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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

 

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to             

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 001-14793

 

 

FIRST BANCORP.

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

 

 

Puerto Rico		66-0561882
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. employer identification number)

 

1519 Ponce de León Avenue, Stop 23 Santurce, Puerto Rico		00908
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(787) 729-8200

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer		¨		Accelerated filer		x
Non-accelerated filer		¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company		¨

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common stock: 206,134,458 outstanding as of July 31, 2012.

 

 

 

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FIRST BANCORP.

INDEX PAGE

 

		PAGE
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited) as of June 30, 2012 and December  31, 2011		3
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited) – Quarters ended June  30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 and a six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011		4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) – Quarters ended June  30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011		5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – Six-month periods ended June  30, 2012 and June 30, 2011		6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited) – Six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011		7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)		8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		51
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		95
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		95
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		96
Item 1A. Risk Factors		96
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		97
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		97
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		97
Item 5. Other Information		97
Item 6. Exhibits		97
SIGNATURES		98

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Forward Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this Form 10-Q or future filings by First BanCorp. (the “Corporation”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in the Corporation’s press releases or in other public or stockholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the word or phrases “would be,” “will allow,” “intends to,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “should,” “anticipate” and similar expressions are meant to identify “forward-looking statements.”

First BanCorp. wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such “forward-looking statements,” which speak only as of the date made, and to advise readers that various factors, including, but not limited to, the following could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by such “forward-looking statements.”:

 

•

uncertainty about whether the Corporation and FirstBank Puerto Rico (“FirstBank” or “the Bank”) will be able to fully comply with the written agreement dated June 3, 2010 (the “Written Agreement”) that the Corporation entered into with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the “FED” or “Federal Reserve”) and the order dated June 2, 2010 (the “FDIC Order”) and together with the Written Agreement, (the “Agreements”) that the Corporation’s banking subsidiary, FirstBank entered into with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (“OCIF”) that, among other things, require the Bank to maintain certain capital levels and reduce its special mention, classified, delinquent and non-performing assets;

 

•

the risk of being subject to possible additional regulatory actions;

 

•

uncertainty as to the availability of certain funding sources, such as retail brokered certificates of deposit (“CDs”);

 

•

the Corporation’s reliance on brokered CDs and its ability to obtain, on a periodic basis, approval from the FDIC to issue brokered CDs to fund operations and provide liquidity in accordance with the terms of the FDIC Order;

 

•

the risk of not being able to fulfill the Corporation’s cash obligations or resume paying dividends to the Corporation’s stockholders in the future due to the Corporation’s inability to receive approval from the FED to receive dividends from FirstBank or FirstBank’s failure to generate sufficient cash flow to make a dividend payment to the Corporation;

 

•

the strength or weakness of the real estate markets and of the consumer and commercial credit sectors and their potential impact on the credit quality of the Corporation’s loans and other assets, including the Corporation’s construction and commercial real estate loan portfolios, which have contributed and may continue to contribute to, among other things, the high levels of non-performing assets, charge-offs and the provision expense and may subject the Corporation to further risk from loan defaults and foreclosures;

 

•

adverse changes in general economic conditions in the United States (“U.S.”) and in Puerto Rico, including the interest rate environment, market liquidity, housing absorption rates, real estate prices and disruptions in the U.S. capital markets, which may reduce interest margins, impact funding sources, affect demand for all of the Corporation’s products and services and reduce the Corporation’s revenues, earnings and the value of the Corporation’s assets;

 

•

an adverse change in the Corporation’s ability to attract new clients and retain existing ones;

 

•

a decrease in demand for the Corporation’s products and services and lower revenues and earnings because of the continued recession in Puerto Rico and the current fiscal problems and budget deficit of the Puerto Rico government;

 

•

uncertainty about regulatory and legislative changes for financial services companies in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and the U.S. Virgin Islands (“USVI”) and British Virgin Islands (“BVI”), which could affect the Corporation’s financial condition or performance and could cause the Corporation’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from prior results and anticipated or projected results;

 

•

uncertainty about the effectiveness of the various actions undertaken to stimulate the U.S. economy and stabilize the U.S. financial markets, and the impact such actions may have on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations;

 

•

changes in the fiscal and monetary policies and regulations of the federal government, including those determined by the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, government-sponsored housing agencies and local regulators in Puerto Rico and the U.S. and BVI;

 

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•

the risk of possible failure or circumvention of controls and procedures and the risk that the Corporation’s risk management policies may not be adequate;

 

•

the risk that the FDIC may further increase the deposit insurance premium and/or require special assessments to replenish its insurance fund, causing an additional increase in the Corporation’s non-interest expenses;

 

•

the risk of not being able to recover the assets pledged to Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc.;

 

•

the impact on the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition associated with acquisitions and dispositions;

 

•

a need to recognize additional impairments on financial instruments, goodwill, or other intangible assets relating to acquisitions;

 

•

risks that downgrades in the credit ratings of the Corporation’s long-term senior debt will adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to access necessary external funds;

 

•

the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) on the Corporation’s businesses, business practices and cost of operations; and

 

•

general competitive factors and industry consolidation.

The Corporation does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update any of the “forward- looking statements” to reflect occurrences or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements except as required by the federal securities laws.

Investors should refer to the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, as well as, “Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of such factors and certain risks and uncertainties to which the Corporation is subject.

 

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FIRST BANCORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except for share information)		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	518,725			$	206,897
Money market investments:
Federal funds sold			—				2,603
Time deposits with other financial institutions			1,055				955
Other short-term investments			239,123				236,111
Total money market investments			240,178				239,669
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value:
Securities pledged that can be repledged			1,066,871				1,167,265
Other investment securities			474,654				756,003
Total investment securities available for sale			1,541,525				1,923,268
Other equity securities			32,141				37,951
Investment in unconsolidated entities			34,499				43,401
Loans, net of allowance for loan and lease losses of $457,153 (2011 - $493,917)			9,838,962				10,065,475
Loans held for sale, at lower of cost or market			60,393				15,822
Total loans, net			9,899,355				10,081,297
Premises and equipment, net			185,721				194,942
Other real estate owned			167,341				114,292
Accrued interest receivable on loans and investments			51,958				49,957
Other assets			242,207				235,601
Total assets		$	12,913,650			$	13,127,275
LIABILITIES
Non-interest-bearing deposits		$	776,947			$	705,789
Interest-bearing deposits			9,123,226				9,201,965
Total deposits			9,900,173				9,907,754
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			900,000				1,000,000
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)			333,440				367,440
Notes payable (including $15,968 measured at fair value as of December 31, 2011)			—				23,342
Other borrowings			231,959				231,959
Accounts payable and other liabilities			99,119				152,636
Total liabilities			11,464,691				11,683,131
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 22)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, authorized 50,000,000 shares:
Non-cumulative Perpetual Monthly Income Preferred Stock: issued - 22,004,000 shares, outstanding - 2,521,872 shares, aggregate liquidation value of $63,047			63,047				63,047
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 2,000,000,000 shares; issued 206,629,311 shares (2011 - 205,794,024 shares issued)			20,663				20,579
Less: Treasury stock (at par value)			(49	)			(66	)
Common stock outstanding, 206,134,458 shares outstanding (2011 - 205,134,171 shares outstanding)			20,614				20,513
Additional paid-in capital			885,130				884,002
Retained earnings			453,558				457,384
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax expense of $7,401 (2011 - $7,751)			26,610				19,198
Total stockholders’ equity			1,448,959				1,444,144
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	12,913,650			$	13,127,275

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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FIRST BANCORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
(In thousands, except per share information)		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
Interest income:
Loans		$	142,239			$	146,314			$	282,765			$	304,285
Investment securities			10,957				16,687				22,169				39,310
Money market investments			456				417				825				726
Total interest income			153,652				163,418				305,759				344,321
Interest expense:
Deposits			33,489				49,525				70,223				103,584
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			7,028				13,022				15,118				26,158
Advances from FHLB			3,028				4,219				6,269				8,964
Notes payable and other borrowings			1,402				2,217				3,578				4,901
Total interest expense			44,947				68,983				95,188				143,607
Net interest income			108,705				94,435				210,571				200,714
Provision for loan and lease losses			24,884				59,184				61,081				147,916
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses			83,821				35,251				149,490				52,798
Non-interest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts			3,240				3,054				6,487				6,386
Other service charges			1,226				1,456				2,745				3,174
Mortgage banking activities			4,057				9,336				8,532				15,927
Net gain on sale of investments			—				21,949				26				41,290
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on investment securities:
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses			—				—				—				—
Portion of loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income			(143	)			(607	)			(1,376	)			(607	)
Net impairment losses on investment securities			(143	)			(607	)			(1,376	)			(607	)
Loss on early extinguishment of borrowings			—				(1,823	)			—				(1,823	)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities			(2,491	)			(1,536	)			(8,727	)			(1,536	)
Other non-interest income			8,133				7,033				14,810				16,536
Total non-interest income			14,022				38,862				22,497				79,347
Non-interest expenses:
Employees’ compensation and benefits			31,101				29,407				62,712				59,846
Occupancy and equipment			15,181				15,603				30,857				30,853
Business promotion			3,475				3,628				6,022				6,292
Professional fees			5,322				6,072				10,501				11,209
Taxes, other than income taxes			3,435				3,278				6,851				6,533
Insurance and supervisory fees			13,302				14,404				26,310				29,581
Net loss on real estate owned (REO) operations			6,786				5,971				10,229				11,471
Other non-interest expenses			8,340				8,068				18,653				13,512
Total non-interest expenses			86,942				86,431				172,135				169,297
Income (loss) before income taxes			10,901				(12,318	)			(148	)			(37,152	)
Income tax expense			(1,545	)			(2,606	)			(3,678	)			(6,192	)
Net income (loss)		$	9,356			$	(14,924	)		$	(3,826	)		$	(43,344	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	9,356			$	(22,205	)		$	(3,826	)		$	(57,642	)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic		$	0.05			$	(1.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(2.71	)
Diluted		$	0.05			$	(1.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(2.71	)
Dividends declared per common share		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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FIRST BANCORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
(In thousands)		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
Net income (loss)		$	9,356			$	(14,924	)		$	(3,826	)		$	(43,344	)
Available-for-sale debt securities on which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized:
Subsequent unrealized gain on debt securities on which an other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized			2,900				1,907				6,297				2,658
Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities included in net income			(143	)			(607	)			(1,376	)			(607	)
All other unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities:
All other unrealized holding gains arising during the period			3,498				17,225				2,141				11,293
Reclassification adjustments for net gain included in net income			—				(21,901	)			—				(21,949	)
Net unrealized gains on securities reclassified from held to maturity to available for sale			—				—				—				2,789
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income			133				587				350				733
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period, net of tax			6,388				(2,789	)			7,412				(5,083	)
Total comprehensive income (loss)		$	15,744			$	(17,713	)		$	3,586			$	(48,427	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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FIRST BANCORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

		Six-Month Period Ended
(In thousands)		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss		$	(3,826	)		$	(43,344	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation			12,435				12,082
Amortization of core deposit intangible			1,177				1,177
Amortization of purchased credit card relationship intangible			106				—
Provision for loan and lease losses			61,081				147,916
Deferred income tax expense			1,128				3,565
Stock-based compensation recognized			192				46
Gain on sale of investments, net			—				(40,611	)
Loss on early extinguishment of borrowings			—				1,823
Other-than-temporary impairments on investment securities			1,376				607
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities			8,727				1,536
Derivatives instruments and financial (gain) loss			(834	)			1,448
Loss (gain) on sale of premises and equipment and other assets			254				(2,845	)
Net gain on sale of loans held for investment and impairments			(243	)			(12,955	)
Net amortization of premiums, discounts and deferred loan fees and costs			(947	)			(873	)
Originations and purchases of loans held for sale			(181,181	)			(47,237	)
Proceeds from sales and repayments of loans held for sale			194,342				49,618
Amortization of broker placement fees			5,307				9,542
Net amortization of premium and discounts on investment securities			7,511				2,038
(Decrease) increase in accrued income tax payable			(1,088	)			1,816
Decrease in accrued interest receivable			349				7,342
Increase in accrued interest payable			241				1,948
Decrease (increase) in other assets			15,413				(14,503	)
Decrease in other liabilities			(1,808	)			(5,382	)
Total adjustments			122,959				118,098
Net cash provided by operating activities			119,712				74,754
Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal collected on loans			1,549,244				1,186,329
Loans originated			(1,165,202	)			(985,980	)
Purchases of loans			(467,980	)			(70,459	)
Proceeds from sale of loans held for investment			15,001				670,230
Proceeds from sale of repossessed assets			46,535				49,363
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities			—				487,054
Proceeds from sale of held-to-maturity securities			—				348,750
Purchases of securities available for sale			(317,506	)			(532,727	)
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities of securities available for sale			698,625				150,049
Proceeds from principal repayments and maturities of securities held to maturity			—				33,726
Additions to premises and equipment			(4,494	)			(6,359	)
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment and other assets			1,026				2,940
Proceeds from securities litigation settlement and other proceeds			26				679
Decrease in other equity securities			5,810				13,680
Net cash provided by investing activities			361,085				1,347,275
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net decrease in deposits			(13,540	)			(996,792	)
Net repayments and cancellation costs of securities sold under agreements to repurchase			(100,000	)			(201,575	)
Net FHLB advances paid and cancellation costs			(34,000	)			(233,248	)
Repayments of medium-term notes			(21,957	)			(7,000	)
Proceeds from common stock sold			1,037				—
Net cash used in financing activities			(168,460	)			(1,438,615	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			312,337				(16,586	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			446,566				370,283
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	758,903			$	353,697
Cash and cash equivalents include:
Cash and due from banks		$	518,725			$	239,488
Money market instruments			240,178				114,209
		$	758,903			$	353,697

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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FIRST BANCORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

 

		Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
(In thousands)
Preferred Stock:
Balance at beginning of period		$	63,047			$	425,009
Accretion of preferred stock discount			—				3,694
Balance at end of period			63,047				428,703
Common Stock outstanding:
Balance at beginning of period			20,513				2,130
Common stock sold			29				—
Restricted stock grants			72				—
Balance at end of period			20,614				2,130
Additional Paid-In-Capital:
Balance at beginning of period			884,002				319,459
Restricted stock grants			(72	)			—
Common stock sold			1,008				—
Stock-based compensation recognized			192				46
Balance at end of period			885,130				319,505
Retained Earnings:
Balance at beginning of period			457,384				293,643
Net loss			(3,826	)			(43,344	)
Accretion of preferred stock discount			—				(3,694	)
Balance at end of period			453,558				246,605
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax:
Balance at beginning of period			19,198				17,718
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			7,412				(5,083	)
Balance at end of period			26,610				12,635
Total stockholders’ equity		$	1,448,959			$	1,009,578

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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FIRST BANCORP.

PART I – NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1 – BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) of First BanCorp. (“the Corporation”) have been prepared in conformity with the accounting policies stated in the Corporation’s Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted from these statements pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and, accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2011, included in the Corporation’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. All adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the statement of financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods have been reflected. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The results of operations for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

Adoption of new accounting requirements and recently issued but not yet effective accounting requirements

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) has issued the following accounting pronouncements and guidance relevant to the Corporation’s operations:

In April 2011, the FASB updated the Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) to improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other agreements that both entitle and obligate a transferor to repurchase or redeem financial assets before their maturity. The amendments in this Update remove from the assessment of effective control the criterion relating to the transferor’s ability to repurchase or redeem financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee. The Board concluded that this criterion is not a determining factor of effective control. Consequently, the amendments in this Update also eliminate the requirement to demonstrate that the transferor possesses adequate collateral to fund substantially all the cost of purchasing replacement financial assets. Eliminating the transferor’s ability criterion and related implementation guidance from an entity’s assessment of effective control should improve the accounting for repurchase agreements and other similar transactions. The amendments in this Update are effective for the first interim or annual period beginning on or after December 15, 2011, and should be applied prospectively to transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date. Early adoption is not permitted. The Corporation adopted this guidance with no impact on the financial statements.

In May 2011, the FASB updated the Codification to develop common requirements for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs). The amendments in this Update apply to all reporting entities that are required or permitted to measure or disclose the fair value of an asset, a liability, or an instrument classified in a reporting entity’s shareholders’ equity in the financial statements and result in common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. The amendments in this Update are to be applied prospectively and are effective during interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application is not permitted. The Corporation adopted this guidance in 2012, refer to note 19 for applicable disclosures. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact in the Corporation’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2011, the FASB updated the Codification to improve the comparability, consistency, and transparency of financial reporting and to increase the prominence of items reported in other comprehensive income. Under the amendments, an entity has the option to present the total comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement or in two separate but consecutive statements and eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. Additionally, this update requires consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and other comprehensive income and requires an entity to present reclassification adjustments on the face of the financial statements from other comprehensive income to net income. The amendments in this Update should be applied retrospectively and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, because compliance with the amendments is already permitted. The amendments do not require any transition disclosures. Beginning with the financial statements for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2011, the Corporation is following the guidance of separate but consecutive presentation of the statement of net income and the statement of other comprehensive income.

In September 2011, the FASB updated the Codification to simplify how entities, both public and nonpublic, test goodwill for impairment. The amendments in the Update permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. The more-likely-than-not threshold is defined as having a likelihood of more than 50 percent. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed

 

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directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. An entity may resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed as of a date before September 15, 2011, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. The Corporation will incorporate this guidance into the annual goodwill impairment evaluation process.

In December 2011, the FASB updated the Codification to clarify the guidance on the derecognition of in substance real estate in order to resolve the diversity in practice when a parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt. Under the amendments in this Update, when a parent (reporting entity) ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary’s nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance in Subtopic 360-20 to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. That is, even if the reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest, the reporting entity would continue to include the real estate, debt, and the results of the subsidiary’s operations in its consolidated financial statements until legal title to the real estate is transferred to legally satisfy the debt. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after June 15, 2012. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of the adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB updated the Codification to enhance and provided converged disclosures about financial and derivative instruments that are either offset on the balance sheet, or are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement (or other similar arrangement). Entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. This scope would include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The amendments in this Update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance, if any, on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2012, the FASB updated the Codification to reduce the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets by simplifying how an entity tests those assets for impairment and to improve consistency in impairment testing guidance among long-lived asset categories. The amendments permit an entity first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the quantitative impairment test. An entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. The amendments in this Update are effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted, including for annual and interim impairment tests performed as of a date before July 27, 2012, if an entity’s financial statements for the most recent annual or interim period have not yet been issued. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance, if any, on its consolidated financial statements.

2 – EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The calculations of earnings per common share for the quarters and six-month periods ended on June 30, 2012 and 2011 are as follows:

 

		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
		(In thousands, except per share information)
Net Income (Loss):
Net Income (Loss):		$	9,356			$	(14,924	)		$	(3,826	)		$	(43,344	)
Cumulative convertible preferred stock dividends (Series G)			—				(5,302	)			—				(10,604	)
Preferred stock discount accretion (Series G)			—				(1,979	)			—				(3,694	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders		$	9,356			$	(22,205	)		$	(3,826	)		$	(57,642	)
Weighted-Average Shares:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding			205,415				21,303				205,316				21,303
Average potential common shares			537				—				—				—
Diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding			205,952				21,303				205,316				21,303
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic		$	0.05			$	(1.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(2.71	)
Diluted		$	0.05			$	(1.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(2.71	)

Earning (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average common shares issued and outstanding. Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders represents net income (loss) adjusted for preferred stock dividends including dividends declared, and cumulative dividends related to the current dividend period that have not been declared as of the end of the period, and the accretion of discount on preferred stock issuances. Basic weighted average common shares outstanding exclude unvested shares of restricted stock.

 

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Potential common shares consist of common stock issuable under the assumed exercise of stock options, unvested shares of restricted stock, and outstanding warrants using the treasury stock method. This method assumes that the potential common shares are issued and the proceeds from the exercise, in addition to the amount of compensation cost attributable to future services, are used to purchase common stock at the exercise date. The difference between the number of potential shares issued and the shares purchased is added as incremental shares to the actual number of shares outstanding to compute diluted earnings per share. Stock options, unvested shares of restricted stock, and outstanding warrants that result in lower potential shares issued than shares purchased under the treasury stock method are not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share since their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share. Stock options not included in the computation of outstanding shares because they were antidilutive amounted to 120,221 and 129,934 for the quarters and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. Warrants outstanding to purchase 1,285,899 shares of common stock for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 389,483 shares of common stock for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2011, and 719,500 unvested shares of restricted stock for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 716 unvested shares of restricted stock for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2011, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share because the Corporation reported a net loss attributable to common stockholders and their inclusion would have an antidilutive effect.

3 – STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Between 1997 and January 2007, the Corporation had a stock option plan (“the 1997 stock option plan”) that authorized the granting of up to 579,740 options on shares of the Corporation’s common stock to eligible employees. The options granted under the plan could not exceed 20% of the number of common shares outstanding. Each option provides for the purchase of one share of common stock at a price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date the option was granted. Stock options were fully vested upon grant. The maximum term to exercise the options is ten years. The stock option plan provides for a proportionate adjustment in the exercise price and the number of shares that can be purchased in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, reclassification of stock, merger or reorganization and certain other issuances and distributions such as stock appreciation rights.

Under the 1997 stock option plan, the Compensation and Benefits Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) had the authority to grant stock appreciation rights at any time subsequent to the grant of an option. Pursuant to stock appreciation rights, the optionee surrenders the right to exercise an option granted under the plan in consideration for payment by the Corporation of an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock subject to such option surrendered over the total option price of such shares. Any option surrendered is cancelled by the Corporation and the shares subject to the option are not eligible for further grants under the option plan. On January 21, 2007, the 1997 stock option plan expired; all outstanding awards granted under this plan continue in full force and effect, subject to their original terms. No awards for shares could be granted under the 1997 stock option plan as of its expiration.

The activity of stock options for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 is set forth below:

 

		Six-month Period Ended June 30, 2012
		Number of Options				Weighted- Average Exercise Price				Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)				Aggregate Intrinsic Value (In thousands)
Beginning of period			129,934			$	202.99
Options expired			(9,713	)			140.25
End of period outstanding and exercisable			120,221			$	208.08				3.3			$	—

On April 29, 2008, the Corporation’s stockholders approved the First BanCorp. 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”). The Omnibus Plan provides for equity-based compensation incentives (the “awards”) through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, and other stock-based awards. This plan allows the issuance of up to 8,169,807 shares of common stock, subject to adjustments for stock splits, reorganizations and other similar events. The Corporation’s Board of Directors, upon receiving the relevant recommendation of the Compensation Committee, has the power and authority to determine those eligible to receive awards and to establish the terms and conditions of any awards subject to various limits and vesting restrictions that apply to individual and aggregate awards.

Under the Omnibus Plan, late in the first quarter of 2012, the Corporation issued 719,500 shares of restricted stock which will vest based on the employees’ continued service with the Corporation. Fifty percent (50%) of the shares vest in two years from the grant date and the remaining 50% vest in three years from the grant date. Included in the 719,500 shares of restricted stock are 557,000 shares granted to certain senior executive officers consistent with the requirements of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Interim Final Rule. Notwithstanding the vesting period mentioned above, the employees covered by TARP are restricted from transferring the shares.

 

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Specifically, the stock that has otherwise vested may not become transferable at any time earlier than as permitted under the schedule set forth by TARP, which is based on the repayment in 25% increments of the aggregate financial assistance received from the U.S. Department of Treasury (the “Treasury”).

The following table summarizes the restricted stock activity in 2012 under the Omnibus Plan for both executive officers covered by the TARP requirements and other employees:

 

		Six-month Period Ended June 30, 2012
		Number of shares of restricted stock				Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested shares at beginning of period			—			$	—
Granted			719,500				2.45
Non-vested shares at June 30, 2012			719,500			$	2.45

For the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the Corporation recognized $0.2 million of stock-based compensation expense related to the aforementioned restricted stock awards. For the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2011, the Corporation recognized $23,333 and $46,666 of stock based compensation related to 720 shares of restricted stock granted in 2008 to members of the Board of Directors that vested in the fourth quarter of 2011. As of June 30, 2012, there was $1.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested shares of restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized for 50% of the awards over the next 1.75 years and the other 50% over the next 2.75 years, as if they were multiple awards. No shares of restricted stock were granted or vested during the first half of 2011.

The fair value of the shares of restricted stock granted in 2012 was based on the market price of the Corporation’s outstanding common stock on the date of the grant, $4.00. For the 557,000 shares of restricted stock granted under the TARP requirements, the market price was discounted due to post-vesting restrictions. For purposes of computing the discount, the Corporation assumes a common stock appreciation of 25% and a holding period by the Treasury of its outstanding common stock of the Corporation of 3 years, resulting in a fair value of $2.00 for restricted shares granted under the TARP requirements. Also, the Corporation uses empirical data to estimate employee termination, separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes.

Stock-based compensation accounting guidance requires the Corporation to develop an estimate of the number of share-based awards that will be forfeited due to employee or director turnover. Quarterly changes in the estimated forfeiture rate may have a significant effect on share-based compensation, as the effect of adjusting the rate for all expense amortization is recognized in the period in which the forfeiture estimate is changed. If the actual forfeiture rate is higher than the estimated forfeiture rate, then an adjustment is made to increase the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in a decrease to the expense recognized in the financial statements. If the actual forfeiture rate is lower than the estimated forfeiture rate, then an adjustment is made to decrease the estimated forfeiture rate, which will result in an increase to the expense recognized in the financial statements. When unvested options or shares of restricted stock are forfeited, any compensation expense previously recognized on the forfeited awards is reversed in the period of the forfeiture.

 

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4 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Investment Securities Available for Sale

The amortized cost, non-credit loss component of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on securities with changes in fair value recorded in other comprehensive income (“OCI”), gross unrealized gains and losses recorded in OCI, approximate fair value, weighted-average yield and contractual maturities of investment securities available for sale as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

		June 30, 2012																								December 31, 2011
		Amortized				Non-Credit Loss Component of OTTI Recorded				Gross Unrealized								Fair				Weighted average				Amortized				Non-Credit Loss Component of OTTI Recorded				Gross Unrealized								Fair				Weighted average
		cost				in OCI				gains				losses				value				yield%				cost				in OCI				gains				losses				value				yield%
		(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities:
Due within one year		$	373,599			$	—			$	8			$	3			$	373,604				0.16			$	476,665			$	—			$	327			$	—			$	476,992				0.34
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored agencies:
Due within one year			—				—				—				—				—				—				300,381				—				1,204				—				301,585				1.15
Puerto Rico Government obligations:
Due within one year			8,310				—				—				—				8,310				4.19				8,560				—				110				—				8,670				4.20
After 1 to 5 years			1,600				—				16				—				1,616				4.50				70,590				—				171				1				70,760				2.63
After 5 to 10 years			39,736				—				960				—				40,696				4.49				118,186				—				76				13				118,249				5.07
After 10 years			18,960				—				865				—				19,825				5.83				24,154				—				781				1				24,934				5.74
United States and Puerto Rico Government obligations			442,205				—				1,849				3				444,051				0.88				998,536				—				2,669				15				1,001,190				1.47
Mortgage-backed securities:
FHLMC certificates:
Due within one year			408				—				2				—				410				3.64				—				—				—				—				—				—
After 1 to 5 years			—				—				—				—				—				—				928				—				8				—				936				3.67
After 10 years			139,398				—				2,099				—				141,497				2.35				24,974				—				238				—				25,212				2.59
			139,806				—				2,101				—				141,907				2.36				25,902				—				246				—				26,148				2.62
GNMA certificates:
After 1 to 5 years			176				—				9				—				185				3.65				179				—				9				—				188				3.88
After 5 to 10 years			528				—				39				—				567				3.88				596				—				47				—				643				4.09
After 10 years			638,741				—				43,250				—				681,991				4.00				717,237				—				43,938				—				761,175				3.98
			639,445				—				43,298				—				682,743				4.00				718,012				—				43,994				—				762,006				3.98
FNMA certificates:
Due within one year			486				—				19				—				505				3.81				—				—				—				—				—				—
After 1 to 5 years			—				—				—				—				—				—				1,019				—				42				—				1,061				3.82
After 5 to 10 years			15,803				—				1,103				—				16,906				4.01				18,826				—				1,007				—				19,833				3.97
After 10 years			192,012				—				4,979				—				196,991				3.15				47,485				—				3,285				—				50,770				5.46
			208,301				—				6,101				—				214,402				3.21				67,330				—				4,334				—				71,664				5.02
Other mortgage pass-through trust certificates:
After 10 years			76,230				31,951				13,287				—				57,566				2.34				85,014				31,951				8,143				—				61,206				2.19
Total mortgage-backed securities			1,063,782				31,951				64,787				—				1,096,618				3.51				896,258				31,951				56,717				—				921,024				3.85
Corporate bonds:
After 10 years			1,449				434				—				223				792				6.71				1,447				434				—				—				1,013				5.80
Equity securities (without contractual maturity) (1)			77				—				—				13				64				—				77				—				—				36				41				—
Total investment securities available for sale		$	1,507,513			$	32,385			$	66,636			$	239			$	1,541,525				2.74			$	1,896,318			$	32,385			$	59,386			$	51			$	1,923,268				2.60

 

(1)	Represents common shares of another financial institution in Puerto Rico.

Maturities of mortgage-backed securities are based on contractual terms assuming no prepayments. Expected maturities of investments might differ from contractual maturities because they may be subject to prepayments and/or call options as was the case with approximately $192.9 million of Puerto Rico Government Obligations called during the first half of 2012. The weighted-average yield on investment securities available-for-sale is based on amortized cost and, therefore, does not give effect to changes in fair value. The net unrealized gain or loss on securities available-for-sale and the non-credit loss component of OTTI are presented as part of OCI.

The following tables show the Corporation’s available-for-sale investments’ fair value and gross unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. It also includes debt securities for which an OTTI was recognized and only the amount related to a credit loss was recognized in earnings. Unrealized losses for which OTTI had been recognized have been reduced by any subsequent recoveries in fair value:

 

		As of June 30, 2012
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
		Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses
		(In thousands)
Debt securities:
U.S. Government agencies obligations		$	148,244			$	3			$	—			$	—			$	148,244			$	3
Mortgage-backed securities:
Other mortgage pass-through trust certificates			—				—				57,402				18,664				57,402				18,664
Corporate bonds			—				—				792				657				792				657
Equity securities			64				13				—				—				64				13
		$	148,308			$	16			$	58,194			$	19,321			$	206,502			$	19,337

 

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		As of December 31, 2011
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
		Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses				Fair Value				Unrealized Losses
		(In thousands)
Debt securities:
Puerto Rico Government obligations		$	15,982			$	15			$	—			$	—			$	15,982			$	15
Mortgage-backed securities:
Other mortgage pass-through trust certificates			—				—				61,017				23,809				61,017				23,809
Corporate bonds			—				—				1,013				434				1,013				434
Equity securities			41				36				—				—				41				36
		$	16,023			$	51			$	62,030			$	24,243			$	78,053			$	24,294

Total proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale during the first half of 2011 amounted to approximately $487.1 million, none in the first half of 2012.

Assessment for OTTI

On a quarterly basis, the Corporation performs an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances indicating that a security with an unrealized loss has suffered an OTTI. A debt security is considered impaired if the fair value is less than its amortized cost basis at the reporting date. The accounting literature requires the Corporation to assess whether the unrealized loss is other-than-temporary.

OTTI losses must be recognized in earnings if an investor has the intent to sell the debt security or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. However, even if an investor does not expect to sell a debt security, it must evaluate expected cash flows to be received and determine if a credit loss has occurred.

An unrealized loss is generally deemed to be other-than-temporary and a credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of the expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The credit loss component of an OTTI, if any, is recorded as a component of net impairment losses on investment securities in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (loss), while the remaining portion of the impairment loss is recognized in OCI, provided the Corporation does not intend to sell the underlying debt security and it is “more likely than not” that the Corporation will not have to sell the debt security prior to recovery.

Debt securities issued by U.S. government agencies, government-sponsored entities and the U.S. Treasury accounted for more than 91% of the total available-for-sale portfolio as of March 31, 2012 and no credit losses are expected, given the explicit and implicit guarantees provided by the U.S. federal government. The Corporation’s assessment was concentrated mainly on private label mortgage-backed securities with an amortized cost of $76 million and in the Corporation’s $1.4 million investment in a collateralized debt obligation transaction for which credit losses are evaluated on a quarterly basis. The Corporation considered the following factors in determining whether a credit loss exists and the period over which the debt security is expected to recover:

 

•

The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than the amortized cost basis.

 

•

Changes in the near term prospects of the underlying collateral of a security such as changes in default rates, loss severity given default and significant changes in prepayment assumptions;

 

•

The level of cash flows generated from the underlying collateral supporting the principal and interest payments of the debt securities; and

 

•

Any adverse change to the credit conditions and liquidity of the issuer, taking into consideration the latest information available about the overall financial condition of the issuer, credit ratings, recent legislation and government actions affecting the issuer’s industry and actions taken by the issuer to deal with the present economic climate.

For the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the Corporation recorded OTTI losses on available-for-sale debt securities as follows:

 

		Private label MBS								Private label MBS
		Quarter ended June 30,								Six-month period ended June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
(In thousands)
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Portion of loss previously recognized in other comprehensive income			(143	)			(607	)			(1,376	)			(607	)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings		$	(143	)		$	(607	)		$	(1,376	)		$	(607	)

 

 

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The following table summarizes the roll-forward of credit losses on debt securities held by the Corporation for which a portion of an OTTI is recognized in OCI:

 

		Quarter ended June 30,								Six-month period ended June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
(In thousands)
Credit losses at the beginning of the period		$	5,056			$	1,852			$	3,823			$	1,852
Additions:
Credit losses on debt securities for which an OTTI was previously recognized (1)			143				607				1,376				607
Ending balance of credit losses on debt securities held for which a portion of an OTTI was recognized in OCI		$	5,199			$	2,459			$	5,199			$	2,459

 

(1)	Related to private label MBS.

During the first half of 2012, a $1.4 million credit related impairment loss is related to Private label MBS, which are collateralized by fixed-rate mortgages on single family residential properties in the United States. The interest rate on these private-label MBS is variable, tied to 3-month LIBOR and limited to the weighted-average coupon of the underlying collateral. The underlying mortgages are fixed-rate single family loans with original high FICO scores (over 700) and moderate original loan-to-value ratios (under 80%), as well as moderate delinquency levels.

Based on the expected cash flows derived from the model, and since the Corporation does not have the intention to sell the securities and has sufficient capital and liquidity to hold these securities until a recovery of the fair value occurs, only the credit loss component was reflected in earnings. Significant assumptions in the valuation of the private label MBS as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follow:

 

		June 30, 2012						December 31, 2011
		Weighted Average				Range		Weighted Average				Range
Discount rate			14.5	%		14.5%			14.5	%		14.5%
Prepayment rate			32	%		23.71% - 42.27%			27	%		21.33% - 37.97%
Projected Cumulative Loss Rate			7	%		1.14% - 15.70%			6	%		1.94% - 11.89%

No OTTI losses on equity securities held in the available-for-sale investment portfolio were recognized for the first half of 2012 or 2011.

5 – OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES

Institutions that are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system are required to maintain a minimum investment in FHLB stock. Such minimum is calculated as a percentage of aggregate outstanding mortgages, and an additional investment is required that is calculated as a percentage of total FHLB advances, letters of credit, and the collateralized portion of interest-rate swaps outstanding. The stock is capital stock issued at $100 par value. Both stock and cash dividends may be received on FHLB stock.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Corporation had investments in FHLB stock with a book value of $30.8 million and $36.7 million, respectively. The net realizable value is a reasonable proxy for the fair value of these instruments. Dividend income from FHLB stock for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 amounted to $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, compared to $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the comparable periods in 2011.

The FHLB stocks owned by the Corporation are issued by the FHLB of New York and by the FHLB of Atlanta. Both Banks are part of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, a national wholesale banking network of 12 regional, stockholder-owned congressionally chartered banks. The Federal Home Loan Banks are all privately capitalized and operated by their member stockholders. The system is supervised by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which ensures that the Home Loan Banks operate in a financially safe and sound manner, remain adequately capitalized and able to raise funds in the capital markets, and carry out their housing finance mission.

The Corporation has other equity securities that do not have a readily available fair value. The carrying value of such securities as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $1.3 million.

 

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6 – LOANS HELD FOR INVESTMENT

The following is a detail of the loan portfolio held for investment:

 

		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans, mainly secured by first mortgages		$	2,764,066			$	2,873,785
Commercial loans:
Construction loans			364,934				427,863
Commercial mortgage loans			1,479,068				1,565,411
Commercial and Industrial loans			3,475,356				3,856,695
Loans to local financial institutions collateralized by real estate mortgages			262,563				273,821
Commercial loans			5,581,921				6,123,790
Finance leases			240,589				247,003
Consumer loans			1,709,539				1,314,814
Loans held for investment			10,296,115				10,559,392
Allowance for loan and lease losses			(457,153	)			(493,917	)
Loans held for investment, net		$	9,838,962			$	10,065,475

Loans held for investment classified as non-performing as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Non-performing loans:
Residential mortgage		$	333,043			$	338,208
Commercial mortgage			239,881				240,414
Commercial and Industrial			255,253				270,171
Construction			202,133				250,022
Consumer:
Auto loans			17,652				19,641
Finance leases			2,829				3,485
Other consumer loans			14,897				16,421
Total non-performing loans held for investment (1)		$	1,065,688			$	1,138,362

 

(1)	Amounts exclude purchased credit impaired loans with a fair value of approximately $15.0 million acquired as part of a credit card portfolio purchased in the second quarter of 2012 as further discussed below.

 

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The Corporation’s aging of the loans held for investment portfolio as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, follows:

 

As of June 30, 2012 (Dollars in thousands)		30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				90 days or more Past Due (1)				Total Past Due (4)				Purchased Credit- Impaired Loans (4)				Current				Total loans held for investment				90 days past due and still accruing (5)
Residential mortgage:
FHA/VA and other government guaranteed loans (2) (3) (5)		$	—			$	12,403			$	83,511			$	95,914			$	—			$	107,779			$	203,693			$	83,511
Other residential mortgage loans (3)			—				102,224				346,163				448,387				—				2,111,986				2,560,373				13,120
Commercial:
Commercial & Industrial loans			12,714				17,523				273,156				303,393				—				3,434,526				3,737,919				17,903
Commercial mortgage loans (3)			—				16,450				245,894				262,344				—				1,216,724				1,479,068				6,013
Construction loans (3)			—				4,691				202,171				206,862				—				158,072				364,934				38
Consumer:
Auto loans			60,888				17,943				17,652				96,483				—				867,096				963,579				—
Finance leases			10,459				3,200				2,829				16,488				—				224,101				240,589				—
Other consumer loans			13,918				5,220				14,897				34,035				15,001				696,924				745,960				—
Total loans held for investment		$	97,979			$	179,654			$	1,186,273			$	1,463,906			$	15,001			$	8,817,208			$	10,296,115			$	120,585

 

(1)	Includes non-performing loans and accruing loans which are contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e. FHA/VA guaranteed loans and credit cards). Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged-off at 180 days.

(2)	As of June 30, 2012, includes $5.6 million of defaulted loans collateralizing Ginnie Mae (“GNMA”) securities for which the Corporation has an unconditional option (but not an obligation) to repurchase the defaulted loans.

(3)

According to the Corporation’s delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears 2 or more monthly payments.

(4)	Purchased credit-impaired loans are excluded from delinquency and non-performing statistics as further discussed below.

(5)

It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as past due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to non-performing loans since the principal repayment is insured. These balances include $32.5 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA, which are over 18 months delinquent, that are no longer accruing interest as of June 30, 2012.

 

As of December 31, 2011 (Dollars in thousands)		30-59 Days Past Due				60-89 Days Past Due				90 days or more Past Due (1)				Total Past Due				Current				Total loans held for investment				90 days past due and still accruing
Residential mortgage:
FHA/VA and other government guaranteed loans (2) (3)		$	—			$	17,548			$	85,188			$	102,736			$	165,417			$	268,153			$	85,188
Other residential mortgage loans (3)			—				90,274				350,495				440,769				2,164,863				2,605,632				12,287
Commercial:
Commercial & Industrial loans			27,674				10,714				294,723				333,111				3,797,405				4,130,516				24,552
Commercial mortgage loans (3)			—				8,891				240,414				249,305				1,316,106				1,565,411				—
Construction loans (3)			—				8,211				258,811				267,022				160,841				427,863				8,789
Consumer:
Auto loans			61,265				18,963				19,641				99,869				837,697				937,566				—
Finance leases			11,110				4,172				3,485				18,767				228,236				247,003				—
Other consumer loans			10,170				4,699				16,421				31,290				345,958				377,248				—
Total loans held for investment		$	110,219			$	163,472			$	1,269,178			$	1,542,869			$	9,016,523			$	10,559,392			$	130,816

 

(1)	Includes non-performing loans and accruing loans which are contractually delinquent 90 days or more (i.e. FHA/VA and other guaranteed loans).

(2)	As of December 31, 2011, includes $66.4 million of defaulted loans collateralizing GNMA securities for which the Corporation has an unconditional option (but not an obligation) to repurchase the defaulted loans.

(3)

According to the Corporation’s delinquency policy and consistent with the instructions for the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding Companies (FR Y-9C) required by the Federal Reserve, residential mortgage, commercial mortgage and construction loans are considered past due when the borrower is in arrears 2 or more monthly payments.

The Corporation’s credit quality indicators by loan type as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 are summarized below:

 

		Commercial Credit Exposure-Credit risk Profile based on Creditworthiness category:
June 30, 2012		Substandard				Doubtful				Loss				Total Adversely Classified				Total Portfolio
										(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage		$	406,205			$	7,964			$	—			$	414,169			$	1,479,068
Construction			197,541				26,969				605				225,115				364,934
Commercial and Industrial			412,921				42,935				1,061				456,917				3,737,919
		Commercial Credit Exposure-Credit risk Profile based on Creditworthiness category:
December 31, 2011		Substandard				Doubtful				Loss				Total Adversely Classified				Total Portfolio
										(In thousands)
Commercial Mortgage		$	414,355			$	8,462			$	—			$	422,817			$	1,565,411
Construction			247,560				32,059				2,916				282,535				427,863
Commercial and Industrial			457,927				31,100				1,373				490,400				4,130,516

The Corporation considered a loan as adversely classified if its risk rating is Substandard, Doubtful or Loss. These categories are defined as follows:

Substandard - A Substandard Asset is inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful - Doubtful classifications have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. A Doubtful classification may be appropriate in cases where significant risk exposures are perceived, but Loss cannot be determined because of specific reasonable pending factors which may strengthen the credit in the near term.

Loss - Assets classified Loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may be affected in the future. There is little or no prospect for near term improvement and no realistic strengthening action of significance pending.

 

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June 30, 2012		Consumer Credit Exposure-Credit risk Profile based on payment activity
		Residential Real-Estate								Consumer
		FHA/VA/ Guaranteed  (1)				Other residential loans				Auto				Finance Leases				Other Consumer
										(In thousands)
Performing		$	203,693			$	2,227,330			$	945,927			$	237,760			$	716,062
Purchased Credit-Impaired			—				—				—				—				15,001
Non-performing			—				333,043				17,652				2,829				14,897
Total		$	203,693			$	2,560,373			$	963,579			$	240,589			$	745,960

 

(1)

It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as past due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to non-performing loans since the principal repayment is insured. These balances include $32.5 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA, which are over 18 months delinquent, that are no longer accruing interest as of June 30, 2012.

 

December 31, 2011		Consumer Credit Exposure-Credit risk Profile based on payment activity
		Residential Real-Estate								Consumer
		FHA/VA/ Guaranteed				Other residential loans				Auto				Finance Leases				Other Consumer
										(In thousands)
Performing		$	268,153			$	2,267,424			$	917,925			$	243,518			$	360,827
Non-performing			—				338,208				19,641				3,485				16,421
Total		$	268,153			$	2,605,632			$	937,566			$	247,003			$	377,248

The following tables present information about impaired loans as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, excluding purchased credit-impaired loans, which are reported separately and discussed below:

 

Impaired Loans (Dollars in thousands)		Recorded Investment				Unpaid Principal Balance				Related Allowance				Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized Quarter to date				Interest Income Recognized Year to date
As of June 30, 2012
With no related allowance recorded:
FHA/VA Guaranteed loans		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Other residential mortgage loans			184,198				195,354				—				183,917				1,740				3,244
Commercial:
Commercial mortgage loans			37,042				41,613				—				39,637				187				361
Commercial & Industrial Loans			14,279				35,469				—				18,861				67				91
Construction Loans			37,735				49,592				—				36,821				41				92
Consumer:
Auto loans			—				—				—				—				—				—
Finance leases			—				—				—				—				—				—
Other consumer loans			2,804				4,130				—				2,981				25				45
		$	276,058			$	326,158			$	—			$	282,217			$	2,060			$	3,833
With an allowance recorded:
FHA/VA Guaranteed loans		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Other residential mortgage loans			415,179				456,811				49,111				417,359				2,928				5,251
Commercial:
Commercial mortgage loans			324,259				371,586				52,591				326,643				2,358				4,812
Commercial & Industrial Loans			244,086				331,411				70,936				242,456				620				1,227
Construction Loans			152,338				252,831				34,938				183,783				70				137
Consumer:
Auto loans			10,792				10,792				1,349				9,824				185				361
Finance leases			1,836				1,836				58				1,981				44				122
Other consumer loans			7,946				8,312				877				9,222				385				636
		$	1,156,436			$	1,433,579			$	209,860			$	1,191,268			$	6,590			$	12,546
Total:
FHA/VA Guaranteed loans		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Other residential mortgage loans			599,377				652,165				49,111				601,276				4,668				8,495
Commercial:
Commercial mortgage loans			361,301				413,199				52,591				366,280				2,545				5,173
Commercial & Industrial Loans			258,365				366,880				70,936				261,317				687				1,318
Construction Loans			190,073				302,423				34,938				220,604				111				229
Consumer:
Auto loans			10,792				10,792				1,349				9,824				185				361
Finance leases			1,836				1,836				58				1,981				44				122
Other consumer loans			10,750				12,442				877				12,203				410				681
		$	1,432,494			$	1,759,737			$	209,860			$	1,473,485			$	8,650			$	16,379

 

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(Dollars in thousands)		Recorded Investment				Unpaid Principal Balance				Related Allowance
As of December 31, 2011
With no related allowance recorded:
FHA/VA Guaranteed loans		$	—			$	—			$	—
Other residential mortgage loans			181,081				192,757				—
Commercial:
Commercial mortgage loans			13,797				15,283				—
Commercial & Industrial Loans			40,453				45,948				—
Construction Loans			33,759				45,931				—
Consumer:
Auto loans			—				—				—
Finance leases			—				—				—
Other consumer loans			2,840				3,846				—
		$	271,930			$	303,765			$	—
With an allowance recorded:
FHA/VA Guaranteed loans		$	—			$	—			$	—
Other residential mortgage loans			423,340				465,495				48,566
Commercial:
Commercial mortgage loans			354,954				383,890				59,167
Commercial & Industrial Loans			223,572				316,641				58,652
Construction Loans			213,388				344,035				44,768
Consumer:
Auto loans			8,710				8,710				1,039
Finance leases			1,804				1,804				41
Other consumer loans			9,678				9,678				2,669
		$	1,235,446			$	1,530,253			$	214,902
Total:
FHA/VA Guaranteed loans		$	—			$	—			$	—
Other residential mortgage loans			604,421				658,252				48,566
Commercial:
Commercial mortgage loans			368,751				399,173				59,167
Commercial & Industrial Loans			264,025				362,589				58,652
Construction Loans			247,147				389,966				44,768
Consumer:
Auto loans			8,710				8,710				1,039
Finance leases			1,804				1,804				41
Other consumer loans			12,518				13,524				2,669
		$	1,507,376			$	1,834,018			$	214,902

Interest income of approximately $9.9 million and $20.2 million was recognized on impaired loans for the second quarter and first half of 2011, respectively.

 

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The following tables show the activity for impaired loans and the related specific reserve for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012:

 

		Quarter ended				Six-month period ended
		June 30, 2012
Impaired Loans:		(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period		$	1,477,032			$	1,507,376
Loans determined impaired during the period			69,274				167,549
Net charge-offs			(38,348	)			(76,847	)
Increases to impaired loans (disbursements)			14,203				19,121
Foreclosures			(46,366	)			(87,384	)
Loans no longer considered impaired			(11,005	)			(36,918	)
Paid in full or partial payments			(32,296	)			(60,763	)
Balance at end of period		$	1,432,469			$	1,432,469
		June 30, 2012
Specific Reserve:		(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period		$	224,576			$	214,902
Provision for loan losses			23,632				71,445
Net charge-offs			(38,348	)			(76,487	)
Balance at end of period		$	209,860			$	209,860

Acquired loans including Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans

On May 30, 2012, the Corporation re-entered the credit card business with the acquisition of an approximate $406 million portfolio of FirstBank-branded credit card portfolio from FIA Card Services (FIA). These loans were recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at estimated fair value on acquisition date of $368.9 million. The Corporation concluded that a portion of these loans acquired were purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans. PCI loans are acquired loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination for which it is probable at the date of purchase that the Corporation will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. The loans for which the Corporation concluded were credit impaired had a contractual outstanding unpaid principal and interest balance of $34.6 million and an estimated fair value of $15.7 million. Given the initial fair value of these loans included an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans, the Corporation’s subsequent accounting for PCI loans differs from the accounting for non-PCI loans, therefore, the Corporation separately tracks and report PCI loans and exclude these loans from delinquency and nonperforming loan statistics.

Initial Fair value and Accretable Yield of PCI loans

At acquisition, the Corporation estimated the cash flows the Corporation expected to collect on credit card loans acquired with a deteriorated credit quality. Under the accounting guidance for PCI loans, the difference between the contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. This difference is neither accreted into income nor recorded on the Corporation’s consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected over the estimated fair value is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loans, using the effective yield method. The table below displays the contractually required principal and interest, cash flows expected to be collected and fair value at acquisition related to the loans the Corporation acquired. The table also displays the nonaccretable difference and the accretable yield at acquisition.

 

(dollars in thousands)		At acquisition
		Purchased Credit- Impaired loans
Contractually outstanding principal and interest at acquisition		$	34,577
Less: Nonaccretable difference			(15,408	)
Cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition			19,169
Less: Accretable yield			(3,451	)
Fair value of loans acquired		$	15,718

 

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Outstanding balance and Carrying value of PCI loans

The table below presents the outstanding contractual principal balance and the carrying value of the PCI loans as of June 30, 2012:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		Purchased Credit-Impaired
Contractual balance		$	33,883
Carrying value			15,001

Changes in accretable yield of acquired loans

Subsequent to acquisition, the Corporation is required to periodically evaluate its estimate of cash flows expected to be collected. These evaluations, performed quarterly, require the continued use of key assumptions and estimates, similar to the initial estimate of fair value. Subsequent changes in the estimated cash flows expected to be collected may result in changes in the accretable yield and nonaccretable difference or reclassifications from nonaccretable yield to accretable. Increases in the cash flows expected to be collected will generally result in an increase in interest income over the remaining life of the loan or pool of loans. Decreases in expected cash flows due to further credit deterioration will generally result in an impairment charge recognized in the Corporation’s provision for loan and lease losses, resulting in an increase to the allowance for loan losses. During the second quarter of 2012, the Corporation recorded interest income of $0.2 million related to the discount accretion recorded as an adjustment to the yield of the PCI portfolio.

In addition to the credit card portfolio acquired from FIA, the Corporation purchased during the first half of 2012 approximately $95.1 million of residential mortgage loans consistent with a strategic program established by the Corporation in 2005 to purchase ongoing residential mortgage loan production from mortgage bankers in Puerto Rico. Generally, the loans purchased from mortgage bankers were conforming residential mortgage loans. Purchases of conforming residential mortgage loans provide the Corporation the flexibility to retain or sell the loans, including through securitization transactions depending upon whether the Corporation wants to retain high yielding loans and improve net interest margins or generate profits by selling loans. When the Corporation sells such loans, it generally keeps the servicing of the loans. The Corporation sold approximately $100.1 million of performing residential mortgage loans in the secondary market to FNMA and FHLMC during the first half of 2012. Also, the Corporation securitized approximately $108.8 million of FHA/VA mortgage loans into GNMA mortgage-backed securities during the first half of 2012.

The Corporation’s primary lending area is Puerto Rico. The Corporation’s Puerto Rico banking subsidiary, FirstBank, also lends in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands markets and in the United States (principally in the state of Florida). Of the total gross loans held for investment portfolio of $10.3 billion as of June 30, 2012, approximately 85% have credit risk concentration in Puerto Rico, 7% in the United States and 8% in the Virgin Islands.

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had $148.6 million outstanding of credit facilities granted to the Puerto Rico Government and/or its political subdivisions, down from $360.1 million as of December 31, 2011, and $120.0 million granted to the Virgin Islands government, down from $139.4 million as of December 31, 2011. A substantial portion of these credit facilities consist of loans to various municipalities in Puerto Rico for which the good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power of the applicable municipality have been pledged to their repayment. Another portion of these obligations consists of loans to public corporations that obtain revenues from rates charged for services or products, such as electric power and water utilities. Public corporations have varying degrees of independence from the central Government and many receive appropriations or other payments from it.

In addition to loans extended to government entities, the largest loan to one borrower as of June 30, 2012 in the amount of $262.6 million is with one mortgage originator in Puerto Rico, Doral Financial Corporation. This commercial loan is secured by individual real-estate loans, mostly 1-4 residential mortgage loans.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The Corporation provides homeownership preservation assistance to its customers through a loss mitigation program in Puerto Rico and in accordance with the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program guidelines. Depending upon the nature of borrowers’ financial condition, restructurings or loan modifications through this program as well as other restructurings of individual commercial, commercial mortgage, construction and residential mortgage loans in the U.S. mainland fit the definition of Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”). A restructuring of a debt constitutes a TDR if the creditor for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Modifications involve changes in one or more of the loan terms that bring a defaulted loan current and provide sustainable affordability. Changes may include the refinancing of any past-due amounts, including interest and escrow, the extension of the maturity of the loan and modifications of the loan rate. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s total TDR loans of $861.9 million consisted of $394.4 million of residential mortgage loans, $112.1 million of commercial and industrial loans, $244.4 million of commercial mortgage loans, $90.6 million of construction loans and $20.3 million of consumer loans. Outstanding unfunded commitments on TDR loans amounted to $2.7 million as of June 30, 2012.

 

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The Corporation’s loss mitigation programs for residential mortgage and consumer loans can provide for one or a combination of the following: movement of interest past due to the end of the loan, extension of the loan term, deferral of principal payments for a significant period of time, and reduction of interest rates either permanently (up to 2010) or for a period of up to two years (step-up rates). Additionally, in remote cases, the restructuring may provide for the forgiveness of contractually due principal or interest. Uncollected interest is added to the end of the loan term at the time of the restructuring and not recognized as income until collected or when the loan is paid off. These programs are available to only those borrowers who have defaulted, or are likely to default, permanently on their loan and would lose their homes in foreclosure action absent some lender concession. Notwithstanding, if the Corporation is not reasonably assured that the borrower will comply with its contractual commitment, properties are foreclosed.

In addition to residential loans modified in TDRs described above, the Corporation also enters into trial modifications with certain borrowers. Trial modifications generally represent a three month period whereby the borrower makes monthly payments under the anticipated modified payment terms prior to a formal modification. Trial modifications lasting more than three months are considered TDRs. Upon successful completion of a trial modification, the Corporation and the borrower enter into a permanent modification where the terms of the loan are formally modified. Approximately 82% of all loans that entered into a trial modification during the last twelve months became permanent modifications as of June 30, 2012. Substantially all permanent modifications are considered TDRs and are included in the TDR disclosures herein. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had 82 loans that were in trial modifications and were not considered TDRs, with an unpaid principal balance of $13.1 million and a carrying value of $12.3 million.

For the commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and the construction portfolios, at the time of the restructuring, the Corporation determines, on a loan by loan basis, whether a concession was granted for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. Concessions granted for commercial loans could include: reductions in interest rates to rates that are considered below market; extension of repayment schedules and maturity dates beyond original contractual terms; waiving of borrower covenants; forgiveness of principal or interest; or other contract changes that would be considered a concession. The Corporation mitigates loan defaults for its commercial loan portfolios through its collections function. The function’s objective is to minimize both early stage delinquencies and losses upon default of commercial loans. In the case of C&I, commercial mortgage and construction loan portfolios, the Special Asset Group (“SAG”) focuses on strategies for the accelerated reduction of non-performing assets through note sales, short sales, loss mitigation programs, and sales of REO. In addition to the management of the resolution process for problem loans, the SAG oversees collection efforts for all loans to prevent migration to the non-performing and/or adversely classified status. The SAG utilizes relationship officers, collection specialists and attorneys. In the case of residential construction projects, the workout function monitors project specifics, such as project management and marketing, as deemed necessary. The SAG utilizes its collections infrastructure of workout collection officers, credit work-out specialists, in-house legal counsel, and third party consultants. In the case of residential construction projects and large commercial loans, the function also utilizes third-party specialized consultants to monitor the residential and commercial construction projects in terms of construction, marketing and sales, and restructuring of large commercial loans. In addition, the Corporation extends, renews and restructures loans with satisfactory credit profiles. Many commercial loan facilities are structured as lines of credit, which are mainly one year in term and therefore are required to be renewed annually. Other facilities may be restructured or extended from time to time based upon changes in the borrower’s business needs, use of funds, timing of completion of projects and other factors. If the borrower is not deemed to have financial difficulties, extensions, renewals and restructurings are done in the normal course of business and not considered concessions, and the loans continue to be recorded as performing.

Selected information on TDRs that includes the recorded investment by loan class and modification type is summarized in the following table. This information reflects all TDRs at June 30, 2012:

 

(In Thousands)		June 30, 2012
		Interest rate below market				Maturity or term extension				Combination of reduction in interest rate and extension of maturity				Forgiveness of Principal and/or interest				Forbearance Agreement  (1)				Other (2)				Total
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans		$	12,617			$	3,966			$	335,605			$	—			$	—			$	42,181			$	394,369
Commercial Mortgage Loans			97,173				17,530				117,004				820				—				11,919				244,446
Commercial & Industrial Loans			21,469				12,511				20,897				7,421				9,550				40,273				112,121
Construction Loans			6,349				1,801				4,997				—				71,490				5,984				90,621
Consumer Loans - Auto			—				1,149				7,517				—				—				2,125				10,791
Finance Leases			—				1,836				—				—				—				—				1,836
Consumer Loans - Other			417				533				5,111				27				—				1,660				7,748
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings		$	138,025			$	39,326			$	491,131			$	8,268			$	81,040			$	104,142			$	861,932

 

(1)	Mainly related to one construction relationship amounting to $60.6 million.

(2)	Other concessions granted by the Corporation include deferral of principal and/or interest payments for a period longer than what would be considered insignificant, payment plans under judicial stipulation or a combination of the concessions listed in the table.

 

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The following table presents the Corporation’s TDR activity for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012:

 

(In Thousands)		Quarter ended				Six-month period ended
		June 30, 2012
Beginning Balance of TDRs		$	853,624			$	820,499
New TDRs			57,260				125,528
Increases to existing TDRs (disbursements)			6,460				16,135
Charge-offs post modification			(17,862	)			(25,562	)
Foreclosures			(19,248	)			(28,255	)
Removed from TDR classification			(1,992	)			(7,051	)
Paid-off and partial payments			(16,310	)			(39,362	)
Ending balance of TDRs		$	861,932			$	861,932

TDRs are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. A loan on nonaccrual and restructured as a TDR will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure for a minimum of six months and there is evidence that such payments can and are likely to continue as agreed. Performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loans being returned to accrual at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loan modifications increase Corporation’s interest income by returning a non-performing loan to performing status, if applicable, and increase cash flows by providing for payments to be made by the borrower, and avoid increases in foreclosure and real estate owned (“REO”) costs. The Corporation continues to consider a modified loan as an impaired loan for purposes of estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses. A TDR loan that specifies an interest rate that at the time of the restructuring greater than or equal to the rate the Corporation is willing to accept for a new loan with comparable risk may not be reported as a TDR or an impaired loan in the calendar years subsequent to the restructuring if it is in compliance with its modified terms. During the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, $7.1 million were removed from the TDR classification, as reflected in the table above.

The following table provides a breakdown between accrual and nonaccrual status of TDRs as of June 30, 2012:

 

(In Thousands)		June 30, 2012
		Accrual				Nonaccrual  (1)				Total TDRs
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans		$	284,063			$	110,306			$	394,369
Commercial Mortgage Loans			146,145				98,301				244,446
Commercial & Industrial Loans			20,620				91,501				112,121
Construction Loans			2,220				88,401				90,621
Consumer Loans - Auto			6,866				3,925				10,791
Finance Leases			1,791				45				1,836
Consumer Loans - Other			6,461				1,287				7,748
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings		$	468,166			$	393,766			$	861,932

 

(1)

Included in non-accrual loans are $165.3 million in loans that are performing under the terms of the restructuring agreement but are reported in non-accrual until the restructured loans meet the criteria of sustained payment performance under the revised terms for reinstatement to accrual status and there is no doubt about full collectibility.

TDRs exclude restructured mortgage loans that are government guaranteed (i.e. FHA/VA loans) totaling $91.8 million. The Corporation excludes government guaranteed loans from TDRs given that in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan, the principal and interest are guaranteed by the U.S. Government, therefore, the risk of loss on these types of loans is very low. The Corporation does not consider loans with government guarantees to be impaired loans for the purpose of calculating the allowance for loan and lease losses.

 

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Loan modifications that are considered TDRs completed during the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)		Quarter ended June 30, 2012
		Number of contracts				Pre-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment				Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans			101			$	16,199			$	16,247
Commercial Mortgage Loans			6				29,646				29,646
Commercial & Industrial Loans			5				3,737				3,432
Construction Loans			4				4,567				4,557
Consumer Loans - Auto			135				1,633				1,590
Finance Leases			20				303				303
Consumer Loans - Other			226				1,485				1,485
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings			497			$	57,570			$	57,260
(Dollars in Thousands)		Six-month period ended June 30, 2012
		Number of contracts				Pre-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment				Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans			256			$	40,991			$	41,342
Commercial Mortgage Loans			21				42,936				42,972
Commercial & Industrial Loans			36				31,884				28,322
Construction Loans			5				5,291				5,281
Consumer Loans - Auto			289				3,429				3,386
Finance Leases			52				922				922
Consumer Loans - Other			523				3,303				3,303
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings			1,182			$	128,756			$	125,528
(Dollars in Thousands)		Quarter ended June 30, 2011
		Number of contracts				Pre-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment				Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans			198			$	28,451			$	29,076
Commercial Mortgage Loans			14				13,662				15,823
Commercial & Industrial Loans			18				20,453				17,463
Construction Loans			15				99,513				99,523
Consumer Loans - Auto			190				2,269				2,282
Finance Leases			33				678				678
Consumer Loans - Other			355				3,105				3,141
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings			823			$	168,131			$	167,986
(Dollars in Thousands)		Six-month period ended June 30, 2011
		Number of contracts				Pre-modification Outstanding Recorded Investment				Post- Modification Outstanding Recorded Investment
Troubled Debt Restructurings:
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans			465			$	73,295			$	75,901
Commercial Mortgage Loans			42				108,464				82,723
Commercial & Industrial Loans			45				82,255				37,735
Construction Loans			16				99,689				99,745
Consumer Loans - Auto			414				5,054				5,096
Finance Leases			56				1,092				1,105
Consumer Loans - Other			711				6,034				6,100
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings			1,749			$	375,883			$	308,405

Recidivism, or the borrower defaulting on its obligation pursuant to a modified loan, results in the loan once again becoming a non-performing loan. Recidivism occurs at a notably higher rate than do defaults on new origination loans, so modified loans present a higher risk of loss than do new origination loans. The Corporation considers a loan to have defaulted if the borrower has failed to make payments of either principal, interest, or both for a period of 90 days or more.

 

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Loan modifications considered troubled debt restructurings that defaulted during the quarters and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and had been modified in a TDR during the 12-months preceding the default date were as follows:

 

(Dollars in Thousands)		Quarter ended June 30,
		2012								2011
		Number of contracts				Recorded Investment				Number of contracts				Recorded Investment
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans			35			$	5,454				50			$	19,927
Commercial Mortgage Loans			4				3,164				12				2,878
Commercial & Industrial Loans			1				385				1				1,439
Construction Loans			2				8,382				1				70
Consumer Loans - Auto			36				393				—				—
Consumer Loans - Other			4				53				—				—
Finance Leases			1				27				—				—
Total			83			$	17,852				64			$	24,314
(Dollars in Thousands)		Six-month period ended June 30,
		2012								2011
		Number of contracts				Recorded Investment				Number of contracts				Recorded Investment
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans			88			$	12,810				90			$	27,269
Commercial Mortgage Loans			8				5,211				16				3,420
Commercial & Industrial Loans			4				6,279				1				1,439
Construction Loans			2				8,382				1				70
Consumer Loans - Auto			36				393				—				—
Consumer Loans - Other			6				118				—				—
Finance Leases			1				27				—				—
Total			145			$	34,615				108			$	32,198

For certain TDRs, the Corporation splits the loans into two new notes, A and B notes. The A note is restructured to comply with the Corporation’s lending standards at current market rates, and is tailored to suit the customer’s ability to make timely interest and principal payments. The B note includes the granting of the concession to the borrower and varies by situation. The B note is charged-off but the obligation is not forgiven to the borrower, and any payments collected are accounted for as recoveries. At the time of restructuring, the A note is identified and classified as a TDR. If the loan performs for at least six months according to the modified terms, the A note may be returned to accrual status. The borrower’s payment performance prior to the restructuring are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in that the loans be returned to accrual status at the time of restructuring. In the periods following the calendar year in which a loan was restructured, the A Note may no longer be reported as a TDR if it is on accrual, is in compliance with its modified terms, and yields a market rate (as determined and documented at the time of the restructure)

The recorded investment in loans restructured using the A/B note restructure workout strategy was approximately $125.9 million at June 30, 2012. The following table provides additional information about the volume of this type of loan restructuring and the effect on the allowance for loan and lease losses in the first half of 2012:

 

		(In thousands)
Principal balance deemed collectible at end of period		$	125,893
Amount charged-off		$	1,949
Charges to the provision for loan losses		$	3,259
Allowance for loan losses as of June 30, 2012		$	7,179

Of the loans comprising the $125.9 million that have been deemed collectible, approximately $105.3 million were placed in accruing status as the borrowers have exhibited a period of sustained performance. These loans continue to be individually evaluated for impairment purposes.

 

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7 – ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

The changes in the allowance for loan and lease losses for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		Residential Mortgage Loans				Commercial Mortgage Loans				Commercial & Industrial Loans				Construction Loans				Consumer Loans				Total
Quarter ended June 30, 2012
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Beginning balance		$	65,283			$	106,975			$	171,979			$	83,710			$	55,996			$	483,943
Charge-offs			(14,532	)			(6,283	)			(9,208	)			(16,353	)			(9,396	)			(55,772	)
Recoveries			321				12				823				1,167				1,775				4,098
Provision (release)			16,368				142				2,427				(666	)			6,613				24,884
Ending balance		$	67,440			$	100,846			$	166,021			$	67,858			$	54,988			$	457,153
Ending balance: specific reserve for impaired loans		$	49,111			$	52,591			$	70,936			$	34,938			$	2,284			$	209,860
Ending balance: purchased credit-impaired loans		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Ending balance: general allowance		$	18,329			$	48,255			$	95,085			$	32,920			$	52,704			$	247,293
Loans held for investment:
Ending balance		$	2,764,066			$	1,479,068			$	3,737,919			$	364,934			$	1,950,128			$	10,296,115
Ending balance: impaired loans		$	599,377			$	361,301			$	258,365			$	190,073			$	23,378			$	1,432,494
Ending balance: purchased credit-impaired loans		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	15,001			$	15,001
Ending balance: loans with general allowance		$	2,164,689			$	1,117,767			$	3,479,554			$	174,861			$	1,911,749			$	8,848,620
(Dollars in thousands)		Residential Mortgage Loans				Commercial Mortgage Loans				Commercial & Industrial Loans				Construction Loans				Consumer Loans				Total
Six-month period ended June 30, 2012
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Beginning balance		$	68,678			$	108,991			$	164,490			$	91,386			$	60,372			$	493,917
Charge-offs			(20,390	)			(9,907	)			(22,699	)			(33,896	)			(19,883	)			(106,775	)
Recoveries			448				42				1,645				3,318				3,477				8,930
Provision			18,704				1,720				22,585				7,050				11,022				61,081
Ending balance		$	67,440			$	100,846			$	166,021			$	67,858			$	54,988			$	457,153
Ending balance: specific reserve for impaired loans		$	49,111			$	52,591			$	70,936			$	34,938			$	2,284			$	209,860
Ending balance: purchased credit-impaired loans		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Ending balance: general allowance		$	18,329			$	48,255			$	95,085			$	32,920			$	52,704			$	247,293
Loans held for investment:
Ending balance		$	2,764,066			$	1,479,068			$	3,737,919			$	364,934			$	1,950,128			$	10,296,115
Ending balance: impaired loans		$	599,377			$	361,301			$	258,365			$	190,073			$	23,378			$	1,432,494
Ending balance: purchased credit-impaired loans		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—			$	15,001			$	15,001
Ending balance: loans with general allowance		$	2,164,689			$	1,117,767			$	3,479,554			$	174,861			$	1,911,749			$	8,848,620
(Dollars in thousands)		Residential Mortgage Loans				Commercial Mortgage Loans				Commercial & Industrial Loans				Construction Loans				Consumer Loans				Total
Quarter ended June 30, 2011
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Beginning balance		$	63,496			$	87,873			$	177,839			$	157,197			$	75,290			$	561,695
Charge-offs			(9,091	)			(3,160	)			(11,811	)			(47,310	)			(12,113	)			(83,485	)
Recoveries			154				10				1,048				103				2,169				3,484
Provision (release)			12,845				6,062				21,486				21,354				(2,563	)			59,184
Ending balance		$	67,404			$	90,785			$	188,562			$	131,344			$	62,783			$	540,878
Ending balance: specific reserve for impaired loans		$	52,073			$	30,402			$	92,162			$	71,149			$	678			$	246,464
Ending balance: general allowance		$	15,331			$	60,383			$	96,400			$	60,195			$	62,105			$	294,414
Loans held for investment:
Ending balance		$	2,880,989			$	1,590,633			$	4,165,648			$	515,934			$	1,612,321			$	10,765,525
Ending balance: impaired loans		$	567,926			$	242,294			$	370,544			$	290,859			$	11,607			$	1,483,230
Ending balance: loans with general allowance		$	2,313,063			$	1,348,339			$	3,795,104			$	225,075			$	1,600,714			$	9,282,295
(Dollars in thousands)		Residential Mortgage Loans				Commercial Mortgage Loans				Commercial & Industrial Loans				Construction Loans				Consumer Loans				Total
Six-month period ended June 30, 2011
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Beginning balance		$	62,330			$	105,596			$	152,641			$	151,972			$	80,486			$	553,025
Charge-offs			(14,495	)			(34,331	)			(28,155	)			(66,475	)			(24,082	)			(167,538	)
Recoveries			397				77				1,104				2,030				3,867				7,475
Provision			19,172				19,443				62,972				43,817				2,512				147,916
Ending balance		$	67,404			$	90,785			$	188,562			$	131,344			$	62,783			$	540,878
Ending balance: specific reserve for impaired loans		$	52,073			$	30,402			$	92,162			$	71,149			$	678			$	246,464
Ending balance: general allowance		$	15,331			$	60,383			$	96,400			$	60,195			$	62,105			$	294,414
Loans held for investment:
Ending balance		$	2,880,989			$	1,590,633			$	4,165,648			$	515,934			$	1,612,321			$	10,765,525
Ending balance: impaired loans		$	567,926			$	242,294			$	370,544			$	290,859			$	11,607			$	1,483,230
Ending balance: loans with general allowance		$	2,313,063			$	1,348,339			$	3,795,104			$	225,075			$	1,600,714			$	9,282,295

 

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As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation maintains a $2.9 million reserve for unfunded loan commitments mainly related to outstanding construction loans commitments. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments is an estimate of the losses inherent in off-balance sheet loan commitments at the balance sheet date. It is calculated by multiplying an estimated loss factor by an estimated probability of funding, and then by the period-end amounts for unfunded commitments. The reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included as part of accounts payable and other liabilities in the consolidated statement of financial condition.

8 – LOANS HELD FOR SALE

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Corporation’s loans held for sale portfolio was composed of:

 

		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans		$	60,393			$	11,058
Construction loans			—				4,764
Total		$	60,393			$	15,822

9 – DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

One of the market risks facing the Corporation is interest rate risk, which includes the risk that changes in interest rates will result in changes in the value of the Corporation’s assets or liabilities and the risk that net interest income from its loan and investment portfolios will be adversely affected by changes in interest rates. The overall objective of the Corporation’s interest rate risk management activities is to reduce the variability of earnings caused by changes in interest rates.

The Corporation designates a derivative as a fair value hedge, cash flow hedge or as an economic undesignated hedge when it enters into the derivative contract. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all derivatives held by the Corporation were considered economic undesignated hedges. These undesignated hedges are recorded at fair value with the resulting gain or loss recognized in current earnings.

The following summarizes the principal derivative activities used by the Corporation in managing interest rate risk:

Interest rate cap agreements - Interest rate cap agreements provide the right to receive cash if a reference interest rate rises above a contractual rate. The value increases as the reference interest rate rises. The Corporation enters into interest rate cap agreements for protection from rising interest rates. Specifically, the interest rate on certain of the Corporation’s commercial loans to other financial institutions is generally a variable rate limited to the weighted-average coupon of the referenced residential mortgage collateral, less a contractual servicing fee.

Interest rate swaps - Interest rate swap agreements generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating-rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying notional principal amount. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, most of the interest rate swaps outstanding are used for protection against rising interest rates. Similar to unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value, net interest settlements on interest rate swaps are recorded as an adjustment to interest income or interest expense depending on whether an asset or liability is being economically hedged.

Indexed options - Indexed options are generally over-the-counter (OTC) contracts that the Corporation enters into in order to receive the appreciation of a specified Stock Index (e.g., Dow Jones Industrial Composite Stock Index) over a specified period in exchange for a premium paid at the contract’s inception. The option period is determined by the contractual maturity of the notes payable tied to the performance of the Stock Index. The credit risk inherent in these options is the risk that the exchange party may not fulfill its obligation.

Forward Contracts - Forward contracts are sales of to-be-announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities that will settle over the standard delivery date and do not qualify as “regular way” security trades. Regular-way security trades are contracts with no net settlement provision and no market mechanism to facilitate net settlement and they provide for delivery of a security within the time generally established by regulations or conventions in the market-place or exchange in which the transaction is being executed. The forward sales are considered derivative instruments that need to be marked-to-market. These securities are used to economically hedge the FHA/VA residential mortgage loans securitizations of the mortgage-banking operations. Unrealized gains (losses) are recognized as part of mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss).

To satisfy the needs of its customers, the Corporation may enter into non-hedging transactions. On these transactions, generally, the Corporation participates as a buyer in one of the agreements and as a seller in the other agreement under the same terms and conditions.

 

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In addition, the Corporation enters into certain contracts with embedded derivatives that do not require separate accounting as these are clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract. When the embedded derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, it is bifurcated, carried at fair value, and designated as a trading or non-hedging derivative instrument.

The following table summarizes the notional amounts of all derivative instruments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

		Notional Amounts
		As of June 30, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Economic undesignated hedges:
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements used to hedge loans		$	38,995			$	39,786
Written interest rate cap agreements			67,407				67,894
Purchased interest rate cap agreements			67,407				67,894
Equity contracts:
Embedded written options on stock index deposits and notes payable			—				46,515
Purchased options used to manage exposure to the stock market on embedded stock index options			—				46,515
Forward Contracts:
Sale of TBA GNMA MBS pools			14,000				19,000
		$	187,809			$	287,604

The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments and the location in the Statement of Financial Condition as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

		Asset Derivatives										Liability Derivatives
		Statement of Financial Condition Location		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011				Statement of Financial Condition Location		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
				Fair Value				Fair Value						Fair Value				Fair Value
		(In thousands)
Economic undesignated hedges:
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements used to hedge loans		Other assets		$	335			$	378			Accounts payable and other liabilities		$	6,425			$	6,767
Equity contracts:
Embedded written options on stock index notes payable		Other assets			—				—			Notes payable			—				899
Purchased options used to manage exposure to the stock market on embedded stock index options		Other assets			—				899			Accounts payable and other liabilities			—				—
Forward Contracts:
Sales of TBA GNMA MBS pools		Other assets			—				—			Accounts payable and other liabilities			125				168
				$	335			$	1,277					$	6,550			$	7,834

The following table summarizes the effect of derivative instruments on the Statement of Income (loss) for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 2011:

 

				Unrealized (Loss) or Gain								Unrealized Gain or (Loss)
		Location of Gain or (loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives		Quarter Ended June 30,								Six-Month Period Ended June 30,
				2012				2011				2012				2011
								(In thousands)
ECONOMIC UNDESIGNATED HEDGES:
Interest rate contracts:
Interest rate swap agreements used to hedge fixed-rate:
Loans		Interest income - Loans		$	(33	)		$	(1,185	)		$	299			$	(840	)
Equity contracts:
Embedded written and purchased options on stock index notes payable		Interest expense - Notes payable and other borrowings			—				(42	)			—				(47	)
Forward contracts:
Sales of TBA GNMA MBS pools		Mortgage Banking Activities			(130	)			231				43				(33	)
Total (loss) gain on derivatives				$	(163	)		$	(996	)		$	342			$	(920	)

Derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, are subject to market risk. As is the case with investment securities, the market value of derivative instruments is largely a function of the financial market’s expectations regarding the future direction of interest rates. Accordingly, current market values are not necessarily indicative of the future impact of derivative instruments on earnings. This will depend, for the most part, on the shape of the yield curve, the level of interest rates, as well as the expectations for rates in the future.

 

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A summary of interest rate swaps as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 follows:

 

		As of June 30, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Pay fixed/receive floating:
Notional amount		$	38,995			$	39,786
Weighted-average receive rate at period end			2.09	%			2.13	%
Weighted-average pay rate at period end			6.81	%			6.82	%
Floating rates range from 167 to 252 basis points over 3-month LIBOR

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation has not entered into any derivative instrument containing credit-risk-related contingent features.

10 – GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 amounted to $28.1 million, recognized as part of “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. The Corporation conducted its annual evaluation of goodwill and intangibles during the fourth quarter of 2011. The evaluation was a two step process. The Step 1 evaluation of goodwill allocated to the Florida reporting unit indicated potential impairment of goodwill. The Step 1 fair value for the unit was below the carrying amount of its equity book value as of the October 1, 2011 valuation date, requiring the completion of Step 2. The Step 2 required a valuation of all assets and liabilities of the Florida unit, including any recognized and unrecognized intangible assets, to determine the fair value of net assets. To complete Step 2, the Corporation subtracted from the unit’s Step 1 fair value the determined fair value of the net assets to arrive at the implied fair value of goodwill. The results of the Step 2 analysis indicated that the implied fair value of goodwill exceeded the goodwill carrying value by $13.7 million, resulting in no goodwill impairment. Goodwill was not impaired as of December 31, 2011, nor was any goodwill written-off due to impairment during 2011. There have been no events related to the Florida reporting unit that could indicate potential goodwill impairment since the date of the last evaluation; therefore, no goodwill impairment evaluation was performed during the first quarter of 2012. Goodwill and other indefinite life intangibles are reviewed at least annually for impairment.

In connection with the acquisition of the FirstBank-branded credit card loan portfolio, the Corporation recognized a purchased credit card relationship intangible of $24.4 million which will be amortized over the next 9.6 years on an accelerated basis proportionate to the projected run-off of the acquired credit card accounts, which is based on the historical performance of the portfolio.

The following tables shows the gross amount and accumulated amortization of the Corporation’s other intangible assets recognized as part of “Other Assets” in the consolidated statement of financial condition for the periods ended June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

(In Thousands)		As of June 30, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
Core deposit intangible:
Gross amount		$	45,844			$	45,844
Accumulated amortization			(35,332	)			(34,155	)
Net carrying amount		$	10,512			$	11,689
Remaining amortization period			11 years				11.5 years
Purchased credit card relationship intangible:
Gross amount		$	24,448			$	—
Accumulated amortization			(106	)			—
Net carrying amount		$	24,342			$	—
Remaining amortization period			9.6 years				—

For the quarter and six month period ended June 30, 2012, the amortization expense of core deposit intangibles amounted to $0.6 million and $1.2 million (2011 - $0.6 million and $1.2 million). For the quarter and six month period ended June 30, 2012, the amortization expense of the purchased credit card relationship intangible amounted to $0.1 million.

 

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11 – NON-CONSOLIDATED VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND SERVICING ASSETS

The Corporation transfers residential mortgage loans in sale or securitization transactions in which it has continuing involvement, including servicing responsibilities and guarantee arrangements. All such transfers have been accounted for as sales as required by applicable accounting guidance.

When evaluating transfers and other transactions with Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) for consolidation, the Corporation first determines if the counterparty is an entity for which a variable interest exists. If no scope exception is applicable and a variable interest exists, the Corporation then evaluates if it is the primary beneficiary of the VIE and whether the entity should be consolidated or not.

Below is a summary of transfers of financial assets to VIEs for which the Corporation has retained some level of continuing involvement:

Ginnie Mae

The Corporation typically transfers first lien residential mortgage loans in conjunction with Ginnie Mae securitization transactions whereby the loans are exchanged for cash or securities that are readily redeemed for cash proceeds and servicing rights. The securities issued through these transactions are guaranteed by the issuer and, as such, under seller/servicer agreements the Corporation is required to service the loans in accordance with the issuers’ servicing guidelines and standards. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation serviced loans securitized through GNMA with principal balance of $682.8 million.

Trust Preferred Securities

In 2004, FBP Statutory Trust I, a financing subsidiary of the Corporation, sold to institutional investors $100 million of its variable rate trust preferred securities. The proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.1 million of FBP Statutory Trust I variable rate common securities, were used by FBP Statutory Trust I to purchase $103.1 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. Also in 2004, FBP Statutory Trust II, a statutory trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation, sold to institutional investors $125 million of its variable rate trust preferred securities. The proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.9 million of FBP Statutory Trust II variable rate common securities, were used by FBP Statutory Trust II to purchase $128.9 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures. The trust preferred debentures are presented in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition as Other Borrowings, net of related issuance costs. The variable rate trust preferred securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Corporation. The $100 million Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures issued by the Corporation in April 2004 and the $125 million issued in September 2004 mature on September 17, 2034 and September 20, 2034, respectively; however, under certain circumstances, the maturity of Junior Subordinated Debentures may be shortened (such shortening would result in a mandatory redemption of the variable rate trust preferred securities). The trust preferred securities, subject to certain limitations, qualify as Tier I regulatory capital under current Federal Reserve rules and regulations. The Collins Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act eliminates certain trust preferred securities from Tier 1 Capital. These “regulatory capital deductions” for trust preferred securities are to be phased in incrementally over a period of 3 years beginning on January 1, 2013.

Grantor Trusts

During 2004 and 2005, a third party to the Corporation, from now on identified as the seller, established a series of statutory trusts to effect the securitization of mortgage loans and the sale of trust certificates. The seller initially provided the servicing for a fee, which is senior to the obligations to pay trust certificate holders. The seller then entered into a sales agreement through which it sold and issued the trust certificates in favor of the Corporation’s banking subsidiary. Currently, the Bank is the sole owner of the trust certificates; the servicing of the underlying residential mortgages that generate the principal and interest cash flows, is performed by another third party, which receives a fee compensation for services provided, the servicing fee. The securities are variable rate securities indexed to 90 day LIBOR plus a spread. The principal payments from the underlying loans are remitted to a paying agent (servicer) who then remits interest to the Bank; interest income is shared to a certain extent with the FDIC, that has an interest only strip (“IO”) tied to the cash flows of the underlying loans, whereas it is entitled to received the excess of the interest income less a servicing fee over the variable rate income that the Bank earns on the securities. This IO is limited to the weighted average coupon of the securities. The FDIC became the owner of the IO upon the intervention of the seller, a failed financial institution. No recourse agreement exists and the risk from losses on non accruing loans and repossessed collateral are absorbed by the Bank as the sole holder of the certificates. As of June 30, 2012, the amortized balance and carrying value of Grantor Trusts amounted to approximately $76 million and $57 million, respectively, with a weighted average yield of 2.34%.

 

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Investment in unconsolidated entities

On February 16, 2011, FirstBank sold an asset portfolio consisting of performing and non-performing construction, commercial mortgage and C&I loans with an aggregate book value of $269.3 million to CPG/GS PR NPL, LLC (“CPG/GS” or the “Joint Venture”) organized under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and majority owned by PRLP Ventures LLC (“PRLP”), a company created by Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Caribbean Property Group. In connection with the sale, the Corporation received $88.5 million in cash and a 35% interest in CPG/GS, and made a loan in the amount of $136.1 million representing seller financing provided by FirstBank. The loan has a 7-year maturity and bears variable interest at 30-day LIBOR plus 300 basis points and is secured by a pledge of all of the acquiring entity’s assets as well as the PRLP’s 65% ownership interest in CPG/GS. As of June 30, 2012, the carrying amount of the loan is $99.2 million and is included in the Corporation’s C&I loan receivable portfolio; the carrying value of FirstBank’s equity interest in CPG/GS is $34.5 million as of June 30, 2012, accounted under the equity method and included as part of Investment in unconsolidated entities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. When applying the equity method, the Bank follows the Hypothetical Liquidation Book Value method (“HLBV”) to determine its share in CPG/GS earnings or losses. Under HLBV, the Bank determines its share in CPG/GS earnings or losses by determining the difference between its “claim on CPG/GS’s book value” at the end of the period as compared to the beginning of the period. This claim is calculated as the amount the Bank would receive if CPG/GS were to liquidate all of its assets at recorded amounts determined in accordance with GAAP and distribute the resulting cash to the investors, PRLP and FirstBank, according to their respective priorities as provided in the contractual agreement. The Bank reports its share of CPG/GS operating results on a one-quarter lag basis. In addition, as a result of using HLBV, the difference between the Bank’s investment in CPG/GS and its claim in the book value of CPG/GS at the date of the investment, known as the basis difference, is amortized over the estimated life of the investment, or five years as of June 30, 2012. CPG/GS records its loans receivable under the fair value option. Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 of $2.5 million and $8.7 million, includes $1.1 million and $3.1 million, respectively, related to the amortization of the basis differential.

FirstBank also provided an $80 million advance facility to CPG/GS to fund unfunded commitments and costs to complete projects under construction which was fully disbursed in 2011, and a $20 million working capital line of credit to fund certain expenses of CPG/GS. During the second quarter of 2012, CPG repaid the outstanding balance of the advance facility to fund unfunded commitments and the funds became available to re-draw under a one-time revolving agreement. These loans bear variable interest at 30-day LIBOR plus 300 basis points. As of June 30, 2012, the carrying value of the advance facility and working capital line were $5.6 million and $0, respectively, and are included in the Corporation’s C&I loan receivable portfolio.

Cash proceeds received by CPG/GS are first used to cover operating expenses and debt service payments, including the note receivable, the advanced facility and the working capital line, described above, which must be fully repaid before proceeds can be used for other purposes, including the return of capital to both PRLP and FirstBank. FirstBank will not receive any return on its equity interest until PRLP receives an aggregate amount equivalent to its initial investment and a priority return of at least 12%, resulting in FirstBank’s interest in CPG/GS being subordinate to PRLP’s interest. CPG/GS will then begin to make payments pro rata to PRLP and FirstBank, 35% and 65%, respectively, until FirstBank has achieved a 12% return on its invested capital and the aggregate amount of distributions is equal to FirstBank’s capital contributions to CPG/GS. FirstBank may experience further losses associated with this transaction due to this subordination in an amount equal to up to the value of its interest in CPG/GS. Factors that could impact FirstBank’s recoverability of its equity interest include lower than expected sale prices of units underlying CPG/GS assets and/or lower than projected liquidation value of the underlying collateral and changes in the expected timing of cash flows, among others.

The Bank has determined that CPG/GS is a VIE in which the Bank is not the primary beneficiary. In determining the primary beneficiary of CPG/GS, the Bank considered applicable guidance that requires the Bank to qualitatively assess the determination of the primary beneficiary (or consolidator) of CPG/GS based on whether it has both the power to direct the activities of CPG/GS that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses of CPG/GS that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Bank determined that it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of CPG/GS as it does not have the right to manage the loan portfolio, impact foreclosure proceedings, or manage the construction and sale of the property; therefore, the Bank concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of CPG/GS. As a creditor to CPG/GS, the Bank has certain rights related to CPG/GS, however, these are intended to be protective in nature and do not provide the Bank with the ability to manage the operations of CPG/GS. Since CPG/GS is not a consolidated subsidiary of the Bank and given that the transaction met the criteria for sale accounting under authoritative guidance, the Bank accounted for this transaction as a true sale, recognizing the cash received, the notes receivable and the interest in CPG/GS and derecognizing the loan portfolio sold.

The initial fair value of the investment in CPG/GS was determined using techniques with significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. The valuation inputs included an estimate of future cash flows, expectations about possible variations in the amount and timing of cash flows, and a discount factor based on a rate of return. The Corporation researched available market data and internal information (i.e. proposals received for the servicing of distressed assets and public disclosures and information of similar structures and/or of distressed asset sales) and determined reasonable ranges of expected returns for FirstBank’s equity interest.

 

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The rate of return of 17.57% was used as the discount factor used to estimate the value of the FirstBank’s equity interest and represents the Bank’s estimate of the yield a market participant would require. A reasonable range of equity returns was assessed considering the range of company specific risk premiums. The valuation of this type of equity interest is highly subjective and somewhat dependent on non-observable market assumptions, which may result in variations from market participant to market participant.

Servicing Assets

The Corporation is actively involved in the securitization of pools of FHA-insured and VA-guaranteed mortgages for issuance of GNMA mortgage-backed securities. Also, certain conventional conforming-loans are sold to FNMA or FHLMC with servicing retained. The Corporation recognizes as separate assets the rights to service loans for others, whether those servicing assets are originated or purchased.

The changes in servicing assets are shown below:

 

		Quarter ended								Six-month period ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
						(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period		$	16,154			$	15,006			$	15,226			$	15,163
Capitalization of servicing assets			1,691				1,291				3,097				2,522
Amortization			(725	)			(573	)			(1,386	)			(1,097	)
Adjustment to servicing assets for loans repurchased (1)			(438	)			(84	)			(505	)			(145	)
Adjustment to fair value			(90	)			(1,002	)			160				(1,805	)
Balance at end of period		$	16,592			$	14,638			$	16,592			$	14,638

 

(1)

Amount represents the adjustment to fair value related to the repurchase of $38.1 million and $44.6 million for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and, $8.8 million and $20.8 million for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2011, respectively, in principal balance of loans serviced for others.

Impairment charges are recognized through a valuation allowance for each individual stratum of servicing assets. The valuation allowance is adjusted to reflect the amount, if any, by which the cost basis of the servicing asset for a given stratum of loans being serviced exceeds its fair value. Any fair value in excess of the cost basis of the servicing asset for a given stratum is not recognized.

Changes in the impairment allowance were as follows:

 

		Quarter ended								Six-month period ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
						(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period		$	28			$	1,237			$	2,725			$	434
Temporary impairment charges			118				1,149				187				2,123
OTTI of servicing assets			—				—				(2,447	)			—
Recoveries			(28	)			(147	)			(347	)			(318	)
Balance at end of period		$	118			$	2,239			$	118			$	2,239

 

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The components of net servicing income are shown below:

 

		Quarter ended								Six-month period ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
		(In thousands)
Servicing fees		$	1,419			$	1,411			$	2,762			$	2,662
Late charges and prepayment penalties			292				123				462				367
Adjustment for loans repurchased			(438	)			(84	)			(505	)			(145	)
Servicing income, gross			1,273				1,450				2,719				2,884
Amortization and impairment of servicing assets			(815	)			(1,575	)			(1,226	)			(2,902	)
Servicing income (loss), net		$	458			$	(125	)		$	1,493			$	(18	)

The Corporation’s servicing assets are subject to prepayment and interest rate risks. Key economic assumptions used in determining the fair value at the time of sale ranged as follows:

 

		Maximum				Minimum
Six-month period ended June 30, 2012:
Constant prepayment rate:
Government guaranteed mortgage loans			12.4	%			11.6	%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans			12.7	%			12.6	%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans			13.8	%			13.3	%
Discount rate:
Government guaranteed mortgage loans			12.0	%			12.0	%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans			10.0	%			10.0	%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans			14.3	%			14.3	%
Six-month period ended June 30, 2011:
Constant prepayment rate:
Government guaranteed mortgage loans			12.3	%			10.6	%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans			12.9	%			12.7	%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans			13.9	%			11.7	%
Discount rate:
Government guaranteed mortgage loans			11.5	%			11.3	%
Conventional conforming mortgage loans			9.5	%			9.3	%
Conventional non-conforming mortgage loans			15.0	%			13.8	%

 

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At June 30, 2012, fair values of the Corporation’s servicing assets were based on a valuation model that incorporates market driven assumptions, adjusted by the particular characteristics of the Corporation’s servicing portfolio, regarding discount rates and mortgage prepayment rates. The weighted-averages of the key economic assumptions used by the Corporation in its valuation model and the sensitivity of the current fair value to immediate 10 percent and 20 percent adverse changes in those assumptions for mortgage loans at June 30, 2012, were as follows:

 

		(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying amount of servicing assets		$	16,592
Fair value		$	17,820
Weighted-average expected life (in years)			7.5
Constant prepayment rate (weighted-average annual rate)			12.58	%
Decrease in fair value due to 10% adverse change		$	843
Decrease in fair value due to 20% adverse change		$	1,625
Discount rate (weighted-average annual rate)			11.10	%
Decrease in fair value due to 10% adverse change		$	663
Decrease in fair value due to 20% adverse change		$	1,281

These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10 percent variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the servicing asset is calculated without changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, increases in market interest rates may result in lower prepayments), which may magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

12 – DEPOSITS

The following table summarizes deposit balances:

 

		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Type of account and interest rate:
Non-interest bearing checking accounts		$	776,947			$	705,789
Savings accounts			2,280,193				2,145,625
Interest-bearing checking accounts			1,134,674				1,066,753
Certificates of deposit			2,241,950				2,258,216
Brokered certificates of deposit			3,466,409				3,731,371
		$	9,900,173			$	9,907,754

Brokered CDs mature as follows:

 

		June 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
One to ninety days		$	649,926
Over ninety days to one year			1,675,342
One to three years			1,087,200
Three to five years			49,684
Over five years			4,257
Total		$	3,466,409

 

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The following are the components of interest expense on deposits:

 

		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
		(In thosands)								(In thosands)
Interest expense on deposits		$	30,956			$	45,342			$	64,916			$	94,042
Amortization of broker placement fees			2,533				4,183				5,307				9,542
Interest expense on deposits		$	33,489			$	49,525			$	70,223			$	103,584

13 – SECURITIES SOLD UNDER AGREEMENTS TO REPURCHASE

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) consist of the following:

 

		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Repurchase agreements, interest ranging from 2.45% to 3.55% (December 31, 2011 - 2.50% to 4.40%)		$	900,000			$	1,000,000

Repurchase agreements mature as follows:

 

		June 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
Three to five years		$	600,000
Over five years			300,000
Total		$	900,000

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the securities underlying such agreements were delivered to the dealers with whom the repurchase agreements were transacted.

Repurchase agreements as of June 30, 2012, grouped by counterparty, were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Counterparty		Amount				Weighted- Average Maturity (In Months)
Citigroup Global Markets		$	300,000				52
JP Morgan Chase			200,000				55
Dean Witter / Morgan Stanley			100,000				64
Credit Suisse First Boston			300,000				65
		$	900,000

 

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14 – ADVANCES FROM THE FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK (FHLB)

Following is a summary of the advances from the FHLB:

 

		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Fixed-rate advances from FHLB, with a weighted-average interest rate of 3.50% (December 31, 2011 - 3.59%)		$	333,440			$	367,440

Advances from FHLB mature as follows:

 

		June 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
One to thirty days		$	5,000
Over thirty days to ninety days			110,000
Over ninety days to one year			160,000
One to three years			58,440
Total		$	333,440

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had additional capacity of approximately $524.1 million on this credit facility based on collateral pledged at the FHLB, including haircuts reflecting the perceived risk associated with holding the collateral.

15 – NOTES PAYABLE

Notes payable consist of:

 

		June 30,				December 31,
		2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Callable step-rate notes, bearing step increasing interest from 5.00% to 7.00% (6.00 % as of December 31, 2011) maturing on October 18, 2019, measured at fair value (1)		$	—			$	15,968
Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) linked principal protected notes:
Series A maturing on February 28, 2012			—				7,374
		$	—			$	23,342

 

(1)

During the second quarter of 2012, the Corporation prepaid medium term notes with a principal balance of $15.4 million that carried a rate of 6.00%. These notes were carried at fair value and changes in value were recorded as part of interest expense. As a result of the prepayment of the notes, a marked-to-market loss of $0.5 million was reversed resulting in a reduction in interest expense for the second quarter of 2012.

 

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16 – OTHER BORROWINGS

Other borrowings consist of:

 

		June 30,				December 31,
		2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Junior subordinated debentures due in 2034, interest-bearing at a floating-rate of 2.75% over 3-month LIBOR (3.22% as of June 30, 2012 and 3.31% as of December 31, 2011)		$	103,093			$	103,093
Junior subordinated debentures due in 2034, interest-bearing at a floating-rate of 2.50% over 3-month LIBOR (2.97% as of June 30, 2012 and 3.06% as of December 31, 2011)			128,866				128,866
		$	231,959			$	231,959

17 – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common Stock

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Corporation had 2,000,000,000 authorized shares of common stock with a par value of $0.10 per share. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, there were 206,629,311 and 205,794,024 shares issued, respectively, and 206,134,458 and 205,134,171 shares outstanding, respectively. On July 30, 2009, the Corporation announced the suspension of common and preferred stock dividends effective with the preferred dividend for the month of August 2009.

In March of 2012 the Corporation granted 719,500 shares of restricted stock under the Omnibus Plan, as amended, to certain senior executive officers and certain other employees. The restrictions on such restricted stock will lapse 50% over a two year period and 50% over a three year period. Included in the 719,500 shares of restricted stock are 557,000 shares granted to certain senior executive officers consistent with the requirements of the TARP Interim Final Rule, refer to Note 3 for additional details. The shares of restricted stock may vest more quickly in the event of death, disability, retirement, or a change in control. Based on particular circumstances evaluated by the Compensation Committee as they may relate to the termination of a restricted stock holder, the Corporation’s Board of Directors may, with the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, grant the full vesting of the restricted stock held upon termination of employment. Holders of restricted stock have the right to dividends or dividend equivalents, as applicable, during the restriction period. Such dividends or dividend equivalents will accrue during the restriction period, but will not be paid until restrictions lapse. The holder of restricted stock has the right to vote the shares.

Preferred Stock

The Corporation has 50,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock with a par value of $1, redeemable at the Corporation’s option subject to certain terms. This stock may be issued in series and the shares of each series shall have such rights and preferences as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation has five outstanding series of non-convertible non-cumulative preferred stock: 7.125% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series A; 8.35% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series B; 7.40% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series C; 7.25% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series D; and 7.00% non-cumulative perpetual monthly income preferred stock, Series E. The liquidation value per share is $25. Effective January 17, 2012, the Corporation delisted all of the series of non-convertible, non-cumulative preferred stock from the New York Stock Exchange. The Corporation has not arranged for listing and/or registration on another national securities exchange or for quotation of the preferred stock in a quotation medium.

As mentioned above, the Corporation stopped paying dividends for common and all its outstanding series of preferred stock. This suspension was effective with the dividends for the month of August 2009 on the Corporation’s five outstanding series of non-cumulative preferred stock.

Stock repurchase plan and treasury stock

The Corporation has a stock repurchase program under which, from time to time, it repurchases shares of common stock in the open market and holds them as treasury stock. No shares of common stock were repurchased during the first half of 2012 or in 2011 by the Corporation. On February 17, 2012, the Corporation sold 165,000 shares of treasury stock at a purchase price of $3.79 per share to a director. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 the Corporation had 494,853 and 659,853 shares held as treasury stock, respectively, that were available for general corporate purposes.

 

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FirstBank Statutory Reserve

The Banking Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requires that a minimum of 10% of FirstBank’s net income for the year be transferred to legal surplus until such surplus equals the total of paid-in-capital on common and preferred stock. Amounts transferred to the legal surplus account from the retained earnings account are not available for distribution to the stockholders without the prior consent of the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Financial Institutions. The net loss experienced in 2011 exhausted FirstBank’s statutory reserve fund. The Bank cannot pay dividends until it can replenish the reserve fund to an amount of at least 20% of the original capital contributed.

18 – INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense includes Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands income taxes as well as applicable U.S. federal and state taxes. The Corporation is subject to Puerto Rico income tax on its income from all sources. As a Puerto Rico corporation, First BanCorp is treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. income tax purposes and is generally subject to United States income tax only on its income from sources within the United States or income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Any such tax paid is also creditable against the Corporation’s Puerto Rico tax liability, subject to certain conditions and limitations.

On January 31, 2011, the Puerto Rico Government approved Act No. 1, which repealed the 1994 Code (“1994 PR Code”) and replaces it with the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011 (“2011 PR Code”). The provisions of the 2011 PR Code are generally applicable to taxable years commencing after December 31, 2010. Under the 2011 PR Code, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns and, thus, the Corporation is not able to utilize losses from one subsidiary to offset gains in another subsidiary. Accordingly, in order to obtain a tax benefit from a net operating loss, a particular subsidiary must be able to demonstrate sufficient taxable income within the applicable carry forward period (7 years under the 2011 PR Code, except for losses incurred during tax years commenced after December 31, 2004 and before December 31, 2012, that the carry forward period is extended to 10 years). The 2011 PR Code provides a dividend received deduction of 100% on dividends received from “controlled” subsidiaries subject to taxation in Puerto Rico and 85% on dividends received from other taxable domestic corporations. Dividend payments from a U.S. subsidiary to the Corporation are subject to a 10% withholding tax based on the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

Under the 2011 PR Code, First BanCorp is subject to a maximum statutory tax rate of 30% (25% for taxable years commencing after December 31, 2013 if certain economic conditions are met by the Puerto Rico government). The 2011 PR Code also includes an alternative minimum tax of 20% that applies if the Corporation’s regular income tax liability is less than the alternative minimum tax requirements.

The Corporation has maintained an effective tax rate lower than the maximum statutory rate mainly by investing in government obligations and mortgage-backed securities exempt from U.S. and Puerto Rico income taxes and by doing business through the International Banking Entity (“IBE”) of the Bank and through the Bank’s subsidiary, FirstBank Overseas Corporation, in which the interest income and gain on sales is exempt from Puerto Rico and U.S. income taxation except for tax yeas that commenced after December 31, 2008 and before January 1, 2012, for which a special 5% tax was imposed to all IBEs. The IBEs and FirsBank Overseas Corporation were created under the International Banking Entity Act of Puerto Rico, which provides for total Puerto Rico tax exemption on the net income derived from eligible activities by IBEs operating in Puerto Rico. IBEs that operate as a unit of a bank pay income taxes at normal rates to the extent that the IBEs’ net income exceeds 20% of the bank’s total net taxable income.

For the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of $1.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively, compared to an income tax expense of $2.6 million and $6.2 million for the same periods in 2011. The decrease is primarily due to lower taxable income from profitable subsidiaries and for the six-month period was also driven by a reduction in deferred tax assets of profitable subsidiaries due to a reduction in statutory tax rates in 2011. As of June 30, 2012, the deferred tax asset, net of a valuation allowance of $366.9 million, amounted to $4.7 million compared to $5.4 million as of December 31, 2011. The Corporation continued to reserve deferred tax assets created in connection with the operations of its banking subsidiary, FirstBank.

Accounting for income taxes requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against their deferred tax asset based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” realization standard. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making such assessment, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified, including both positive and negative evidence. Consideration must be given to all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of the reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax planning strategies. In estimating taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance, and recognizes tax benefits only when deemed probable of realization.

In assessing the weight of positive and negative evidence, a significant negative factor that resulted in increases of the valuation allowance was that the Corporation’s banking subsidiary, FirstBank Puerto Rico, continues in a three-year historical cumulative loss position as of June 30, 2012, mainly due to charges to the provision for loan and lease losses as a result of the economic downturn. As of June 30, 2012, management concluded that $4.7 million of the deferred tax asset will be realized. The Corporation’s deferred tax

 

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assets for which it has not established a valuation allowance relate to profitable subsidiaries and to amounts that can be realized through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. To the extent the realization of a portion, or all, of the tax asset becomes “more likely than not” based on changes in circumstances (such as, improved earnings, changes in tax laws or other relevant changes), a reversal of that portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance will then be recorded.

The authoritative accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of income tax uncertainties with respect to positions taken or expected to be taken on income tax returns. Under this guidance, income tax benefits are recognized and measured based upon a two-step model: 1) a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be recognized, and 2) the benefit is measured as the largest dollar amount of that position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon settlement. The difference between the benefit recognized in accordance with this model and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit (“UTB”).

During the third quarter of 2011, the Corporation recorded new UTBs of $2.4 million, all of which would, if recognized, affect the Corporation’s effective tax rate. The Corporation classified all interest and penalties, if any, related to tax uncertainties as income tax expense. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s accrued interest that relates to tax uncertainties amounted to $0.9 million and there is no need to accrue for the payment of penalties. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the total amount of interest recognized by the Corporation as part of income tax expense related to tax uncertainties was $0.1 million. During the first half of 2012 there was no change to the UTB of $2.4 million. The amount of UTBs may increase or decrease for various reasons, including changes in the amounts for current tax year positions, the expiration of open income tax returns due to the expiration of statutes of limitations, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, the status of examinations, litigation and legislative activity and the addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions. The years 2007 through 2009 have been examined by the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and disputed issues have been taken to administrative appeals. Although the timing of the resolution and/or closure of audits is highly uncertain, the Corporation believes it is reasonably possible that the IRS will conclude this audit within the next twelve months. If any issues addressed in the IRS audit are resolved in a manner not consistent with the Corporation’s expectations, the Corporation could be required to adjust its provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. The Corporation currently cannot reasonably estimate a range of possible changes to existing reserves.

The Corporation’s liability for income taxes includes the liability for UTBs, and interest which relates to tax years still subject to review by taxing authorities. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. The statute of limitations under the PR Code is 4 years; and for Virgin Islands and U.S. income tax purposes is 3 years after a tax return is due or filed, whichever is later. The completion of an audit by the taxing authorities or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the Corporation’s liability for income taxes. Any such adjustment could be material to results of operations for any given quarterly or annual period based, in part, upon the results of operations for the given period. All tax years subsequent to 2009 remain open to examination under the PR Code, taxable years from 2008 remain open to examination for Virgin Islands and U.S. income tax purpose.

19 – FAIR VALUE

Fair Value Option

FASB authoritative guidance permits the measurement of selected eligible financial instruments at fair value.

Medium-Term Notes

The Corporation elected the fair value option for certain medium term notes that were hedged with interest rate swaps that were previously designated for fair value hedge accounting. These medium-term notes were repaid during the second quarter of 2012. As of December 31, 2011, these medium-term notes with a principal balance of $15.4 million, had a fair value of $16.0 million, recorded in notes payable. Interest paid/accrued on these instruments was recorded as part of interest expense and the accrued interest was part of the fair value of the notes. Electing the fair value option allows the Corporation to eliminate the burden of complying with the requirements for hedge accounting (e.g., documentation and effectiveness assessment) without introducing earnings volatility.

Medium-term notes for which the Corporation elected the fair value option were priced using observable market data in the institutional markets.

 

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Fair Value Measurement

The FASB authoritative guidance for fair value measurement defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Three levels of inputs may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1		Valuations of Level 1 assets and liabilities are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include equity securities that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as certain U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government and agency securities and corporate debt securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active markets.
Level 2		Valuations of Level 2 assets and liabilities are based on observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include (i) mortgage-backed securities for which the fair value is estimated based on the value of identical or comparable assets, (ii) debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and (iii) derivative contracts and financial liabilities (e.g., medium-term notes elected to be measured at fair value) whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3		Valuations of Level 3 assets and liabilities are based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

For 2012, there have been no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 measurement of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Investment securities available for sale

The fair value of investment securities is the market value based on quoted market prices (as is the case with equity securities, U.S. Treasury notes and non-callable U.S. Agency debt securities), when available (Level 1), or market prices for identical or comparable assets (as is the case with MBS and callable U.S. agency debt) that are based on observable market parameters including benchmark yields, reported trades, quotes from brokers or dealers, issuer spreads, bids, offers and reference data including market research operations, (Level 2). Observable prices in the market already consider the risk of nonperformance. If listed prices or quotes are not available, fair value is based upon models that use unobservable inputs due to the limited market activity of the instrument, as is the case with certain private label mortgage-backed securities held by the Corporation, (Level 3).

Private label MBS are collateralized by fixed-rate mortgages on single-family residential properties in the United States; the interest rate on the securities is variable, tied to 3-month LIBOR and limited to the weighted-average coupon of the underlying collateral. The market valuation represents the estimated net cash flows over the projected life of the pool of underlying assets applying a discount rate that reflects market observed floating spreads over LIBOR, with a widening spread bias on a nonrated security. The market valuation is derived from a model that utilizes relevant assumptions such as prepayment rate, default rate, and loss severity on a loan level basis. The Corporation modeled the cash flow from the fixed-rate mortgage collateral using a static cash flow analysis according to collateral attributes of the underlying mortgage pool (i.e. loan term, current balance, note rate, rate adjustment type, rate adjustment frequency, rate caps, others) in combination with prepayment forecasts obtained from a commercially available prepayment model (ADCO). The variable cash flow of the security is modeled using the 3-month LIBOR forward curve. Loss assumptions were driven by the combination of default and loss severity estimates, taking into account loan credit characteristics (loan-to-value, state, origination date, property type, occupancy loan purpose, documentation type, debt-to-income ratio, other) to provide an estimate of default and loss severity.

Corporate bonds are collateralized by an agency zero-coupon bond and a synthetic Collateralized Debt Obligation of 125 corporate bonds rated investment grade at the time of structuring. The value of the bonds is tied to the level of credit default swap spreads.

Refer to table below for further information regarding qualitative information for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3).

Derivative instruments

The fair value of most of the derivative instruments is based on observable market parameters and takes into consideration the credit risk component of paying counterparties when appropriate, except when collateral is pledged. That is, on interest rate swaps, the credit risk of both counterparties is included in the valuation; and, on options and caps, only the seller’s credit risk is considered. The derivative instruments, namely swaps and caps, were valued using a discounted cash flow approach using the related US LIBOR and swap rate for each cash flow. Derivatives include interest rate swaps used for protection against rising interest rates. For these interest rate swaps, a credit component was not considered in the valuation since the Corporation has fully collateralized with investment securities any mark to market loss with the counterparty and, if there were market gains, the counterparty had to deliver collateral to the Corporation.

 

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Although most of the derivative instruments are fully collateralized, a credit spread is considered for those that are not secured in full. The cumulative mark-to-market effect of credit risk in the valuation of derivative instruments for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the amount was immaterial.

Term notes payable

The fair value of term notes was determined using a discounted cash flow analysis over the full term of the borrowings. The model assumed that the embedded options are exercised economically. The discount rates used in the valuations consider 3-month LIBOR forward curves and the credit spread at every cash flow. During the second quarter of 2012, the Corporation prepaid medium term notes with a principal balance of $15.4 million that carried a rate of 6.00%. These notes were carried at fair value and changes in value were recorded as part of interest expense. As a result of the prepayment of the notes, a marked-to-market loss of $0.5 million was reversed resulting in a reduction in interest expense for the second quarter of 2012.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including financial liabilities for which the Corporation has elected the fair value option, are summarized below:

 

		As of June 30, 2012																As of December 31, 2011
		Fair Value Measurements Using																Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Assets / Liabilities at Fair Value				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Assets / Liabilities at Fair Value
Assets:
Securities available for sale :
Equity securities		$	64			$	—			$	—			$	64			$	41			$	—			$	—			$	41
U.S. Treasury Securities			373,604				—				—				373,604				476,992				—				—				476,992
Non-callable U.S. agency debt			—				—				—				—				301,585				—				—				301,585
Callable U.S. agency debt and MBS			—				1,039,052				—				1,039,052				—				859,818				—				859,818
Puerto Rico Government Obligations			—				66,967				3,480				70,447				—				219,369				3,244				222,613
Private label MBS			—				—				57,566				57,566				—				—				61,206				61,206
Corporate bonds			—				—				792				792				—				—				1,013				1,013
Derivatives, included in assets:
Interest rate swap agreements			—				335				—				335				—				378				—				378
Purchased options used to manage exposure to the stock market on embeded stock indexed options			—				—				—				—				—				899				—				899
Liabilities:
Medium-term notes			—				—				—				—				—				15,968				—				15,968
Derivatives, included in liabilities:
Interest rate swap agreements			—				6,425				—				6,425								6,767				—				6,767
Embedded written options on stock index deposits and notes payable			—				—				—				—				—				899				—				899
Forward Contracts			—				125				—				125				—				168				—				168
Total		$	373,668			$	1,112,904			$	61,838			$	1,548,410			$	778,618			$	1,104,266			$	65,463			$	1,948,347

 

		Changes in Fair Value for items Measured at Fair Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option For the Quarter ended June 30,
		2012				2011
(In thousands)		Decrease (increase) in Interest Expense included in Current-Period Earnings (1)
Medium-term notes		$	420			$	(169	)

 

(1)

Changes in fair value for the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 include interest expense on medium-term notes of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Interest expense on medium-term notes that have been elected to be carried at fair value are recorded in interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) based on their contractual coupons.

 

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		Changes in Fair Value for items Measured at Fair Value Pursuant to Election of the Fair Value Option For the Six-month period ended June 30,
		2012				2011
(In thousands)		Decrease (increase) in Interest Expense included in Current-Period Earnings (1)
Medium-term notes		$	(140	)		$	(993	)

 

(1)

Changes in fair value for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 include interest expense on medium-term notes of $0.4 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Interest expense on medium-term notes that have been elected to be carried at fair value are recorded in interest expense in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss) based on their contractual coupons.

The table below presents a reconciliation for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

 

		Total Fair Value Measurements Quarter ended June 30,
		2012				2011
Level 3 Instruments Only (In thousands)		Securities Available For Sale(1)				Securities Available For Sale(1)
Beginning balance		$	63,758			$	72,733
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings			(143	)			(607	)
Included in other comprehensive income			2,840				1,825
Principal repayments and amortization			(4,617	)			(2,539	)
Ending balance		$	61,838			$	71,412

 

(1)	Amounts mostly related to private label mortgage-backed securities.

 

		Total Fair Value Measurements Six-month period ended June 30,
		2012				2011
Level 3 Instruments Only (In thousands)		Securities Available For Sale(1)				Securities Available For Sale(1)
Beginning balance		$	65,463			$	74,993
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings			(1,376	)			(607	)
Included in other comprehensive income			5,056				1,871
Held-to-Maturity investment securities reclassified to Available-for-Sale			—				2,000
Principal repayments and amortization			(7,305	)			(6,845	)
Ending balance		$	61,838			$	71,412

The table below presents qualitative information for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) at June 30, 2012:

 

		June 30, 2012
		Fair Value				Valuation Technique		Unobservable Input		Range
		(In thousands)
Investment securities available-for-sale:
Private label MBS		$	57,566			Discounted cash flow		Discount rate		14.5%
								Prepayment rate		23.71% - 42.27%
										(Weighted Average 32%)
								Projected Cumulative Loss Rate		1.14% - 15.70%
										(Weighted Average 7%)
Corporate Bonds			792			Market Quote approach		Default of underlying reference		12-14
								Post-default recovery rate		17% - 18%
Puerto Rico Government Obligations			3,480			Discounted cash flow		Prepayment Speed		3%

Information about Sensitivity to Changes in Significant Unobservable Inputs

Private label MBS: The significant unobservable inputs in the valuation include probability of default, the loss severity assumption, and the pre-payment rates. Shifts in those inputs would result in different fair value measurements. Increases in the probability of default, loss severity assumptions and pre-payment rates in isolation would generally result in an adverse effect in the fair value of the instruments. Meaningful and possible shifts of each input were modeled to assess the effect on the fair value estimation.

 

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Corporate Bonds: The significant unobservable inputs in the valuation include probability of default of the underlying reference corporate bonds, and the recovery rate assumptions in the event of default. Shifts in those inputs would result in different fair value measurements. Increases in the probability of default, and decreases in the recovery rate assumptions in the event of default would result in an adverse effect in the fair value of the bonds.

Puerto Rico Government Obligations: The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement is the assumed prepayment speed. A significant increase (decrease) in the assumed speed would lead to a higher (lower) fair value estimate. Loss severity and probability of default are not included as significant unobservable variables because the note is guaranteed by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority (“PRHFA”). The PRHFA credit risk is modeled by discounting the cash flows using a curve appropriate to the PRHFA credit rating.

Additionally, fair value is used on a non-recurring basis to evaluate certain assets in accordance with GAAP. Adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower-of-cost-or-market accounting (e.g., loans held for sale carried at the lower of cost or fair value and repossessed assets) or write-downs of individual assets (e.g., goodwill, loans).

As of June 30, 2012, impairment or valuation adjustments were recorded for assets recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis as shown in the following table:

 

		Carrying value as of June 30, 2012												(Losses) gains recorded for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2012				(Losses) gains recorded for the Six- month Period Ended June 30, 2012
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In thousands)
Loans receivable (1)		$	—			$	—			$	817,484			$	(23,013	)		$	(48,974	)
Other Real Estate Owned (2)			—				—				167,341				(3,811	)			(5,594	)
Mortgage servicing rights (3)			—				—				16,592				(90	)			160

 

(1)

Mainly impaired commercial and construction loans. The impairment was generally measured based on the fair value of the collateral. The fair values are derived from external appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the collateral (e.g. absorption rates), which are not market observable.

(2)

The fair value is derived from appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the properties (e.g. absorption rates), which are not market observable. Losses are related to market valuation adjustments after the transfer from the loan to the Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) portfolio.

(3)

Fair value adjustments to mortgage servicing rights were mainly due to assumptions associated with mortgage prepayment rates. The Corporation carries its mortgage servicing rights at lower of cost or market, and they are accordingly measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. Assumptions for the value of mortgage servicing rights include: Prepayment rate 12.58%, Discount Rate 11.10%.

As of June 30, 2011, impairment or valuation adjustments were recorded for assets recognized at fair value on a non-recurring basis as shown in the following table:

 

		Carrying value as of June 30, 2011												Losses recorded for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2011				Losses recorded for the Six-month Period Ended June 30, 2011
		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In thousands)
Loans receivable (1)		$	—			$	—			$	947,185			$	(40,293	)		$	(127,364	)
Other Real Estate Owned (2)			—				—				96,618				(3,532	)			(5,350	)
Loans held for sale (3)			—				20,781				—				(30	)			(372	)

 

(1)

Mainly impaired commercial and construction loans. The impairment was generally measured based on the fair value of the collateral. The fair values are derived from external appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the collateral (e.g. absorption rates), which are not market observable.

(2)

The fair value is derived from appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations but adjusted for specific characteristics and assumptions of the properties (e.g. absorption rates), which are not market observable. Losses are related to market valuation adjustments after the transfer from the loan to the OREO portfolio.

(3)	Fair value is primarily derived from quotations based on the mortgage-backed securities market.

 

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Qualitative information regarding the fair value measurements for Level 3 financial instruments are as follows:

 

		June 30, 2012
		Method		Inputs
Loans		Income, Market, Comparable Sales, Discounted Cash Flows		External appraised values; probability weighting of broker price opinions; management assumptions regarding market trends or other relevant factors
OREO		Income, Market, Comparable Sales, Discounted Cash Flows		External appraised values; probability weighting of broker price opinions; management assumptions regarding market trends or other relevant factors
Mortgage servicing rights		Discounted Cash Flow		Weighted average prepayment speed 12.58%; weighted average discount rate 11.10%

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis. The estimated fair value was calculated using certain facts and assumptions, which vary depending on the specific financial instrument.

Cash and due from banks and money market investments

The carrying amounts of cash and due from banks and money market investments are reasonable estimates of their fair value. Money market investments include held-to-maturity U.S. Government obligations, which have a contractual maturity of three months or less. The fair value of these securities is based on quoted market prices in active markets that incorporate the risk of nonperformance.

Other equity securities

Equity or other securities that do not have a readily available fair value are stated at the net realizable value, which management believes is a reasonable proxy for their fair value. This category is principally composed of stock that is owned by the Corporation to comply with FHLB regulatory requirements. Their realizable value equals their cost as these shares can be freely redeemed at par.

Loans receivable, including loans held for sale

The fair value of loans held for investment and for mortgage loans held for sale was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms and credit quality and with adjustments that the Corporation’s management believes a market participant would consider in determining fair value. Loans were classified by type such as commercial, residential mortgage, and automobile. These asset categories were further segmented into fixed- and adjustable-rate categories. The fair values of performing fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans were calculated by discounting expected cash flows through the estimated maturity date. This fair value is not currently an indication of an exit price as that type of assumption could result in a different fair value estimate. The fair value of credit card loans was estimated using a discounted cash flow method and excludes any value related to customer account relationships. Loans with no stated maturity, like credit lines, were valued at book value. Prepayment assumptions were considered for non-residential loans. For residential mortgage loans, prepayment estimates were based on recent historical prepayment experience of the Corporation’s residential mortgage portfolio. Discount rates were based on the Treasury and LIBOR/Swap Yield Curves at the date of the analysis, and included appropriate adjustments for expected credit losses and liquidity.

Deposits

The estimated fair value of demand deposits and savings accounts, which are deposits with no defined maturities, equals the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair values of retail fixed-rate time deposits, with stated maturities, are based on the present value of the future cash flows expected to be paid on the deposits. The cash flows were based on contractual maturities; no early repayments are assumed. Discount rates were based on the LIBOR yield curve.

The estimated fair value of total deposits excludes the fair value of core deposit intangibles, which represent the value of the customer relationship measured by the value of demand deposits and savings deposits that bear a low or zero rate of interest and do not fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates.

The fair value of brokered CDs, which are included within deposits, is determined using discounted cash flow analyses over the full term of the CDs. The fair value of the CDs is computed using the outstanding principal amount. The discount rates used are based on brokered CD market rates as of June 30, 2012. The fair value does not incorporate the risk of nonperformance, since interests in brokered CDs are generally sold by brokers in amounts of less than $250,000 and, therefore, insured by the FDIC.

 

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Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Some repurchase agreements reprice at least quarterly, and their outstanding balances are estimated to be their fair value. Where longer commitments are involved, fair value is estimated using exit price indications of the cost of unwinding the transactions as of the end of the reporting period. The brokers who are the counter-parties provide these indications. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are fully collateralized by investment securities.

Advances from FHLB

The fair value of advances from FHLB with fixed maturities is determined using discounted cash flow analyses over the full term of the borrowings, using indications of the fair value of similar transactions. The cash flows assume no early repayment of the borrowings. Discount rates are based on the LIBOR yield curve. For advances from FHLB that reprice quarterly, their outstanding balances are estimated to be their fair value. Advances from FHLB are fully collateralized by mortgage loans and, to a lesser extent, investment securities.

Other borrowings

Other borrowings consist of junior subordinated debentures. Projected cash flows from the debentures were discounted using the LIBOR yield curve plus a credit spread. This credit spread was estimated using the difference in yield curves between Swap rates and a yield curve that considers the industry and credit rating of the Corporation as issuer of the note at a tenor comparable to the time to maturity of the debentures.

The following table presents the estimated fair value and carrying value of financial instruments as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

		Total Carrying Amount in Statement of Financial Condition June 30, 2012				Fair Value Estimated June 30, 2012				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
		(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks and money market investments		$	758,903			$	758,903			$	758,903			$	—			$	—
Investment securities available for sale			1,541,525				1,541,525				373,668				1,106,019				61,838
Other equity securities			32,141				32,141				—				32,141				—
Loans held for sale			60,393				62,331				—				62,331				—
Loans, held for investment			10,296,115
Less: allowance for loan and lease losses			(457,153	)
Loans held for investment, net of allowance			9,838,962				9,573,574				—				—				9,573,574
Derivatives, included in assets			335				335				—				335				—
Liabilities:
Deposits			9,900,173				9,946,433				—				9,946,433				—
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			900,000				1,005,445				—				1,005,445				—
Advances from FHLB			333,440				339,856				—				339,856				—
Notes Payable			—				—				—				—				—
Other borrowings			231,959				129,407				—				—				129,407
Derivatives, included in liabilities			6,550				6,550				—				6,550				—

 

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		Total Carrying Amount in Statement of Financial Condition December 31, 2011				Fair Value Estimated December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks and money market investments		$	446,566			$	446,566
Investment securities available for sale			1,923,268				1,923,268
Other equity securities			37,951				37,951
Loans held for sale			15,822				16,038
Loans, held for investment			10,559,392
Less: allowance for loan and lease losses			(493,917	)
Loans held for investment, net of allowance			10,065,475				9,618,267
Derivatives, included in assets			1,277				1,277
Liabilities:
Deposits			9,907,754				9,974,119
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			1,000,000				1,102,263
Advances from FHLB			367,440				379,730
Notes Payable			23,342				22,476
Other borrowings			231,959				160,603
Derivatives, included in liabilities			7,834				7,834

20 – SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplemental cash flow information follows:

 

		Six-Month Period Ended June 30,
		2012				2011
		(In thousands)
Cash paid for:
Interest on borrowings		$	88,498			$	130,674
Income tax			4,158				871
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Additions to other real estate owned			101,521				94,023
Additions to auto repossesions			26,976				32,691
Capitalization of servicing assets			3,097				2,522
Loan securitizations			108,827				90,328
Loans sold to a joint venture in exchange for an acquisition loan and an equity interest in the joint venture			—				183,709
Reclassification of Held-to-Maturity investment securities to Available-for-Sale			—				88,751

21 – SEGMENT INFORMATION

Based upon the Corporation’s organizational structure and the information provided to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and, to a lesser extent, the Board of Directors, the operating segments are driven primarily by the Corporation’s lines of business for its operations in Puerto Rico, the Corporation’s principal market, and by geographic areas for its operations outside of Puerto Rico. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had six reportable segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking; Mortgage Banking; Consumer (Retail) Banking; Treasury and Investments; United States operations and Virgin Islands operations. Management determined the reportable segments based on the internal reporting used to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate resources. Other factors such as the Corporation’s organizational chart, nature of the products, distribution channels and the economic characteristics of the products were also considered in the determination of the reportable segments.

The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s lending and other services for large customers represented by specialized and middle-market clients and the public sector. The Commercial and Corporate Banking segment offers commercial loans, including commercial real estate and construction loans, and floor plan financings as well as other products such as cash management and business management services. The Mortgage Banking segment’s operations consist of the origination, sale and

 

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servicing of a variety of residential mortgage loans. The Mortgage Banking segment also acquires and sells mortgages in the secondary markets. In addition, the Mortgage Banking segment includes mortgage loans purchased from other local banks and mortgage bankers. The Consumer (Retail) Banking segment consists of the Corporation’s consumer lending and deposit-taking activities conducted mainly through its branch network and loan centers. The Treasury and Investments segment is responsible for the Corporation’s investment portfolio and treasury functions executed to manage and enhance liquidity. This segment lends funds to the Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking and Consumer (Retail) Banking segments to finance their lending activities and borrows from those segments and from the United States Operations segment. The Consumer (Retail) Banking and the United States Operations segments also lend funds to other segments. The interest rates charged or credited by Treasury and Investments, the Consumer (Retail) Banking and the United States Operations segments are allocated based on market rates. The difference between the allocated interest income or expense and the Corporation’s actual net interest income from centralized management of funding costs is reported in the Treasury and Investments segment. The United States operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by FirstBank in the United States mainland, including commercial and retail banking services. The Virgin Islands operations segment consists of all banking activities conducted by the Corporation in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, including commercial and retail banking services and insurance activities.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those referred to in Note 1 to the Corporation’s financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 contained in the Corporation’s Annual Report or Form 10-K.

The Corporation evaluates the performance of the segments based on net interest income, the estimated provision for loan and lease losses, non-interest income and direct non-interest expenses. The segments are also evaluated based on the average volume of their interest-earning assets less the allowance for loan and lease losses.

The following table presents information about the reportable segments (in thousands):

 

(In thousands)		Mortgage Banking				Consumer (Retail) Banking				Commercial and Corporate				Treasury and Investments				United States Operations				Virgin Islands Operations				Total
For the quarter ended June 30, 2012:
Interest income		$	26,834			$	46,719			$	47,131			$	11,206			$	9,341				12,421			$	153,652
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds			(12,438	)			495				(6,060	)			14,881				3,122				—				—
Interest expense			—				(8,024	)			—				(28,080	)			(7,656	)			(1,187	)			(44,947	)
Net interest income (loss)			14,396				39,190				41,071				(1,993	)			4,807				11,234				108,705
Provision for loan and lease losses			(16,201	)			(5,204	)			(5,572	)			—				511				1,582				(24,884	)
Non-interest income			3,708				7,730				3,204				(89	)			469				1,491				16,513
Direct non-interest expenses			(9,457	)			(24,142	)			(12,922	)			(1,751	)			(6,290	)			(10,231	)			(64,793	)
Segment (loss) income		$	(7,554	)		$	17,574			$	25,781			$	(3,833	)		$	(503	)		$	4,076			$	35,541
Average earnings assets		$	2,057,340			$	1,524,583			$	4,605,307			$	2,454,159			$	722,006			$	803,780			$	12,167,175
(In thousands)		Mortgage Banking				Consumer (Retail) Banking				Commercial and Corporate				Treasury and Investments				United States Operations				Virgin Islands Operations				Total
For the quarter ended June 30, 2011:
Interest income		$	28,394			$	42,377			$	50,607			$	16,812			$	11,104				14,124			$	163,418
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds			(15,285	)			2,554				(2,784	)			11,370				4,145				—				—
Interest expense			—				(10,609	)			—				(46,650	)			(10,052	)			(1,672	)			(68,983	)
Net interest income (loss)			13,109				34,322				47,823				(18,468	)			5,197				12,452				94,435
Provision for loan and lease losses			(11,064	)			2,289				(49,517	)			—				(2,229	)			1,337				(59,184	)
Non-interest income			8,283				7,059				2,609				20,289				170				1,988				40,398
Direct non-interest expenses			(8,407	)			(23,257	)			(11,724	)			(1,208	)			(8,216	)			(9,347	)			(62,159	)
Segment income (loss)		$	1,921			$	20,413			$	(10,809	)		$	613			$	(5,078	)		$	6,430			$	13,490
Average earnings assets		$	2,095,358			$	1,454,513			$	5,167,454			$	3,521,836			$	861,903			$	881,459			$	13,982,523
		Mortgage Banking				Consumer (Retail) Banking				Commercial and Corporate				Treasury and Investments				United States Operations				Virgin Islands Operations				Total
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012:
Interest income		$	54,758			$	87,335			$	96,271			$	22,514			$	19,535			$	25,346			$	305,759
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds			(25,491	)			2,583				(13,031	)			29,568				6,371				—				—
Interest expense			—				(16,529	)			—				(60,360	)			(15,799	)			(2,500	)			(95,188	)
Net interest income (loss)			29,267				73,389				83,240				(8,278	)			10,107				22,846				210,571
Provision for loan and lease losses			(21,088	)			(9,576	)			(31,557	)			—				5,356				(4,216	)			(61,081	)
Non-interest income			7,758				14,340				6,222				(1,241	)			773				3,372				31,224
Direct non-interest expenses			(20,812	)			(47,099	)			(24,749	)			(3,312	)			(13,177	)			(19,453	)			(128,602	)
Segment (loss) income		$	(4,875	)		$	31,054			$	33,156			$	(12,831	)		$	3,059			$	2,549			$	52,112
Average earnings assets		$	2,049,065			$	1,465,092			$	4,714,564			$	2,423,201			$	751,613			$	832,227			$	12,235,762
		Mortgage Banking				Consumer (Retail) Banking				Commercial and Corporate				Treasury and Investments				United States Operations				Virgin Islands Operations				Total
For the six-month period ended June 30, 2011:
Interest income		$	63,274			$	85,790			$	102,997			$	39,442			$	23,446			$	29,372			$	344,321
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds			(33,977	)			4,392				(6,014	)			26,875				8,724				—				—
Interest expense			—				(22,114	)			—				(97,341	)			(20,849	)			(3,303	)			(143,607	)
Net interest income (loss)			29,297				68,068				96,983				(31,024	)			11,321				26,069				200,714
Provision for loan and lease losses			(11,739	)			(2,903	)			(100,641	)			—				(10,129	)			(22,504	)			(147,916	)
Non-interest income			15,070				13,988				4,829				39,432				313				7,251				80,883
Direct non-interest expenses			(16,222	)			(45,612	)			(20,877	)			(2,684	)			(16,818	)			(19,416	)			(121,629	)
Segment income (loss)		$	16,406			$	33,541			$	(19,706	)		$	5,724			$	(15,313	)		$	(8,600	)		$	12,052
Average earnings assets		$	2,264,703			$	1,473,605			$	5,278,191			$	3,541,401			$	883,008			$	895,727			$	14,336,635

 

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the reportable segment financial information to the consolidated totals:

 

		Quarter Ended June 30,								Six-month Period Ended June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
Net Income (loss):
Total income (loss) for segments and other		$	35,541			$	13,490			$	52,112			$	12,052
Other non-interest income (loss) (1)			(2,491	)			(1,536	)			(8,727	)			(1,536	)
Other operating expenses			(22,149	)			(24,272	)			(43,533	)			(47,668	)
Income (loss) before income taxes			10,901				(12,318	)			(148	)			(37,152	)
Income tax expense			(1,545	)			(2,606	)			(3,678	)			(6,192	)
Total consolidated net income (loss)		$	9,356			$	(14,924	)		$	(3,826	)		$	(43,344	)
Average assets:
Total average earning assets for segments		$	12,167,175			$	13,982,523			$	12,235,762			$	14,336,635
Other average earning assets (1)			37,058				47,629				40,142				35,524
Average non-earning assets			694,189				671,549				683,734				668,184
Total consolidated average assets		$	12,898,422			$	14,701,701			$	12,959,638			$	15,040,343

 

(1)	The activities related to the Bank’s equity interest in CPG/GS are presented as an Other non-interest income (loss) and other average earning assets in the table above

22 – REGULATORY MATTERS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Corporation is subject to various regulatory capital requirements imposed by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Corporation’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Corporation’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgment by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Capital standards established by regulations require the Corporation to maintain minimum amounts and ratios for Leverage (Tier 1 capital to average total assets) and ratios of Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets and Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets as defined in the regulations. The total amount of risk-weighted assets is computed by applying risk-weighting factors to the Corporation’s assets and certain off-balance sheet items, which generally vary from 0% to 100% depending on the nature of the asset.

Effective June 2, 2010, FirstBank, by and through its Board of Directors, entered into the FDIC Order with the FDIC and OCIF. This Order provides for various things, including (among other things) the following: (1) having and retaining qualified management; (2) increased participation in the affairs of FirstBank by its board of directors; (3) development and implementation by FirstBank of a capital plan to attain a leverage ratio of at least 8%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 10% and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 12%; (4) adoption and implementation of strategic, liquidity and fund management and profit and budget plans and related projects within certain timetables set forth in the FDIC Order and on an ongoing basis; (5) adoption and implementation of plans for reducing FirstBank’s positions in certain classified assets and delinquent and non-accrual loans within timeframes set forth in the FDIC Order; (6) refraining from lending to delinquent or classified borrowers already obligated to FirstBank on any extensions of credit so long as such credit remains uncollected, except where FirstBank’s failure to extend further credit to a particular borrower would be detrimental to the best interests of FirstBank, and any such additional credit is approved by the FirstBank’s Board of Directors; (7) refraining from accepting, increasing, renewing or rolling over brokered CDs without the prior written approval of the FDIC; (8) establishment of a comprehensive policy and methodology for determining the allowance for loan and lease losses and the review and revision of FirstBank’s loan policies, including the non-accrual policy; and (9) adoption and implementation of adequate and effective programs of independent loan review, appraisal compliance and an effective policy for managing FirstBank’s sensitivity to interest rate risk. The foregoing summary is not complete and is qualified in all respects by reference to the actual language of the FDIC Order. FirstBank’s Total Capital, Tier 1 Capital and Leverage ratios as of June 30, 2012 were 16.80%, 15.48% and 12.13%, respectively. Although all the regulatory capital ratios exceeded the established “well capitalized” levels and the minimum capital ratio requirements of the FDIC Order at June 30, 2012, because of the FDIC Order with the FDIC, FirstBank cannot be treated as a “well capitalized” institution under regulatory guidance.

Effective June 3, 2010, First BanCorp entered into the Written Agreement with the FED. The Agreement provides, among other things, that the holding company must serve as a source of strength to FirstBank, and that, except upon consent of the FED, (1) the holding company may not pay dividends to stockholders or receive dividends from FirstBank, (2) the holding company and its nonbank subsidiaries may not make payments on trust preferred securities or subordinated debt, and (3) the holding company cannot

 

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incur, increase or guarantee debt or repurchase any capital securities. The Written Agreement also requires that the holding company submit a capital plan which reflects sufficient capital at First BanCorp on a consolidated basis, which must be acceptable to the FED, and follow certain guidelines with respect to the appointment or change in responsibilities of senior officers. The foregoing summary is not complete and is qualified in all respects by reference to the actual language of the Written Agreement.

The Corporation submitted its capital plan setting forth how it plans to improve capital positions to comply with the FDIC Order and the Written Agreement over time. In addition to the Capital Plan, the Corporation has submitted to its regulators a liquidity and brokered CD plan, including a contingency funding plan, a non-performing asset reduction plan, a budget and profit plan, a strategic plan and a plan for the reduction of classified and special mention assets. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had completed all of the items included in the capital plan and is working on further reducing non-performing loans. Further, the Corporation has reviewed and enhanced the Corporation’s loan review program, various credit policies, the Corporation’s treasury and investment policy, the Corporation’s asset classification and allowance for loan and lease losses and non-accrual policies, the Corporation’s charge-off policy and the Corporation’s appraisal program. The Agreements also require the submission to the regulators of quarterly progress reports.

The FDIC Order imposes no other restrictions on FirstBank’s products or services offered to customers, nor does it or the Written Agreement impose any type of penalties or fines upon FirstBank or the Corporation. Concurrent with the FDIC Order, the FDIC has granted FirstBank temporary waivers to enable it to continue accessing the brokered CD market through September 30, 2012. FirstBank will request approvals for future periods.

The Corporation enters into financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments may include commitments to extend credit and commitments to sell mortgage loans at fair value. As of June 30, 2012, commitments to extend credit amounted to approximately $1.5 billion, of which $1.1 million relate to credit card loans, and commercial and financial standby letters of credit amounted to approximately $64.7 million. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any conditions established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. For most of the commercial lines of credit, the Corporation has the option to reevaluate the agreement prior to additional disbursements. In the case of credit cards and personal lines of credit, the Corporation can at any time and without cause, cancel the unused credit facility. Generally, the Corporation’s mortgage banking activities do not enter into interest rate lock agreements with prospective borrowers.

Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. (“Lehman”) was the counterparty to the Corporation on certain interest rate swap agreements. During the third quarter of 2008, Lehman failed to pay the scheduled net cash settlement due to the Corporation, which constituted an event of default under those interest rate swap agreements. The Corporation terminated all interest rate swaps with Lehman and replaced them with other counterparties under similar terms and conditions. In connection with the unpaid net cash settlement due as of June 30, 2012 under the swap agreements, the Corporation has an unsecured counterparty exposure with Lehman, which filed for bankruptcy on October 3, 2008, of approximately $1.4 million. This exposure was reserved in the third quarter of 2008. The Corporation had pledged collateral of $63.6 million with Lehman to guarantee its performance under the swap agreements in the event payment there under was required. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation maintained a non-performing asset of $64.5 million related to the collateral pledged with Lehman.

The Corporation believes that the securities pledged as collateral should not be part of the Lehman bankruptcy estate given the fact that the posted collateral constituted a performance guarantee under the swap agreements and was not part of a financing agreement, and that ownership of the securities was never transferred to Lehman. Upon termination of the interest rate swap agreements, Lehman’s obligation was to return the collateral to the Corporation. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Corporation discovered that Lehman Brothers, Inc., acting as agent of Lehman, had deposited the securities in a custodial account at JP Morgan Chase, and that, shortly before the filing of the Lehman bankruptcy proceedings, it had provided instructions to have most of the securities transferred to Barclays Capital (“Barclays”) in New York. After Barclays’s refusal to turn over the securities, during December 2009, the Corporation filed a lawsuit against Barclays in federal court in New York demanding the return of the securities.

During February 2010, Barclays filed a motion with the court requesting that the Corporation’s claim be dismissed on the grounds that the allegations of the complaint are not sufficient to justify the granting of the remedies therein sought. Shortly thereafter, the Corporation filed its opposition motion. A hearing on the motions was held in court on April 28, 2010. The court, on that date, after hearing the arguments by both sides, concluded that the Corporation’s equitable-based causes of action, upon which the return of the investment securities is being demanded, contain allegations that sufficiently plead facts warranting the denial of Barclays’ motion to dismiss the Corporation’s claim. Accordingly, the judge ordered the case to proceed to trial. Subsequent to the court decision, the district court judge transferred the case to the Lehman bankruptcy court for trial. Upon such transfer, the bankruptcy court began to entertain the pre-trial procedures including discovery of evidence. In this regard, an initial scheduling conference was held before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on November 17, 2010, at which time a proposed case management plan was approved. Discovery has commenced pursuant to that case management plan and is currently scheduled for completion by August 10, 2012. At the conclusion of discovery, it is anticipated that the parties will file dispositive motions which are required to be filed no later than September 13, 2012 and oppositions to such motions and replies thereto must be filed by October 15, 2012 and November 14, 2012, respectively, but this timing is subject to adjustment. While the Corporation believes it has valid reasons to support its claim for the return of the securities, the Corporation may not succeed in its litigation against Barclays to recover all or a substantial portion of the securities.

 

 

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Additionally, the Corporation continues to pursue its claim filed in January 2009 in the proceedings under the Securities Protection Act with regard to Lehman Brothers Incorporated in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. An estimated loss was not accrued as the Corporation is unable to determine the timing of the claim resolution or whether it will succeed in recovering all or a substantial portion of the collateral or its equivalent value. If additional relevant negative facts become available in future periods, a need to recognize a partial or full reserve of this claim may arise. Considering that the investment securities have not yet been recovered by the Corporation, despite its efforts in this regard, the Corporation has maintained such collateral as a non-performing asset since the second quarter of 2009.

As of June 30, 2012, First BanCorp and its subsidiaries were defendants in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the final disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations.

23 – FIRST BANCORP. (Holding Company Only) Financial Information

The following condensed financial information presents the financial position of the Holding Company only as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 and the results of its operations for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

 

		As of June 30, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Assets
Cash and due from banks		$	37,426			$	41,681
Money market investments			6,111				3,111
Investment securities available for sale, at market:
Equity investments			64				41
Other investment securities			1,300				1,300
Investment in First Bank Puerto Rico, at equity			1,623,403				1,615,304
Investment in First Bank Insurance Agency, at equity			6,397				5,338
Investment in FBP Statutory Trust I			3,093				3,093
Investment in FBP Statutory Trust II			3,866				3,866
Other assets			3,627				3,488
Total assets		$	1,685,287			$	1,677,222
Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Other borrowings		$	231,959			$	231,959
Accounts payable and other liabilities			4,369				1,119
Total liabilities			236,328				233,078
Stockholders’ equity			1,448,959				1,444,144
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,685,287			$	1,677,222

 

		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
						(In thousands)
Income:
Dividends from other subsidiaries		$	—			$	3,000			$	—			$	3,000
Interest income on other investments			3				—				6				—
Other income			55				52				110				104
			58				3,052				116				3,104
Expense:
Notes payable and other borrowings			1,825				1,748				3,680				3,466
Other operating expenses			889				537				1,835				1,047
			2,714				2,285				5,515				4,513
Investment related proceeds and impairments on equity securities			—				—				—				679
(Loss) income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries			(2,656	)			767				(5,399	)			(730	)
Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries			12,012				(15,691	)			1,573				(42,614	)
Net income (loss)		$	9,356			$	(14,924	)		$	(3,826	)		$	(43,344	)

 

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25 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Corporation has performed an evaluation of events occurring subsequent to June 30, 2012; management has determined that there are no additional events occurring in this period that required disclosure in or adjustment to the accompanying financial statements.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands, except for per share and financial ratios)

		Quarter ended								Six-month period ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
Condensed Income Statements:
Total interest income		$	153,652			$	163,418			$	305,759			$	344,321
Total interest expense			44,947				68,983				95,188				143,607
Net interest income			108,705				94,435				210,571				200,714
Provision for loan and lease losses			24,884				59,184				61,081				147,916
Non-interest income			14,022				38,862				22,497				79,347
Non-interest expenses			86,942				86,431				172,135				169,297
Income (loss) before income taxes			10,901				(12,318	)			(148	)			(37,152	)
Income tax expense			(1,545	)			(2,606	)			(3,678	)			(6,192	)
Net income (loss)			9,356				(14,924	)			(3,826	)			(43,344	)
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders			9,356				(22,205	)			(3,826	)			(57,642	)
Per Common Share Results:
Net earnings (loss) per share basic		$	0.05			$	(1.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(2.71	)
Net earnings (loss) per share diluted		$	0.05			$	(1.04	)		$	(0.02	)		$	(2.71	)
Cash dividends declared		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Average shares outstanding			205,415				21,303				205,316				21,303
Average shares outstanding diluted			205,952				21,303				205,316				21,303
Book value per common share		$	6.72			$	27.27			$	6.72			$	27.27
Tangible book value per common share (1)		$	6.42			$	25.34			$	6.42			$	25.34
Selected Financial Ratios (In Percent):
Profitability:
Return on Average Assets			0.29				(0.41	)			(0.06	)			(0.58	)
Interest Rate Spread (2)			3.21				2.42				3.08				2.53
Net Interest Margin (2)			3.50				2.68				3.37				2.79
Return on Average Total Equity			2.62				(5.81	)			(0.53	)			(8.45	)
Return on Average Common Equity			2.74				(14.77	)			(0.56	)			(19.11	)
Average Total Equity to Average Total Assets			11.14				7.01				11.12				6.88
Tangible common equity ratio (1)			10.29				3.84				10.29				3.84
Dividend payout ratio			—				—				—				—
Efficiency ratio (3)			70.84				64.84				73.86				60.45
Asset Quality:
Allowance for loan and lease losses to loans held for investment			4.44				5.02				4.44				5.02
Net charge-offs (annualized) to average loans (4)			2.03				2.91				1.90				2.82
Provision for loan and lease losses to net charge-offs			48.16				73.98				62.43				92.41
Non-performing assets to total assets (4)			10.13				9.85				10.13				9.85
Non-performing loans held for investment to total loans held for investment (4)			10.35				11.23				10.35				11.23
Allowance to total non-performing loans held for investment (4)			42.90				44.76				42.90				44.76
Allowance to total non-performing loans held for investment excluding residential real estate loans (4)			62.40				65.30				62.40				65.30
Other Information:
Common Stock Price: End of period		$	3.96			$	4.31			$	3.96			$	4.31

 

		As of				As of
		June 30,				December 31,
		2012				2011
Balance Sheet Data:
Loans, including loans held for sale		$	10,356,508			$	10,575,214
Allowance for loan and lease losses			457,153				493,917
Money market and investment securities			1,813,844				2,200,888
Intangible assets			62,952				39,787
Deferred tax asset, net			4,664				5,442
Total assets			12,913,650				13,127,275
Deposits			9,900,173				9,907,754
Borrowings			1,465,399				1,622,741
Total preferred equity			63,047				63,047
Total common equity			1,359,302				1,361,899
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax			26,610				19,198
Total equity			1,448,959				1,444,144

 

(1)	Non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Capital” discussion below for additional information of the components and reconciliation of these measures.

(2)	On a tax-equivalent basis and excluding the changes in fair value of derivative instruments and financial liabilities measured at fair value (see “Net Interest Income” discussion below for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure).

(3)	Non-interest expense to the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. The denominator includes non-recurring income and changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and financial instruments measured at fair value.

(4)

Loans used in the denominator in calculating net charge-off, non-performing loan and non-performing asset rates include purchased credit-impaired (“PCI”) loans. However, the Corporation separately tracks and reports PCI loans and exclude these from delinquency, non-performing loan and non-performing asset statistics

 

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The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the accompanying consolidated unaudited financial statements of First BanCorp. (the “Corporation” or “First BanCorp.”) and should be read in conjunction with such financial statements and the notes thereto.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

First BanCorp. is a diversified financial holding company headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico offering a full range of financial products to consumers and commercial customers through various subsidiaries. First BanCorp. is the holding company of FirstBank Puerto Rico (“FirstBank” or the “Bank”) and FirstBank Insurance Agency. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Corporation operates offices in Puerto Rico, the United States and British Virgin Islands and the State of Florida (USA) specializing in commercial banking, residential mortgage loan originations, finance leases, personal loans, small loans, auto loans, insurance agency and broker-dealer activities.

As described in Note 22, Regulatory Matters, Commitment and Contingencies, FirstBank is currently operating under a Consent Order (the “Order”) with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and First BanCorp. has entered into a Written Agreement (the “Written Agreement” and collectively with the Order the “Agreements”) with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FED” or “Federal Reserve”).

OVERVIEW OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

First BanCorp.’s results of operations generally depend primarily upon its net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on its interest-earning assets, including investment securities and loans, and the interest expense incurred on its interest-bearing liabilities, including deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is affected by various factors, including: the interest rate scenario; the volumes, mix and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities; and the re-pricing characteristics of these assets and liabilities. The Corporation’s results of operations also depend on the provision for loan and lease losses, which significantly affected the results for the past three years, non-interest expenses (such as personnel, occupancy, deposit insurance premiums and other costs), non-interest income (mainly service charges and fees on loans and deposits, insurance income and revenues from broker-dealer operations), gains (losses) on sales of investments, gains (losses) on mortgage banking activities, and income taxes.

Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 amounted to $9.4 million or $0.05 per diluted common share, compared to a net loss of $14.9 million or $1.04 loss per diluted common share for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. The Corporation’s financial results for the second quarter of 2012, as compared to the second quarter of 2011, were principally impacted by: (i) a decrease of $34.3 million in the provision for loan and lease losses which reflected primarily a lower provision for commercial and construction loans due to reduced charges to specific reserves, the overall decrease in the size of these portfolios and the improvement in the cumulative charge-off history used for the general reserve determination, and (ii) a $14.3 million increase in net interest income achieved through reductions in the overall cost of funding and improved loan yields. This variance was partially offset by a $24.8 million decrease in non-interest income as the prior year results included the effect of certain deleveraging strategies including: (i) a $19.9 million net gain on sale of U.S. agency fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”), and (ii) a $6.8 million gain on the bulk sale of $282 million of performing residential mortgage loans. In addition, the Corporation recorded in the second quarter of 2012 a non-cash charge of $2.5 million related to equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, while in the comparable period in 2011 a $1.5 million charge was recorded.

The key drivers of the Corporation’s financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 include the following:

 

•

Net interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 was $108.7 million, compared to $94.4 million for the same period in 2011 driven by an improvement of 80 basis points in net interest margin, excluding fair value adjustments (for definition and reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure, refer to “Net Interest Income” discussion below) to 3.44%. The improvement in the net interest margin was primarily due to a decrease of 43 basis points in the average cost of funding achieved through lower deposit pricing and the maturity of high-cost borrowings and the purchase in late May of a $406 million credit cards portfolio from FIA Card Services (FIA). This acquisition increased the average balance of consumer loans by approximately $125.7 million and contributed $6.2 million to interest income, including $0.7 million related to the discount accretion recorded as an adjustment to the yield of the purchased portfolio, and was the main driver for the 35 basis points increase in the yield on total earning assets. Refer to the “Net Interest Income” discussion below for additional information.

 

•

For the second quarter of 2012, the Corporation’s provision for loan and lease losses amounted to $24.9 million, compared to $59.2 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease in the provision for 2012 was primarily driven by a lower provision for commercial and construction loans due to reduced charges to the specific reserve, the overall decrease in the size of these portfolios and the improvement in the cumulative charge-off history used for the general reserve determination. Refer to the discussions under “Provision for loan and lease losses” and “Risk Management” below for an analysis of the allowance for loan and lease losses and non-performing assets and related ratios.

 

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•

For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s non-interest income amounted to $14.0 million, compared to $38.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. The prior year quarter included the effect of certain deleveraging strategies including: (i) a $19.9 million net gain on sale of U.S. agency fixed-rate MBS, and (ii) a $6.8 million gain on the bulk sale of $282 million of performing residential mortgage loans. In addition, the Corporation recorded in the second quarter of 2012 a non-cash charge of $2.5 million related to equity in losses of unconsolidated entities, while in the comparable period in 2011 a $1.5 million loss was recorded. These variances were partially offset by Interchange and other related fees of $1.0 million earned on the newly acquired credit cards portfolio and increased revenues from the Corporation’s broker-dealer activities. Refer to the “Non Interest Income” discussion below for additional information.

 

•

Non-interest expenses for the second quarter of 2012 amounted to $86.9 million, compared to $86.4 million for the same period in 2011. The slight increase was mainly related to a $1.7 million increase in employee compensation and benefits and a combined increase of approximately $1.0 million in credit card related expenses. Partially offsetting this increase was a $2.1 million decrease in the deposit insurance premium. Refer to the “Non Interest Expenses” discussion below for additional information.

 

•

For the second quarter of 2012, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of $1.5 million, compared to $2.6 million for the same period in 2011. The variance is mainly due to lower taxable income from profitable subsidiaries. Refer to the “Income Taxes” discussion below for additional information.

 

•

Total assets as of June 30, 2012 amounted to $12.9 billion, a decrease of $213.6 million compared to total assets as of December 31, 2011. The decrease was mainly related to a $381.7 million decrease in available for sale investment securities driven by matured U.S. Agency debt securities, Puerto Rico Government Obligations called prior to their contractual maturity and MBS prepayments. Additionally, the loan portfolio decreased by $181.9 million, led by pay-offs and repayments of commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loans, as well as foreclosures and charge-offs. Despite the fact that proceeds from loans and investment securities were used to paydown maturing brokered CDs and other borrowings, at the end of the period cash and cash equivalents showed an increase of $312.3 million. Refer to the “Financial Condition and Operating Data” discussion below for additional information.

 

•

As of June 30, 2012, total liabilities amounted to $11.5 billion, a decrease of approximately $218.4 million, as compared to $13.1 billion as of December 31, 2011. The decline in total liabilities is mainly attributable to a decrease of $265.0 million in brokered CDs. In addition, the Corporation repaid $100 million of maturing repurchase agreements, $34 million of maturing FHLB advances, and all of its $21 million of medium-term notes. These variances were partially offset by a $257.4 million increase in non-brokered deposits. Refer to the “Risk Management - Liquidity and Capital Adequacy” discussion below for additional information about the Corporation’s funding sources.

 

•

The Corporation’s stockholders’ equity amounted to $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2012, an increase of $4.8 million from December 31, 2011, driven by a $7.4 million increase in other comprehensive income due to higher unrealized gains on available for sale securities and net proceeds of $1.0 million related to 280,787 shares of common stock sold. Partially offsetting these increases was the net loss recorded for the first half of 2012 of $3.8 million. Refer to the “Risk Management - Capital” section below for additional information.

 

•

Total loan production, including purchases, refinancings and draws from existing revolving and non-revolving commitments, for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 was $837.7 million, excluding the credit cards portfolio purchase, compared to $568.8 million for the comparable period in 2011. The increase in loan production is mainly related to increases in residential mortgage, C&I and consumer loan originations.

 

•

Total non-performing loans as of June 30, 2012 were $1.07 billion, a decrease of $72.7 million compared to December 31, 2011. The decrease was primarily related to foreclosures of construction projects and charge-offs. Total non-performing assets decreased by $29.2 million during the first half of 2012. Refer to the “Risk Management - Non-accruing and Non-performing Assets” section below for additional information.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES

The accounting principles of the Corporation and the methods of applying these principles conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). The Corporation’s critical accounting policies relate to the 1) allowance for loan and lease losses; 2) other-than-temporary impairments; 3) income taxes; 4) classification and related values of investment securities; 5) valuation of financial instruments; and 6) income recognition on loans. These critical accounting policies involve judgments, estimates and assumptions made by management that affect the amounts recorded for assets and liabilities and for contingent liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from estimates, if different assumptions or conditions prevail. Certain determinations inherently require greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than those originally reported.

 

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The Corporation’s critical accounting policies are described in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in First BanCorp.’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have not been any material changes in the Corporation’s critical accounting policies since December 31, 2011.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the excess of interest earned by First BanCorp. on its interest-earning assets over the interest incurred on its interest-bearing liabilities. First BanCorp.’s net interest income is subject to interest rate risk due to the re-pricing and maturity mismatch of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities. Net interest income for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was $108.7 million and $210.6 million, respectively, compared to $94.4 million and $200.7 million for the comparable periods in 2011. On a tax-equivalent basis and excluding the changes in the fair value of derivative instruments and unrealized gains and losses on liabilities measured at fair value, net interest income for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was $109.8 million and $213.2 million, respectively, compared to $97.1 million and $205.9 million for the comparable periods of 2011.

The following tables include a detailed analysis of net interest income. Part I presents average volumes and rates on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis and Part II presents, also on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis, the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in volume of interest-related assets and liabilities have affected the Corporation’s net interest income. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rates), and (ii) changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior period volumes). Rate-volume variances (changes in rate multiplied by changes in volume) have been allocated to the changes in volume and rate based upon their respective percentage of the combined totals.

The net interest income is computed on an adjusted tax-equivalent basis and excluding: (1) the change in the fair value of derivative instruments and (2) unrealized gains or losses on liabilities measured at fair value. For definition and reconciliation of this non-GAAP measure, refer to discussions below.

 

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Part I

 

		Average Volume								Interest income (1)  /expense								Average Rate (1)
Quarter ended June 30,		2012				2011				2012				2011				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Money market & other short-term investments		$	656,642			$	558,388			$	456			$	400				0.28	%			0.29	%
Government obligations (2)			675,729				1,829,696				3,091				6,214				1.84	%			1.36	%
Mortgage-backed securities			1,082,175				1,114,221				8,366				10,560				3.11	%			3.80	%
Corporate bonds			1,876				2,000				31				29				6.65	%			5.82	%
FHLB stock			32,399				45,061				353				452				4.38	%			4.02	%
Equity securities			1,377				1,377				—				—				0.00	%			0.00	%
Total investments (3)			2,450,198				3,550,743				12,297				17,655				2.02	%			1.99	%
Residential mortgage loans			2,784,364				2,890,228				36,822				40,171				5.32	%			5.57	%
Construction loans			399,394				659,887				2,556				4,268				2.57	%			2.59	%
C&I and commercial mortgage loans			5,315,831				5,811,917				54,321				58,921				4.11	%			4.07	%
Finance leases			239,943				267,816				5,226				5,570				8.76	%			8.34	%
Consumer loans			1,443,697				1,367,447				44,097				39,522				12.28	%			11.59	%
Total loans (4) (5)			10,183,229				10,997,295				143,022				148,452				5.65	%			5.41	%
Total interest-earning assets		$	12,633,427			$	14,548,038			$	155,319			$	166,107				4.94	%			4.58	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Brokered CDs		$	3,473,457			$	5,550,750			$	17,803			$	29,696				2.06	%			2.15	%
Other interest-bearing deposits			5,587,225				5,172,845				15,686				19,828				1.13	%			1.54	%
Other borrowed funds			1,171,833				1,592,538				8,969				15,262				3.08	%			3.84	%
FHLB advances			344,539				493,242				3,028				4,220				3.53	%			3.43	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities (6)		$	10,577,054			$	12,809,375			$	45,486			$	69,006				1.73	%			2.16	%
Net interest income										$	109,833			$	97,101
Interest rate spread																			3.21	%			2.42	%
Net interest margin																			3.50	%			2.68	%

 

		Average Volume								Interest income (1)  /expense								Average Rate (1)
Six-Month Period Ended June 30,		2012				2011				2012				2011				2012				2011
										(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Money market & other short-term investments		$	579,412			$	523,431			$	825			$	709				0.29	%			0.27	%
Government obligations (2)			816,034				1,588,216				7,169				12,403				1.77	%			1.57	%
Mortgage-backed securities			990,772				1,406,078				15,801				27,565				3.21	%			3.95	%
Corporate bonds			1,937				2,000				60				58				6.23	%			5.85	%
FHLB stock			34,525				48,179				754				1,165				4.39	%			4.88	%
Equity securities			1,377				1,377				—				1				0.00	%			0.15	%
Total investments (3)			2,424,057				3,569,281				24,609				41,901				2.04	%			2.37	%
Residential mortgage loans			2,787,543				3,075,475				75,562				88,015				5.45	%			5.77	%
Construction loans			415,972				735,290				5,215				10,645				2.52	%			2.92	%
C&I and commercial mortgage loans			5,463,693				5,859,558				110,964				117,112				4.08	%			4.03	%
Finance leases			241,643				273,199				10,538				11,264				8.77	%			8.31	%
Consumer loans			1,377,387				1,389,570				81,947				80,042				11.96	%			11.62	%
Total loans (4) (5)			10,286,238				11,333,092				284,226				307,078				5.56	%			5.46	%
Total interest-earning assets		$	12,710,295			$	14,902,373			$	308,835			$	348,979				4.89	%			4.72	%
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Brokered CDs		$	3,555,026			$	5,783,610			$	37,536			$	62,465				2.12	%			2.18	%
Other interest-bearing deposits			5,530,210				5,205,321				32,687				41,118				1.19	%			1.59	%
Other borrowed funds			1,211,706				1,626,460				19,186				30,484				3.18	%			3.78	%
FHLB advances			354,165				534,755				6,269				8,965				3.56	%			3.38	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities (6)		$	10,651,107			$	13,150,146			$	95,678			$	143,032				1.81	%			2.19	%
Net interest income										$	213,157			$	205,947
Interest rate spread																			3.08	%			2.53	%
Net interest margin																			3.37	%			2.79	%

 

(1)

On an adjusted tax-equivalent basis. The adjusted tax-equivalent yield was estimated by dividing the interest rate spread on exempt assets by 1 less Puerto Rico statutory tax rate (30.0% for 2012; 30% for the Corporation’s subsidiaries other than IBEs and 25.0% for the Corporation’s IBEs in 2011) and adding to it the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The tax-equivalent adjustment

 

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recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income, interest rate spread and net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis. Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons. Changes in the fair value of derivative and unrealized gains or losses on liabilities measured at fair value are excluded from interest income and interest expense because the changes in valuation do not affect interest paid or received.

(2)	Government obligations include debt issued by government sponsored agencies.

(3)	Unrealized gains and losses in available-for-sale securities are excluded from the average volumes.

(4)	Average loan balances include the average of non-performing loans.

(5)

Interest income on loans includes $2.9 million and $2.5 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $5.3 million and $4.7 million for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, of income from prepayment penalties and late fees related to the Corporation’s loan portfolio.

(6)	Unrealized gains and losses on liabilities measured at fair value are excluded from the average volumes.

Part II

 

		Quarter ended June 30,												Six-month period ended June 30,
		2012 compared to 2011												2012 compared to 2011
		Increase (decrease)												Increase (decrease)
		Due to:																Due to:
		Volume				Rate				Total				Volume				Rate				Total
		(In thousands)												(In thousands)
Interest income on interest-earning assets:
Money market & other short-term investments		$	69			$	(13	)		$	56			$	80			$	36			$	116
Government obligations			(4,619	)			1,496				(3,123	)			(6,419	)			1,185				(5,234	)
Mortgage-backed securities			(299	)			(1,895	)			(2,194	)			(7,177	)			(4,587	)			(11,764	)
Corporate bonds			(2	)			4				2				(2	)			4				2
FHLB stock			(133	)			34				(99	)			(304	)			(107	)			(411	)
Equity securities			—				—				—				—				(1	)			(1	)
Total investments			(4,984	)			(374	)			(5,358	)			(13,822	)			(3,470	)			(17,292	)
Residential mortgage loans			(1,486	)			(1,863	)			(3,349	)			(7,822	)			(4,631	)			(12,453	)
Construction loans			(1,679	)			(33	)			(1,712	)			(4,132	)			(1,298	)			(5,430	)
C&I and commercial mortgage loans			(5,138	)			538				(4,600	)			(7,850	)			1,702				(6,148	)
Finance leases			(603	)			259				(344	)			(1,330	)			604				(726	)
Consumer loans			2,209				2,366				4,575				(612	)			2,517				1,905
Total loans			(6,697	)			1,267				(5,430	)			(21,746	)			(1,106	)			(22,852	)
Total interest income			(11,681	)			893				(10,788	)			(35,568	)			(4,576	)			(40,144	)
Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities:
Brokered CDs			(10,762	)			(1,131	)			(11,893	)			(23,405	)			(1,524	)			(24,929	)
Other interest-bearing deposits			1,365				(5,507	)			(4,142	)			2,340				(10,771	)			(8,431	)
Other borrowed funds			(3,588	)			(2,705	)			(6,293	)			(6,984	)			(4,314	)			(11,298	)
FHLB advances			(1,297	)			105				(1,192	)			(3,113	)			417				(2,696	)
Total interest expense			(14,282	)			(9,238	)			(23,520	)			(31,162	)			(16,192	)			(47,354	)
Change in net interest income		$	2,601			$	10,131			$	12,732			$	(4,406	)		$	11,616			$	7,210

Portions of the Corporation’s interest-earning assets, mostly investments in obligations of some U.S. Government agencies and sponsored entities, generate interest which is exempt from income tax, principally in Puerto Rico. Also, interest and gains on sales of investments held by the Corporation’s international banking entities are tax-exempt under the Puerto Rico tax law, except for a temporary 5% tax rate imposed by the Puerto Rico Government on IBEs’ net income effective for years that commenced after December 31, 2008 and before January 1, 2012 (refer to the Income Taxes discussion below for additional information). To facilitate the comparison of all interest data related to these assets, the interest income has been converted to an adjusted taxable equivalent basis. The tax equivalent yield was estimated by dividing the interest rate spread on exempt assets by 1 less the Puerto Rico statutory tax rate as adjusted for changes to enacted tax rates (30.0% for 2012; 30% for the Corporation’s subsidiaries other than IBEs and 25.0% for the Corporation’s IBEs in 2011) and adding to it the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The computation considers the interest expense disallowance required by Puerto Rico tax law. Refer to the “Income Taxes” discussion below for additional information of the Puerto Rico tax law.

The presentation of net interest income excluding the effects of the changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments and unrealized gains or losses on liabilities measured at fair value (“valuations”) provides additional information about the Corporation’s net interest income and facilitates comparability and analysis. The changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments and unrealized gains or losses on liabilities measured at fair value have no effect on interest due or interest earned on interest-bearing liabilities or interest-earning assets, respectively, or on interest payments exchanged with interest rate swap counterparties.

 

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The following table reconciles net interest income in accordance with GAAP to net interest income, excluding valuations, and net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. The table also reconciles net interest spread and net interest margin on a GAAP basis to these items excluding valuations and on a tax-equivalent basis:

 

(Dollars in thousands)
		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
Interest Income - GAAP		$	153,652			$	163,418			$	305,759			$	344,321
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivative instruments			33				1,185				(299	)			840
Interest income excluding valuations			153,685				164,603				305,460				345,161
Tax-equivalent adjustment			1,634				1,504				3,375				3,818
Interest income on a tax-equivalent basis excluding valuations			155,319				166,107				308,835				348,979
Interest Expense - GAAP			44,947				68,983				95,188				143,607
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments and liabilities measured at fair value			539				23				490				(575	)
Interest expense excluding valuations			45,486				69,006				95,678				143,032
Net interest income - GAAP		$	108,705			$	94,435			$	210,571			$	200,714
Net interest income excluding valuations		$	108,199			$	95,597			$	209,782			$	202,129
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis excluding valuations		$	109,833			$	97,101			$	213,157			$	205,947
Average Balances
Loans and leases		$	10,183,229			$	10,997,295			$	10,286,238			$	11,333,092
Total securities and other short-term investments			2,450,198				3,550,743				2,424,057				3,569,281
Average Interest-Earning Assets		$	12,633,427			$	14,548,038			$	12,710,295			$	14,902,373
Average Interest-Bearing Liabilities		$	10,577,054			$	12,809,375			$	10,651,107			$	13,150,146
Average Yield/Rate
Average yield on interest-earning assets - GAAP			4.89	%			4.51	%			4.84	%			4.66	%
Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities - GAAP			1.71	%			2.16	%			1.80	%			2.20	%
Net interest spread - GAAP			3.18	%			2.35	%			3.04	%			2.46	%
Net interest margin - GAAP			3.46	%			2.60	%			3.33	%			2.72	%
Average yield on interest-earning assets excluding valuations			4.89	%			4.54	%			4.83	%			4.67	%
Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities excluding valuations			1.73	%			2.16	%			1.81	%			2.19	%
Net interest spread excluding valuations			3.16	%			2.38	%			3.02	%			2.48	%
Net interest margin excluding valuations			3.44	%			2.64	%			3.32	%			2.74	%
Average yield on interest-earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis and excluding valuations			4.94	%			4.58	%			4.89	%			4.72	%
Average rate on interest-bearing liabilities excluding valuations			1.73	%			2.16	%			1.81	%			2.19	%
Net interest spread on a tax-equivalent basis and excluding valuations			3.21	%			2.42	%			3.08	%			2.53	%
Net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis and excluding valuations			3.50	%			2.68	%			3.37	%			2.79	%

The following table summarizes the components of the net unrealized gain and loss on derivatives (economic undesignated hedges) and net unrealized gain and loss on liabilities measured at fair value which are included in interest expense:

 

		Quarter ended June 30,								Six-month period ended June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
Unrealized loss on derivatives (economic undesignated hedges):
Options on stock index notes		$	—			$	42			$	—			$	47
Unrealized (gain) loss on liabilities measured at fair value:
Unrealized (gain) loss on medium-term notes			(539	)			(65	)			(490	)			528
Net unrealized (gain) loss on derivatives (economic undesignated hedges) and liabilities measured at fair value		$	(539	)		$	(23	)		$	(490	)		$	575

Interest income on interest-earning assets primarily represents interest earned on loans receivable and investment securities.

Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities primarily represents interest paid on brokered CDs, branch-based deposits, repurchase agreements, advances from the FHLB and FED and notes payable.

Unrealized gains or losses on derivatives represent changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps used for protection against rising interest rates.

Unrealized gains or losses on liabilities measured at fair value represent the change in the fair value of medium-term notes elected to be measured at fair value, other than the accrual of interests.

 

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Derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, are subject to market risk. While the Corporation does have certain trading derivatives to facilitate customer transactions, the Corporation does not utilize derivative instruments for speculative purposes. As of June 30, 2012, most of the interest rate swaps outstanding are used for protection against rising interest rates. Refer to Note 9 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for further details concerning the notional amounts of derivative instruments and additional information. As is the case with investment securities, the market value of derivative instruments is largely a function of the financial market’s expectations regarding the future direction of interest rates. Accordingly, current market values are not necessarily indicative of the future impact of derivative instruments on net interest income. This will depend, for the most part, on the shape of the yield curve, the level of interest rates, as well as the expectations for rates in the future.

Net interest income increased 15% to $108.7 million for the second quarter of 2012 from $94.4 million in the second quarter of 2011 and by 5% to $210.6 million for the first six-months of 2012 from $200.7 million in the first half of 2011. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in the net interest margin resulting from a reduction in the average cost of funds and improved loan yields.

For the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the net interest margin, excluding valuations, improved by 80 and 58 basis points when compared to the same periods in 2011. The improvement in the net interest margin was mainly derived from improved deposit pricing, an improved deposit mix, and funding cost reductions resulting from the re-structuring of repurchase agreements and maturities of high cost borrowings. The Corporation reduced the average cost of funds by lowering the rates paid on certain of its savings, interest-bearing checking accounts and retail CDs. The average rate paid on non-brokered deposits declined by 41 and 40 basis points during the second quarter and first six-months of 2012, or a reduction of approximately $5.5 million and $10.8 million, respectively, in interest expense. The Corporation continued with its planned reduction of brokered CDs, which decreased by $2.0 billion and $2.2 billion in average balances for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, compared to the same periods in 2011. Also, the Corporation benefited from the restructuring of $900 million of repurchase agreements during the second half of 2011 and first quarter of 2012, which resulted in a reduction of $2.7 million and $4.9 million in interest expense when compared to the second quarter and first six-months of 2011, respectively. Further reductions in interest expense were achieved as the Corporation has repaid $300 million of repurchase agreements, $87 million of FHLB Advances and $21 million of medium-term notes over the last 12 months.

Also contributing to the improvement in net interest income was additional interest income of $6.2 million from the credit cards portfolio purchased during the second quarter of 2012. Partially offsetting these increases was a decline in the volume of interest-earning assets reflecting the execution in 2011 of deleveraging strategies included in the Corporation’s capital plan in order to preserve and improve the capital position. Average interest-earning assets decreased by $1.9 billion and $2.2 billion when compared to the second quarter and six-month period of 2011, respectively, reflecting a $814.1 million and $1.0 billion reduction in average total loans and leases for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and a $1.1 billion reduction in average investment securities for both the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, compared to the respective periods in 2011. The decrease in average loans was driven by significant repayments of commercial credit facilities, foreclosures and charge-offs. The decrease in the average volume of investment securities mainly relates to sales of MBS completed throughout 2011, coupled with securities called before their contractual maturities. Proceeds from sale, repayments and calls of loans and securities have been used to reduce maturing brokered CDs, repurchase agreements, advances from FHLB and notes payable.

On an adjusted tax-equivalent basis, net interest income increased by $12.7 million, or 13%, for the second quarter of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011 and by $7.2 million, or 4%, for the first half of 2012 compared to the first half of 2011 mainly due to reductions in the overall cost of funding and improved loan yields, as discussed above. The increase for the 2012 quarter also includes an increase of $0.1 million and a decrease of $0.4 million for the first half of 2012 compared to the same periods in 2011 in the tax-equivalent adjustment. The tax-equivalent adjustment increases interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans by an amount which makes tax-exempt income comparable, on a pre-tax basis, to the Corporation’s taxable income as previously stated.

Provision and Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The provision for loan and lease losses is charged to earnings to maintain the allowance for loan and lease losses at a level that the Corporation considers adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses is also based upon a number of additional factors including trends in charge-offs and delinquencies, current economic conditions, the fair value of the underlying collateral and the financial condition of the borrowers, and, as such, includes amounts based on judgments and estimates made by the Corporation. Although the Corporation believes that the allowance for loan and lease losses is adequate, factors beyond the Corporation’s control, including factors affecting the economies of Puerto Rico, the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, may contribute to delinquencies and defaults, thus necessitating additional reserves.

For the quarter and six-month period ended on June 30, 2012, the Corporation recorded a provision for loan and lease losses of $24.9 million and $61.1 million, respectively, compared to $59.2 million and $147.9 million for the comparable periods in 2011. The decline in the provision reflected primarily a lower provision for C&I, commercial mortgage and construction loans due to reduced charges to specific reserves, the overall decrease in the size of these portfolios and the improvement in the cumulative charge-off history used for the general reserve determination.

 

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In terms of geography and categories, in Puerto Rico, the Corporation recorded a provision of $27.0 million and $62.2 million in the second quarter and first six-months of 2012, compared to $58.3 million and $115.3 million for the comparable periods in 2011. These reductions were mainly due to the decrease in the inflows of loans to impaired status, thus, lower charges to specific reserves were required; the reduction in the size of these portfolios and; the improvement in the cumulative charge-off history used for the general reserve determination. In addition, the provision for commercial mortgage loans decreased by $7.0 million and $16.4 million, for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, respectively, also mainly due to the decrease in the inflows of loans to impaired status. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase in the provision for residential mortgage loans of $5.1 million and $9.3 million for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, respectively, reflecting higher charge-offs and adjustments that are reflective of current market conditions, including assumptions regarding loss severities.

With respect to the portfolio in the United States, the Corporation recorded a release reserve of $0.5 million and $5.4 million for the second quarter and first six months of 2012, compared to a provision of $2.2 million and $10.1 million for the comparable periods in 2011. The decrease was mainly attributable to a reduction in the provision for residential mortgage loans for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, driven by the release of a $3.3 million reserve related to a $5.3 million non-performing loan paid-off during the first quarter. Reductions in net charge-offs and certain stabilization in the expectations of loss severities for this portfolio also contributed to the decrease in the provision. The provision for construction loans decreased by $1.1 million and $3.9 million for the second quarter and first six-months of 2012, respectively, when compared to the provision recorded in the comparable periods in 2011 driven by lower charges to specific reserves on a reduced level of impaired loans.

The Virgin Islands region recorded a decrease of $0.2 million and $18.3 million in the provision for loan losses in the second quarter and first six-months of 2012, compared to 2011, mainly related to a decrease of $2.6 million and $18.1 million, respectively, in the provision for construction loans substantially related to the provision charged in 2011 to a construction loan relationship placed in non-accrual status early in 2011.

Refer to the discussions under “Credit Risk Management” below for an analysis of the allowance for loan and lease losses, non-performing assets, impaired loans and related information, and refer to the discussions under “Financial Condition and Operating Analysis - Loan Portfolio” and under “Risk Management - Credit Risk Management” below for additional information concerning the Corporation’s loan portfolio exposure in the geographic areas where the Corporation does business.

Non-Interest Income

 

		Quarter Ended June 30,								Six-Month Period Ended June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
						(In thousands)
Service charges on deposit accounts		$	3,240			$	3,054			$	6,487			$	6,386
Other service charges			1,226				1,456				2,745				3,174
Mortgage banking activities			4,057				9,336				8,532				15,927
Insurance income			1,312				1,063				2,792				2,396
Broker-dealer income			1,347				783				2,610				831
Other operating income			5,474				5,187				9,408				13,309
Non-interest income before net gain on investments, loss on early extinguishment of borrowings and equity in losses of unconsolidated entities			16,656				20,879				32,574				42,023
Proceeds from securities litigation settlement and other proceeds			—				—				26				679
Net gain on sale of investments			—				21,949				—				40,611
OTTI on debt securities			(143	)			(607	)			(1,376	)			(607	)
Net (loss) gain on investments			(143	)			21,342				(1,350	)			40,683
Loss on early extinguishment of borrowings			—				(1,823	)			—				(1,823	)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated entities			(2,491	)			(1,536	)			(8,727	)			(1,536	)
Total		$	14,022			$	38,862			$	22,497			$	79,347

Non-interest income primarily consists of other service charges on loans; service charges on deposit accounts; commissions derived from various banking, securities and insurance activities; gains and losses on mortgage banking activities; and net gains and losses on investments and impairments.

Service charges on deposit accounts include monthly fees and other fees on deposit accounts.

 

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Other service charges consist mainly of service charges on credit card-related activities and other non-deferrable fees (e.g. agent, commitment and drawing fees) generated from lending activities.

Income from mortgage banking activities includes gains on sales and securitization of loans and revenues earned for administering residential mortgage loans originated by the Corporation and subsequently sold with servicing retained. In addition, lower-of-cost-or-market valuation adjustments to the Corporation’s residential mortgage loans held for sale portfolio and servicing rights portfolio, if any, are recorded as part of mortgage banking activities.

Insurance income consists of insurance commissions earned by the Corporation’s subsidiary, FirstBank Insurance Agency, Inc.

Broker-dealer income includes commissions earned by the Corporation’s broker-dealer subsidiary, FirstBank Puerto Rico Securities.

The other operating income category is composed of miscellaneous fees such as debit, credit card and point of sale (POS) interchange fees and check and cash management fees and includes commissions from the Corporation’s broker-dealer subsidiary, FirstBank Puerto Rico Securities.

The net gain (loss) on investment securities reflects gains or losses as a result of sales that are consistent with the Corporation’s investment policies as well as OTTI charges on the Corporation’s investment portfolio.

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated entities is related to the FirstBank’s investment in CPG/GS, the entity that purchased $269 million of loans from FirstBank during the first quarter of 2011. The Bank holds a 35% subordinated ownership interest in CPG/GS. The majority owner of CPG/GS is entitled to recover its initial investment and a priority return of 12% prior to any return paid to the Bank. Accordingly, the Bank’s investment of $34.5 million in CPG/GS is at risk. Refer to “Financial Condition and Operating Data Analysis - Commercial and Construction Loans” and to Note 11 of the Corporation’s unaudited financial statements for the quarter ended June 30, 2012 for additional information about the Bank’s investment in CPG/GS, including information about the determination of the initial value of the investment.

Non-interest income decreased $24.8 million to $14.0 million for the second quarter of 2012, compared to the second quarter of 2011, primarily due to:

 

•

The impact in the second quarter of 2011 of a $21.9 million gain on sales of investments, including $19.9 million on the sale of U.S. Agency MBS as part of the Corporation’s deleveraging strategies executed in 2011. No sales of investment securities were made in 2012.

 

•

A $5.3 million decrease in mortgage banking activities as the prior year second quarter included a $6.8 million gain on the bulk sale of $282 million of performing residential mortgage loans during the second quarter of 2011, also as part of deleveraging strategies completed in 2011.

 

•

Non-cash charges of $2.5 million related to the FirstBank’s equity interest in CPG/GS, compared to $1.5 million in the second quarter of 2011. The non-cash charge for the second quarter of 2012 includes $1.1 million that represents the amortization of the basis differential, which is the difference between the Bank’s investment in CPG/GS and its claim in the book value of CPG/GS at the date of the investment.

The aforementioned factors were partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in Broker-dealer income mainly in connection with the underwriting of general debt obligations issued by the Puerto Rico Government, the impact in the second quarter of 2011 of a $1.8 million loss on the early extinguishment of certain borrowings and approximately $1.0 million in interchange and other related credit card fees earned on the newly acquired credit cards portfolio.

Non-interest income decreased by $56.9 million for the first half of 2012, compared to the first half of 2011, primarily due to:

 

•

The impact in the first half of 2011 of a $40.6 million gain on sales of investments, mainly MBS as part of the Corporation’s deleveraging strategies executed in 2011. In addition, the Corporation recorded other-than-temporary impairment charge (OTTI) on debt securities of $1.4 million for the first half of 2012, while $0.6 million were recognized in the first half of 2011.

 

•

A $7.4 million decrease in mortgage banking activities driven by the impact in the previous year of $12.1 million in gains recorded for completed bulk sales of approximately $518 million of performing residential mortgage loans, this was partially offset by increases in gains from the Corporation’s mortgage loan securitization activities and recoveries in the value of servicing assets.

 

•

A $2.8 million gain on the sale of substantially all of the assets of FirstBank Insurance Agency VI recorded in the first half of 2011 included as part of “Other Operating Income” in the table above.

 

•

Non-cash charge associated with the equity in losses of unconsolidated entities of approximately $8.7 million recorded in the first half of 2012, compared to $1.5 million recorded in the first half of 2011. This non-cash adjustment relates to the Bank’s investment in CPG/GS and includes $3.1 million in the first half of 2012 that represents the amortization of the basis differential.

 

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Non-Interest Expenses

The following table presents the detail of non-interest expenses for the periods indicated:

 

		Quarter Ended June 30,								Six-month Period Ended June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
						(In thousands)
Employees’ compensation and benefits		$	31,101			$	29,407			$	62,712			$	59,846
Occupancy and equipment			15,181				15,603				30,857				30,853
Insurance and supervisory fees			13,302				14,404				26,310				29,581
Taxes, other than income taxes			3,435				3,278				6,851				6,533
Professional fees			5,322				6,072				10,501				11,209
Servicing and processing fees			3,017				2,151				5,177				4,362
Business promotion			3,475				3,628				6,022				6,292
Communications			1,758				1,864				3,479				3,742
Net loss on REO operations			6,786				5,971				10,229				11,471
Other			3,565				4,053				9,997				5,408
		$	86,942			$	86,431			$	172,135			$	169,297

Non-interest expenses increased by $0.5 million to $86.9 million for the second quarter of 2012 from $86.4 million for the second quarter of 2011. The increase was principally attributable to:

 

•

A $1.7 million increase in employee compensation and benefits driven by the hiring of vacant positions including several managerial and supervisory positions and higher incentive related expenses.

 

•

A $0.9 million increase in servicing and processing fees primarily related to the interim servicing fees of the credit cards portfolio acquired during the second quarter of 2012.

 

•

A $0.8 million increase in losses from REO activities mainly related to higher operating expenses commensurate with a higher inventory.

The increases were partially offset by the following decreases:

 

•

A $2.1 million decrease in the deposit insurance premium mainly resulting from the decrease in the Bank’s average total assets and the Bank’s improved capital position. This charge is included as part of “Insurance and Supervisory fees” in the table above.

 

•

A $0.8 million decrease in professional fees mainly related to lower legal and consulting fees.

Non-interest expenses increased $2.8 million for the first half of 2012, compared to the first half of 2011, primarily due to:

 

•

A $2.9 million increase in employee compensation and benefits mainly due to the hiring of vacant positions including several managerial and supervisory positions and increased incentive expenses.

 

•

A $4.2 million negative variance, related to the provision for unfunded commitments and letters of credit. Reserve releases of $4.0 million were recorded in the first half of 2011, mainly related to non-performing construction loans sold to CPG/GS early in 2011. This is included as part of “Other” in the table above.

 

•

A $2.5 million non-recurring charge associated with a contingency adjustment related to the collectibility of certain tax credits, included as part of “other expenses” in the table above.

These increases were partially offset by a $3.6 million decrease in the deposit insurance premium mainly resulting from the decrease in the Bank’s average assets and the Bank’s improved capital position, and a decrease of $1.2 million in net losses from REO activities, reflecting the impact in 2012 of a $1.3 million gain realized on the sale of certain commercial REO properties.

 

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Income Taxes

Income tax expense includes Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands income taxes as well as applicable U.S. federal and state taxes. The Corporation is subject to Puerto Rico income tax on its income from all sources. As a Puerto Rico corporation, First BanCorp. is treated as a foreign corporation for U.S. income tax purposes and is generally subject to United States income tax only on its income from sources within the United States or income effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Any such tax paid is also creditable against the Corporation’s Puerto Rico tax liability, subject to certain conditions and limitations.

On January 31, 2011, the Puerto Rico Government approved Act No. 1, which repealed the 1994 Code (“1994 PR Code”) and replaces it with the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011 (“2011 PR Code”) .The provisions of the 2011 PR Code are generally applicable to taxable years commencing after December 31, 2010. Under the 2011 PR Code, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated tax returns and, thus, the Corporation is not able to utilize losses from one subsidiary to offset gains in another subsidiary. Accordingly, in order to obtain a tax benefit from a net operating loss, a particular subsidiary must be able to demonstrate sufficient taxable income within the applicable carry forward period (7 years under the 2011 PR Code, except for losses incurred during tax years commenced after December 31, 2004 and before December 31, 2012, that the carry forward period is extended to 10 years). The 2011 PR Code provides a dividend received deduction of 100% on dividends received from “controlled” subsidiaries subject to taxation in Puerto Rico and 85% on dividends received from other taxable domestic corporations. Dividend payments from a U.S. subsidiary to the Corporation are subject to a 10% withholding tax based on the provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

Under the 2011 PR Code, First BanCorp. is subject to a maximum statutory tax rate of 30% (25% for taxable years commencing after December 31, 2013 if certain economic conditions are met by the Puerto Rico government). The 2011 PR Code also includes an alternative minimum tax of 20% that applies if the Corporation’s regular income tax liability is less than the alternative minimum tax requirements.

The Corporation has maintained an effective tax rate lower than the maximum statutory rate mainly by investing in government obligations and mortgage-backed securities exempt from U.S. and Puerto Rico income taxes and by doing business through the International Banking Entity (“IBE”) of the Bank and through the Bank’s subsidiary, FirstBank Overseas Corporation, in which the interest income and gain on sales is exempt from Puerto Rico and U.S. income taxation except for tax years that commenced after December 31, 2008 and before January 1, 2012, for which a special 5% tax was imposed to all IBEs. The IBEs and FirsBank Overseas Corporation were created under the International Banking Entity Act of Puerto Rico, which provides for total Puerto Rico tax exemption on the net income derived from eligible activities by IBEs operating in Puerto Rico. IBEs that operate as a unit of a bank pay income taxes at normal rates to the extent that the IBEs’ net income exceeds 20% of the bank’s total net taxable income.

For the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of $1.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively, compared to an income tax expense of $2.6 million and $6.2 million for the same periods in 2011. The decrease is primarily due to lower taxable income from profitable subsidiaries and for the six-month period was also driven by a reduction in deferred tax assets of profitable subsidiaries due to a reduction in statutory tax rates in 2011. As of June 30, 2012, the deferred tax asset, net of a valuation allowance of $366.9 million, amounted to $4.7 million compared to $5.4 million as of December 31, 2011. The Corporation continued to reserve deferred tax assets created in connection with the operations of its banking subsidiary, FirstBank.

Accounting for income taxes requires that companies assess whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against their deferred tax asset based on the consideration of all available evidence, using a “more likely than not” realization standard. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In making such assessment, significant weight is to be given to evidence that can be objectively verified, including both positive and negative evidence. Consideration must be given to all sources of taxable income available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future reversal of existing temporary differences, future taxable income exclusive of the reversal of temporary differences and carryforwards, taxable income in carryback years and tax planning strategies. In estimating taxes, management assesses the relative merits and risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into account statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance, and recognizes tax benefits only when deemed probable of realization.

In assessing the weight of positive and negative evidence, a significant negative factor that resulted in increases of the valuation allowance was that the Corporation’s banking subsidiary, FirstBank Puerto Rico, continues in a three-year historical cumulative loss position as of June 30, 2012, mainly due to charges to the provision for loan and lease losses as a result of the economic downturn. As of June 30, 2012, management concluded that $4.7 million of the deferred tax asset will be realized. The Corporation’s deferred tax assets for which it has not established a valuation allowance relate to profitable subsidiaries and to amounts that can be realized through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. To the extent the realization of a portion, or all, of the tax asset becomes “more likely than not” based on changes in circumstances (such as, improved earnings, changes in tax laws or other relevant changes), a reversal of that portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance will then be recorded.

 

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The authoritative accounting guidance prescribes a comprehensive model for the financial statement recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of income tax uncertainties with respect to positions taken or expected to be taken on income tax returns. Under this guidance, income tax benefits are recognized and measured based upon a two-step model: 1) a tax position must be more likely than not to be sustained based solely on its technical merits in order to be recognized, and 2) the benefit is measured as the largest dollar amount of that position that is more likely than not to be sustained upon settlement. The difference between the benefit recognized in accordance with this model and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return is referred to as an unrecognized tax benefit (“UTB”).

During the third quarter of 2011, the Corporation recorded new UTBs of $2.4 million, all of which would, if recognized, affect the Corporation’s effective tax rate. The Corporation classified all interest and penalties, if any, related to tax uncertainties as income tax expense. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s accrued interest that relates to tax uncertainties amounted to $0.9 million and there is no need to accrue for the payment of penalties. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, the total amount of interest recognized by the Corporation as part of income tax expense related to tax uncertainties was $0.1 million. During the first half of 2012 there was no change to the UTB of $2.4 million. The amount of UTBs may increase or decrease for various reasons, including changes in the amounts for current tax year positions, the expiration of open income tax returns due to the expiration of statutes of limitations, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, the status of examinations, litigation and legislative activity and the addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions. The years 2007 through 2009 have been examined by the United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and disputed issues have been taken to administrative appeals. Although the timing of the resolution and/or closure of audits is highly uncertain, the Corporation believes it is reasonably possible that the IRS will conclude this audit within the next twelve months. If any issues addressed in the IRS audit are resolved in a manner not consistent with the Corporation’s expectations, the Corporation could be required to adjust its provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. The Corporation currently cannot reasonably estimate a range of possible changes to existing reserves.

The Corporation’s liability for income taxes includes the liability for UTBs, and interest which relates to tax years still subject to review by taxing authorities. Audit periods remain open for review until the statute of limitations has passed. The statute of limitations under the PR Code is 4 years; and for Virgin Islands and U.S. income tax purposes is 3 years after a tax return is due or filed, whichever is later. The completion of an audit by the taxing authorities or the expiration of the statute of limitations for a given audit period could result in an adjustment to the Corporation’s liability for income taxes. Any such adjustment could be material to results of operations for any given quarterly or annual period based, in part, upon the results of operations for the given period. All tax years subsequent to 2009 remain open to examination under the PR Code, taxable years from 2008 remain open to examination for Virgin Islands and U.S. income tax purpose.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND OPERATING DATA ANALYSIS

Assets

Total assets were approximately $12.9 billion as of June 30, 2012, down $213.6 million from December 31, 2011. Total available for sale investment securities decreased by $381.7 million primarily reflecting maturities of $300 million of U.S. agency debt securities, calls of $92 million of Puerto Rico Government Obligations and MBS prepayments. A portion of the proceeds from calls and maturities of investment securities had not been reinvested at the end of the first half of 2012, as a result, cash and cash equivalents increased by $312.3 million when compared to the balance as of December 31, 2011. Total loans, net of the allowance for loan and lease losses, decreased by $181.9 million, led by repayments of commercial facilities, foreclosures and charge-offs. The reduction was primarily related to C&I loan repayments, including a $231 million reduction in loans granted to governmental entities. These decreases were partially offset by the completion of the purchase of the FirstBank-branded credit cards portfolio of approximately $406 million. Proceeds from loan and MBS repayments and calls of investment securities were used, in part, to repay high cost borrowings, including brokered CDs, repurchase agreements, advances from the FHLB, and medium-term notes. Other variances within the assets side include an increase of $53.0 million in REO, mainly in connection with foreclosed construction projects in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

 

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Loan Portfolio

The following table presents the composition of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, including loans held for sale, as of the dates indicated:

 

(In thousands)		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Residential mortgage loans		$	2,764,066			$	2,873,785
Commercial loans:
Commercial mortgage loans			1,479,068				1,565,411
Construction loans			364,934				427,863
Commercial and Industrial loans			3,475,356				3,856,695
Loans to local financial institutions collateralized by real estate mortgages			262,563				273,821
Total commercial loans			5,581,921				6,123,790
Finance leases			240,589				247,003
Consumer loans			1,709,539				1,314,814
Total loans held for investment			10,296,115				10,559,392
Less:
Allowance for loan and lease losses			(457,153	)			(493,917	)
Total loans held for investment, net		$	9,838,962			$	10,065,475

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s total loans, net of allowance, decreased by $181.9 million, when compared with the balance as of December 31, 2011. All major loan categories, excluding consumer loans, decreased from 2011 levels mainly as a result of pay-offs, repayments, foreclosures and charge-offs. The reduction was primarily related to C&I loan repayments, including pay downs of $231 million from loans to governmental entities and three relationships amounting to $116.7 million paid-off, and a net reduction of $96.4 million in facilities granted to CPG/GS.

 

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Of the total gross loan portfolio held for investment of $10.4 billion as of June 30, 2012, approximately 85% have credit risk concentration in Puerto Rico, 7% in the United States (mainly in the state of Florida) and 8% in the Virgin Islands, as shown in the following table:

 

As of June 30, 2012		Puerto Rico				Virgin Islands				Florida				Total
						(In thousands)
Residential mortgage loans		$	2,101,423			$	388,811			$	273,832			$	2,764,066
Commercial loans:
Construction loans			234,114				107,943				22,877				364,934
Commercial mortgage loans			1,041,024				63,042				375,002				1,479,068
Commercial and Industrial loans			3,234,421				203,211				37,724				3,475,356
Loans to local financial institutions collateralized by real estate mortgages			262,563				—				—				262,563
Total commercial loans			4,772,122				374,196				435,603				5,581,921
Finance leases			240,589				—				—				240,589
Consumer loans			1,623,208				53,776				32,555				1,709,539
Total loans held for investment, gross			8,737,342				816,783				741,990				10,296,115
Allowance for loans and lease losses			(381,713	)			(24,271	)			(51,169	)			(457,153	)
Total loans held for investment, net			8,355,629				792,512				690,821				9,838,962
Loans held for sale			56,616				3,777				—				60,393
Total loans		$	8,412,245			$	796,289			$	690,821			$	9,899,355

Loan Production

First BanCorp. relies primarily on its retail network of branches to originate residential and consumer loans. The Corporation supplements its residential mortgage originations with wholesale servicing released mortgage loan purchases from mortgage bankers. The Corporation manages its construction and commercial loan originations through centralized units and most of its originations come from existing customers as well as through referrals and direct solicitations.

The following table details First BanCorp.’s loan production, including purchases, refinancings, and draws from existing revolving and non-revolving commitments, for the periods indicated:

 

		Quarter Ended June 30,								Six-month Period Ended June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
						(In thousands)
Residential real estate		$	193,551			$	139,981			$	355,402			$	255,207
C&I and commercial mortgage			390,829				270,766				627,808				684,735
Construction			16,295				19,037				26,384				54,394
Finance leases			25,044				21,436				47,403				41,546
Consumer			212,012				117,619				350,008				223,909
Total loan production		$	837,731			$	568,839			$	1,407,005			$	1,259,791

The Corporation is experiencing continued loan demand and has continued with its targeted originations strategies. During the second quarter and first half of 2012 total loan originations, including purchases, refinancings and draws from existing commitments, amounted to approximately $837.7 million and $1.4 billion, respectively, compared to $568.8 million and $1.3 billion, respectively, for the comparable periods in 2011. The increase for the second quarter of 2012, compared to 2011, was mainly related to an increase in C&I and commercial mortgage loan originations, including disbursements on existing commitments with government entities, and increases in residential and consumer loan originations. The increase for the six-month period is primarily related to an increase in residential mortgage loan originations and purchases. Consumer loan originations, including finance leases, increased by $98.0 million and $132.0 million for the quarter and six-month period ended June 30, 2012 and include $34.2 million in utilizations related to the recently acquired credit cards portfolio. Originations of auto loans (including finance leases) amounted to $146.0 million and $262.9 million for the second quarter and first six-months of 2012, respectively, compared to $99.5 million and $195.6 million closed for the comparable periods in 2011. Loan production statistics exclude the purchase of the $406 million credit cards portfolio acquired in the second quarter of 2012.

Residential Real Estate Loans

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s residential real estate loan portfolio held for investment decreased by $109.7 million as compared to the balance as of December 31, 2011, reflecting sales of $100.1 million of loans to FNMA and FHLMC, foreclosures of $28.9 million, charge-offs and principal repayments, partially offset by loan originations during the period. The majority of the Corporation’s outstanding balance of residential mortgage loans consists of fixed-rate, fully amortizing, full documentation loans. In accordance with the

 

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Corporation’s underwriting guidelines, residential real estate loans are mostly fully documented loans, and the Corporation is not actively involved in the origination of negative amortization loans, non-materially involved in adjustable-rate mortgage loans. Refer to the “Contractual Obligations and Commitments” discussion below for additional information about outstanding commitments to sell mortgage loans.

Commercial and Construction Loans

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s commercial and construction loan portfolio held for investment decreased by $541.9 million, as compared to the balance as of December 31, 2011, The reduction was primarily related to C&I and commercial mortgage loans repayments, in both geographic segments, Puerto Rico and the United States, including three relationships amounting to $116.7 million paid-off , a net reduction of $231 million in loans granted to governmental entities and a $96.4 million reduction in facilities granted to CPG/GS. Additionally, the construction loan portfolio decrease of $62.9 million was led by the foreclosure of the underlying collateral of two commercial projects in the Virgin Islands with an aggregate book value of $16.8 million (net of charge-offs of $4.9 million at the time of foreclosure), the in-substance foreclosure of two projects in Puerto Rico amounting to $16 million in the aggregate, and a $15.0 million charge-off against one relationship in the Virgin Islands. The Corporation’s commercial loans are primarily variable- and adjustable-rate loans.

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had $148.6 million outstanding of credit facilities granted to the Puerto Rico Government and/or its political subdivisions, down from $360.1 million as of December 31, 2011, and $120.0 million granted to the Virgin Islands government, down from $139.4 million as of December 31, 2011. A substantial portion of these credit facilities consist of loans to various municipalities in Puerto Rico for which the good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power of the applicable municipality have been pledged to their repayment. Another portion of these obligations consists of loans to public corporations that obtain revenues from rates charged for services or products, such as electric power and water utilities. Public corporations have varying degrees of independence from the central Government and many receive appropriations or other payments from it.

In addition to loans extended to government entities, the largest loan to one borrower as of June 30, 2012 in the amount of $262.6 million is with one mortgage originator in Puerto Rico, Doral Financial Corporation. This commercial loan is secured by individual real-estate loans, mostly 1-4 residential mortgage loans.

Construction loans originations decreased by $2.7 million and $28.0 million for the quarter and six-month period of 2012, respectively, when compared to the same periods in 2011, due to the strategic decision by the Corporation to reduce its exposure to construction projects in both Puerto Rico and the United States. The Corporation has significantly reduced its exposure to construction loans in its Florida operations and construction loan originations in Puerto Rico are mainly draws from existing commitments. More than 94% of the construction loan originations in 2012 are related to disbursements from previous established commitments. In Puerto Rico, absorption rates on low income residential projects financed by the Corporation recently showed signs of improvement, but the market is still under pressure as we are still operating under a challenging economic environment.

The composition of the Corporation’s construction loan portfolio held for investment as of June 30, 2012 by category and geographic location follows:

 

		Puerto				Virgin
As of June 30, 2012		Rico				Islands				Florida				Total
		(In thousands)
Loans for residential housing projects:
High-rise (1)		$	5,645			$	—			$	—			$	5,645
Mid-rise (2)			30,517				4,930				37				35,484
Single-family detach			36,819				—				3,407				40,226
Total for residential housing projects			72,981				4,930				3,444				81,355
Construction loans to individuals secured by residential properties			10,578				6,775				—				17,353
Condo-conversion loans			1,464				—				—				1,464
Loans for commercial projects			31,565				64,807				—				96,372
Bridge loans - residential			42,827				—				—				42,827
Bridge loans - commercial			—				15,700				12,398				28,098
Land loans - residential			39,662				12,759				7,039				59,460
Land loans - commercial			34,600				2,126				—				36,726
Working capital			1,497				1,041				—				2,538
Total before net deferred fees and allowance for loan losses			235,174				108,138				22,881				366,193
Net deferred fees			(1,060	)			(195	)			(4	)			(1,259	)
Total construction loan portfolio, gross			234,114				107,943				22,877				364,934
Allowance for loan losses			(40,923	)			(14,819	)			(12,116	)			(67,858	)
Total construction loan portfolio, net		$	193,191			$	93,124			$	10,761			$	297,076

 

(1)	For purposes of the above table, high-rise portfolio is composed of buildings with more than 7 stories, composed of two projects in Puerto Rico.

(2)	Mid-rise relates to buildings of up to 7 stories.

 

 

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The following table presents further information on the Corporation’s construction portfolio as of and for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012:

 

		(Dollars in thousands)
Total undisbursed funds under existing commitments		$	152,462
Construction loans held for investment in non-accrual status		$	202,133
Net charge offs - Construction loans (1)		$	30,578
Allowance for loan losses - Construction loans		$	67,858
Non-performing construction loans to total construction loans			55.39	%
Allowance for loan losses - construction loans to total construction loans			18.59	%
Net charge-offs (annualized) to total average construction loans (1)			14.70	%

 

(1)	Includes net charge-offs of $12.7 million related to construction loans in Puerto Rico, $20.0 million related to construction loans in the Virgin Islands, and $2.1 million recovery related to construction loans in Florida.

The following summarizes the construction loans for residential housing projects in Puerto Rico segregated by the estimated selling price of the units:

 

(In thousands)
Under $300k		$	28,239
$300k - $600k			10,524
Over $600k (1)			34,218
		$	72,981

 

(1)	Mainly composed of four residential housing projects in Puerto Rico.

Consumer Loans and Finance Leases

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s consumer loan and finance leases portfolio increased by $388.3 million as compared to the portfolio balance as of December 31, 2011. This increase is primarily related to the completion on May 30, 2012 of the acquisition of an approximate $406 million portfolio of FirstBank-branded credit cards portfolio from FIA. These loans were recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at estimated fair value on acquisition date of approximately $369 million, and the Corporation recognized a purchased credit card relationship intangible asset of $24.4 million.

Investment Activities

As part of its strategy to diversify its revenue sources and maximize its net interest income, First BanCorp. maintains an investment portfolio that is classified as available-for-sale. The Corporation’s total available for sale investment securities portfolio as of June 30, 2012 aggregated $1.5 billion, a reduction of $381.7 million from December 31, 2011 mainly due to $192.9 million in PR government obligations called prior to their contractual maturity, maturities of $100 million of U.S. Treasury notes and $300 million of U.S. agency debt securities, and MBS prepayments, partially offset by purchases of $270 million of U.S. Agency MBS.

Over 91% of the Corporation’s available-for-sale securities portfolio is invested in U.S. Government and Agency debentures and fixed-rate U.S. government sponsored-agency MBS (mainly GNMA, FNMA and FHLMC fixed-rate securities). The Corporation’s investment in equity securities classified as available for sale is minimal, approximately $0.1 million, which consists of common stock of another financial institution in Puerto Rico. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation held approximately $70 million of Puerto Rico Government Obligations. In July 2012, Moody’s cut Puerto Rico sales Tax Financing Corp.’s senior sales tax revenue bonds by one notch to Aa3 from Aa2 and its subordinated bonds by two notches to A3 from A1. These downgrades could have an adverse impact on economic conditions, but its ultimate impact is unpredictable and may not be immediately apparent.

 

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The following table presents the carrying value of investments at the indicated dates:

 

(In thousands)		As of June 30, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
		(In thousands)
Money market investments		$	240,178			$	239,669
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
U.S. Government and agencies obligations			373,604				778,577
Puerto Rico Government obligations			70,447				222,613
Mortgage-backed securities			1,096,618				921,024
Corporate bonds			792				1,013
Equity securities			64				41
			1,541,525				1,923,268
Other equity securities, including $30.8 million and $36.7 million of FHLB stock as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively			32,141				37,951
Total money market and investment securities		$	1,813,844			$	2,200,888

Mortgage-backed securities at the indicated dates consist of:

 

(In thousands)		As of June 30, 2012				As of December 31, 2011
Available-for-sale
FHLMC certificates			141,907				26,148
GNMA certificates			682,743				762,006
FNMA certificates			214,402				71,664
Other mortgage pass-through certificates			57,566				61,206
Total mortgage-backed securities		$	1,096,618			$	921,024

The carrying values of investment securities classified as available-for-sale as of June 30, 2012 by contractual maturity (excluding mortgage-backed securities and equity securities) are shown below:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		Carrying Amount				Weighted Average Yield %
U.S. Government and agencies obligations
Due within one year		$	373,604				0.16
Puerto Rico Government obligations
Due within one year			8,310				4.19
Due after one year through five years			1,616				4.50
Due after five years through ten years			40,696				4.49
Due after ten years			19,825				5.83
			70,447				4.83
Corporate bonds
Due after ten years			792				6.71
			792				6.71
Total			444,843				0.89
Mortgage-backed securities			1,096,618				3.51
Equity securities			64				—
Total investment securities available for sale		$	1,541,525				2.74

Net interest income of future periods could be affected by prepayments of mortgage-backed securities. Acceleration in the prepayments of mortgage-backed securities would lower yields on these securities, as the amortization of premiums paid upon acquisition of these securities would accelerate. Conversely, acceleration in the prepayments of mortgage-backed securities would increase yields on securities purchased at a discount, as the amortization of the discount would accelerate. These risks are directly

 

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linked to future period market interest rate fluctuations. Also, net interest income in future periods might be affected by the Corporation’s investment in callable securities. Approximately $192.9 million of P.R. Government obligations with an average yield of 4.19% were called during the first half of 2012. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation has approximately $2.6 million in debt securities (Puerto Rico government securities) with embedded calls and with an average yield of 4.77%. Refer to the “Risk Management” section below for further analysis of the effects of changing interest rates on the Corporation’s net interest income and of the interest rate risk management strategies followed by the Corporation. Also refer to Note 4 to the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Corporation’s investment portfolio.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Risks are inherent in virtually all aspects of the Corporation’s business activities and operations. Consequently, effective risk management is fundamental to the success of the Corporation. The primary goals of risk management are to ensure that the Corporation’s risk taking activities are consistent with the Corporation’s objectives and risk tolerance and that there is an appropriate balance between risk and reward in order to maximize stockholder value.

The Corporation has in place a risk management framework to monitor, evaluate and manage the principal risks assumed in conducting its activities. First BanCorp.’s business is subject to eight broad categories of risks: (1) liquidity risk, (2) interest rate risk, (3) market risk, (4) credit risk, (5) operational risk, (6) legal and compliance risk, (7) reputational risk, and (8) contingency risk. First BanCorp. has adopted policies and procedures designed to identify and manage risks to which the Corporation is exposed, specifically those relating to liquidity risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, and operational risk.

The Corporation’s risk management policies are described below as well as in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of First BanCorp.’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Liquidity and Capital Adequacy

Liquidity is the ongoing ability to accommodate liability maturities and deposit withdrawals, fund asset growth and business operations, and meet contractual obligations through unconstrained access to funding at reasonable market rates. Liquidity management involves forecasting funding requirements and maintaining sufficient capacity to meet the needs for liquidity and accommodate fluctuations in asset and liability levels due to changes in the Corporation’s business operations or unanticipated events.

The Corporation manages liquidity at two levels. The first is the liquidity of the parent company, which is the holding company that owns the banking and non-banking subsidiaries. The second is the liquidity of the banking subsidiary. As of June 30, 2012, FirstBank could not pay any dividend to the parent company except upon receipt of prior approval by the FED.

The Asset and Liability Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for establishing the Corporation’s liquidity policy as well as approving operating and contingency procedures, and monitoring liquidity on an ongoing basis. The MIALCO, using measures of liquidity developed by management, which involve the use of several assumptions, reviews the Corporation’s liquidity position on a monthly basis. The MIALCO oversees liquidity management, interest rate risk and other related matters. The MIALCO, which reports to the Board of Directors’ Asset and Liability Committee, is composed of senior management officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Risk Officer, the Retail Financial Services Director, the Risk Manager of the Treasury and Investments Division, the Financial Analysis and Asset/Liability Director and the Treasurer. The Treasury and Investments Division is responsible for planning and executing the Corporation’s funding activities and strategy; monitoring liquidity availability on a daily basis and reviewing liquidity measures on a weekly basis. The Treasury and Investments Accounting and Operations area of the Comptroller’s Department is responsible for calculating the liquidity measurements used by the Treasury and Investment Division to review the Corporation’s liquidity position on a monthly basis, the Financial Analysis and Asset/Liability Director estimates the liquidity gap for longer periods.

In order to ensure adequate liquidity through the full range of potential operating environments and market conditions, the Corporation conducts its liquidity management and business activities in a manner that will preserve and enhance funding stability, flexibility and diversity. Key components of this operating strategy include a strong focus on the continued development of customer-based funding, the maintenance of direct relationships with wholesale market funding providers, and the maintenance of the ability to liquidate certain assets when, and if, requirements warrant.

The Corporation develops and maintains contingency funding plans. These plans evaluate the Corporation’s liquidity position under various operating circumstances and allow the Corporation to ensure that it will be able to operate through periods of stress when access to normal sources of funds is constrained. The plans project funding requirements during a potential period of stress, specify and quantify sources of liquidity, outline actions and procedures for effectively managing through a difficult period, and define roles and responsibilities. In the Contingency Funding Plan, the Corporation stresses the balance sheet and the liquidity position to critical levels that imply difficulties in getting new funds or even maintaining its current funding position, thereby ensuring the ability to honor its commitments, and establishing liquidity triggers monitored by the MIALCO in order to maintain the ordinary funding of the banking business. Three different scenarios are defined in the Contingency Funding Plan: local market event, credit rating downgrade, and a concentration event. They are reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors’ Asset and Liability Committee.

 

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The Corporation manages its liquidity in a proactive manner, and maintains a sound liquidity position. Multiple measures are utilized to monitor the Corporation’s liquidity position, including basic liquidity and time-based reserve measures. The Corporation has maintained basic liquidity (cash, free liquid assets and secured lines of credit) in excess of the self-imposed minimum limit of 5% of total assets. As of June 30, 2012, the estimated basic liquidity ratio was approximately 10.15%, including un-pledged investment securities, FHLB lines of credit, and cash. At period end, the Corporation had $524.1 million available for additional credit on FHLB lines of credit. Unpledged liquid securities as of June 30, 2012 mainly consisted of fixed-rate MBS and U.S. agency debentures amounting to approximately $66.7 million. The Corporation does not rely on uncommitted inter-bank lines of credit (federal funds lines) to fund its operations and does not include them in the basic liquidity computation. Most of the cash balances are deposited with the Federal Reserve Bank and in money market instruments generating interest income between 0.25% and 0.35% . As of June 30, 2012, the holding company had $43.5 million of cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents at the Bank level as of June 30, 2012 were approximately $752.0 million. The Bank has $275 million in FHLB advances maturing over the next twelve months. In addition, it had $3.5 billion in brokered CDs as of June 30, 2012, of which $2.3 billion mature over the next twelve months. Liquidity at the Bank level is highly dependent on bank deposits, which fund 77.11% of the Bank’s assets (or 50.23% excluding brokered CDs). The Corporation has continued to issue brokered CDs pursuant to approvals received from the FDIC to renew or roll over brokered CDs up to certain amounts through September 30, 2012. Management cannot be certain it will continue to obtain waivers from the restrictions to issue brokered CDs under the Order to meet its obligations and execute its business plans.

Sources of Funding

The Corporation utilizes different sources of funding to help ensure that adequate levels of liquidity are available when needed. Diversification of funding sources is of great importance to protect the Corporation’s liquidity from market disruptions. The principal sources of short-term funds are deposits, including brokered CDs, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and lines of credit with the FHLB. The Asset Liability Committee of the Board of Directors reviews credit availability on a regular basis. The Corporation has also securitized and sold mortgage loans as a supplementary source of funding. Issuances of commercial paper have also in the past provided additional funding. Long-term funding has also been obtained through the issuance of notes and, to a lesser extent, long-term brokered CDs. The cost of these different alternatives, among other things, is taken into consideration.

The Corporation has deleveraged its balance sheet by reducing the amounts of brokered CDs. The reductions in brokered CDs are consistent with the requirements of the Order that preclude the issuance of brokered CDs without FDIC approval and require a plan to reduce the amount of brokered CDs. Brokered CDs decreased $265.0 million to $3.5 billion as of June 30, 2012 from $3.7 billion as of December 31, 2011. At the same time, as the Corporation focuses on reducing its reliance on brokered deposits, it is seeking to add core deposits.

The Corporation continues to have the support of creditors, including repurchase agreements counterparties, the FHLB, and other agents such as wholesale funding brokers. While liquidity is an ongoing challenge for all financial institutions, management believes that the Corporation’s available borrowing capacity and efforts to grow retail deposits and the recently completed $525 million capital raise will be adequate to provide the necessary funding for the Corporation’s business plans in the foreseeable future.

The Corporation’s principal sources of funding are:

Brokered CDs – A large portion of the Corporation’s funding has been retail brokered CDs issued by FirstBank. Total brokered CDs decreased from $3.7 billion at December 31, 2011 to $3.5 billion as of June 30, 2012. Although all the regulatory capital ratios exceeded the established “well capitalized” levels at June 30, 2012 and the minimum capital requirements of the FDIC Order, because of the Order with the FDIC, FirstBank cannot be considered a “well capitalized” institution under regulatory guidance and cannot replace maturing brokered CDs without the prior approval of the FDIC. Since the issuance of the Order, the FDIC has granted the Bank temporary waivers to enable it to continue accessing the brokered deposit market through September 30, 2012. The Bank will request approvals for future periods. The Corporation used proceeds from repayments of loans and investments to pay down maturing borrowings, including brokered CDs. Also, the Corporation successfully implemented its non-brokered deposit growth strategy that resulted in an increase of $257.4 million during the first half of 2012.

The average remaining term to maturity of the retail brokered CDs outstanding as of June 30, 2012 is approximately 0.86 years. Approximately 0.12%, or $4.3 million, of the principal value of these certificates is callable at the Corporation’s option.

The use of brokered CDs has been particularly important for the growth of the Corporation. The Corporation encounters intense competition in attracting and retaining regular retail deposits in Puerto Rico. The brokered CDs market is very competitive and liquid, and the Corporation has been able to obtain substantial amounts of funding in short periods of time. This strategy has enhanced the Corporation’s liquidity position, since the brokered CDs are insured by the FDIC up to regulatory limits and can be obtained faster compared to regular retail deposits. Should the FDIC fail to approve waivers for the renewal of brokered CD’s, the Corporation would accelerate the deleveraging through a systematic disposition of assets to meet its liquidity needs. During the first half of 2012, the Corporation issued $1.0 billion in brokered CDs, with an average cost of 0.82%, to renew maturing brokered CDs. Management believes it will continue to obtain waivers from the restrictions in the issuance of brokered CDs under the Order to meet its obligations and execute its business plans.

 

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The following table presents a maturity summary of brokered and retail CDs with denominations of $100,000 or higher as of June 30, 2012:

 

		Total
		(In thousands)
Three months or less		$	911,591
Over three months to six months			988,907
Over six months to one year			1,410,488
Over one year			1,510,721
Total		$	4,821,707

Certificates of deposit in denominations of $100,000 or higher include brokered CDs of $3.5 billion issued to deposit brokers in the form of large ($100,000 or more) certificates of deposit that are generally participated out by brokers in shares of less than $100,000 and are therefore insured by the FDIC. Certificates of deposit with denominations of $100,000 or higher also include $4.6 million of deposits through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS).

Retail deposits – The Corporation’s deposit products also include regular savings accounts, demand deposit accounts, money market accounts and retail CDs. Total deposits, excluding brokered CDs, increased by $257.4 million to $6.4 billion from the balance of $6.2 billion as of December 31, 2011, reflecting increases in core-deposit products such as savings and interest-bearing checking accounts spread through the Corporation’s geographic segments as well as increases in government deposits. Refer to Note 12 in the accompanying unaudited financial statements for further details.

Refer to the “Net Interest Income” discussion above for information about average balances of interest-bearing deposits, and the average interest rate paid on deposits for the quarter and six-month periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase - The Corporation’s investment portfolio is funded in part with repurchase agreements. Securities sold under repurchase agreements were $900 million and $1 billion as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. During 2012, the Corporation restructured $200 million of repurchase agreements through amendments that include three to four year maturity extensions and are expected to result in additional reductions in the average cost of funding. This transaction contributed to improvements in the net interest margin. One of the Corporation’s strategies has been the use of structured repurchase agreements and long-term repurchase agreements to reduce exposure to interest rate risk by lengthening the final maturities of its liabilities while keeping funding costs at reasonable levels. All of the $900 million of repurchase agreements outstanding as of June 30, 2012 consist of structured repurchase agreements. In addition to repos, the Corporation has been able to maintain access to credit by using cost-effective sources such as FHLB advances. Refer to Note 13 in the Corporation’s unaudited financial statements for the period ended June 30, 2012 for further details about repurchase agreements outstanding by counterparty and maturities.

Under the Corporation’s repurchase agreements, as is the case with derivative contracts, the Corporation is required to pledge cash or qualifying securities to meet margin requirements. To the extent that the value of securities previously pledged as collateral declines due to changes in interest rates, a liquidity crisis or any other factor, the Corporation will be required to deposit additional cash or securities to meet its margin requirements, thereby adversely affecting its liquidity. Given the quality of the collateral pledged, recently the Corporation has not experienced significant margin calls from counterparties arising from credit-quality-related write-downs in valuations and, as of June 30, 2012, it had only $0.5 million of cash equivalent instruments deposited in connection with collateralized interest rate swap agreements.

Advances from the FHLB - The Corporation’s Bank subsidiary is a member of the FHLB system and obtains advances to fund its operations under a collateral agreement with the FHLB that requires the Bank to maintain qualifying mortgages as collateral for advances taken. As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance of FHLB advances was $333.4 million and $367.4 million, respectively. Approximately $58.4 million of outstanding advances from the FHLB have maturities of over one year. At June 30, 2012, the Corporation had $524.1 million available for additional credit on FHLB lines of credit.

Though currently not in use, other sources of short-term funding for the Corporation include commercial paper and federal funds purchased. Furthermore, in previous years the Corporation entered into several financing transactions to diversify its funding sources, including the issuance of notes payable and Junior subordinated debentures as part of its longer-term liquidity and capital management activities. No assurance can be given that these sources of liquidity will be available and, if available, will be on comparable terms.

In 2004, FBP Statutory Trust I, a statutory trust that is wholly owned by the Corporation and not consolidated in the Corporation’s financial statements, sold to institutional investors $100 million of its variable rate trust preferred securities. The proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.1 million of FBP Statutory Trust I variable rate common securities, were used by FBP Statutory Trust I to purchase $103.1 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures.

 

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Also in 2004, FBP Statutory Trust II, a statutory trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation and not consolidated in the Corporation’s financial statements, sold to institutional investors $125 million of its variable rate trust preferred securities. The proceeds of the issuance, together with the proceeds of the purchase by the Corporation of $3.9 million of FBP Statutory Trust II variable rate common securities, were used by FBP Statutory Trust II to purchase $128.9 million aggregate principal amount of the Corporation’s Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures.

The trust preferred debentures are presented in the Corporation’s consolidated statement of financial condition as Other Borrowings, net of related issuance costs. The variable rate trust preferred securities are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Corporation. The $100 million Junior Subordinated Deferrable Debentures issued by the Corporation in April 2004 and the $125 million issued in September 2004 mature on September 17, 2034 and September 20, 2034, respectively; however, under certain circumstances, the maturity of Junior Subordinated Debentures may be shortened (such shortening would result in a mandatory redemption of the variable rate trust preferred securities). The trust preferred securities, subject to certain limitations, qualify as Tier I regulatory capital under current Federal Reserve rules and regulations. Section 171 of the Dodd-Frank Act (the “Collins Amendment”) excludes Trust Preferred Securities from Tier 1 Capital and has a provision to effectively phase-out the use of trust preferred securities issued before May 19, 2010 as Tier 1 Capital over a 3-year period commencing on January 1, 2013. At June 30, 2012, the Corporation had $225 million in trust preferred securities that are subject to the phase-out.

With respect to the outstanding subordinated debentures, the Corporation elected to defer the interest payments that were due in June 2012. Future interest payments are subject to Federal Reserve approval.

The Corporation’s principal uses of funds are the origination of loans and the repayment of maturing deposits and borrowings. The Corporation has committed substantial resources to its mortgage banking subsidiary, FirstMortgage Inc. As a result, the ratio of residential real estate loans as a percentage of total loans has increased over time from 14% at December 31, 2004 to 27% at June 30, 2012. Commensurate with the increase in its mortgage banking activities, the Corporation has also invested in technology and personnel to enhance the Corporation’s secondary mortgage market capabilities. The enhanced capabilities improve the Corporation’s liquidity profile as they allow the Corporation to derive liquidity, if needed, from the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market. The U.S. (including Puerto Rico) secondary mortgage market is still highly liquid in large part because of the sale or guarantee programs of the FHA, VA, HUD, FNMA and FHLMC. The Corporation obtained Commitment Authority to issue GNMA mortgage-backed securities from GNMA and, under this program, the Corporation completed the securitization of approximately $108.8 million of FHA/VA mortgage loans into GNMA MBS during the first half of 2012. Any regulatory actions affecting GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC could adversely affect the secondary mortgage market.

Impact of Credit Ratings on Access to Liquidity and Valuation of Liabilities

The Corporation’s liquidity is contingent upon its ability to obtain external sources of funding to finance its operations. The Corporation’s current credit ratings and any further downgrades in credit ratings can hinder the Corporation’s access to external funding and/or cause external funding to be more expensive, which could in turn adversely affect results of operations. Also, changes in credit ratings may further affect the fair value of certain liabilities and unsecured derivatives that consider the Corporation’s own credit risk as part of the valuation.

The Corporation does not have any outstanding debt or derivative agreements that would be affected by credit downgrades. Furthermore, given our non-reliance on corporate debt or other instruments directly linked in terms of pricing or volume to credit ratings, the liquidity of the Corporation so far has not been affected in any material way by downgrades in the past. The Corporation’s ability to access new non-deposit sources of funding, however, could be adversely affected by credit downgrades.

The Corporation’s credit as a long-term issuer is currently rated B+ by Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) and B- by Fitch Ratings Limited (“Fitch”). At the FirstBank subsidiary level, long-term issuer ratings are currently B3 by Moody’s Investor Service (“Moody’s”), six notches below their definition of investment grade; B+ by S&P four notches below their definition of investment grade, and B- by Fitch, six notches below their definition of investment grade.

Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents were $758.9 million and $353.7 million at June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. These balances increased by $312.3 million from December 31, 2011 and decreased by $16.6 million from December 31, 2010. The following discussion highlights the major activities and transactions that affected the Corporation’s cash flows during the first half of 2012 and 2011.

 

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Cash Flows from Operating Activities

First BanCorp.’s operating assets and liabilities vary significantly in the normal course of business due to the amount and timing of cash flows. Management believes cash flows from operations, available cash balances and the Corporation’s ability to generate cash through short- and long-term borrowings will be sufficient to fund the Corporation’s operating liquidity needs.

For the first half of 2012 and 2011, net cash provided by operating activities was $119.7 million and $74.8 million, respectively. Net cash generated from operating activities was higher than net loss reported largely as a result of adjustments for operating items such as the provision for loan and lease losses and due to sales of loans held for sale.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

The Corporation’s investing activities primarily relate to originating loans to be held to maturity and purchasing, selling and repayments of available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment securities. For the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, net cash provided by investing activities was $361.1 million, primarily reflecting proceeds from loans (including sales and paydowns), as well as proceeds from securities called and matured during the first half of 2012 and MBS prepayments. Proceeds from sales of loans and from repayments of loans and MBS were used in part to pay down maturing brokered CDs and other funding sources. The cash provided by investing activities in 2012 was lower than 2011 due to significant proceeds from sales of loans and securities in 2011 as part of the Corporation’s deleveraging strategies executed for capital preservation. In addition, the purchase of the credit cards portfolio in 2012 impacted this figure as compared to 2011.

For the first half of 2011, net cash provided by investing activities was $1.3 billion, primarily reflecting proceeds from loans, as well as proceeds from securities sold or called during the first half of 2011 and MBS prepayments.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

The Corporation’s financing activities primarily include the receipt of deposits and issuance of brokered CDs, the issuance and payments of long-term debt, the issuance of equity instruments and activities related to its short-term funding. In addition, the Corporation paid monthly dividends on its preferred stock and quarterly dividends on its common stock until it announced the suspension of dividends beginning in August 2009. During the first half of 2012, net cash used in financing activities was $168.5 million due to repayments of maturing FHLB advances, repurchase agreements, notes payable and brokered CDs.

In the first half of 2011, net cash used in financing activities was $1.4 billion due to paydowns of maturing brokered CDs coupled with paydowns of FHLB Advances and repurchase agreements.

Capital

The Corporation’s stockholders’ equity amounted to $1.4 billion as of June 30, 2012, an increase of $4.8 million compared to the balance as of December 31, 2011, driven by an increase of $7.4 million in other comprehensive income due to higher unrealized gains on available for sale securities and net proceeds of $1.0 million related to 165,000 shares of common stock sold to a director and 115,787 shares of common stock sold to institutional investors that exercised their anti-dilution rights; partially offset by the net loss of $3.8 million for the first half of 2012. Based on the Agreement with the FED, currently neither First BanCorp., nor FirstBank, is permitted to pay dividends on capital securities without prior approval.

Effective June 2, 2010, FirstBank, by and through its Board of Directors, entered into the Order with the FDIC (see “Description of Business”). Although all the regulatory capital ratios exceeded the established “well capitalized” levels and the minimum capital requirements established by the Order, because of the Order with the FDIC, FirstBank cannot be treated as a “well capitalized” institution under regulatory guidance. Set forth below are First BanCorp.’s, and FirstBank Puerto Rico’s regulatory capital ratios as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, based on existing established FED and FDIC guidelines.

 

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						Banking Subsidiary
		First BanCorp				FirstBank				To be well capitalized				Consent Order Requirements over time
As of June 30, 2012
Total capital (Total capital to risk-weighted assets)			17.30	%			16.80	%			10.00	%			12.00	%
Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)			15.98	%			15.48	%			6.00	%			10.00	%
Leverage ratio			12.51	%			12.13	%			5.00	%			8.00	%
As of December 31, 2011
Total capital (Total capital to risk-weighted assets)			17.12	%			16.58	%			10.00	%			12.00	%
Tier 1 capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets)			15.79	%			15.25	%			6.00	%			10.00	%
Leverage ratio			11.91	%			11.52	%			5.00	%			8.00	%

The improvement in capital ratios was driven by a reduction in risk-weighted assets mainly associated with the reduction in commercial loans that carried a 100% risk weighting for purposes of the capital ratios calculation, and, in the case of the leverage ratio, due to the decrease in average total assets.

On October 7, 2011, the Corporation successfully completed a private placement of $525 million in shares of common stock (the “capital raise”). The proceeds from the capital raise amounted to approximately $490 million (net of offering costs), of which $435 million have been contributed to the Corporation’s wholly owned banking subsidiary, FirstBank.

In connection with the closing, the Corporation issued 150 million shares of common stock at $3.50 per share to institutional investors. The completion of the capital raise allowed the conversion of the 424,174 shares of the Corporation’s Series G Preferred Stock, held by the U.S. Treasury, into 32.9 million shares of common stock at a conversion price of $9.66. This conversion required for completion the payment of $26.4 million for past due undeclared cumulative dividends on the Series G Preferred Stock as required by the agreement with the U.S. Treasury.

Furthermore, On December 8, 2011, the Corporation completed a rights offering in which the Corporation issued an additional 888,781 shares of common stock at $3.50 per share, and received proceeds of $3.3 million.

With the $525 million capital infusion, the conversion to common stock of the Series G Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury, and the issuance of an additional $3.3 million of capital in the rights offering (after deducting estimated offering expenses and the $26.4 million payment of cumulative dividends on the Series G Preferred Stock), the Corporation increased its total common equity by approximately $834 million.

The tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per common share are non-GAAP measures generally used by the financial community to evaluate capital adequacy. Tangible common equity is total equity less preferred equity, goodwill, core deposit intangibles and purchased credit card relationship intangible assets. Tangible assets are total assets less goodwill, core deposit intangibles and purchased credit card relationship intangible assets. Management and many stock analysts use the tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per common share in conjunction with more traditional bank capital ratios to compare the capital adequacy of banking organizations with significant amounts of goodwill or other intangible assets, typically stemming from the use of the purchase accounting method of accounting for mergers and acquisitions. Neither tangible common equity, nor tangible assets, or related measures should be considered in isolation or as a substitute for stockholders’ equity, total assets or any other measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. Moreover, the manner in which the Corporation calculates its tangible common equity, tangible assets and any other related measures may differ from that of other companies reporting measures with similar names.

 

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The following table is a reconciliation of the Corporation’s tangible common equity and tangible assets for the periods ended June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively:

 

(In thousands)		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Total equity - GAAP		$	1,448,959			$	1,444,144
Preferred equity			(63,047	)			(63,047	)
Goodwill			(28,098	)			(28,098	)
Purchased credit card relationship			(24,342	)			—
Core deposit intangible			(10,512	)			(11,689	)
Tangible common equity		$	1,322,960			$	1,341,310
Total assets - GAAP		$	12,913,650			$	13,127,275
Goodwill			(28,098	)			(28,098	)
Purchased credit card relationship			(24,342	)			—
Core deposit intangible			(10,512	)			(11,689	)
Tangible assets		$	12,850,698			$	13,087,488
Common shares outstanding			206,134				205,134
Tangible common equity ratio			10.29	%			10.25	%
Tangible book value per common share		$	6.42			$	6.54

The Tier 1 common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio is calculated by dividing (a) tier 1 capital less non-common elements including qualifying perpetual preferred stock and qualifying trust preferred securities by (b) risk-weighted assets, which assets are calculated in accordance with applicable bank regulatory requirements. The Tier 1 common equity ratio is not required by GAAP or on a recurring basis by applicable bank regulatory requirements. However, this ratio will be required under Basel III capital standards as proposed. Management is currently monitoring this ratio, along with the other ratios discussed above, in evaluating the Corporation’s capital levels and believes that, at this time, the ratio may be of interest to investors.

 

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The following table reconciles stockholders’ equity (GAAP) to Tier 1 common equity:

 

(In thousands)		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Total equity - GAAP		$	1,448,959			$	1,444,144
Qualifying preferred stock			(63,047	)			(63,047	)
Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities (1)			(26,623	)			(19,234	)
Disallowed deferred tax asset (2)			(41	)			—
Goodwill			(28,098	)			(28,098	)
Core deposit intangible			(10,512	)			(11,689	)
Cumulative change gain in fair value of liabilities accounted for under a fair value option			—				(2,009	)
Other disallowed assets			(2,917	)			(922	)
Tier 1 common equity		$	1,317,721			$	1,319,145
Total risk-weighted assets		$	10,046,284			$	10,180,226
Tier 1 common equity to risk-weighted assets ratio			13.12	%			12.96	%

 

1		-		Tier 1 capital excludes net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities and net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair values, in accordance with regulatory risk-based capital guidelines. In arriving at Tier 1 capital, institutions are required to deduct net unrealized losses on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair values, net of tax.
2		-		Approximately $12 million and $13 million of the Corporation’s deferred tax assets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively were included without limitation in regulatory capital pursuant to the risk-based capital guidelines, while approximately $41K of such assets at June 30, 2012 and $0 at December 31, 2011 exceeded the limitation imposed by these guidelines and, as “disallowed deferred tax assets,” were deducted in arriving at Tier 1 capital. According to regulatory capital guidelines, the deferred tax assets that are dependent upon future taxable income are limited for inclusion in Tier 1 capital to the lesser of: (i) the amount of such deferred tax asset that the entity expects to realize within one year of the calendar quarter end-date, based on its projected future taxable income for that year or (ii) 10% of the amount of the entity’s Tier 1 capital. Approximately $7 million of the Corporation’s other net deferred tax liability at June 30, 2012 and $8 million as of December 31, 2011 represented primarily the deferred tax effects of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities, which are permitted to be excluded prior to deriving the amount of net deferred tax assets subject to limitation under the guidelines.

Off -Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation engages in financial transactions that are not recorded on the balance sheet, or may be recorded on the balance sheet in amounts that are different than the full contract or notional amount of the transaction. These transactions are designed to (1) meet the financial needs of customers, (2) manage the Corporation’s credit, market or liquidity risks, (3) diversify the Corporation’s funding sources and (4) optimize capital.

As a provider of financial services, the Corporation routinely enters into commitments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments may include loan commitments and standby letters of credit. These commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process used for on-balance sheet instruments. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the statement of financial position. As of June 30, 2012, commitments to extend credit and commercial and financial standby letters of credit amounted to approximately $1.5 billion, including $1.1 billion pertaining to credit card loans, and $64.7 million, respectively. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers as long as the conditions established in the contract are met. Generally, the Corporation’s mortgage banking activities do not enter into interest rate lock agreements with its prospective borrowers.

 

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Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table presents a detail of the maturities of the Corporation’s contractual obligations and commitments, which consist of CDs, long-term contractual debt obligations, commitments to sell mortgage loans and commitments to extend credit:

 

		Contractual Obligations and Commitments
		As of June 30, 2012
		Total				Less than 1 year				1-3 years				3-5 years				After 5 years
		(In thousands)
Contractual obligations (1) :
Certificates of deposit		$	5,708,359				3,949,517				1,631,360				122,412				5,070
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			900,000				—				—				600,000				300,000
Advances from FHLB			333,440				275,000				58,440				—				—
Notes payable			—				—				—				—				—
Other borrowings			231,959				—				—				—				231,959
Total contractual obligations		$	7,173,758			$	4,224,517			$	1,689,800			$	722,412			$	537,029
Commitments to sell mortgage loans		$	104,527			$	104,527
Standby letters of credit		$	19,955			$	19,955
Commitments to extend credit:
Lines of credit		$	1,539,856			$	1,478,694			$	61,162
Letters of credit			44,734				44,734				—
Commitments to originate loans			155,668				155,668				—
Total commercial commitments		$	1,740,258			$	1,679,096			$	61,162

 

(1)	$3.3 million of tax liability, including accrued interest of $0.9 million, associated with unrecognized tax benefits have been excluded due to the high degree of uncertainty regarding the timing of future cash flows associated with such obligations.

The Corporation has obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, such as debt and lease agreements, and under other commitments to sell mortgage loans at fair value and to extend credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Other contractual obligations result mainly from contracts for the rental and maintenance of equipment. Since certain commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. For most of the commercial lines of credit, the Corporation has the option to reevaluate the agreement prior to additional disbursements. There have been no significant or unexpected draws on existing commitments. In the case of credit cards and personal lines of credit, the Corporation can cancel at any time and without cause cancel the unused credit facility.

Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. (“Lehman”) was the counterparty to the Corporation on certain interest rate swap agreements. During the third quarter of 2008, Lehman failed to pay the scheduled net cash settlement due to the Corporation, which constituted an event of default under those interest rate swap agreements. The Corporation terminated all interest rate swaps with Lehman and replaced them with other counterparties under similar terms and conditions. In connection with the unpaid net cash settlement due as of June 30, 2012 under the swap agreements, the Corporation has an unsecured counterparty exposure with Lehman, which filed for bankruptcy on October 3, 2008, of approximately $1.4 million. This exposure was reserved in the third quarter of 2008. The Corporation had pledged collateral of $63.6 million with Lehman to guarantee its performance under the swap agreements in the event payment there under was required. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation maintained a non-performing asset of $64.5 million related to the collateral pledged with Lehman.

The Corporation believes that the securities pledged as collateral should not be part of the Lehman bankruptcy estate given the fact that the posted collateral constituted a performance guarantee under the swap agreements and was not part of a financing agreement, and that ownership of the securities was never transferred to Lehman. Upon termination of the interest rate swap agreements, Lehman’s obligation was to return the collateral to the Corporation. During the fourth quarter of 2009, the Corporation discovered that Lehman Brothers, Inc., acting as agent of Lehman, had deposited the securities in a custodial account at JP Morgan Chase, and that, shortly before the filing of the Lehman bankruptcy proceedings, it had provided instructions to have most of the securities transferred to Barclays Capital (“Barclays”) in New York. After Barclays’s refusal to turn over the securities, during December 2009, the Corporation filed a lawsuit against Barclays in federal court in New York demanding the return of the securities.

During February 2010, Barclays filed a motion with the court requesting that the Corporation’s claim be dismissed on the grounds that the allegations of the complaint are not sufficient to justify the granting of the remedies therein sought. Shortly thereafter, the Corporation filed its opposition motion. A hearing on the motions was held in court on April 28, 2010. The court, on that date, after hearing the arguments by both sides, concluded that the Corporation’s equitable-based causes of action, upon which the return of the investment securities is being demanded, contain allegations that sufficiently plead facts warranting the denial of Barclays’ motion to dismiss the Corporation’s claim. Accordingly, the judge ordered the case to proceed to trial. Subsequent to the court decision, the district court judge transferred the case to the Lehman bankruptcy court for trial. Upon such transfer, the bankruptcy court began to entertain the pre-trial

 

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procedures including discovery of evidence. In this regard, an initial scheduling conference was held before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on November 17, 2010, at which time a proposed case management plan was approved. Discovery has commenced pursuant to that case management plan and is currently scheduled for completion by August 10, 2012. At the conclusion of discovery, it is anticipated that the parties will file dispositive motions which are required to be filed no later than September 13, 2012 and oppositions to such motions and replies thereto must be filed by October 15, 2012 and November 14, 2012, respectively, but this timing is subject to adjustment. While the Corporation believes it has valid reasons to support its claim for the return of the securities, the Corporation may not succeed in its litigation against Barclays to recover all or a substantial portion of the securities.

Additionally, the Corporation continues to pursue its claim filed in January 2009 in the proceedings under the Securities Protection Act with regard to Lehman Brothers Incorporated in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. An estimated loss was not accrued as the Corporation is unable to determine the timing of the claim resolution or whether it will succeed in recovering all or a substantial portion of the collateral or its equivalent value. If additional relevant negative facts become available in future periods, a need to recognize a partial or full reserve of this claim may arise. Considering that the investment securities have not yet been recovered by the Corporation, despite its efforts in this regard, the Corporation has maintained such collateral as a non-performing asset since the second quarter of 2009.

Interest Rate Risk Management

First BanCorp. manages its asset/liability position in order to limit the effects of changes in interest rates on net interest income and to maintain stability of profitability under varying interest rate scenarios. The MIALCO oversees interest rate risk and meetings focus on, among other things, current and expected conditions in world financial markets, competition and prevailing rates in the local deposit market, liquidity, securities market values, recent or proposed changes to the investment portfolio, alternative funding sources and related costs, hedging and the possible purchase of derivatives such as swaps and caps, and any tax or regulatory issues which may be pertinent to these areas. The MIALCO approves funding decisions in light of the Corporation’s overall strategies and objectives.

The Corporation performs on a quarterly basis a consolidated net interest income simulation analysis to estimate the potential change in future earnings from projected changes in interest rates. These simulations are carried out over a one-to-five-year time horizon, assuming upward and downward yield curve shifts. The rate scenarios considered in these disclosures reflect gradual upward and downward interest rate movements of 200 basis points, during a twelve-month period. Simulations are carried out in two ways:

(1) Using a static balance sheet, as the Corporation had it on the simulation date, and

(2) Using a dynamic balance sheet based on recent patterns and current strategies.

The balance sheet is divided into groups of assets and liabilities detailed by maturity or re-pricing structure and their corresponding interest yields and costs. As interest rates rise or fall, these simulations incorporate expected future lending rates, current and expected future funding sources and costs, the possible exercise of options, changes in prepayment rates, deposits decay and other factors which may be important in projecting net interest income.

The Corporation uses a simulation model to project future movements in the Corporation’s balance sheet and income statement. The starting point of the projections generally corresponds to the actual values on the balance sheet on the date of the simulations.

These simulations are highly complex, and are based on many assumptions that are intended to reflect the general behavior of the balance sheet components over the period in question. It is unlikely that actual events will match these assumptions in all cases. For this reason, the results of these forward-looking computations are only approximations of the true sensitivity of net interest income to changes in market interest rates. Several benchmark and market rate curves were used in the modeling process; primarily the LIBOR/SWAP curve, Prime, Treasury, FHLB rates, Brokered CDs rates, repurchase agreements rates and the Mortgage Commitment Rate of 30 years. Rate indices are assumed to remain constant at June 2012 end of month levels, under the flat rate scenario; a gradual (ramp) parallel upward shift of the yield curve is assumed during the first twelve months of the projection for the +200 ramp scenario. Under the falling rate scenario, rates move downward 200bps, close to zero in most cases, reflecting a flattening curve instead of a parallel downward scenario. The Libor/Swap curve for June 2012, as compared to December 2011, showed an average decrease of 7 basis points in the short term horizon, between one to twelve months, while market rates increase an average of 24 basis points in the long term horizon. The Treasury curve showed an average increase of 5 basis points in the short term horizon, while showed a decrease of 22 basis points in the long term horizon, as compared to December 2011 end of month levels.

 

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The following table presents the results of the simulations as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011. Consistent with prior years, these exclude non-cash changes in the fair value of derivatives and liabilities elected to be measured at fair value:

 

		June 30, 2012																December 31, 2011
		Net Interest Income Risk (Projected for the next 12  months)																Net Interest Income Risk (Projected for the next 12  months)
		Static Simulation								Growing Balance Sheet								Static Simulation								Growing Balance Sheet
(Dollars in millions)		$ Change				% Change				$ Change				% Change				$ Change				% Change				$ Change				% Change
+ 200 bps ramp		$	3.8				0.76	%		$	10.4				2.00	%		$	19.2				4.47	%		$	29.2				6.74	%
- 200 bps ramp		$	1.0				0.21	%		$	(1.2	)			(0.24	)%		$	(3.8	)			(0.88	)%		$	3.7				0.85	%

The Corporation continues to manage its balance sheet structure to control the overall interest rate risk. As part of the Corporation’s balance sheet restructuring strategies, the net interest income and the exposures at different market rates scenarios were affected during the first half of 2012 as compared with 2011 year end levels. The major changes during the first half of 2012 are mainly driven by the increase in excess liquidity, loans paid-off and repayments, a decrease in investment securities due to maturities, calls and MBS repayments levels, an increase in consumer loan due to the acquisition of the $406 million credit cards portfolio, the restructuring and maturity of repurchase agreements and a decrease in brokered CDs. The Corporation continues reducing its reliance on brokered CDs with the intend to grow its core deposits base at lower costs, while adjusting the mix of its funding sources to better match the expected average life of the assets.

Taking into consideration the above-mentioned facts for modeling purposes, the net interest income for the next twelve months under a non-static balance sheet scenario is estimated to increase by $10.4 million in a gradual parallel upward move of 200 basis points when compared against the Corporation’s flat or unchanged interest rate forecast scenario.

Following the Corporation’s risk management policies, modeling of the downward “parallel” rates moves by anchoring the short end of the curve, (falling rates with a flattening curve) was performed, even though, given the current level of rates as of June 30, 2012, some market interest rate were projected to be close to zero. Under this scenario the net interest income for the next twelve months in a non-static balance sheet scenario is estimated to decrease by $1.2 million.

Derivatives

First BanCorp. uses derivative instruments and other strategies to manage its exposure to interest rate risk caused by changes in interest rates beyond management’s control.

The following summarizes major strategies, including derivative activities, used by the Corporation in managing interest rate risk:

Interest rate cap agreements - Interest rate cap agreements provide the right to receive cash if a reference interest rate rises above a contractual rate. The value increases as the reference interest rate rises. The Corporation enters into interest rate cap agreements for protection from rising interest rates. Specifically, the interest rate on certain of the Corporation’s commercial loans to other financial institutions is generally a variable rate limited to the weighted-average coupon of the referenced residential mortgage collateral, less a contractual servicing fee.

Interest rate swaps - Interest rate swap agreements generally involve the exchange of fixed and floating-rate interest payment obligations without the exchange of the underlying notional principal amount. As of June 30, 2012, most of the interest rate swaps outstanding are used for protection against rising interest rates. Similar to unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value, net interest settlements on interest rate swaps are recorded as an adjustment to interest income or interest expense depending on whether an asset or liability is being economically hedged.

Indexed options - Indexed options are generally over-the-counter (OTC) contracts that the Corporation enters into in order to receive the appreciation of a specified Stock Index (e.g., Dow Jones Industrial Composite Stock Index) over a specified period in exchange for a premium paid at the contract’s inception. The option period is determined by the contractual maturity of the notes payable tied to the performance of the Stock Index. The credit risk inherent in these options is the risk that the exchange party may not fulfill its obligation.

Forward Contracts - Forward contracts are sales of to-be-announced (“TBA”) mortgage-backed securities that will settle over the standard delivery date and do not qualify as “regular way” security trades. Regular-way security trades are contracts with no net settlement provision and no market mechanism to facilitate net settlement and they provide for delivery of a security within the time generally established by regulations or conventions in the market-place or exchange in which the transaction is being executed. The forward sales are considered derivative instruments that need to be marked-to-market. These securities are used to hedge the FHA/VA residential mortgage loans securitizations of the mortgage-banking operations. Unrealized gains (losses) are recognized as part of mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss).

For detailed information regarding the volume of derivative activities (e.g. notional amounts), location and fair values of derivative instruments in the Statement of Financial Condition and the amount of gains and losses reported in the Statement of Income (Loss), refer to Note 9 in the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

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The following tables summarize the fair value changes in the Corporation’s derivatives as well as the sources of the fair values:

 

(In thousands)		Six-month period ended June 30, 2012
Fair value of contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period		$	(6,557	)
Changes in fair value during the period			342
Fair value of contracts outstanding as of June 30, 2012		$	(6,215	)

Source of Fair Value

 

		Payments Due by Period
(In thousands)		Maturity Less Than One Year				Maturity 1-3 Years				Maturity 3-5 Years				Maturity In Excess of 5 Years				Total Fair Value
As of June 30, 2012
Pricing from observable market inputs		$	(124	)		$	(306	)		$	(5,785	)		$	—			$	(6,215	)
		$	(124	)		$	(306	)		$	(5,785	)		$	—			$	(6,215	)

Derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, are subject to market risk. As is the case with investment securities, the market value of derivative instruments is largely a function of the financial market’s expectations regarding the future direction of interest rates. Accordingly, current market values are not necessarily indicative of the future impact of derivative instruments on earnings. This will depend, for the most part, on the shape of the yield curve as well as the level of interest rates.

As of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, all of the derivative instruments held by the Corporation were considered economic undesignated hedges.

The use of derivatives involves market and credit risk. The market risk of derivatives stems principally from the potential for changes in the value of derivative contracts based on changes in interest rates. The credit risk of derivatives arises from the potential of default from the counterparty. To manage this credit risk, the Corporation deals with counterparties of good credit standing, enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and, when appropriate, obtains collateral. Master netting agreements incorporate rights of set-off that provide for the net settlement of contracts with the same counterparty in the event of default. All of the Corporation’s interest rate swaps are supported by securities collateral agreements, which allow the delivery of securities to and from the counterparties depending on the fair value of the instruments, to minimize credit risk.

Refer to Note 19 of the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the fair value determination of derivative instruments.

 

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Set forth below is a detailed analysis of the Corporation’s credit exposure by counterparty with respect to derivative instruments outstanding as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

 

				As of June 30, 2012
(In thousands)   Counterparty		Rating(1)		Notional				Total Exposure at Fair Value(2)				Negative Fair Values				Total Fair Value				Accrued interest receivable (payable)
Interest rate swaps with rated counterparties:
JP Morgan		A		$	33,556			$	—			$	(6,081	)		$	(6,081	)		$	—
Credit Suisse First Boston		Not Rated			2,720				—				(344	)			(344	)			—
Morgan Stanley		A-			67,407				—				—				—				—
					103,683				—				(6,425	)			(6,425	)			—
Other derivatives:
Other derivatives (3)					84,126				335				(125	)			210				(159	)
Total				$	187,809			$	335			$	(6,550	)		$	(6,215	)		$	(159	)

 

				As of December 31, 2011
(In thousands)   Counterparty		Rating(1)		Notional				Total Exposure at Fair Value(2)				Negative Fair Values				Total Fair Value				Accrued interest receivable (payable)
Interest rate swaps with rated counterparties:
JP Morgan		A		$	34,347			$	—			$	(6,386	)		$	(6,386	)		$	—
Credit Suisse First Boston		A+			2,720				—				(381	)			(381	)			—
Goldman Sachs		A-			6,515				899				—				899				—
Morgan Stanley		A-			107,894				—				—				—				—
					151,476				899				(6,767	)			(5,868	)			—
Other derivatives:
Other derivatives (3)					136,128				378				(1,067	)			(689	)			(166	)
Total				$	287,604			$	1,277			$	(7,834	)		$	(6,557	)		$	(166	)

 

(1)	Based on the S&P and Fitch Long Term Issuer Credit Ratings.

(2)	For each counterparty, this amount includes derivatives with positive fair value excluding the related accrued interest receivable/payable.

(3)	Credit exposure with several Puerto Rico counterparties for which a credit rating is not readily available and forward contracts.

The discounting of the cash flows is performed using US dollar LIBOR-based discount rates or yield curves that account for the industry sector and the credit rating of the counterparty and/or the Corporation. Although most of the derivative instruments are fully collateralized, a credit spread is considered for those that are not secured in full. The cumulative mark-to-market effect of credit risk in the valuation of derivative instruments for the first half of 2012 and 2011 was immaterial.

Credit Risk Management

First BanCorp. is subject to credit risk mainly with respect to its portfolio of loans receivable and off-balance sheet instruments, mainly derivatives and loan commitments. Loans receivable represents loans that First BanCorp. holds for investment and, therefore, First BanCorp. is at risk for the term of the loan. Loan commitments represent commitments to extend credit, subject to specific conditions, for specific amounts and maturities. These commitments may expose the Corporation to credit risk and are subject to the same review and approval process as for loans. Refer to “Contractual Obligations and Commitments” above for further details. The credit risk of derivatives arises from the potential of the counterparty’s default on its contractual obligations. To manage this credit risk, the Corporation deals with counterparties of good credit standing, enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and, when appropriate, obtains collateral. For further details and information on the Corporation’s derivative credit risk exposure, refer to “—Interest Rate Risk Management” section above. The Corporation manages its credit risk through credit policy, underwriting, independent loan review and quality control procedures, statistical analysis, comprehensive financial analysis, and established management committees. The Corporation also employs proactive collection and loss mitigation efforts. Furthermore, personnel performing structured loan workout functions are responsible for mitigating defaults and minimizing losses upon default within each region and for each business segment. In the case of C&I, commercial mortgage and construction loan portfolios, the Special Asset Group (“SAG”) focuses on strategies for the accelerated reduction of non-performing assets through note sales, short sales, loss mitigation programs, and sales of REO. In addition to the management of the resolution process for problem loans, the SAG oversees collection efforts for all loans to prevent migration to the non-performing and/or adversely classified status. The SAG utilizes relationship officers, collection specialists and attorneys. In the case of residential construction projects, the workout function monitors project specifics, such as project management and marketing, as deemed necessary.

The Corporation may also have risk of default in the securities portfolio. The securities held by the Corporation are principally fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities and U.S. Treasury and agency securities. Thus, a substantial portion of these instruments is backed by mortgages, a guarantee of a U.S. government-sponsored entity or the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Management, comprised of the Corporation’s Commercial Credit Risk Officer, Retail Credit Risk Officer, Chief Lending Officer and other senior executives, has the primary responsibility for setting strategies to achieve the Corporation’s credit risk goals and objectives. These goals and objectives are documented in the Corporation’s Credit Policy.

 

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Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and Non-performing Assets

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The allowance for loan and lease losses represents the estimate of the level of reserves appropriate to absorb inherent credit losses. The amount of the allowance was determined by empirical analysis and judgments regarding the quality of each individual loan portfolio. All known relevant internal and external factors that affected loan collectibility were considered, including analyses of historical charge-off experience, migration patterns, changes in economic conditions, and changes in loan collateral values. For example, factors affecting the economies of Puerto Rico, Florida (USA), the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands may contribute to delinquencies and defaults above the Corporation’s historical loan and lease losses. Such factors are subject to regular review and may change to reflect updated performance trends and expectations, particularly in times of severe stress such as have been experienced since 2008. The process includes judgmental and quantitative elements that may be subject to significant change. There is no certainty that the allowance will be adequate over time to cover credit losses in the portfolio because of continued adverse changes in the economy, market conditions, or events adversely affecting specific customers, industries or markets. To the extent actual outcomes differ from our estimates, the credit quality of our customer base materially decreases or the risk profile of a market, industry, or group of customers changes materially, or if the allowance is determined to not be adequate, additional provisions for credit losses could be required, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, capital, and results of operations in future periods.

The allowance for loan and lease losses provides for probable losses that have been identified with specific valuation allowances for individually evaluated impaired loans and for probable losses believed to be inherent in the loan portfolio that have not been specifically identified. Internal risk ratings are assigned to each business loan at the time of approval and are subject to subsequent periodic reviews by the Corporation’s senior management. The allowance for loan and lease losses is reviewed on a quarterly basis as part of the Corporation’s continued evaluation of its asset quality. The Corporation does not maintain an allowance for held for sale loans or purchased credit-impaired loans that are performing in accordance with or better than our expectations as of the date of acquisition, as the fair value of these loans already reflect a credit component.

The allowance for loan losses to total loans for the residential mortgage loan portfolio increased from 2.39% at December 31, 2011 to 2.44% at June 30, 2012, while the allowance to total loans for the C&I portfolio increased from 3.98% at December 31, 2011 to 4.44% at June 30, 2012. For the commercial mortgage loan portfolio, the reserve coverage decreased slightly from 6.96% at December 31, 2011 to 6.82% at June 30, 2012. The construction loans reserve coverage ratio decreased from 21.36% as of December 31, 2011 to 18.59% at June 30, 2012 due to decreases in non-performing loans, while the consumer and finance leases reserve coverage ratio decreased from 3.86% as of December 31, 2011 to 2.82% at June 30, 2012 due to decreases in delinquency levels and historical loss rates. This ratio was also impacted by the recent acquisition of a $406 million credit cards portfolio which was recorded at a fair value of approximately $369 million at the time of acquisition which reflected a credit component.

Substantially all of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is located within the boundaries of the U.S. economy. Whether the collateral is located in Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands or the U.S. mainland (mainly in the state of Florida), the performance of the Corporation’s loan portfolio and the value of the collateral supporting the transactions are dependent upon the performance of and conditions within each specific area real estate market. The real estate market in Puerto Rico experienced readjustments in value driven by the loss of income due to the unemployment of consumers, reduced demand and the general economic conditions. The Corporation sets adequate loan-to-value ratios upon original approval following its regulatory and credit policy standards. The real estate market for the U.S. Virgin Islands remains fairly stable. In the Florida market, residential real estate is experiencing a higher demand. The Corporation continues to reduce its credit exposure in Florida through disposition of assets and different loss mitigation initiatives.

As shown in the following table, the allowance for loan and lease losses amounted to $457.2 million at June 30, 2012, or 4.44% of total loans compared with $493.9 million, or 4.68% of total loans at December 31, 2011. Refer to the “Provision for Loan and Lease Losses” discussion above for additional information.

 

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The following table sets forth an analysis of the activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses during the periods indicated:

 

		Quarter Ended June 30,								Six-month Period Ended June 30,
(Dollars in thousands)		2012				2011				2012				2011
Allowance for loan and lease losses, beginning of period		$	483,943			$	561,695			$	493,917			$	553,025
Provision (recovery) for loan and lease losses:
Residential mortgage			16,368				12,845				18,704				19,172
Commercial mortgage			142				6,062				1,720				19,443
Commercial and Industrial			2,427				21,486				22,585				62,972
Construction			(666	)			21,354				7,050				43,817
Consumer and finance leases			6,613				(2,563	)			11,022				2,512
Provision for loan and lease losses			24,884				59,184				61,081				147,916
Charge-offs:
Residential mortgage			(14,532	)			(9,091	)			(20,390	)			(14,495	)
Commercial mortgage			(6,283	)			(3,160	)			(9,907	)			(34,331	)
Commercial and Industrial			(9,208	)			(11,811	)			(22,699	)			(28,155	)
Construction			(16,353	)			(47,310	)			(33,896	)			(66,475	)
Consumer and finance leases			(9,396	)			(12,113	)			(19,883	)			(24,082	)
			(55,772	)			(83,485	)			(106,775	)			(167,538	)
Recoveries:
Residential mortgage			321				154				448				397
Commercial mortgage			12				10				42				77
Commercial and Industrial			823				1,048				1,645				1,104
Construction			1,167				103				3,318				2,030
Consumer and finance leases			1,775				2,169				3,477				3,867
			4,098				3,484				8,930				7,475
Net charge offs			(51,674	)			(80,001	)			(97,845	)			(160,063	)
Allowance for loan and lease losses, end of period		$	457,153			$	540,878			$	457,153			$	540,878
Allowance for loan and lease losses to period end total loans receivable			4.44	%			5.02	%			4.44	%			5.02	%
Net charge-offs annualized to average loans outstanding during the period			2.03	%			2.91	%			1.90	%			2.82	%
Provision for loan and lease losses to net charge-offs during the period			0.48x				0.74x				0.62x				0.92x

The following table sets forth information concerning the allocation of the allowance for loan and lease losses by loan category and the percentage of loan balances in each category to the total of such loans as of the dates indicated:

 

		As of June 30, 2012								As of December 31, 2011
(In thousands)		Amount				Percent				Amount				Percent
Residential mortgage		$	67,440				27	%		$	68,678				27	%
Commercial mortgage loans			100,846				14	%			108,992				15	%
Construction loans			67,858				4	%			91,386				4	%
Commercial and Industrial loans (including loans to local financial institutions)			166,021				36	%			164,490				39	%
Consumer loans and finance leases			54,988				19	%			60,371				15	%
		$	457,153				100	%		$	493,917				100	%

 

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The following table sets forth information concerning the composition of the Corporation’s allowance for loan and lease losses as of June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 by loan category and by whether the allowance and related provisions were calculated individually or through a general valuation allowance:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		Residential Mortgage Loans				Commercial Mortgage Loans				C&I Loans				Construction Loans				Consumer and Finance Leases				Total
As of June 30, 2012
Impaired loans without specific reserves:
Principal balance of loans, net of charge-offs		$	184,198			$	37,042			$	14,279			$	37,735			$	2,804			$	276,058
Impaired loans with specific reserves:
Principal balance of loans, net of charge-offs			415,179				324,259				244,086				152,338				20,574				1,156,436
Allowance for loan and lease losses			49,111				52,591				70,936				34,938				2,284				209,860
Allowance for loan and lease losses to principal balance			11.83	%			16.22	%			29.06	%			22.93	%			11.10	%			18.15	%
Loans with general allowance:
Principal balance of loans			2,164,689				1,117,767				3,479,554				174,861				1,926,750				8,863,621
Allowance for loan and lease losses			18,329				48,255				95,085				32,920				52,704				247,293
Allowance for loan and lease losses to principal balance			0.85	%			4.32	%			2.73	%			18.83	%			2.74	%			2.79	%
Total loans held for investment:
Principal balance of loans		$	2,764,066			$	1,479,068			$	3,737,919			$	364,934			$	1,950,128			$	10,296,115
Allowance for loan and lease losses			67,440				100,846				166,021				67,858				54,988				457,153
Allowance for loan and lease losses to principal balance (1)			2.44	%			6.82	%			4.44	%			18.59	%			2.82	%			4.44	%
As of December 31, 2011
Impaired loans without specific reserves:
Principal balance of loans, net of charge-offs		$	181,081			$	13,797			$	40,453			$	33,759			$	2,840			$	271,930
Impaired loans with specific reserves:
Principal balance of loans, net of charge-offs			423,340				354,954				223,572				213,388				20,192				1,235,446
Allowance for loan and lease losses			48,566				59,167				58,652				44,768				3,749				214,902
Allowance for loan and lease losses to principal balance			11.47	%			16.67	%			26.23	%			20.98	%			18.57	%			17.39	%
Loans with general allowance:
Principal balance of loans			2,269,364				1,196,660				3,866,491				180,716				1,538,785				9,052,016
Allowance for loan and lease losses			20,112				49,824				105,838				46,618				56,623				279,015
Allowance for loan and lease losses to principal balance			0.89	%			4.16	%			2.74	%			25.80	%			3.68	%			3.08	%
Total loans held for investment:
Principal balance of loans		$	2,873,785			$	1,565,411			$	4,130,516			$	427,863			$	1,561,817			$	10,559,393
Allowance for loan and lease losses			68,678				108,991				164,490				91,386				60,372				493,917
Allowance for loan and lease losses to principal balance			2.39	%			6.96	%			3.98	%			21.36	%			3.87	%			4.68	%

 

(1)	Loans used in the denominator include PCI loans of $15.0 million as of June 30, 2012. However, the Corporation separately tracks and reports PCI loans and excludes these loans from delinquency, non-performing loans, impaired, TDRs and non-performing assets statistics.

The following tables show the activity for impaired loans and the related specific reserves during the second quarter and first half of 2012:

 

		Quarter ended				Six-month period ended
		June 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
Impaired Loans:
Balance at beginning of period		$	1,477,032			$	1,507,376
Loans determined impaired during the period			69,274				167,549
Net charge-offs			(38,348	)			(76,487	)
Increases to impaired loans (disbursements)			14,203				19,121
Foreclosures			(46,366	)			(87,384	)
Loans no longer considered impaired			(11,005	)			(36,918	)
Paid in full or partial payments			(32,296	)			(60,763	)
Balance at end of period		$	1,432,494			$	1,432,494
		June 30, 2012
		(In thousands)
Specific Reserve:
Balance at beginning of period		$	224,576			$	214,902
Provision for loan losses			23,632				71,445
Net charge-offs			(38,348	)			(76,487	)
Balance at end of period		$	209,860			$	209,860

 

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On May 30, 2012, the Corporation re-entered the credit card business with the acquisition of an approximate $406 million portfolio of FirstBank-branded credit cards portfolio from FIA. These loans were recorded on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition at estimated fair value on acquisition date of $368.9 million. The Corporation concluded that a portion of these loans acquired were PCI loans. PCI loans are acquired loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination for which it is probable at the date of purchase that the Corporation will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. The loans for which the Corporation concluded were credit impaired had a contractual outstanding unpaid principal and interest balance of $34.6 million and an estimated fair value of $15.7 million at the time of acquisition. Given the initial fair value of these loans included an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans, the Corporation’s subsequent accounting for PCI loans differs from the accounting for non-PCI loans, therefore, the Corporation separately tracks and report PCI loans and exclude these loans from delinquency, non-performing loans, impaired, TDRs and non-performing asset statistics.

Credit Quality

Credit quality performance in the first half of 2012 continued its slow but steady pace of improvement. Total non-performing loans decreased $72.7 million led by foreclosures, charge-offs, principal repayments and a decrease in the inflows of non-performing loans. Total non-performing assets, which include repossessed assets, decreased by $29.2 million, or 2%. New non-performing loans inflows of $102.5 million in the second quarter of 2012, decreased by $18.5 million, or 15%, compared to inflows of $121.0 million in the first quarter of 2012. Total delinquencies, which include all loans 30 days or more past due and non-accrual loans, decreased by $88.9 million.

Non-performing Loans and Non-performing Assets

Total non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans, foreclosed real estate and other repossessed properties as well as non-performing investment securities. Non-performing loans are those loans on which the accrual of interest is discontinued. When a loan is placed in non-performing status, any interest previously recognized and not collected is reversed and charged against interest income.

Non-performing Loans Policy

Residential Real Estate Loans - The Corporation classifies real estate loans in non-performing status when interest and principal have not been received for a period of 90 days or more.

Commercial and Construction Loans - The Corporation places commercial loans (including commercial real estate and construction loans) in non-performing status when interest and principal have not been received for a period of 90 days or more or when collection of all of principal or interest is not expected due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower.

Finance Leases - Finance leases are classified in non-performing status when interest and principal have not been received for a period of 90 days or more.

Consumer Loans - Consumer loans are classified in non-performing status when interest and principal have not been received for a period of 90 days or more. Credit card loans continue to accrue finance charges and fees until charged-off at 180 days delinquent.

PCI Loans - Recorded at fair value at acquisition. Since the initial fair value of these loans included an estimate of credit losses expected to be realized over the remaining lives of the loans, the subsequent accounting for PCI loans differs from the accounting for non-PCI loans. The Corporation, therefore, separately tracks and reports PCI loans and excludes these from its delinquency and non-performing statistics.

Cash payments received on certain loans that are impaired and collateral dependent are recognized when collected in accordance with the contractual terms of the loans. The principal portion of the payment is used to reduce the principal balance of the loan, whereas the interest portion is recognized on a cash basis (when collected). However, when management believes that the ultimate collectability of principal is in doubt, the interest portion is applied to principal. The risk exposure of this portfolio is diversified as to individual borrowers and industries among other factors. In addition, a large portion is secured with real estate collateral.

Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)

OREO acquired in settlement of loans is carried at the lower of cost (carrying value of the loan) or fair value less estimated costs to sell off the real estate. Appraisals are obtained periodically, generally, on an annual basis.

 

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Other Repossessed Property

The other repossessed property category includes generally repossessed boats and autos acquired in settlement of loans. Repossessed boats and autos are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value.

Other Non-Performing Assets

This category consists of assets pledged to Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc. at their book value.

Past Due Loans 90 days and still accruing

These are accruing loans which are contractually delinquent 90 days or more. These past due loans are either current as to interest but delinquent in the payment of principal or are insured or guaranteed under applicable FHA and VA programs.

Troubled Debt Restructuring (“TDRs”) are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. A loan on nonaccrual and restructured as a TDR will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure generally for a minimum of six months and there is evidence that such payments can and are likely to continue as agreed. Performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loans being returned to accrual at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan.

The following table presents non-performing assets as of the dates indicated:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Non-performing loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage		$	333,043			$	338,208
Commercial mortgage			239,881				240,414
Commercial and Industrial			255,253				270,171
Construction			202,133				250,022
Finance leases			2,829				3,485
Consumer			32,549				36,062
Total non-performing loans held for investment			1,065,688				1,138,362
Other real estate owned			167,341				114,292
Other repossessed property			10,601				15,392
Other assets (1)			64,543				64,543
Total non-performing assets, excluding loans held for sale		$	1,308,173			$	1,332,589
Non-performing loans held for sale			—				4,764
Total non-performing assets, including loans held for sale (2)		$	1,308,173			$	1,337,353
Past due loans 90 days and still accruing (3)		$	120,585			$	130,816
Non-performing assets to total assets			10.13	%			10.19	%
Non-performing loans held for investment to total loans held for investment			10.35	%			10.78	%
Allowance for loan and lease losses			457,153				493,917
Allowance to total non-performing loans held for investment			42.90	%			43.39	%
Allowance to total non-performing loans held for investment, excluding residential real estate loans			62.40	%			61.73	%

 

(1)	Collateral pledged with Lehman Brothers Special Financing, Inc.

(2)	Amounts exclude purchased credit impaired loans with a carrying value of approximately $15.0 million acquired as part of a credit card portfolio purchased in the second quarter of 2012.

(3)

It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as past due loans 90 days and still accruing as opposed to non-performing loans since the principal repayment is insured. These balances include $32.5 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA, which are over 18 months delinquent, that are no longer accruing interest as of June 30, 2012.

 

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The following table shows non-performing assets by geographic segment:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		June 30, 2012				December 31, 2011
Puerto Rico:
Non-performing loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage		$	296,496			$	297,595
Commercial mortgage			176,572				170,949
Commercial and Industrial			242,144				261,189
Construction			115,958				137,478
Finance leases			2,829				3,485
Consumer			29,879				34,888
Total non-performing loans held for investment			863,878				905,584
REO			123,178				85,788
Other repossessed property			10,530				15,283
Other assets			64,543				64,543
Total non-performing assets, excluding loans held for sale		$	1,062,129			$	1,071,198
Non-performing loans held for sale			—				4,764
Total non-performing assets, including loans held for sale (1)		$	1,062,129			$	1,075,962
Past due loans 90 days and still accruing		$	117,936			$	118,888
Virgin Islands:
Non-performing loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage		$	14,454			$	11,470
Commercial mortgage			11,716				12,851
Commercial and Industrial			11,909				7,276
Construction			79,794				110,594
Consumer			830				518
Total non-performing loans held for investment			118,703				142,709
REO			26,661				7,200
Other repossessed property			58				67
Total non-performing assets, excluding loans held for sale		$	145,422			$	149,976
Non-performing loans held for sale			—				—
Total non-performing assets, including loans held for sale		$	145,422			$	149,976
Past due loans 90 days and still accruing		$	2,649			$	11,204
Florida:
Non-performing loans held for investment:
Residential mortgage		$	22,093			$	29,143
Commercial mortgage			51,593				56,614
Commercial and Industrial			1,200				1,706
Construction			6,381				1,950
Consumer			1,840				656
Total non-performing loans held for investment			83,107				90,069
REO			17,502				21,304
Other repossessed property			13				42
Total non-performing assets, excluding loans held for sale		$	100,622			$	111,415
Non-performing loans held for sale			—				—
Total non-performing assets, including loans held for sale		$	100,622			$	111,415
Past due loans 90 days and still accruing		$	—			$	724

 

(1)	Amount excludes purchased credit impaired loans with a carrying value of approximately $15.0 million acquired as part of the credit card portfolio acquired from FIA.

 

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Total non-performing loans were $1.07 billion at June 30, 2012, which represented 10.35% of total loans held for investment. This represents a decrease of $72.7 million, or 6%, from $1.14 billion, or 13.28% of total loans held for investment at December 31, 2011.

Non-performing construction loans decreased by $47.9 million, or 19%, from the end of the fourth quarter of 2011, mainly due to the transfer to REO of properties acquired in foreclosure aggregating to approximately $36.5 million and charge-offs. Most of the foreclosures were concentrated in four projects in both Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands regions. The inflows of non-performing construction loans decreased by $1.96 million from $10.7 million for the first quarter of 2012 to $8.8 million in the second quarter of 2012.

C&I non-performing loans decreased by $14.9 million, or 5.5% when compared to the balance at December 31, 2011, reflecting primarily net charge-offs of $21.1 million, foreclosures of approximately $16 million and borrowers’ payments and payoffs of $9.6 million. The decline was mainly in Puerto Rico. The inflows of non-performing C&I loans remained stable with a slight increase of $0.7 million from $19.9 million for the first quarter of 2012 to $20.6 million for the second quarter of 2012.

Non-performing residential mortgage loans decreased $5.2 million, or 2%, from December 31, 2011. The decrease was driven by several factors, including: (i) loans brought current, (ii) foreclosures of approximately $28.9 million, and (iii) the restoration to accrual status of modified loans that successfully completed a trial performance period aggregating to approximately $21 million. Borrowers’ payments, payoffs and charge-offs also contributed to the decrease. The level of inflows of non-performing residential mortgage loans was approximately $104.3 million during the first six-month of 2012, however, the level of inflows decreased 18% from $57.3 million for the first quarter of 2012 to $46.9 million in the second quarter. Approximately $219.6 million, or 66%, of total non-performing residential mortgage loans have been written down to their net realizable value.

Non-performing commercial mortgage loans remained almost unchanged from the balance as of December 31, 2011, reflecting a $0.5 million decrease, primarily due to net charge-off activity of $9.9 million and foreclosures of $16.7 million. The decrease was in the United States and the Virgin Islands regions. Total inflows of non-performing commercial mortgage loans declined 30% from $18.7 million for the first quarter of 2012 to $13.9 million for the second quarter of 2012.

The levels of non-performing consumer loans, including finance leases, showed a $4.2 million decrease during the first half of 2012. The decrease was mainly related to a reduction in the boat financing category reflecting both repossessions and borrowers’ payments. The inflows of non-performing consumer loans declined 9% from $14.3 million for the first quarter of 2012 to $13.0 million for the second quarter of 2012.

At June 30, 2012, approximately $278.8 million of the loans placed in non-accrual status, mainly construction and commercial loans, were current, or had delinquencies of less than 90 days in their interest payments, including $165.3 million of TDRs maintained in nonaccrual status until the restructured loans meet the criteria of sustained payment performance under the revised terms for reinstatement to accrual status and there is no doubt about full collectability. Collections are being recorded on a cash basis through earnings, or on a cost-recovery basis, as conditions warrant.

During the six-month period ended June 30, 2012, interest income of approximately $5.5 million related to non-performing loans with a carrying value of $680.5 million as of June 30, 2012, mainly non-performing construction and commercial loans, was applied against the related principal balances under the cost-recovery method.

The allowance to non-performing loans held for investment ratio as of June 30, 2012 was 42.90%, compared to 43.39% as of December 31, 2011. As of June 30, 2012, approximately $281.8 million, or 26%, of total non-performing loans held for investment have been charged-off to their net realizable value as shown in the following table.

 

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(Dollars in thousands)		Residential Mortgage Loans				Commercial Mortgage Loans				C&I Loans				Construction Loans				Consumer and Finance Leases				Total
As of June 30, 2012
Non-performing loans held for investment charged-off to realizable value		$	219,596			$	14,763			$	31,465			$	13,259			$	2,722			$	281,805
Other non-performing loans held for investment			113,447				225,118				223,788				188,874				32,656				783,883
Total non-performing loans held for investment		$	333,043			$	239,881			$	255,253			$	202,133			$	35,378			$	1,065,688
Allowance to non-performing loans held for investment			20.25	%			42.04	%			65.04	%			33.57	%			155.43	%			42.90	%
Allowance to non-performing loans held for investment, excluding non-performing loans charged-off to realizable value			59.45	%			44.80	%			74.19	%			35.93	%			168.39	%			58.32	%
As of December 31, 2011
Non-performing loans held for investment charged-off to realizable value		$	233,703			$	21,925			$	70,462			$	70,959			$	2,605			$	399,654
Other non-performing loans held for investment			104,505				218,489				199,709				179,063				36,942				738,708
Total non-performing loans held for investment		$	338,208			$	240,414			$	270,171			$	250,022			$	39,547			$	1,138,362
Allowance to non-performing loans held for investment			20.31	%			45.33	%			60.88	%			36.55	%			152.66	%			43.39	%
Allowance to non-performing loans held for investment, excluding non-performing loans charged-off to realizable value			65.72	%			49.88	%			82.36	%			51.04	%			163.42	%			66.86	%

The Corporation provides homeownership preservation assistance to its customers through a loss mitigation program in Puerto Rico and in accordance with the government’s Home Affordable Modification Program guidelines. Depending upon the nature of borrowers’ financial condition, restructurings or loan modifications through this program as well as other restructurings of individual commercial, commercial mortgage, construction and residential mortgage loans in the U.S. mainland fit the definition of Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”). A restructuring of a debt constitutes a TDR if the creditor for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor’s financial difficulties grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. Modifications involve changes in one or more of the loan terms that bring a defaulted loan current and provide sustainable affordability. Changes may include the refinancing of any past-due amounts, including interest and escrow, the extension of the maturity of the loan and modifications of the loan rate. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation’s total TDR loans of $861.9 million consisted of $394.4 million of residential mortgage loans, $112.1 million of commercial and industrial loans, $244.4 million of commercial mortgage loans, $90.6 million of construction loans and $20.3 million of consumer loans. Outstanding unfunded commitments on TDR loans amounted to $2.7 million as of June 30, 2012.

The Corporation’s loss mitigation programs for residential mortgage and consumer loans can provide for one or a combination of the following: movement of interest past due to the end of the loan, extension of the loan term, deferral of principal payments for a significant period of time, and reduction of interest rates either permanently (up to 2010) or for a period of up to two years (step-up rates). Additionally, in remote cases, the restructuring may provide for the forgiveness of contractually due principal or interest. Uncollected interest is added to the end of the loan term at the time of the restructuring and not recognized as income until collected or when the loan is paid off. These programs are available to only those borrowers who have defaulted, or are likely to default, permanently on their loan and would lose their homes in foreclosure action absent some lender concession. Notwithstanding, if the Corporation is not reasonably assured that the borrower will comply with its contractual commitment, properties are foreclosed.

In addition to residential loans modified in TDRs described above, the Corporation also enters into trial modifications with certain borrowers. Trial modifications generally represent a three month period whereby the borrower makes monthly payments under the anticipated modified payment terms prior to a formal modification. Trial modifications lasting more than three months are considered TDRs. Upon successful completion of a trial modification, the Corporation and the borrower enter into a permanent modification where the terms of the loan are formally modified. Approximately 82% of all loans that entered into a trial modification during the last twelve months became permanent modifications as of June 30, 2012. Substantially all permanent modifications are considered TDRs and are included in the TDR disclosures herein. As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had 82 loans that were in trial modifications and were not considered TDRs, with an unpaid principal balance of $13.1 million and a carrying value of $12.3 million.

For the commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, and the construction portfolios, at the time of the restructuring, the Corporation determines, on a loan by loan basis, whether a concession was granted for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulty. Concessions granted for commercial loans could include: reductions in interest rates to rates that are considered below market; extension of repayment schedules and maturity dates beyond original contractual terms; waiving of borrower covenants; forgiveness of principal or interest; or other contract changes that would be considered a concession. The Corporation mitigates loan defaults for its commercial loan portfolios through its collections function. The function’s objective is to minimize both early stage delinquencies and losses upon default of commercial loans. In the case of C&I, commercial mortgage and construction loan portfolios, the Special Asset Group (“SAG”) focuses on strategies for the accelerated reduction of non-performing assets through note sales, short sales, loss mitigation programs, and sales of REO. In addition to the management of the resolution process for problem loans, the SAG oversees collection efforts for all loans to prevent migration to the non-performing and/or adversely classified status. The SAG utilizes relationship officers, collection specialists and attorneys. In the case of residential construction projects, the workout function monitors project specifics, such as project management and marketing, as deemed necessary. The SAG utilizes its collections infrastructure of workout collection officers, credit work-out specialists, in-house legal counsel, and third party consultants. In the case of residential construction projects and large commercial loans, the function also utilizes third-party specialized consultants to monitor the residential and commercial construction projects in terms of construction, marketing and sales,

 

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and restructuring of large commercial loans. In addition, the Corporation extends, renews and restructures loans with satisfactory credit profiles. Many commercial loan facilities are structured as lines of credit, which are mainly one year in term and therefore are required to be renewed annually. Other facilities may be restructured or extended from time to time based upon changes in the borrower’s business needs, use of funds, timing of completion of projects and other factors. If the borrower is not deemed to have financial difficulties, extensions, renewals and restructurings are done in the normal course of business and not considered concessions, and the loans continue to be recorded as performing.

TDRs are classified as either accrual or nonaccrual loans. A loan on nonaccrual and restructured as a TDR will remain on nonaccrual status until the borrower has proven the ability to perform under the modified structure for a minimum of six months and there is evidence that such payments can and are likely to continue as agreed. Performance prior to the restructuring, or significant events that coincide with the restructuring, are included in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms and may result in the loans being returned to accrual at the time of the restructuring or after a shorter performance period. If the borrower’s ability to meet the revised payment schedule is uncertain, the loan remains classified as a nonaccrual loan. Loan modifications increase the Corporation’s interest income by returning a non-performing loan to performing status, if applicable, and increase cash flows by providing for payments to be made by the borrower, and avoid increases in foreclosure and real estate owned costs. The Corporation continues to consider a modified loan as an impaired loan for purposes of estimating the allowance for loan and lease losses.

The following table provides a breakdown between accrual and nonaccrual status of TDRs as of June 30, 2012:

 

(In Thousands)		June 30, 2012
		Accrual				Nonaccrual  (1)				Total TDRs
Non- FHA/VA Residential Mortgage loans		$	284,063			$	110,306			$	394,369
Commercial Mortgage Loans			146,145				98,301				244,446
Commercial & Industrial Loans			20,620				91,501				112,121
Construction Loans			2,220				88,401				90,621
Consumer Loans - Auto			6,866				3,925				10,791
Finance Leases			1,791				45				1,836
Consumer Loans - Other			6,461				1,287				7,748
Total Troubled Debt Restructurings		$	468,166			$	393,766			$	861,932

 

(1)

Included in non-accrual loans are $165.3 million in loans that are performing under the terms of the restructuring agreement but are reported in non-accrual until the restructured loans meet the criteria of sustained payment performance under the revised terms for reinstatement to accrual status and there is no doubt about full collectibility.

The REO portfolio, which is part of non-performing assets, increased by $53.0 million, mainly reflecting the foreclosure of construction projects. The following table shows the activity during the first half of 2012 of the REO portfolio by geographic region and type of property:

 

(In thousands)		As of June 30, 2012
		Puerto Rico												Virgin Islands												Florida												Consolidated
		Residential				Commercial				Construction				Residential				Commercial				Construction				Residential				Commercial				Construction
Beginning Balance		$	55,381			$	24,629			$	5,778			$	6,520			$	—			$	680			$	5,710			$	11,613			$	3,981			$	114,292
Additions			26,359				27,970				19,151				—				4,244				17,388				2,532				3,877				—				101,521
Sales			(20,613	)			(4,242	)			(805	)			(540	)			—				—				(4,016	)			(5,485	)			—				(35,701	)
Fair value adjustments			(4,932	)			(4,091	)			(1,408	)			(1,272	)			(43	)			(316	)			(228	)			(241	)			(240	)			(12,771	)
Ending balance		$	56,195			$	44,266			$	22,716			$	4,708			$	4,201			$	17,752			$	3,998			$	9,764			$	3,741			$	167,341

The over 90-day delinquent, but still accruing loans, excluding loans guaranteed by the U.S. Government, decreased during the first half of 2012 by $8.6 million to $37.1 million, or 0.36% of total loans held for investment at June 30, 2012. Loans 30 to 89 days delinquent decreased by $6.0 million to $277.6 million as of June 30, 2012.

Net Charge-offs and Total Credit Losses

Total net charge-offs for the first half of 2012 were $97.8 million, or 1.90% of average loans on an annualized basis. This was down $62.2 million, or 39%, from $160.1 million, or an annualized 2.82%, in the first half of 2011. Approximately 60% of construction and commercial charge-offs recorded in the first half of 2012 were against previously established specific reserves.

Construction loans net charge-offs in the first half of 2012 were $30.6 million, or an annualized 14.70%, compared to $64.4 million, or an annualized 17.53% of related loans, in the first half of 2011. Approximately $20.0 million, of the construction loans net charge-offs in the first half of 2012 were in the Virgin Islands, including charge-offs of $15.0 million related to a commercial project. In Puerto Rico, construction loans net charge-offs of $12.7 million in the first six-months of 2012 including an individual charge-off

 

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of $7.5 million related to a commercial project. The United States construction loan portfolio reflected a net recovery of $2.1 million, including a $1.5 million recovery related to a residential land loan that was fully charged-off previously. The construction portfolio in Florida has been considerably reduced over the past three years to $22.9 million as of June 30, 2012.

C&I loan net charge-offs in the first half of 2012 were $21.1 million, or an annualized 1.07% of related average loans, down from $27.1 million, or an annualized 1.27% of related loans, in the first half of 2011. Substantially all of the charge-offs recorded in the first half of 2012 were in Puerto Rico spread through several industries. Approximately 64%, or $13.5 million, of the net charge-offs in the first half of 2012 were related to six relationships with individual charge-offs in excess of $1 million, most of them with previously established adequate reserves.

Commercial mortgage loans net charge-offs in the first half of 2012 were $9.9 million, or an annualized 1.29% of related average loans, down from $34.3 million, or an annualized 4.26% of related loans, in the first half of 2011. Commercial mortgage loans net charge-offs in the first half of 2012 were $5.7 million in Puerto Rico and $4.2 million in the United States. Most of the charge-offs were related to foreclosures and include three relationships with individual charge-offs in excess of $1 million.

Residential mortgage loan net charge-offs were $19.9 million, or an annualized 1.43% of related average loans compared to $14.1 million, or an annualized 0.92% for the comparable period in 2011. Approximately $9.9 million in charge-offs for the first half of 2012 ($8.7 million in Puerto Rico, $1.1 million in Florida and $0.1 million in the Virgin Islands) resulted from valuations for impairment purposes of residential mortgage loan portfolios considered homogeneous given high delinquency and loan-to-value levels, compared to $9.2 million recorded in the first half of 2011. Net charge-offs on residential mortgage loans also included $4.3 million related to the foreclosure of loans during the first half of 2012, compared to $4.0 million recorded for foreclosures in the first half of 2011.

Net charge-offs on consumer loans and finance leases in the first half of 2012 were $16.4 million, or an annualized 2.03% of related average loans down from $20.2 million, or an annualized 2.43% of average loans for the first half of 2011. This decrease reflected the continued high credit quality of originations and an improved ratio also impacted by a larger portfolio led by the newly acquired credit cards portfolio.

The following table presents annualized net charge-offs to average loans held-in-portfolio:

 

		For the Quarter Ended								For the Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
Residential mortgage loans			2.04	%			1.24	%			1.43	%			0.92	%
Commercial mortgage			1.68	%			0.81	%			1.29	%			4.26	%
Commercial and industrial			0.88	%			1.01	%			1.07	%			1.27	%
Construction loans			15.21	%			28.62	%			14.70	%			17.53	%
Consumer loans (1) (2)			1.81	%			2.43	%			2.03	%			2.43	%
Total loans			2.03	%			2.91	%			1.90	%			2.82	%

 

(1)	Includes lease financing.

(2)	Loans used in the denominator in calculating the ratio include PCI loans.

The above ratios are based on annualized charge-offs and are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the entire year or in subsequent periods.

 

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The following table presents net charge-offs (annualized) to average loans held-in-portfolio by geographic segment:

 

		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011				June 30, 2012				June 30, 2011
PUERTO RICO:
Residential mortgage			2.42	%			1.39	%			1.69	%			0.85	%
Commercial mortgage			1.18	%			0.34	%			1.08	%			5.55	%
Commercial and Industrial			0.98	%			1.08	%			1.16	%			1.31	%
Construction			3.63	%			6.90	%			9.80	%			7.95	%
Consumer and finance leases			1.73	%			2.49	%			2.00	%			2.50	%
Total loans			1.58	%			1.57	%			1.69	%			2.22	%
VIRGIN ISLANDS:
Residential mortgage (1)			0.08	%			-0.13	%			0.08	%			-0.04	%
Commercial mortgage			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%			0.00	%
Commercial and Industrial (2)			0.00	%			-0.19	%			0.01	%			0.67	%
Construction			42.57	%			77.30	%			29.86	%			37.88	%
Consumer and finance leases			1.07	%			0.75	%			0.97	%			0.91	%
Total loans			6.23	%			14.59	%			4.67	%			7.46	%
FLORIDA:
Residential mortgage			1.91	%			2.07	%			1.39	%			2.68	%
Commercial mortgage			3.32	%			2.00	%			2.05	%			1.83	%
Commercial and Industrial (3)			-3.38	%			0.00	%			-1.33	%			0.47	%
Construction (4)			-0.76	%			38.62	%			-17.27	%			31.63	%
Consumer and finance leases			6.92	%			2.85	%			5.28	%			2.23	%
Total loans			2.45	%			4.38	%			1.18	%			4.33	%

 

1-	For the second quarter and first half of 2011 recoveries in residential mortgage loans in the Virgin Islands exceeded charge-offs.

2-	For the second quarter of 2011 recoveries in commercial and industrial loans in the Virgin Islands exceeded charge-offs.

3-	For the second quarter and first six-months ended June 30, 2012 recoveries in commercial and industrial loans in Florida exceeded charge-offs.

4-	For the second quarter and first six-months ended June 30, 2012 recoveries in construction loans in Florida exceeded charge-offs.

 

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Total credit losses (equal to net charge-offs plus losses on REO operations) for the first half of 2012 amounted to $108.1 million, or 2.07% on an annualized basis to average loans and repossessed assets in contrast to credit losses of $108.1 million, or a loss rate of 3.00%, for the first half of 2011.

The following table presents a detail of the REO inventory and credit losses for the periods indicated:

 

		Quarter Ended								Six-Month Period Ended
		June 30,								June 30,
		2012				2011				2012				2011
		(Dollars in thousands)
REO
REO balances, carrying value:
Residential		$	64,901			$	60,924			$	64,901			$	60,924
Commercial			58,231				24,796				58,231				24,796
Construction			44,209				10,898				44,209				10,898
Total		$	167,341			$	96,618			$	167,341			$	96,618
REO activity (number of properties):
Beginning property inventory,			590				490				575				479
Properties acquired			147				119				267				210
Properties disposed			(90	)			(114	)			(195	)			(194	)
Ending property inventory			647				495				647				495
Average holding period (in days)
Residential			389				274				389				274
Commercial			248				344				248				344
Construction			129				342				129				342
			271				300				271				300
REO operations (loss) gain:
Market adjustments and (losses) gain on sale:
Residential		$	(1,686	)		$	(1,723	)		$	(2,978	)		$	(4,356	)
Commercial			(1,275	)			(1,817	)			(210	)			(2,920	)
Construction			(110	)			(53	)			(386	)			82
			(3,071	)			(3,593	)			(3,574	)			(7,194	)
Other REO operations expenses			(3,715	)			(2,378	)			(6,655	)			(4,277	)
Net Loss on REO operations		$	(6,786	)		$	(5,971	)		$	(10,229	)		$	(11,471	)
CHARGE-OFFS
Residential charge-offs, net			(14,211	)			(8,937	)			(19,942	)			(14,098	)
Commercial charge-offs, net			(14,656	)			(13,913	)			(30,919	)			(61,305	)
Construction charge-offs, net			(15,186	)			(47,207	)			(30,578	)			(64,445	)
Consumer and finance leases charge-offs, net			(7,621	)			(9,944	)			(16,406	)			(20,215	)
Total charge-offs, net			(51,674	)			(80,001	)			(97,845	)			(160,063	)
TOTAL CREDIT LOSSES (1)		$	(58,460	)		$	(85,972	)		$	(108,074	)		$	(171,534	)
LOSS RATIO PER CATEGORY (2):
Residential			2.23	%			1.45	%			1.61	%			1.18	%
Commercial			1.19	%			1.08	%			1.13	%			2.18	%
Construction			14.29	%			27.82	%			14.21	%			17.20	%
Consumer			1.80	%			2.41	%			2.01	%			2.41	%
TOTAL CREDIT LOSS RATIO (3)			2.26	%			3.09	%			2.07	%			3.00	%

 

(1)	Equal to REO operations (losses) gains plus Charge-offs, net.

(2)	Calculated as net charge-offs plus market adjustments and gains (losses) on sale of REO divided by average loans and repossessed assets.

(3)	Calculated as net charge-offs plus net loss on REO operations divided by average loans and repossessed assets.

 

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Operational Risk

The Corporation faces ongoing and emerging risk and regulatory pressure related to the activities that surround the delivery of banking and financial products. Coupled with external influences such as market conditions, security risks, and legal risk, the potential for operational and reputational loss has increased. In order to mitigate and control operational risk, the Corporation has developed, and continues to enhance, specific internal controls, policies and procedures that are designated to identify and manage operational risk at appropriate levels throughout the organization. The purpose of these mechanisms is to provide reasonable assurance that the Corporation’s business operations are functioning within the policies and limits established by management.

The Corporation classifies operational risk into two major categories: business specific and corporate-wide affecting all business lines. For business specific risks, a risk assessment group works with the various business units to ensure consistency in policies, processes and assessments. With respect to corporate-wide risks, such as information security, business recovery, and legal and compliance, the Corporation has specialized groups, such as the Legal Department, Information Security, Corporate Compliance, Information Technology and Operations. These groups assist the lines of business in the development and implementation of risk management practices specific to the needs of the business groups.

Legal and Compliance Risk

Legal and compliance risk includes the risk of non-compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the risk of adverse legal judgments against the Corporation, and the risk that a counterparty’s performance obligations will be unenforceable. The Corporation is subject to extensive regulation in the different jurisdictions in which it conducts its business, and this regulatory scrutiny has been significantly increasing over the last several years. The Corporation has established and continues to enhance procedures based on legal and regulatory requirements that are designed to ensure compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The Corporation has a Compliance Director who reports to the Chief Risk Officer and is responsible for the oversight of regulatory compliance and implementation of an enterprise-wide compliance risk assessment process. The Compliance division has officer roles in each major business areas with direct reporting relationships to the Corporate Compliance Group.

Concentration Risk

The Corporation conducts its operations in a geographically concentrated area, as its main market is Puerto Rico. However, the Corporation has diversified its geographical risk as evidenced by its operations in the Virgin Islands and in Florida.

As of June 30, 2012, the Corporation had $148.6 million outstanding of credit facilities granted to the Puerto Rico Government and/or its political subdivisions, down from $360.1 million as of December 31, 2011, and $120.0 million granted to the Virgin Islands government, down from $139.4 million as of December 31, 2011. A substantial portion of these credit facilities consist of loans to various municipalities in Puerto Rico for which the good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power of the applicable municipality have been pledged to their repayment. Another portion of these obligations consists of loans to public corporations that obtain revenues from rates charged for services or products, such as electric power and water utilities. Public corporations have varying degrees of independence from the central Government and many receive appropriations or other payments from it.

In addition to loans extended to government entities, the largest loan to one borrower as of June 30, 2012 in the amount of $262.6 million is with one mortgage originator in Puerto Rico, Doral Financial Corporation. This commercial loan is secured by individual real-estate loans, mostly 1-4 residential mortgage loans.

Of the total gross loans held for investment portfolio of $10.3 billion as of June 30, 2012, approximately 85% have credit risk concentration in Puerto Rico, 7% in the United States and 8% in the Virgin Islands.

 

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ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For information regarding market risk to which the Corporation is exposed, see the information contained in “Part I - Item 2 -“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risk Management.”

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Control and Procedures

First BanCorp.’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of First BanCorp.’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of June 30, 2012, except as otherwise noted below. Based on this evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

As described in Note 6 Loans Held for Investment to the consolidated financial statements set forth in this periodic report on Form 10-Q, Section Acquired loans including Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans, the Corporation acquired on May 30, 2012 an approximate $406 million portfolio of FirstBank-branded credit cards from FIA Card Services (“FIA”). As part of the credit cards portfolio acquisition, FIA has been retained as servicer of the portfolio for an eighteen month period. Prior to completing the acquisition the Corporation performed due diligence on the assets and the business. This due diligence process provided the Corporation with a reasonable level of assurance that, as of the date the acquisition was completed, the disclosure controls and procedures in place with respect to the administration by FIA of the credit cards portfolio to be acquired were effective. After the referenced acquisition, and as of June 30, 2012, however, the Corporation had not yet completed its own assessment of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures relating to the administrative systems and processes being provided by FIA as the servicer of the acquired credit card portfolio.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes to the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the pending and threatened legal proceedings of which management is aware will not have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Corporation.

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

Our business, operating results and/or the market price of our common and preferred stock may be significantly affected by a number of factors. For a detailed discussion of certain risk factors that could affect the Corporation’s operations, financial condition or results for future periods see the risk factors below and in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Corporation’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These factors could also cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Also refer to the discussion in “Part I - Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report for additional information that may supplement or update the discussion of risk factors in the Corporation’s 2011 Form 10-K.

The risks described in the Corporation’s 2011 Form 10-K and in this report are not the only risks facing the Corporation. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Corporation or currently deemed by the Corporation to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect the Corporation’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our credit quality may be adversely affected by Puerto Rico’s current economic condition.

A significant portion of our financial activities and credit exposure is concentrated in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico which has been in a recession since March 2006. Recent economic indicators have shown that the economy of Puerto Rico has been stabilizing and showing its first signs of growth since 2006.

Construction has remained weak since 2009 as Puerto Rico’s fiscal situation and decreasing public investment in construction projects has affected the sector. Although some improvement is suggested by the increase of 17.17% in cement sales during Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 as compared to the same period in FY 2011, since cement sales is a lagged indicator of construction activity, it is too soon to know whether this improvement will continue.

On April 19, 2012, the Puerto Rico Planning Board announced the release of Puerto Rico’s macroeconomic data for the projections for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2012 (“FY 2012”) and for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2013 (“FY 2013”). Fiscal Year 2012 is projected to show an increase in the real gross national product (the “GNP”) of 0.9%, and an increase of 1.1% for Fiscal Year 2013. The Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico Economic Activity Index (EAI), which is a coincident index consisting of four major monthly economic indicators, namely total payroll employment, total electric power generation¹, cement sales and gas consumption, and which monitors the actual trend of Puerto Rico’s economy, reflected a year-over-year increase of 0.5% for December 2011; its first positive growth since March 2006. Counting April, the EAI experienced its fifth consecutive month of positive year-over-year growth.

The government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is currently addressing a fiscal deficit, which in its initial stages was estimated at approximately $3.3 billion or over 30% of its annual budget. It is implementing a multi-year budget plan for reducing the deficit, as its access to the municipal bond market and its credit ratings depend, in part, on achieving a balanced budget. Some of the measures implemented by the government include reducing expenses, including public-sector employment through employee layoffs. Since the government is an important source of employment in Puerto Rico, these measures had a temporary adverse effect on the island’s already weak economy. Despite the adverse effects, the government has managed to decrease the fiscal budget deficit which as of FY 2010-2011 was at $1.0 billion. The Puerto Rico Labor Department reported an unemployment rate of 13.8% for the month of June 2012, a rate lower than the 14.2% for the month of May, and the 15.7% for June 2011. The economy of Puerto Rico is very sensitive to the price of oil in the global market. Puerto Rico does not have significant mass transit system available to the public and most of its electricity is powered by oil, making it highly sensitive to fluctuations in oil prices. A substantial increase in its price could impact adversely the economy by reducing disposable income and increasing the operating costs of most businesses and government. Consumer spending is particularly sensitive to wide fluctuations in oil prices.

This decline in Puerto Rico’s economy has resulted in, among other things, a downturn in our loan originations, an increase in the level of our non-performing assets, loan loss provisions and charge-offs, particularly in our construction and commercial loan portfolios, an increase in the rate of foreclosure loss on mortgage loans, and a reduction in the value of our loans and loan servicing portfolio, all of which have adversely affected our profitability. If the decline in economic activity continues, there could be further adverse effects on our profitability.

 

1	During April 2012 the Government Development Bank revised its index and substituted electric power consumption for electric power generation.

 

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On August 8, 2011, Moody’s downgraded the general obligation (GO) rating of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to Baa1 from A3 with a negative outlook. Standard and Poor’s (S&P) revised the GO on June 6, 2012 and changed its outlook from stable to negative. S&P based the decision on its strong concerns with the continued deterioration of the severely underfunded government retirement systems, weak economic trends and weak finances. On June 26, 2012, S&P revised its outlook on the Government Development Bank for Puerto Rico from stable to negative, while maintaining the current rating. According to S&P, the decision was based on the strong ties that the Government Development Bank shares with the Puerto Rico Government and its Public Corporations, especially as a source of funding; and, since the outlook for Puerto Rico GO was downgraded, the logical progression called for a downgrade of the Government Development Bank’s rating.

Another downgrade by Moody’s was announced July 18, 2012. This downgrade pertained to the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporations (COFINA) outstanding senior sales tax revenues bonds and outstanding subordinate tax revenue bonds which were downgraded to Aa3 from Aa2 and A3 from A1, respectively. The downgrade responds to Moody’s concern regarding the escalating debt service and a lack of adequate sales tax revenue growth which could ultimately lead to a decrease in coverage.

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

See the Exhibit Index following the signature page to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a list of exhibits filed or furnished with this report, which Exhibit Index is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Corporation has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized:

 

				First BanCorp.
				Registrant
Date: August 9, 2012		By:		/s/ Aurelio Alemán
				Aurelio Alemán
				President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 9, 2012		By:		/s/ Orlando Berges
				Orlando Berges
				Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit Index

 

10.1		-		Employment Agreement Lawrence Odell
10.2		-		Employment Agreement - Victor Barreras
10.3		-		Non-Employee Director Compensation Structure
12.1		-		Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
12.2		-		Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preference Dividends.
31.1		-		CEO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2		-		CFO Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1		-		CEO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2		-		CFO Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101**		-		Interactive Data File (Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012, furnished in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language)

 

**	To be filed by amendment as permitted by the 30-day grace period set forth in SEC Release No. 33-9002

 

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