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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO

COMMISSION FILE NO. 000-27377

W HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)



COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO 66-0573197
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (IRS EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)

19 WEST MCKINLEY STREET, MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO 00680
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)


REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (787) 834-8000

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 (b) OF THE ACT:
NONE

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

COMMON STOCK ($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)

7.125% NONCUMULATIVE, CONVERTIBLE MONTHLY INCOME PREFERRED STOCK, 1998 SERIES A
($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)

7.25% NONCUMULATIVE, NON-CONVERTIBLE MONTHLY INCOME PREFERRED STOCK, 1999 SERIES
B
($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]

Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by nonaffiliates
of the registrant: $326,847,181 based on the closing sales price of $11.88 at
February 28, 2001, for 27,512,389 shares.

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2001: 41,501,700

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

W Holding Company, Inc. (the "Company") is a financial holding company
offering a full range of financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Westernbank Puerto Rico ("Westernbank" or the "Bank"). The Company was organized
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in February 1999 to become the
bank holding company of Westernbank. The business of the Company is conducted
through Westernbank. The Bank, which was founded as a savings institution in
1958, is a Puerto Rico-chartered commercial bank, deposits in which are insured
to applicable limits by the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"). The Bank offers a full array of business and consumer financial
services, including banking and trust services.

In July 2000, the Company became a financial holding company under the Bank
Holding Company Act. As a financial holding company, the Company is permitted to
engage in financial related activities, including insurance and securities
activities, provided that the Company and its banking subsidiary meet certain
regulatory standards.

The Company is the third largest, locally controlled banking company
headquartered in Puerto Rico, based on total assets at December 31, 2000. The
Company had total assets of $4.3 billion, net loans of $2.2 billion, deposits of
$2.6 billion and stockholders' equity of $250.6 million at year end 2000. The
Bank operates through 35 full service branch offices located throughout Puerto
Rico, primarily in the Southwestern portion of the island, and a fully
functional banking site on the Internet at www.wbpr.com.

In recent years, Westernbank has emphasized expansion in the San Juan
metropolitan area, having opened four branches there since 1998. The Bank has
also focused on shifting its asset composition from primarily traditional
long-term fixed rate residential loans to assets with shorter maturities and
greater repricing flexibility, such as commercial real estate, business and
consumer loan products, as well as investment securities.

For segment information, please refer to Note 21 of the audited
consolidated financial statements. The Company's financial performance is
reported in two primary business segments, the operations of Westernbank in
Puerto Rico and those of the Bank's division known as Westernbank International.
The international division was established to offer commercial banking and
related services outside of Puerto Rico. At year-end 2000, the international
division reported total assets of $916.8 million, substantially all of which
were investment securities and purchased loans. As of the date of this report,
the Company does not conduct significant banking business outside of Puerto
Rico.

The Company's executive office is located at 19 West McKinley Street,
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; its telephone number is (787) 834-8000.

LENDING ACTIVITIES

GENERAL. At December 31, 2000, the Bank's net loans, including mortgage
loans held for sale, amounted to $2.21 billion or 51.83% of total assets.

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The following table sets forth the composition of the Bank's loan
portfolio, including mortgage loans held for sale, by type of loan at the dates
indicated.



DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------- ------------------ ------------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
---------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- -------- ------- -------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Residential real
estate:
Mortgage (1)....... $ 785,853 35.5% $ 706,792 37.8% $ 407,245 29.9% $230,416 29.4% $142,990 22.9%
Construction....... 80,905 3.7 101,979 5.5 69,215 5.1 24,192 3.1 3,226 0.5
Commercial, industrial
and agricultural:
Real estate........ 887,084 40.2 677,924 36.2 518,893 38.1 234,071 29.8 187,944 30.1
Business and
other............. 99,483 4.5 79,343 4.3 72,235 5.3 40,001 5.1 40,351 6.5
Consumer and other
(2).................. 383,903 17.4 329,682 17.6 309,509 22.7 269,316 34.3 261,137 41.9
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Total loans...... 2,237,228 101.3 1,895,720 101.4 1,377,097 101.1 797,996 101.7 635,648 101.9
Allowance for loan
losses............... (28,928) (1.3) (23,978) (1.4) (15,800) (1.1) (13,201) (1.7) (12,027) (1.9)
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- -------- ----- -------- -----
Loans, net............ $2,208,300 100.0% $1,871,742 100.0% $1,361,297 100.0% $784,795 100.0% $623,621 100.0%
========== ===== ========== ===== ========== ===== ======== ===== ======== =====


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(1) Includes mortgage loans held for sale. At December 31, 2000, mortgage loans
held for sale totaled $4.6 million.

(2) Includes consumer, loans on deposit, second mortgage, auto and credit card
loans.

Residential real estate mortgage loans at December 31, 2000 are mainly
comprised of loans secured by first mortgages on one- to-four-family residential
properties. At year end 2000, residential mortgage loans included $16.7 million
of mortgages insured or guaranteed by government agencies of the United Stated
or Puerto Rico.

The Bank originated $425.8 million of commercial real estate loans during
2000. At year-end, commercial real estate loans totaled $887.1 million. In
general, commercial real estate loans are considered by management to be of
somewhat greater risk of uncollectibility than other loans due to the dependency
on income production and future development of real estate. Commercial real
estate loans are collateralized by various types of property, including
warehouse, retail and other business properties.

Consumer loans at December 31, 2000, include secured and unsecured consumer
loans totaling $311.1 million (of which $228.6 million are secured by real
estate), credit card loans of $35.6 million and loans secured by deposits in the
Bank totaling $37.1 million.

During 2000, the Bank securitized $14.1 million, $22.6 million and $2.1
million of residential mortgage loans into Government National Mortgage
Association, Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation participation
certificates, respectively. The Bank continues to service outstanding loans
which are securitized.

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The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Bank's
total loans, excluding mortgage loans held for sale, for the periods indicated
as of December 31, 2000. Contractual maturities do not necessarily reflect the
actual term of a loan, including prepayments.



MATURITIES
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AFTER ONE YEAR TO FIVE YEARS AFTER FIVE YEARS
BALANCE ------------------------------- -------------------------------
OUTSTANDING AT ONE YEAR FIXED VARIABLE FIXED VARIABLE
DECEMBER 31, 2000 OR LESS INTEREST RATES INTEREST RATES INTEREST RATES INTEREST RATES
----------------- -------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Residential real estate:
Mortgage................... $ 781,213 $ 2,538 $ 10,389 $ -- $519,171 $249,115
Construction............... 80,905 55,224 -- 25,681 -- --
Commercial, industrial and
agricultural:
Real estate (1)............ 887,084 111,151 128,739 92,853 71,240 483,101
Business and other......... 99,483 48,277 20,223 13,160 6,743 11,080
Consumer and other............. 383,903 84,491 137,448 -- 161,964 --
---------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total.................. $2,232,588 $301,681 $296,799 $131,694 $759,118 $743,296
========== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========


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(1) Includes foreign loans amounting to $5.5 million, secured by real estate
collateral and unlimited guaranty of a Puerto Rico resident.

As of December 31, 2000, the maximum unsecured amount which Westernbank
could have loaned to one borrower and the borrower's related entities under
applicable banking laws was approximately $31.0 million. The maximum loan to one
borrower for secured debts at December 31, 2000 was $51.6 million. At such date,
Westernbank's largest loan outstanding balance of a group of loans to one
borrower aggregated $47.0 million, all of which loans are secured by real
estate. The second largest loan outstanding balance to one borrower amounted to
$29.9 million. At December 31, 2000, such loans were current.

ORIGINATION, PURCHASE AND SALE OF LOANS. The Bank's loan originations come
from a number of sources. The primary sources for residential loan originations
are depositors and walk-in customers. Commercial loan originations come from
existing customers as well as through direct solicitation and referrals.

The Bank originates loans in accordance with written, non-discriminatory
underwriting standards and loan origination procedures prescribed in Board of
Director approved loan policies. Detailed loan applications are obtained to
determine the borrower's ability to repay. Applications are verified through the
use of credit reports, financial statements and other confirmations. Property
valuations by Board of Director approved independent appraisers are required for
mortgage loans. The Bank's Credit Committee approval is required for all
residential and commercial real estate loans originated up to $1.0 million, and
all other commercial loans from $250,000 up to $3.0 million. Loans in excess of
$1.0 million are also reviewed by the full Board of Directors, including those
loans approved by the Credit Committee.

It is the Bank's policy to require borrowers to provide title insurance
policies certifying or ensuring that the Bank has a valid first lien on the
mortgaged real estate. Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance policies
prior to closing and, when required by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, flood insurance policies. Borrowers may be required to advance
funds on a monthly basis together with each payment of principal and interest to
a mortgage escrow account from which the Bank makes disbursements for items such
as real estate taxes, hazard insurance premiums and private mortgage insurance
premiums as they fall due.

Westernbank originates most of its residential real estate loans as
conforming loans, eligible for sale in the secondary market. The loan-to-value
ratio at the time of origination on residential mortgages is generally 75%,
except that the Bank may lend up to 90% of the lower of the purchase price or
appraised value of residential properties if private mortgage insurance is
obtained by the borrower for amounts in excess of 80%.

The Bank originates fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage loans
secured by a first mortgage on the borrower's real property, payable in monthly
installments for terms ranging from ten to 40 years.

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Adjustable rates are indexed to specified prime rate or LIBOR. All 30 year
conforming mortgages are originated with the intent to sell.

In addition to its residential loan originations, the Bank also purchases
residential first mortgage loans from other mortgage originators in Puerto Rico.
In 2000 and 1999, Westernbank purchased $261.8 million and $375.5 million, of
such loans, respectively.

The Bank originates primarily floating and adjustable rate commercial
business and real estate loans. The Bank also makes real estate construction
loans subject to firm permanent financing commitments.

The Bank offers different types of consumer loans in order to provide a
full range of financial services to its customers. The Bank offers various types
of secured and unsecured consumer loans with varying amortization schedules. In
addition, the Bank makes fixed-rate residential second mortgage loans.

The Bank offers the service of VISA and Master Card. At December 31, 2000,
there were approximately 25,951 outstanding accounts, with an aggregate
outstanding balance of $35.6 million and unused credit card lines available of
$40.2 million.

In connection with all consumer and second mortgage loans originated, the
Bank's underwriting standards include a determination of the applicants payment
history on other debts and an assessment of the ability to meet existing
obligations and payments on the proposed loan. As of December 31, 2000, $1.9
million or 0.50% of the consumer loan portfolio consisted of loans more than 60
days delinquent in payment.

Commercial loans have increased from $757.3 million as of December 31, 1999
to $986.6 million as of December 31, 2000. As of December 31, 2000, $5.5 million
or .53% of the commercial loan portfolio consisted of loans more than 60 days
delinquent in payment.

The following table reflects the Bank's net portfolio loan origination,
purchase, and sale activities for the periods indicated:



YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Beginning balance of net loan, including
residential real estate mortgage loans held
for sale..................................... $1,871,742 $1,361,297 $ 784,795 $623,621 $501,201
Residential real estate mortgage loans held for
sale originated.............................. 44,389 63,812 75,660 39,506 32,321
Residential real estate mortgage loans held for
sale securitized and transferred to trading
and available for sale securities............ (38,289) (68,350) (71,217) (53,963) (30,056)
Sales of residential real estate mortgage loans
held for sale................................ (3,123) --
Residential real estate mortgage and
construction loans originated and
purchased.................................... 347,154 449,055 299,397 135,719 26,653
Residential real estate mortgage loans sold.... -- (20,101)
Residential real estate mortgage loans
foreclosed................................... (569) (291) (1,233) (176) (613)
Residential real estate mortgage and
construction loans repayments (1)............ (291,575) (91,814) (80,755) (12,694) (20,681)
Commercial loans-net increase (1).............. 229,300 166,139 317,056 45,777 92,220
Auto loans purchased........................... -- 20,359
Auto loans repayments.......................... (4,386) (5,716) (12,283) (26,150) (32,717)
Auto loans sold................................ -- (1,671)
Loans on savings-net increase (decrease)....... 1,843 (2,286) 631 5,962 6,140
Other consumer and credit card loans-net
increase(1).................................. 56,764 28,175 53,516 28,367 27,177
Decrease (increase) in allowance for loan
losses....................................... (4,950) (8,178) (2,599) (1,174) 1,617
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------
End Balance.................................... $2,208,300 $1,871,742 $1,361,297 $784,795 $623,621
========== ========== ========== ======== ========
Net increase in net loan, including mortgage
loans held for sale.......................... $ 336,558 $ 510,445 $ 576,502 $161,174 $122,420
========== ========== ========== ======== ========


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(1) Excludes effect of amounts charged off.

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6

INCOME FROM LENDING ACTIVITIES. The Bank realizes interest income and fee
income from its lending activities. For the most part, interest rates charged by
the Bank on loans depend upon the general interest rate environment, the demand
for loans and the availability of funds. The Bank also receives fees for
originating and committing to originate or purchase loans and also charges
service fees for the assumption of loans, late payments, inspection of
properties, appraisals and other miscellaneous services.

Loan origination and commitment fees vary with the volume and type of loans
and commitments made and sold and with competitive conditions in the residential
and commercial mortgage markets. The Bank accounts for loan origination and
commitment fees based on the Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No.
91. Loan origination fees and related direct loan origination costs are deferred
and amortized over the life of the related loans as a yield adjustment.
Commitment fees are also deferred and amortized over the life of the related
loans as a yield adjustment. If the commitment expires unexercised, the fee is
taken into income.

In accordance with requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 140, Accounting for Mortgage Servicing Rights, an amendment of
FASB Statement No. 65 ("SFAS 140"), the Bank recognizes as separate assets the
rights to service mortgage loans for others, regardless of how those servicing
rights are acquired. SFAS 125 also requires that the entities assess the
capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment based on the fair value of
those rights.

NON PERFORMING LOANS AND FORECLOSED REAL ESTATE. When a borrower fails to
make a required payment on a loan, the Bank attempts to cure the deficiency by
contacting the borrower. In most cases, deficiencies are cured promptly. If the
delinquency exceeds 90 days and is not cured through the Bank's normal
collection procedures, the Bank will generally institute measures to remedy the
default. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not cured, paid
in full or refinanced, the property is sold at a judicial sale at which the Bank
may acquire the property. Thereafter, if the Bank acquires the property, such
acquired property is appraised and included in the Bank's foreclosed real estate
held for sale account at the fair value at the date of acquisition. Then this
asset is carried at the lower of fair value less estimated costs to sell or cost
until the property is sold. In the event that the property is not sold in the
foreclosure sale or sold at a price insufficient to cover the payment of the
loan, the debtor remains liable for the deficiency of the judgment.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management's
opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due, but in
no event is it recognized after 90 days in arrears on payments of principal or
interest. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid interest is
reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash
payments are received.

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The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing loans
and foreclosed real estate held for sale by the Bank at the dates indicated:



AT DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------- ------ ------- ------- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Residential real estate mortgage and construction
loans.......................................... $ 1,817 $1,719 $ 1,183 $ 1,651 $1,401
Commercial, industrial and agricultural loans.... 6,140 4,366 5,427 4,988 4,360
Consumer loans................................... 1,733 870 1,172 967 374
------- ------ ------- ------- ------
Total non-performing loans.................. 9,690 6,955 7,782 7,606 6,135
Foreclosed real estate held for sale............. 2,454 2,232 3,271 2,396 2,822
------- ------ ------- ------- ------
Total non-performing loans and foreclosed
real estate held for sale................. $12,144 $9,187 $11,053 $10,002 $8,957
======= ====== ======= ======= ======
Interest which could have been recorded if the
loans had not been classified as
non-performing................................. $ 979 $ 514 $ 1,027 $ 713 $ 398
======= ====== ======= ======= ======
Total non-performing loans as a percentage
of total loans receivable, including
mortgage loans held for sale.............. 0.44% 0.37% 0.56% 0.95% 0.97%
======= ====== ======= ======= ======
Total non-performing loans and foreclosed
real estate held for sale as a percentage
of total assets........................... 0.28% 0.27% 0.45% 0.64% 0.70%
======= ====== ======= ======= ======


As of December 31, 2000, there was only one non-accrual loan with a
principal balance in excess of $500,000.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES. The Bank maintains an allowance for loan losses
to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based on
ongoing, quarterly assessments of the probable estimated losses inherent in the
loan portfolio. Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the
allowance consists of several key elements, which include:

The Formula Allowance. The formula allowance is calculated by
applying loss factors to outstanding loans not otherwise covered by
specific allowances. Loss factors are based on our historical loss
experience and may be adjusted for significant factors that, in
management's judgment, affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the
evaluation date. Loss factors are described as follows:

- Loan loss factors for commercial loans, including construction and
land acquisition loans, are based on historical loss trends for
three years, as adjusted for management's expected increase in the
loss factors given the significant increase in such loan portfolios
over the last few years.

- Pooled loan loss factors are also based on historical loss trends
for one to three years. Pooled loans are loans that are homogeneous
in nature, such as consumer installment and residential mortgage
loans.

Specific Allowances for Identified Problem Loans and Portfolio
Segments. Specific allowances are established and maintained where
management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related
to a credit or portfolio segment that management believes indicate the
probability that a loss has been incurred in excess of the amount
determined by the application of the formula allowance.

In addition, the specific allowance incorporates the results of
measuring impaired loans as provided in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 114, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
Loan."

The Unallocated Allowance. An unallocated allowance is established
recognizing the estimation risk associated with the formula and specific
allowances. It is based upon management's evaluation of

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various conditions, the effects of which are not directly measured in
determining the formula and specific allowances. These conditions include
then-existing general economic and business conditions affecting our key
lending areas; credit quality trends, including trends in nonperforming
loans expected to result from existing conditions; collateral values; loan
volumes and concentrations; seasoning of the loan portfolio; recent loss
experience in particular segments of the portfolio; and regulatory
examination results, and findings of our internal credit examiners. The
evaluation of the inherent loss regarding these conditions involves a
higher degree of uncertainty because they are not identified with specific
problem credits or portfolio segments.

These accounting standards prescribe the measurement methods, income
recognition and disclosures concerning impaired loans.

Management assesses these conditions quarterly. If any of these conditions
is evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem credit or portfolio segment
as of the evaluation date, management's estimate of the effect of this condition
may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to this credit or portfolio
segment. Where any of these conditions is not evidenced by a specifically
identifiable problem credit or portfolio segment as of the evaluation date,
management's evaluation of the probable loss concerning this condition is
reflected in the unallocated allowance.

The allowance for loan losses is based upon estimates of probable losses
inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount actually observed for these losses
can vary significantly from the estimated amounts. Our methodology includes
several features that are intended to reduce the differences between estimated
and actual losses. Loan loss factors are adjusted quarterly based upon the level
of net charge offs expected by management in the next twelve months, after
taking into account historical loss ratios adjusted for current trends.
Furthermore, our methodology permits adjustments to any loss factor used in the
computation of the formula allowance in the event that, in management's
judgment, significant factors that affect the collectibility of the portfolio as
of the evaluation date are not reflected in the loss factors. By assessing the
probable estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis,
we are able to adjust specific and inherent loss estimates based upon any more
recent information that has become available.

At December 31, 2000, the Bank's allowance for loan losses was $28.9
million, consisting of $22.0 million formula allowance, $2.0 million of specific
allowances and $4.9 million of unallocated allowance. As of December 31, 2000,
the allowance for loan losses equals 1.29% of total loans, and 298.5% of total
non-performing loans, compared with an allowance for loan losses at December 31,
1999 of $24.0 million, or 1.26% of total loans, and 344.8% of total
non-performing loans.

During 2000, there were no significant changes in estimation methods or
assumptions that affected our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of
the allowance for loan losses.

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9

The table below presents a reconciliation of changes in the allowance for
loan losses for the periods indicated:



YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Balance, beginning of year..................... $23,978 $15,800 $13,201 $12,027 $13,644
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Loans charged off:
Consumer loans............................... 4,760 5,154 4,090 2,458 1,525
Commercial, industrial and agricultural
loans..................................... 372 1,913 134 139 444
Real estate-mortgage and construction
loans..................................... 231 291 4 701
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total loans charged off................. 5,363 7,358 4,224 2,601 2,670
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Consumer loans............................... 795 1,003 601 480 451
Commercial, industrial and agricultural
loans..................................... 594 335 42 184 577
Real estate-mortgage and construction
loans..................................... 224 198 180 411 25
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total recoveries of loans previously
charged off.......................... 1,613 1,536 823 1,075 1,053
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net loans charged off.......................... 3,750 5,822 3,401 1,526 1,617
Provision for loan losses...................... 8,700 14,000 6,000 2,700
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Balance, end of year........................... $28,928 $23,978 $15,800 $13,201 $12,027
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Ratios:
Allowance for loan losses to total loans..... 1.29% 1.26% 1.15% 1.65% 1.89%
Provision for loan losses to net loans
charged off............................... 232.00% 240.47% 176.42% 176.93% --
Recoveries of loans to loans charged off in
previous year............................. 21.92% 36.36% 31.64% 40.26% 109.92%
Net loans charged off to average loans....... 0.19% 0.35% 0.32% 0.22% 0.29%
Allowance for loans losses to
non-performing loans...................... 298.53% 344.76% 203.03% 173.56% 196.04%


The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for credit
losses and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans, as set forth
in the "Loans" table on page 3.



DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Commercial, industrial and
agricultural loans........... $16,273 44.1% $11,772 39.9% $ 7,747 42.9% $ 5,143 34.4% $ 6,884 35.9%
Consumer loans................ 7,194 17.2 5,718 17.4 5,044 22.5 3,629 33.7 3,480 41.1
Residential real
estate-mortgage and
construction-loans........... 526 38.7 1,743 42.7 1,043 34.6 551 31.9 430 23.0
Unallocated................... 4,935 -- 4,745 -- 1,966 -- 3,878 -- 1,233 --
------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ---- ------- ----
Total allowance for loan
losses.................... $28,928 100% $23,978 100% $15,800 100% $13,201 100% $12,027 100%
======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ==== ======= ====


Loans are classified as impaired or not impaired in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for
Impairment of a Loan, which was implemented in 1995. A loan is impaired when,
based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be
unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due
according to the contractual terms of the agreement.

The Bank measures the impairment of a loan based on the present value of
expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, or
as a practical expedient, at the observable market price of the loan or the fair
value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. Significant loans
(those exceeding

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$500,000) are individually evaluated for impairment. Large groups of small
balance, homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment, loans that
are recorded at fair value or at the lower of cost of market are not evaluated
for impairment. The portfolio of mortgage and consumer are considered
homogeneous and are evaluated collectively for impairment.

Impaired loans for which the discounted cash flows, collateral value or
market price exceeds its carrying value do not require an allowance. The
allowance for impaired loans is part of the Company's overall allowance for loan
losses.

The following table sets forth information regarding the investment on
impaired loans:



2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
------- ------- ------ ------ ------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Investment on impaired loans:
Covered by a valuation allowance........ $ 8,040 $ 8,136 $5,499 $1,465 $1,536
Do not require a valuation allowance.... 4,834 4,947 4,309 4,234 4,800
------- ------- ------ ------ ------
Total........................... $12,874 $13,083 $9,808 $5,699 $6,336
======= ======= ====== ====== ======
Valuation allowance on impaired loans..... $ 1,157 $ 1,268 $1,120 $ 248 $ 140
======= ======= ====== ====== ======
Average investment on impaired loans...... $11,873 $14,919 $6,561 $5,646 $6,292
======= ======= ====== ====== ======
Interest collected on impaired loans...... $ 780 $ 1,470 $ 242 $ 220 $ 192
======= ======= ====== ====== ======


INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

The Bank's investments are managed by the Investment Department. Purchases
and sales are required to be reported monthly to both the Investment Committee
composed of members of the Board of Directors, as well as the President and
Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.

The Investment Department is authorized to purchase and sell federal funds,
interest bearing deposits in banks, banker's acceptances of commercial banks
insured by the FDIC, mortgage and other assets-backed securities, Puerto Rico
and U.S. Government and agency obligations, municipal securities rated A or
better by any of the nationally recognized rating agencies and commercial paper
rated P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc or A-1 by Standard and Poor's, a
Division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. In addition, the Investment
Department is responsible for the pricing and sale of reverse repurchase
agreements. See "Sources of Funds -- Borrowings" and "Equity Risk Investments."

The Bank's investment strategy is affected by both the rates and terms
available on competing investments and tax and other legal considerations.

The following table presents the carrying value of investments as of year
end for each of the years indicated:



2000 1999 1998
---------- ---------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Held to maturity:
US Government and agency obligations............. $1,367,417 $1,029,450 $727,584
Puerto Rico Government and agency obligations.... 13,769 16,668 14,818
Other investments................................ 86,414 17,165 --
Mortgage and other asset-backed securities....... 189,087 111,249 129,446
---------- ---------- --------
Total.................................... $1,656,687 $1,174,532 $871,848
========== ========== ========
Available for sale- mortgage-backed securities..... $ 27,806 $ 22,185 $ 15,231
========== ========== ========
Trading securities- mainly mortgage-backed
securities....................................... $ 2,161 $ 1,289 $ 5,090
========== ========== ========


10
11

The carrying amount of investment securities at December 31, 2000, by
contractual maturity (excluding mortgage and others asset- backed securities),
are shown below:



CARRYING WEIGHTED
AMOUNT AVERAGE YIELD
---------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)

US Government and agency obligations:
Due within one year or less............................... $ 35,960 6.27%
Due after one year through five years..................... 258,500 7.38
Due after five years through ten years.................... 81,576 7.11
Due after ten years....................................... 991,381 6.78
---------- ----
1,367,417 6.90
---------- ----
Puerto Rico Government and agency obligations:
Due after one year through five years..................... 602 7.60
Due after five years through ten years.................... 11,127 7.41
Due after ten years....................................... 2,040 6.15
---------- ----
13,769 7.23
---------- ----
Other:
Due within one year....................................... 34,993 6.61
Due after one year through five years..................... 30,258 7.41
Due after ten years....................................... 21,163 8.33
---------- ----
86,414 7.32
---------- ----
Total............................................. 1,467,600 6.93
----
Mortgage and other asset-backed securities.................. 219,054 8.25
---------- ----
Total............................................. $1,686,654 7.10%
========== ====


Mortgage and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2000, consists
of:



(IN THOUSANDS)

Trading securities -- Government National Association (GNMA)
certificates.............................................. $ 2,161
--------
Available for sale -- GNMA certificates................... 27,806
--------
Held to maturity:
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC)
certificates.......................................... 16,986
GNMA certificates...................................... 23,113
FNMA certificates...................................... 12,705
Collateralized mortgage obligations (CMO)
certificates.......................................... 66,184
Other.................................................. 70,099
--------
Total held to maturity............................ 189,087
--------
Total mortgage and other asset-backed
securities...................................... $219,054
========


SOURCES OF FUNDS

GENERAL. Deposits, reverse repurchase agreements, Federal Home Loan Bank
("FHLB") advances and term notes are the primary sources of the Bank's funds for
use in lending and for other general business purposes. In addition, the Bank
obtains funds in the form of loan repayments and income from operations and the
maturities and repayments of securities. Loan repayments are a relatively stable
source of funds, while net increases in deposits and reverse repurchase
agreements are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money
market conditions. Short-term borrowings from the FHLB of New York is used to
compensate for reductions in normal sources of funds such as savings inflows at
less than projected levels.

11
12

DEPOSITS. The Bank offers a diversified choice of deposit accounts. At
December 31, 2000, the Bank had total deposits of $2.6 billion (excluding
accrued interest payable), of which $416.7 million or 16.00% consisted of
savings deposits, $117.4 million or 4.50% consisted of interest bearing demand
deposits, $120.6 million or 4.63% consisted of noninterest bearing deposits, and
$2.0 billion or 74.87% consisted of time deposits. Time deposits include $1.3
billion of brokered deposits. These accounts have historically been a stable
source of funds. The Bank also offers negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW")
accounts, Super Now Accounts, special checking accounts and commercial demand
accounts. At December 31, 2000, the scheduled maturities of time certificates of
deposit and other time deposits in amounts of $100,000 or more are as follows:



(IN THOUSANDS)

3 months or less.............................. $165,004
over 3 months through 6 months................ 56,594
over 6 months through 12 months............... 51,412
over 12 months................................ 35,341
--------
Total............................... $308,351
========


The following table sets forth the average amount and the average rate paid
on the following deposit categories for the years ended December 31:



2000 1999 1998
-------------------- -------------------- --------------------
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE
---------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Time deposits............. $1,765,493 6.34% $1,377,977 5.44% $ 800,139 5.49%
Savings deposits.......... 407,636 3.06% 405,288 3.07 372,696 3.04
Interest bearing demand
deposits................ 97,168 3.28% 105,774 2.93 91,308 3.00
Noninterest bearing demand
deposits................ 118,632 -- 120,059 -- 75,302 --
---------- ---- ---------- ---- ---------- ----
Total........... $2,388,929 5.34% $2,009,098 4.51% $1,339,445 4.31%
========== ==== ========== ==== ========== ====


The increase in deposits during the last three years is mainly the result
of the increase in the volume of business.

BORROWINGS. The following table sets forth the borrowings of the Bank at
the dates indicated:



DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------
2000 1999 1998
---------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Reverse repurchase agreements....................... $1,179,073 $729,968 $506,325
Term notes.......................................... 48,000 79,000 84,000
Advances from FHLB.................................. 120,000 70,000 31,000
---------- -------- --------
Total..................................... $1,347,073 $878,968 $621,325
========== ======== ========


The Bank has made use of institutional reverse repurchase agreements in
order to obtain funding, primarily through investment banks and brokerage firms.
Such agreements are collateralized with investment securities. The Bank had
$1,179.1 million in total reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at December
31, 2000, at a weighted average rate of 6.10%. Reverse repurchase agreements
outstanding thereafter as of December 31, 2000, mature as follows: $104.9
million within 30 days; $65.4 million in 2001; $164.6 million in 2005; and
$844.2 million in 2010.

12
13

At December 31, 2000, the Bank had outstanding $48.0 million of term notes
payable, consisting of variable rate notes (83% to 89% of three month LIBID
rate), at a weighted average rate of 5.40%. At such date, $5.0 million of such
notes mature in 2001, and $43.0 million mature in 2002.

Westernbank also obtains advances from FHLB of New York. As of December 31,
2000, Westernbank had $120.0 million in outstanding FHLB advances at a weighted
average rate of 6.30%. Advances from FHLB mature as follows: $64 million in
2001; $14 million in 2005 and $42.0 million in 2010.

The following table presents certain information regarding the Bank's
short-term borrowings for the periods indicated.



YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------
2000 1999 1998
-------- -------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Amount outstanding at year end......................... $170,225 $174,266 $47,345
Monthly average outstanding balance.................... 274,669 171,914 113,574
Maximum outstanding balance at any month-end........... 472,916 276,956 338,169
Weighted average interest rate:
For the year...................................... 6.29% 5.22% 5.51%
At year end....................................... 6.65 5.86 5.25


The Bank enters into interest-rate swap agreements in managing its interest
rate exposure. Interest-rate swap transactions generally involve the exchange of
fixed-and floating-rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the
underlying principal amounts. Entering into interest-rate swap agreements
involves not only the risk of dealing with counterparties and their ability to
meet the terms of the contracts, but also the interest rate risk associated with
unmatched positions. The notional amounts are amounts in which calculations and
payments are based. Notional amounts do not represent direct credit exposures.
Direct credit exposure is limited to the net difference between the calculated
amounts to be received and paid, if any.

At December 31, 2000 and 1999, the Bank had outstanding interest swap
agreements with other financial institutions, used to hedge the interest rate
risk on $40.0 million term notes and $50.0 million FHLB advance, bearing
variable rates, and $730.8 million fixed rate certificates of deposit
liabilities.

YIELDS EARNED AND RATES PAID

The net income of the Bank depends primarily upon the difference or spread
between the interest income received on its interest-earning assets and the
interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income was $73.1
million in 1998, $102.2 million in 1999 and $98.5 million in 2000. The decrease
in 2000 reflects increases in interest expense on deposits, reverse repurchase
agreements and FHLB advances associated with a rising interest rate scenario for
most of last year that offset the increases in interest income on loans,
investment securities and money market instruments. The increase in 1999 was
mainly the result of increases in interest income from loans, investment
securities and money market instruments which were partially offset by a
decrease on interest from mortgage-backed securities and increases on interest
expense on deposits and reverse repurchase agreements.

13
14

The following table reflects the interest income and interest expense, the
average balance, the average yield and the average rate paid for each major
category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the
periods indicated:



INTEREST AVERAGE BALANCE AVERAGE RATE
------------------------------ ------------------------------------ ------------------
2000 1999 1998 2000 1999 1998 2000 1999 1998
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ---- ----
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)................... $183,497 $151,398 $102,913 $2,023,169 $1,686,477 $1,084,430 9.07% 8.98% 9.49%
Mortgage and other asset-
backed securities (2)..... 12,387 9,490 9,946 142,911 122,496 144,984 8.67 7.75 6.86
Investment securities (3)... 84,532 65,926 40,519 1,253,011 1,009,945 596,255 6.75 6.53 6.80
Money market instruments.... 10,171 6,173 4,068 160,224 119,851 77,751 6.35 5.15 5.23
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ---- ----
Total interest-earning
assets...................... 290,587 232,987 157,446 3,579,315 2,938,769 1,903,420 8.12 7.93 8.28
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ---- ----
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Deposits.................... 127,640 90,554 57,733 2,388,929 2,009,098 1,339,445 5.34 4.51 4.31
Reverse repurchase
agreements................ 53,968 33,511 20,466 847,028 672,657 392,868 6.37 4.98 5.21
Term notes.................. 3,609 3,932 4,870 74,863 83,785 101,341 4.82 4.69 4.81
Advances from FHLB.......... 6,920 2,809 1,239 106,715 51,476 23,059 6.48 5.46 5.37
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ---- ----
Total interest-bearing
liabilities................. 192,137 130,806 84,308 3,417,535 2,817,016 1,856,713 5.62 4.64 4.54
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---- ---- ----
Net interest income........... $ 98,450 $102,181 $ 73,138 2.50% 3.29% 3.74%
======== ======== ======== ==== ==== ====
Net interest-earning assets... $ 161,780 $ 121,753 $ 46,707
========== ========== ==========
Net yield on interest-earning
assets (4).................. 2.75% 3.48% 3.84%
==== ==== ====
Interest-earning assets to
interest-bearing liabilities
ratio....................... 104.73% 104.32% 102.52%
========== ========== ==========


- ---------------
(1) Includes loans held for sale. Average loans exclude non-performing loans.

(2) Includes mortgage-backed securities available for sale and for trading
purposes.

(3) Includes trading account securities and investments available for sale.

(4) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

The following table sets forth information regarding changes in interest
income and interest expense for the Bank for the periods indicated. For each
category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability, information
is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume (changes in volume
times old rate) and (2) changes in rates (changes in rate times old volume). The
changes that are not due solely to volume or rate are allocated based on the
proportion of the change in each category.



YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
2000 VS. 1999 1999 VS. 1998
---------------------------- ---------------------------
VOLUME RATE TOTAL VOLUME RATE TOTAL
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Interest income:
Loans (1).......................... $30,522 $ 1,577 $32,099 $54,321 $(5,836) $48,485
Mortgage and other assets-backed
securities (2).................. 1,691 1,206 2,897 (2,743) 2,287 (456)
Investment securities (3).......... 16,333 2,273 18,606 26,938 (1,531) 25,407
Money market instruments........... 3,640 358 3,998 2,169 (64) 2,105
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total increase (decrease) in interest
income............................. 52,186 5,414 57,600 80,685 (5,144) 75,541
======= ======== ======= ======= ======= =======
Interest expense:
Deposits........................... 18,722 18,364 37,086 30,072 2,749 32,821
Reverse repurchase agreements...... 9,854 10,603 20,457 13,976 (932) 13,044
Term notes......................... (427) 104 (323) (826) (112) (938)
Advances from FHLB................. 3,497 614 4,111 1,550 21 1,571
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total increase in interest expense... 31,646 29,685 61,331 44,772 1,726 46,498
------- -------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Increase (decrease) in net interest
income............................. $20,540 $(24,271) $(3,731) $35,913 $(6,870) $29,043
======= ======== ======= ======= ======= =======


- ---------------
(1) Includes loans held for sale.

(2) Includes mortgage-backed securities available for sale and trading
securities.

(3) Includes investments available for sale.

14
15

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain ratios
reflecting the productivity and profitability of the Company:



YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (1)
----------------------------
2000 1999 1998
------ -------- --------

Return on total assets (2).................................. 1.17% 1.27% 1.42%
Return on common stockholders' equity (3)................... 24.75 24.57 24.42
Dividend payout ratio to common stockholders (4)............ 21.42 20.48(5) 18.30(5)
Equity-to-asset ratio (6)................................... 6.21 6.46 6.35


- ---------------
(1) Averages computed by using beginning and end of year balances.

(2) Net income divided by average total assets.

(3) Net income attributable to common stockholders divided by average common
stockholders' equity.

(4) Common stockholders' dividend declared divided by net income attributable to
common stockholders.

(5) Includes, on a pro-forma basis, $2,525,000 dividends corresponding to the
second semester of 1998, which were declared for stockholders of record on
January 15, 1999, and paid on January 25, 1999. The amount was excluded from
the 1999 ratio.

(6) Average net worth divided by average total assets.

MARKET AREA AND COMPETITION

The Company operates through 35 full service branch offices throughout
Puerto Rico, primarily in the Southwestern portion of the island. In recent
years, the Company has expanded into the San Juan metropolitan area, where it
now has four branches. In addition, the Company has four branches in
northeastern Puerto Rico. As of December 31, 2000, the Company was the third
largest locally controlled banking company headquartered in Puerto Rico, based
on total assets.

The Company competes mainly with other commercial banks in attracting and
retaining deposits and in making real estate and commercial loans. At year end
2000, there were approximately 13 other banks, including affiliates of banks
headquartered in the United States, Canada and Spain, operating branches in
Puerto Rico.

COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT

Under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"), as implemented by federal
regulations, a financial institution has a continuing and affirmative
obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the
credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income
neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or
programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution's
discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are
best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA
requires federal examiners, in connection with the examination of a financial
institution, to assess the institution's record of meeting the credit needs of
its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain
applications by such institution. The CRA also requires all institutions to make
public disclosure of their CRA ratings. The Company has a Compliance Committee,
which oversees the planning of products, and services offered to the community,
especially those aimed to serve low and moderate income communities. The CRA
rated the Company as having a "satisfactory record of meeting community credit
needs."

EMPLOYEES

At December 31, 2000, the Company had 749 full-time employees, including
its executive officers; and 4 part time employees.

15
16

REGULATION

FEDERAL REGULATION. The Company is a financial holding company subject to
the regulation, supervision, and examination of the Federal Reserve Board under
the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company is required to
file periodic reports and other information with the Federal Reserve Board, and
the Federal Reserve Board may conduct examinations of the Company.

The Company is subject to capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal
Reserve Board. The guidelines apply on a consolidated basis and require bank
holding companies to maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets
of 4.0% to 5.0%. There is a minimum ratio of 3.0% established for the most
highly rated bank holding companies. The Federal Reserve Board's capital
adequacy guidelines also require bank holding companies to maintain a minimum
ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and a minimum
ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.0%. As of December 31,
2000, the Company's ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets was 6.02%,
its ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 10.65%, and its ratio of
qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.73%.

The Company's ability to pay dividends to its stockholders and expand its
line of business through the acquisition of new banking or nonbanking
subsidiaries can be restricted if its capital falls below levels established by
the Federal Reserve Board's guidelines. In addition, any bank holding company
whose capital falls below levels specified in the guidelines can be required to
implement a plan to increase capital.

The Federal Reserve Board is empowered to initiate cease and desist
proceedings and other supervisory actions for violations of the Bank Holding
Company Act, or the Federal Reserve Board's regulations, orders or notices
issued thereunder. Under applicable regulations, banks and bank holding
companies which do not meet minimum capital adequacy guidelines are considered
to be undercapitalized and are required to submit an acceptable plan for
achieving capital adequacy.

Federal Reserve Board approval is required if the Company seeks to acquire
direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of a bank if, after
such acquisition, the Company would own or control directly or indirectly more
than 5% of the voting stock of the bank. Federal Reserve Board approval also
must be obtained if a financial holding company acquires all or substantially
all of the assets of a bank or merges or consolidates with another bank holding
company.

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, persons who intend to acquire control
of a financial holding company, either directly or indirectly or through or in
concert with one or more persons, must give 60 days' prior written notice to the
Federal Reserve Board. "Control" would exist when an acquiring party directly or
indirectly has voting control of at least 25% of the Company's voting securities
or the power to direct the management or policies of the Company. Under Federal
Reserve Board regulations, a rebuttable presumption of control would arise with
respect to an acquisition where, after the transaction, the acquiring party has
ownership, control or the power to vote at least 10% (but less than 25%) of the
Company's common stock.

Under Puerto Rico law, no person or company may acquire direct or indirect
control of a holding company without first obtaining the prior approval of the
Puerto Rico Commissioner of Financial Institutions (the "Puerto Rico
Commissioner"). Control is defined to mean the power to, directly or indirectly,
direct or decisively influence the management or the operations of the holding
company. Control is presumed to exist if a person or entity, or group acting in
concert, would become the owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 5% of the
voting stock of the holding company as a result of the transfer of voting stock,
and such person, entity or group did not own more than 5% of the voting stock
prior to the transfer.

The Company is required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written
notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the
gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net
consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12
months, will be equal to 10% or more of the Company's consolidated net worth.
The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove any purchase or redemption if it
determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or
would violate any law, regulation, order or directive of the Federal Reserve
Board, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal
Reserve Board. Such notice and approval is not required for a bank holding
company that would be treated as "well capitalized" under applicable regulations

16
17

of the Federal Reserve Board, that has received a composite "1" or "2" rating at
its most recent bank holding company inspection by the Federal Reserve Board,
and that is not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any redemption of the Company's Series A or
Series B preferred stock will require the prior approval of the Federal Reserve
Board.

PUERTO RICO BANKING LAW. Westernbank is a bank chartered under the Puerto
Rico Banking Law and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by
the FDIC under SAIF and BIF. Westernbank is subject to extensive regulation by
the Puerto Rico Commissioner as its chartering agency, and by the FDIC as the
deposit insurer. Westernbank must file reports with the Puerto Rico Commissioner
and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, and it must
obtain regulatory approval prior to entering into certain transactions, such as
mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions and opening or
acquiring branch offices. The Puerto Rico Commissioner and the FDIC conduct
periodic examinations to assess Westernbank's compliance with various regulatory
requirements. This regulation and supervision is intended primarily for the
protection of the deposit insurance funds and depositors. The regulatory
authorities have extensive discretion in connection with the exercise of their
supervisory and enforcement activities, including the setting of policies with
respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan
loss reserves for regulatory purposes.

Westernbank derives its lending, investment and other powers primarily from
the applicable provisions of the Puerto Rico Banking Law and the regulations
adopted thereunder. That law governs the responsibilities of directors, officers
and stockholders, and the corporate powers, savings, lending, capital and
investment requirements and other activities of Westernbank. The Puerto Rico
Commissioner has extensive rulemaking power and administrative discretion under
the Puerto Rico Banking Law, and generally examines Westernbank on an annual
basis.

The Puerto Rico Banking Law requires that at least 10% of the yearly net
income of Westernbank be credited annually to a reserve fund. This must be done
every year until the reserve fund is equal to the total paid-in capital for
common stock and preferred stock. At December 31, 2000, Westernbank had an
adequate reserve fund established. The Puerto Rico Banking Law also provides
that when the expenditures of a bank are greater than the receipts, the excess
is charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if
any, is charged against and reduces the reserve fund. If there is no reserve
fund sufficient to cover the entire amount, the excess amount is charged against
the capital account and no dividend can be declared until the capital has been
restored to its original amount and the reserve fund to 20% of the original
capital.

Under the Puerto Rico Banking Law, Westernbank must maintain a legal
reserve in an amount equal to at least 20% of Westernbank's demand liabilities,
except certain government deposits. At December 31, 2000, Westernbank had a
legal reserve of 181.75%.

The Puerto Rico Regulatory Financial Board (the "Financial Board") which is
part of the Office of the Commissioner, has the authority to regulate the
maximum interest rates and finance charges that may be charged on loans to
individuals and unincorporated businesses in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In
February 1992 and again in November 1997, the Financial Board approved
regulations which provide that the applicable interest rate on loans to
individuals and unincorporated businesses is to be determined by free
competition. The Financial Board also has authority to regulate the maximum
finance charges on retail installment sales contracts, including credit card
purchases, which are currently set at 21%. There is no maximum rate set for
installment sales contracts involving motor vehicles, commercial, agricultural
and industrial equipment, commercial electric appliances, and insurance
premiums.

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. Westernbank is subject to minimum capital
requirements imposed by the FDIC that are substantially similar to the capital
requirements imposed on the Company. The FDIC regulations require that
Westernbank maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to
risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to
risk-weighted assets of 4.0%. In addition, under the minimum leverage-based
capital requirement adopted by the FDIC, Westernbank must maintain a ratio of
Tier 1 capital to average total assets (leverage ratio) of at least 3% to 5%,
depending on Westernbank's CAMELS rating. As of December 31, 2000, Westernbank's
ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.73%, its ratio of Tier 1
capital to risk-weighted assets was 10.65 %, and its ratio of Tier 1 capital to
average total assets was 6.02%.

17
18

Capital requirements higher than the generally applicable minimum requirements
may be established for a particular bank if the FDIC determines that a bank's
capital is, or may become, inadequate in view of its particular circumstances.
Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a bank to a variety of
enforcement actions, including actions under the FDIC's prompt corrective action
regulations.

ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS ON STATE-CHARTERED BANKS. State banks are limited in
their investments and activities engaged in as principal to those permissible
under applicable state law and that are permissible for national banks and their
subsidiaries, unless such investments and activities are specifically permitted
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or the FDIC determines that such activity
or investment would pose no significant risk to the SAIF and BIF. The FDIC has
by regulation determined that certain real estate investment activities do not
present a significant risk to the SAIF and BIF, provided they are conducted in
accordance with the regulations. Provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act,
passed in 1999, permit national banks to establish financial subsidiaries that
may engage in the activities permissible for financial holding companies, other
than insurance underwriting, merchant banking and real estate development and
investment activities. In order to exercise this authority, a bank and its
depository institution affiliates must be well-capitalized, well-managed and
have CRA ratings of at least "satisfactory." For a state bank, such activities
also must be permissible under relevant state law.

ENFORCEMENT. The FDIC, as well as the Puerto Rico Commissioner, has
extensive enforcement authority over insured banks, including Westernbank. This
enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil
money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and
officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to
violations of laws and regulations and to unsafe or unsound practices.

DEPOSIT INSURANCE. Westernbank is subject to quarterly payments on
semiannual insurance premium assessments for its FDIC deposit insurance. The
FDIC implements a risk-based deposit insurance assessment system. Deposit
insurance assessment rates currently are within a range of $0.00 to $0.27 per
$100 of insured deposits, depending on the assessment risk classification
assigned to each institution. Under current FDIC assessment guidelines,
Westernbank expects that it will not incur any FDIC deposit insurance
assessments during the next fiscal year, although the current system for
assigning assessment risk classifications to insured depository institutions is
being reviewed by the FDIC and the deposit insurance assessments are subject to
change. Westernbank is subject to separate assessments to repay bonds ("FICO
bonds") issued in the late 1980's to recapitalize the former Federal Savings and
Loan Insurance Corporation. The assessment for the payments on the FICO bonds
for the quarter beginning on January 1, 2001 is 1.96 basis points for BIF-
assessable and SAIF-assessable deposits. Most of Westernbank's deposits are
presently insured by SAIF.

FDIC insurance on deposits may be terminated by the FDIC, after notice and
hearing, upon a finding by the FDIC that the insured bank has engaged or is
engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, or is in an unsafe or unsound condition
to continue operations as an insured bank, or has violated any applicable law,
regulation, rule or order of or condition imposed by or written agreement
entered into with the FDIC.

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES OF WESTERNBANK. Transactions between
Westernbank and any of its affiliates, including the Company, are governed by
sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An affiliate of a bank is any
company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with the bank. Generally, sections 23A and 23B (1) limit the extent to which a
bank or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with any one
affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the bank's capital stock and surplus, and
limit such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such
capital stock and surplus, and (2) require that all such transactions be on
terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The term
"covered transactions" includes the making of loans, purchase of or investment
in securities issued by the affiliate, purchase of assets, issuance of
guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Most loans by a bank to any
of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100 to
130 percent of the loan amount, depending on the nature of the collateral. In
addition, any covered transaction by a bank with an affiliate and any sale of
assets or provision of services to an affiliate must be on terms that are
substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank as those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.

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19

In addition, Sections 22 (h) and (g) of the Federal Reserve Act places
restrictions on loans to executive officers, directors, and principal
stockholders. Under Section 22 (h), loans to a director, an executive officer
and to a greater than 10% stockholder of a financial institution, and certain
affiliated interests of either, may not exceed, together with all other
outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests, the financial
institution's loans to one borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the
institution's impaired capital and surplus). Section 22 (h) also requires that
loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders be made on
terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other
persons unless the loans are made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program
that (i) is widely available to employees of the institution and (ii) does not
give preference to any director, executive officer or principal stockholder, or
certain affiliated interests of either, over other employees of the financial
institution. Section 22 (h) also requires prior board approval for certain
loans, and the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a financial
institution to all insiders cannot exceed the institution's unimpaired capital
and surplus. Furthermore, Section 22 (h) places additional restrictions on loans
to executive officers.

SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS STANDARDS. Westernbank is subject to certain FDIC
standards designed to maintain the safety and soundness of individual banks and
the banking system. The FDIC has prescribed safety and soundness guidelines
relating to (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit
systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate
exposure; (v) asset growth and quality; (vi) earnings; and (vii) compensation
and benefit standards for officers, directors, employees and principal
stockholders. A state nonmember bank not meeting one or more of the safety and
soundness guidelines may be required to file a compliance plan with the FDIC.

PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION. Under the FDIC's prompt corrective action
regulations, insured institutions will be considered (i) "well capitalized" if
the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1
risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5% or greater
(provided that the institution is not subject to an order, written agreement,
capital directive or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a
specified capital level for any capital measure), (ii) "adequately capitalized"
if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier
1 risk based capital ratio of 4% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4% or
greater (3% or greater if the institution is rated composite CAMELS 1 in its
most recent report of examination and is not experiencing or anticipating
significant growth), (iii) "undercapitalized" if the institution has a total
risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8%, or a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of
less than 4% and a leverage ratio that is less than 4% (3% if the institution is
rated composite CAMELS 1 in its most recent report of examination and is not
experiencing or anticipating significant growth), (iv) "significantly
undercapitalized" if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that
is less than 6%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage
ratio that is less than 3%, and (v) "critically undercapitalized" if the
institution has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or
less than 2%. Under certain circumstances, the FDIC can reclassify a well
capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately
capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with
supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the
FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as
critically undercapitalized). At December 31, 2000, Westernbank qualified as a
"well capitalized" institution.

An institution that is categorized as undercapitalized, significantly
undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized is required to submit an
acceptable capital restoration plan to its appropriate federal banking agency,
which would be the FDIC for Westernbank. An undercapitalized institution also is
generally prohibited from increasing its average total assets, making
acquisitions, establishing any branches, or engaging in any new line of
business, except in accordance with an accepted capital restoration plan or with
the approval of the FDIC. In addition, the FDIC may take any other action that
it determines will better carry out the purpose of prompt corrective action
initiatives.

DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS. Westernbank is not permitted to pay dividends if,
as the result of the payment, it would become undercapitalized, as defined in
the prompt corrective action regulations of the FDIC. In addition, if
Westernbank becomes "undercapitalized" under these regulations, payment of
dividends would be prohibited without the prior approval of the FDIC.
Westernbank also could be subject to these dividend

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20

restrictions if the FDIC determines that Westernbank is in an unsafe or unsound
condition or engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice.

OTHER. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act imposes certain obligations on financial
institutions, including state-chartered banks like Westernbank, to develop
privacy policies, restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer data with
nonaffiliated parties at the customer's request, and establish procedures and
practices to protect and secure customer data.

FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK SYSTEM

Westernbank is a member of the FHLB System. The System consists of 12
regional Federal Home Loan Banks, with each subject to supervision and
regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Board. The Federal Home Loan Bank
provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions.
Westernbank, as a member of the FHLB of New York, is required to acquire and
hold shares of capital stock in that FHLB in an amount equal to; the greater of
1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans,
home purchase contracts and similar obligations at the beginning of each year,
or 5% of its FHLB advances outstanding or one percent of thirty percent of total
assets. At December 31, 2000, the Bank had $29.8 million in FHLB's capital
stock.

Advances from the FHLB of New York are secured by a member's shares of
stock in the FHLB of New York, certain type of mortgages and other assets,
including investment securities. Interest rates charged for advances vary
depending upon maturity and the cost of funds to the FHLB of New York. As of
December 31, 2000, there were $120.0 million in outstanding advances and $476.0
million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase from the FHLB of New
York.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity refers to the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash to
meet the funding needs of current loan demand, savings deposit withdrawals,
principal and interest payments with respect to outstanding borrowings and to
pay operating expenses. The Company monitors its liquidity in accordance with
guidelines established by the Investment Committee and applicable regulatory
requirements. The Company's need for liquidity is affected by loan demand, net
changes in deposit levels and the scheduled maturities of its borrowings.
Liquidity demand caused by net reductions in deposits are usually caused by
factors over which the Company has limited control. The Company derives its
liquidity from both its assets and liabilities. Liquidity from assets by receipt
of interest and principal payments and prepayments, by the ability to sell
assets at market prices and by utilizing unpledged assets as collateral for
borrowings. Liquidity is derived from liabilities by maintaining a variety of
funding sources, including deposits, advances from the FHLB of New York and
other short and long-term borrowings.

The Company's liquidity targets are reviewed monthly by the Investment
Committee and are based on the Company's commitment to make loans and
investments and its ability to generate funds. The Committee's targets are also
affected by yields on available investments and upon the Committee's judgment as
to the attractiveness of such yields and its expectations as to future yields.

The Bank's investment portfolio at December 31, 2000 had an average
maturity of 130 months. However, no assurance can be given that such levels will
be maintained in future periods.

As of December 31, 2000, the Bank had line of credit agreements with two
commercial banks permitting the Bank to borrow a maximum aggregate amount of
$35.0 million (no borrowings were made during the year ended December 31, 2000
under such lines of credit). The agreements provide for unsecured advances to be
used by the Company on an overnight basis. Interest rate is negotiated at the
time of the transaction. The credit agreements are renewable annually.

CAPITAL, DIVIDENDS, STOCK SPLIT AND OPTION PLANS

Total shareholders' equity as a measure of capital increased by
approximately $26.8 million in 2000 and $69.5 million in 1999.

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21

In June 1998, Westernbank issued 1,219,000 shares of 7.125% Non-cumulative,
Convertible Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series A, with a liquidation
preference of $25.00 per share. Proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock
amounted to $29.1 million, net of $1.3 million of issuance costs. Dividends on
Series A Preferred Stock, when and if declared by the Board of Directors, shall
be payable monthly in arrears on the 15th day of each month of each year, at the
annual rate per share of 7.125% of the $25 liquidation preference (equivalent to
$1.78 per share per annum). The amount of dividends paid for any monthly
dividend period will be computed on the basis of twelve 30-day months and a
360-day year. The amount of dividends payable for any period shorter than a full
month dividend period will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days
elapsed in such period. Each share is convertible, at the holder's option, at
any time on or after the 90th date following the issue date, into .995 shares of
the Company's common stock, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The per
share conversion ratio equates to a price of $25.125 per share of common stock.
The Company may redeem the preferred stock at any time at the following
redemption prices, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning July 1 of
the years indicated below, plus the accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, for
the then current dividend period to the date of redemption: in 2002 -- $26.00;
in 2003 -- $25.75; in 2004 -- $25.50; in 2005 -- $25.25; and in 2006 and
thereafter -- $25.00.

In April and June 1999, Westernbank issued 2,001,000 shares of 7.25%
Non-cumulative, Non-convertible Monthly Income Series B Preferred Stock, with a
liquidation preference of $25 per share. Proceeds from the issuance of preferred
stock amounted to $48.3 million, net of $1.8 million of issuance costs.
Dividends on Series B Preferred Stock, when and if declared by the Board of
Directors, shall be payable monthly in arrears on the 15th day of each month of
each year, at the annual rate per share of 7.25% of the $25 liquidation
preference (equivalent to $1.81 per share per annum). The amount of dividends
paid for any monthly dividend period will be computed on the basis of twelve
30-day months and a 360-day year. The Company may redeem the preferred stock at
any time at the following redemption prices, if redeemed during the 12-month
period beginning May 28 of the years indicated below, plus the accrued and
unpaid dividends, if any, for the then current dividend period to the date of
the redemption: in 2004 -- $26.00; in 2005 -- $25.50; and in 2006 and
thereafter -- $25.00.

Series A and B Preferred Stocks rank senior to the Company's common stock
as to dividends and liquidation rights. Dividends declared on preferred stock
for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999 amounted to $5.8 million and $4.3
million, respectively.

The Company in year 2000 and Westernbank in years 1999 and 1998 acquired
and retired shares of common stock as follows: $4.8 million (498,300 shares) in
2000; $1.2 million (80,309 shares) in 1999; and, $2.4 million (165,674 shares)
in 1998.

In 1998, Westernbank exchanged 12,163 shares in treasury for land amounting
$225,000. The remaining 6,346,901 shares in treasury were retired in December
1998.

Total common stock dividends declared in 2000 amounted to $8.3 million
compared to $9.2 million in 1999.

On January 26, 2001, the Board of Directors approved an increase of its
annual dividend payments to shareholders in 2001 to $0.25 per share. This
represents an increase of 25% over the dividends paid the previous year of $0.20
per share.

On March 7, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the policy of
paying dividends on a monthly basis. Initial dividend payment under this policy,
were applied retroactively for dividends corresponding to the first three-month
period ending March 31, 2000. Thereafter, dividends are being paid on the 15th
day of each month for stockholders of record as of the last day of each month.

In June 1999, the Board of Directors approved the 1999 Qualified Stock
Option Plan (the "1999 Qualified Option Plan") and the 1999 Nonqualified Stock
Option Plan (the "Nonqualified Option Plan"), for the benefit of employees of
the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans offer to key officers, directors
and employees an opportunity to purchase shares of the Company's common stock.
Under the 1999 Qualified Option Plan, options for up to 4,200,000 shares of
common stock can be granted. Also, options for up to 4,200,000 shares of common
stock, reduced by any share issued under the 1999 Qualified Option Plan, can be

21
22

granted under the 1999 Nonqualified Option Plan. The option price for both is
determined at the grant date. Both plans will remain in effect for a term of 10
years. The Board of Directors has sole authority and absolute discretion as to
the number of stock options to be granted, their vesting rights, and the
options' exercise price. The Plans provide for a proportionate adjustment in the
exercise price and the number of shares that can be purchased in the event of a
stock split, reclassification of stock and a merger or a reorganization. During
2000, the Company granted 2,250,000 options under the 1999 Qualified Stock
Option Plan to six executive officers, which will become fully exercisable after
five years following the grant date. The option price is $10.00. None of these
options were exercised in 2000.

On February 28, 1998, on February 3, 1997 and on May 24, 1996, the Bank
declared a two-for-one stock split, a fifteen percent stock dividend and a
two-for-one stock split of its common shares.

COMMONWEALTH TAXATION

GENERAL. Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, all companies are
treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated
tax returns. The Company and Westernbank (the "Companies") report their income
and expenses based on the accrual basis of accounting and file their Puerto Rico
tax returns on a calendar year basis.

INCOME TAXES. The Companies are subject to Puerto Rico regular income tax
on income earned from all sources up to a maximum rate of 39%.

The Puerto Rico income tax act disallows any interest deduction which is
allocable to income earned from tax exempt obligations acquired after December
31, 1987. For purposes of the above determination, each company is required to
allocate interest expense to exempt interest income based on the ratio that the
average exempt obligations bear to the total average assets of each company.

The Companies are also subject to an alternative minimum tax ("AMT") equal
to 22% of the alternative minimum taxable income. The alternative minimum
taxable income is equal to each company's taxable income adjusted for certain
items. The principal adjustments for determining each company's alternative
minimum taxable income are the following: (i) no deduction may be claimed with
respect to the company's interest expense allocable to interest income derived
from tax exempt obligations acquired before January 1, 1988, other than
mortgages guaranteed by the government of Puerto Rico, its agencies,
instrumentalities and political subdivisions, issued before September 1, 1987;
and (ii) the alternative minimum taxable income is increased by 50% of the
amount by which the corporation's book income (adjusted for certain items)
exceeds its alternative minimum taxable income without regard to this
adjustment.

The AMT is payable if it exceeds regular income tax. The excess of AMT over
regular income tax paid in any one year may be used to offset regular income tax
in future years, subject to certain limitations. Westernbank income tax was
based on regular income tax rates since 1994.

The Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code provides a dividend received
deduction of 100% on dividends received from wholly owned subsidiaries subject
to income taxation in Puerto Rico, like Westernbank. Until December 31, 2000,
the Company had no operations other than those resulting from dividends received
from its investment in Westernbank.

For the year ended December 31, 2000, the Company had approximately $20.2
million of regular taxable income, on which it was required to pay current
income tax of $7.9 million. The income on certain investments is exempt for
income tax purposes. Also, activities relating to the Westernbank International
division are exempt for income tax purposes. As a result of the above, the
Company's effective tax rate is substantially below the statutory rate.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

The Company owns the condominium offices space housing its main offices at
19 West McKinley Street, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

22
23

The Company's investment in premises and equipment, exclusive of leasehold
improvements, at December 31, 2000, was $37.7 million. The combined net book
value of the Company's main offices as of December 31, 2000 was $1.8 million.

The Company's properties, owned (excluding its main offices) or leased, at
book value as of December 31, 2000 follow:



BOOK VALUE OF:
-----------------------
LEASEHOLD PROPERTY LEASE
LOCATION IMPROVEMENTS OWNED EXPIRATION DATE(*)
-------- ------------ -------- ------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Mayaguez Mall........................ $ 270 $ -- March 20, 2001
Mayaguez Town Center................. 133 March 30, 2002
Mayaguez Main........................ 695 N/A
Mayaguez Plaza....................... 524 N/A
Aguadilla -- Aguadilla Mall............ 185 January 30, 2005
Aguada -- Aguada II.................... 1,258 July 31, 2002
Camuy.................................. 211 May 3, 2002
Cabo Rojo -- La Hacienda 1,889 N/A
Sabana Grande.......................... 365 N/A
Carolina
Campo Rico........................... 499 March 31, 2004
Plaza Carolina....................... 328 January 30, 2009
San German -- La Quinta Shopping
Center............................... 609 N/A
Hato Rey............................... 103 October 31, 2002
Bayamon................................ 962 N/A
Caguas................................. 608 August 31, 2002
Guaynabo............................... 4,119 March 31, 2039
Land lots for future developments...... 11,030 N/A
Other properties -- (individually Various dates throughout
less than $100,000).................. 268 124 December 31, 2005
------ -------
Total................................ $7,982 $16,198
====== =======


At December 31, 2000, the Company's future rental commitments under
non-cancelable operating leases aggregated $17.7 million, not considering
renewal options.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine
legal proceedings incidental to the business of the Company to which the Company
or any of its subsidiaries is the subject or of which any of their property is
the subject.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

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24

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The Company's Common Stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market
National Market Tier under the symbol "WBPR." The following table sets forth the
closing sale prices for the Common Stock for the periods indicated.



HIGH LOW
------ ------

2000
1st quarter................................................. $10.75 $ 9.13
2nd quarter................................................. 9.25 7.88
3rd quarter................................................. 10.19 9.25
4th quarter................................................. 12.06 11.56
1999
1st quarter................................................. 13.44 16.13
2nd quarter................................................. 16.00 12.50
3rd quarter................................................. 13.63 11.63
4th quarter................................................. 14.69 10.13


The closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2000 was $11.63. The
approximate number of holders of record of the Company's Common Stock at
December 31, 2000 was 468.

The Company's cash dividends corresponding to 2000 and 1999 were as
follows:



RECORD DATE PAYABLE DATE AMOUNT PER SHARE
----------- ------------------ ----------------

YEAR 2000
March 31, 2000 April 17, 2000 $0.0500
April 30, 2000 May 15, 2000 0.0167
May 31, 2000 June 15, 2000 0.0167
June 30, 2000 July 15, 2000 0.0167
July 31, 2000 August 14, 2000 0.0167
August 31, 2000 September 15, 2000 0.0167
September 30, 2000 October 15, 2000 0.0167
October 31, 2000 November 15, 2000 0.0166
November 30, 2000 December 15, 2000 0.0166
December 31, 2000 January 15, 2001 0.0166
-------
Total $0.2000
=======
YEAR 1999
June 30, 1999 July 15, 1999 $0.0800
December 31,
1999............ January 17, 2000 0.0800
-------
$0.1600
=======


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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA



YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

Balance Sheet Data:
Total Assets:.......................... $4,260,857 $3,374,571 $2,481,176 $1,555,799 $1,284,697
Securities purchased under agreements
to resell.......................... 125,809 120,655 91,211 42,878 59,928
Interest-bearing deposits in other
banks and federal funds sold....... 54,805 25,671 7,787 5,442 5,102
Investment securities held to
maturity, securities available for
sale and trading securities........ 1,686,654 1,198,006 892,169 631,121 534,060
Loans-net and mortgage loans held for
sale............................... 2,208,300 1,871,742 1,361,297 784,795 623,621
Total Liabilities:..................... 4,010,239 3,150,752 2,326,894 1,453,564 1,201,561
Savings deposits..................... 416,684 409,423 403,753 362,317 350,939
Other deposits....................... 2,220,011 1,838,442 1,286,776 681,088 557,597
Securities sold under agreement to
repurchase......................... 1,179,073 729,968 506,325 281,750 188,192
Term notes........................... 48,000 79,000 84,000 112,000 94,000
Advances from Federal Home Loan
Bank............................... 120,000 70,000 31,000
Total Stockholders' Equity............. 250,618 223,819 154,282 102,235 83,136
Operations Data:
Interest income...................... $ 290,587 $ 232,987 $ 157,446 $ 113,528 $ 93,416
Interest expense..................... 192,137 130,806 84,308 57,198 45,805
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net interest income.................. 98,450 102,181 73,138 56,330 47,611
Provision for loan losses............ (8,700) (14,000) (6,000) (2,700) --
Other income, net.................... 13,868 12,239 10,154 9,979 6,747
Operating expenses................... (53,216) (53,816) (41,705) (35,012) (32,460)(1)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes........... 50,402 46,604 35,587 28,597 21,898
Income taxes......................... 5,814 9,480 6,892 5,693 4,850
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Net income........................... $ 44,588 $ 37,124 $ 28,695 $ 22,904 $ 17,048
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Net income attributable to common
stockholders....................... $ 38,789 $ 32,817 $ 27,604 $ 22,904 $ 17,048
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings per Common Share
(After effect of stock splits):
Basic................................ $ 0.93 $ 0.78 $ 0.66 $ 0.54 $ 0.42
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Diluted.............................. $ 0.93 $ 0.78 $ 0.66 $ 0.54 $ 0.41
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Dividends per Common Share
(After effect of stock splits)....... $ 0.20 $ 0.16 $ 0.12 $ 0.09 $ 0.07
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========


- ---------------
(1) Includes a $3.3 million one time deposit insurance premium special
assessment paid to the Savings Association Insurance Fund.



YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
----- ----- ----- ----- -----

Other Selected Data:
Average yield earned on all interest earning assets.... 8.12% 7.93% 8.28% 8.50% 8.19%
Average rate paid on all interest-bearing
liabilities......................................... 5.62% 4.64% 4.54% 4.41% 4.18%
Average interest rate spread........................... 2.50% 3.29% 3.74% 4.09% 4.01%
Branch offices......................................... 35 36 36 35 33


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RATIOS

The following table sets forth, for the indicated periods, certain ratios
reflecting the productivity and profitability of the Company:



YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,(1)
-------------------------------------
2000 1999 1998 1997 1996
----- ----- ----- ----- -----

Return on assets (2)..................................... 1.17% 1.27% 1.42% 1.61% 1.47%
Return on common stockholders' equity (3)................ 24.75% 24.57% 24.42% 24.71% 22.61%
Equity-to-assets ratio (4)............................... 6.21% 6.46% 6.35% 6.53% 6.49%
Net yield on interest earning assets (5)................. 2.75% 3.48% 3.84% 4.21% 4.18%


- ---------------
(1) Averages computed by using beginning and end of year balances.

(2) Net income divided by average total assets.

(3) Net income attributable to common stockholders divided by average common
stockholders' equity.

(4) Average net worth divided by average total assets.

(5) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

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27

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

This financial discussion contains an analysis of the consolidated
financial position and financial performance of W Holding Company, Inc. and its
wholly owned subsidiary, Westernbank Puerto Rico. The Company was organized in
1999 to be the bank holding company of the Bank. Prior to that time, the Bank
operated as the parent public company. As of year end 2000, the business of the
Company is conducted through Westernbank.

The Company's principal source of earnings is its net interest income. This
is the difference between interest income on loans and mortgage-backed
securities, investments, and other assets and its interest expense on deposits
and borrowings, including reverse repurchase agreements, term notes and FHLB
advances. Loan origination and commitments fees, net of related costs, are
deferred and amortized over the life of the related loans as a yield adjustment.
Gains or losses on the sale of loans and investments and service charges, fees
and other income, also affect income. In addition, the Company's net income is
affected by the level of its non-interest expenses, such as compensation,
employees' benefits, occupancy costs and other operating expenses.

The main objective of the Company's asset-liability management program is
to invest funds judiciously and reduce interest rate risks while optimizing net
income and maintaining adequate liquidity levels. The Company's Investment
Committee, which includes the Board of Directors and senior management, is
responsible for the asset-liability management oversight. The Investment
Department is responsible for implementing the policies established by the
Investment Committee.

The Company's total assets increased by $886.3 million from year-end 1999
to year-end 2000. This growth reflects a $336.6 million increase in net loans
and a $488.6 million increase in investment securities. Liabilities to fund the
growth increased by $859.4 million.

Net income increased to $44.6 million, up 20.1% from $37.1 million in 1999,
and net income available to common stockholders increased to $38.8 million, up
18.2% from $32.8 million in 1999. Net income in 2000 increased even though net
interest income decreased $3.7 million. This decrease was more than offset by a
$5.3 million decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $1.6 million increase
in other income and a decrease of $3.7 million in the provision for income
taxes.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The Company had total assets of $4.26 billion, $3.37 billion and $2.48
billion as of December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. As of December 31,
2000, total liabilities amounted to $4.01 billion, an increase of $859.5 million
or 27.28% when compared to $3.15 billion as of December 31, 1999. In 1999, total
liabilities totaled $2.23 billion, an increase of $823.9 million or 35.41% from
December 31, 1998.

INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS

Interest-earning assets amounted to $4.11 billion at December 31, 2000, an
increase of $876.5 million or 27.15% when compared to $3.23 billion as of
December 31, 1999, which represented an increase of $870.6 million or 36.92%
when compared to $2.36 billion as of December 31, 1998.

During 2000 and 1999, the Bank continued its emphasis on the origination of
commercial real estate loans as well as origination and purchase of residential
mortgage loans. Residential mortgage and construction loans, including mortgage
loans held for sale, increased from $476.5 million as of December 31, 1998, to
$808.8 million as of December 31, 1999, and to $866.8 million as of December 31,
2000. Commercial real estate loans increased from $518.9 million as of December
31, 1998, to $677.9 million as of December 31, 1999 and to $887.1 million as of
December 31, 2000. Consumer loans (including credit card loans), commercial
loans (not collateralized by real estate) and other loans increased from $381.7
million at December 31, 1998 to $409.0 million as of December 31, 1999 and to
$483.4 million as of December 31, 2000.

Securities purchased under agreements to resell increased from $91.2
million as of December 31, 1998 to $120.7 million as of December 31, 1999 and to
$125.8 million as of December 31, 2000, an increase of

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28

$29.4 million or 32.28% and $5.1 million or 4.27%, respectively. Investment
securities held to maturity, which principally include United States and Puerto
Rico Government and agency obligations and mortgage-backed securities increased
from $871.8 million as of December 31, 1998, to $1,174.5 million as of December
31, 1999 and to $1,656.7 million as of December 31, 2000, an increase of $302.7
million or 34.72% in 1999 and $482.2 million or 41.05% in 2000. Investments
available for sale increased from $15.2 million as of December 31, 1998 to $22.2
million as of December 31, 1999 and $27.8 million as of December 31, 2000, an
increase of $7.0 million or 45.66% and $5.6 million or 25.34%, respectively.
Trading securities amounted to $5.1 million as of December 31, 1998, $1.3
million as of December 31, 1999 and $2.2 million as of December 31, 2000.

INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES

Interest-bearing liabilities amounted to $3.95 billion at December 31,
2000, an increase of $843.9 million or 27.15% when compared to $3.11 billion as
of December 31, 1999. In 1999, interest-bearing liabilities increased by $807.0
million or 35.06% when compared to $2.30 billion at December 31, 1998.

The increase in interest-bearing liabilities from year-end 1999 to year-end
2000 reflects an increase of $388.8 million in deposits, $449.1 million in
securities sold under agreements to repurchase, $50.0 million in FHLB advances,
net of a decrease of $31.0 million in term notes. The increase in 1999 was
mainly related to a $557.3 million increase in deposits, $223.6 million in
reverse repurchase agreements and $39.0 million in advances from FHLB, net of a
decrease of $5.0 million in term notes.

The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts and certificates of deposit.
Savings deposits increased from $403.8 million as of December 31, 1998, to
$409.4 million as of December 31, 1999 and to $416.7 million as of December 31,
2000, an increase of $5.6 million or 1.39% and $7.3 million or 1.77%,
respectively. In addition, other deposits, represented mainly by time deposits,
increased from $1.29 billion as of December 31, 1998, to $1.84 billion as of
December 31, 1999 and to $2.22 billion as of December 31, 2000, an increase of
$551.7 million or 42.87% in 1999 and $381.6 million or 20.76% in 2000. Other
deposits include brokered deposits amounting to $1.27 billion, $894.8 million
and $416.2 million as of December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

As of December 31, 2000, total stockholders' equity amounted to $250.6
million, an increase of $26.8 million or 11.97% when compared to $223.8 million
as of December 31, 1999. In 1999, total stockholders' equity increased by $69.5
million or 45.04% when compared to $154.3 million at December 31, 1998. The
increase during 2000 was primarily due to a net income of $44.6 million, net of
cash dividends declared on common and preferred stocks totaling $14.1 million
and the repurchase of 498,300 shares of common stock for $4.8 million. The
increase in 1999 was mainly due to a net income of $37.1 million and the
issuance of Series B preferred stock for $48.3 million, net of cash dividends
declared on common and preferred stocks of $13.6 million and the repurchase of
80,309 shares of common stock for $1.2 million.

In 1999, the Company issued 2,001,000 shares of 7.25% Noncumulative,
Nonconvertible Monthly Income Preferred Stock, 1999 Series B, with a liquidation
preference of $25.00 per share. Preferred stock rank senior to the Company's
common stock as to dividends and liquidation rights.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income represents the main source of earnings of the Company.
As further discussed in "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market
Risk", the Company uses several tools to manage the risks associated with the
composition and repricing of assets and liabilities.

Net interest income decreased $3.7 million or 3.65% for the year ended
December 31, 2000, reaching $98.5 million, compared to $102.2 million reported
in 1999 and $73.1 million in 1998, an increase from the previous year of $29.0
million or 39.71%. The decrease in 2000 was primarily the result of increases in
interest

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expense on deposits, reverse repurchase agreements and FHLB advances associated
with rising interest rates for most of last year. These expenses offset the
increases in interest income from loans, investment securities, and money market
instruments. The increase in 1999 was primarily the result of increases in
interest income from loans and investment securities, which were partially
offset by increases in interest expense on deposits and reverse repurchase
agreements.

Average interest-earning assets increased $640.5 million or 21.80% from
1999 to 2000 and $1.0 billion or 54.39% from 1998 to 1999. The rise in average
interest-earning assets in both periods is mainly related to increases in
average loans, which is the higher yielding category of interest-earning assets,
followed by a significant increase in investment securities.

The increase in average interest-earning assets is partially offset by an
increase in average interest-bearing liabilities of $600.5 million or 21.32% and
$960.3 million or 51.72% experienced in 2000 and 1999, respectively. The
increase in average interest-bearing liabilities is mainly related to increase
in average deposits, followed by a significant increase in reverse repurchase
agreements.

Interest income on loans amounted to $183.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000, compared to $151.4 million in 1999 and $102.9 million in
1998. Mortgage loans accounted for the majority of the increase in average loans
in 2000 and 1999. The increase was mainly attributed to the purchase of mortgage
loans. In addition, commercial real estate loans contributed to the increase as
a result of business growth experienced during 2000 and 1999. However, the
average yield on loans decreased from 9.49% in 1998 to 8.98% in 1999 and
increased to 9.07% in 2000, as a result of changing interest rate scenario in
both years.

Interest income on investment securities amounted to $84.5 million for the
year ended December 31, 2000 compared to $65.9 million in 1999 and $40.5 million
in 1998. A rise in average balances of $243.1 million in 2000 and $413.7 million
in 1999 caused this increase in income from investment securities for 2000 and
1999. The investment portfolio average yield increased from 6.53% for the year
ended December 31, 1999 to 6.75% for the year ended December 31, 2000. Increase
in average balance of investment securities in 1999 was partially offset by a
decrease in the investment portfolio average yield from 6.80% in 1998 to 6.53%
in 1999.

Interest income on mortgage and other asset-backed securities and trading
securities amounted to $12.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2000,
compared to $9.5 million in 1999 and $9.9 million in 1998. The increase in
interest income in 2000 was due to a combination of an increase in the average
balance and the average yield. In 1999, the decrease was mainly attributed to a
decrease in the average balance of asset-backed securities and trading
securities, which was partially offset by the rise in the yield of those
securities.

Interest income on money market instruments increased to $10.2 million for
the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to $6.2 million in 1999 and $4.1
million in 1998. An increase in the average balance of money market instruments
in 2000 and 1999 caused the increase in interest income on money market
instruments.

Interest expense on deposits amounted to $127.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000, compared to $90.6 million in 1999 and $57.7 million in 1998.
The increase in 2000 was due to a combination of an increase in the average
balance of deposits and an increase in the average rate paid on them. The
increase in 1999 was mainly attributed to a rise in average balance on deposits.
The average balance of deposits increased $379.8 million or 18.91% in 2000 and
$669.7 million or 50.0% in 1999. The average rate paid on deposits increased
from 4.51% in 1999 to 5.34% in 2000. The average rate paid during 1998 was
4.31%.

Interest expense on reverse repurchase agreements amounted to $54.0 million
for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to $33.5 million in 1999 and
$20.5 million in 1998. The increase in 2000 was due to a combination of an
increase in the average balance of reverse repurchase agreements and an increase
in the average rate paid on them, whereas the increase in 1999 was caused by an
increase in the average balance of reverse repurchase agreements. The average
balance of reverse repurchase agreements increased $174.4 million or 25.92% in
2000 and $279.8 million or 71.22% in 1999. The average rate paid on reverse
repurchase agreements increased from 4.98% in 1999 to 6.37% in 2000. The average
rate paid during 1998 was 5.21%.

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30

Interest expense on term notes totaled $3.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000, compared to $3.9 million in 1999 and $4.9 million in 1998.
This decrease is mainly related to a decrease in the average balance of term
notes in 2000 and 1999 of $8.9 million and $17.6 million, respectively.

Interest expense on advances from FHLB amounted to $6.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 2000, compared to $2.8 million in 1999 and $1.2 million
in 1998. The increases in 2000 and 1999 were primarily related to an increase in
the average balance of advances from FHLB. The average balance of advances from
FHLB increased $55.2 million or 107.31% in 2000 and $28.4 million or 123.24% in
1999.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2000,
amounted to $8.7 million, with an allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2000
of $28.9 million. In 1999, the provision for loan losses amounted to $14.0
million, with an allowance for loan losses at December 31, 1999 of $24.0
million. The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 1998
amounted to $6.0 million, with an allowance for loan losses of $15.8 million at
December 31, 1998. The decrease of $5.3 million in 2000 was mainly due to a
lower level of delinquencies in the loan portfolio and a reduction in net loans
charged off of $2.1 million. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a
level which, in management's judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses
inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on
management's evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio, including
the nature and volume of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in
historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, and prevailing economic
conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates
that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes
available. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on
collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Because of
uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, management's estimate of
credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the related allowance may
change in the near term.

At December 31, 2000, the allowance for loan losses was $28.9 million, or
1.29% of total loans, and 298.53% of total non-performing loans, compared with
an allowance for loan losses at December 31, 1999 of $24.0 million, or 1.26% of
total loans, and 344.76% of total non-performing loans.

During 2000, accounts amounting to $5.4 million were written-off against
the allowance for loan losses, as compared to $7.4 million in 1999. The accounts
written-off are submitted to the Collections Department recovery unit for
continued collection efforts. Recoveries made from accounts previously
written-off amounted to $1.6 million in 2000 and $1.5 million in 1999.

OTHER INCOME

Service charges on deposit accounts and other fees amounted to $14.4
million for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to $11.9 million in 1999
and $11.4 million in 1998. The increase of $2.6 million or 21.63% in 2000 as
compared to 1999, was primarily the result of an increase in fees charged to
checking accounts, credit cards and fees from other services.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenses amounted to $53.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 2000, as compared to $53.8 million in 1999 and $41.7 million in
1998.

Salaries and employee benefits, which are the largest components of total
operating expenses, amounted to $20.1 million for the year ended December 31,
2000, compared to $21.8 million in 1999, and $17.5 million in 1998, a decrease
of $1.7 million or 7.76% in 2000, and an increase of $4.4 million or 24.98% in
1999. The decrease in 2000 was primary the result of a strict cost reduction
plan while at the same time supporting the expansion of the Company. The
increase in 1999 was mainly due to an increase in personnel to support the
expansion of the Company, normal salary increases and related employees'
benefits.

Equipment expenses amounted to $8.7 million in 2000, $6.8 million in 1999,
and $5.4 million in 1998, an increase of $1.9 million or 27.25% and $1.4 million
or 26.51% respectively. This increase was the result of

30
31

continued investment in technological resources to support the Company's
expansion, increases on furniture and fixtures and equipment expenses, including
depreciation and property taxes.

Occupancy expenses amounted to $5.0 million in 2000, $4.9 million in 1999,
and $4.4 million in 1998. The increase in 2000 and in 1999, primarily resulted
from the Company's expansion and growth in business activity.

Advertising expense amounted to $3.3 million in 2000, $4.1 million in 1999,
and $2.8 million in 1998. The decrease in 2000 of $724,000 or 17.78%, was the
result of strict reduction cost measures. The increase in 1999 of $1.3 million
or 45.62%, was due to an institutional campaign launched on the island to
emphasize the Bank's image as the "People's Bank" and promotional efforts for
the credit card and consumer loan programs.

All other operating expenses amounted to $16.1 million in 2000 compared to
$16.2 million in 1999 and $11.7 million in 1998. The slight decrease in 2000
resulted from a general increase in other operating expenses related to the
expansion of the Company and the increase in the volume of business, both of
which were significantly offset by strict reduction cost measures. A general
increase in other operating expenses related to the expansion of the Company and
the increase in the volume of business caused the increase in other operating
expenses in 1999.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

Under Puerto Rico income tax laws, the Company is required to pay the
higher of an alternative minimum tax of 22% or a regular statutory rate up to
39%. The current provision for estimated Puerto Rico income taxes for the year
ended December 31, 2000 amounted to $7.7 million compared to $13.8 million in
1999 and 9.1 million in 1998. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of credit
carryforwards and "temporary differences" between amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their respective tax bases. The
income on certain investments is exempt for income tax purposes. Also,
activities relating to the Westernbank International division are exempt for
income tax purposes. As a result, the Company's effective tax rate is
substantially below the statutory rate.

NET INCOME

The Company's net income increased $7.5 million or 20.11% and $8.4 million
or 29.37% in 2000 and 1999, respectively. The increase in 2000, is mainly due to
a decrease in operating expenses and in the provision for income taxes and loan
losses. The increase in 1999 was mainly the result of an increase in net
interest income and other income, which was partially offset by increases in the
provision for loan losses, in total operating expenses and in the provision for
income taxes.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Most of the derivative financial instruments held or issued by the Bank are
held or issued for purposes other than trading.

DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DESIGNATED AS HEDGES -- As part of the
Company's asset/liability management, the Bank uses interest-rate contracts,
which include interest-rate exchange agreements (swaps), to hedge various
exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics of various statement of
financial condition accounts. Derivatives that are used as part of the
asset/liability management process are linked to specific assets or liabilities
and have high correlation between the contract and the underlying item being
hedged, both at the inception and throughout the hedge period. The derivative
instruments, such as interest-rate swaps, that meet the preceding qualifications
are accounted for using the accrual method. Net interest income (expense)
resulting from the differential between exchanging floating and fixed-rate
interest payments is recorded on a current basis. Gains or losses on the sale of
swaps used in asset/liability management activities are deferred and amortized
into interest income or expense over the maturity period of the hedged item or
swap. As of December 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999, the Bank had outstanding
interest swap agreements with other financial institutions, used to hedge the
interest rate risk on $40.0 million and $71.0 million, respectively, term notes
bearing variable rates; $730.7 million and $434.6 million, respectively, fixed
rate

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certificates of deposit liabilities, and $50.0 million variable rate advances
from Federal Home Loan Bank in 2000.

OTHER DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- Those contracts, such as interest rate
options and any unmatched portion of interest-rate swaps, that do not meet the
hedging criteria above are classified as trading activities and are recorded at
fair value with changes in fair value recorded to earnings.

Interest rate options, which include caps, are contracts that transfer,
modify, or reduce interest rate risk in exchange for the payment of a premium
when the contract is initiated. The Bank pays a premium for the right, but not
the obligation, to buy or sell a financial instrument at predetermined terms in
the future. The credit risk inherent in options is the risk that the exchange
party may default. At December 31, 2000, the Bank had outstanding cap agreements
with other financial institution amounting to $100.0 million. No such agreements
were outstanding at December 31, 1999. The unmatched portion of interest-rate
swaps amounted to $14.2 million and $3.9 million as of December 31, 2000 and
1999, respectively.

OTHER OFF-BALANCE-SHEET INSTRUMENTS -- In the ordinary course of business, the
Bank has entered into off-balance-sheet financial instruments consisting of
commitments to extend credit, commitments under credit-card arrangements,
commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial
instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded or
related fees are incurred or received. The Bank periodically evaluates the
credit risks inherent in these commitments, and letters of credit, and
establishes loss allowances for such risks if and when these are deemed
necessary.

COMMITTED RESOURCES -- At December 31, 2000, the Bank had outstanding unused
credit lines to customers of $96.3 million at variable rates. Commitments to
originate loans at December 31, 2000, amounted to approximately $10.2 million
and $133.1 million at fixed and floating rates, respectively, which will be
outstanding for approximately one month. Stand-by letters of credit amounted to
$1.2 million at December 31, 2000. Such commitments will be funded in the normal
course of business from the Bank's principal sources of funds. At December 31,
2000, the Bank had $1.30 billion in certificates of deposit that mature during
the following twelve months. The Bank does not anticipate any difficulty in
retaining such deposits. The Bank also has on-going commitments to repay
borrowings, fund maturing certificates of deposit and meet obligations under
long-term operating leases for certain branches. No material changes are
anticipated in regard to such commitments.

IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES

The financial statements and related data presented herein have been
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America which require the measurement of financial position and
operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in
the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and
liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result,
interest rates have a more significant impact on a financial institution's
performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do
not necessarily move in the same direction or with the same magnitude as the
prices of goods and services since such prices are affected by inflation.

NEW ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements ("SAB 101"). SAB 101 provides guidance on the recognition,
presentation, and disclosure of revenue in financial statements filed with the
Commission. It does not change any of the accounting profession's existing rules
on revenue recognition. Instead, it draws upon existing rules and explains how
the staff applies those rules, by analogy, to other transactions that existing
rules do not specifically address. The recurring revenue recognition themes
found

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throughout the existing accounting rules are used in SAB 101 to provide the
criteria registrants must meet before revenue may be recognized.

SAB 101 provides a number of examples of how the staff applies these
criteria to specific fact patterns such as bill-and-hold transactions, up-front
fees when the seller has significant continuing involvement, long-term service
transactions, refundable membership fees, and contingent rental income. It also
addresses whether revenue should be presented on a fee or contingent basis or at
the full transaction amount when the seller is acting as a sales agent or
similar capacity. SAB 101 provides guidance on the disclosure registrants should
make about their revenue recognition policies and the impact of events and
trends on revenue. The adoption of SAB 101 did not have a significant effect on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities
("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 was amended by SFAS 138, Accounting for Certain
Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities ("SFAS 138") issued in
June 2000. SFAS 133 and SFAS 138 establish accounting and reporting standards
for derivative financial instruments and for hedging activities and require all
derivatives to be measured at fair value and to be recognized as either assets
or liabilities in the statement of financial condition. The Statements also
require that derivatives used in hedging activities to be designated into one of
the following categories: (a) fair value hedge; (b) cash flow hedge; and (c)
foreign currency exposure hedge. The changes in fair value (that is, gains and
losses) will be either recognized as part of net income in the period when the
change occurs or as a component of other comprehensive income depending on their
intended use and resulting designation. For a derivative not designated as a
hedging instrument, changes in fair value will be recognized in net income in
the period of change. SFAS 133 and SFAS 138 become effective on January 1, 2001.
The effect of implementing these statements on the Company's financial condition
and results of operations will be a decrease in deposits, an increase in other
liabilities and an increase in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of
tax, by $2,607,000, $2,472,000, $135,000, respectively. There is no effect on
results of operations from the implementation of these statements.

In September 2000, the FASB issued Statement No. 140, Accounting for
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities
("SFAS 140"). SFAS 140 revises the standards for accounting for securitizations
and other transfers of financial assets and collateral and requires certain
disclosures. SFAS 140 supersedes SFAS 125, although it retains most of SFAS
125's provisions without modification. SFAS 140 is effective for transfers and
servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities occurring after
March 31, 2001 and is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company's
consolidated financial statements. Disclosures regarding securitizations are
effective for all fiscal years ending after December 15, 2000 and are reflected
in Note 4 of the audited consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT

The principal objective of the Company's asset and liability management
function is to evaluate the interest rate risk included in certain balance sheet
accounts and in off-balance sheet commitments, determine the appropriate level
of risk given the Company's business focus, operating environment, capital and
liquidity requirements and performance objectives, establish prudent asset
concentration guidelines and manage the risk consistent with Board of Directors
approved guidelines. Through such management, the Company seeks to reduce the
vulnerability of its operations to changes in interest rates and to manage the
ratio of interest rate sensitive assets to interest rate sensitive liabilities
within specified maturities or repricing dates.

The Company's profitability is dependent to a large extent upon its net
interest income, which is the difference between its interest income on
interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and its interest expense
on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. The Company is
subject to interest rate risk to the degree that its interest-earning assets
reprice differently than its interest-bearing liabilities.

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Interest rate risk can be defined as the exposure of the Company's
operating results or financial position to adverse movements in market interest
rates which mainly occur when assets and liabilities reprice at different times
and at different rates. The Company manages its mix of assets and liabilities
with the goals of limiting its exposure to interest rate risk, ensuring adequate
liquidity, and coordinating its sources and uses of funds. Specific strategies
have included shortening the amortized maturity of fixed-rate loans and
increasing the volume of variable rate loans to reduce the average maturity of
the Company's interest-earning assets and entering into interest rate exchange
agreements (swaps) to hedge variable term notes and fixed callable certificates
of deposit.

The Company is exposed to changes in the level of Net Interest Income
("NII") in a changing interest rate environment. NII will fluctuate pursuant to
changes in the levels of interest rates and of interest-sensitive assets and
liabilities. If (1) the weighted average rates in effect at year end remain
constant, or increase or decrease on an instantaneous and sustained change of
plus or minus 200 basis points, and (2) all scheduled repricing, reinvestments
and estimated prepayments, and reissuances are at such constant, or increase or
decrease accordingly; NII will fluctuate as shown on the table below:

December 31, 2000:



CHANGE IN INTEREST RATE EXPECTED NII (1) AMOUNT CHANGE % CHANGE
----------------------- ---------------- ------------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

+200 Basis Points..................................... $127,174 $(3,596) 2.91%
Base Scenario......................................... 123,578 -- --
- -200 Basis Points..................................... 118,217 (5,361) (4.34)%


December 31, 1999:



CHANGE IN INTEREST RATE EXPECTED NII (1) AMOUNT CHANGE % CHANGE
----------------------- ---------------- ------------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

+200 Basis Points..................................... $ 84,334 $(16,330) (16.22)%
Base Scenario......................................... 100,664 -- --
- -200 Basis Points..................................... 115,736 15,072 14.97%


- ---------------
The NII figures exclude the effect of the amortization of loan fees.

During 2000, the Bank converted about $600.0 million fixed rate liabilities
into variable rate liabilities. In addition, it converted about $200.0 million
fixed rate purchased loans into variable rate loans and purchased about $262.0
million of variable rate loans, reducing the Bank's exposure to changes in
interest rates.

The model utilized to create the information presented above makes various
estimates at each level of interest rate change regarding cash flows from
principal repayments on loans and mortgage-backed securities and/or call
activity on investment securities. Actual results could differ significantly
from these estimates which would result in significant differences in the
calculated projected change. In addition, the limits stated above do not
necessarily represent the level of change under which management would undertake
specific measures to realign its portfolio in order to reduce the projected
level of change.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Financial Statements as
of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and
for Each of the Three Years in
the Period Ended December 31, 2000
and Independent Auditors' Report

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

To the Board of Directors of
W Holding Company, Inc.
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition
of W Holding Company, Inc. and its subsidiary (the "Company") as of December 31,
2000 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and of comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2000. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of W Holding Company, Inc. and its
subsidiary at December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

San Juan, Puerto Rico
February 14, 2001

Stamp No. 1691474
affixed to original.

36
37

W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 1999



2000 1999
---------- ----------

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks..................................... $ 45,936 $ 55,672
Money market instruments:
Securities purchased under agreements to resell........... 125,809 120,655
Federal funds sold........................................ 43,500 16,400
Interest-bearing deposits in banks........................ 11,305 9,271
Trading securities, with an amortized cost of $2,146 in 2000
and $1,251 in 1999........................................ 2,161 1,289
Investment securities available for sale, with an amortized
cost of $27,735 in 2000 and $23,340 in 1999............... 27,806 22,185
Investment securities held to maturity, with a fair value of
$1,620,264 in 2000 and $1,074,346 in 1999................. 1,656,687 1,174,532
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost....................... 29,800 12,800
Mortgage loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market.... 4,640 2,074
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $28,928 in 2000
and $23,978 in 1999....................................... 2,203,660 1,869,668
Accrued interest receivable................................. 46,951 33,312
Foreclosed real estate held for sale, net................... 2,454 2,232
Premises and equipment, net................................. 41,738 38,431
Deferred income taxes, net.................................. 10,445 8,654
Other assets................................................ 7,965 7,396
---------- ----------
TOTAL.............................................. $4,260,857 $3,374,571
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Deposits.................................................. $2,636,695 $2,247,865
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase............ 1,179,073 729,968
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank...................... 120,000 70,000
Term notes................................................ 48,000 79,000
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance........... 1,776 1,694
Other liabilities......................................... 24,695 22,225
---------- ----------
Total liabilities.................................. 4,010,239 3,150,752
---------- ----------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock $1.00 par value per share (liquidation
preference $25 per share) authorized 20,000,000 shares;
7.25% non-cumulative, non-convertible monthly income
preferred stock, 1999 Series B -- issued and
outstanding 2,001,000 shares........................... 2,001 2,001
7.125% non-cumulative, convertible monthly income
preferred stock, 1998 Series A -- issued and
outstanding 1,219,000 shares........................... 1,219 1,219
Common stock -- $1.00 par value per share; authorized
300,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 41,501,700
shares in 2000 and 42,000,000 shares in 1999............ 41,502 42,000
Paid-in capital........................................... 95,313 99,596
Retained earnings:
Reserve fund............................................ 17,302 12,843
Undivided profits....................................... 93,241 67,218
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)............. 40 (1,058)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity......................... 250,618 223,819
---------- ----------
TOTAL.............................................. $4,260,857 $3,374,571
========== ==========


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

37
38

W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998



2000 1999 1998
-------- -------- --------

INTEREST INCOME:
Loans, including loan fees................................ $183,497 $151,398 $102,913
Investment securities..................................... 84,532 65,926 40,519
Mortgage-backed securities................................ 12,251 9,214 9,658
Money market instruments.................................. 10,171 6,173 4,068
Trading securities........................................ 136 276 288
-------- -------- --------
Total interest income.............................. 290,587 232,987 157,446
-------- -------- --------
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits.................................................. 127,640 90,554 57,733
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase............ 53,968 33,511 20,466
Term notes................................................ 3,609 3,932 4,870
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank...................... 6,920 2,809 1,239
-------- -------- --------
Total interest expense............................. 192,137 130,806 84,308
-------- -------- --------
NET INTEREST INCOME......................................... 98,450 102,181 73,138
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES................................... 8,700 14,000 6,000
-------- -------- --------
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES......... 89,750 88,181 67,138
-------- -------- --------
OTHER INCOME (LOSS):
Service charges on deposit accounts and other fees........ 14,440 11,872 11,439
Net gain (loss) on sales and valuation of loans,
securities, and other assets............................ (572) 367 405
Loss on settlement of pension plan........................ (1,690)
-------- -------- --------
Total other income, net............................ 13,868 12,239 10,154
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL NET INTEREST INCOME AND OTHER INCOME......... 103,618 100,420 77,292
-------- -------- --------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Salaries and employees' benefits.......................... 20,120 21,812 17,453
Equipment................................................. 8,695 6,833 5,401
Occupancy................................................. 4,997 4,930 4,354
Advertising............................................... 3,348 4,072 2,796
Printing, postage, stationery, and supplies............... 2,029 2,393 1,988
Telephone................................................. 1,620 1,800 1,538
Net gain from operations of foreclosed real estate held
for sale................................................ (236) (40) (90)
Other..................................................... 12,643 12,016 8,265
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses........................... 53,216 53,816 41,705
-------- -------- --------
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.................... 50,402 46,604 35,587
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES.................................. 5,814 9,480 6,892
-------- -------- --------
NET INCOME.................................................. $ 44,588 $ 37,124 $ 28,695
======== ======== ========
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS.............. $ 38,789 $ 32,817 $ 27,604
======== ======== ========
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:................ $ 0.93 $ 0.78 $ 0.66
======== ======== ========


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

38
39

W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998



2000 1999 1998
-------- -------- --------

CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock:
Balance at beginning of year............................ $ 3,220 $ 1,219 $ --
Issuance of preferred stock............................. 2,001 1,219
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year.................................. 3,220 3,220 1,219
-------- -------- --------
Common stock:
Balance at beginning of year............................ 42,000 42,080 48,593
Purchase and retirement of common stock................. (498) (80) (166)
Retirement of treasury stock............................ (6,347)
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year.................................. 41,502 42,000 42,080
-------- -------- --------
Paid-in capital:
Balance at beginning of year............................ 99,596 54,466 27,810
Treasury stock exchanged for land....................... 214
Purchase and retirement of common stock................. (4,283) (1,142) (2,262)
Retirement of treasury stock............................ 779
Issuance of preferred stock............................. 46,272 27,925
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year.................................. 95,313 99,596 54,466
-------- -------- --------
Reserve fund:
Balance at beginning of year............................ 12,843 9,131 6,261
Transfer from undivided profits......................... 4,459 3,712 2,870
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year.................................. 17,302 12,843 9,131
-------- -------- --------
Undivided profits:
Balance at beginning of year............................ 67,218 47,359 25,149
Net income.............................................. 44,588 37,124 28,695
Cash dividends on common stock.......................... (8,307) (9,246) (2,524)
Cash dividends on preferred stock....................... (5,799) (4,307) (1,091)
Transfer to reserve fund................................ (4,459) (3,712) (2,870)
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year.................................. 93,241 67,218 47,359
-------- -------- --------
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
Balance at beginning of year............................ (1,058) 28
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the year.......... 1,098 (1,086) 28
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year.................................. 40 (1,058) 28
-------- -------- --------
Common stock in treasury:
Balance at beginning of year............................ (5,579)
Treasury stock exchanged for land....................... 11
Retirement of treasury stock............................ 5,568
-------- -------- --------
Balance at end of year.................................. -- -- --
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.................................. $250,618 $223,819 $154,283
======== ======== ========
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Net income................................................ $ 44,588 $ 37,124 $ 28,695
-------- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:
Unrealized net gain (loss) on securities available for
sale arising during the year.......................... 676 (973) 34
Reclassification adjustment included in net income...... 422 (113) (6)
-------- -------- --------
Net change in fair value of securities available for sale,
net of taxes............................................ 1,098 (1,086) 28
-------- -------- --------
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.................................. $ 45,686 $ 36,038 $ 28,723
======== ======== ========


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

39
40

W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998



2000 1999 1998
----------- ----------- -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income................................................ $ 44,588 $ 37,124 $ 28,695
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Provision for:
Loan losses......................................... 8,700 14,000 6,000
Foreclosed real estate held for sale................ 20 15
Depreciation and amortization on:
Premises and equipment.............................. 6,377 5,341 3,920
Foreclosed real estate held for sale................ 57 85 86
Mortgage servicing rights........................... 347 320 146
Deferred income tax credit............................ (1,920) (4,326) (2,175)
Amortization of premium (discount) on:
Investment securities available for sale............ 9 7 67
Investment securities held to maturity.............. (12,021) (8,423) (4,778)
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity......... (63) 24 253
Loans............................................... 476 668 473
Amortization of excess of cost over net assets
acquired............................................ 63 355 656
Amortization of deferred loan origination fees and
costs............................................... (3,905) (4,728) (4,237)
Net loss (gain) on sale and in valuation of:
Investment securities available for sale............ 422 (113) (6)
Mortgage loans held for sale........................ (43) (74) 84
Loans............................................... 50 (15)
Foreclosed real estate held for sale................ (57) (20) (16)
Loss on settlement of pension plan.................... 1,690
Loss on impairment of assets.......................... 477
Originations of mortgage loans held for sale.......... (44,389) (63,812) (75,660)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans held for sale... 3,123
Decrease (increase) in:
Trading securities.................................. 37,417 67,970 71,475
Accrued interest receivable......................... (13,640) (9,858) (7,311)
Other assets........................................ (528) 2,284 (4,774)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accrued interest on deposits and borrowings......... 20,425 9,838 6,359
Other liabilities................................... (490) 2,712 (1,558)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities......... 44,968 49,439 19,851
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in interest-bearing deposits in banks........ (2,034) (1,484) (2,437)
Net increase in federal funds sold........................ (27,100) (16,400)
Net increase in securities purchased under agreements to
resell.................................................. (5,154) (29,443) (48,230)
Investment securities available for sale:
Purchases............................................... (9,889) (60,391) (40,566)
Proceeds from sales..................................... 3,552 55,297 25,266
Proceeds from principal repayment....................... 1,511 1,244 36
Investment securities held to maturity:
Purchases............................................... (2,426,084) (3,340,222) (3,139,897)
Proceeds from redemption and repayment.................. 2,033,788 3,027,764 2,880,991
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity:
Purchases............................................... (96,454) (17,502) (23,266)
Proceeds from principal repayment....................... 18,680 35,675 41,626
Loans receivable:
Purchases............................................... (261,829) (375,475) (260,418)
Proceeds from sales..................................... 20,051 6,580
Other increase.......................................... (77,817) (169,940) (323,603)


(Continued)

40
41
W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998



Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate held for
sale.................................................... $ 142 $ 587 $ 167
Additions to premises and equipment....................... (10,342) (10,024) (9,849)
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock.................. (17,000) (7,000) (1,500)
Purchase of SRG Net Inc., net of cash acquired............ (109) (709)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities............... (876,030) (887,372) (895,809)
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in deposits.................................. 374,693 549,325 641,664
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under
agreements to
repurchase.............................................. 16,293 123,212 (124,589)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase with
original maturities over three months:
Proceeds.............................................. 1,508,886 418,339 425,955
Payments.............................................. (1,076,074) (317,908) (76,791)
Term notes payments....................................... (31,000) (5,000) (28,000)
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank:
Proceeds................................................ 50,000 39,000 51,000
Payments................................................ (20,000)
Net increase in advances from borrowers for taxes and
insurance............................................... 82 198 450
Repurchase of common stock for retirement................. (4,781) (1,222) (2,427)
Issuance of preferred stocks.............................. 48,273 29,143
Dividends paid............................................ (16,773) (10,041) (5,427)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities........... 821,326 844,176 890,978
----------- ----------- -----------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS....................... (9,736) 6,243 15,020
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, BEGINNING OF YEAR.................. 55,672 49,429 34,409
----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, END OF YEAR........................ $ 45,936 $ 55,672 $ 49,429
=========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest on deposits and other borrowings............... $ 171,712 $ 120,968 $ 77,948
Income taxes............................................ 11,104 11,424 9,850
Noncash activities:
Accrued dividends payable............................... 935 3,602 90
Mortgage loans securitized and transferred to:
Trading securities.................................... 38,289 64,169 71,217
Investment securities available for sale.............. 4,181
Transfers from:
Loans to foreclosed real estate held for sale......... 569 291 1,233
Trading securities to mortgage-backed securities held
to maturity......................................... 1,004
Mortgage loans originated to finance the sale of
foreclosed real estate held for sale.................. 185 663 121
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights................... 454 837 962
Unpaid additions to premises and equipment.............. 80 739
Increase (decrease) in unrealized net gain (loss) on
investment securities available for sale, net of
taxes................................................. 1,098 (1,086) 28
Treasury stock exchanged for land....................... 225
Retirement of treasury stock............................ 5,568


(Concluded)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

41
42

W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

W Holding Company, Inc. (the "Company") is a financial holding company
offering a full range of financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Westernbank Puerto Rico ("Westernbank"). The Company was organized under the
laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in February 1999 to become the bank
holding company of Westernbank.

In July 2000, the Company became a financial holding company under the Bank
Holding Company Act. As a financial holding company, the Company is permitted to
engage in financial related activities, including insurance and securities
activities, provided that the Company and its banking subsidiary meet certain
regulatory standards. Up to December 31, 2000, the Company had no operations
other than those from its investment in Westernbank.

Westernbank, which was founded as a savings institution in 1958, is a
Puerto Rico-chartered commercial bank. Westernbank offers a full array of
consumer and business financial services, including banking and trust services.
Westernbank operates through 35 full service branch offices located throughout
Puerto Rico, primarily in the Southwestern portion of the island, and a fully
functional banking site on the Internet. In addition, it operates two divisions:
Westernbank International Division, which offers commercial banking and related
services outside of Puerto Rico and Westernbank Trust Division, which effective
September 2000 began offering a full array of trust services. In February 1998,
Westernbank acquired 80% of the voting shares of SRG Net, Inc., a Puerto Rico
corporation that operates an electronic funds transfer network. In March 1999,
Westernbank acquired the remaining 20% of the voting shares of SRG Net, Inc. The
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the subsidiary and the Westernbank
Trust Division at December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for the years then ended are
not significant.

The accounting and reporting policies of W Holding Company, Inc. conform to
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
("GAAP") and banking industry practices. Following is a summary of the Company's
most significant accounting policies:

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION -- The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Westernbank
Puerto Rico. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been
eliminated in consolidation.

USE OF ESTIMATES -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.

SIGNIFICANT GROUP CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK -- Most of the Company's
business activities are with customers located within Puerto Rico. Notes 2 and 3
discuss the types of securities that the Company invests in. Note 4 discuss the
types of lending that the Company engages in. The Company does not have any
significant concentration in any one industry or customer.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS -- For purpose of presentation in the
consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are those
amounts included in the statement of financial condition caption "cash and due
from banks".

INTEREST-BEARING DEPOSITS IN BANKS AND FEDERAL FUNDS
SOLD -- Interest-bearing deposits in banks and federal funds sold are recorded
at cost and mature within eight days at December 31, 2000.

TRADING SECURITIES -- Securities held principally for resale in the near
term are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair value. Gains and
losses on sales and changes in fair value of these securities are included in
current operating results.

42
43
W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES HELD TO MATURITY -- Investment securities for which
the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are carried
at cost, adjusted for premium amortization and discount accretion under the
interest method over the period to maturity.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE -- Investment securities available
for sale consist of securities not classified as trading securities nor as held
to maturity securities. These securities are reported at fair value with
unrealized holding gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a net amount in
other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on these securities are
determined using the specific identification method. Premium amortization and
discount accretion are recognized in interest income using the interest method
over the period to maturity.

MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR SALE -- Mortgage loans originated and intended for
sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair
value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation
allowance by charges to income. Realized gains or losses on these loans are
determined using the specific identification method.

LOANS -- Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the
foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their
outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance
for loan losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest
income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of
certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment
of the related loan yield using the interest method. Discounts and premiums on
purchased loans are amortized to income over the expected lives of the loans
using methods that approximate the interest method.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management's
opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due, but in
no event is it recognized after 90 days in arrears on payments of principal or
interest. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid interest is
reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash
payments are received.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES -- The allowance for loan losses is maintained at
a level, which, in management's judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses
inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on
management's evaluation of the collectibility of the loan portfolio, including
the nature and volume of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in
historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, and prevailing economic
conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates
that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes
available. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is
charged to expense and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Changes in the
allowance relating to impaired loans are charged or credited to the provision
for loan losses. Because of uncertainties inherent in the estimation process,
management's estimate of credit losses in the loan portfolio and the related
allowance may change in the near term.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and
events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled
payments of principal or interest when due accordingly to the contractual terms
of the agreement. The Company measures the impairment of a loan based on the
present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective
interest rate, or as a practical expedient, at the observable market price of
the loan or the fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral
dependent. Commercial business, commercial real estate and construction loans
exceeding $500,000 are individually evaluated for impairment. Other loans are
evaluated in homogeneous groups and are collectively evaluated for impairment.
Loans that are recorded at fair value or at the lower of cost or market are not
evaluated for impairment. Impaired loans for which the discounted cash flows,
collateral value or market price exceeds its carrying value do not require an
allowance. The allowance for impaired loans is part of the Company's overall
allowance for loan losses.

43
44
W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)

FORECLOSED REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE -- Foreclosed real estate held for
sale are carried at the lower of fair value minus estimated costs to sell or
cost.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT -- Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less
accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed under the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range
from two to 40 years.

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective
leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.
Costs of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the
respective assets are charged to expense as incurred.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS -- The Company periodically reviews
long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.

TRANSFER OF FINANCIAL ASSETS -- Transfer of financial assets are accounted
for as a sale, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over
transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been
isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of
conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or
exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective
control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them
before maturity.

MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS -- The Company recognizes as separate assets the
rights to service mortgage loans for others, regardless of how those servicing
rights are acquired and assesses the capitalized mortgage servicing rights for
impairment based on the fair value of those rights. Servicing assets are
evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to
amortized cost. Fair value is determined using prices for similar assets with
similar characteristics. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance
for an individual servicing right, to the extent that fair value is less than
the capitalized amount for that right.

The total cost of mortgage loans to be sold with servicing rights retained
is allocated to the mortgage servicing rights and the loans (without the
mortgage servicing rights), based on their relative fair values. Mortgage
servicing rights are amortized in proportion to, and over the period of,
estimated servicing income.

STOCK OPTION PLAN -- As further discussed in Note 17 to the consolidated
financial statements, the Company has two stock option plans. The Company
follows the intrinsic value-based method of accounting for measuring
compensation expense, if any. Compensation expense is generally recognized for
any excess of the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the measurement
date over the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock.

INCOME TAXES -- Deferred income taxes are accounted for using the asset and
liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the asset and liability
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and the respective tax bases
and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

- DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DESIGNATED AS HEDGES -- As part of
the Company's asset/ liability management, the Company uses
interest-rate contracts, which include interest-rate exchange
agreements (swaps), to hedge various exposures or to modify interest
rate characteris-

44
45
W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)

tics of various statement of financial condition accounts. Derivatives
that are used as part of the asset/liability management process are
linked to specific assets or liabilities and have high correlation
between the contract and the underlying item being hedged, both at the
inception and throughout the hedge period. The derivative instruments,
such as interest-rate swaps, that meet the preceding qualifications are
accounted for using the accrual method. Net interest income (expense)
resulting from the differential between exchanging floating and
fixed-rate interest payments is recorded on a current basis as an
adjustment to interest income or expense on the corresponding hedged
assets and liabilities. Any gains or losses on the sale or early
termination of swaps used in asset/liability management activities are
deferred and amortized into interest income or expense over the shorter
of the maturity period of the hedge item or the swap.

- OTHER DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- Those contracts, such as
interest rate options, that do not meet the hedging criteria above
are classified as trading activities and are recorded at fair value
with changes in fair value recorded in earnings.

- OTHER OFF-BALANCE SHEET INSTRUMENTS -- In the ordinary course of
business, the Company enters into off-balance sheet instruments
consisting of commitments to extend credit, commitments under credit
card arrangements and stand-by letters of credit. Such financial
instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are
funded or related fees are incurred or received. The Company
periodically evaluates the credit risks inherent in these
commitments and letters of credit, and establishes loss allowances
for such risks if and when these are deemed necessary.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- The following methods and
assumptions were used by the Company in estimating fair values of financial
instruments as disclosed in these financial statements:

- CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS -- The carrying amounts of cash and due from
banks approximate their fair value.

- MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS -- Money market instruments have been
valued at their carrying amount given the relatively short period of
time between origination of the instruments and their expected
realization.

- TRADING SECURITIES -- For securities held for trading purposes, fair
values are based on quoted market prices.

- INVESTMENT SECURITIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE AND HELD TO MATURITY -- The
fair values of investment securities available for sale and held to
maturity are estimated based on bid prices published in financial
newspapers or bid quotations received from securities dealers. If a
quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using
quoted market prices for similar securities.

- FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB) STOCK -- FHLB stock is valued at its
redemption value.

- LOANS -- Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with
similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such
as residential mortgage, commercial, consumer, credit cards and
other loans. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and
adjustable interest rate terms and by performing, nonperforming and
loans with payments in arrears.

The fair value of performing loans, except residential mortgages
and credit card loans, is calculated by discounting scheduled
cash flows through the estimated maturity dates using estimated
market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest rate
risk inherent in the loan. For performing residential mortgage
loans, fair value is computed using an estimated market rate
based on secondary market sources adjusted to reflect differences
in servicing and credit costs. For credit card loans, cash flows
and maturities are estimated based on contractual interest rates
and historical experience and are discounted using estimated
market rates.

45
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)

Fair value for significant nonperforming loans and certain loans
with payments in arrears is based on recent external appraisals.
If appraisals are not available, estimated cash flows are
discounted using a rate that is commensurate with the risk
associated with the estimated cash flows. Assumptions regarding
credit risk, cash flows, and discount rates are judgmentally
determined using available market information and specific
borrower information.

- MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS -- The carrying amount of mortgage
servicing rights, which is evaluated periodically for impairment,
approximates the fair value (fair value is estimated considering
prices for similar assets).

- DEPOSITS -- The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such
as passbook accounts, money market and checking accounts is equal to
the amount payable on demand. The fair value of fixed maturity
certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of
contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the
rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining
maturities.

- SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE, TERM NOTES AND
ADVANCES FROM FHLB -- The fair value of securities sold under
agreements to repurchase, term notes and advances from FHLB is based
on the discounted value using rates currently available to the
Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

- ACCRUED INTEREST -- The carrying amounts of accrued interest
approximate their fair values.

- INTEREST RATE SWAP AND INTEREST RATE OPTION CONTRACTS -- The fair
value of interest rate swap and interest rate option contracts was
obtained from dealer quotes. This value represents the estimated
amount the Company would receive or pay to terminate the contracts,
at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates
and the current creditworthiness of the contracts counterparties.

- COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT AND STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT -- The
fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of
credit are based on fees currently charged to enter into similar
agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the
agreements and the counterparties' credit standings.

The fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time based on
relevant market information and information about the financial instruments.
Because no market exists for a portion of the Company's financial instruments
(loans and financial liabilities), fair value estimates are based on judgments
regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk
characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These
estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of
significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision.

In addition, the fair value estimates are based on existing on and
off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value
of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are
not considered financial instruments such as premises and equipment and
goodwill. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the
unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value
estimates and have not been considered in the estimates.

EARNINGS PER SHARE -- Basic earnings per share represents income
attributable to common stockholders divided by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects
additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential
common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would
result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by
the Company relate to the outstanding convertible preferred stock, and are
determined using the if-converted method, and the outstanding stock options, and
which are determined using the treasury stock method. The effect of convertible
preferred stock (1,212,905 shares) was antidilutive thus basic equals diluted
earnings per common share in 2000, 1999 and 1998. In 2000, the options
46
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)
were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the
common stock average market price did not exceed the option exercise price.

Basic and diluted earnings per share were computed as follows:



2000 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

Basic and diluted earnings per share:
Net income.................................. $ 44,588 $ 37,124 $ 28,695
Less preferred stock dividends.............. (5,799) (4,307) (1,091)
----------- ----------- -----------
Income attributable to common
stockholders............................. $ 38,789 $ 32,817 $ 27,604
=========== =========== ===========
Weighted average number of common shares
outstanding for the year................. 41,630,259 42,012,116 42,096,038
=========== =========== ===========
Basic and diluted earnings per share........ $ 0.93 $ 0.78 $ 0.66
=========== =========== ===========


COMPREHENSIVE INCOME -- Comprehensive income is defined as the change in
equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other
events and circumstances, except those resulting from investments by owners and
distributions to owners. Accounting principles generally require that recognized
revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain
changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on
available for sale securities, are reported as a separate component of
stockholders' equity section of the statement of financial condition, such
items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

In December 1999, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission")
released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, REVENUE RECOGNITION IN FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS ("SAB 101"). SAB 101 provides guidance on the recognition,
presentation, and disclosure of revenue in financial statements filed with the
Commission. It does not change any of the accounting profession's existing rules
on revenue recognition. Instead, it draws upon existing rules and explains how
the staff applies those rules, by analogy, to other transactions that existing
rules do not specifically address. The recurring revenue recognition themes
found throughout the existing accounting rules are used in SAB 101 to provide
the criteria registrants must meet before revenue may be recognized.

SAB 101 provides a number of examples of how the staff applies these
criteria to specific fact patterns such as bill-and-hold transactions, up-front
fees when the seller has significant continuing involvement, long-term service
transactions, refundable membership fees, and contingent rental income. It also
addresses whether revenue should be presented on a fee or contingent basis or at
the full transaction amount when the seller is acting as a sales agent or
similar capacity. SAB 101 provides guidance on the disclosure registrants should
make about their revenue recognition policies and the impact of events and
trends on revenue. The adoption of SAB 101 did not have a significant effect on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement No. 133, ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVES INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
("SFAS 133"). SFAS 133 was amended by SFAS 138, ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND CERTAIN HEDGING ACTIVITIES ("SFAS 138") issued in
June 2000. SFAS 133 and SFAS 138 establish accounting and reporting standards
for derivative financial instruments and for hedging activities and require all
derivatives to be measured at fair value and to be recognized as either assets
or liabilities in the statement of financial condition. The Statements also
require that derivatives used in hedging activities to be designated into one of
the following categories: (a) fair value

47
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -- (CONTINUED)

hedge; (b) cash flow hedge; and (c) foreign currency exposure hedge. The changes
in fair value (that is, gains and losses) will be either recognized as part of
net income in the period when the change occurs or as a component of other
comprehensive income depending on their intended use and resulting designation.
For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, changes in fair value
will be recognized in net income in the period of change. SFAS 133 and SFAS 138
become effective on January 1, 2001. The effect of implementing these Statements
on the Company's financial condition and results of operations will be a
decrease in deposits, an increase in other liabilities and an increase in
accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, by $2,607,000, $2,472,000,
$135,000, respectively. There is no effect on results of operations from the
implementation of these Statements.

In September 2000, the FASB issued Statement No. 140, ACCOUNTING FOR
TRANSFERS AND SERVICING OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND EXTINGUISHMENTS OF LIABILITIES
("SFAS 140"). SFAS 140 revises the standards for accounting for securitizations
and other transfers of financial assets and collateral and requires certain
diclosures. SFAS 140 supersedes SFAS 125, although it retains most of SFAS 125's
provisions without modification. SFAS 140 is effective for transfers and
servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities occurring after
March 31, 2001 and is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's
consolidated financial statements. Disclosures regarding securitizations are
effective for all fiscal years ending after December 15, 2000 and are reflected
in Note 4.

RECLASSIFICATIONS -- Certain reclassifications have been made to prior
years financial statements to conform with the current year presentation.

2. SECURITIES PURCHASED UNDER AGREEMENTS TO RESELL:

The Company enters into purchases of securities under agreements to resell
the same securities. These agreements are classified as secured loans and are
reflected as assets in the consolidated statements of financial condition.

At December 31, 2000 and 1999, securities purchased under agreements to
resell (classified by counterparty) were as follows:



2000 1999
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Doral Securities, Inc....................................... $ 60,341 $ 60,059
PaineWebber Incorporated of Puerto Rico..................... 55,070 31,000
Popular Securities, Inc..................................... 10,398 9,796
Merill Lynch Financial Services of Puerto Rico, Inc......... 19,800
-------- --------
Total............................................. $125,809 $120,655
======== ========


48
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

2. SECURITIES PURCHASED UNDER AGREEMENTS TO RESELL -- (CONTINUED)

A comparative summary of securities purchased under agreements to resell as
of December 31, 2000 were as follows:



2000 1999
----------------------- -----------------------
FAIR FAIR
VALUE OF VALUE OF
RECEIVABLE UNDERLYING RECEIVABLE UNDERLYING
UNDERLYING COLLATERAL BALANCE COLLATERAL BALANCE COLLATERAL
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Investment securities:
U.S. Government and agencies
obligations............................ $ 48,076 $ 48,984 $ 25,100 $ 25,535
Mortgage-backed securities -- Guaranteed
by Government agencies................. 77,733 79,837 95,555 98,428
-------- -------- -------- --------
Total -- excluding accrued interest
receivable............................. $125,809 $128,821 $120,655 $123,963
======== ======== ======== ========
Accrued interest receivable on securities
purchased under agreements to resell... $ 82 $ 565
======== ========


The Company monitors the fair value of the underlying securities as
compared to the related receivable, including accrued interest, and requests
additional collateral where the fair value of the underlying collateral fall to
less than the collateral requirement. The collateral requirement is equal to 102
percent of the fair value of the underlying collateral. At December 31, 2000,
all repurchase agreements mature the next business day. Securities purchased
under agreements to resell are held in safekeeping, in the name of the Company,
by Citibank N.A., the Company's custodian, or are held by the counterparty if
the agreement is due the next business day.

Average outstanding balances and maximum month-end outstanding balances
during the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, and weighted average interest
rates for the year and at year end are indicated below:



2000 1999
---------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Monthly average outstanding balance......................... $123,240 $96,770
Maximum outstanding balance at any month-end................ 143,121 163,759
Weighted average interest rate:
For the year.............................................. 6.20% 5.25%
At year end............................................... 6.75 5.61


49
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES:

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of
investment securities at December 31, were as follows:



GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
DECEMBER 31, 2000 (IN THOUSANDS)

TRADING SECURITIES --
Mortgage-backed securities --
Government National Mortgage
Association (GNMA) certificates..... $ 2,146 $ 16 $ 1 $ 2,161
========== ====== ======= ==========
AVAILABLE FOR SALE --
Mortgage-backed securities --
GNMA certificates................... $ 27,735 $ 194 $ 123 $ 27,806
========== ====== ======= ==========
HELD TO MATURITY:
U.S. Government and agencies
obligations......................... $1,367,417 $ 707 $35,546 $1,332,578
Puerto Rico Government and agencies
obligations......................... 13,769 281 14,050
Other.................................. 86,414 688 2,557 84,545
---------- ------ ------- ----------
Total.......................... 1,467,600 1,676 38,103 1,431,173
---------- ------ ------- ----------
Mortgage and other asset-backed
securities:
Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (FHLMC)
certificates...................... 16,986 225 61 17,150
GNMA certificates................... 23,113 162 10 23,265
Fannie Mae (FNMA) certificates...... 12,705 154 11 12,848
Collateralized mortgage obligations
(CMO) certificates................ 66,184 423 124 66,483
Other............................... 70,099 754 69,345
---------- ------ ------- ----------
Total.......................... 189,087 964 960 189,091
---------- ------ ------- ----------
Total.......................... $1,656,687 $2,640 $39,063 $1,620,264
========== ====== ======= ==========




GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
DECEMBER 31, 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

TRADING SECURITIES --
Mortgage-backed securities --
GNMA certificates................... $ 1,251 $ 38 $ $ 1,289
========== ==== ======== ==========
AVAILABLE FOR SALE --
Mortgage-backed securities --
GNMA certificates................... $ 19,294 $ $ 767 $ 18,527
FNMA certificates................... 4,046 388 3,658
---------- ---- -------- ----------
Total.......................... $ 23,340 $ $ 1,155 $ 22,185
========== ==== ======== ==========


50
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)



GROSS GROSS
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
DECEMBER 31, 1999 ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

HELD TO MATURITY:
U.S. Government and agencies
obligations......................... $1,029,449 $ 6 $ 97,335 $ 932,120
Puerto Rico Government and agencies
obligations......................... 16,668 158 135 16,691
Other.................................. 17,166 1,101 16,065
---------- ---- -------- ----------
Total.......................... 1,063,283 164 98,571 964,876
========== ==== ======== ==========
Mortgage and other asset-backed
securities:
FHLMC............................... 20,594 100 644 20,050
GNMA certificates................... 27,637 360 179 27,818
FNMA certificates................... 14,736 37 453 14,320
CMO certificates.................... 28,107 5 722 27,390
Other............................... 20,175 283 19,892
---------- ---- -------- ----------
Total.......................... 111,249 502 2,281 109,470
---------- ---- -------- ----------
Total.......................... $1,174,532 $666 $100,852 $1,074,346
========== ==== ======== ==========


The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities held to maturity
at December 31, 2000, by contractual maturity (excluding mortgage-backed
securities), are shown below.



AMORTIZED FAIR
COST VALUE
---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Due within one year......................................... $ 70,954 $ 70,942
Due after one year through five years....................... 289,360 290,526
Due after five years through ten years...................... 92,702 93,049
Due after ten years......................................... 1,014,584 976,656
---------- ----------
Total............................................. 1,467,600 1,431,173
Mortgage and other asset-backed securities.................. 189,087 189,091
---------- ----------
Total............................................. $1,656,687 $1,620,264
========== ==========


Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale and the
respective gross realized gains and losses for the years ended December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998, were as follows:



2000 1999 1998
------ ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Available for sale:
Proceeds from sales....................................... $3,552 $55,297 $25,266
Gross realized gains...................................... 137 6
Gross realized losses..................................... 422 24


Unencumbered investment securities held to maturity at December 31, 2000,
amounted to $226,039,000 after taking into account the investment securities
pledged (Notes 7, 10 and 18), those sold under agreements to repurchase (Note
8), those pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank of $4,986,000, and those pledged
to the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (for the Westernbank International
Division) of $351,000.

The fair values of investment securities available for sale and held to
maturity are estimated based on bid quotations received from securities dealers.
The Company derives significant tax benefits by generating

51
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

3. INVESTMENT SECURITIES -- (CONTINUED)

nontaxable interest income on a substantial portion of these investments,
thereby reducing its effective income tax rate and, consequently, obtaining a
higher effective investment yield. The fair values determined as described above
do not reflect this tax advantage.

Nontaxable interest income on investments for the years ended December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998, amounted to $93,122,000, $72,012,000, and $46,605,000,
respectively. Nontaxable interest income relates mostly to interest earned on
government obligations of the United States and Puerto Rico, certain mortgage-
backed securities, and investments of the Westernbank International division.

4. LOANS:

The loan portfolio at December 31, consisted of the following:



2000 1999
---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

REAL ESTATE LOANS SECURED BY FIRST MORTGAGES:
One-to-four-family residences............................. $ 762,655 $ 680,675
Other properties.......................................... 1,845 2,388
Construction and land acquisition......................... 87,834 111,451
Loans to facilitate the sale of foreclosed real estate.... 747 757
Insured or guaranteed:
Federal Housing Administration, Farmers Home
Administration and Veterans Administration........... 16,342 21,251
Puerto Rico Housing Bank and Finance Agency............ 359 467
Commercial real estate.................................... 887,084 677,924
---------- ----------
Total..................................................... 1,756,866 1,494,913
---------- ----------
Plus (less):
Undisbursed portion of loans in process................ (5,963) (8,763)
Premium on loans purchased............................. 2,712 3,278
Deferred loan fees -- net.............................. (4,412) (4,807)
---------- ----------
Total..................................................... (7,663) (10,292)
---------- ----------
Real estate loans -- net............................... 1,749,203 1,484,621
---------- ----------
OTHER LOANS:
Commercial loans.......................................... 100,487 80,484
Loans on deposits......................................... 37,108 35,265
Credit cards.............................................. 35,556 35,306
Consumer loans............................................ 311,062 258,927
Less deferred loan fees -- net and unearned interest...... (828) (957)
---------- ----------
Other loans -- net........................................ 483,385 409,025
---------- ----------
TOTAL LOANS................................................. 2,232,588 1,893,646
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES................................... (28,928) (23,978)
---------- ----------
LOANS -- NET................................................ $2,203,660 $1,869,668
========== ==========


The Company originated commercial real estate loans during 2000 amounting
to $425,825,000, totalling $887,084,000 at December 31, 2000. In general,
commercial real estate loans are considered by management to be of somewhat
greater risk of uncollectibility due to the dependency on income production or
future development of the real estate. The commercial real estate loans are
principally collateralized by property dedicated to wholesale, retail and rental
business activities.

52
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

4. LOANS -- (CONTINUED)
The Company originates mortgage loans for portfolio investment or sale in
the secondary market. During the period of origination, mortgage loans are
designated as held for either sale or investment purposes. Mortgage loans held
for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on a net
aggregate basis. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, mortgage loans with a cost of
$4,640,000 and $2,083,000, respectively, were designated as held for sale.

The following table reflects the outstanding principal balance of
nonaccrual loans and the corresponding effect on earnings:



2000 1999 1998
------ ------ ------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Outstanding principal balance at end of year................ $9,690 $6,955 $7,782
====== ====== ======
Interest which would have been recorded if the loans had
been performing and not been classified as nonaccrual..... $ 979 $ 514 $1,027
====== ====== ======


Loans serviced for others are not included in the consolidated statements
of financial condition. At December 31, 2000 and 1999, the unpaid principal
balance of these loans amounted to $297,143,000 and $281,655,000, respectively.
Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting payments,
maintaining escrow accounts, disbursing payments to investors and foreclosure
processing. Loan servicing income includes servicing fees from investors and
certain charges collected from borrowers, such as late payment fees. In
connection with the loans serviced for others, the Company held borrowers'
escrow balances of $786,000 and $886,000 at December 31, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.

Mortgage servicing rights, included as other assets, amounted to
$2,085,000, $1,979,000 and $1,462,000 at December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. In 2000, 1999 and 1998, the Company capitalized mortgage servicing
rights amounting to $453,000, $837,000 and $962,000, respectively. Amortization
of mortgage servicing rights was $347,000, $320,000, and $146,000 in 2000, 1999,
and 1998, respectively. At December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, the carrying value
of mortgage servicing rights approximates fair value.

In the normal course of business, the Company engages in business
transactions with its directors, executive officers, principal shareholders and
organizations associated with them. Loans to related parties, mainly mortgage
loans for purchase of the principal residence, are substantially on the same
terms as loans to nonrelated parties. The aggregate amount of loans outstanding
to related parties at December 31, 2000 and 1999 totalled $614,000 and $354,000,
respectively.

Changes in the allowance for loan losses are summarized below:



2000 1999 1998
------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Balance -- at January 1.................................. $23,978 $15,800 $13,201
Provision charged to income.............................. 8,700 14,000 6,000
Recoveries credited to the allowance..................... 1,613 1,536 823
Write-off of uncollectible accounts...................... (5,363) (7,358) (4,224)
------- ------- -------
Balance -- at December 31................................ $28,928 $23,978 $15,800
======= ======= =======


The total investment in impaired commercial and construction loans at
December 31, 2000 and 1999 was $12,874,000 and $13,083,000, respectively. All
impaired commercial and construction loans were measured based on the fair value
of collateral at December 31, 2000 and 1999. Impaired commercial and
construction loans amounting to $8,040,000 and $8,136,000 at December 31, 2000
and 1999, respectively, were covered by a valuation allowance of $1,157,000 and
$1,268,000, respectively. Impaired commercial and construction loans amounting
to $4,834,000 and $4,947,000 at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively, did
not require a

53
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

4. LOANS -- (CONTINUED)

valuation allowance in accordance with SFAS 114. The average investment in
impaired commercial and construction loans during the years ended December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998, amounted to $11,873,000, $14,919,000 and $6,561,000,
respectively. The Company's policy is to recognize interest income related to
impaired loans on a cash basis, when they are over 90 days in arrears on
payments of principal or interest. Interest on impaired commercial and
construction loans collected and recognized as income during the years ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, amounted to $780,000, $1,470,000 and $242,000,
respectively.

5. FORECLOSED REAL ESTATE HELD FOR SALE:

Foreclosed real estate held for sale at December 31, consisted of the
following:



2000 1999 1998
------ ------ ------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Balance, foreclosed real estate held for sale:
Residential (1 - 4 units)................................. $ 90 $ 159 $ 598
Commercial................................................ 2,662 2,371 2,956
------ ------ ------
Total............................................. 2,752 2,530 3,554
Less valuation allowance.................................... 298 298 283
------ ------ ------
Foreclosed real estate held for sale -- net................. $2,454 $2,232 $3,271
====== ====== ======


6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:

Premises and equipment at December 31, consisted of the following:



2000 1999
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Land........................................................ $12,802 $10,850
Buildings and improvements.................................. 7,788 8,109
Furniture and equipment..................................... 23,761 25,751
Leasehold improvements...................................... 10,776 6,930
Construction in progress.................................... 2,196 3,455
------- -------
Total............................................. 57,323 55,095
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization.............. 15,585 16,664
------- -------
Total............................................. $41,738 $38,431
======= =======


54
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

7. DEPOSITS AND INTEREST EXPENSE:

Deposits at December 31, consisted of the following:



2000 1999
---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Noninterest bearings accounts............................... $ 120,559 $ 103,682
Passbook.................................................... 416,684 409,423
NOW accounts................................................ 92,737 78,844
Super NOW accounts.......................................... 18,284 18,830
Money market................................................ 6,360 7,726
Certificates of deposit..................................... 1,950,598 1,610,893
---------- ----------
Total............................................. 2,605,222 2,229,398
Accrued interest payable.................................... 31,473 18,467
---------- ----------
Total............................................. $2,636,695 $2,247,865
========== ==========


The weighted average interest rate of all deposits at December 31, 2000 and
1999, was approximately 5.52% and 4.93%, respectively. At December 31, 2000, the
aggregate amount of deposits in denominations of $100,000 or more was
$432,653,000 ($490,224,000 at December 31, 1999) including brokered deposits
($1,271,305,000 and $894,847,000 at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively).
Deposits of directors, executive officers, principal shareholders and
organizations associated with them amounted to $5,796,000 and $1,075,000 at
December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

At December 31, 2000, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit
are as follows:



YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, AMOUNT
------------------------ --------------
(IN THOUSANDS)

2001........................................................ $1,302,761
2002........................................................ 59,745
2003........................................................ 59,648
2004........................................................ 39,137
2005........................................................ 40,247
Thereafter.................................................. 449,060
----------
Total............................................. $1,950,598
==========


At December 31, 2000, the Company had pledged the following assets:

(1) Investment securities with a carrying value of $43,042,000 and
mortgage-backed securities with a carrying value of $16,700,000 to secure
public funds.

(2) Mortgage-backed securities with a carrying value of $124,000 as
bond requirement for individual retirement accounts.

A summary of interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31,
follows:



2000 1999 1998
-------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Passbook................................................ $ 12,491 $12,462 $11,336
NOW, Super NOW and Money Market accounts................ 3,185 3,103 2,462
Certificates of deposit................................. 111,964 74,989 43,935
-------- ------- -------
Total......................................... $127,640 $90,554 $57,733
======== ======= =======


55
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

8. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE:

The Company enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase
("reverse repurchase agreements"). Reverse repurchase agreements are classified
as secured borrowings and are reflected as a liability in the consolidated
statements of financial condition. During the period of such agreements, the
securities were delivered to the counterparties. The dealers may have sold,
loaned, or otherwise disposed of such securities to other parties in the normal
course of their operations, and have agreed to resell to the Company the same
securities at the maturities of the agreements. The Company may be required to
provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying
securities.

Reverse repurchase agreements at December 31, 2000 mature as follows:
within 30 days $104,851,000; in 2001 $65,374,000; in 2005 $164,650,000; and in
2010 $844,198,000. At December 31, 2000, with respect to reverse repurchase
agreements amounting to $532,848,000, excluding FHLB reverse repurchase
agreements (Note 10), the counterparties have the option to terminate the
agreements at the first anniversary date and each interest payment date
thereafter.

Reverse repurchase agreements at December 31, consisted of the following:



2000 1999
---------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Fixed rate............................................ $1,134,048 $684,943
Variable rate......................................... 45,025 45,025
---------- --------
Total....................................... $1,179,073 $729,968
========== ========


At December 31, 2000 and 1999, securities sold under agreements to
repurchase (classified by counterparty) were as follows:



2000 1999
-------------------------- -------------------------
FAIR VALUE FAIR VALUE
BORROWING OF UNDERLYING BORROWING OF UNDERLYING
BALANCE COLLATERAL BALANCE COLLATERAL
---------- ------------- --------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Lehman Brothers Inc. and affiliates............ $ 475,144 $ 511,086 $361,942 $370,843
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York............. 476,000 507,886 186,000 205,706
Merrill Lynch Government Securities Inc. and
affiliates................................... 89,380 96,576 62,243 63,534
PaineWebber Inc. and affiliates................ 69,214 74,908 22,400 22,804
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. and affiliates....... 50,000 54,378 60,623 58,702
The Conservation Trust Fund of Puerto Rico..... 15,000 15,467 15,000 14,493
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter..................... 4,335 4,545 17,865 18,046
Prudential Securities Incorporated............. 3,895 3,760
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Total................................ $1,179,073 $1,264,846 $729,968 $757,888
========== ========== ======== ========


56
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

8. SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE -- (CONTINUED)

Borrowings under reverse repurchase agreements at December 31, were
collateralized as follows:



2000 1999
----------------------- -----------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF VALUE OF VALUE OF VALUE OF
REVERSE REPURCHASE UNDERLYING UNDERLYING UNDERLYING UNDERLYING
AGREEMENTS COLLATERAL COLLATERAL COLLATERAL COLLATERAL
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

U.S. Government and agencies
obligations............................ $1,195,157 $1,164,678 $773,035 $699,933
Mortgage-backed securities............... 61,573 61,908 23,929 23,362
Mortgage-backed securities available for
sale................................... 23,402 23,534 19,294 18,528
Other investments........................ 17,170 14,726 17,166 16,065
---------- ---------- -------- --------
Total.......................... 1,297,302 $1,264,846 833,424 $757,888
========== ========
Accrued interest receivable of underlying
securities............................. 19,424 6,596
---------- --------
Total.......................... $1,316,726 $840,020
========== ========


Average outstanding balances and maximum month-end outstanding balances
during the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, and weighted average interest
rates for the year and at year-end are indicated below:



2000 1999
----------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Monthly average outstanding balance......................... $ 862,994 $669,005
Maximum outstanding balance at any month-end................ 1,179,073 744,155
Weighted average interest rate:
For the year.............................................. 6.18% 4.90%
At year end............................................... 6.10 5.26


9. LINES OF CREDIT:

As of December 31, 2000 and 1999, Westernbank had line of credit agreements
with two commercial banks permitting Westernbank to borrow a maximum aggregate
amount of $35,000,000 and $30,000,000, respectively, (there were no borrowings
during the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, under such lines of credit).
The agreements provide for unsecured advances to be used by Westernbank on an
overnight basis. Interest rate is negotiated at the time of the transaction. The
credit agreements are renewable annually.

57
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

10. TERM NOTES AND ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK:

Term notes and advances from Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) at December 31,
consisted of the following:



2000 1999
------------------- ------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
INTEREST INTEREST
AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE
-------- -------- ------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

TERM NOTES --
Variable rate notes (83% to 89% of
three month LIBID rate)........... $ 48,000 5.40% $79,000 5.11%
======== ==== ======= =====
ADVANCES FROM FHLB:
Variable rate convertible advances
(88% to 94% of three month LIBID
rate)............................. $ 64,000 $39,000
Fixed rate convertible advances
(5.69% to 6.66%).................. 56,000 31,000
-------- -------
Total advances from FHLB..... $120,000 6.30% $70,000 5.70%
======== ==== ======= =====


Term notes amounting to $40,000,000 are secured by irrevocable stand-by
letters of credit issued by a commercial bank (the "issuer") with credit values
amounting to $40,900,000. Under the letters of credit securities pledge
agreements, the Company has delivered to the issuer specific investment
securities having a fair value, determined monthly, of at least 105% of the face
amount of the letters of credit. At December 31, 2000, the carrying value of the
specific collateral held by the issuer consisted of investment securities of
$43,900,000.

Term notes amounting to $8,000,000 are secured by a pledge of certain
collateral pursuant to pledge agreements. Under the pledge agreements, the
Company has delivered to the note holders investments and mortgage-backed
securities having a fair value determined every two weeks of at least 105% of
the aggregate principal amount of the current notes outstanding. At December 31,
2000, the carrying value of the specific collateral held by the note holders
consisted of investment securities of $8,900,000.

Advances and reverse repurchase agreements (Note 8) are received from the
FHLB under an agreement whereby the Company is required to maintain a minimum
amount of qualifying collateral with a fair value of at least 110% and 105% of
the outstanding advances and reverse repurchase agreements, respectively. At
December 31, 2000, convertible advances were secured by interest-bearing
deposits in bank amounting to $2,500,000, investment securities amounting to
$7,275,000 and mortgage notes amounting to $166,147,000. At the advance's and
reverse repurchase agreement's first anniversary date and each quarter
thereafter, the FHLB has the option to convert them into replacement funding for
the same or a lesser principal amount based on any funding then offered by FHLB
at then current market rates, unless the interest rate has been predetermined
between FHLB and the Company. If the Company chooses not to replace the funding,
it will repay the convertible advance and reverse repurchase agreement,
including any accrued interest, on such optional conversion date.

58
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

10. TERM NOTES AND ADVANCES FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK -- (CONTINUED)

Term notes and advances from FHLB by contractual maturities at December 31,
2000, were as follows:



YEAR ENDING TERM ADVANCES
DECEMBER 31, NOTES FROM FHLB
------------ ------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)

2001.................................................... $ 5,000 $ 64,000
2002.................................................... 43,000
2005.................................................... 14,000
2010.................................................... 42,000
------- --------
Total......................................... $48,000 $120,000
======= ========


11. INCOME TAXES:

Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), all companies are
treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated
tax returns. The Company and Westernbank are subject to Puerto Rico regular
income tax or alternative minimum tax ("AMT") on income earned from all sources.
The AMT is payable if it exceeds regular income tax. The excess of AMT over
regular income tax paid in any one year may be used to offset regular income tax
in future years, subject to certain limitations.

The Code provides a dividend received deduction of 100%, on dividends
received from wholly owned subsidiaries subject to income taxation in Puerto
Rico. The income on certain investments is exempt for income tax purposes. Also,
activities relating to the Westernbank International division are exempt for
income tax purposes. As a result of the above, the Company's effective tax rate
is substantially below the statutory rate.

The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, consisted
of the following:



2000 1999 1998
------ ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Current........................................... $7,734 $13,806 $ 9,067
Deferred.......................................... (1,920) (4,326) (2,175)
------ ------- -------
Total................................... $5,814 $ 9,480 $ 6,892
====== ======= =======


A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes computed by applying the
Puerto Rico income tax statutory rate to the tax provision as reported for the
years ended December 31, is as follows:



2000 1999 1998
-------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Computed at Puerto Rico statutory rate.......... $ 19,657 $18,176 $13,879
Effect on provision of:
Exempt interest income, net................... (13,864) (9,794) (6,930)
Net nondeductible expenses (nontaxable
income).................................... 105 413 123
Other......................................... (84) 685 (180)
-------- ------- -------
Provision for income taxes as reported.......... $ 5,814 $ 9,480 $ 6,892
======== ======= =======


59
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

11. INCOME TAXES -- (CONTINUED)
Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) as of December 31, 2000 and 1999,
consisted of the following:



2000 1999
------- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Allowance for loan losses.................................. $11,282 $9,352
Loss carryforward relating to sale of securities........... 8 136
Allowance for foreclosed real estate held for sale......... 75 75
Mortgage servicing rights.................................. (813) (772)
Other temporary differences................................ (68) (98)
------- ------
Total............................................ 10,484 8,693
Less valuation allowance................................... 39 39
------- ------
Deferred income taxes, net................................. $10,445 $8,654
======= ======


Changes in the valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets were as
follows:



2000 1999 1998
---- ----- ----
(IN THOUSANDS)

Balance -- at January 1................................. $39 $ 635 $400
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance.............. (596) 235
--- ----- ----
Balance -- at December 31............................... $39 $ 39 $635
=== ===== ====


Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on generating sufficient
future taxable income. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered
realizable could be reduced in the near term if estimates of future taxable
income are not met.

12. NET GAIN (LOSS) ON SALES AND VALUATION OF LOANS, SECURITIES AND OTHER
ASSETS:

Net gain (loss) on sales and valuation of loans, securities and other
assets for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, consisted of the
following:



2000 1999 1998
----- ---- -----
(IN THOUSANDS)

Trading account securities, mainly relate to loans
securitized......................................... $(193) $227 $ 931
Investment securities available for sale.............. (422) 113 6
Mortgage loans held for sale.......................... 43 74 (84)
Loss on impairment of assets (Note 1)................. (477)
Other................................................. (47) 29
----- ---- -----
Total....................................... $(572) $367 $ 405
===== ==== =====


13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various outstanding
commitments and contingent liabilities that are not reflected in the
accompanying financial statements. In addition, the Company is a defendant in
certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In
the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, the ultimate
disposition of these matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial condition.

At December 31, 2000, the Company is obligated under noncancelable
operating leases for branch offices. Certain leases contain escalation clauses
providing for increased rental. Rent expense amounted to $1,834,000, $1,652,000,
and $1,507,000 for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.

60
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -- (CONTINUED)

The projected minimum rental payments under the leases with initial or
remaining terms of more than one year, without considering renewal options, and
expiring through 2039 are as follows:



MINIMUM
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, RENT
------------------------ --------------
(IN THOUSANDS)

2001........................................................ $ 1,432
2002........................................................ 1,057
2003........................................................ 655
2004........................................................ 559
2005........................................................ 391
Thereafter.................................................. 13,632
-------
Total............................................. $17,726
=======


See Note 18 for standby letters of credit.

14. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:

PENSION PLAN

The Company had a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan which
covered substantially all of its employees. The Plan generally provided pension
benefits that were based on the employee's years of service and average earnings
during the last five years of employment. An employee became vested at a
variable percentage upon completion of three to seven years of qualifying
service. The Company's funding policy was to contribute an amount not less than
the ERISA minimum funding requirement nor more than the maximum that would have
been deductible for tax purposes.

The Plan was terminated on December 18, 1998, to this effect the Plan
settled the projected benefit obligation ($5,788,000) through the purchase of
nonparticipating annuity contracts and lump sum payments. As a result, the
Company recognized a loss on settlement of pension plan of $1,690,000 ($932,000
increase in benefit obligation plus $758,000 unrecognized loss).

The Company established a retirement plan for directors who were not also
executive officers and who elected to retire after January 1, 1988. The Plan
generally provided pension benefits ranging from 80% to 100% of the Director's
average remuneration based on consecutive years of service (vesting started
after six years) and average earnings during the last five years (three years if
the Director has served longer than 25 years). On February 24, 1989, the Plan
was substantially amended to limit the pension benefits to only those directors
who were founders of the Company, had attained the age of 50 years and had
served for 25 consecutive years on the Board. The amended plan provides for
pension benefits equal to the Director's average remuneration during the last
three years of service. The other Directors (non-founders) by approving this
amendment waived and renounced their pension benefits under the Plan. The Plan
was unfunded as of December 31, 2000 and 1999. The accumulated benefit
obligation under this Plan is $218,000 and $249,000 as of December 31, 2000 and
1999, respectively.

PROFIT-SHARING AND DEFINED CONTRIBUTIONS PLANS

The Company has a non-contributory deferred profit-sharing plan, covering
substantially all of its employees, which provides for retirement and disability
benefits. The Company's contribution to the profit-sharing plan is discretionary
and is generally based on a formula related to net income. The Company's
contributions for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2000 -- $250,000;
1999 -- $753,000; 1998 -- $570,000.

61
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

14. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS -- (CONTINUED)

The Company has a defined contribution plan under Section 1165(e) of the
Puerto Rico Treasury Department Internal Revenue Code, covering all full-time
employees of the Company who have one year of service and are age twenty-one or
older. Under the provisions of this Plan, participants may contribute each year
from 2% to 10% of their compensation after deducting social security, up to a
specified maximum. The Company contributes 50 percent of the first 6 percent of
base compensation that a participant contributes to the Plan. Participants are
immediately vested in their contributions plus actual earnings thereon. The
Company's contributions plus actual earnings thereon are 100 percent vested
after five years of credited service. In case of death and disability, a
participant will be 100 percent vested regardless of the number of years of
credited service. The Company's contributions for the years ended December 31,
2000, 1999 and 1998, amounted to $236,000, $217,000 and $133,000, respectively.

15. MINIMUM REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS:

The Company is subject to examination, regulation and periodic reporting
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, which is administered by
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Westernbank is regulated
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and by the Office of the
Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico. Westernbank's deposits
are insured by the Savings Association Insurance Fund and by the Bank Insurance
Fund, which are administered by the FDIC, up to $100,000 per depositor.

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and Westernbank (the "Companies") are
subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal
banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate
certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators
that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Companies'
financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory
framework for prompt corrective action, the Companies must meet specific capital
guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities, and
certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting
practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to
qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and
other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank
holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy
require the Companies to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the
table below) of total and Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to
risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier I capital (as defined) to average
assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, that
the Companies met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2000, Westernbank qualifed as well capitalized
institution under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be
categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total
risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the
following table. At December 31, 2000, there are no conditions or events, that
management believes have changed Westernbank's category.

62
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

15. MINIMUM REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

The Companies' actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2000
and 1999 are also presented in the table below:



MINIMUM TO BE
MINIMUM WELL CAPITALIZED UNDER
CAPITAL PROMPT CORRECTIVE
ACTUAL REQUIREMENT ACTION PROVISIONS
-------------------- -------------------- ----------------------
AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO AMOUNT RATIO
-------- ----- -------- ----- --------- ------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2000:
Total Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets:
Consolidated.................... $279,275 11.73% $190,409 8% N/A N/A
Westernbank..................... 279,275 11.73 190,409 8 $238,012 10%
Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets:
Consolidated.................... $250,347 10.65% $ 94,048 4% N/A N/A
Westernbank..................... 250,347 10.65 94,048 4 $141,071 6%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets:
Consolidated.................... $250,347 6.02% $124,698 3% N/A N/A
Westernbank..................... 250,347 6.02 124,698 3 $207,830 5%
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999:
Total Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets:
Consolidated.................... $248,007 13.22% $150,063 8% N/A N/A
Westernbank..................... 248,007 13.22 150,063 8 $187,578 10%
Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets:
Consolidated.................... $224,553 12.12% $ 74,093 4% N/A N/A
Westernbank..................... 224,553 12.12 74,093 4 $111,140 6%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets:
Consolidated.................... $224,553 6.68% $100,887 3% N/A N/A
Westernbank..................... 224,553 6.68 100,887 3 $168,145 5%


Since the Company had no operations other than those resulting from its
investment in Westernbank, the consolidated actual capital amounts and ratios
equal those of Westernbank.

The Company's ability to pay dividends to its stockholders and other
activities can be restricted if its capital falls below levels established by
the Federal Reserve guidelines. In addition, any bank holding company whose
capital falls below levels specified in the guidelines can be required to
implement a plan to increase capital.

16. COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK TRANSACTIONS:

The Company in year 2000 and Westernbank in years 1999 and 1998 acquired
and retired shares of common stock as follows: $4,781,000 (498,300 shares) in
2000; $1,222,000 (80,309 shares) in 1999; and, $2,428,000 (165,674 shares) in
1998.

In 1998, Westernbank exchanged 12,163 shares in treasury for land amounting
$225,000. The remaining 6,346,901 shares in treasury were retired in December
1998.

On June 19, 1998, Westernbank's Board of Directors approved the issuance of
1,219,000 shares of 7.125% Non-cumulative, Convertible Monthly Income Preferred
Stock, 1998 Series A, with a liquidation preference of $25. The preferred shares
were issued on June 29, 1998, at a price of $25 per share. Proceeds from
issuance of preferred stock amounted to $29,143,000, net of $1,332,000 of
issuance costs. The preferred stock rank senior to Westernbank's common stock as
to dividends and liquidation rights. Each share is convertible, at the holder's
option, at any time on or after the 90th day following the issue date, into .995
shares of Westernbank's

63
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

16. COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCK TRANSACTIONS -- (CONTINUED)

common stock, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The per share
conversion ratio equates to a price of $25.125 per share of common stock.
Westernbank may redeem the preferred stock at any time at the following
redemption prices, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning July 1 of
the years indicated below, plus the accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, for
the then current dividend period to the date of redemption: in 2002 -- $26.00;
in 2003 -- $25.75; in 2004 -- $25.50; in 2005 -- $25.25; and in 2006 and
thereafter -- $25.00.

On April 29, 1999, Westernbank's Board of Directors approved the issuance
of 1,740,000 shares of 7.25% Non-cumulative, Non-convertible Monthly Income
Preferred Stock, 1999 Series B, with a liquidation preference of $25 per share.
The preferred shares were issued on May 29, 1999, at a price of $25 per share.
On June 2, 1999, Westernbank issued an additional 261,000 shares of this Series
B preferred stock. Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock amounted to
$48,273,000, net of $1,752,000 of issuance costs. The preferred stock rank
senior to the Company's common stock as to dividends and liquidation rights. The
Company may redeem the 1999 Series B preferred stock at any time at the
following redemption prices, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning
May 28 of the years indicated below, plus the accrued and unpaid dividends, if
any, for the then current dividend period to the date of redemption:
2004 -- $26.00; in 2005 -- $25.50; and in 2006 and thereafter -- $25.00.

17. STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS:

In June 1999, the Board of Directors approved the 1999 Qualified Stock
Option Plan (the "1999 Qualified Option Plan") and the 1999 Nonqualified Stock
Option Plan (the "1999 Nonqualified Option Plan"), for the benefit of employees
of the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans offer to key officers,
directors and employees an opportunity to purchase shares of the Company's
common stock. Under the 1999 Qualified Option Plan, options for up to 4,200,000
shares of common stock can be granted. Also, options for up to 4,200,000 shares
of common stock, reduced by any share issued under the 1999 Qualified Option
Plan can be granted under the 1999 Nonqualified Option Plan. The option price
for both is determined at the grant date. Both plans will remain in effect for a
term of 10 years. The Board of Directors has sole authority and absolute
discretion as to the number of stock options to be granted, their vesting
rights, and the options' exercise price. The Plans provide for a proportionate
adjustment in the exercise price and the number of shares that can be purchased
in the event of a stock split, reclassification of stock and a merger or a
reorganization. During 2000, the Company granted 2,295,000 options under the
1999 Qualified Stock Option Plan to eight officers and three employees, which
will become fully exercisable after five years following the grant date. The
option price is $10.00. None of these options were exercised in 2000.

As describe in Note 1, the Company follows the intrinsic value-based
method. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized. Had
compensation cost for the Company's stock option plans been determined based on
the fair value at the grant dates for awards under the plans consistent with the
method prescribed by FASB Statement No. 123, the Company's net income and
earnings per share would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated
below:



AS REPORTED PRO FORMA
----------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Net income............................................. $44,588 $43,837
======= =======
Basic and diluted earnings per share................... $ 0.93 $ 0.91
======= =======


The fair value of the options granted in year 2000 was $3.40 per option. It
was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
with the following weighted average assumptions: (1) the dividend yield was
2.42%; (2) the expected life was 7 years; (3) the expected volatility was
37.00%; and, (4) the risk-free interest rate was 6.15%. The weighted market
price of the stock at the grant date was $8.25.

64
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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

In the normal course of business, the Company becomes a party to financial
instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its
customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby
letters of credit and derivative financial instruments. These instruments
involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess
of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition.
The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of
involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.

COMMITMENTS TO EXTEND CREDIT AND STANDBY LETTERS OF CREDIT

The Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the
other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and
standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of
those instruments, which do not necessarily represent the amounts potentially
subject to risk. In addition, the measurement of the risks associated with these
instruments is meaningful only when all related and offsetting transactions are
identified. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and
conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Unless noted otherwise, the Company does not require collateral or other
security to support financial instruments with credit risk.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long
as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.
Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses
and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to
expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily
represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer's credit
worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed
necessary upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation
of the counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable,
inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income producing commercial
properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments to guarantee the
performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing
letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan
facilities to customers.

The contract amount of financial instruments whose amounts represent credit
risk at December 31, 2000 and 1999, was as follows:



2000 1999
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Commitments to extend credit:
Fixed rates........................................... $ 10,195 $ 15,302
Variable rates........................................ 133,141 159,328
Unused lines of credit:
Commercial............................................ 39,074 36,998
Credit cards and other................................ 57,191 45,856
Stand-by letters of credit.............................. 1,180 2,373


DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company utilizes various derivative instruments for trading purposes
and other than trading purposes such as asset/liability management. These
transactions involve both credit and market risk. The notional amounts are
amounts on which calculations and payments are based. Notional amounts do not
represent direct credit exposures. Direct credit exposure is limited to the net
difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any. The
actual risk of loss is the cost of replacing, at market, these contracts in the

65
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

event of default by the counterparties. The Company controls the credit risk of
its derivative financial instrument agreements through credit approvals, limits
and monitoring procedures.

The Company enters into interest-rate swap contracts in managing its
interest rate exposure. Interest-rate swap contracts generally involve the
exchange of fixed-and floating-rate interest-payment obligations without the
exchange of the underlying principal amounts. Entering into interest-rate swap
contracts involves not only the risk of dealing with counterparties and their
ability to meet the terms of the contracts, but also the interest rate risk
associated with unmatched positions. Interest rate swaps are the most common
type of derivative contract that the Company utilizes. An example of a situation
in which the Company would utilize an interest rate swap would be to convert its
fixed-rate certificates of deposit to a variable rate. By entering into the
swap, the principal amount of the certificates of deposit would remain unchanged
but the interest payment streams would change.

Interest rate options, which include caps, are contracts that transfer,
modify, or reduce interest rate risk in exchange for the payment of a premium
when the contract is initiated. The Company pays a premium for the right, but
not the obligation, to buy or sell a financial instrument at predetermined terms
in the future. The credit risk inherent in options is the risk that the exchange
party may default.

Derivatives instruments are generally negotiated over-the-counter ("OTC")
contracts. Negotiated OTC derivatives are generally entered into between two
counterparties that negotiate specific agreement terms, including the underlying
instrument, amount, exercise price and maturity.

Information pertaining to the notional amounts of the Company's derivative
financial instruments as of December 31, was as follows:



NOTIONAL AMOUNT
-----------------------
TYPE OF CONTRACT 2000 1999
---------------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

TRADING:
Interest rate swaps (unmatched portion)................... $ 14,240 $ 3,907
Caps...................................................... 100,000
-------- --------
Total............................................. $114,240 $ 3,907
======== ========
OTHER THAN TRADING:
Interest rate swaps used to hedge:
Fixed rate certificates of deposit..................... $730,739 $434,572
Variable rate:
Term notes............................................. 40,000 71,000
FHLB advance........................................... 50,000
-------- --------
Total............................................. $820,739 $505,572
======== ========


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

A summary of the types of swaps used and their terms at December 31,
follows:



2000 1999
-------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Pay floating/received fixed:
Notional amount........................................... $744,979 $438,479
Weighted average receive rate at year end................. 6.76% 6.38%
Weighted average pay rate at year end..................... 6.44% 5.33%
Floating rate in percentage of three month LIBOR, plus a
spread ranging from minus .22% to plus .25%............ 100% 100%




2000 1999
----------- ------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

Pay fixed/receive floating:
Notional amount........................................... $ 90,000 $ 71,000
Weighted average receive rate at year end................. 5.65% 4.47%
Weighted average pay rate at year end..................... 5.32% 4.62%
Floating rate in percentage of three month LIBOR, minus
.10%................................................... 85% to 100% 85% to 86.5%


The changes in notional amount of swaps outstanding during the years ended
December 31, follows:



2000 1999
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Beginning balance........................................... $509,479 $289,293
New swaps................................................... 356,500 220,186
Matured swaps............................................... (31,000)
-------- --------
Ending balance.............................................. $834,979 $509,479
======== ========


At December 31, 2000, the interest rate swap and cap agreements maturities
by year were as follows:



YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, SWAPS CAP
------------ -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

2001........................................................ $264,000
2002........................................................ 50,000 $100,000
2003........................................................ 35,000
2005 and thereafter......................................... 485,979
-------- --------
Total............................................. $834,979 $100,000
======== ========


Swap agreements amounting to $515,979,000, provide the counterparties the
option to cancel the swap agreement on any interest payment date (matching the
call options that the Company has on the hedged certificates of deposit).

At December 31, 2000, the carrying value of the specific collateral held by
the counterparties consisted of investments of $31,470,000.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

18. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at
December 31, were as follows:



2000 1999
----------------------- -----------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

FINANCIAL ASSETS:
Cash and due from banks..................... $ 45,936 $ 45,936 $ 55,672 $ 55,672
Securities purchased under agreements to
resell................................... 125,809 125,809 120,655 120,655
Federal funds sold.......................... 43,500 43,500 16,400 16,400
Interest-bearing deposits in banks.......... 11,305 11,305 9,271 9,271
Trading securities.......................... 2,161 2,161 1,289 1,289
Investment securities available for sale.... 27,806 27,806 22,185 22,185
Investment securities held to maturity...... 1,656,687 1,620,264 1,174,532 1,074,346
Mortgage loans held for sale................ 4,640 4,695 2,074 2,074
Loans (excluding allowance for loan
losses).................................. 2,232,588 2,236,855 1,893,646 1,888,216
Accrued interest receivable................. 46,951 46,951 33,312 33,312
Federal Home Loan Bank stock................ 29,800 29,800 12,800 12,800
Mortgage servicing rights................... 2,085 2,085 1,979 1,979
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing..................... 120,559 120,559 103,682 103,682
Interest bearing......................... 2,484,663 2,491,001 2,125,716 2,110,424
Securities sold under agreements to
repurchase............................... 1,179,073 1,183,400 729,968 729,281
Term notes.................................. 48,000 47,495 79,000 77,801
Advances from FHLB.......................... 120,000 120,020 70,000 69,561
Accrued interest payable.................... 44,473 44,473 24,047 24,047
Other....................................... 1,776 1,776 1,694 1,694




2000 1999
-------------------- ----------------------
CONTRACT OR CONTRACT OR
NOTIONAL FAIR NOTIONAL FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
----------- ------ ----------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ITEMS ASSETS:
Interest rate swaps in a net receivable position... $419,000 $5,622 $71,000 $ 1,136
(LIABILITIES):
Commitments to extend credit....................... 143,336 (1,071) 174,630 (856)
Unused lines of credit:
Commercial...................................... 39,074 (154) 36,998 (28)
Credit cards and other.......................... 57,191 (205) 45,856 (157)
Stand-by letters of credit......................... 1,180 (12) 2,373 (24)
Interest rate swaps in a net payable position...... 415,979 (8,375) 438,479 (25,026)


19. RESERVE FUND:

The Banking Law of Puerto Rico requires that a reserve fund be established
and that annual transfers of at least 10% of net income be made, until such
reserve fund equals 10% of total deposits or total paid-in

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

19. RESERVE FUND -- (CONTINUED)

capital, whichever is greater. Such transfers restrict the retained earnings,
which would otherwise be available for dividends.

20. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations
(in thousands except for per share data):



2000 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
---- -------- ------- -------- -------

Total interest income................................... $65,766 $67,804 $74,607 $82,410
Total interest expense.................................. 41,061 43,728 51,063 56,285
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income..................................... 24,705 24,076 23,544 26,125
Provision for loan losses............................... 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,700
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses..... 22,705 22,076 21,544 23,425
Total other income, net................................. 3,229 3,011 3,753 3,875
Total operating expenses................................ 13,323 12,559 11,559 15,775
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes.............................. 12,611 12,528 13,738 11,525
Provision for income taxes.............................. 2,046 1,331 1,986 451
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income.............................................. $10,565 $11,197 $11,752 $11,074
======= ======= ======= =======
Basic and diluted earnings per common share............. $ 0.22 $ 0.23 $ 0.25 $ 0.23
======= ======= ======= =======




1999 MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPT. 30 DEC. 31
---- -------- ------- -------- -------

Total interest income................................... $49,415 $55,754 $61,238 $66,580
Total interest expense.................................. 27,163 30,582 34,702 38,359
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income..................................... 22,252 25,172 26,536 28,221
Provision for loan losses............................... 1,500 2,000 3,000 7,500
------- ------- ------- -------
Net interest income after provision for loan losses..... 20,752 23,172 23,536 20,721
Total other income, net................................. 3,175 2,781 2,718 3,565
Total operating expenses................................ 12,556 14,054 13,926 13,280
------- ------- ------- -------
Income before income taxes.............................. 11,371 11,899 12,328 11,006
Provision for income taxes.............................. 2,356 2,320 2,296 2,508
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income.............................................. $ 9,015 $ 9,579 $10,032 $ 8,498
======= ======= ======= =======
Basic and diluted earnings per common share............. $ 0.20 $ 0.21 $ 0.20 $ 0.17
======= ======= ======= =======


21. SEGMENT INFORMATION:

The Company's management monitors and manages the financial performance of
two primary business segments, the operations of Westernbank in Puerto Rico and
those of the division known as Westernbank International. The accounting
policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on net
income or loss. Intersegment sales and transfers, if any, are accounted for as
if the sales or transfers were to third parties, that is, at current market
prices.

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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

21. SEGMENT INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)
The financial information presented below was derived from the internal
management accounting system and are based on internal management accounting
policies. The information presented does not necessarily represent each
segment's financial condition and results of operations as if they were
independent entities.



AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2000
-------------------------------------------
IN PUERTO RICO INTERNATIONAL TOTAL
-------------- ------------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Interest income......................... $ 245,608 $ 44,979 $ 290,587
Interest expense........................ 167,040 25,097 192,137
---------- -------- ----------
Net interest income..................... 78,568 19,882 98,450
Provision for loan losses............... (8,700) (8,700)
Other income, net....................... 13,839 19 13,858
Intersegment revenue.................... 266 266
Intersegment expense.................... (266) (266)
Equity in loss of subsidiary............ (219) (219)
Operating expenses...................... (52,424) (190) (52,614)
Provision for income taxes.............. (5,813) (5,813)
---------- -------- ----------
Net income.............................. $ 24,985 $ 19,977 $ 44,962
========== ======== ==========
Total assets............................ $3,344,581 $916,815 $4,261,396
========== ======== ==========




AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1999
-------------------------------------------
IN PUERTO RICO INTERNATIONAL TOTAL
-------------- ------------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Interest income......................... $ 202,290 $ 30,697 $ 232,987
Interest expense........................ 108,274 22,532 130,806
---------- -------- ----------
Net interest income..................... 94,016 8,165 102,181
Provision for loan losses............... (14,000) (14,000)
Other income, net....................... 12,154 84 12,238
Intersegment revenue.................... 116 116
Intersegment expense.................... (116) (116)
Equity in loss of subsidiary............ (395) (395)
Operating expenses...................... (53,217) (203) (53,420)
Provision for income taxes.............. (9,480) (9,480)
---------- -------- ----------
Net income.............................. $ 29,194 $ 7,930 $ 37,124
========== ======== ==========
Total assets............................ $2,903,174 $471,608 $3,374,782
========== ======== ==========


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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

21. SEGMENT INFORMATION -- (CONTINUED)



AS OF AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998
-------------------------------------------
IN PUERTO RICO INTERNATIONAL TOTAL
-------------- ------------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Interest income......................... $ 141,210 $ 16,265 $ 157,475
Interest expense........................ 71,929 12,379 84,308
---------- -------- ----------
Net interest income..................... 69,281 3,886 73,167
Provision for loan losses............... (6,000) (6,000)
Other income............................ 10,134 23 10,157
Intersegment revenue.................... 58 58
Intersegment expense.................... (58) (58)
Equity in loss of subsidiary............ (470) (470)
Operating expenses...................... (40,979) (196) (41,175)
Provision for income taxes.............. (6,891) (6,891)
---------- -------- ----------
Net income.............................. $ 25,017 $ 3,771 $ 28,788
========== ======== ==========
Total assets............................ $2,121,911 $359,074 $2,480,985
========== ======== ==========




2000 1999 1998
---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)

Interest income:
Reportable segments.................... $ 290,587 $ 232,987 $ 157,475
Less eliminations...................... (29)
---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated interest income........... $ 290,587 $ 232,987 $ 157,446
========== ========== ==========
Net income:
Reportable segments.................... $ 44,962 $ 37,124 $ 28,788
All other.............................. 43,995 1,173 (588)
---------- ---------- ----------
Total.................................... 88,957 38,297 28,200
Plus (less) eliminations............... (44,369) (1,173) 495
---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated net income................ $ 44,588 $ 37,124 $ 28,695
========== ========== ==========
Total assets:
Reportable segments.................... $4,261,396 $3,374,782 $2,480,985
All other.............................. 253,312 228,499 1,533
---------- ---------- ----------
Total.................................... 4,514,708 3,603,281 2,482,518
Less eliminations...................... (253,851) (228,710) (1,342)
---------- ---------- ----------
Consolidated total assets.............. $4,260,857 $3,374,571 $2,481,176
========== ========== ==========


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

Not applicable.

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72

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY

The table below sets forth the following information with regard to the
Board of Directors of the Company: the names, ages as of December 31, 2000, the
periods during which that person served as a director of the Company and the
positions currently held with the Company.



EXPIRATION
NAME AGE OF TERM DIRECTOR SINCE POSITIONS HELD WITH THE COMPANY
---- --- ---------- -------------- -------------------------------

Pedro R. Dominguez............. 56 2001 1992 Director and First Vice
President -- Southern Region
Cesar A. Ruiz.................. 66 2002 1972 Director
Fredeswinda G. Frontera........ 68 2002 1981 Director
Cornelius Tamboer.............. 57 2002 1989 Director
Frank C. Stipes, Esq........... 45 2003 1990 Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President
Angel Luis Rosas, CPA*......... 66 2003 1990 Director


- ---------------

* Director Rosas has indicated his intent to retire on March 31, 2001.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Provided below is a brief description of the principal occupation for at
least the past five years of each of the Company's directors.

Pedro R. Dominguez has served as a director of the Company since 1999 and
of Westernbank Puerto Rico since 1992. He is also the First Vice President for
the Southern Area.

Fredeswinda G. Frontera is a retired psychologist who has been a director
of the Company since 1999 and of Westernbank Puerto Rico since 1981. Ms.
Frontera is Mr. Stipes' aunt.

Angel Luis Rosas, CPA has been a director of the Company since 1999 and of
Westernbank Puerto Rico since 1990. He is a certified public accountant, private
investor, developer and was President of the Puerto Rico Housing Bank and
Finance Authority from 1974 to 1976, and Commissioner of Financial Institutions
from 1986 to 1989. In addition, Mr. Rosas is a professor and former Dean of
Business Administration at the University of Puerto Rico.

Cesar A. Ruiz is a retired banker who has been a director of the Company
since 1999 and of Westernbank Puerto Rico since 1972.

Frank C. Stipes, Esq. has been the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive
Officer and President of the Company since 1999 and of Westernbank Puerto Rico
since 1992. He served as Executive Vice President from 1998 to 1992 and as
General Legal Counsel of the Company from 1981 to 1988.

Cornelius Tamboer is the sole proprietor Industrial Contractor/Prota
Construction, S.E. He has been a director of the Company since 1999 and of
Westernbank Puerto Rico since 1989.

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73

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

The following information is supplied with respect to the executive
officers of the Company who do not serve on the Company's Board of Directors.
There are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any of these
executive officers were selected as an officer. None of the executive officers
shown below is related to any other director or executive officer of the Company
by blood, marriage or adoption. The following table shows information regarding
the executive officers at December 31, 2000.



OFFICER OF THE
AGE AS OF COMPANY OR
DECEMBER 31, WESTERNBANK POSITIONS HELD WITH
NAME 2000 SINCE THE COMPANY AND WESTERNBANK
---- ------------ -------------- ---------------------------------

Freddy Maldonado..................... 50 1992 Vice President of Finance and
Investment and Chief Financial
Officer
Ricardo Hernandez.................... 42 2000 Vice President Controller
Andres Morgado....................... 42 2000 President Trust Division
William Vidal........................ 47 2000 First Vice President North Region


Provided below is a brief description of the principal occupation for at
least the past five years of each of the Company's executive officers other than
Mr. Stipes, whose biographical information is included with that of the
directors.

Freddy Maldonado -- Mr. Maldonado has been the Vice President of Finance
and Investment and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since 1999 and of
Westernbank Puerto Rico since March 1992. He served as Executive Vice President
of Finance and Investment and Chief Financial Officer at Ponce Federal Bank,
F.S.B. from 1978 to 1992. Prior to that, Mr. Maldonado served as supervisory
senior accountant at KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.

Ricardo Hernandez -- Mr. Hernandez joined the Company on March 1, 2000 as
Vice President Controller. He previously served as President and CEO of Hospital
Dr. Pila from 1992 to 2000. Prior thereto, he served as a Senior Manager at
Deloitte & Touche LLP from 1980 to 1992.

Andres Morgado -- Mr. Morgado joined the Company on August 21, 2000 as
President Trust Division. He previously served as Executive Vice President of
Oriental Financial Group from 1990 to 2000. Prior thereto, he served as Chief
Operating Officer and Trust Officer of Commercial Trust Company, Inc. from June
1988 to February 1990; Vice President Investments of Drexel Burnham Lambert
Puerto Rico from April 1987 to June 1988; and Tax Manager at Deloitte & Touche
LLP from 1979 to 1987.

William Vidal, Esq. -- Mr. Vidal joined the Company on June 26, 2000 as
First Vice President of North Region. He previously had a sole-practitioner law
firm from 1978 to 2000 and served as General Legal Counselor of the Company from
1985 to 2000.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16 (a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that the
Company's directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten
percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, file initial
reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock other
equity securities of the Company with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater
than ten percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

73
74

The table below shows the officers and directors who during 2000
inadvertently filed overdue Section 16(a) reports covering the following number
of transactions in the Company's securities:



NAME LATE REPORTS TRANSACTIONS
---- ------------ ------------

Angel Luis Rosas..................... 1 1
Cornelius Tamboer.................... 1 1
Fredeswinda Garcia................... 1 1


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE



LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION AWARDS
------------------------------------- ------------
OTHER SECURITIES
NAME AND ANNUAL UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY (1) BONUS (2) COMPENSATION OPTIONS COMPENSATION (7)
------------------ ---- ---------- --------- ------------ ------------ ----------------

Frank C. Stipes, Esq................... 2000 $292,500 $872,500 $ 50,952(3) 1,260,000 $17,622
Chairman of the Board, Chief 1999 241,500 722,500 -- -- 27,508
Executive Officer and President 1998 178,500 616,667 -- -- 23,275
Freddy Maldonado,...................... 2000 244,833 298,833 -- 630,000 16,370
Chief Financial Officer, 1999 189,192 258,833 -- -- 13,751
Vice President of Finance
and Investment 1998 135,000 252,500 -- -- 22,107
Pedro R. Dominguez,.................... 2000 147,353 255,583 50,000(4) 210,000 8,684
First Vice President -- 1999 117,769 220,583 65,169(4) -- 13,779
Southern Region 1998 89,000 220,417 42,494(4) -- 18,381
Ricardo Hernandez,..................... 2000 115,681 260,308 30,184(5) 50,000 --
Vice President Comptroller
Andres Morgado......................... 2000 73,808 100,000 180,565(6) 50,000 --
President Trust Division


- ---------------
(1) Includes amounts deferred by the individual pursuant to the Company's
1165(e) Plan.

(2) Includes a special performance bonus granted at year end and the Christmas
Bonus that is granted under Puerto Rico legislation. The Company has
normally granted one month of salary as Christmas Bonus.

(3) Includes a $32,500 allowance attributable to business relationships and
representation expenses. In addition includes certain expenses attributable
to the use of an automobile owned by the Company.

(4) Includes a $26,000, $20,500 and $12,000 allowance attributable to business
relationships and representation expenses, and a $24,000 living allowance
for the years 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

(5) Includes a $20,462 allowance attributable to business relationships and
representation expenses. In addition includes certain expenses attributable
to the use of an automobile owned by the Company.

(6) Includes a $17,565 allowance attributable to business relationships and
representation expenses. In addition includes $163,000 for a three year
non-compete agreement.

(7) Represents employer contribution corresponding to the named person for the
profit sharing/1165(e) plan; which covers substantially all employees and
provides for retirement and disability benefits.

74
75

STOCK OPTION GRANTS

OPTION GRANTS

The following table contains information concerning the stock options
granted to the named executive officers during fiscal year 2000. None of these
options were exercised in 2000.

OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR



INDIVIDUAL GRANTS GRANT DATE VALUE
------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
NUMBER % OF
OF SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OR
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES BASE PRICE EXPIRATION GRANT DATE
NAME GRANTED (1) IN FISCAL YEAR (%) ($/SHARE) DATE PRESENT VALUE (2)
---- ------------- ------------------ ----------- ---------- ----------------------------

Frank C. Stipes,
Esq.................. 1,260,000 54.9% $10 1/28/10 $3,458,000
Freddy Maldonado....... 630,000 27.4% 10 1/28/10 1,729,000
Pedro Dominguez........ 210,000 9.2% 10 1/28/10 576,000
Ricardo Hernandez...... 20,000 0.9% 10 3/24/10 55,000
30,000 1.3% 10 6/30/10 82,000
William Vidal.......... 50,000 2.2% 10 6/30/10 137,000
Andres Morgado......... 50,000 2.2% 10 6/30/10 137,000
All other employees as
a group.............. 45,500 1.9% 10 11/17/10 149,000
--------- ----- ----------
Total........ 2,295,500 100.0% $6,323,000
========= ===== ==========


- ---------------
(1) The options are vested 20% per year and will be 100% vested at the end of
the five year period. In the event the Company shall consolidate with,
merger into, or transfer all or substantially all of its assets to another
corporation, then all options granted under these Plans shall become
immediately exercisable. The option exercise price is not adjustable over
the 10-year term of the options except due to stock splits and similar
occurrences affecting all outstanding stock.

(2) Estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model
with the following weighted average assumptions: (1) the dividend yield was
2.42%; (2) the expected life was 7 years; (3) the expected volatility was
37.00%; and, (4) the risk-free interest rate was 6.15%. The weighted market
price of the stock at the grant date was $8.25.

OPTION REPRICING

The following table contains information concerning stock options of named
executive officers repriced during 2000. An explanation of the repricing is set
forth below in "Report On Executive Compensation."

TEN-YEAR OPTION REPRICINGS



NUMBER OF MARKET
SECURITIES PRICE OF EXERCISE LENGTH OF ORIGINAL
UNDERLYING STOCK AT PRICE AT OPTION TERM
OPTIONS TIME OF TIME OF NEW REMAINING AT DATE
REPRICING REPRICED OR REPRICING OR REPRICING OR EXERCISE OF REPRICING OR
NAME DATE AMENDED AMENDMENT AMENDMENT PRICE AMENDMENT
---- --------- ----------- ------------ ------------ -------- ------------------

Frank C. Stipes, Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President... 6/30/00 1,260,000 $8.25 $13 $10 9.42 years
Freddy Maldonado, Chief Financial Officer
and Vice President of Finance and
Investments............................. 6/30/00 630,000 8.25 13 10 9.42 years
Pedro Dominguez, Vice President for the
Southern Area........................... 6/30/00 210,000 8.25 13 10 9.42 years
Ricardo Hernandez, Vice President
Controller.............................. 6/30/00 20,000 8.25 13 10 9.75 years
---------
2,120,000
=========


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W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. BOARD MEETINGS, COMMITTEES AND COMPENSATION

The Board of Directors of the Company meets once each year; while
Westernbank's Board of Directors meets on a monthly basis. In addition, the
Board has several committees, including those described below. All of the
directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of Board
meetings held during calendar year 2000, and the total number of meetings held
by committees on which he or she served during this year. The fees of the Board
of Directors, except for directors who are also officers of the Company or who
receive benefits from any retirement plan, amounted to $24,000 each in 2000,
payable in monthly installments of $2,000.

Mr. Cesar Ruiz, Director, receives a $560 fee per Board of Directors
meeting attended. During 2000, he received Board of Directors fees amounting to
$6,720, corresponding to 11 Board of Directors meetings attended.

Mr. Angel Luis Rosas, Director, in addition to the director fee, receives
$1,000 per month as a consultant and advisor and $500 per month for car
allowance. During 2000, Mr. Rosas received $18,000 corresponding to those
services.

In addition to fees for attendance at Board and committee meetings,
directors who are not employees of the Company, are eligible for health and
insurance benefits.

The Board has no formal nominating committee. The full Board of Directors
performs the functions normally corresponding to such a committee.

The Executive Committee is authorized to exercise the authority of the
Board of Directors in the management of the Company. The members of the
Executive Committee are Messrs. Frank C. Stipes, Cesar A. Ruiz, Cornelius
Tamboer and Angel Luis Rosas. The Executive Committee did not meet during 2000.

The functions of the Audit Committee include reviewing the accounting
principles and practices employed by the Company and reviewing compliance with
applicable laws and regulations. The Committee meets with the Company's
independent external auditors to discuss their audit procedures, the report on
their examination of the Company's financial statements, and their comments on
the system of internal controls. Also, the Committee oversees the internal audit
function and reviews the reports prepared by the Internal Audit Department on
their examinations of the operating and business units and for any other special
examinations that may be required. The Committee members are Mrs. Fredeswinda G.
Frontera, Messrs. Angel Luis Rosas and Cornelius Tamboer. The Audit Committee
met 10 times in 2000.

The Investment Committee is responsible for the Company's asset/liability
oversight. Through policies designed to manage the flow of funds and the use and
pricing of such funds, the Investment Committee supervises the Department's
responsibility of maintaining an acceptable interest rate spread, while assuring
that the Company complies with all applicable investment and liquidity
requirements. The Investment Committee is composed of the entire Board of
Directors and the Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Freddy Maldonado. The Investment
Committee met 12 times in 2000.

The Commercial Credit Committee is responsible for the Company's commercial
lending policies and procedures. It also approves loans from $250,000 to
$1,000,000. Loans in excess of $1,000,000 are reviewed by the full Board of
Directors. The members of the Commercial Credit Committee are Messrs. Frank C.
Stipes, Angel Luis Rosas, Cornelius Tamboer, Pedro R. Dominguez, William Vidal,
Ricardo Cortina, Jose E. Rivera, Alfredo Pagan, and Christian Jetter. The
Commercial Credit Committee met 12 times in 2000.

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The Compliance Committee oversees federal, as well as, local regulatory
compliance for the Bank and the Company. The members of the Compliance Committee
are Mr. Frank C. Stipes, Ricardo Hernandez, Alfredo Perez, Hector Vazquez,
Roberto Caro and Alejandro Rodriguez. The Compliance Committee met twice in
2000.

The Steering Committee is responsible of overseeing the development of
systems infrastructure projects, assignment of human resources and establishment
of the projects' budgets. The members of the Steering Committee are Mr. Frank C.
Stipes, Freddy Maldonado, Ricardo Hernandez, Edgar Nicole, Hector Vazquez and
Hiram Ruiz. The Steering Committee met 3 times in 2000.

SEVERANCE PAYMENT AGREEMENTS

On June 28, 1996, the Company entered into two year severance payment
agreements with Messrs. Alfredo Pagan, Freddy Maldonado and Pedro R. Dominguez
(the "Executives"). The Company also entered into similar contracts with Mr.
Ricardo Hernandez on March 1, 2000, Mr. William Vidal on June 26, 2000, and Mr.
Andres Morgado on August 21, 2000. On each anniversary of the date of
commencement of the agreements, the term of employment of each of the Executives
shall automatically be extended for one-year unless written notice from the
Company is received not less than 60 days prior to the anniversary date advising
the other party that the agreement shall not be further extended.

The Executives' agreements provide for severance payments in connection
with an involuntary termination after a change in control or a voluntary
termination of employment where for good reason, subsequent to a change in
control of the Company, any of the Executives is assigned duties inconsistent
with his position, duties, responsibilities and status.

For purposes of the agreements, "good reason" shall include a material
reduction in the position, status, authority, duties, responsibilities,
compensation, perquisites, conditions of employment, or location of employment
of the employee from those that existed before the change in control. Unless the
Company, within ten working days of the date of such notice of resignation,
rejects the employee statement that the "good reason" exists, the employee shall
be conclusively deemed to have voluntarily resigned with "good reason." If the
Company rejects the employee's statement that "good reason" exists, the dispute
shall be resolved by arbitration under the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the
American Arbitration Association, and the Company shall have the burden of
proving that such rejection of the employee's statement was proper.

For the purposes of the agreements, a change in control shall be deemed to
have occurred if:

(i) 33% or more of ownership control, power to vote or beneficial
ownership of any class of voting securities of the Company is acquired by
any person, either directly or indirectly or acting through one or more
other persons;

(ii) any person (other than any person named as a proxy in connection
with any solicitation on behalf of the Board) holds revocable or
irrevocable proxies as to election or removal to three or more Directors of
the Company, for 33% or more of the total voting shares of the Company;

(iii) any person has received all applicable regulatory approvals to
acquire control of the Company;

(iv) any person has commenced a cash tender or exchange offer, or
entered into an agreement or received an option to acquire beneficial
ownership of 3.3% or more of the total number of voting shares of the
Company, whether or not any requisite regulatory approval for such
acquisition has been received, provided that a change in control will not
be deemed to have occurred under this clause unless the Board has made a
determination that such action constitutes or will constitute a change in
control; or

(v) as a result of or in connection with, any cash tender or exchange
offer, merger or any other business combination, sale of assets or
contested election or any combination of the foregoing transactions, (a)
the persons who were Directors of the Company before such transaction shall
cease to constitute at least a majority of the Board of its successor or
(b) the persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately before
such transaction do not own more than 50% of the outstanding voting stock
of the Company or its successor immediately after such transaction.

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If employment were terminated under such circumstances following a change
in control, or for "good reason" (as defined above), the following amounts would
be payable to Messrs. Maldonado, Dominguez, Pagan, Hernandez, Vidal and Morgado,
respectively: $500,000, $500,000, $259,233, $500,000, $500,000 and $500,000. The
special compensation to be received for termination of employment in connection
with a change in control pursuant to this agreement shall not in any event
exceed $500,000 for each executive.

AMENDED RETIREMENT PLAN FOR DIRECTORS

In January 1988, the Company established a Retirement Plan for Directors
who were not Executive Officers. This plan was substantially amended in February
24, 1989, to limit the pension benefits to Directors who were founders of the
Company who at that time had attained the age of 50 years and had served for
twenty-five consecutive years on the Board. As of the date of the amendment only
the following three founder Directors (since 1958) qualified for retirement
benefits under the Amended Plan: Mr. Luis A. Rechani Agrait, 86 years of age,
Mr. Juan E. Vilella, 88 years of age, and Mr. Jesus M. Guzman, 71 years of age.
By approving the amendment, the other Directors who were not executive officers
waived and renounced their pension benefits under the plan.

Pursuant to the Amended Retirement Plan, 30 days after his or her
resignation or termination as a Director, a participating Director is entitled
to a monthly pension benefit for the remainder of his or her life, and if he or
she should die prior to the end of his or her tenth year of retirement, his or
her heirs shall continue to receive fifty percent of the pension benefit which
otherwise would have been payable until the end of the tenth year following the
Director's retirement. In July 1989, Messrs. Jesus Guzman and Luis A. Rechani
Agrait retired from the Board of Directors and began to receive retirement
benefits under the plan. In June 1992, Mr. Juan E. Vilella retired from the
Board of Directors and began to receive retirement benefits under the Plan.
Messrs. Luis A. Rechani Agrait and Juan E. Vilella died during 1994. Mr.
Vilella's heirs will continue to receive benefits until 2002. The plan was
unfunded as of December 31, 2000.

PROFIT SHARING/1165(e) PLAN FOR EMPLOYEES OF W HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

The Company maintains a non-contributory profit sharing plan ("Profit
Sharing Plan") which covers substantially all employees and which provides for
retirement and disability benefits. The Profit Sharing Plan is self-administered
with the retention of professional administrative services. All the
contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan, which are held in trust, are
commingled and invested on a pooled basis. The trustees of the Profit Sharing
Plan are Messrs. Stipes, Maldonado and Dominguez. The shares of common stock of
the Company held by Mr. Stipes are set forth in the Beneficial Ownership table.
Mr. Maldonado owns 471,227 shares of the Company's common stock in his personal
capacity and 630,000 of stock options granted in 2000; and Mr. Dominguez owns
150,000 shares of the Company's common stock in his personal capacity and
210,000 of stock options granted in 2000.

Participants in the Profit Sharing Plan will be vested upon completing five
years of service with the Company, with no vesting prior to such time. The
Profit Sharing Plan complies with amendments to the Age Discrimination in
Employment Act of 1987 that mandate the elimination of provisions that require
the retirement of employees at any age. Provisions in the Profit Sharing Plan
allow withdrawals after five years, provided certain substantial conditions or
restrictions are met.

The Company shall contribute each fiscal year to the Plan out of its
current or accumulated after-tax net profit such amount as shall be determined
by the Board of Directors of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
however, the Company's contribution for any fiscal year shall not exceed the
maximum amount allowable as a deduction to the Company under the provisions of
Section 23 (p)-2 of the Puerto Rico Income Tax Act of 1954, as amended, or as
replaced from time to time. All contributions by the Company shall be made in
cash or in such property as is acceptable to the Trustee.

As of each Anniversary Date, the Profit Sharing Contribution and any
previously unallocated forfeitures of Employer Profit Sharing Contributions
shall be allocated to the account of each Participant who is eligible to share
in the same ratio that such Participant's credited points for the calendar year
bear to the total credited

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points of all such Participants for such year. On each Anniversary Date, the
credited points for each Participant shall be determined on the basis of the
following schedule:



FOR EACH FULL AND FRACTIONAL
$100 OF TOTAL COMPENSATION
FOR EACH COMPLETE PAID TO THE PARTICIPANT
YEARS OF SERVICE YEAR OF SERVICE IN THE CALENDAR YEAR
---------------- ----------------- ----------------------------

0-5.......................... 2 1
6 or more.................... 3 1


For purposes of eligibility, a Year of Service means a 12-month period,
beginning on the date of hire, during which employees are paid, or entitled to
payment, for 1,000 or more hours of employment. If they do not meet the 1,000
hours requirement in the first 12 months after their date of hire, they will be
credited with a Year of Service for any Plan Year which begins after their date
of hire during which they are credited with 1,000 or more hours.

A Year of Service, for purposes of vesting, means a Plan Year during which
employees were credited for 1,000 or more hours.

A total of $414,381 was distributed to certain participants in the Profit
Sharing Plan in 2000. The Company contributed $250,000 to the Plan in 2000.

Effective January 1, 1995, the Company added to its Profit Sharing Plan a
defined contribution plan under section 1165(e) of the Puerto Rico Treasury
Department Internal Revenue Code, covering all full-time employees of the
Company who have one year of service and are twenty-one years of age or older.
The Company shall give each prospective eligible employee written notice of his
eligibility to participate in the Plan in sufficient time to enable such
prospective eligible employee to submit an application for participation in the
Plan prior to the quarter in which he or she first becomes an eligible employee.
Under the provisions of this Plan, participants may contribute each year from 2%
to 10% of their compensation after deducting social security, up to a specific
maximum established by law. The Company contributes 50 percent of the first 6
percent of base compensation that a participant contributes to the Plan.
Participants are immediately vested in their contributions plus actual earnings
thereon. The Company's contributions plus actual earnings thereon are 100
percent vested after five years of credited service. In case of death and
disability, a participant will be 100 percent vested regardless of the number of
years of credited service. The Company's contribution for the year ended
December 31, 2000 was $236,000.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

The Company's executive compensation program is administered by the Board
of Directors composed of the non-employee directors, along with Mr. Frank C.
Stipes who recused himself from participating in the decision process relative
to his own compensation. None of these non-employee directors nor Mr. Frank C.
Stipes have any interlocking or other relationship that would call into question
his or her independence. The executive compensation is aligned and administered
to support the Company's position in the community.

REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Under rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC"), public corporations are required to provide certain data and information
in regard to the compensation and benefits provided to the Company's Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive
officers (compensation of $100,000 and over). The disclosure requirements for
these five individuals (the "named executive officers") include the use of
tables and a report explaining the rationale and considerations that led to
fundamental executive compensation decisions affecting those individuals.

At present, the executive compensation program is comprised of salary, one
month's salary as a Christmas bonus and other employee benefits typically
offered to executives. The Company also grants a special performance bonus to
certain executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer. Such bonus is
granted after an assessment of the Company's performance and growth is made for
the year, both individually and compared to its peer group, which includes among
other factors, return on average assets, return on average equity, stock price
behavior and the Company's regulatory classification and asset quality. With
regard

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to compensation affecting the Chief Executive Officer, the non-employee members
of the Board of Directors act as the approving body, with the Chief Executive
Officer not participating in the decision process. The Chief Executive Officer's
salary is revisable periodically based on market average for such
responsibilities and the Company's net income, delinquency ratio, stability and
soundness of operations. For this purpose, the Board revises applicable
information for comparable positions in bank holding companies of similar size
and operating conditions in Puerto Rico. Presently, salary revisions for all
executive officers and employees, excluding that of the Chief Executive Officer,
are made every eighteen months.

In June 2000, the Board repriced 1,260,000, 630,000, 210,000 and 20,000
stock options granted to Messrs. Stipes, Maldonado, Dominguez and Hernandez,
respectively, reducing the exercise price from $13.00 per share to $10.00 per
share. The repriced options were originally granted to Messrs. Stipes, Maldonado
and Dominguez on January 28, 2000 and to Mr. Hernandez on March 24, 2000. The
closing per share price of the Company's stock reported on the Nasdaq was $10.00
and $11.1875 on January 28, 2000 and March 24, 2000, respectively. The options
originally were granted at an exercise price over the then market price of the
shares. The premium to market was set at a relatively greater amount because in
periods prior to the option grants, the Company common stock had been trading at
levels higher than the reported levels at the time of the grants. However, as of
mid-2000, the Board determined that the trading levels of the common stock were
consistently lower than that of early to mid-1999, and that the level of the
premium over market price for the recently granted options was too high to
obtain the original intent of the grants. Accordingly, the options were repriced
to an exercise price of $10.00 per share, compared to the then-closing price on
Nasdaq of $8.25 per share.

The Executive Compensation Committee is composed of the following
directors:

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Frank C. Stipes
Fredeswinda F. Frontera
Cesar A. Ruiz
Cornelius Tamboer
Angel Luis Rosas

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PERFORMANCE OF W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. COMMON STOCK

The following graph compares the total cumulative returns (including
reinvestment of dividends) of $100 invested on December 31, 1995 in (a) common
stock of W Holding Company, Inc. (b) Nasdaq Stock Market (US Companies) and (c)
Nasdaq Bank Stocks.

Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Returns
Performance Graph for W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. Common Stock
PERFORMANCE GRAPH



NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (US
W HOLDING COMPANY, INC. COMPANIES) NASDAQ BANK STOCKS
----------------------- ----------------------- ------------------

12/29/95 $ 201.40 $ 141.30 $ 149.00
12/29/96 443.00 173.90 196.70
12/31/97 971.10 213.10 329.40
12/31/98 1303.20 300.30 327.10
12/31/99 866.90 542.40 314.40
12/31/00 492.40 237.60 241.10


- ---------------
A) The lines represent monthly index levels derived from compounded daily
returns that include all dividends.
B) The indexes are reweighted daily, using the market capitalization on the
previous trading day.
C) If the monthly interval, based on the fiscal year-end, is not a trading day,
the preceding trading day is used.
D) The index level for all series was set to $100.00 on 12/31/95.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding management of
the Company and each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company's equity stock as of
February 28, 2001.



AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL PERCENT
TITLE OF CLASS NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP (1) OF CLASS
-------------- --------------------------------------------------- ------------- --------

Common Ileana G. Carr, Honorary Directress 5,698,180(2) 13.59%
Common Fredeswinda G. Frontera, Directress(9) 4,839,516(3) 11.54%
Common Frank C. Stipes, Esq. Chairman of the Board, 3.25%
President and Chief Executive Officer(10) 1,362,925(4)
Common Cornelius Tamboer, Director(11) 1,636,035(5) 3.90%
Common Freddy Maldonado 597,227(6) 1.42%
Common Pedro Dominguez, Director 192,000(7) *
Common Lcdo. William Vidal(12) 16,006 *
Common Ricardo Hernandez 15,822(8) *
Common Angel Luis Rosas, Director(13) 40,600 *
Common Cesar Ruiz, Director 15,000 *
Common All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group 14,413,311 34.38%


- ---------------
* Represents less than 1% of the outstanding common stock.

(1) Based upon information provided by the respective beneficial owners and
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission made pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Beneficial ownership is direct
except as otherwise indicated by footnote. In accordance with Rule 13d-3 of
the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of a
security if he or she has or shares voting power or investment power with
respect to such security or has the right to acquire such ownership within
60 days.

(2) Includes 85,200 shares owned by Mrs. Carr's husband.

(3) Includes 262,915 shares owned by Mrs. Frontera's spouse and children.

(4) Includes 10,425 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Stipes' daughter and
252,000 stock options granted in January 2000.

(5) Includes 707,480 shares of common stock owned by Prota Construction, S.E.
of which Mr. Tamboer is the holder of 100% interest and has full voting
power, and 40,010 shares of common stock owned by Tamrio, Inc., of which
Mr. Tamboer is the holder of 50% interest and has shared voting power.

(6) Includes 28,623 shares of common stock owned by Mr. Maldonado's daughters
and 126,000 vested stock options.

(7) Includes 42,000 vested stock options.

(8) Includes 4,000 stock options that vest within 60 days after February 28,
2001.

(9) Mrs. Frontera also owns 56,000 shares or 4.59% of the Company's 7.125%
Non-Cumulative, Convertible Monthly Income Preferred Stock, 1998 Series A
(the "Series A Preferred Stock").

(10) Mr. Stipes also owns 60,000 shares or 4.92% of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock.

(11) Mr. Tamboer also owns 20,000 shares or 1.64% of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock.

(12) Mr. Vidal also owns 1,000 shares or 0.08% of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock.

(13) Mr. Rosas also owns 4,000 shares or 0.33% of the Company's Series A
Preferred Stock and 2000 shares or 0.10% of the Company's 7.25%
Non-Cumulative, Non-Convertible Monthly Income Preferred Stock, 1999 Series
B.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

INDEBTEDNESS OF MANAGEMENT

The Company's conflict of interest policy permits only a first mortgage to
be executed by the Company to directors and executive officers over their
primary residence. Home equity second mortgages are not permitted. No officer,
director or employee may have with the Company any other type of loan or
indebtedness, except for a credit card, unless such loan or indebtedness is
fully cash collateralized. As of December 31, 2000, all loans made by
Westernbank to the directors or executive officers of the Company were in
compliance with these requirements.

At December 31, 2000, all loans to directors and executive officers were
made (i) in the ordinary course of business, (ii) were made on substantially the
same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the
time for comparable transactions with other persons and (iii) did not involve
more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable
features.

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PART IV

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Documents filed as part of this Report

(1) The following financial statements are incorporated by reference
from Item 8 hereof:

- Report of Independent Accountants

- Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31,
2000 and 1999

- Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2000

- Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and of
Comprehensive Income for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2000

- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2000

- Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2) Not applicable.

(3) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Form 10-K, and
this list includes the Exhibit Index.



NO. EXHIBIT
--- -------

3.1 Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference herein
to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4, File No. 333-76975)
3.2 Bylaws (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 3.1 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No.
333-76975)
10.1 Form of 1999 Qualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 No. 333-76975)
10.2 Form of 1999 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 333-76975)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant


(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the period
covered by this report.

(c) See (a) (3) above for all exhibits filed herewith and the Exhibit
Index.

(d) Not applicable.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

W Holding Company, Inc.



By: /s/ FRANK C. STIPES
----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Frank C. Stipes, Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer and President


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



/s/ FRANK C. STIPES
- ----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Frank C. Stipes, Chairman of the Board, Chief
Executive Officer and President

/s/ ANGEL L. ROSAS
- ----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Angel L. Rosas, Director

/s/ CESAR A. RUIZ
- ----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Cesar A. Ruiz, Director

/s/ PEDRO R. DOMiNGUEZ
- ----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Pedro R. Dominguez, Director

/s/ CORNELIUS TAMBOER
- ----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Cornelius Tamboer, Director

/s/ FREDESWINDA G. FRONTERA
- ----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Fredeswinda G. Frontera, Directress

/s/ FREDDY MALDONADO
- ----------------------------------------------------- Date: March 2, 2001
Freddy Maldonado
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance
and Investment


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EXHIBIT INDEX



EXHIBIT
NO. EXHIBIT
- ------- -------

3.1 Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference herein
to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4, File No. 333-76975)
3.2 Bylaws (incorporated by reference herein to Exhibit 3.1 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No.
333-76975)
10.1 Form of 1999 Qualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-76975)
10.2 Form of 1999 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference herein to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-4, File No. 333-76975)
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant


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