899
65,926,000
Deposits
61,227,227
67,005,088
56,866,340
Borrowings
1,400,319
1,155,166
1,346,284
Total stockholders'
equity
4,093,425
5,969,397
6,028,687
SELECTED RATIOS
Net interest margin (non-taxable equivalent basis)
3.11
%
2.88
%
3.29
%
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis) -Non-GAAP
3.46
3.19
3.62
Return on assets
1.51
1.31
0.85
Return on common equity
18.39
16.22
9.36
Tier I capital
16.45
17.49
16.33
Total capital
18.26
19.35
18.81
[1] Includes loans held-for-sale.
55
Non-GAAP financial measures
Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis
Net
interest
income,
on
a
taxable
equivalent
basis,
is
presented
with
its
different
components
in
Table
3
for
the
year
ended
December 31,
2022
as compared
with
the same
period in
2021, 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.
Net interest
income, on
a taxable
equivalent basis,
as 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,
2022
The Corporation’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 amounted to
$1.1 billion, compared to a net income of $934.9
million for 2021.
The discussion
that follows
provides highlights
of the
Corporation’s results
of
operations for
the year
ended December
31, 2022
compared to the results of
operations of 2021. It also
provides some highlights with respect to
the Corporation’s financial condition,
credit
quality,
capital and
liquidity.
Table
2 presents
a three-year
summary of
the components
of
net income
as a
percentage of
average total
assets. For
a discussion
of our
2021 results
of operations compared
with 2020,
see “Management’s
Discussion and
Analysis of
Financial Condition
and Results
of Operations”
in our
Annual Report
on Form
10-K for
the year
ended December
31,
2021.
56
Table 2 - Components of Net
Income as a Percentage of Average Total
Assets
2022
2021
2020
Net interest income
2.98
%
2.75
%
3.12
%
Provision for credit (losses) benefit
(0.11)
0.27
(0.49)
Mortgage banking activities
0.06
0.07
0.02
Net (loss) gain and valuation adjustments on investment
securities
(0.01)
-
0.01
Other non-interest income
1.18
0.83
0.83
Total net interest
income and non-interest income, net of provision
for credit losses
4.10
3.92
3.49
Operating expenses
(2.40)
(2.18)
(2.45)
Income before income tax
1.70
1.74
1.04
Income tax expense
(0.19)
(0.43)
(0.19)
Net income
1.51
%
1.31
%
0.85
%
Net interest income for the
year ended December 31, 2022 was
$2.2 billion, an increase of $209.8
million when compared to 2021.
The
increase in
net interest
income was
mainly
driven
by
higher interest
income
from
money market
investments due
to
higher
interest rates,
higher income
from investment
securities and
higher interest
income from
commercial and
consumer loans
due to
higher volumes and
yields. The
net interest margin
for the year
ended December 31,
2022 was 3.11
%
compared to 2.88%
for the
same period in 2021, driven by higher average volume of earning assets
and higher interest rates as the Federal Reserve increased
the Federal Funds Rate
during 2022.
On a taxable equivalent
basis, net interest margin was
3.46% in 2022, compared to
3.19% in
2021. Refer to the Net Interest Income section
of this MD&A for additional information.
The
Corporation’s total
provision for
credit losses
reflected an
expense of
$83.0 million
for the
year ended
December 31,
2022,
compared to
a reserve
release of
$193.5 million
for
2021. The
expense for
the year
2022
was mostly
driven by
changes in
the
economic scenario, higher loan volumes
and changes in credit
quality.
The Corporation continued to exhibit
favorable credit quality
trends
with
low
levels
of
net
charge-offs
and
decreasing
non-performing loans.
Non-performing assets
totaled
$528.6
million
at
December 31, 2022, reflecting a decrease of $104.4 million when compared to December 31, 2021. Refer to the Provision for Credit
Losses and
Credit Risk
sections of
this MD&A
for information
on the
allowance for
credit losses,
non-performing assets,
troubled
debt restructurings, net charge-offs and credit quality metrics.
Non-interest
income
for
the
year
ended
December
31,
2022
amounted
to
$897.1
million,
an
increase
of
$254.9
million,
when
compared with 2021, mostly due to:
the $257.7 million gain related to the
Evertec Transactions and related accounting adjustments
and
higher
service
fees
due
to
higher credit
card
fees
and
merchant
network
business fees
as
a
result
of
the
revenue sharing
agreement entered
into
in connection
with the
Evertec Transactions.
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 $1.7 billion for the year 2022, reflecting an increase of
$197.1 million, when compared to the
same period
in 2021,
mainly due
to higher
personnel costs
reflecting salary increases
and a
higher headcount,
professional fees,
technology
and
software
expenses,
reflecting
the
impact
of
the
investment
in
the
transformation
initiative,
higher
business
promotions expense
driven by
customer loyalty
programs and
a $17.3
million expense
associated with
the Evertec
Transactions.
Refer to the Operating Expenses section of this MD&A
for additional information.
Income tax expense
amounted to $132.3 million
for the year
ended December 31, 2022,
compared with an
income tax expense of
$309.0 million
for the
previous year.
The decrease
in income
tax expense
for the
year is
mainly due
to
the impact
of the
partial
reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of the U.S. Operations and, higher taxable income that was exempt or subject
to preferential tax rates. Refer to
the Income Taxes
section in this MD&A and
Note 35 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for
additional information
on income taxes.
At December
31, 2022,
the Corporation’s
total assets
were $67.6
billion, compared
with $75.1
billion at
December 31,
2021. The
decrease of $7.5 billion is mainly driven by lower money market
investments due to a decrease in deposits mainly
in the Puerto Rico
57
public sector, partially offset
by an increase in loans held-in-portfolio mainly in the commercial and
consumer portfolios.
Refer to the
Statement of Financial Condition Analysis section of
this MD&A for additional information.
Deposits amounted to
$61.2 billion at
December 31, 2022,
compared with $67.0
billion at December
31, 2021. Table
8 presents a
breakdown of deposits
by major categories. The
decrease in deposits was
mainly due to
lower Puerto Rico
public sector deposits.
The
Corporation’s
borrowings
amounted
to
$1.4
billion
at
December 31,
2022,
compared
to
$1.2
billion at
December 31,
2021.
Refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for detailed information on the Corporation’s
borrowings.
Refer
to
Table
7
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 amounted to $4.1 billion at December 31, 2022, compared to
$6.0 billion at December 31, 2021. The decrease
was principally due to
higher accumulated unrealized losses on debt
securities available-for-sale and the impact of
two accelerated
share
repurchase
transactions
completed
during
2022,
declared
dividends,
partially
offset
by
net
income
for
the
year.
The
Corporation and its
banking subsidiaries continue to
be well-capitalized at December
31, 2022. The Common
Equity Tier
1 Capital
ratio at December 31, 2022 was 16.39%, compared
to 17.42% at December 31, 2021.
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 is
required to record
at fair value
other assets
on a
nonrecurring basis,
such as
loans held-for-sale, 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.
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.
58
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.
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.
Furthermore, management assesses the fair value of its
portfolio of investment securities at least on a quarterly
basis. 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 28
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 Credit 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
interest
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.
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
credit losses
(“ACL”).
The
Corporation
establishes
an
ACL
for
its
loan
portfolio
based
on
its
estimate
of
credit
losses
over
the
remaining
contractual term
of the
loans, adjusted
for expected
prepayments, in
accordance with
Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”)
Topic
326.
An
ACL
is
recognized
for
all
loans
including
originated
and
purchased
loans,
since
inception,
with
a
corresponding
charge
to
the
provision
for
credit
losses,
except
for
purchased
credit
deteriorated
(“PCD”)
loans
as
explained
below.
The
Corporation follows a methodology to establish the ACL which includes a reasonable and
supportable forecast period for estimating
credit
losses,
considering
quantitative
and
qualitative
factors
as
well
as
the
economic
outlook.
As
part
of
this
methodology,
management evaluates
various macroeconomic
scenarios provided
by third
parties. At
December 31,
2022, management
applied
probability weights to the outcome of the selected
scenarios.
The
Corporation
has
designated
as
collateral
dependent
loans
secured
by
collateral
when
foreclosure
is
probable
or
when
foreclosure is
not probable but
the practical expedient
is used.
The practical expedient
is used
when repayment is
expected to
be
provided
substantially
by
the
sale
or
operation
of
the
collateral
and
the
borrower is
experiencing financial
difficulty.
The
ACL
of
collateral dependent loans
is measured based
on the fair
value of the
collateral less costs
to sell. The
fair value of
the collateral is
based on appraisals, which 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 measurement date.
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.
59
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
to
the
Consolidated
Financial Statements. The established framework captures the impact of
concessions through discounting modified contractual cash
flows,
both
principal
and
interest,
at
the
loan’s
original
effective
rate.
The
impact
of
these
concessions
is
combined
with
the
expected credit losses generated by the quantitative loss
models in order to arrive at the ACL.
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
PCD loans are defined as those with evidence of a more-than-insignificant
deterioration in credit quality since origination. PCD loans
are initially recorded
at its purchase
price plus an
estimated ACL. Upon
the acquisition of
a PCD loan,
the Corporation recognizes
the
estimate
of
the
expected
credit
losses
over
the
remaining
contractual
term
of
each
individual
loan
as
an
ACL
with
a
corresponding addition to the
loan purchase price. The
amount of the purchased
premium or discount which
is not related to
credit
risk
is
amortized
over
the
life
of
the
loan
through
net
interest
income
using
the
effective
interest
method
or
a
method
that
approximates the effective interest method. Changes in
expected credit losses are recorded as an
increase or decrease to the ACL
with a corresponding charge
(reverse) to the provision
for credit losses in
the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. These loans
follow the same nonaccrual policies as non-PCD loans. Modifications of PCD
loans that meet the definition of a
TDR are accounted
and reported as such following the same processes
as non-PCD loans.
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.
60
For the
evaluation of
the realization
of the
deferred tax
asset by
taxing jurisdiction,
refer to
Note 35
to the
Consolidated Financial
Statements.
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 the 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.
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 and Other Intangible Assets
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.
Other
identifiable
intangible
assets
with
a
finite
useful
life
are
evaluated
periodically for impairment when events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
may not be recoverable.
Goodwill impairment is recognized when the carrying amount of any
of the reporting units exceeds its fair value up
to the amount of
the
goodwill.
The
Corporation
estimates
the
fair
value
of
each
reporting
unit,
consistent
with
the
requirements
of
the
fair
value
measurements
accounting
standard,
generally
using
a
combination
of
methods,
including
market
price
multiples
of
comparable
companies and
transactions, as
well as
discounted cash
flow analyses.
Subsequent reversal
of goodwill
impairment losses
is not
61
permitted under applicable accounting standards. For a detailed description of the annual goodwill impairment evaluation performed
by the Corporation during the third quarter of 2022,
refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.
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
30 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,
2022
was
$619.9
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
2023 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 as of January
1,
2023;
for
example, 8.5%
for
large
cap
stocks,
8.8% for
small cap
stocks,
9.0% for
international stocks,
6.1% for
long
corporate
bonds
and
4.9%
for
long
Treasury
bonds.
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.
As a consequence of recent
reviews, the Corporation increased its expected return
on plan assets for year
2023 to 5.9% and 6.5%
for the Pension
Plans. Expected rates
of return of
4.3% and 5.4%
had been used
for 2022 and
4.6% and 5.5%
had been used
for
2021 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
a net
benefit of
$0.5 million
in 2022.
The total
pension expense included a benefit of $35.4 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
2022 from
5.9% to
5.65% would
increase the
projected 2023
pension expense
for the
Banco Popular
de Puerto
Rico Retirement
Plan, the Corporation’s largest plan, by approximately
$1.4 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
Statements 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
28
to
the
Consolidated
Financial
Statements.
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 pension liability of $8.3
million at December 31, 2022.
62
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
equivalent
single
weighted
average
discount
rate
ranged
from
5.34%
to
5.37%
for
the
Pension Plans and 5.42% for the OPEB Plan to determine
the benefit obligations at December 31, 2022.
A 50
basis point
decrease to
each of
the rates
in the
December 31,
2022 Willis
Towers
Watson RATE:
Link (10/90)
Model would
increase the
projected 2023
expense for
the Banco
Popular de
Puerto Rico
Retirement Plan
by approximately
$1.8 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, 2022. The Corporation had recorded a liability for
the underfunded postretirement benefit obligation of
$118.3 million at December 31, 2022.
63
STATEMENT
OF OPERATIONS ANALYSIS
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the interest earned from loans, debt securities and money market investments, including loan fees, minus
the
interest cost of deposits and borrowed money.
Various risk factors
affect net interest income including the economic environment in
which we operate, market related events, the mix
and size of the earning assets and
related funding, changes in volumes, repricing
characteristics,
loan
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,
2022
was $2.2
billion
or
$209.8
million
higher than
in
2021.
Net
interest
income, on a taxable equivalent basis, for
the year ended December 31, 2022 was $2.4 billion
compared to $2.2 billion in 2021.
The average key index rates for the years 2022 and
2021 were as follows:
2022
2021
Prime rate………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4.86%
3.25%
Fed funds rate…………………………………………………………………………………………….
1.86
0.25
3-month Treasury Bill…………………………………………………………………………………….
2.01
0.03
10-year Treasury………………………………………………………………………………………….
2.95
1.44
FNMA 30-year…………………………………………………………………………………………….
4.26
1.84
Average
outstanding securities
balances are
based upon
amortized cost
excluding any
unrealized gains
or losses
on securities.
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,
including the discount
accretion on purchased credit
deteriorated loans (“PCD”), are
also included as
part of the
loan yield. Interest income
for the period
ended December 31,
2022, included $44.6
million related to
those items, compared
to $131.5 million
for the
same period in
2021.
The year over
year decrease is
related to lower
amortized fees resulting from
the forgiveness of
PPP loans by
$55.7 million, lower
discount amortization on commercial loans by $16.3 million mainly driven by lower
interest from cancellation of PCD loans and $6.6
million lower amortization of the fair value discount
of the auto portfolios acquired in previous
years.
Table
3 presents
the
different
components
of
the
Corporation’s
net
interest
income,
on
a
taxable
equivalent
basis,
for
the
year
ended December 31,
2022, as compared
with the same
period in 2021,
segregated by major
categories of interest
earning assets
and
interest-bearing
liabilities.
Net
interest
margin
was
3.11%
in
2022
or
23
basis
points
higher
than
the
2.88%
reported
in
2021. The
higher
net
interest
margin
for
the
year
is
driven
by
$1.6
billion
higher
average
volume
of
earning
assets
and
higher
interest rates as
the Federal Reserve
increased the Federal
Funds Rate by
425 basis points
during 2022. On
a taxable equivalent
basis, net interest margin
was 3.46% in 2022, compared to 3.19%
in 2021, an increase
of 27 basis points.
The main drivers for the
increase in net interest income on a taxable equivalent
basis were:
Positive variances:
●
Higher interest income
from money market
investments by $96.9
million due to
higher interest rates
by 111
basis points,
partially offset by lower volume by $6.5 billion,
as part of the liquidity was deployed to
purchase investment securities and
fund loan growth;
●
Higher interest income from investment securities by
$156.1 million due to a higher volume
by $6.8 million;
●
Higher interest income from loans by $130.1
million due to:
●
Increase in commercial loan Interest
income by $71.4 million driven
by a higher average
volume of loans by
$1.1
billion
and
higher
yield
by
7
basis
points
as
the
origination
of
loans
occurs
in
a
higher
interest
rate
scenario and
the positive
impact on
the repricing
of adjustable-rate
loans, partially
offset by
lower amortized
fees
resulting
from
the
forgiveness
of
PPP
loans
by
$55.7
million
and
lower
discount
amortization
on
commercial loans by $16.3 million mainly from
cancellation of PCD loans;
64
●
Higher interest income from
consumer loans by $44.8
million resulting from a
higher volume by $280
million
and higher
yield by
49 basis
points, driven
by the
increase in
personal loans
year over
year and
increase in
credit cards volume.
Partially offset by:
●
Higher interest
expense on
deposits by
$141.2
million
due to
the increase
in interest
cost
by
29 basis
points
resulting
mainly from a
higher cost of
the fully indexed
Puerto Rico government
deposits and the
increase in cost
of Popular U.S.
deposits.
Under the
terms
of
BPPR’s
deposit pricing
agreement with
Puerto
Rico
public sector,
public funds
rates
are
market linked
with a
lag minus
a specified
spread. As
such, if
short-term interest
rates continue
to
increase, we
would
expect the costs
of public funds
to continue to
increase. This source
of funding still
results in an
attractive spread under
market rates.
65
Table 3 – Analysis of Levels & Yields
on a Taxable Equivalent Basis
from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP)
Year ended December 31,
Variance
Average Volume
Average Yields / Costs
Interest
Attributable to
2022
2021
Variance
2022
2021
Variance
2022
2021
Variance
Rate
Volume
(In millions)
(In thousands)
$
9,531
$
16,000
$
(6,469)
1.24
%
0.13
%
1.11
%
Money market investments
$
118,079
$
21,147
$
96,932
$
108,780
$
(11,848)
29,743
22,931
6,812
2.23
2.22
0.01
Investment securities [1]
664,278
508,131
156,147
16,116
140,031
51
84
(33)
5.94
5.16
0.78
Trading securities
3,049
4,339
(1,290)
600
(1,890)
Total money market,
investment and trading
39,325
39,015
310
2.00
1.37
0.63
securities
785,406
533,617
251,789
125,496
126,293
Loans:
14,562
13,455
1,107
5.46
5.39
0.07
Commercial
795,115
723,765
71,350
10,997
60,353
778
849
(71)
6.29
5.41
0.88
Construction
48,920
45,821
3,099
7,172
(4,073)
1,475
1,289
186
5.92
6.00
(0.08)
Leasing
87,274
77,356
9,918
(1,093)
11,011
7,322
7,696
(374)
5.34
5.09
0.25
Mortgage
391,133
392,047
(914)
18,584
(19,498)
2,743
2,463
280
11.66
11.17
0.49
Consumer
319,920
275,078
44,842
11,546
33,296
3,525
3,322
203
8.02
8.47
(0.45)
Auto
282,533
280,722
1,811
(14,833)
16,644
30,405
29,074
1,331
6.33
6.19
0.14
Total loans
1,924,895
1,794,789
130,106
32,373
97,733
$
69,730
$
68,089
$
1,641
3.89
%
3.43
%
0.46
%
Total earning assets
$
2,710,301
$
2,328,406
$
381,895
$
157,869
$
224,026
Interest bearing deposits:
$
25,884
$
25,959
$
(75)
0.61
%
0.12
%
0.49
%
NOW and money market [2]
$
158,664
$
31,911
$
126,753
$
127,953
$
(1,200)
15,886
15,429
457
0.20
0.18
0.02
Savings
32,400
27,123
5,277
4,983
294
6,853
7,028
(175)
0.90
0.75
0.15
Time deposits
61,781
52,587
9,194
10,241
(1,047)
48,623
48,416
207
0.52
0.23
0.29
Total interest bearing
deposits
252,845
111,621
141,224
143,177
(1,953)
206
92
114
2.78
0.35
2.43
Short-term borrowings
5,737
318
5,419
2,030
3,389
Other medium and
939
1,185
(246)
4.26
4.49
(0.23)
long-term debt
39,970
53,107
(13,137)
63
(13,200)
Total interest bearing
49,768
49,693
75
0.60
0.33
0.27
liabilities
298,552
165,046
133,506
145,270
(11,764)
16,094
14,687
1,407
Demand deposits
3,868
3,709
159
Other sources of funds
$
69,730
$
68,089
$
1,641
0.43
%
0.24
%
0.19
%
Total source of funds
298,552
165,046
133,506
145,270
(11,764)
3.46
%
3.19
%
0.27
%
Net interest margin/ income
on a taxable equivalent basis
(Non-GAAP)
2,411,749
2,163,360
248,389
$
12,599
$
235,790
3.29
%
3.10
%
0.19
%
Net interest spread
Taxable equivalent
adjustment
244,390
205,770
38,620
3.11
%
2.88
%
0.23
%
Net interest margin/ income
non-taxable equivalent basis
(GAAP)
$
2,167,359
$
1,957,590
$
209,769
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] Average balances exclude unrealized gains or losses
on debt securities available-for-sale and the unrealized
loss related to certain securities transferred
from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity.
[2] Includes interest bearing demand deposits corresponding
to certain government entities in Puerto Rico.
66
Provision for Credit Losses - Loans Held-in-Portfolio
and Unfunded Commitments
For the
year ended
December 31,
2022, the
Corporation recorded
an expense
of $84.2
million for
its allowance
for credit
losses
(“ACL”) related to loans held-in-portfolio and unfunded commitments, compared with a reserve release of $191.3 million for the year
ended
December
31,
2021.
The
provision
expense
related
to
the
loans-held-in-portfolio
for
the
year
2022
was
$83.3
million,
compared
to
a
reserve
release
of
$183.3
million
for
the
year
2021.
The
reserve
increase
is
mostly
driven
by
changes
in
the
economic scenario, higher loan
volumes and changes in
credit quality.
The updated economic scenarios
used to estimate the
ACL
on December
31, 2022
considered an
expected slowdown in
the economy
as a
result of
tight monetary
policy,
weaker job
growth
and persistent inflation. The reserve release recorded in 2021 was driven
by the release of Covid-related reserves recorded in 2020.
The provision for
unfunded commitments for
the year 2022
reflected an expense
of $0.9 million,
compared to a
reserve release of
$8.0 million for the same period of 2021.
The provision expense related
to loans held-in-portfolio for
the BPPR segment was
$69.5 million for the
year ended December 31,
2022, compared to
a reserve release
of $129.0 million
for the
year ended December
31, 2021, an
unfavorable variance of
$198.6
million. The provision expense related to loans held-in-portfolio for
the Popular U.S. segment was $13.8 million for the year 2022, an
unfavorable variance of $68.1 million, compared to
a reserve release of $54.3 million for
the year 2021.
At
December
31,
2022,
the
total
allowance
for
credit
losses
for
loans
held-in-portfolio amounted
to
$720.3
million,
compared
to
$695.4
million
as
of
December
31,
2021.
The
ratio
of
the
allowance
for
credit
losses
to
loans
held-in-portfolio
was
2.25%
at
December
31,
2022, compared
to
2.38%
at
December 31,
2021. Refer
to
Note
9
to
the
Consolidated Financial
Statements, for
additional information on the Corporation’s methodology to estimate its ACL. As discussed therein, within the process to estimate its
ACL, the Corporation applies probability weights to the
outcomes of simulations using Moody’s Analytics’ Baseline, S3 (pessimistic)
and
S1
(optimistic) scenarios.
The baseline
scenario is
assigned the
highest probability,
followed
by the
pessimistic scenario.
In
addition,
refer
to
the
Credit
Risk
section
of
this
MD&A
for
a
detailed
analysis
of
net
charge-offs,
non-performing
assets,
the
allowance for credit losses and selected loan
losses statistics.
Provision for Credit Losses – Investment Securities
The
Corporation’s
provision
for
credit
losses
related
to
its
investment
securities
held-to-maturity
is
related
to
the
portfolio
of
obligations
from
the
Government
of
Puerto
Rico,
states
and
political
subdivisions.
For
the
year
ended
December
31,
2022,
the
Corporation recorded a reserve release of
$1.2 million, compared to a reserve
release of $2.2 million for the
year ended December
31, 2021. At
December 31, 2022,
the total allowance
for credit losses
for this portfolio
amounted to $6.9
million, compared to
$8.1
million as of December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the ACL for
this portfolio.
Non-Interest Income
For the
year ended December
31, 2022, non-interest
income increased by
$254.9 million, when
compared with the
previous year.
The results for the year 2022 included a $257.7 million gain related to the Evertec
Transactions and related accounting adjustments.
Other factors that contributed to the variance in non-interest
income were:
●
higher other service fees by $22.8 million, principally at the BPPR segment, due to higher credit card fees by $18.9 million
mainly in interchange income resulting from higher customer purchase activity and higher fees from the merchant network
business by $6.7 million due to the revenue sharing
agreement entered into in connection with
the Evertec Transactions;
●
a
favorable
adjustment
of
$9.2
million
in
the
fair
value
of
the
contingent
consideration
related
to
purchase
price
adjustments
for
the
acquisition
of
the
K2
Capital
Group
LLC
business
in
2021
(‘’K2
Acquisition’’),
as
the
Corporation
updated its estimates related to the ability to realize
the earnings targets for the contingent payment; and
●
a gain of $8.2 million from the sale of an
investment which had been previously written off;
partially offset by:
67
●
lower service charges on deposit accounts by $5.5 million, mainly at BPPR, due to lower overdraft related charges, in part
due to the
Corporation’s determination of
eliminating insufficient funds
fees and modifying
overdraft fees effective
on the
third quarter of 2022 and lower cash management service charges from commercial clients due to higher earnings credits
on transactional accounts driven by the current interest
rate environment;
●
lower
income
from
mortgage
banking
activities
by
7.7
million
mainly
due
to
lower
gains
from
loan
securitization
and
valuation adjustments
on loans
held for
sale
by
$21.9 million,
impacted by
the
Corporation’s determination
in the
third
quarter of 2022 to
retain certain guaranteed loans as
held for investment; partially offset
by a favorable variance of
$10.4
million in the
fair value adjustments for
mortgage servicing rights driven
by slower projected prepayments
in the serviced
portfolio and higher gains from closed derivative
positions by $5.3 million;
●
an unfavorable variance of $7.5 million on the fair value adjustments to the portfolio of equity securities related to deferred
benefit plans, which have an offsetting effect recorded as
lower personnel costs; and
●
the gain of $7.0 million recognized in the third
quarter of 2021 by BPPR as a result of
the sale and partial leaseback of two
corporate office buildings.
Operating Expenses
As discussed
in the
significant events
section of
this MD&A,
to facilitate
the transparency
of the
progress with
the transformation
initiative and
to better
portray the
level of
technology related
expenses categorized
by the
nature of
the expense,
effective in
the
fourth
quarter
of
2022,
the
Corporation
has
separated
technology,
professional
fees
and
transactional
activities
as
standalone
expense categories
in the
accompanying Consolidated
Statements
of
Operations. There
were no
changes to
the total
operating
expenses presented.
Prior periods amount in the financial
statements and related disclosures have been reclassified to conform
to
the current presentation.
Table 4 provides the detail of the reclassifications for each respective year.
Table 4 - Operating Expen
ses Reclassification
2021
2020
Financial statement line item
As reported
Adjustments
Adjusted
As reported
Adjustments
Adjusted
Equipment expenses
$
92,097
$
(59,178)
$
32,919
$
88,932
$
(56,418)
$
32,514
Professional services
410,865
(284,144)
126,721
394,122
(261,708)
132,414
Technology and
software expenses
-
277,979
277,979
-
263,886
263,886
Processing and transactional services
-
121,367
121,367
-
112,039
112,039
Communications
25,234
(11,205)
14,029
23,496
(10,266)
13,230
Other expenses
136,988
(44,819)
92,169
128,882
(47,533)
81,349
Net effect on operating expenses
$
665,184
$
-
$
665,184
$
635,432
$
-
$
635,432
68
Table 5 provides a breakdown of operating expenses by major categories.
Table 5 - Operating Expenses
Years ended December
31,
(In thousands)
2022
2021
2020
Personnel costs:
Salaries
$
432,910
$
371,644
$
370,179
Commissions, incentives and other bonuses
155,889
142,212
78,582
Pension, postretirement and medical insurance
56,085
52,077
44,123
Other personnel costs, including payroll taxes
74,880
65,869
71,321
Total personnel
costs
719,764
631,802
564,205
Net occupancy expenses
106,169
102,226
119,345
Equipment expenses
35,626
32,919
32,514
Other taxes
63,603
56,783
54,454
Professional fees
172,043
126,721
132,414
Technology and
software expenses
291,902
277,979
263,886
Processing and transactional services:
Credit and debit cards
45,455
40,383
40,903
Other processing and transactional services
81,690
80,984
71,136
Total processing
and transactional services
127,145
121,367
112,039
Communications
14,885
14,029
13,230
Business promotion:
Rewards and customer loyalty programs
51,832
38,919
30,380
Other business promotion
37,086
34,062
27,228
Total business
promotion
88,918
72,981
57,608
FDIC deposit insurance
26,787
25,579
23,868
Other real estate owned (OREO) income
(22,143)
(14,414)
(3,480)
Other operating expenses:
Operational losses
32,049
38,391
26,331
All other
77,397
53,778
55,018
Total other operating
expenses
109,446
92,169
81,349
Amortization of intangibles
3,275
9,134
6,397
Goodwill impairment charge
9,000
-
-
Total operating
expenses
$
1,746,420
$
1,549,275
$
1,457,829
Personnel costs to average assets
0.99
%
0.89
%
0.95
%
Operating expenses to average assets
2.40
2.18
2.45
Employees (full-time equivalent)
8,813
8,351
8,522
Average assets per employee (in millions)
$8.26
$8.52
$6.99
Operating expenses
for the
year ended
December 31,
2022 increased
by $197.1
million, when
compared with
the previous
year.
The increase in operating expenses was driven
primarily by:
●
Higher
personnel
costs
by
$88.0
million
mainly
due
to
higher
salaries
expense
by
$61.3
million
as
a
result
of
market
adjustments,
annual salary
revisions and
an increase
in headcount,
higher commission
and incentives
by $13.7
million,
due to higher headcount, salary revisions and, in part, profit-sharing expense and higher payroll taxes and fringe benefits,
including health and retirement benefits, reflecting
the overall increase in salary base;
●
Higher net occupancy expense by $3.9 million mainly due to BPPR’s lower rental income
due to the sale of two corporate
office buildings during the third quarter of 2021,
coupled with higher rent expense related to the space remaining occupied
by BPPR;
69
●
Higher other taxes by
$6.8 million mainly due to
an increase in personal property
tax expense and a higher
base used to
estimate an annual Puerto Rico regulatory license
fee;
●
Higher professional fees by $45.3 million primarily due
to Corporate initiatives including $22 million related to
a multi-year
corporate transformation
initiative to
expand the
Corporation’s digital
capabilities, modernize
its technology
platform and
implement agile and efficient business processes;
●
Higher technology and software
expenses by $13.9
million mainly due
to higher software
amortization expense by $10.3
million, including
$2.4 million
related to
the software
intangible assets acquired
as part
of the
Evertec Transactions,
and
higher
IT
professional
fees
and
network
management
expense
by
$15.5
million
due
to
various
ongoing
technology
projects; partially offset
by a decrease in
charges related to internet
banking of $9.6 million
and lower application hosting
expense reflecting savings as a result of the Evertec
Transactions;
●
Higher
processing
and
transactional
services
by
$5.8
million
mainly
due
to
higher
credit
and
debit
card
processing
expense as
a result
of higher transactional
volumes, reflecting
an increase in
customer purchase activity;
partially offset
by lower merchant processing
due to higher incentives received
during the year related to
the ATH
Network Participation
Agreement entered into in connection with the
Evertec Transactions;
●
Higher business promotion expense by $15.9 million mainly due to higher customer reward program expense in our credit
card business by $12.9
million, reflecting an increase
in customer purchase activity,
higher sponsorship expense by $1.5
million and higher donations by $1.2
million, including hurricane related donations;
●
Higher
total
other
operating
expenses,
including
operational
losses,
by
$17.3
million
mainly
due
to
the
$17.3
million
expense related to the Evertec Transactions;
net of $6.9 million in credits received in
connection with this transaction and
higher gain on sale of foreclosed auto units by
$6.6 million; offset by $6.5 million of lower sundry
losses;
and
●
a goodwill impairment charge of $9.0 million due
to a decrease in Popular Equipment Finance’s (PEF) projected earnings
considered as part of the Corporation’s annual goodwill
impairment analysis.
These variances were partially offset by:
●
Higher
other
real
estate
owned
(OREO)
income
by
$7.7
million
mainly
due
to
higher
gain
on
sale
of
commercial
properties;
and
●
Lower amortization
of intangibles
by $5.9
million due
to an
impairment write-down
of $5.4
million of
a trademark
during
2021.
Income Taxes
For the
year ended
December 31,
2022, the
Corporation recorded an
income tax
expense of
$132.3 million,
compared to
$309.0
million for
the same
period of
2021.
The income
tax expense
for the
year ended
December 31,
2022, reflects
the impact
of the
reversal of a portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance of the U. S. Operations amounting to $68.2 million, higher taxable
income
subject
to
preferential tax
rates,
primarily attributed
to
the
gain
from
the
sale
of
Evertec shares,
and
higher tax
exempt
income recorded during this year.
At December
31, 2022,
the Corporation
had a
net deferred
tax asset
amounting to
$1 billion,
net of
a valuation
allowance of
$0.5
billion. The net deferred tax asset related to the U.S.
operations was $0.3 billion, net of a valuation
allowance of $0.4 billion.
The Inflation
Reduction Act
of 2022 imposes
a new
corporate alternative minimum
tax (“AMT”),
effective for
taxable year
2023, to
corporations that meet a dual three-year average adjusted financial statement income (“AFSI”)
threshold of $1 billion on a worldwide
basis and $100
million for its
U.S. operations.
The AFSI is,
in general, the
GAAP net income
per financial statements
with certain
adjustments, including
foreign taxes
and tax
depreciation.
The Corporation
is still
evaluating the
application of
these adjustments
that could be
decisive in whether Popular
is subject to
the corporate AMT.
If it is
determined that the Corporation
is subject to
the
corporate AMT, it is not expected to have a material impact on the financial statements
of the Corporation.
Refer to
Note 35
to the
Consolidated Financial
Statements for
a reconciliation
of the
statutory income
tax rate
to the
effective tax
rate and additional information on the income
tax expense and deferred tax asset balances.
70
Fourth Quarter Results
The Corporation recognized net income of $257.1 million for the
quarter ended December 31, 2022, compared with a net income
of
$206.1 million for the same quarter of 2021.
Net interest income for the fourth quarter of
2022 amounted to $559.6 million, compared with $501.3 million for the
fourth quarter of
2021, an increase of $58.3 million.
The increase in net interest income was mainly due higher interest rates as the Federal Reserve
increased the Federal
Funds Rate by
425 basis points
during 2022 and
higher average balance
of loans resulting
from the growth
during 2022
at both
BPPR and
PB. The
net interest
margin increased
by 50
basis points
to 3.28%
due to
an increase
in market
rates
and
the
earning
assets
mix,
that
had
a
higher
concentration on
loans
which
carry
a
higher
yield
than
money
market
and
investment securities. On a taxable equivalent
basis, the net interest margin for the
fourth quarter of 2022 was 3.64%, compared
to
3.02% for the fourth quarter of 2021.
The provision
for credit
losses was
a $49.5
million for
the fourth
quarter of
2022, compared
to a
reserve release
benefit of
$33.1
million for the fourth quarter of 2021. The provision expense
recorded in the fourth quarter or 2022 reflects
changes in credit metrics,
portfolio growth
as well
as changes
in the
macroeconomic outlook
and considers
an
expected slowdown
in the
economy during
2023, as
a result
of weaker
job growth,
monetary policy
and the
persistent inflation.
The benefit
recorded in
the fourth
quarter of
2021
was
reflective
of
improvements
in
the
credit
metrics
and
the
macroeconomic
outlook
as
well
as
releases
in
qualitative
reserves.
Non-interest income
amounted to
$158.5 million
for the
quarter ended
December 31,
2022, compared
with $164.7
million for
the
same quarter in 2021. The
decrease of $6.2 million was mainly
due lower income from mortgage banking activities by
$10.5 million
due to
an unfavorable
variance of
$4.1 million
in the
fair value
adjustments of
mortgage servicing
rights and
lower gains
from the
sale and securitization of
mortgage loans as the
Corporation made the determination to
retain certain guaranteed loans
as held for
investment. In addition,
service charges on
deposit accounts were
lower by $6.9
million, due to
lower overdraft related
charges, in
part due
to the
Corporation’s determination of
eliminating insufficient funds
fees and
modifying overdraft fees
effective on
the third
quarter
of
2022
and
lower
cash
management
service
charges
from
commercial
clients
due
to
higher
earnings
credits
on
transactional accounts.
Operating expenses
totaled $461.7
million for
the quarter
ended December
31, 2022,
compared with
$417.4 million
for the
same
quarter in
the previous
year.
The increase
of $44.3
million is
mainly related
to higher
personnel costs
by $29.7
million, due
to
a
higher
headcount
and
market
and
annual
salary
revisions
as
well
as
higher
incentives
and
commissions;
higher
professional
services expense
by $16.6
million due
to various
corporate projects,
including the
transformation initiative;
higher technology
and
software expenses by $7.3
million due to various
ongoing technology projects and
software amortization, including from the
assets
acquired from Evertec; partially offset by higher benefit from OREO related activity by $5.3 million due to gains on sale of foreclosed
properties; lower operational losses by $7.8 million and lower
amortization of intangibles by $5.3 million due to an
impairment write-
down of $5.4 million of a trademark during 2021.
For the quarter ended December
31, 2022, the Corporation recorded
an income tax benefit of
$50.3 million, compared with income
tax expense of $75.6 million for
the same quarter of 2021. The
favorable variance in income tax expense was mainly
attributable to
a
partial
reversal
of
the
deferred tax
asset valuation
allowance
of
the
U.S.
operation during
the
fourth
quarter
of
2022
of
$68.2
million and lower
income before tax,
higher benefit from
tax-exempt income, including true-up
adjustment of $9.5 million
in relation
to the
fiscal year
2021 tax
returns for
the P.R.
subsidiaries filed
in the
fourth quarter
and related
year-to-date adjustments
for the
same concept.
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 37
to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
71
The Corporate group reported a net income of $150.1
million for the year ended December 31, 2022,
compared with a net income of
$13.4
million
for
the
previous
year.
The
increase
in
net
income
was
mainly
attributed
to
the
$128.8
million
in
after-tax
gains
recognized by the Corporation as
a result of the
Evertec Stock Sale and related
accounting adjustments; lower interest expense by
$10.4 million
from the
redemption in
the fourth
quarter of
2021 of
$186.7 million
in Trust
Preferred Securities
issued by
Popular
Capital Trust I; and higher earnings from equity method investments.
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 $782.0
million for the
year ended December 31,
2022, compared with $787.5 million for
the year ended December 31, 2021.
The principal factors that contributed to the
variance in
the financial results included the following:
●
Higher
net
interest
income
by
$148.9
million
due
to
higher
income
from
money
market
and
investment
securities
by
$218.3
million mainly
due to
higher yields
driven by
the increase
in rates
by the
Federal Reserve
and
higher
average
balances of
U.S. Treasury
securities;
higher interest
income from
loans by
$54.7 million,
mainly due
to higher
average
balances from consumer, leasing and
commercial loans; partially offset by
higher interest expense on deposits by $123.7
million
mainly
due to
higher costs
on the
market- indexed
Puerto Rico
government deposits,
NOW accounts
and time
deposits.
The
BPPR
segment’s
net
interest margin
was
3.05%
for
2022
compared
with
2.86% for
the
same
period in
2021.
●
A provision for loan losses expenses of $70.3 million in 2022, compared to a reserve release of $136.4 million for the year
ended 2021,
or
an unfavorable
variance of
$206.7 million.
The provision
for loan
losses for
2022
reflects an
expected
slowdown in the economy in
2023. During 2021, BPPR recorded a
reserve for credit losses release of
$136.4 million due
to improved credit metrics and Covid-related macroeconomic
outlook and
changes in qualitative reserves;
●
Higher non-interest income by $115.0 million mainly due to:
●
Higher other operating income by $112.0 million mostly due to the benefit related to the Evertec Business Acquisition
Transaction,
●
Higher
other
service
fees
by
$21.3
million
due
to
higher
merchant
acquiring
fees
related
to
the
revenue
sharing
agreement
entered
in
connection with
the
Evertec
Transactions
and
higher
credit
card
fees
as
a
result
of
higher
interchange transaction volumes.
●
Higher operating expenses by $167.8 million, mainly
due to:
●
Higher other
expenses by $75.5
million mainly due
to higher allocations
from the
Corporate group by
$56.0 million,
mainly advisory and other professional services, and
a $17.3 million expense related to Evertec Transactions;
●
Higher personnel costs by $71.8 million driven
by higher salaries and benefits due to market
salary adjustments and
annual salary revisions
and a higher
headcount; higher incentive compensation,
higher profit sharing expenses
and
higher fringe benefits;
●
Higher
business
promotions
by
$15.6
million
mainly
due
to
higher
customer
rewards
expense
related
to
higher
transactional volumes and higher sponsorships and donations,
including hurricane related assistance;
●
Higher
technology and
software expenses
by
$5.7
million
including $2.4
million
related
to
the software
intangible
assets acquired as part of the Evertec Transactions, and costs
associated with several ongoing projects;
●
Higher processing
and transactional
services by
$5.8 million
mainly due
to higher
credit and
debit card
processing
expense as
a result
of higher
transactional volumes,
reflecting an
increase in
customer purchase
activity;
partially
offset by
lower merchant
processing due
to higher
incentives received
during the
year related
to the
ATH
Network
Participation Agreement entered into in connection with
the Evertec Transactions;
72
Partially offset by:
●
Higher OREO income by $7.4 million mainly due
to higher gain on sale of OREO of $5.9
million.
●
Lower professional fees by $3.8 million mainly due
to lower consulting fees related to ongoing projects.
●
Lower
income
tax
expense
by
$105.1
million
due
to
lower
income
before
tax
and
higher
income
that
was
exempt
or
subject to preferential tax rates.
Popular U.S.
For the
year ended
December 31, 2022, the
reportable segment of
Popular U.S.
reported net income
of $170.3
million, compared
with a net
income of $134.1 million for
the year ended December
31, 2021. The principal
factors that contributed to
the variance in
the financial results included the following:
●
Higher net interest income by $51.8 million mainly due to higher interest income from loans by $74.2 million mainly due to
higher
average
balances from
commercial
loans as
well
as
higher yields
due
to
increase
in
rates; and
higher
interest
income from money market investment securities by $2.9 million due to
higher rates,
partially offset by lower income from
debt securities by
$1.6 million and higher
cost of deposits
by $22.9 million due
to higher interest rates.
The Popular U.S.
reportable segment’s net interest margin was 3.68%
for 2022 compared with 3.39% for the same period
in 2021;
●
An unfavorable variance of
$69.3 million on the
provision for loan losses
and unfunded commitments, due to
the reserve
release
of
$56.9
million
in
2021,
which
reflected
improvements
in
credit
metrics
and
Covid-related
economic
outlook,
compared to
a provision
expense of
$12.5 million
recorded in
2022 which
reflected an
expected economic
slowdown in
2023;
●
Higher non-interest income by
$7.4 million mainly due
to the positive adjustment
of $9.2 million on
the contingent liability
related to the K-2 Acquisition;
●
Higher operating expenses by $35.4 million mainly due
to:
●
Higher personnel costs by $10.2 million due to
salary market and annual adjustments;
●
Higher
other
expenses
by
$7.4
million
due
to
higher
charges
allocated from
the
Corporate segment,
mainly
professional fees; and
●
The goodwill impairment charge of $9.0 million recorded
at PEF.
●
Lower
income
tax
expense
by
$81.7
million
due
mainly
to
a
lower
income
before
tax
and
the
partial
reversal
of
the
deferred tax asset valuation allowance recorded during
the fourth quarter of 2022 of $68.2 million.
STATEMENT
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ANALYSIS
Assets
The Corporation’s total
assets were $67.6 billion
at December 31, 2022,
compared to $75.1 billion
at December 31, 2021.
Refer to
the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2022 and 2021 included in this 2022 Form 10-K.
Also, refer to the Statistical Summary 2022-2021
in this MD&A for Condensed Statements of Financial
Condition.
Money market investments and debt securities
Money market
investments decreased
by $11
.9 billion
at December
31, 2022,
when compared
to December
31, 2021.
This was
impacted
by
the
decrease
in
deposits of
$5.8
billion,
mainly
in the
Puerto
Rico
Public
sector,
and
the deployment
of
liquidity to
purchase
debt
securities.
Debt
securities
available-for-sale
decreased
by
$7.2
billion,
while
debt
securities
held-to-maturity
increased by $8.4 billion. As previously mentioned, during
2022 the Corporation transferred U.S. Treasury securities with
a fair value
73
of $6.5 billion (par
value of $7.4 billion)
from its available-for-sale portfolio to
its held-to-maturity portfolio. Refer to
Notes 6 and 7
to
the Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional
information with respect
to the
Corporation’s debt securities
available-for-sale
and held-to-maturity.
Loans
Refer to Table
6 for a breakdown of
the Corporation’s loan portfolio. Also,
refer to Note 8
to 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
$2.8
billion to
$32.1
billion
at
December
31,
2022,
mainly
due
to
growth in
the
commercial
portfolio
of
$2.0
billion,
reflected
at
both
BPPR
and
PB
by
approximately $1.0
billion,
at
each
segment
and
consumer
loans
at
BPPR.
The
commercial
loans
growth
includes
U.S.
region
loans
participated
between
BPPR
and
PB.
During
the
year
ended
December
31,
2022, BPPR
participated in
loans
originated by
PB
totaling
$184
million.
Consumer loans
at
BPPR
increased
by
$532.4 million in the aggregate including credit
cards, personal loans and auto loans.
The increase in BPPR’s consumer portfolio is
aligned with the increase in
retail sales and consumer spending in
Puerto Rico during 2022 and
the purchase of national consumer
loans through
its U.S.
branch. The
auto loans
portfolio at
BPPR benefited
from the
sustained level
of auto
sales, which
although
lower than 2021, remained a higher than 2020. In addition, though mortgage loans declined by $29.7 million from the previous year,
this was
impacted by
management’s determination
to retain
certain guaranteed
loans in
the portfolio,
which reduced
the portfolio
attrition.
The
allowance
for
credit
losses
for
the
loan
portfolio
increased
by
$24.9
million
mainly
due
to
changes
in
the
macroeconomic
outlook, credit quality metrics and portfolio
growth. Refer to the Credit
Quality section of the MD&A
for additional information on the
Allowance for credit losses for the loan portfolio.
74
Table 6 - Loans Ending Balances
At December 31,
(In thousands)
2022
2021
Loans held-in-portfolio:
Commercial
$
15,739,132
$
13,732,701
Construction
757,984
716,220
Leasing
1,585,739
1,381,319
Mortgage
7,397,471
7,427,196
Auto
3,512,530
3,412,187
Consumer
3,084,913
2,570,934
Total loans held-in
-portfolio
$
32,077,769
$
29,240,557
Loans held-for-sale:
Mortgage
$
5,381
$
59,168
Total loans held-for-sale
$
5,381
$
59,168
Total loans
$
32,083,150
$
29,299,725
Other assets
Other assets amounted to $1.8
billion at December 31, 2022, an
increase of $0.2 billion when compared
to December 31, 2021. At
December 31,
2022, this
includes $125
million in
cash receivable
from the
maturities of
investment securities
near the
end of
the
year and
$28.7 million
in software
intangibles acquired
as part
of the
Evertec Transactions.
Refer to
Note 14
to the
Consolidated
Financial Statements
for a
breakdown of
the principal
categories that
comprise the
caption of
“Other Assets”
in the
Consolidated
Statements of Financial Condition at December
31, 2022 and 2021.
Liabilities
The Corporation’s
total liabilities
were $63.5
billion at
December 31,
2022, a
decrease of
$5.6 billion
compared to
$69.1 billion
at
December 31, 2021, mainly due to a
decrease in 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, 2022 and 2021 is included
in Table 7.
Table 7 - Financing to Total
Assets
December 31,
December 31,
% increase (decrease)
% of total assets
(In millions)
2022
2021
from 2021 to 2022
2022
2021
Non-interest bearing deposits
$
15,960
$
15,684
1.8
%
23.6
%
20.9
%
Interest-bearing core deposits
41,600
47,954
(13.3)
61.5
63.9
Other interest-bearing deposits
3,667
3,367
8.9
5.4
4.5
Repurchase agreements
149
92
62.0
0.2
0.1
Other short-term borrowings
365
75
N.M.
0.5
0.1
Notes payable
887
989
(10.3)
1.3
1.3
Other liabilities
917
968
(5.3)
1.4
1.3
Stockholders’ equity
4,093
5,969
(31.4)
6.1
7.9
Deposits
The
Corporation’s
deposits
totaled
$61.2
billion
at
December
31,
2022,
compared
to
$67.0
billion
at
December
31,
2021.The
deposits decrease
of $5.8
billion was mainly
due to
lower Puerto Rico
public sector
deposits by
$5.2 billion.
Public sector
deposit
balances
amounted
to
$15.2
billion
at
December
31,
2022.
The
receipt
by
the
Puerto
Rico
Government
of
additional
Federal
75
assistance, and
seasonal tax
collections, could
increase public
deposit balances
at BPPR
in the
near term.
However,
the rate
at
which public deposit balances may decline is uncertain and difficult to predict. The
amount and timing of any such reduction is likely
to
be
impacted
by,
for
example,
the
speed
at
which
federal
assistance
is
distributed,
the
financial
condition,
liquidity
and
cash
management
practices
of
the
Puerto
Rico
Government
and
its
instrumentalities
and
the
implementation
of
fiscal
and
debt
adjustment plans approved
pursuant to PROMESA
or other actions
mandated by the
Fiscal Oversight and
Management Board for
Puerto Rico (the “Oversight Board”).
Approximately 25% of the
Corporation’s deposits are public
fund deposits from the
Government of Puerto Rico,
municipalities and
government instrumentalities and corporations (‘’public funds’’).
These public funds deposits are
indexed to short term market
rates
and fluctuate
in cost
with changes
in those
rates with
a one-quarter
lag, in
accordance with
contractual terms.
As a
result, these
public
funds
deposits’
costs
have
generally
lagged
variable
asset
repricing.
During
2022,
the
deposit
costs
for
public
funds
increased by 61% when compared
to 2021.
We expect these costs
to continue to increase if
short-term rates continue their recent
trend.
For example, we
expect an increase
in costs on
these public funds
by approximately 120
basis points in
the first quarter
of
2023 when compared to the last quarter in 2022.
Refer to Table 8 for a breakdown of the Corporation’s deposits at December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Table 8 - Deposits Ending Balances
(In thousands)
2022
2021
Demand deposits
[1]
$
26,382,605
$
25,889,732
Savings, NOW and money market deposits (non-brokered)
27,265,156
33,674,134
Savings, NOW and money market deposits (brokered)
798,064
729,073
Time deposits (non-brokered)
6,442,886
6,685,938
Time deposits (brokered CDs)
338,516
26,211
Total deposits
$
61,227,227
$
67,005,088
[1] Includes interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits.
Borrowings
The
Corporation’s
borrowings
amounted
to
$1.4
billion
at
December 31,
2022,
compared
to
$1.2
billion at
December
31,
2021.
Refer to
Note 17
to the
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001193125-22-060953.
Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
| Forward-Looking Statements | 53 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | 54 | ||
| Critical Accounting Policies / Estimates | 59 | ||
| Statement of Operations Analysis | 65 | ||
| Net Interest Income | 65 | ||
| Provision for Credit Losses | 68 | ||
| Non-Interest Income | 68 | ||
| Operating Expenses | 69 | ||
| Income Taxes | 70 | ||
| Fourth Quarter Results | 70 | ||
| Reportable Segment Results | 71 | ||
| Statement of Financial Condition Analysis | 73 | ||
| Assets | 73 | ||
| Liabilities | 74 | ||
| Stockholders’ Equity | 75 | ||
| Regulatory Capital | 75 | ||
| Risk Management | 78 | ||
| Market / Interest Rate Risk | 78 | ||
| Liquidity | 83 | ||
| Enterprise Risk Management | 103 | ||
| Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Issued but Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards | 105 | ||
| Statistical Summaries | |||
| Statements of Financial Condition | 106 | ||
| Statements of Operations | 107 | ||
| Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income | 108 |
52
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 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; the amount of Puerto Rico public sector deposits held at the Corporation, whose future balances are uncertain and difficult to predict and may be impacted by factors such as the amount of Federal funds received by the P.R. Government in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and the rate of expenditure of such funds, as well as the timeline and implementation of the Plan of Adjustment for the Puerto Rico debt restructuring under Title III of PROMESA; risks related to Popular’s planned acquisition of certain information technology and related assets currently used by EVERTEC, Inc. to service certain of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico’s key channels, as well as the planned entry into amended and restated commercial agreements and the sale or conversion into non-voting of Popular’s ownership stake in Evertec (the “Transaction”), including: the length of time necessary to consummate the Transaction; the ability to satisfy the conditions to the closing thereof; the receipt of any regulatory approvals necessary to effect the Transaction and the contemplated return to shareholders of net gains resulting from a sale of EVERTEC, Inc. shares; the ability to successfully transition and integrate the assets acquired as part of the Transaction, as well as related operations, employees and third party contractors; unexpected costs, including, without limitation, costs due to exposure to any unrecorded liabilities or issues not identified during due diligence investigation of the Transaction or that are not subject to indemnification or reimbursement by EVERTEC, Inc.; risks that Popular may be affected by operational and other risks arising from the acquisition of the acquired assets, including the transition and integration thereof, or by adverse effects on relationships with customers, employees and service providers; and business and other risks arising from the extension of Popular’s current commercial agreements with EVERTEC, Inc., as well as the sale or conversion of EVERTEC, Inc. shares owned by Popular; the scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic (including the appearance of new strains of the virus), actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic, and the direct and indirect impact of the pandemic on us, our customers, service providers and third parties; 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, acts of violence or war, or the emergence of pandemics epidemics and other health-related crises, 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
53
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; potential judgments, claims, damages, penalties, fines, enforcement actions and reputational damage resulting from pending or future litigation and regulatory or government investigations or actions, including as a result of our participation in and execution of government programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic; 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, 2021, is inherently uncertain and depends on judicial interpretations of law and the findings of regulators, judges and/or juries. The description of the Corporation’s business and risk factors contained in Part I, Items 1 and 1A of the Corporation’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 discusses additional information about the business of the Corporation and the material risk factors and uncertainties to which the Corporation is subject that, in addition to the other information in this report, readers should consider.
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.
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” or “Popular U.S.”) which has branches located in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Note 37 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, 2021, the Corporation recorded approximately $58.3 million in earnings from these investments on an aggregate basis. The carrying amounts of these investments as of December 31, 2021 were $299.0 million. Refer to Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Acquisition of K2 Capital Group LLC
On October 15, 2021, Popular Equipment Finance LLC (“PEF”), a newly-formed wholly-owned subsidiary of PB, completed the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of Minnesota-based K2 Capital Group LLC’s (“K2”) equipment leasing and financing business (the “Acquired Business”). PEF made a payment to K2 of approximately $157 million in cash, representing a premium of $49 million over the book value of K2’s net assets, which has been recorded as goodwill. An additional approximate $29 million in earnout payments could be payable to K2 over the next three years, contingent upon the achievement of certain agreed-upon financial targets during such period.
54
Specializing in the healthcare industry, the Acquired Business provides a variety of lease products, including operating and finance leases, and also offers private label vendor finance programs to equipment manufacturers and healthcare organizations. The acquisition provides PB with a national equipment leasing platform that complements its existing healthcare lending business.
As part of the transaction, PEF acquired approximately $115 million in net assets that consisted mainly of commercial finance leases. The transaction was accounted for as a business combination. Refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Capital Actions
2021 Increase in Common Stock Dividend
On May 6, 2021, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per share, an increase from the previous $0.40 per share quarterly dividend, on its outstanding common stock. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation declared cash dividend of $1.75 per common share outstanding ($142.3 million in the aggregate).
Accelerated Share Repurchase
On September 9, 2021, the Corporation completed its previously announced accelerated share repurchase program for the repurchase of an aggregate $350 million of Popular’s common stock. Under the terms of the accelerated share repurchase agreement (the “ASR Agreement”), on May 4, 2021, the Corporation made an initial payment of $350 million and received an initial delivery of 3,785,831 shares of Popular’s Common Stock (the “Initial Shares”). The transaction was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. As a result of the receipt of the Initial Shares, the Corporation recognized in shareholders’ equity approximately $280 million in treasury stock and $70 million as a reduction in capital surplus. Upon the final settlement of the ASR Agreement, the Corporation received an additional 828,965 shares of Popular’s common stock and recognized $61 million as treasury stock with a corresponding increase in its capital surplus account. The Corporation repurchased a total of 4,614,796 shares at an average purchase price of $75.84 under the ASR Agreement.
Redemption of Trust Preferred Securities
On November 1, 2021, the Corporation redeemed all outstanding 6.70% Cumulative Monthly Income Trust Preferred Securities (the “Trust Preferred Securities”) issued by the Popular Capital Trust I (the “Trust”) (liquidation amount of $25 per security and amounting to $186,663,800 (or $181,063,250 after excluding the Corporation’s participation in the Trust of $5,600,550) in the aggregate). The redemption price for the Trust Preferred Securities was equal to $25 per security plus accrued and unpaid distributions up to and excluding the redemption date in the amount of $0.139583 per security, for a total payment per security in the amount of $25.139583. Upon redemption, Popular delisted the Trust Preferred Securities (NASDAQ: BPOPN) from the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
2022 Capital Plan
On January 12, 2022 the Corporation announced the following capital actions:
an increase in the Corporation’s quarterly common stock dividend from $0.45 per share to $0.55 per share, commencing with the dividend payable in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the approval by the Corporation’s Board of Directors; and
common stock repurchases of up to $500 million during 2022.
The Corporation’s planned common stock repurchases may be executed in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The timing and exact amount of such repurchases will be subject to various factors, including market conditions and the Corporation’s capital position and financial performance.
Refer to Table 1 for selected financial data for the past three years.
55
| Table 1 - Selected Financial Data | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per common share data) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
| CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS | ||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 2,122,637 | $ | 2,091,551 | $ | 2,260,793 | ||
| Interest expense | 165,047 | 234,938 | 369,099 | |||||
| Net interest income | 1,957,590 | 1,856,613 | 1,891,694 | |||||
| Provision for credit losses (benefit) | (193,464) | 292,536 | 165,779 | |||||
| Non-interest income | 642,128 | 512,312 | 569,883 | |||||
| Operating expenses | 1,549,275 | 1,457,829 | 1,477,482 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 309,018 | 111,938 | 147,181 | |||||
| Net income | $ | 934,889 | $ | 506,622 | $ | 671,135 | ||
| Net income applicable to common stock | $ | 933,477 | $ | 504,864 | $ | 667,412 | ||
| PER COMMON SHARE DATA | ||||||||
| Net income per common share - basic | $ | 11.49 | $ | 5.88 | $ | 6.89 | ||
| Net income per common share - diluted | 11.46 | 5.87 | 6.88 | |||||
| Dividends declared | 1.75 | 1.60 | 1.20 | |||||
| Common equity per share | 74.48 | 71.30 | 62.42 | |||||
| Market value per common share | 82.04 | 56.32 | 58.75 | |||||
| Outstanding shares: | ||||||||
| Average - basic | 81,263,027 | 85,882,371 | 96,848,835 | |||||
| Average - assuming dilution | 81,420,154 | 85,975,259 | 96,997,800 | |||||
| End of period | 79,851,169 | 84,244,235 | 95,589,629 | |||||
| AVERAGE BALANCES | ||||||||
| Net loans[1] | $ | 29,074,036 | $ | 28,384,981 | $ | 26,806,368 | ||
| Earning assets | 68,088,675 | 56,404,607 | 44,944,793 | |||||
| Total assets | 71,168,650 | 59,583,455 | 50,341,827 | |||||
| Deposits | 63,102,916 | 51,585,779 | 42,218,796 | |||||
| Borrowings | 1,255,495 | 1,321,772 | 1,404,459 | |||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 5,777,652 | 5,419,938 | 5,713,517 | |||||
| PERIOD END BALANCE | ||||||||
| Net loans[1] | $ | 29,299,725 | $ | 29,484,651 | $ | 27,466,076 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses - loans portfolio | 695,366 | 896,250 | 477,708 | |||||
| Earning assets | 72,103,862 | 62,989,715 | 48,674,705 | |||||
| Total assets | 75,097,899 | 65,926,000 | 52,115,324 | |||||
| Deposits | 67,005,088 | 56,866,340 | 43,758,606 | |||||
| Borrowings | 1,155,166 | 1,346,284 | 1,294,986 | |||||
| Total stockholders' equity | 5,969,397 | 6,028,687 | 6,016,779 | |||||
| SELECTED RATIOS | ||||||||
| Net interest margin (non-taxable equivalent basis) | 2.88 | % | 3.29 | % | 4.03 | % | ||
| Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis) -Non-GAAP | 3.19 | 3.62 | 4.43 | |||||
| Return on assets | 1.31 | 0.85 | 1.33 | |||||
| Return on common equity | 16.22 | 9.36 | 11.78 | |||||
| Tier I capital | 17.49 | 16.33 | 17.76 | |||||
| Total capital | 19.35 | 18.81 | 20.31 |
[1] Includes loans held-for-sale.
56
Non-GAAP financial measures
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, 2021 as compared with the same period in 2020, 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, 2021
The Corporation’s net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 amounted to $934.9 million, compared to a net income of $506.6 million for 2020.
The discussion that follows provides highlights of the Corporation’s results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the results of operations of 2020. It also provides some highlights with respect to the Corporation’s financial condition, credit quality, capital and liquidity. Table 2 presents a three-year summary of the components of net income as a percentage of average total assets.
57
| Table 2 - Components of Net Income as a Percentage of Average Total Assets | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
| Net interest income | 2.75 | % | 3.12 | % | 3.76 | % | |
| Provision for credit losses (benefit) | 0.27 | (0.49) | (0.33) | ||||
| Mortgage banking activities | 0.07 | 0.02 | 0.06 | ||||
| Net gain and valuation adjustments on investment securities | - | 0.01 | - | ||||
| Other non-interest income | 0.83 | 0.83 | 1.07 | ||||
| Total net interest income and non-interest income, net of provision for credit losses | 3.92 | 3.49 | 4.56 | ||||
| Operating expenses | (2.18) | (2.45) | (2.94) | ||||
| Income before income tax | 1.74 | 1.04 | 1.62 | ||||
| Income tax expense | 0.43 | 0.19 | 0.29 | ||||
| Net income | 1.31 | % | 0.85 | % | 1.33 | % |
Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $2.0 billion, an increase of $101.0 million when compared to 2020. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven by higher interest income from commercial loans due to income from loans under the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), and higher income from investment securities. In addition, lower interest expense on deposits, despite the higher volume, contributed to the higher net interest income. The net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2021 was 2.88% compared to 3.29% for the same period in 2020 and was impacted by prolonged low interest rates as well as the change in the earning assets composition. On a taxable equivalent basis, net interest margin was 3.19% in 2021, compared to 3.62% in 2020. Refer to the Net Interest Income section of this MD&A for additional information.
The Corporation’s total provision for credit losses reflected a benefit of $193.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to a provision expense of $292.5 million for 2020. The benefit for the year 2021 was due to improvements in credit quality and the macroeconomic outlook. The Corporation continued to exhibit strong credit quality trends and low credit costs with low levels of net charge-offs and lower non-performing loans. Non-performing assets totaled $633 million at December 31, 2021, reflecting a decrease of $191 million when compared to December 31, 2020. Refer to the Provision for Credit Losses and Credit Risk sections of this MD&A for information on the allowance for credit losses, non-performing assets, troubled debt restructurings, net charge-offs and credit quality metrics.
Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2021 amounted to $642.1 million, an increase of $129.8 million, when compared with 2020, mostly due to: higher service fees and service charges on deposit accounts due to economic disruptions related to the pandemic, the waiver of service charges and late fees during 2020, higher income from mortgage banking activities and higher other operating income principally due to higher net earnings from the combined portfolio of investments under the equity method. 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 2021, reflecting an increase of $91.4 million, when compared to the same period in 2020, mainly due to higher personnel costs. Refer to the Operating Expenses section of this MD&A for additional information.
Income tax expense amounted to $309.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with an income tax expense of $111.9 million for the previous year. The increase in income tax expense for the year is mainly due to a higher pre-tax income. Refer to the Income Taxes section in this MD&A and Note 35 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information on income taxes.
At December 31, 2021, the Corporation’s total assets were $75.1 billion, compared with $65.9 billion at December 31, 2020. The increase of $9.2 billion is mainly driven by higher money market investments and debt securities available-for-sale due to the additional funds available to invest resulting from the increase in deposits across various sectors, partially offset by paydowns of agency mortgage-backed securities. Refer to the Statement of Condition Analysis section of this MD&A for additional information.
58
Deposits amounted to $67.0 billion at December 31, 2021, compared with $56.9 billion at December 31, 2020. Table 7 presents a breakdown of deposits by major categories. The increase in deposits was mainly due to higher Puerto Rico public sector deposits and higher balances in retail and commercial demand deposits accounts. The Corporation’s borrowings remained flat at $1.2 billion at December 31, 2021. Refer to Note 17 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 remained flat at $6.0 billion at December 31, 2021, compared with December 31, 2020. The net activity for the year was mainly due to net income of $934.9 million for the year 2021 offset by unrealized losses on debt securities available-for-sale and by capital return transactions, including an accelerated share repurchase transaction completed during 2021. The Corporation and its banking subsidiaries continue to be well-capitalized at December 31, 2021. The Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio at December 31, 2021 was 17.42%, compared to 16.26% at December 31, 2020.
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, 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.
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 $6 million at December 31, 2021, of which $1 million were Level 3 assets and $5 million were Level 2 assets. Level 3 assets consisted
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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, 2021, 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, 2021, 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. 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 28 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 Credit 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 interest 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.
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 credit losses (“ACL”). The Corporation establishes an ACL for its loan portfolio based on its estimate of credit losses over the remaining contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 326. An ACL is recognized for all loans including originated and purchased loans, since inception, with a corresponding charge to the provision for credit losses, except for purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans as explained below. The Corporation follows a methodology to establish the ACL which includes a reasonable and supportable forecast period for estimating credit losses, considering quantitative and qualitative factors as well as the economic outlook. As part of this methodology, management evaluates various macroeconomic scenarios provided by third parties. At December 31, 2021, management applied probability weights to the outcome of the selected scenarios.
The Corporation has designated as collateral dependent loans secured by collateral when foreclosure is probable or when foreclosure is not probable but the practical expedient is used. The practical expedient is used when repayment is expected to be
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provided substantially by the sale or operation of the collateral and the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The ACL of collateral dependent loans is measured based on the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. The fair value of the collateral is based on appraisals, which 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 measurement date. 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.
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. The established framework captures the impact of concessions through discounting modified contractual cash flows, both principal and interest, at the loan’s original effective rate. The impact of these concessions is combined with the expected credit losses generated by the quantitative loss models in order to arrive at the ACL.
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
PCD loans are defined as those with evidence of a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. PCD loans are initially recorded at its purchase price plus an estimated ACL. Upon the acquisition of a PCD loan, the Corporation recognizes the estimate of the expected credit losses over the remaining contractual term of each individual loan as an ACL with a corresponding addition to the loan purchase price. The amount of the purchased premium or discount which is not related to credit risk is amortized over the life of the loan through net interest income using the effective interest method or a method that approximates the effective interest method. Changes in expected credit losses are recorded as an increase or decrease to the ACL with a corresponding charge (reverse) to the provision for credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Upon transition to the individual loan measurement, these loans follow the same nonaccrual policies as non-PCD loans and are therefore no longer excluded from non-performing status. Modifications of PCD loans that meet the definition of a TDR subsequent to the adoption of ASC Topic 326 are accounted and reported as such following the same processes as non-PCD loans.
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
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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 35.
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 through earnings, would affect the Corporation’s effective tax rate, was approximately $5.5 million at December 31, 2021 and $10.2 million at December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 35 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 $1.4 million, including interest.
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.
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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
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. Other identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.
Goodwill impairment is recognized when the carrying amount of any of the reporting units exceeds its fair value up to the amount of the goodwill. The Corporation estimates the fair value of each reporting unit, consistent with the requirements of the fair value measurements accounting standard, generally using a combination of methods, including market price multiples of comparable companies and transactions, as well as discounted cash flow analyses. Subsequent reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted under applicable accounting standards. No impairment was recognized by the Corporation from the annual test as of July 31, 2021.For a detailed description of the annual goodwill impairment evaluation performed by the Corporation during the third quarter of 2021, refer to Note 15.
At December 31, 2021, goodwill amounted to $720 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation recognized an impairment loss of $5.4 million associated with a trademark. Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides the assignment of goodwill by reportable segment.
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 30 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, 2021 was $860.5 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 2022 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 as of January 1, 2022; for example, 8.5% for large cap stocks, 8.8% for small cap stocks, 8.9% for international stocks, 3.5% for long corporate bonds and 2.4% for long Treasury bonds. 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.
As a consequence of recent reviews, the Corporation decreased its expected return on plan assets for year 2022 to 4.3% and 5.4% for the Pension Plans. Expected rates of return of 4.6% and 5.5% had been used for 2021 and 5.0% and 5.8% had been used for 2020 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.
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Net Periodic Benefit Cost (“pension expense”) for the Pension Plans amounted to a net benefit of $3.8 million in 2021. The total pension expense included a benefit of $38.7 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 2021 from 4.3% to 4.05% would increase the projected 2022 pension expense for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan, the Corporation’s largest plan, by approximately $2.0 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 Statements 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 28. 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 pension asset of $17.8 million and a pension liability of $8.8 million at December 31, 2021.
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 equivalent single weighted average discount rate ranged from 2.79% to 2.83% for the Pension Plans and 2.94% for the OPEB Plan to determine the benefit obligations at December 31, 2021.
A 50 basis point decrease to each of the rates in the December 31, 2021 Willis Towers Watson RATE: Link (10/90) Model would increase the projected 2022 expense for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan by approximately $2.6 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, 2021. The Corporation had recorded a liability for the underfunded postretirement benefit obligation of $160.0 million at December 31, 2021.
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STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS ANALYSIS
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the interest earned from loans, debt securities and money market investments, including loan fees, minus the interest cost of deposits and borrowings. Various risk factors affect net interest income including the economic environment in which we operate, market driven events, the mix and size of the earning assets and related funding, 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, 2021 was $2.0 billion or $101.0 million higher than in 2020. Net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $2.2 billion compared to $2.0 billion in 2020.
Due to the Corporation’s current asset sensitive position, an increase in interest rates should have a favorable impact on the Corporation’s 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.
The average key index rates for the years 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
| 2021 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Prime rate…………………………………………………………………………………………………. | 3.25% | 3.53% |
| Fed funds rate…………………………………………………………………………………………….. | 0.25 | 0.35 |
| 3-month LIBOR…………………………………………………………………………………………… | 0.16 | 0.65 |
| 3-month Treasury Bill……………………………………………………………………………………. | 0.03 | 0.35 |
| 10-year Treasury…………………………………………………………………………………………. | 1.44 | 0.89 |
| FNMA 30-year……………………………………………………………………………………………. | 1.84 | 1.01 |
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, including the discount accretion on purchased credit deteriorated loans (“PCD”), are also included as part of the loan yield. Interest income for the period ended December 31, 2021 included a favorable impact of $131.6 million, related to those items, compared to $98.5 million for the same period in 2020. The year over year increase is related to higher amortized fees resulting mainly from the SBA forgiveness of PPP loans by $53.9 million, partially offset by $15.4 million lower amortization of the fair value discount of the auto and credit card portfolios acquired in previous years.
Table 3 presents the different components of the Corporation’s net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, for the year ended December 31, 2021, as compared with the same period in 2020, segregated by major categories of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest margin was 2.88% in 2021 or 41 basis points lower than the 3.29% reported in 2020. The lower net interest margin for the year is driven by the increase of $11.5 billion in average deposits which were mostly redeployed in overnight Fed Funds and U.S. Treasury and agency debt securities. These assets, although accretive to net interest income, are low yielding assets and have the effect of compressing the net interest margin. Also impacting the net interest margin was a full year of low short-term rates as the Federal Reserve decreased by 150 basis points the Federal Funds Rate in the first quarter of 2020. On a taxable equivalent basis, net interest margin was 3.19% in 2021, compared to 3.62% in 2020. The main drivers for the increase in net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis were:
Positive variances:
· Higher interest income from money market and investment securities due to a higher volume by $11.0 billion, which resulted from an increase in deposits in most categories, partially offset by lower yield by 39 basis points driven by a lower interest rate environment. These larger balances resulted from an increase in deposits in most categories;
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· Higher interest income from commercial loans driven by higher interest and fees from PPP loans by $54.0 million when compared to 2020, partially offset the repricing of adjustable rates loans and origination in a low interest rate environment;
· The auto and lease financing portfolios increased by $478 million or 12% driven by continued demand for automobiles in Puerto Rico after the COVID-19 related lockdown and higher household liquidity resulting from COVID-19 relief federal assistances;
· Mortgage loans interest income increased 6% when compared to the year 2020, driven by the $807.6 million bulk loan repurchases from our GSE loan servicing portfolios that occurred at the end of September 2020, partially offset by lower yields also related to the lower rates of the repurchased portfolio; and
· Lower interest expense on deposits due to the decrease in interest cost by 21 basis points resulting from the decrease in market rates in March 2020, increased liquidity in the financial industry as a result of retail and commercial federal support programs and the subsequent effect on these liabilities. The decrease in the cost of interest-bearing deposits was 51 basis points when compared to the year 2020 in the U.S. segment and 13 basis points in P.R. The impact from lower rates was partially offset by higher average balance of interest-bearing deposits by $8.4 billon when compared to the year 2020.
Partially offset by:
· Lower interest income from consumer loans due to lower average volume both on the installment loan and credit card portfolios, resulting also from a higher household liquidity in the market, as discussed above.
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| Table 3 – Analysis of Levels & Yields on a Taxable Equivalent Basis from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average Volume | Average Yields / Costs | Interest | Attributable to | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Variance | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | 2021 | 2020 | Variance | Rate | Volume | |||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 16,000 | $ | 8,598 | $ | 7,402 | 0.13 | % | 0.23 | % | (0.10) | % | Money market investments | $ | 21,147 | $ | 19,722 | $ | 1,425 | $ | (10,745) | $ | 12,170 | |||
| 22,931 | 19,353 | 3,578 | 2.22 | 2.42 | (0.20) | Investment securities [1] | 508,131 | 467,994 | 40,137 | (43,723) | 83,860 | ||||||||||||||
| 84 | 69 | 15 | 5.16 | 6.00 | (0.84) | Trading securities | 4,339 | 4,165 | 174 | (646) | 820 | ||||||||||||||
| Total money market, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| investment and trading | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 39,015 | 28,020 | 10,995 | 1.37 | 1.76 | (0.39) | securities | 533,617 | 491,881 | 41,736 | (55,114) | 96,850 | ||||||||||||||
| Loans: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13,455 | 13,245 | 210 | 5.39 | 5.23 | 0.16 | Commercial | 723,765 | 692,372 | 31,393 | 20,297 | 11,096 | ||||||||||||||
| 849 | 913 | (64) | 5.41 | 5.74 | (0.33) | Construction | 45,821 | 52,438 | (6,617) | (3,059) | (3,558) | ||||||||||||||
| 1,289 | 1,112 | 177 | 6.00 | 6.05 | (0.05) | Leasing | 77,356 | 67,247 | 10,109 | (522) | 10,631 | ||||||||||||||
| 7,696 | 7,255 | 441 | 5.09 | 5.23 | (0.14) | Mortgage | 392,047 | 379,794 | 12,253 | (10,414) | 22,667 | ||||||||||||||
| 2,463 | 2,839 | (376) | 11.17 | 11.34 | (0.17) | Consumer | 275,078 | 322,009 | (46,931) | (5,612) | (41,319) | ||||||||||||||
| 3,322 | 3,021 | 301 | 8.47 | 8.97 | (0.50) | Auto | 280,722 | 271,162 | 9,560 | (16,500) | 26,060 | ||||||||||||||
| 29,074 | 28,385 | 689 | 6.19 | 6.29 | (0.10) | Total loans | 1,794,789 | 1,785,022 | 9,767 | (15,810) | 25,577 | ||||||||||||||
| $ | 68,089 | $ | 56,405 | $ | 11,684 | 3.43 | % | 4.04 | % | (0.61) | % | Total earning assets | $ | 2,328,406 | $ | 2,276,903 | $ | 51,503 | $ | (70,924) | $ | 122,427 | |||
| Interest bearing deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 25,959 | $ | 19,678 | $ | 6,281 | 0.12 | % | 0.28 | % | (0.16) | % | NOW and money market [2] | $ | 31,911 | $ | 54,652 | $ | (22,741) | $ | (37,171) | $ | 14,430 | |||
| 15,429 | 12,399 | 3,030 | 0.18 | 0.30 | (0.12) | Savings | 27,123 | 37,765 | (10,642) | (19,220) | 8,578 | ||||||||||||||
| 7,028 | 7,971 | (943) | 0.75 | 1.05 | (0.30) | Time deposits | 52,587 | 83,438 | (30,851) | (20,755) | (10,096) | ||||||||||||||
| 48,416 | 40,048 | 8,368 | 0.23 | 0.44 | (0.21) | Total interest bearing deposits | 111,621 | 175,855 | (64,234) | (77,146) | 12,912 | ||||||||||||||
| 92 | 166 | (74) | 0.35 | 1.48 | (1.13) | Short-term borrowings | 318 | 2,457 | (2,139) | (1,411) | (728) | ||||||||||||||
| Other medium and | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1,185 | 1,178 | 7 | 4.49 | 4.81 | (0.32) | long-term debt | 53,107 | 56,626 | (3,519) | (2,927) | (592) | ||||||||||||||
| Total interest bearing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 49,693 | 41,392 | 8,301 | 0.33 | 0.57 | (0.24) | liabilities | 165,046 | 234,938 | (69,892) | (81,484) | 11,592 | ||||||||||||||
| 14,687 | 11,538 | 3,149 | Demand deposits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3,709 | 3,475 | 234 | Other sources of funds | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 68,089 | $ | 56,405 | $ | 11,684 | 0.24 | % | 0.42 | % | (0.18) | % | Total source of funds | 165,046 | 234,938 | (69,892) | (81,484) | 11,592 | ||||||||
| 3.19 | % | 3.62 | % | (0.43) | % | Net interest margin/ income on a taxable equivalent basis (Non-GAAP) | 2,163,360 | 2,041,965 | 121,395 | $ | 10,560 | $ | 110,835 | ||||||||||||
| 3.10 | % | 3.47 | % | (0.37) | % | Net interest spread | |||||||||||||||||||
| Taxable equivalent adjustment | 205,770 | 185,353 | 20,418 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.88 | % | 3.29 | % | (0.41) | % | Net interest margin/ income non-taxable equivalent basis (GAAP) | $ | 1,957,590 | $ | 1,856,612 | $ | 100,977 | |||||||||||||
| 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] Average outstanding securities balances are based upon amortized cost excluding any unrealized gains or losses on securities available-for-sale. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [2] Includes interest bearing demand deposits corresponding to certain government entities in Puerto Rico. |
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Provision for Credit Losses - Loans Held-in-Portfolio and Unfunded Commitments
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation recorded a release of $191.3 million for its reserve for credit losses related to loans held-in-portfolio and unfunded commitments, compared with a provision expense of $294.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The reserve release related to the loans-held-in-portfolio for the year 2021 was $183.3 million, compared to a provision expense of $282.3 million for the year 2020. The decrease reflects the improvements in credit quality, changes in the macroeconomic outlook, and changes in qualitative reserves. The provision for unfunded commitments for the year 2021 reflected a benefit of $8.0 million, compared to a provision expense of $12.6 million for the same period of 2020.
The reserve release related to loans held-in-portfolio for the BPPR segment was $129.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to a provision expense of $205.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, a favorable variance of $334.9 million. The reserve release related to loans held-in-portfolio for the Popular U.S. segment was $54.3 million for the year 2021, a favorable variance of $130.8 million, compared to a provision expense of $76.5 million for the year 2020.
At December 31, 2021, the total allowance for credit losses for loans held-in-portfolio amounted to $695.4 million, compared to $896.3 million as of December 31, 2020. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to loans held-in-portfolio was 2.38% at December 31, 2021, compared to 3.05% at December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional information on the Corporation’s methodology to estimate its allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). Refer to the Credit Risk section of this MD&A for a detailed analysis of net charge-offs, non-performing assets, the allowance for credit losses and selected loan losses statistics.
As discussed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, within the process to estimate its allowance for credit losses (“ACL”), the Corporation applies probability weights to the outcomes of simulations using Moody’s Analytics’ Baseline, S3 (pessimistic) and S1 (optimistic) scenarios.
Provision for Credit Losses – Investment Securities
The Corporation’s provision for credit losses related to its investment securities held-to-maturity is related to the portfolio of obligations from the Government of Puerto Rico, states and political subdivisions. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation recorded a reserve release of $2.2 million, compared to a reserve release of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021, the total allowance for credit losses for this portfolio amounted to $8.1 million, compared to $10.3 million as of December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 7 for additional information on the ACL for this portfolio.
Non-Interest Income
For the year ended December 31, 2021, non-interest income increased by $129.8 million, when compared with the previous year, primarily driven by:
higher service charges on deposit accounts by $14.9 million principally due to higher fees on transactional cash management services at BPPR in part due to the business disruptions and the waiver of fees related to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020;
higher other service fees by $53.4 million, principally at the BPPR segment, due to higher credit and debit card fees by $43.4 million mainly in interchange income resulting from higher transactional volumes in part due to the business disruptions and the waiver of service charges and late fees related to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020; higher insurance fees by $5.8 million, from which $3.0 million were related to contingent insurance commissions recognized during the fourth quarter; and higher trust fees by $3.1 million;
higher income from mortgage banking activities by $39.7 million mainly due to the impact of the bulk loan repurchases from the Corporation’s GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC loan servicing portfolio during 2020 which resulted in an unfavorable adjustment of $8.8 million and $10.5 million on the valuation of mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) and servicing advances losses, respectively, and an offsetting positive adjustment in servicing fees of $3.4 million; lower unfavorable fair value adjustments on MSRs by $23.0 million due to changes in assumptions; and higher realized gains on closed derivatives positions by $11.9 million also contributed to the year over year income improvements; partially offset by lower gains from securitization transactions by $8.9 million; and
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higher other operating income by $26.7 million principally due to higher net earnings from the combined portfolio of investments under the equity method by $15.1 million, the gain of $7.0 million recognized in the third quarter of 2021 by BPPR as a result of the sale and partial leaseback of two corporate office buildings, and higher daily auto rental revenues by $3.9 million;
partially offset by:
lower net gain on equity securities by $6.1 million mainly related to a $4.1 million gain on sale of certain equity securities at PB during the third quarter of 2020.
Operating Expenses
Table 4 provides a breakdown of operating expenses by major categories.
| Table 4 - Operating Expenses | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
| Personnel costs: | |||||||||
| Salaries | $ | 371,644 | $ | 370,179 | $ | 351,788 | |||
| Commissions, incentives and other bonuses | 113,095 | 78,582 | 97,764 | ||||||
| Pension, postretirement and medical insurance | 52,077 | 44,123 | 41,804 | ||||||
| Other personnel costs, including payroll taxes | 94,986 | 71,321 | 99,269 | ||||||
| Total personnel costs | 631,802 | 564,205 | 590,625 | ||||||
| Net occupancy expenses | 102,226 | 119,345 | 96,339 | ||||||
| Equipment expenses | 92,097 | 88,932 | 84,215 | ||||||
| Other taxes | 56,783 | 54,454 | 51,653 | ||||||
| Professional fees: | |||||||||
| Collections, appraisals and other credit related fees | 13,199 | 12,588 | 16,300 | ||||||
| Programming, processing and other technology services | 272,386 | 253,565 | 247,332 | ||||||
| Legal fees, excluding collections | 10,712 | 10,611 | 12,877 | ||||||
| Other professional fees | 114,568 | 117,358 | 107,902 | ||||||
| Total professional fees | 410,865 | 394,122 | 384,411 | ||||||
| Communications | 25,234 | 23,496 | 23,450 | ||||||
| Business promotion | 72,981 | 57,608 | 75,372 | ||||||
| FDIC deposit insurance | 25,579 | 23,868 | 18,179 | ||||||
| Other real estate owned (OREO) (income) expenses | (14,414) | (3,480) | 4,298 | ||||||
| Other operating expenses: | |||||||||
| Credit and debit card processing, volume, interchange and other expenses | 45,088 | 45,108 | 38,059 | ||||||
| Operational losses | 38,391 | 26,331 | 21,414 | ||||||
| All other | 53,509 | 57,443 | 80,097 | ||||||
| Total other operating expenses | 136,988 | 128,882 | 139,570 | ||||||
| Amortization of intangibles | 9,134 | 6,397 | 9,370 | ||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 1,549,275 | $ | 1,457,829 | $ | 1,477,482 | |||
| Personnel costs to average assets | 0.89 | % | 0.95 | % | 1.17 | % | |||
| Operating expenses to average assets | 2.18 | 2.45 | 2.93 | ||||||
| Employees (full-time equivalent) | 8,351 | 8,522 | 8,560 | ||||||
| Average assets per employee (in millions) | $8.52 | $6.99 | $5.88 |
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Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 increased by $91.4 million, when compared with the previous year. The increase in operating expenses was driven primarily by:
Higher personnel cost by $67.6 million mainly due to higher incentives related to the profit-sharing plan by $29.1 million and higher commission and performance-based incentives by $34.5 million due to improved performance metrics and salary increases, higher fringe benefit expense, mainly medical insurance by $8.0 million, partially offset by higher deferred salaries as a result of higher loan originations during 2021;
Higher equipment expense by $3.2 million due to higher amortization of software costs;
Higher professional fees by $16.7 million primarily due to higher processing service fees due to higher volume of transactions;
Higher business promotions by $15.4 million due to higher customer reward program expense in our credit card business and higher advertising expense;
Higher other operating expenses by $8.1 million mainly due higher sundry losses by $12.1 million, including $3.7 million related to the termination of a white label credit card contract and higher legal reserves; and higher impairment losses on undeveloped properties by $3.2 million; partially offset by lower pension plan cost by $10.0 million due to annual changes in actuarial assumptions and higher gain on sale of repossess auto units by $2.8 million; and
Higher amortization of intangibles by $2.7 million due to a write-down on impairment of a trademark.
These variances were partially offset by:
Lower net occupancy expense by $17.1 million due to $19.0 million in costs related to the termination of real property leases associated with PB’s New York branch realignment, including the impairment of the right-of-use assets recorded during 2020; and
Lower OREO expense by $10.9 million mainly due to higher gains on sale of mortgage properties.
Income Taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of $309.0 million, compared to $111.9 million for the same period of 2020. The income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflects the impact of higher pre-tax income, resulting primarily from a lower provision for credit losses partially offset by higher net exempt interest income and higher income from U.S. operations subject to a lower statutory tax rate.
At December 31, 2021, the Corporation had a net deferred tax asset amounting to $0.7 billion, net of a valuation allowance of $0.5 billion. The net deferred tax asset related to the U.S. operations was $0.2 billion, net of a valuation allowance of $0.4 billion.
Refer to Note 35 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the effective tax rate and additional information on the income tax expense and deferred tax asset balances.
Fourth Quarter Results
The Corporation recognized net income of $206.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, compared with a net income of $176.3 million for the same quarter of 2020.
Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2021 amounted to $501.3 million, compared with $471.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of $29.7 million. The increase in net interest income was mainly due to increase in average balance of earning assets, mainly due to increase in deposits. The net interest margin declined by 26 basis points to 2.78% due to declines in market rates and the earning assets mix, which were concentrated in overnight Fed Funds, U.S. Treasuries and agency securities, which are all lower yielding assets.
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The provision for credit losses was a benefit of $33.1 million compared to a provision expense of $21.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2020. The benefit recorded in the fourth quarter of 2021 was reflective of improvements in the credit metrics and the macroeconomic outlook as well as releases in qualitative reserves.
Non-interest income amounted to $164.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, compared with $144.8 million for the same quarter in 2020. The increase of $19.9 million was mainly due to other service fees, due to higher volume of transactions, and higher income from mortgage banking activities.
Operating expenses totaled $417.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, compared with $375.9 million for the same quarter in the previous year. The increase of $41.5 million is mainly related to higher personnel costs due to higher salaries, incentives and commissions, higher business promotion expenses, and higher other operating expenses due to the reclassification during the fourth quarter in 2020 of $10.0 million in provision for unfunded commitments from the other expenses line to the provision for credit losses caption, partially offset by lower net occupancy expenses related to the termination of real property leases associated with PB’s New York branch rationalization, amounting to $19.0 million, including the impairment of the right-of-use assets and related costs recorded in the last quarter of 2020.
Income tax expense amounted to $75.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2021, compared with income tax expense of $43.0 million for the same quarter of 2020. The increase is mainly due to higher pre-tax income during the quarter ended December 31, 2021, compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2020.
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 37 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Corporate group reported a net income of $13.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to a net income of $8.5 million for the previous year. The increase in the net income was mainly attributed to lower net interest expense by $1.4 million, mainly due to lower interest expense after the redemption on November 1, 2021 of the trust preferred securities issued by the Popular Capital Trust I; higher non-interest income by $10.1 million mainly due to higher income from the portfolio of equity method investments, partially offset by higher operating expenses by $6.4 million mainly due to higher amortization of intangibles due to the impairment of a trademark.
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 $787.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared with $499.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The results for 2021 included reserve for credit losses release of $136.4 million. The results for 2020 were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the implementation of the CECL accounting pronouncement under which provision for credit losses of $211.0 million was recorded throughout the year. The principal factors that contributed to the variance in the financial results included the following:
Higher net interest income by $81.0 million due to higher income from investment securities by $35.2 million mainly due to higher average balances, higher income from loans by $15.3 million, mainly from interest and fees from commercial PPP loans and higher volume of mortgage loans and leases, partially offset by lower income from consumer loans, mainly credit cards; and lower interest expense from deposits by $29.2 million. The BPPR segment’s net interest margin was 2.86% for 2021 compared with 3.40% for the same period in 2020. The decrease was mainly due to the earning asset composition;
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A reversal of $136.4 million of the reserve for credit losses, due to improved credit metrics and improved macroeconomic outlook, compared to a provision expense of $211.0 million in 2020, which reflected the implementation of CECL and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the macroeconomic outlook;
Higher non-interest income by $119.4 million mainly due to:
Higher service charges on deposit accounts by $14.8 million due to the impact in 2020 of lower transactions and the temporary waiver of fees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
Higher other service fees by $51.7 million due to higher debit and credit card transactions and the temporary waiver of fees in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and higher contingent insurance revenues in 2021;
Higher mortgage banking activities by $39.9 million due to lower unfavorable fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights, and the negative net impact that resulted from the from the bulk repurchase of loans from the Corporation’s GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC loan servicing portfolio in 2020; and
Higher other operating income by $10.7 million due to higher income from the portfolio of equity method investments, the gain from the sale of two corporate office buildings in 2021 and higher income from daily auto rental activities.
Higher operating expenses by $112.0 million, mainly due to:
Higher personnel costs by $43.6 million mainly due to higher salaries, incentives and profit-sharing plan expense;
Higher professional fees by $20.3 million mainly due to processing service fees due to higher volume of transactions;
Higher business promotions by $13.6 million mainly due to higher customer reward program expense in our credit card business and higher advertising expense;
Higher other operating expenses by $34.3 million due to higher sundry losses, including $3.7 million related to the termination of a white label credit card contract, impairment losses on long-lived assets of $5.3 million recorded in 2021, higher legal reserves and higher corporate expense allocations;
Partially offset by:
Lower OREO expenses by $11.1 million mainly due to higher gains on sales of residential properties.
Higher income tax expense by $147.3 million mainly due to higher income before tax.
Popular U.S.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, the reportable segment of Popular U.S. reported net income of $134.1 million, compared with a net loss of $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The principal factors that contributed to the variance in the financial results included the following:
Higher net interest income by $18.6 million mainly due to lower interest expense on deposits by $36.5 million, due to lower rates and lower average balance of certificates of deposits, partially offset by lower income from loans by $9.8 million mainly from consumer and construction loans, and lower income from investment securities by $10.2 million. The Popular U.S. reportable segment’s net interest margin was 3.39% for 2021 compared with 3.21% for the same period in 2020;
A release of $56.9 million of the reserve for credit losses, due to improvements credit metrics and the macroeconomic outlook, compared to a provision expense of $81.5 million in 2020, mainly due to the implementation of CECL and the effects of the pandemic;
Lower operating expenses by $26.7 million mainly due to:
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Lower occupancy expenses by $22.7 million mainly due to the impact of the NY branch rationalization in 2020 that resulted in $19.0 million in lease termination costs, including the impairment of the right of use assets; and
Lower professional fees by $5.1 million mainly due intersegment allocated services;
Partially offset by:
Higher personnel costs by $6.9 million due to higher salaries, incentives and profit-sharing plan expenses.
Income taxes unfavorable variance of $49.1 million mainly due to higher income before tax.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ANALYSIS
Assets
The Corporation’s total assets were $75.1 billion at December 31, 2021, compared to $65.9 billion at December 31, 2020. Refer to the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2021 and 2020 included in this 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Also, refer to the Statistical Summary 2021-2020 in this MD&A for Condensed Statements of Financial Condition.
Money market investments and debt securities available-for-sale
Money market investments and debt securities available-for-sale increased by $5.9 billion and $3.4 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2021. This was largely driven by the additional funds available to invest resulting from the increase in deposits across various sectors, partially offset by paydowns of agency mortgage-backed securities. 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. 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 decreased by $0.1 billion to $29.2 billion at December 31, 2021, mainly due to a decrease in commercial loans at BPPR of $0.6 billion principally related to the repayment of PPP loans, a decrease in mortgage loans at BPPR of $0.5 billion mainly due to paydowns and a decrease in construction loans of $0.2 billion, partially offset by an increase in commercial loans at PB of $0.7 billion principally in the healthcare industry from which $0.1 billion was related to the acquisition by PEF of K2’s lease financing business and growth in auto loans and leases at BPPR by $0.5 billion.
The allowance for credit losses for the loan portfolio decreased by $0.2 billion due to improvements in credit quality, changes in the macroeconomic outlook, and changes in qualitative reserves. Refer to the Credit Quality section of the MD&A for additional information on the Allowance for credit losses for the loan portfolio.
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| Table 5 - Loans Ending Balances | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, | ||||
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | ||
| Loans held-in-portfolio: | ||||
| Commercial | $ | 13,732,701 | $ | 13,614,310 |
| Construction | 716,220 | 926,208 | ||
| Leasing | 1,381,319 | 1,197,661 | ||
| Mortgage | 7,427,196 | 7,890,680 | ||
| Auto | 3,412,187 | 3,132,228 | ||
| Consumer | 2,570,934 | 2,624,109 | ||
| Total loans held-in-portfolio | $ | 29,240,557 | $ | 29,385,196 |
| Loans held-for-sale: | ||||
| Commercial | $ | - | $ | 2,738 |
| Mortgage | 59,168 | 96,717 | ||
| Total loans held-for-sale | $ | 59,168 | $ | 99,455 |
| Total loans | $ | 29,299,725 | $ | 29,484,651 |
Other assets
Other assets amounted to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $0.1 billion when compared to December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 14 for a breakdown of the principal categories that comprise the caption of “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Liabilities
The Corporation’s total liabilities were $69.1 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $9.2 billion compared to $59.9 billion at December 31, 2020, mainly due to increases in 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, 2021 and 2020 is included in Table 6.
| Table 6 - Financing to Total Assets | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, | December 31, | % increase (decrease) | % of total assets | |||||||
| (In millions) | 2021 | 2020 | from 2020 to 2021 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| Non-interest bearing deposits | $ | 15,684 | $ | 13,129 | 19.5 | % | 20.9 | % | 19.9 | % |
| Interest-bearing core deposits | 47,954 | 38,599 | 24.2 | 63.9 | 58.5 | |||||
| Other interest-bearing deposits | 3,367 | 5,138 | (34.5) | 4.5 | 7.8 | |||||
| Repurchase agreements | 92 | 121 | (24.0) | 0.1 | 0.2 | |||||
| Other short-term borrowings | 75 | - | N.M. | 0.1 | - | |||||
| Notes payable | 989 | 1,225 | (19.3) | 1.3 | 1.9 | |||||
| Other liabilities | 968 | 1,685 | (42.6) | 1.3 | 2.6 | |||||
| Stockholders’ equity | 5,969 | 6,029 | (1.0) | 7.9 | 9.1 |
Deposits
The Corporation’s deposits totaled $67.0 billion at December 31, 2021, compared to $56.9 billion at December 31, 2020.The deposits increase of $10.1 billion was mainly due to higher Puerto Rico public sector deposits by $5.2 billion and higher retail and commercial demand deposits by $3.9 billion at BPPR. Public sector deposit balances amounted to $20.3 billion at December 31, 2021. A significant portion of Puerto Rico public sector deposits are expected to be used by Puerto Rico pursuant to the Plan of Adjustment for Puerto Rico confirmed by the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) Title III
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Court, which is expected to become effective on or about March 15, 2022. However, the receipt by the P.R. Government of additional COVID-19 and hurricane recovery-related Federal assistance and seasonal tax collections could increase public deposit balances at BPPR in the near term. The rate at which public deposit balances will decline is uncertain and difficult to predict. The amount and timing of any such reduction is likely to be impacted by, for example, the implementation of the Plan of Adjustment under Title III of PROMESA and the speed at which the COVID-19 federal assistance is distributed. Refer to Table 7 for a breakdown of the Corporation’s deposits at December 31, 2021 and 2020.
| Table 7 - Deposits Ending Balances | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | |||
| Demand deposits | $ | 25,889,732 | $ | 22,532,729 | |
| Savings, NOW and money market deposits (non-brokered) | 33,674,134 | 26,390,565 | |||
| Savings, NOW and money market deposits (brokered) | 729,073 | 635,198 | |||
| Time deposits (non-brokered) | 6,685,938 | 7,130,749 | |||
| Time deposits (brokered CDs) | 26,211 | 177,099 | |||
| Total deposits | $ | 67,005,088 | $ | 56,866,340 |
[1] Includes interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits.
Borrowings
The Corporation’s borrowings amounted to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2021, compared to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2020. Refer to Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information on the Corporation’s borrowings. Also, refer to the Liquidity section in this MD&A for additional information on the Corporation’s funding sources.
Other liabilities
The Corporation’s other liabilities amounted to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $0.7 billion when compared to December 31, 2020, mainly due to the settlement of purchases of debt securities.
Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity totaled $6.0 billion at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $59.3 million when compared to December 31, 2020, principally due to higher accumulated unrealized losses on debt securities available-for-sale by $557.0 million and the impact of the $350.0 million accelerated share repurchase transaction, offset by net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $934.9 million, less declared dividends of $142.3 million on common stock and $1.4 million in dividends on preferred stock and a reduction in the adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans of $36.1 million. 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 22 for a detail of accumulated other comprehensive loss (income), an integral component of stockholders’ equity.
REGULATORY CAPITAL
The Corporation and its bank subsidiaries are subject to capital adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve Board. The 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 include a “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”) capital measure and specifies that Tier 1 capital consist of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 Capital” instruments meeting specified requirements. Note 21 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.
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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 2021 and 2020. BPPR and PB were also well-capitalized for all years presented.
The Basel III Capital Rules also require an additional 2.5% “capital conservation buffer”, composed entirely of CET1, on top of these minimum risk-weighted asset ratios, which excludes the leverage ratio. 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. Popular, BPPR and PB are required to maintain this additional capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of CET1, 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 8 presents the Corporation’s capital adequacy information for the years 2021 and 2020.
| Table 8 - Capital Adequacy Data | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, | ||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Risk-based capital: | ||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 capital | $ | 5,476,031 | $ | 4,992,096 | ||||
| Additional Tier 1 Capital | 22,143 | 22,143 | ||||||
| Tier 1 capital | $ | 5,498,174 | $ | 5,014,239 | ||||
| Supplementary (Tier 2) capital | 585,931 | 759,680 | ||||||
| Total capital | $ | 6,084,105 | $ | 5,773,919 | ||||
| Total risk-weighted assets | $ | 31,441,224 | $ | 30,702,091 | ||||
| Adjusted average quarterly assets | $ | 74,238,367 | $ | 64,305,022 | ||||
| Ratios: | ||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 capital | 17.42 | % | 16.26 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 capital | 17.49 | 16.33 | ||||||
| Total capital | 19.35 | 18.81 | ||||||
| Leverage ratio | 7.41 | 7.80 | ||||||
| Average equity to assets | 8.12 | 9.10 | ||||||
| Average tangible equity to assets | 7.20 | 8.02 | ||||||
| Average equity to loans | 19.87 | 19.09 |
On April 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted the final rule issued by the federal banking regulatory agencies pursuant to the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 that simplified several requirements in the agencies’ regulatory capital rules. These rules simplified the regulatory capital requirement for mortgage servicing assets (MSAs), deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences and investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions by raising the CET1 deduction threshold from 10% to 25%. The 15% CET1 deduction threshold which applies to the aggregate amount of such items was eliminated. The rule also requires, among other changes, increasing from 100% to 250% the risk weight to MSAs and temporary difference deferred tax asset not deducted from capital. For investments in the capital of unconsolidated financial institutions, the risk weight would be based on the exposure category of the investment.
The increase in the CET1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio and, total capital ratio as of December 31, 2021, compared to December 31, 2020, was mostly due to the year earnings, partially offset by the accelerated share repurchase agreement to repurchase an aggregate of $350 million of Popular’s common stock and the slight increase in risk weighted assets. The decrease in leverage capital ratio was mainly due to the increase in average total assets, driven by investments in zero or low-risk weighted debt securities and overnight Fed Funds that therefore did not have a significant impact on the risk-weighted assets.
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Pursuant to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Corporation elected to use the five-year transition period option as provided in the final interim regulatory capital rules effective March 31,2020. The five-year transition period provision delays for two years the estimated impact of CECL on regulatory capital, followed by a three-year transition period to phase out the aggregate amount of the capital benefits provided during the initial two-year delay.
On April 9, 2020, federal banking regulators issued an interim final rule to modify the Basel III regulatory capital rules applicable to banking organizations to allow those organizations participating in the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) to neutralize the regulatory capital effects of participating in the program. Specifically, the agencies have clarified that banking organizations, including the Corporation and its Bank subsidiaries, are permitted to assign a zero percent risk weight to PPP loans for purposes of determining risk-weighted assets and risk-based capital ratios. Additionally, in order to facilitate use of the Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (the “PPPL Facility”), which provides Federal Reserve Bank loans to eligible financial institutions such as the Corporation’s Bank subsidiaries to fund PPP loans, the agencies further clarified that, for purposes of determining leverage ratios, a banking organization is permitted to exclude from total average assets PPP loans that have been pledged as collateral for a PPPL Facility. As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation has $353 million in PPP loans and no loans were pledged as collateral for PPPL Facilities.
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, | ||||||
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
| Common stockholders’ equity | $ | 6,116,756 | $ | 6,224,942 | ||
| AOCI related adjustments due to opt-out election | 257,762 | (261,245) | ||||
| Goodwill, net of associated deferred tax liability (DTL) | (591,703) | (591,931) | ||||
| Intangible assets, net of associated DTLs | (16,219) | (22,466) | ||||
| Deferred tax assets and other deductions | (290,565) | (357,204) | ||||
| Common equity tier 1 capital | $ | 5,476,031 | $ | 4,992,096 | ||
| Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 17.42 | % | 16.26 | % |
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, 2021 and 2020.
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| Table 10 - Reconciliation of Tangible Common Equity and Tangible Assets | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, | ||||||||
| (In thousands, except share or per share information) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 5,969,397 | $ | 6,028,687 | ||||
| Less: Preferred stock | (22,143) | (22,143) | ||||||
| Less: Goodwill | (720,293) | (671,122) | ||||||
| Less: Other intangibles | (16,219) | (22,466) | ||||||
| Total tangible common equity | $ | 5,210,742 | $ | 5,312,956 | ||||
| Total assets | $ | 75,097,899 | $ | 65,926,000 | ||||
| Less: Goodwill | (720,293) | (671,122) | ||||||
| Less: Other intangibles | (16,219) | (22,466) | ||||||
| Total tangible assets | $ | 74,361,387 | $ | 65,232,412 | ||||
| Tangible common equity to tangible assets | 7.01 | % | 8.14 | % | ||||
| Common shares outstanding at end of period | 79,851,169 | 84,244,235 | ||||||
| Tangible book value per common share | $ | 65.26 | $ | 63.07 | ||||
| Year-to-date average | ||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity [1] | $ | 5,777,652 | $ | 5,419,938 | ||||
| Less: Preferred Stock | (22,143) | (26,277) | ||||||
| Less: Goodwill | (679,959) | (671,121) | ||||||
| Less: Other intangibles | (20,861) | (25,154) | ||||||
| Total tangible common equity | $ | 5,054,689 | $ | 4,697,386 | ||||
| Average return on tangible common equity | 18.47 | % | 10.75 | % | ||||
| [1] Average balances exclude unrealized gains or losses on debt securities available-for-sale. |
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 $25.0 billion as of December 31, 2021. Other assets subject to market risk include loans held-for-sale, which amounted to $59 million, mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) which amounted to $122 million and securities classified as “trading”, which amounted to $30 million, as of December 31, 2021.
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.
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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, and 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 instantaneous 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, 2021 and December 31, 2020, assuming a static balance sheet and parallel changes over flat spot rates over a one-year time horizon:
| Table 11 - Net Interest Income Sensitivity (One Year Projection) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | Amount Change | Percent Change | Amount Change | Percent Change | ||||
| Change in interest rate | ||||||||
| +400 basis points | $ | 257,223 | 13.21 | % | $ | 167,474 | 9.19 | % |
| +200 basis points | 197,354 | 10.14 | 81,690 | 4.49 | ||||
| +100 basis points | 166,920 | 8.57 | 39,361 | 2.16 | ||||
| -100 basis points | (78,408) | (4.03) | (53,952) | (2.96) | ||||
| -200 basis points | (120,661) | (6.20) | (71,517) | (3.93) |
As of December 31, 2021, NII simulations show the Corporation maintains an asset sensitive position and is expected to benefit from an overall rising rate environment. The increases in sensitivity for the period are primarily driven by the significant deposit increases seen in 2021, which have resulted in a higher level of short-term investments and cash reserves maintained at the Federal Reserve. These assets reprice immediately under the NII simulations, thus improving the NII benefit in rising rate scenarios. The declining rate scenarios show a smaller and asymmetric impact in sensitivity as rates continue to be close to their lower bound and Popular does not allow rates to turn negative in its IRR simulations.
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.
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| Table 12 - Interest Rate Sensitivity | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | $ | 17,536,719 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 17,536,719 | |
| Investment and trading securities | 301,103 | 436,980 | 664,755 | 678,066 | 712,179 | 3,936,869 | 17,980,634 | 548,736 | 25,259,322 | ||||||||||
| Loans | 4,907,214 | 2,492,007 | 1,412,901 | 1,359,602 | 1,307,655 | 4,272,336 | 13,548,010 | - | 29,299,725 | ||||||||||
| Other assets | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3,002,133 | 3,002,133 | ||||||||||
| Total | 22,745,036 | 2,928,987 | 2,077,656 | 2,037,668 | 2,019,834 | 8,209,205 | 31,528,644 | 3,550,869 | 75,097,899 | ||||||||||
| Liabilities and stockholders' equity: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Savings, NOW and money market and | |||||||||||||||||||
| other interest bearing demand deposits | 23,065,038 | 809,349 | 1,137,611 | 1,053,198 | 976,622 | 3,260,426 | 14,306,213 | - | 44,608,457 | ||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 1,940,456 | 496,482 | 642,437 | 647,957 | 357,661 | 971,300 | 1,655,856 | - | 6,712,149 | ||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased and assets | 31,550 | 30,295 | 20,102 | 9,656 | - | - | - | - | 91,603 | ||||||||||
| sold under agreements to repurchase | 75,000 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 75,000 | ||||||||||
| Notes payable | 1,000 | - | 100,000 | - | 2,148 | 341,103 | 544,312 | - | 988,563 | ||||||||||
| Non-interest bearing deposits | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 15,684,482 | 15,684,482 | ||||||||||
| Other non-interest bearing liabilities | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 968,248 | 968,248 | ||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5,969,397 | 5,969,397 | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 25,113,044 | $ | 1,336,126 | $ | 1,900,150 | $ | 1,710,811 | $ | 1,336,431 | $ | 4,572,829 | $ | 16,506,381 | $ | 22,622,127 | $ | 75,097,899 | |
| Interest rate sensitive gap | (2,368,008) | 1,592,861 | 177,506 | 326,857 | 683,403 | 3,636,376 | 15,022,263 | (19,071,258) | - | ||||||||||
| Cumulative interest rate sensitive gap | (2,368,008) | (775,147) | (597,641) | (270,784) | 412,619 | 4,048,995 | 19,071,258 | - | - | ||||||||||
| Cumulative interest rate sensitive gap | |||||||||||||||||||
| to earning assets | (3.31) | % | (1.08) | % | (0.84) | % | (0.38) | % | 0.58 | % | 5.66 | % | 26.66 | % | - | - |
Table 13, which presents the maturity distribution of earning assets, takes into consideration prepayment assumptions.
| Table 13 - Maturity Distribution of Earning Assets | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| As of December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
| Maturities | ||||||||||||||||
| After one year | After five years | |||||||||||||||
| through five years | through fifteen years | After fifteen years | ||||||||||||||
| One year | Fixed | Variable | Fixed | Variable | Fixed | Variable | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | or less | interest rates | interest rates | interest rates | interest rates | interest rates | interest rates | Total | ||||||||
| Money market securities | $ | 17,536,719 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 17,536,719 |
| Investment and trading securities | 2,714,995 | 14,688,701 | 14,430 | 7,164,229 | 4,952 | 482,039 | - | 25,069,345 | ||||||||
| Loans: | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 5,067,977 | 4,223,468 | 2,631,141 | 910,162 | 735,828 | 80,071 | 84,054 | 13,732,701 | ||||||||
| Construction | 497,519 | 32,857 | 149,412 | 4,693 | 31,739 | - | - | 716,220 | ||||||||
| Leasing | 408,552 | 959,267 | - | 13,500 | - | - | - | 1,381,319 | ||||||||
| Consumer | 1,640,359 | 3,292,532 | 268,033 | 182,496 | 527,827 | 71,873 | - | 5,983,121 | ||||||||
| Mortgage | 787,698 | 2,623,120 | 121,010 | 3,381,618 | 26,056 | 546,863 | - | 7,486,364 | ||||||||
| Subtotal loans | 8,402,106 | 11,131,244 | 3,169,597 | 4,492,468 | 1,321,449 | 698,807 | 84,054 | 29,299,725 | ||||||||
| Total earning assets | $ | 28,653,820 | $ | 25,819,945 | $ | 3,184,027 | $ | 11,656,696 | $ | 1,326,401 | $ | 1,180,847 | $ | 84,054 | $ | 71,905,789 |
| 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. |
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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, 2021, the Corporation held trading securities with a fair value of $30 million, representing approximately 0.04% of the Corporation’s total assets, compared with $37 million and 0.1%, respectively, at December 31, 2020. As shown in Table 14, the trading portfolio consists principally of mortgage-backed securities which at December 31, 2021 were investment grade securities. As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the trading portfolio also included $0.1 million in Puerto Rico government obligations. 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 loss of $389 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2021 and a net trading account gain of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
| Table 14 - Trading Portfolio | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | Amount | Weighted Average Yield[1] | Amount | Weighted Average Yield[1] | ||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | $ | 22,559 | 5.12 | % | $ | 24,338 | 5.19 | % | ||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 6,530 | 0.03 | 11,506 | 0.04 | ||||||
| Collateralized mortgage obligations | 257 | 5.61 | 346 | 5.65 | ||||||
| Puerto Rico government obligations | 85 | 0.47 | 103 | 0.48 | ||||||
| Interest-only strips | 280 | 12.00 | 381 | 12.00 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 29,711 | 4.06 | % | $ | 36,674 | 3.64 | % | ||
| [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 $0.3 million for the last week in December 31, 2021. 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 interest rate volatility. Derivative instruments that the Corporation may use include, among others, interest rate caps, indexed options, and forward contracts. The Corporation does not use highly leveraged derivative instruments in its interest rate risk management strategy. Credit risk embedded in these transactions
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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 Statements of Condition at their fair value. Refer to Note 26 for further information on the Corporation’s involvement in derivative instruments and hedging activities.
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, 2021 amounted to $ 88 million (2020 - $ 189 million). Refer to Note 26 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, 2021 and 2020.
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.
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. 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.
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, 2021, the notional amount of the indexed options on deposits approximated $ 79 million (2020 - $ 69 million) with a fair value of $ 26 million (asset) (2020 - $ 21 million) while the embedded options had a notional value of $72 million (2020 - $ 63 million) with a fair value of $ 23 million (liability) (2020 - $ 18 million).
Refer to Note 26 for a description of other non-hedging derivative activities utilized by the Corporation during 2021 and 2020.
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 $ 180.3 million at December 31, 2021.
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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, 2021, the Corporation had approximately $ 67 million in an unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustment as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), compared with an unfavorable adjustment of $ 71 million at December 31, 2020 and $ 57 million at December 31, 2019.
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, fund planned capital distributions 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 Board’s 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, it experiences a sudden and unexpected substantial cash outflow due to exogenous events such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, its credit rating is downgraded, 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. As further explained below, a principal source of liquidity for the bank holding companies (the “BHCs”) are dividends received from 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 89% of the Corporation’s total assets at December 31, 2021 and 86% at December 31, 2020. The ratio of total ending loans to deposits was 44% at December 31, 2021, compared to 52% at December 31, 2020. In addition to traditional deposits, the Corporation maintains borrowing arrangements, which amounted to approximately $1.2 billion in outstanding balances at December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - $1.3 billion). A detailed description of the Corporation’s borrowings, including their terms, is included in Note 17 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.
On September 9, 2021, the Corporation completed an accelerated share repurchase program for the repurchase of an aggregate $350 million of Popular’s common stock, refer to Note 31 for additional information.
On November 1, 2021, the Corporation redeemed all outstanding 6.70% Cumulative Monthly Income Trust Preferred Securities issued by the Popular Capital Trust I, refer to Note 17 for additional information.
On January 12, 2022, Popular, Inc. announced the plan to increase its quarterly common stock dividend from $0.45 per share to $0.55 per share, commencing with the dividend payable in the second quarter of 2022, subject to the approval by its Board of Directors, and repurchase up to $500 million of its common stock during 2022.
The following sections provide further information on the Corporation’s major funding activities and needs, as well as the risks involved in these activities.
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Banking Subsidiaries
Primary sources of funding for the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries (BPPR and PB or, collectively, “the banking subsidiaries”) include retail, commercial and public sector 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 17 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 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 public sector customers. Core deposits include all non-interest bearing deposits, savings deposits and certificates of deposit under $250,000, excluding brokered deposits with denominations under $250,000. Core deposits have historically provided the Corporation with a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds. Core deposits totaled $63.6 billion, or 95% of total deposits, at December 31, 2021, compared with $51.7 billion, or 91% of total deposits, at December 31, 2020. Core deposits financed 88% of the Corporation’s earning assets at December 31, 2021, compared with 82% at December 31, 2020.
The distribution by maturity of certificates of deposits with denominations of $250,000 and over at December 31, 2021 is presented in the table that follows:
| Table 15 - Distribution by Maturity of Certificate of Deposits of $250,000 and Over | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | |||
| 3 months or less | $ | 1,772,700 | |
| Over 3 to 12 months | 500,200 | ||
| Over 1 year to 3 years | 219,395 | ||
| Over 3 years | 133,795 | ||
| Total | $ | 2,626,090 |
Average deposits, including brokered deposits, for the year ended December 31, 2021 represented 93% of average earning assets, compared with 91% for the year ended December 31, 2020. Table 16 summarizes average deposits for the past three years.
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| Table 16 - Average Total Deposits | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the years ended December 31, | |||||
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | |||
| Non-interest bearing demand deposits | $ | 14,687,093 | $ | 11,537,700 | |
| Savings accounts | 15,753,630 | 12,620,755 | |||
| NOW, money market and other interest bearing demand accounts | 25,648,707 | 19,466,357 | |||
| Certificates of deposit | 7,013,486 | 7,960,967 | |||
| Total interest bearing deposits | 48,415,823 | 40,048,079 | |||
| Total average deposits | $ | 63,102,916 | $ | 51,585,779 |
The Corporation had $0.8 billion in brokered deposits at December 31, 2021, which financed approximately 1% of its total assets (December 31, 2020 - $0.8 billion and 1%, respectively). 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.
Deposits from the public sector represent an important source of funds for the Corporation. As of December 31, 2021, total public sector deposits were $20.3 billion, compared to $15.1 billion at December 31, 2020. Generally, these deposits require that the bank pledge high credit quality securities as collateral; therefore liquidity risks arising from public sector deposit outflows are lower given that the bank receives its collateral in return. This, now unpledged, collateral can either be financed via repurchase agreements or sold for cash. However, there are some timing differences between the time the deposit outflow occurs and when the bank receives its collateral.
At December 31, 2021, 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 the 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 BHCs, which are Popular, Inc. (holding company only) and PNA, include cash on hand, investment securities, dividends received from banking and non-banking subsidiaries, asset sales, credit facilities available from affiliate banking subsidiaries and proceeds from potential securities offerings. Dividends from banking and non-banking subsidiaries are subject to various regulatory limits and authorization requirements that are further described below and that may limit the ability of those subsidiaries to act as a source of funding to the BHCs.
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), the payment of dividends to common stockholders 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 are more costly due to the fact that two out of the three principal credit rating agencies rate the Corporation below “investment grade”, which affects the Corporation’s cost and ability to raise funds in the capital markets.
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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 $496 million at December 31, 2021 and $682 at December 31, 2020.
The contractual maturities of the BHCs notes payable at December 31, 2021 are presented in Table 17.
| Table 17 - Distribution of BHC's Notes Payable by Contractual Maturity | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | (In thousands) | |
| 2023 | $ | 297,842 |
| Later years | 198,292 | |
| Total | $ | 496,134 |
Annual debt service at the BHCs is approximately $32 million, and the Corporation’s latest quarterly dividend was $0.45 per share. On February 23, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Corporation declared a $0.55 cash dividend per common share, payable on April 1, 2022. 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. As of December 31, 2021, the BHCs had cash and money markets investments totaling $292 million, borrowing potential of $157 million from its secured facility with BPPR. In addition to these liquidity sources, the stake in EVERTEC had a market value of $583 million as of December 31, 2021 and it represents an additional source of contingent liquidity.
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. Popular, Inc. made capital contributions to its wholly owned subsidiary Popular Securities amounting to $9 million during the year 2021 and $10 million on February 24, 2022.
Dividends
During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Corporation declared cash dividend of $1.75 per common share outstanding $ 142.3 million in the aggregate. The dividends for the Corporation’s Series A preferred stock amounted to $1.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the BHC’s received dividends amounting to $761 million from BPPR, $4 million from PIBI which main source of income is derived from its investment in BHD, $31 million in dividends from its non-banking subsidiaries and $2 million in dividends from EVERTEC. Dividends from BPPR constitute Popular, Inc.’s primary source of liquidity.
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 $3.0 billion at December 31, 2021 and $3.4 billion at December 31, 2020. 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.
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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. Refer to Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the Corporation’s commitments to extent credit and other non-credit commitments.
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 33 for information on operating leases and to Note 23 for a detailed discussion related to the Corporation’s obligations under credit recourse and representation and warranties arrangements.
The Corporation monitors its cash requirements, including its contractual obligations and debt commitments. As discussed above, liquidity is managed by the Corporation in order to meet its short- and long-term cash obligations. Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements has information on the Corporation’s borrowings by maturity, which amounted to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2021.
Financial information of guarantor and issuers of registered guaranteed securities
The Corporation (not including any of its subsidiaries, “PIHC”) is the parent holding company of Popular North America “PNA” and has other subsidiaries through which it conducts its financial services operations. PNA is an operating, 100% subsidiary of Popular, Inc. Holding Company (“PIHC”) and is the holding company of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Equity One, Inc. and PB, including PB’s wholly-owned subsidiaries Popular Equipment Finance, LLC, Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A., and E-LOAN, Inc.
PNA has issued junior subordinated debentures guaranteed by PIHC (together with PNA, the “obligor group”) purchased by statutory trusts established by the Corporation. These debentures were purchased by the statutory trust using the proceeds from trust preferred securities issued to the public (referred to as “capital securities”), together with the proceeds of the related issuances of common securities of the trusts.
PIHC fully and unconditionally guarantees the junior subordinated debentures issued by PNA. PIHC’s obligation to make a guarantee payment may be satisfied by direct payment of the required amounts to the holders of the applicable capital securities or by causing the applicable trust to pay such amounts to such holders. Each guarantee does not apply to any payment of distributions by the applicable trust except to the extent such trust has funds available for such payments. If PIHC does not make interest payments on the debentures held by such trust, such trust will not pay distributions on the applicable capital securities and will not have funds available for such payments. PIHC’s guarantee of PNA’s junior subordinated debentures is unsecured and ranks subordinate and junior in right of payment to all the PIHC’s other liabilities in the same manner as the applicable debentures as set forth in the applicable indentures; and equally with all other guarantees that the PIHC issues. The guarantee constitutes a guarantee of payment and not of collection, which means that the guaranteed party may sue the guarantor to enforce its rights under the respective guarantee without suing any other person or entity.
The principal sources of funding for PIHC and PNA have included dividends received from their banking and non-banking subsidiaries, asset sales and proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity. As further described below, in the Risk to Liquidity section, various statutory provisions limit the amount of dividends an insured depository institution may pay to its holding company without regulatory approval.
The following summarized financial information presents the financial position of the obligor group, on a combined basis at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, and the results of their operations for the period ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Investments in and equity in the earnings from the other subsidiaries and affiliates that are not members of the obligor group have been excluded.
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The summarized financial information of the obligor group is presented on a combined basis with intercompany balances and transactions between entities in the obligor group eliminated. The obligor group's amounts due from, amounts due to and transactions with subsidiaries and affiliates have been presented in separate line items, if they are material. In addition, related parties transactions are presented separately.
| Table 18 - Summarized Statement of Condition | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||
| Assets | ||||
| Cash and money market investments | $ | 291,540 | $ | 190,830 |
| Investment securities | 25,691 | 27,630 | ||
| Accounts receivables from non-obligor subsidiaries | 17,634 | 16,338 | ||
| Other loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $96 (2020 - $311)) | 29,349 | 31,162 | ||
| Investment in equity method investees | 114,955 | 88,272 | ||
| Other assets | 42,251 | 46,547 | ||
| Total assets | $ | 521,420 | $ | 400,779 |
| Liabilities and Stockholders' deficit | ||||
| Accounts payable to non-obligor subsidiaries | $ | 6,481 | $ | 3,946 |
| Accounts payable to affiliates and related parties | 1,254 | 977 | ||
| Notes payable | 496,134 | 681,503 | ||
| Other liabilities | 97,172 | 79,208 | ||
| Stockholders' deficit | (79,621) | (364,855) | ||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit | $ | 521,420 | $ | 400,779 |
| Table 19 - Summarized Statement of Operations | ||||
| For the years ended | ||||
| (In thousands) | December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||
| Income: | ||||
| Dividends from non-obligor subsidiaries | $ | 792,000 | $ | 586,000 |
| Interest income from non-obligor subsidiaries and affiliates | 848 | 2,383 | ||
| Earnings from investments in equity method investees | 29,387 | 17,912 | ||
| Other operating income | 3,136 | 4,340 | ||
| Total income | $ | 825,371 | $ | 610,635 |
| Expenses: | ||||
| Services provided by non-obligor subsidiaries and affiliates (net of reimbursement by subsidiaries for services provided by parent of $162,019 (2020 - $138,729)) | $ | 13,594 | $ | 13,191 |
| Other operating expenses | 33,524 | 29,652 | ||
| Total expenses | $ | 47,118 | $ | 42,843 |
| Net income | $ | 778,253 | $ | 567,792 |
| During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Obligor group recorded $3.0 million of distribution from its direct equity method investees (2020 - $2.3 million), of which $2.3 million are related to dividend distributions (2020 - $2.3 million). During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Obligor group received dividend distributions from a non-obligor subsidiary amounting $12.5 million which was recorded as a reduction to the investment. |
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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. 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.
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.
Furthermore, 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, after considering those years’ dividend activity, less any required transfers to surplus or to a fund for the retirement of any preferred stock. During the year ended December 31, 2021, BPPR declared cash dividends of $761 million. At December 31, 2021, BPPR would have needed to obtain prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before declaring a dividend due to its declared dividend activity and transfers to statutory reserves over the three year’s ended December 31, 2021. 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 and the NYSDFS. The ability of a bank subsidiary to up-stream dividends to its BHC could thus be impacted by its financial performance, thus potentially limiting the amount of cash moving up to the BHCs from the banking subsidiaries. This could, in turn, affect the BHCs ability to declare dividends on its outstanding common and preferred stock, for example.
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, 2021 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 23 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
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required credit ratings are not maintained. Collateral pledged by the Corporation to secure recourse obligations amounted to approximately $32 million at December 31, 2021. 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.
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 33 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.
COVID-19 Pandemic
On December 2019, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) surfaced in Wuhan, China and has since spread globally to other countries and jurisdictions, including the mainland United States and Puerto Rico. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The pandemic has significantly disrupted and negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains, created significant volatility in financial markets, and increased unemployment levels worldwide, including in the markets in which we do business.
In Puerto Rico, former Governor Wanda Vázquez issued an executive order in March 2020 declaring a health emergency, ordering residents to shelter in place, implementing a mandatory curfew, and requiring the closure of non-essential businesses. Although the most restrictive measures have been eased or lifted, allowing for the gradual reopening of the economy, certain measures remain in place and additional measures may be implemented in the future as a result of a resurgence in the spread of the virus or new strains of the virus. Since the beginning of the pandemic, most businesses have had to make significant adjustments to protect customers and employees, including transitioning to telework and suspending or modifying certain operations in compliance with health and safety guidelines. The Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly enacted legislation in April 2020 requiring financial institutions to offer moratoriums on consumer financial products to clients impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which was effective through August 2020. The Federal Government has also approved several economic stimulus measures that seek to cushion the economic fallout of the pandemic, including providing direct subsidies, expanding eligibility for and increasing unemployment benefits and guaranteeing through the SBA PPP loans to small and medium businesses.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the disease have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on economic activity worldwide, including in Puerto Rico. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to adversely affect economic activity will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict, including the scope and duration of the pandemic (including the appearance of new strains of the virus), the restrictions imposed by governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the same, the pace of global vaccination efforts, and the amount of federal and local assistance offered to offset the impact of the pandemic. Pursuant to the 2022 Fiscal Plan (as defined below), economic stimulus measures have more than offset the estimated income loss due to reduced economic activity in Puerto Rico and are estimated to have caused a temporary increase in personal income on a net basis. However, there can be no assurance that these measures will be sufficient to offset the pandemic’s economic impact in the medium- and long-term.
Economic Performance
The Commonwealth’s economy entered a recession in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 and its gross national product (“GNP”) 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, dated March 2021, the Commonwealth’s real GNP increased by 1.8%
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in fiscal year 2019 due to the influx of federal funds and private insurance payments to repair damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and María. However, the Planning Board estimates that the Commonwealth’s real GNP decreased by approximately 3.2% in fiscal year 2020 due primarily to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken by the government in response to the same. The Planning Board projected that the negative effects of COVID-19 would continue through fiscal year 2021, resulting in a contraction in real GNP of approximately -2%, followed by 0.8% GNP growth in the current fiscal year.
Fiscal Crisis
The Commonwealth’s central government and many of its instrumentalities, public corporations and municipalities continue to face significant fiscal challenges, which have 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, 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. As further discussed below under “Pending Title III Proceedings,” the Commonwealth and several of its instrumentalities are currently in the process of restructuring their debts through the debt restructuring mechanisms provided by PROMESA.
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 original voting members of the Oversight Board through the process established in PROMESA, which authorizes the President to select the members from several lists required to be submitted by congressional leaders. In 2020, when President Donald Trump reappointed three of the original members and appointed four new members to the Oversight Board.
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. For additional discussion of risk factors related to the Puerto Rico fiscal challenges, see “Part I – Item 1A – Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K.
Fiscal Plans
Commonwealth Fiscal Plan. The Oversight Board has certified several fiscal plans for the Commonwealth since 2017. The most recent fiscal plan for the Commonwealth certified by the Oversight Board is dated January 27, 2022 (the “2022 Fiscal Plan”).
Pursuant to the 2022 Fiscal Plan, while the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken in response to the same severely reduced economic activity and caused an unprecedented increase in unemployment in Puerto Rico, pandemic-related federal and local stimulus funding have more than offset the estimated income loss due to reduced economic activity and are estimated to have caused a temporary increase in personal income on a net basis. The 2022 Fiscal Plan’s economic projections incorporate adjustments for these short-term income effects for purposes of estimating tax receipts. For example, the 2022 Fiscal Plan estimates that, for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, real GNP will grow 2.6% and 0.9%, respectively, but projects that growth adjusted for income effects for such years will be approximately 5.2% and 0.6%, respectively.
The 2022 Fiscal Plan incorporates the debt service costs of the Commonwealth’s restructured debt as contemplated by the Plan of Adjustment (as defined and further explained below). Therefore, it projects an unrestricted surplus after debt service average of $1 billion annually between fiscal years 2022 to 2031. This surplus declines over time as federal disaster relief funding slows, nominal GNP growth declines, revenues decline, and healthcare expenditures rise. The 2022 Fiscal Plan estimates that fiscal measures
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could drive approximately $6.3 billion in savings and extra revenue over fiscal years 2022 through 2026 and that structural reforms could drive a cumulative 0.90% increase in growth by fiscal year 2051 (equal to approximately $33 billion).
The 2022 Fiscal Plan provides for the gradual reduction and the ultimate elimination of Commonwealth budgetary subsidies to municipalities, which constitute a material portion of the operating revenues of some municipalities. Since fiscal year 2017, Commonwealth appropriations to municipalities have decreased by approximately 64% (from approximately $370 million in fiscal year 2017 to approximately $132 million in fiscal year 2020). In response to the COVID-19 crisis, reductions in appropriations to municipalities were paused in fiscal year 2021. Municipalities have also received extraordinary appropriations and other funds from federally-funded programs during the current fiscal year, which has helped temporarily offset the impact of the reduced Commonwealth support. However, the 2022 Fiscal Plan contemplates additional reductions in appropriations to municipalities starting in fiscal year 2022, before eventually phasing out all appropriations in fiscal year 2025. Further, while the Commonwealth had enacted legislation in 2019 suspending the municipality’s obligations to contribute to the Commonwealth’s health plan and pay-as-you go retirement system, such legislation was challenged by the Oversight Board and eventually declared null by the Title III court in April 2020. As a result, municipalities are required to cover their own employees’ healthcare costs and retirement benefits and had to reimburse the Commonwealth for such costs corresponding to the period during which the law was in effect. Finally, the 2022 Fiscal Plan notes that municipalities have made little or no progress towards implementing fiscal discipline required to reduce reliance on Commonwealth appropriations and that this lack of fiscal management threatens the ability of municipalities to provide necessary services, such as health, sanitation, public safety, and emergency services to their residents, forcing them to prioritize expenditures.
Other Fiscal Plans. Pursuant to PROMESA, the Oversight Board has also requested and certified fiscal plans for several public corporations and instrumentalities. The certified fiscal plan for the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”), Puerto Rico’s electric power utility, contemplated 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 (the “T&D System”), and calls for significant structural reforms at PREPA. The procurement process for the establishment of a public-private partnership with respect to the T&D System was completed in June 2020. The selected proponent, LUMA Energy LLC (“LUMA”), and PREPA entered into a 15-year agreement whereby, since June 1, 2021, LUMA is responsible for operating, maintaining and modernizing the T&D System.
On April 23, 2021, the Oversight Board certified the latest version of the fiscal plan (the “CRIM Fiscal Plan”) for the Municipal Revenue Collection Center (“CRIM”), the government entity responsible for collecting property taxes and distributing them among the municipalities. The CRIM Fiscal Plan outlines a series of measures centered around improving the competitiveness of Puerto Rico’s property tax regime and the enhancement of property tax collections, including identifying and appraising new properties as well as improvements to existing properties, and implementing operational and technological initiatives.
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 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 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 November 3, 2021, the Oversight Board filed the Eighth Amended Title III Joint Plan of Adjustment for the Commonwealth, et. al. (the “Plan of Adjustment”) in the pending debt restructuring proceedings under Title III of PROMESA. The Plan of Adjustment seeks to restructure approximately $35 billion of debt and other claims against the Commonwealth, PBA and ERS. In October 2021, the Commonwealth’s government enacted legislation establishing the framework for the issuance of new securities by the Commonwealth in connection with the Plan of Adjustment. On January 18, 2022, the U.S. District Court confirmed the Plan of Adjustment, which is expected to become effective on or about March 15, 2022 upon the satisfaction of certain conditions to effectiveness.
Exposure of the Corporation
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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 provided a process to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis, the complexity and uncertainty of the Title III proceedings for the Commonwealth and various of its instrumentalities and the adjustment measures required by the fiscal plans still present significant economic risks. In addition, the COVID-19 outbreak has affected many of our individual customers and customers’ businesses. This, when added to Puerto Rico’s ongoing fiscal crisis and recession, could cause credit losses that adversely affect us and may negatively affect consumer confidence, result in reductions in consumer spending, and 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 controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and consummating an orderly restructuring of the Commonwealth’s 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, 2021, the Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government’s instrumentalities and municipalities totaled $367 million of which $349 million were outstanding, compared to $377 million at December 31, 2020 which was fully outstanding on such date. 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, $319 million consists of loans and $30 million are securities ($342 million and $35 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020). Substantially all of the amount outstanding at December 31, 2021 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, 2021, 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, 2021, the Corporation received scheduled principal payments amounting to $32 million from various obligations from Puerto Rico municipalities. For additional discussion of the Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government and its instrumentalities and municipalities, refer to Note 24 – Commitments and Contingencies.
In addition, at December 31, 2021, the Corporation had $275 million in loans insured or securities issued by Puerto Rico governmental entities, but for which the principal source of repayment is non-governmental ($317 million at December 31, 2020). These included $232 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, 2020 - $260 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, 2021, $43 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, 2020 - $46 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. The Corporation does not consider the government guarantee when estimating the credit losses associated with this portfolio. Although the Governor is currently authorized by local legislation to impose a temporary moratorium on the financial obligations of the HFA, a moratorium on such obligations has not been imposed as of the date hereof.
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 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 and retirees, 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.
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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 24 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, which have been and maybe be further exacerbated as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and which 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, 2021, the Corporation has operations in the United States Virgin Islands (the “USVI”) and has approximately $70 million in direct exposure to USVI government entities (December 31, 2020 - $105 million). 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.
British Virgin Islands
The Corporation has operations in the British Virgin Islands (“BVI”), which has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as a reduction in the tourism activity which accounts for a significant portion of its economy. Although the Corporation has no significant exposure to a single borrower in the BVI, at December 31, 2021 it has a loan portfolio amounting to approximately $221 million comprised of various retail and commercial clients, compared to a loan portfolio of $251 million at December 31, 2020, which included a $19 million loan with the BVI Government that was paid off during the second quarter of 2021.
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, $1.6 billion of residential mortgages, $353 million of SBA loans under the PPP and $67 million commercial loans were insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies at December 31, 2021 (compared to $1.8 billion, $1.3 billion and $60 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020).
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.
During 2021, the Corporation continued to exhibit strong credit quality and low credit costs, with low level of NCOs and decreasing NPLs, outperforming pre-pandemic trends. These improvements have been aided by the significant government stimulus and the rebound of the economy, as well as payoffs related to troubled loan resolutions. We continue to closely monitor COVID-19 pandemic related risks on borrower performance and changes in the pace of economic recovery as new variants continue to emerge. However, management believes that the improvement over the last few years in the risk profile of the Corporation’s loan portfolios positions Popular to operate successfully under the current environment.
Total NPAs decreased by $191 million when compared with December 31, 2020. Total non-performing loans held-in-portfolio (“NPLs”) decreased by $190 million from December 31, 2020. BPPR’s NPLs decreased by $186 million, mainly driven by lower
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commercial, mortgage, and construction NPLs by $84 million, $80 million, and $21 million, respectively. The commercial and construction NPLs decrease reflects payoffs related to troubled loan resolutions, and loans that were returned to accrual status during the period. The mortgage NPLs decrease was mainly due to the combined effects of collection efforts, increased foreclosure activity and the on-going low levels of early delinquency compared with pre-pandemic trends. Popular U.S. NPLs decreased by $4 million from December 31, 2020, mostly related to a $7 million construction loan sold and lower consumer NPLs by $3 million, in part offset by mortgage NPLs increase by $7 million, mostly driven by loans that did not resume payment at the end of the COVID-related deferral period. At December 31, 2021, the ratio of NPLs to total loans held-in-portfolio was 1.9% compared to 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2020. Other real estate owned loans (“OREOs”) increased by $2 million, mostly related to end of the foreclosure moratorium period.
At December 31, 2021, NPLs secured by real estate amounted to $428 million in the Puerto Rico operations and $31 million in Popular U.S. These figures were $630 million and $34 million, respectively, at December 31, 2020.
The Corporation’s commercial loan portfolio secured by real estate (“CRE”) amounted to $8.4 billion at December 31, 2021, of which $1.8 billion was secured with owner occupied properties, compared with $7.8 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2020. CRE NPLs amounted to $77 million at December 31, 2021, compared with $173 million at December 31, 2020. The CRE NPL ratios for the BPPR and Popular U.S. segments were 1.95% and 0.04%, respectively, at December 31, 2021, compared with 4.51% and 0.07%, respectively, at December 31, 2020.
In addition to the NPLs included in Table 20, at December 31, 2021, there were $214 million of performing loans, mostly commercial loans, which in management’s opinion, are currently subject to potential future classification as non-performing (December 31, 2020 - $228 million).
For the year ended December 31, 2021, total inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio, excluding consumer loans, decreased by approximately $132 million, when compared to the inflows for the same period in 2020. Inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio at the BPPR segment decreased by $129 million compared to the same period in 2020, driven by lower mortgage inflows by $114 million. Inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio at the Popular U.S. segment decreased by $3 million from the same period in 2020.
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| Table 20 - Non-Performing Assets | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||||||
| Non-accrual loans: | |||||||||||||
| Commercial | $ | 120,047 | $ | 5,532 | $ | 125,579 | $ | 204,092 | $ | 5,988 | $ | 210,080 | |
| Construction | 485 | - | 485 | 21,497 | 7,560 | 29,057 | |||||||
| Leasing | 3,102 | - | 3,102 | 3,441 | - | 3,441 | |||||||
| Mortgage | 333,887 | 21,969 | 355,856 | 414,343 | 14,864 | 429,207 | |||||||
| Auto | 23,085 | - | 23,085 | 15,736 | - | 15,736 | |||||||
| Consumer | 33,683 | 6,087 | 39,770 | 41,268 | 8,985 | 50,253 | |||||||
| Total non-performing loans held-in-portfolio | 514,289 | 33,588 | 547,877 | 700,377 | 37,397 | 737,774 | |||||||
| Non-performing loans held-for-sale[1] | - | - | - | - | 2,738 | 2,738 | |||||||
| Other real estate owned ("OREO") | 83,618 | 1,459 | 85,077 | 81,512 | 1,634 | 83,146 | |||||||
| Total non-performing assets | $ | 597,907 | $ | 35,047 | $ | 632,954 | $ | 781,889 | $ | 41,769 | $ | 823,658 | |
| Accruing loans past-due 90 days or more[2] | $ | 480,649 | $ | 118 | $ | 480,767 | $ | 1,028,061 | $ | 3 | $ | 1,028,064 | |
| Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio | 1.87 | % | 2.51 | % | |||||||||
| Interest lost | $ | 38,123 | $ | 45,040 | |||||||||
| [1] There were no non-performing loans held-for-sale as of December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - $3 million in commercial loans). | |||||||||||||
| [2] 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 $13 million at December 31, 2021 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, 2020 - $57 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 (rebooked) on the financial statements of BPPR with an offsetting liability. These balances include $304 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA that are no longer accruing interest as of December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - $329 million). Furthermore, the Corporation has approximately $50 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, 2020 - $60 million). |
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| Table 21 - Activity in Non-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer Loans) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 639,932 | $ | 28,412 | $ | 668,344 | ||
| Plus: | ||||||||
| New non-performing loans | 234,258 | 51,494 | 285,752 | |||||
| Advances on existing non-performing loans | - | 84 | 84 | |||||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Non-performing loans transferred to OREO | (34,419) | - | (34,419) | |||||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | (35,963) | (1,592) | (37,555) | |||||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (349,389) | (42,124) | (391,513) | |||||
| Loans transferred to held-for-sale | - | (8,773) | (8,773) | |||||
| Ending balance NPLs | $ | 454,419 | $ | 27,501 | $ | 481,920 | ||
| Table 22 - Activity in Non-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer Loans) | ||||||||
| For the year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 431,082 | $ | 16,621 | $ | 447,703 | ||
| Transition of PCI to PCD loans under CECL | 245,703 | 18,547 | 264,250 | |||||
| Plus: | ||||||||
| New non-performing loans | 362,786 | 54,092 | 416,878 | |||||
| Advances on existing non-performing loans | - | 825 | 825 | |||||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Non-performing loans transferred to OREO | (11,762) | - | (11,762) | |||||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | (44,675) | (3,204) | (47,879) | |||||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (343,202) | (47,790) | (390,992) | |||||
| Loans transferred to held-for-sale | - | (10,679) | (10,679) | |||||
| Ending balance NPLs | $ | 639,932 | $ | 28,412 | $ | 668,344 |
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| Table 23 - Activity in Non-Performing Commercial Loans Held-In-Portfolio | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||
| Beginning balance - NPLs | $204,092 | $5,988 | $210,080 | |||
| Plus: | ||||||
| New non-performing loans | 57,132 | 13,510 | 70,642 | |||
| Advances on existing non-performing loans | - | 52 | 52 | |||
| Less: | ||||||
| Non-performing loans transferred to OREO | (9,261) | - | (9,261) | |||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | (14,935) | (1,042) | (15,977) | |||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (116,981) | (11,203) | (128,184) | |||
| Loans transferred to held-for-sale | - | (1,773) | (1,773) | |||
| Ending balance - NPLs | $120,047 | $5,532 | $125,579 |
| Table 24 - Activity in Non-Performing Commercial Loans Held-in-Portfolio | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||
| Beginning balance - NPLs | $147,255 | 5,504 | $152,759 | |||
| Transition of PCI to PCD loans under CECL | 112,517 | 18,547 | 131,064 | |||
| Plus: | ||||||
| New non-performing loans | 50,834 | 15,496 | 66,330 | |||
| Advances on existing non-performing loans | - | 633 | 633 | |||
| Less: | ||||||
| Non-performing loans transferred to OREO | (2,304) | - | (2,304) | |||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | (23,755) | (1,646) | (25,401) | |||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (80,455) | (21,867) | (102,322) | |||
| Loans transferred to held-for-sale | - | (10,679) | (10,679) | |||
| Ending balance - NPLs | $204,092 | $5,988 | $210,080 |
| Table 25 - Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-In-Portfolio | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||
| Beginning balance - NPLs | $21,497 | $7,560 | $29,057 | |||
| Plus: | ||||||
| New non-performing loans | 481 | 12,141 | 12,622 | |||
| Less: | ||||||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | (6,620) | (523) | (7,143) | |||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (14,873) | (12,178) | (27,051) | |||
| Loans in accrual status transfer to held-for-sale | - | (7,000) | (7,000) | |||
| Ending balance - NPLs | $485 | $- | $485 |
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| Table 26 - Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-in-Portfolio | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||
| Beginning balance - NPLs | $119 | $26 | $145 | |||
| Plus: | ||||||
| New non-performing loans | 21,514 | 9,069 | 30,583 | |||
| Less: | ||||||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | - | (1,509) | (1,509) | |||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (136) | (26) | (162) | |||
| Ending balance - NPLs | $21,497 | $7,560 | $29,057 |
| Table 27 - Activity in Non-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||
| Beginning balance - NPLs | $414,343 | $14,864 | $429,207 | |||
| Plus: | ||||||
| New non-performing loans | 176,645 | 25,843 | 202,488 | |||
| Advances on existing non-performing loans | - | 32 | 32 | |||
| Less: | ||||||
| Non-performing loans transferred to OREO | (25,158) | - | (25,158) | |||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | (14,408) | (27) | (14,435) | |||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (217,535) | (18,743) | (236,278) | |||
| Ending balance - NPLs | $333,887 | $21,969 | $355,856 |
| Table 28 - Activity in Non-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the year ended December 31, 2020 | ||||||
| (In thousands) | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular, Inc. | |||
| Beginning balance - NPLs | $283,708 | $11,091 | $294,799 | |||
| Transition of PCI to PCD loans under CECL | 133,186 | - | 133,186 | |||
| Plus: | ||||||
| New non-performing loans | 290,438 | 29,527 | 319,965 | |||
| Advances on existing non-performing loans | - | 192 | 192 | |||
| Less: | ||||||
| Non-performing loans transferred to OREO | (9,458) | - | (9,458) | |||
| Non-performing loans charged-off | (20,920) | (49) | (20,969) | |||
| Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections | (262,611) | (25,897) | (288,508) | |||
| Ending balance - NPLs | $414,343 | $14,864 | $429,207 |
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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, 2021 and 2020, are presented below.
| Table 29 - Loan Delinquencies | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||
| 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 | $ | 161,251 | $ | 13,732,701 | 1.17 | % | $ | 249,484 | $ | 13,614,310 | 1.83 | % | ||
| Construction | 485 | 716,220 | 0.07 | 50,369 | 926,208 | 5.44 | ||||||||
| Leasing | 14,379 | 1,381,319 | 1.04 | 14,009 | 1,197,661 | 1.17 | ||||||||
| Mortgage [1] | 1,141,082 | 7,427,196 | 15.36 | 1,775,902 | 7,890,680 | 22.51 | ||||||||
| Consumer | 173,896 | 5,983,121 | 2.91 | 179,789 | 5,756,337 | 3.12 | ||||||||
| Loans held-for-sale | - | 59,168 | - | 3,108 | 99,455 | 3.13 | ||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,491,093 | $ | 29,299,725 | 5.09 | % | $ | 2,272,661 | $ | 29,484,651 | 7.71 | % | ||
| [1] | Loans delinquent 30 days or more includes $0.6 billion of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as of December 31, 2021 (December 31, 2020 - $1.1 billion). Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information of guaranteed loans. |
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”)
The Corporation adopted the new CECL accounting standard effective on January 1, 2020. The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”), represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses through the remaining contractual life of the different loan segments, impacted by expected prepayments. The ACL is maintained at a sufficient level to provide for estimated credit losses on collateral dependent loans as well as troubled debt restructurings separately from the remainder of the loan portfolio. The Corporation’s management evaluates the adequacy of the ACL on a quarterly basis. In this evaluation, management considers current conditions, macroeconomic economic expectations through a reasonable and supportable period, historical loss experience, portfolio composition by loan type and risk characteristics, results of periodic credit reviews of individual loans, and regulatory requirements, amongst 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 recalibration of statistical models used to calculate lifetime expected 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, and in the condition of the various markets in which collateral may be sold, may also affect the required level of the allowance for credit losses. Consequently, the business financial condition, liquidity, capital, and results of operations could also be affected.
At December 31, 2021, the allowance for credit losses amounted to $695 million, a decrease of $201 million, when compared with December 31, 2020, mainly prompted by improvements in credit quality and the macroeconomic outlook. Since the December 31, 2020, scenarios, updated economic assumptions have included a more optimistic view of the economy, prompting substantial reductions in reserves across different portfolios, also contributing to lower qualitative reserves. Given that any one economic outlook is inherently uncertain, the Corporation leverages multiple scenarios to estimate its ACL. The baseline scenario continues to be assigned the highest probability, followed by the pessimistic scenario. During the fourth quarter of 2021, in response to recent events that impacted both epidemiological and fiscal assumptions, the weight assigned to the pessimistic scenario was increased, contributing to an increase of approximately $13 million in reserves.
The ACL for BPPR decreased by $146 million to $594 million, when compared to December 31, 2020. The ACL for Popular U.S. decreased by $55 million to $101 million, when compared to December 31, 2020. The decrease in ACL was mainly driven by
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continued borrower performance and improvements in the macroeconomic outlook, coupled with releases of qualitative reserves. The current baseline forecast continues to show a favorable economic scenario. The 2022 expected GDP growth rate for Puerto Rico is approximately 4%, with the unemployment rate expected to average around 7.4% for the year. In the case of the United States, the baseline scenario expects GDP growth for 2022 of approximately 4.6%, with unemployment rate expected to average around 3.7%. For 2023 both regions expect GDP growth with average unemployment rate levels remaining stable in comparison to 2022.
The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2021, amounted to a benefit of $183.3 million, a favorable variance of $465.7 million from the same period in the prior year, mainly driven by the abovementioned improvements in credit quality and the macroeconomic outlook, and lower NCOs. Refer to Note 9 – Allowance for credit losses – loans held-in-portfolio, and to the Provision for Credit Losses section of this MD&A for additional information.
The following table presents net charge-offs to average loans held-in-portfolio (“HIP”) ratios by loan category for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
| Table 30 - Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans HIP | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||
| BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular Inc. | BPPR | Popular U.S. | Popular Inc. | |||||||
| Commercial | (0.24) | % | (0.02) | % | (0.15) | % | 0.21 | % | (0.04) | % | 0.11 | % |
| Construction | 1.27 | (0.02) | 0.19 | (0.57) | 0.04 | (0.07) | ||||||
| Mortgage | 0.04 | - | 0.04 | 0.32 | - | 0.27 | ||||||
| Leasing | 0.11 | - | 0.11 | 0.66 | - | 0.66 | ||||||
| Consumer | 0.58 | 0.99 | 0.60 | 2.44 | 3.07 | 2.48 | ||||||
| Total | 0.09 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.07 | % | 0.85 | % | 0.13 | % | 0.66 | % |
NCOs for the year ended December 31, 2021 amounted to $20.7 million, decreasing by $165.7 million when compared to the same period in 2020. The BPPR segment decreased by $156.9 million mainly driven by lower consumer, commercial, and mortgage NCOs by $101.5 million, $35.2 million and $16.9 million, respectively. The PB segment decreased by 8.8 million, mainly driven by lower consumer NCOs by $9.4 million. The decrease in NCOs was due to the effect of a favorable economic environment and continued borrower performance, as reflected in the ongoing low level of delinquencies and NPLs when compared to pre-pandemic trends.
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| Table 31 - Allowance for Credit Losses - Loan Portfolios | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | Commercial | Construction | Mortgage | Leasing | Consumer | Total | ||||||||||||
| Total ACL | $ | 215,805 | $ | 6,363 | $ | 154,478 | $ | 17,578 | $ | 301,142 | $ | 695,366 | ||||||
| Total loans held-in-portfolio | $ | 13,732,701 | $ | 716,220 | $ | 7,427,196 | $ | 1,381,319 | $ | 5,983,121 | $ | 29,240,557 | ||||||
| ACL to loans held-in-portfolio | 1.57 | % | 0.89 | % | 2.08 | % | 1.27 | % | 5.03 | % | 2.38 | % | ||||||
| Total Non-performing loans held-in-portfolio | $ | 125,579 | $ | 485 | $ | 355,856 | $ | 3,102 | $ | 62,855 | $ | 547,877 | ||||||
| ACL to non-performing loans held-in-portfolio | 171.85 | % | N.M. | 43.41 | % | 566.67 | % | 479.11 | % | 126.92 | % | |||||||
| N.M. - Not meaningful. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Table 32 - Allowance for Credit Losses - Loan Portfolios | ||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | Commercial | Construction | Mortgage | Leasing | Consumer | Total | ||||||||||||
| Total ACL | $ | 333,380 | $ | 14,237 | $ | 215,716 | $ | 16,863 | $ | 316,054 | $ | 896,250 | ||||||
| Total loans held-in-portfolio | $ | 13,614,310 | $ | 926,208 | $ | 7,890,680 | $ | 1,197,661 | $ | 5,756,337 | $ | 29,385,196 | ||||||
| ACL to loans held-in-portfolio | 2.45 | % | 1.54 | % | 2.73 | % | 1.41 | % | 5.49 | % | 3.05 | % | ||||||
| Total Non-performing loans held-in-portfolio | $ | 210,080 | $ | 29,057 | $ | 429,207 | $ | 3,441 | $ | 65,989 | $ | 737,774 | ||||||
| ACL to non-performing loans held-in-portfolio | 158.69 | % | 49.00 | % | 50.26 | % | 490.06 | % | 478.95 | % | 121.48 | % |
Table 33 details the breakdown of the allowance for credit 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.
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| Table 33 - Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| % of loans | % of loans | |||||
| in each | in each | |||||
| category to | category to | |||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ACL | total loans | ACL | total loans | ||
| Commercial | $215.8 | 47.0 | % | $333.4 | 46.3 | % |
| Construction | 6.4 | 2.4 | 14.3 | 3.2 | ||
| Mortgage | 154.5 | 25.4 | 215.7 | 26.8 | ||
| Leasing | 17.6 | 4.7 | 16.9 | 4.1 | ||
| Consumer | 301.1 | 20.5 | 316.0 | 19.6 | ||
| Total[1] | $695.4 | 100.0 | % | $896.3 | 100.0 | % |
| [1] Note: For purposes of this table the term loans refers to loans held-in-portfolio excluding loans held-for-sale. |
Troubled debt restructurings
The Corporation’s troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) loans amounted to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2021, decreasing by $12 million, from December 31, 2020. A total of $716 million of these TDRs are related to guaranteed loans, which are in accruing status. TDRs in the BPPR segment amounted to $1.6 billion, a decrease of $9 million, mostly related to a combined decrease of $58 million in the commercial and construction TDRs and lower consumer TDRs by $11 million, in part offset by higher mortgage TDRs by $61 million, of which $61 million were related to government guaranteed loans. The Popular U.S. segment TDRs have remained essentially flat since December 31, 2020. TDRs in accruing status increased by $74 million from December 31, 2020, mostly related to an increase of $83 million in BPPR’s mortgage TDRs, in part offset by a decrease of $10 million in BPPR’s consumer TDRs, while non-accruing TDRs decreased by $86 million, of which $60 million were related to commercial and construction TDRs.
Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on modifications considered TDRs, including certain qualitative and quantitative data about TDRs performed in the past twelve months.
Enterprise Risk Management
The Corporation’s Board of Directors has established a Risk Management Committee (“RMC”) to, among other things, assist the Board in its (i) oversight of the Corporation’s overall risk framework and (ii) to monitor, review, and approve policies to measure, limit and manage the Corporation’s risks.
The Corporation has established a three lines of defense framework: (a) business line management constitutes the first line of defense by identifying and managing the risks associated with business activities, (b) components of the Risk Management Group and the Corporate Security Group, among others, act as the second line of defense by, among other things, measuring and reporting on the Corporation’s risk activities, and (c) the Corporate Auditing Division, as the third line of defense, reporting directly to the Audit Committee of the Board, by independently providing assurance regarding the effectiveness of the risk framework.
The Enterprise Risk Management Committee (the “ERM Committee”) is a management committee whose purpose is to: (a) monitor the principal risks as defined in the Risk Appetite Statement (“RAS”) of the Risk Management Policy affecting our business and within the Corporation’s Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”) framework, (b) review key risk indicators and related developments at the business level consistent with the RAS, and (c) lead the incorporation of a uniform Governance, Risk and Compliance framework across the Corporation. The ERM Committee and the Market Risk & ERM Unit in the Financial and Operational Risk Management Division (the “FORM Division”), in coordination with the Chief Risk Officer, create the framework to identify and
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manage multiple and cross-enterprise risks, and to articulate the RAS and supporting metrics. Our risk management program monitors the following principal risks: credit, interest rate, market, liquidity, operational, cyber and information security, legal, regulatory affairs, regulatory and financial compliance, BSA/ AML & sanctions, strategic and reputational.
The Market Risk & ERM Unit has established a process to ensure that an appropriate standard readiness assessment is performed before we launch a new product or service. 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.
The Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”), composed of senior management representatives from the business lines and corporate functions, and the Corporate Finance Group, are responsible for planning and executing the Corporation’s market, interest rate risk, funding activities and strategy, as well as for implementing approved policies and procedures. The ALCO also reviews the Corporation’s capital policy and the attainment of the capital management objectives. In addition, the Market Risk Unit independently measures, monitors and reports compliance with liquidity and market risk policies, and oversees controls surrounding interest risk measurements.
The Corporate Compliance Committee, comprised of senior management team members and representatives from the Regulatory and Financial Compliance Division, the Financial Crimes Compliance Division and the Corporate Risk Services Division, among others, are responsible for overseeing and assessing the adequacy of the risk management processes that underlie Popular’s compliance program for identifying, assessing, measuring, monitoring, testing, mitigating, and reporting compliance risks. They also supervise Popular’s reporting obligations under the compliance program so as to ensure the adequacy, consistency and timeliness of the reporting of compliance-related risks across the Corporation.
The Regulatory Affairs team is responsible for maintaining an open dialog with the banking regulatory agencies in order to ensure regulatory risks are properly identified, measured, monitored, as well as communicated to the appropriate regulatory agency as necessary to keep them apprised of material matters within the purview of these agencies.
The Credit Strategy Committee, composed of senior level management representatives from the business lines and corporate functions, and the Corporate Credit Risk Management Division, are responsible for managing the Corporation’s overall credit exposure by establishing policies, standards and guidelines that define, quantify and monitor credit risk and assessing the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.
The Corporation’s Operational Risk Committee (“ORCO”) and the Cyber Security Committee, which are composed of senior level management 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 Risk Management Group, serves as ORCO’s operating arm and is responsible for establishing baseline processes to measure, monitor, limit and manage operational risk.
The Corporate Security Group (“CSG”), under the direction of the Chief Security Officer, 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 Corporation’s and our customers’ data and assets. The CSG also leads the Cyber Security Committee.
The Corporate Legal Division, in this context, has the responsibility of assessing, monitoring, managing and reporting with respect to legal risks, including those related to litigation, investigations and other material legal matters.
The Corporation has also established an Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Committee whose purpose and responsibility is to oversee the Corporation’s ESG strategies and support the development and consistent application of policies, processes and procedures that measure, limit and manage ESG matters and risks.
The processes of strategic risk planning and the evaluation of reputational risk are on-going processes through which continuous data gathering and analysis are performed. In order to ensure strategic risks are properly identified and monitored, the Corporate Strategic Planning Division performs periodic assessments regarding corporate strategic priority initiatives as well as emerging issues. The Acquisitions and Corporate Investments Division continuously assesses potential strategic transactions. The Corporate
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Communications Division is responsible for the monitoring, management and implementation of action plans with respect to reputational risk issues.
Popular’s capital planning process integrates the Corporation’s risk profile as well as its strategic focus, operating environment, and other factors that could materially affect capital adequacy in hypothetical highly-stressed business scenarios. Capital ratio targets and triggers take into consideration the different risks evaluated under Popular’s risk management framework.
In addition to establishing a formal process to manage risk, our corporate culture is also critical to an effective risk management function. Through our Code of Ethics, the Corporation provides a framework for all our employees to conduct themselves with the highest integrity.
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.
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Statistical Summary 2020-2021
Statements of Financial Condition
| At December 31, | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||
| Assets: | |||||||
| Cash and due from banks | $ | 428,433 | $ | 491,065 | |||
| Money market investments: | |||||||
| Time deposits with other banks | 17,536,719 | 11,640,880 | |||||
| Total money market investments | 17,536,719 | 11,640,880 | |||||
| Trading account debt securities, at fair value | 29,711 | 36,674 | |||||
| Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value | 24,968,269 | 21,561,152 | |||||
| Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost | 79,461 | 92,621 | |||||
| Less – Allowance for credit losses | 8,096 | 10,261 | |||||
| Debt securities held-to-maturity, net | 71,365 | 82,360 | |||||
| Equity securities | 189,977 | 173,737 | |||||
| Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value | 59,168 | 99,455 | |||||
| Loans held-in-portfolio: | |||||||
| Loans held-in-portfolio | 29,506,225 | 29,588,430 | |||||
| Less – Unearned income | 265,668 | 203,234 | |||||
| Allowance for credit losses | 695,366 | 896,250 | |||||
| Total loans held-in-portfolio, net | 28,545,191 | 28,488,946 | |||||
| Premises and equipment, net | 494,240 | 510,241 | |||||
| Other real estate | 85,077 | 83,146 | |||||
| Accrued income receivable | 203,096 | 209,320 | |||||
| Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value | 121,570 | 118,395 | |||||
| Other assets | 1,628,571 | 1,737,041 | |||||
| Goodwill | 720,293 | 671,122 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 16,219 | 22,466 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 75,097,899 | $ | 65,926,000 | |||
| Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||
| Liabilities: | |||||||
| Deposits: | |||||||
| Non-interest bearing | $ | 15,684,482 | $ | 13,128,699 | |||
| Interest bearing | 51,320,606 | 43,737,641 | |||||
| Total deposits | 67,005,088 | 56,866,340 | |||||
| Assets sold under agreements to repurchase | 91,603 | 121,303 | |||||
| Other short-term borrowings | 75,000 | - | |||||
| Notes payable | 988,563 | 1,224,981 | |||||
| Other liabilities | 968,248 | 1,684,689 | |||||
| Total liabilities | 69,128,502 | 59,897,313 | |||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
| Preferred stock | 22,143 | 22,143 | |||||
| Common stock | 1,046 | 1,045 | |||||
| Surplus | 4,650,182 | 4,571,534 | |||||
| Retained earnings | 2,973,745 | 2,260,928 | |||||
| Treasury stock – at cost | (1,352,650) | (1,016,954) | |||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax | (325,069) | 189,991 | |||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 5,969,397 | 6,028,687 | |||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 75,097,899 | $ | 65,926,000 |
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Statistical Summary 2019-2021
Statements of Operations
| For the years ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (In thousands) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
| Interest income: | ||||||||
| Loans | $ | 1,747,827 | $ | 1,742,390 | $ | 1,802,968 | ||
| Money market investments | 21,147 | 19,721 | 89,823 | |||||
| Investment securities | 353,663 | 329,440 | 368,002 | |||||
| Total interest income | 2,122,637 | 2,091,551 | 2,260,793 | |||||
| Less - Interest expense | 165,047 | 234,938 | 369,099 | |||||
| Net interest income | 1,957,590 | 1,856,613 | 1,891,694 | |||||
| Provision for credit losses (benefit) | (193,464) | 292,536 | 165,779 | |||||
| Net interest income after provision for credit losses (benefit) | 2,151,054 | 1,564,077 | 1,725,915 | |||||
| Mortgage banking activities | 50,133 | 10,401 | 32,093 | |||||
| Net gain (loss) on sale of debt securities | 23 | 41 | (20) | |||||
| Net gain, including impairment on equity securities | 131 | 6,279 | 2,506 | |||||
| Net (loss) profit on trading account debt securities | (389) | 1,033 | 994 | |||||
| Net (loss) gain on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale | (73) | 1,234 | - | |||||
| Adjustment (expense) to indemnity reserves on loans sold | 4,406 | 390 | (343) | |||||
| Other non-interest income | 587,897 | 492,934 | 534,653 | |||||
| Total non-interest income | 642,128 | 512,312 | 569,883 | |||||
| Operating expenses: | ||||||||
| Personnel costs | 631,802 | 564,205 | 590,625 | |||||
| All other operating expenses | 917,473 | 893,624 | 886,857 | |||||
| Total operating expenses | 1,549,275 | 1,457,829 | 1,477,482 | |||||
| Income before income tax | 1,243,907 | 618,560 | 818,316 | |||||
| Income tax expense | 309,018 | 111,938 | 147,181 | |||||
| Net Income | $ | 934,889 | $ | 506,622 | $ | 671,135 | ||
| Net Income Applicable to Common Stock | $ | 933,477 | $ | 504,864 | $ | 667,412 |
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Statistical Summary 2019-2021
Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income
| On a Taxable Equivalent Basis* | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| (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 | $ | 15,999,741 | $ | 21,147 | 0.13 | % | $ | 8,597,652 | $ | 19,723 | 0.23 | % | $ | 4,166,293 | $ | 89,824 | 2.16 | % | |
| U.S. Treasury securities | 12,396,773 | 266,670 | 2.16 | 12,107,819 | 257,308 | 2.13 | 9,823,518 | 302,025 | 3.07 | ||||||||||
| Obligations of U.S. Government | |||||||||||||||||||
| sponsored entities | 7,972 | 120 | 1.50 | 70,424 | 2,818 | 4.00 | 234,553 | 5,911 | 2.52 | ||||||||||
| Obligations of Puerto Rico, States | |||||||||||||||||||
| and political subdivisions | 75,607 | 7,608 | 10.06 | 82,051 | 5,705 | 6.95 | 93,313 | 6,394 | 6.85 | ||||||||||
| Collateralized mortgage obligations and | |||||||||||||||||||
| mortgage-backed securities | 10,255,525 | 224,706 | 2.19 | 6,913,416 | 194,794 | 2.82 | 5,582,051 | 178,964 | 3.21 | ||||||||||
| Other | 194,640 | 9,027 | 4.64 | 178,818 | 7,369 | 4.12 | 171,223 | 8,487 | 4.96 | ||||||||||
| Total investment securities | 22,930,517 | 508,131 | 2.22 | 19,352,528 | 467,994 | 2.42 | 15,904,658 | 501,781 | 3.15 | ||||||||||
| Trading account securities | 84,380 | 4,339 | 5.16 | 69,446 | 4,165 | 6.00 | 67,596 | 5,103 | 7.55 | ||||||||||
| Loans (net of unearned income) | 29,074,045 | 1,794,789 | 6.19 | 28,384,981 | 1,785,022 | 6.29 | 26,806,368 | 1,850,894 | 6.90 | ||||||||||
| Total interest earning assets/Interest income | $ | 68,088,683 | $ | 2,328,406 | 3.43 | % | $ | 56,404,607 | $ | 2,276,904 | 4.04 | % | $ | 46,944,915 | $ | 2,447,602 | 5.21 | % | |
| Total non-interest earning assets | 3,079,942 | 3,178,848 | 3,396,912 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 71,168,625 | $ | 59,583,455 | $ | 50,341,827 | |||||||||||||
| Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Savings, NOW, money market and other | |||||||||||||||||||
| interest bearing demand accounts | $ | 41,387,504 | $ | 59,034 | 0.15 | % | $ | 32,077,578 | $ | 92,417 | 0.29 | % | $ | 25,575,455 | $ | 192,200 | 0.75 | % | |
| Time deposits | 7,028,334 | 52,587 | 0.75 | 7,970,474 | 83,438 | 1.05 | 7,770,430 | 112,658 | 1.45 | ||||||||||
| Federal funds purchased | 1 | - | 0.25 | 342 | 1 | 0.25 | - | - | 2.63 | ||||||||||
| Securities purchased under agreement to resell | 91,394 | 317 | 0.35 | 143,718 | 2,336 | 1.63 | 222,565 | 5,882 | 2.64 | ||||||||||
| Other short-term borrowings | 343 | 1 | 0.35 | 21,557 | 120 | 0.56 | 8,703 | 217 | 2.50 | ||||||||||
| Notes payable | 1,184,737 | 53,107 | 4.49 | 1,178,169 | 56,626 | 4.81 | 1,194,119 | 58,142 | 4.77 | ||||||||||
| Total interest bearing liabilities/Interest expense | 49,692,313 | 165,046 | 0.33 | 41,391,838 | 234,938 | 0.57 | 34,771,272 | 369,099 | 1.06 | ||||||||||
| Total non-interest bearing liabilities | 15,698,660 | 12,771,679 | 9,857,038 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 65,390,973 | 54,163,517 | 44,628,310 | ||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders' equity | 5,777,652 | 5,419,938 | 5,713,517 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 71,168,625 | $ | 59,583,455 | $ | 50,341,827 | |||||||||||||
| Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis | $ | 2,163,360 | $ | 2,041,966 | $ | 2,078,503 | |||||||||||||
| Cost of funding earning assets | 0.24 | % | 0.42 | % | 0.78 | % | |||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.19 | % | 3.62 | % | 4.43 | % | |||||||||||||
| Effect of the taxable equivalent adjustment | 205,770 | 185,353 | 186,809 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income per books | $ | 1,957,590 | $ | 1,856,613 | $ | 1,891,694 |
* 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.
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