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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
---------------
FORM 10-K
FOR ANNUAL AND TRANSITION REPORTS
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
COMMISSION FILE NO. 000-27377
W HOLDING COMPANY, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
COMMONWEALTH OF PUERTO RICO 66-0573197
(State or Other Jurisdiction of (IRS Employer
Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.)
19 WEST MCKINLEY STREET, MAYAGUEZ, PUERTO RICO 00680
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (787) 834-8000
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 (B) OF THE ACT:
COMMON STOCK ($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 (G) OF THE ACT:
7.125% NONCUMULATIVE, CONVERTIBLE MONTHLY INCOME PREFERRED STOCK, 1998 SERIES A
($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)
7.25% NONCUMULATIVE, NON-CONVERTIBLE MONTHLY INCOME PREFERRED STOCK, 1999
SERIES B
($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)
7.60% NONCUMULATIVE, NON-CONVERTIBLE MONTHLY INCOME PREFERRED STOCK,
2001 SERIES C
($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)
7.40% NONCUMULATIVE, NON-CONVERTIBLE MONTHLY INCOME PREFERRED STOCK,
2001 SERIES D
($1.00 PAR VALUE PER SHARE)
(TITLE OF CLASS)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required
to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting stock held by nonaffiliates
of the registrant: $455,280,884 based on the closing sales price of $16.55 at
February 28, 2002, for 27,509,419 shares.
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2002: 41,500,000
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
W Holding Company, Inc. (the "Company") is a financial holding company
offering a full range of financial services through its wholly-owned
subsidiaries, Westernbank Puerto Rico ("Westernbank" or the "Bank") and
Westernbank Insurance, Corp. The Company was organized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in February 1999 to become the bank holding company
of Westernbank. The business of the Company is mainly conducted through
Westernbank. The Bank, which was founded as a savings institution in 1958, is a
Puerto Rico-chartered commercial bank, deposits in which are insured to
applicable limits by the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
("FDIC"). The Bank offers a full array of business and consumer financial
services, including banking, trust and brokerage services. Westernbank
Insurance, Corp. is a general insurance agent placing property casualty, life
and disability insurance.
In July 2000, the Company became a financial holding company under the
Bank Holding Company Act. As a financial holding company, the Company is
permitted to engage in financial related activities, including insurance and
securities activities, provided that the Company and its banking subsidiary meet
certain regulatory standards.
The Company is the third largest, locally controlled banking company
headquartered in Puerto Rico, based on total assets at December 31, 2001. The
Company had total assets of $5.89 billion, loans of $2.84 billion, deposits of
$3.23 billion and stockholders' equity of $387.9 million at year end 2001. The
Bank operates through 35 full service branch offices located throughout Puerto
Rico, primarily in the Southwestern portion of the island, and a fully
functional banking site on the Internet at www.westernetbank.com.
In recent years, Westernbank has emphasized expansion in the San Juan
metropolitan area, having opened four branches there since 1998. The Bank has
also focused on shifting its asset composition from primarily traditional
long-term fixed rate residential loans to assets with shorter maturities and
greater repricing flexibility, such as commercial real estate, business and
consumer loan products, as well as investment securities.
For segment information, please refer to Note 22 of the audited
consolidated financial statements. The Company's financial performance is
reported in two primary business segments, the operations of Westernbank in
Puerto Rico and those of the Bank's division known as Westernbank International.
The international division was established to offer commercial banking and
related services outside of Puerto Rico. At year-end 2001, the international
division reported total assets of $1.83 billion, substantially all of which were
investment securities and purchased loans. As of the date of this report, the
Company does not conduct significant banking business outside of Puerto Rico.
The Company's executive office is located at 19 West McKinley Street,
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; its telephone number is (787) 834-8000.
LENDING ACTIVITIES
GENERAL. At December 31, 2001, the Bank's net loans, including mortgage
loans held for sale, amounted to $2.84 billion or 48.29% of total assets.
2
The following table sets forth the composition of the Bank's loan
portfolio, including mortgage loans held for sale, by type of loan at the dates
indicated.
December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent
---------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- ---------- ------- -------- -------
(Dollars in Thousands)
Residential real estate:
Mortgage (1) $ 852,715 30.0% $ 785,853 35.5% $ 706,792 37.8% $ 407,245 29.9% $230,416 29.4%
Construction 117,957 4.2 80,905 3.7 101,979 5.5 69,215 5.1 24,192 3.1
Commercial, industrial
and agricultural:
Real estate 1,115,700 39.2 887,084 40.2 677,924 36.2 518,893 38.1 234,071 29.8
Business and others 378,696 13.3 99,483 4.5 79,343 4.3 72,235 5.3 40,001 5.1
Consumer and others 416,953 14.7 383,903 17.4 329,682 17.6 309,509 22.7 269,316 34.3
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- -------- -----
Total loans 2,882,021 101.4% 2,237,228 101.3% 1,895,720 101.4% 1,377,097 101.1% 797,996 101.7%
Allowance for loan losses (38,364) (1.4) (28,928) (1.3) (23,978) (1.4) (15,800) (1.1) (13,201) (1.7)
---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- ---------- ----- -------- -----
Loans, net $2,843,657 100.0% $2,208,300 100.0% $1,871,742 100.0% $1,361,297 100.0% $784,795 100.0%
========== ===== ========== ===== ========== ===== ========== ===== ======== =====
(1) Includes mortgage loans held for sale. At December 31, 2001, mortgage
loans held for sale totaled $5.3 million.
Residential real estate mortgage loans at December 31, 2001 are mainly
comprised of loans secured by first mortgages on one-to-four family residential
properties. At year end 2001, residential mortgage loans included $16.9 million
of mortgages insured or guaranteed by government agencies of the United States
or Puerto Rico.
The Bank originated $542.8 million of commercial real estate loans
during 2001. At year-end, commercial real estate loans totaled $1.12 billion. In
general, commercial real estate loans are considered by management to be of
somewhat greater risk of uncollectibility than other loans due to the dependency
on income production and future development of real estate. Commercial real
estate loans are collateralized by various types of property, including
warehouse, retail and other business properties.
Consumer loans and others at December 31, 2001, includes consumer loans
totaling $318.8 million (of which $167.9 million are secured by real estate),
credit card loans of $63.1 million and loans secured by deposits in the Bank
totaling $35.1 million.
During 2001, the Bank securitized $11.2 million and $32.0 million of
residential mortgage loans into Government National Mortgage Association and
Fannie Mae participation certificates, respectively. The Bank continues to
service outstanding loans which are securitized.
3
The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of the Bank's
total loans, excluding mortgage loans held for sale, for the periods indicated
as of December 31, 2001. Contractual maturities do not necessarily reflect the
actual term of a loan, including prepayments.
MATURITIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFTER ONE YEAR TO FIVE YEARS AFTER FIVE YEARS
------------------------------- ------------------------------
BALANCE
OUTSTANDING AT ONE YEAR FIXED VARIABLE FIXED VARIABLE
DECEMBER 31, 2001 OR LESS INTEREST RATES INTEREST RATES INTEREST RATES INTEREST RATES
----------------- --------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Residential real estate:
Mortgage ................. $ 847,462 $ 4,016 $ 9,266 $ 94 $ 416,522 $ 417,564
Construction ............. 117,957 51,266 -- 66,691 -- --
Commercial, industrial and
agricultural:
Real estate (1) .......... 1,115,700 223,311 142,432 71,701 62,835 615,421
Business and other ....... 378,696 187,181 21,219 38,298 6,365 125,633
Consumer and other ........... 416,953 122,308 124,453 -- 170,192 --
----------- --------- --------- --------- --------- -----------
Total ................ $ 2,876,768 $ 588,082 $ 297,370 $ 176,784 $ 655,914 $ 1,158,618
=========== ========= ========= ========= ========= ===========
(1) Includes foreign loans amounting to $3.9 million, secured by real estate
collateral and unlimited guaranty of a Puerto Rico resident.
As of December 31, 2001, the maximum unsecured amount which Westernbank
could have loaned to one borrower and the borrower's related entities under
applicable banking laws was approximately $46.6 million. The maximum loan to one
borrower for secured debts at December 31, 2001 was $97.9 million. At such date,
Westernbank's largest loan outstanding balance of a group of loans to one
borrower aggregated $96.4 million, of which a loan amounting to $49.4 million is
secured by real estate. The second largest loan outstanding balance of loans to
one borrower aggregated $67.9 million, all of which are secured by real estate.
At December 31, 2001, such loans were current.
ORIGINATION, PURCHASE AND SALE OF LOANS. The Bank's loan originations
come from a number of sources. The primary sources for residential loan
originations are depositors and walk-in customers. Commercial loan originations
come from existing customers as well as through direct solicitation and
referrals.
The Bank originates loans in accordance with written,
non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination procedures
prescribed in Board of Director approved loan policies. Detailed loan
applications are obtained to determine the borrower's repayment ability.
Applications are verified through the use of credit reports, financial
statements and other confirmations procedures. Property valuations by Board of
Director approved independent appraisers are required for mortgage loans. The
Bank's Credit Committee approval is required for all residential and commercial
real estate loans originated up to $1.0 million, and all other commercial loans
from $250,000 up to $3.0 million. Loans in excess of $1.0 million are also
reviewed by the full Board of Directors, including those loans approved by the
Credit Committee.
It is the Bank's policy to require borrowers to provide title insurance
policies certifying or ensuring that the Bank has a valid first lien on the
mortgaged real estate. Borrowers must also obtain hazard insurance policies
prior to closing and, when required by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, flood insurance policies. Borrowers may be required to advance
funds on a monthly basis together with each payment of principal and interest to
a mortgage escrow account from which the Bank makes disbursements for items such
as real estate taxes, hazard insurance premiums and private mortgage insurance
premiums as they fall due.
Westernbank originates most of its residential real estate loans as
conforming loans, eligible for sale in the secondary market. The loan-to-value
ratio at the time of origination on residential mortgages is generally 75%,
except that the Bank may lend up to 90% of the lower of the purchase price or
appraised value of residential properties if private mortgage insurance is
obtained by the borrower for amounts in excess of 80%.
The Bank originates fixed and adjustable rate residential mortgage
loans secured by a first mortgage on the borrower's real property, payable in
monthly installments for terms ranging from ten to forty years. Adjustable rates
are indexed to specified prime or LIBOR rate. All 30 year conforming mortgages
are originated with the intent to sell.
4
In addition to its residential loan originations, the Bank also
purchases residential first mortgage loans from other mortgage originators in
Puerto Rico. In 2001 and 2000, Westernbank purchased $256.7 million and $261.8
million, of such loans, respectively.
The Bank originates primarily variable and adjustable rate commercial
business and real estate loans. The Bank also makes real estate construction
loans subject to firm permanent financing commitments. On June 15, 2001, the
Bank acquired the entire loan portfolio of the Puerto Rico branch of Congress
Credit Corporation, a subsidiary of First Union National Bank, N. A. for $163.8
million. This new line of business is managed by Westernbank Business Credit
Division, which specializes in commercial loans secured principally by accounts
receivables, inventory and equipment.
The Bank offers different types of consumer loans in order to provide a
full range of financial services to its customers. Within the different types of
consumer loans offered by the bank there are various types of secured and
unsecured consumer loans with varying amortization schedules. In addition, the
Bank makes fixed-rate residential second mortgage loans.
The Bank offers the service of VISA and Master Card. At December 31,
2001, there were approximately 28,080 outstanding accounts, with an aggregate
outstanding balance of $63.1 million and unused credit card lines available of
$53.5 million.
In connection with all consumer and second mortgage loans originated,
the Bank's underwriting standards include a determination of the applicants
payment history on other debts and an assessment of the ability to meet existing
obligations and payments on the proposed loan. As of December 31, 2001, only
$4.3 million or 1.03% of the consumer loan portfolio consisted of loans more
than 60 days delinquent in payment.
Commercial loans have increased from $986.6 million as of December 31,
2000, to $1.49 billion as of December 31, 2001. As of December 31, 2001, only
$10.4 million or .69% of the commercial loan portfolio consisted of loans more
than 60 days delinquent in payment.
The following table reflects the Bank's net portfolio loan origination,
purchase, and sale activities for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Beginning balance of net loans, including
residential real estate mortgage loans
held for sale ........................... $ 2,208,300 $ 1,871,742 $ 1,361,297 $ 784,795 $ 623,621
Residential real estate mortgage loans
held for sale originated ................ 47,446 44,389 63,812 75,660 39,506
Residential real estate mortgage loans
held for sale securitized and transferred
to trading and available for sale
securities .............................. (44,176) (38,289) (68,350) (71,217) (53,963)
Sales of residential real estate mortgage
loans held for sale ..................... (2,148) (3,123) -- -- --
Residential real estate mortgage and
construction loans originated and
purchased ............................... 380,258 347,154 449,055 299,397 135,719
Residential real estate mortgage loans
sold .................................... -- -- (20,101) -- --
Residential real estate mortgage loans
foreclosed .............................. (1,017) (569) (291) (1,233) (176)
Residential real estate mortgage and
construction loans repayments(1) ........ (276,449) (291,575) (91,814) (80,755) (12,694)
Commercial loans purchased ................ 163,800 -- -- -- --
Commercial loans-other net increase(1) ... 344,029 229,300 166,139 317,056 45,777
Consumer and other-net increase(1) ........ 33,050 54,221 20,173 40,193 8,179
Decrease (increase) in allowance for loan
losses .................................. (9,436) (4,950) (8,178) (2,599) (1,174)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
End Balance ............................... $ 2,843,657 $ 2,208,300 $ 1,871,742 $ 1,361,297 $ 784,795
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========
Net increase in net loans, including
mortgage loans held for sale ............ $ 635,357 $ 336,558 $ 510,445 $ 576,502 $ 161,174
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========
- ---------
(1) Excludes effect of amounts charged off.
5
INCOME FROM LENDING ACTIVITIES. The Bank realizes interest income and
fee income from its lending activities. For the most part, interest rates
charged by the Bank on loans depend upon the general interest rate environment,
the demand for loans and the availability of funds. The Bank also receives fees
for originating and committing to originate or purchase loans and also charges
service fees for the assumption of loans, late payments, inspection of
properties, appraisals and other miscellaneous services.
Loan origination and commitment fees vary with the volume and type of
loans and commitments made and sold and with competitive conditions in the
residential and commercial mortgage markets. The Bank accounts for loan
origination and commitment fees based on the provisions of Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement No. 91. Loan origination fees and related direct loan
origination costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the related loans
as a yield adjustment. Commitment fees are also deferred and amortized over the
life of the related loans as a yield adjustment. If the commitment expires
unexercised, the fee is taken into income.
In accordance with requirements of Financial Accounting Standards Board
Statement No. 140, ACCOUNTING FOR MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS, AN AMENDMENT OF
FASB STATEMENT NO. 65 ("SFAS 140"), the Bank recognizes as separate assets the
rights to service mortgage loans for others, regardless of how those servicing
rights are acquired. SFAS 140 also requires that the entities assess the
capitalized mortgage servicing rights for impairment based on the fair value of
those rights.
NON-PERFORMING LOANS AND FORECLOSED REAL ESTATE. When a borrower fails
to make a required payment on a loan, the Bank attempts to cure the deficiency
by contacting the borrower. In most cases, deficiencies are cured promptly. If
the delinquency exceeds 90 days and is not cured through the Bank's normal
collection procedures, the Bank will generally institute measures to remedy the
default. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not cured, paid
in full or refinanced, the property is sold at a judicial sale at which the Bank
may acquire the property. Thereafter, if the Bank acquires the property, such
acquired property is appraised and included in the Bank's foreclosed real estate
held for sale account at the fair value at the date of acquisition. Then this
asset is carried at the lower of fair value less estimated costs to sell or cost
until the property is sold. In the event that the property is not sold in the
foreclosure sale or sold at a price insufficient to cover the payment of the
loan, the debtor remains liable for the deficiency of the judgment.
The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management's
opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due, but in
no event is it recognized after 90 days in arrears on payments of principal or
interest. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid interest is
reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash
payments are received.
The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing
loans and foreclosed real estate held for sale by the Bank at the dates
indicated:
AT DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Residential real estate mortgage and
construction loans .................................. $ 2,735 $ 1,817 $ 1,719 $ 1,183 $ 1,651
Commercial, industrial and agricultural
loans ............................................... 7,947 6,140 4,366 5,427 4,988
Consumer loans ........................................ 3,431 1,733 870 1,172 967
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Total non-performing loans ....................... 14,113 9,690 6,955 7,782 7,606
Foreclosed real estate held for sale .................. 3,013 2,454 2,232 3,271 2,396
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Total non-performing loans and
foreclosed real estate held for sale ........... $ 17,126 $ 12,144 $ 9,187 $ 11,053 $ 10,002
========= ========= ======== ========= =========
Interest which could have been recorded if
the loans had not been classified as
non-performing ...................................... $ 1,123 $ 979 $ 514 $ 1,027 $ 713
========= ========= ======== ========= =========
Interest recorded in non-performing loans ............. $ 1,716 $ 780 $ 1,470 $ 242 $ 220
========= ========= ======== ========= =========
Total non-performing loans as a percentage
of total loans receivable, including
mortgage loans held for sale ................... 0.49% 0.43% 0.37% 0.57% 0.95%
========= ========= ======== ========= =========
Total non-performing loans and foreclosed
real estate held for sale as a percentage
of total assets ................................ 0.29% 0.28% 0.27% 0.45% 0.64%
========= ========= ======== ========= =========
As of December 31, 2001, there were only three non-accrual loans with a
principal balance in excess of $500,000.
6
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES. The Bank maintains an allowance for loan
losses to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is based
on ongoing, quarterly assessments of the probable estimated losses inherent in
the loan portfolio. The Company follows a systematic methodology to establish
and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. This methodology
consists of several key elements, which include:
The Formula Allowance. The formula allowance is calculated by
applying loss factors to outstanding loans not otherwise covered by
specific allowances. Loss factors are based on our historical loss
experience and may be adjusted for significant factors that, in
management's judgment, affect the collectibility of the portfolio as of the
evaluation date. Loss factors are described as follows:
- Loan loss factors for commercial loans, including construction
and land acquisition loans, are based on historical loss trends for
three years, as adjusted for management's expected increase in the
loss factors given the significant increase in such loan portfolios
over the last few years.
- Pooled loan loss factors are also based on historical loss trends
for one to three years. Pooled loans are loans that are homogeneous
in nature, such as consumer installment and residential mortgage
loans.
Specific Allowances for Identified Problem Loans and Portfolio
Segments. Specific allowances are established and maintained where
management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related
to a credit or portfolio segment that management believes indicate the
probability that a loss has been incurred in excess of the amount
determined by the application of the formula allowance. Larger commercial
and construction loans that exhibit potential or observed credit weaknesses
are subject to individual review. Where appropriate, allowances are
allocated to individual loans based on management's estimate of the
borrower's ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral,
other sources of cash flow and legal options available to the Bank.
In addition, the specific allowance incorporates the results of
measuring impaired loans as provided in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 114, ACCOUNTING BY CREDITORS FOR IMPAIRMENT OF A LOAN ("SFAS
114"). This accounting standard prescribe the measurement methods, income
recognition and disclosures concerning impaired loans.
The Unallocated Allowance. An unallocated allowance is established
recognizing the estimation risk associated with the formula and specific
allowances. It is based upon management's evaluation of various conditions,
the effects of which are not directly measured in determining the formula
and specific allowances. These conditions include then-existing general
economic and business conditions affecting our key lending areas; credit
quality trends, including trends in nonperforming loans expected to result
from existing conditions, collateral values, loan volumes and
concentrations, seasoning of the loan portfolio, recent loss experience in
particular segments of the portfolio, regulatory examination results, and
findings of our internal credit examiners. The evaluation of the inherent
loss regarding these conditions involves a higher degree of uncertainty
because they are not identified with specific problem credits or portfolio
segments.
Management assesses these conditions quarterly. If any of these
conditions is evidenced by a specifically identifiable problem credit or
portfolio segment as of the evaluation date, management's estimate of the effect
of this condition may be reflected as a specific allowance applicable to this
credit or portfolio segment. Where any of these conditions is not evidenced by a
specifically identifiable problem credit or portfolio segment as of the
evaluation date, management's evaluation of the probable loss concerning this
condition is reflected in the unallocated allowance.
The allowance for loan losses is based upon estimates of probable
losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount actually observed for these
losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts. Our methodology
includes several features that are intended to reduce the differences between
estimated and actual losses. Historical loss factors for commercial and consumer
loans may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management's judgement,
reflect the impact of any current condition on loss recognition. Factors which
management considers in the analysis include the effect of the national and
local economies, trends in the nature and volume of loans (delinquencies,
charge-offs, non-accrual and problem loans), changes in the internal lending
policies and credit standards, collection practices, and examination results
from bank regulatory agencies and the Bank's internal credit examiners. Loan
loss factors are adjusted quarterly based upon the level of net charge offs
expected by management in the next twelve months, after taking into account
historical loss ratios adjusted for current trends. By assessing the probable
estimated losses inherent in the loan portfolio on a quarterly basis, we are
able to adjust specific and inherent loss estimates based upon any more recent
information that has become available.
7
At December 31, 2001, the Bank's allowance for loan losses was $38.4
million, consisting of $22.0 million formula allowance, $2.0 million of specific
allowances and $5.3 million of unallocated allowance. As of December 31, 2001,
the allowance for loan losses equals 1.33% of total loans, and 271.83% of total
non-performing loans, compared with an allowance for loan losses at December 31,
2000 of $28.9 million, or 1.29% of total loans, and 298.5% of total
non-performing loans.
During 2001, there were no significant changes in estimation methods or
assumptions that affected our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of
the allowance for loan losses.
The table below presents a reconciliation of changes in the allowance
for loan losses for the periods indicated:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Balance, beginning of year ............................ $ 28,928 $ 23,978 $ 15,800 $ 13,201 $ 12,027
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Loans charged off:
Consumer loans ...................................... 3,840 4,760 5,154 4,090 2,458
Commercial, industrial and agricultural
loans ............................................ 2,970 372 1,913 134 139
Real estate-mortgage and construction
loans ............................................ 228 231 291 4
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Total loans charged off ........................ 7,038 5,363 7,358 4,224 2,601
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Consumer loans ...................................... 996 795 1,003 601 480
Commercial, industrial and agricultural
loans ............................................ 133 594 335 42 184
Real estate-mortgage and construction
loans ............................................ 175 224 198 180 411
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Total recoveries of loans previously
charged off ................................. 1,304 1,613 1,536 823 1,075
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Net loans charged off ................................. 5,734 3,750 5,822 3,401 1,526
Provision for loan losses ............................. 12,278 8,700 14,000 6,000 2,700
Allowance acquired on loans purchased.................. 2,892 -- -- -- --
--------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Balance, end of year .................................. $ 38,364 $ 28,928 $ 23,978 $ 15,800 $ 13,201
========= ========= ======== ========= =========
Ratios:
Allowance for loan losses to total loans ............ 1.33% 1.29% 1.26% 1.15% 1.65%
Provision for loan losses to net loans
charged off ...................................... 214.09% 232.00% 240.47% 176.42% 176.93%
Recoveries of loans to loans charged off in
previous year .................................... 24.31% 21.92% 36.36% 31.64% 40.26%
Net loans charged off to average loans .............. 0.23% 0.19% 0.35% 0.32% 0.22%
Allowance for loans losses to
non-performing loans ............................. 271.83% 298.53% 344.76% 203.03% 173.56%
The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for credit
losses and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans, as set forth
in the "Loans" table on page 3.
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- -----------------
AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT AMOUNT PERCENT
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Commercial, industrial and
agricultural loans................. $24,397 51.8% $16,273 44.1% $11,772 39.9% $ 7,747 42.9% $ 5,143 34.4%
Consumer loans ..................... 8,203 14.5 7,194 17.2 5,718 17.4 5,044 22.5 3,629 33.7
Residential real estate-mortgage and
construction-loans ................ 494 33.7 526 38.7 1,743 42.7 1,043 34.6 551 31.9
Unallocated allowance............... 5,270 -- 4,935 -- 4,745 -- 1,966 -- 3,878 --
------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- ----- ------- -----
Total allowance for loan losses .. $38,364 100.0% $28,928 100.0% $23,978 100.0% $15,800 100.0% $13,201 100.0%
======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= ===== ======= =====
Loans are classified as impaired or not impaired in accordance with
SFAS 114, which was implemented in 1995. A loan is impaired when, based on
current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to
collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to
the contractual terms of the agreement.
8
The Bank measures the impairment of a loan based on the present value
of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate,
or as a practical expedient, at the observable market price of the loan or the
fair value of the collateral, if the loan is collateral dependent. Significant
loans (those exceeding $500,000) are individually evaluated for impairment.
Large groups of small balance, homogeneous loans are collectively evaluated for
impairment, loans that are recorded at fair value or at the lower of cost of
market are not evaluated for impairment. The portfolios of mortgage and consumer
loans are considered homogeneous and are evaluated collectively for impairment.
Impaired loans for which the discounted cash flows, collateral value or
market price exceeds its carrying value do not require an allowance. The
allowance for impaired loans is part of the Company's overall allowance for loan
losses.
The following table sets forth information regarding the investment on
impaired loans:
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Investment in impaired loans:
Covered by a valuation allowance .................... $ 21,996 $ 8,040 $ 8,136 $ 5,499 $ 1,465
Do not require a valuation allowance ................ 20,482 4,834 4,947 4,309 4,234
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Total ....................................... $ 42,478 $ 12,874 $ 13,083 $ 9,808 $ 5,699
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Valuation allowance on impaired loans ................. $ 4,181 $ 1,157 $ 1,268 $ 1,120 $ 248
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Average investment on impaired loans .................. $ 20,293 $ 11,873 $ 14,919 $ 6,561 $ 5,646
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Interest collected on impaired loans .................. $ 1,716 $ 780 $ 1,470 $ 242 $ 220
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
During 2001, the Bank's investment in impaired loans increased $29.6
million, from $12.9 million in 2000 to $42.5 as of December 31, 2001. This
increase is principally attributed to four newly classified loans with and
aggregate outstanding principal balance of $25.2 million as of December 31,
2001. The largest impaired loan with an outstanding principal balance of $9.3
million is collateralized by real estate and required no specific valuation
allowance. The second largest impaired loan with an outstanding principal
balance of $6.6 million was acquired as part of the purchase of the entire loan
portfolio of the Puerto Rico branch of Congress Credit Corporation, a subsidiary
of First Union Bank, N.A. This loan is collateralized by equipment, inventory
and accounts receivable and required a specific valuation allowance of $1.3
million at December 31, 2001, which was established in connection with the
acquisition of the loan. Two other loans with outstanding principal balances of
$4.7 and $4.6 million are collateralized by real estate. A specific valuation
allowance of $170,000 was established for the $4.7 million loan while no
specific allowance was necessary for the $4.6 million loan. As of December 31,
2001, all four loans were current in the payment of principal and interest.
INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
The Bank's investments are managed by the Investment Department.
Purchases and sales are required to be reported monthly to both the Investment
Committee composed of members of the Board of Directors, as well as the
President and Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.
The Investment Department is authorized to purchase and sell federal
funds, interest bearing deposits in banks, banker's acceptances of commercial
banks insured by the FDIC, mortgage and other assets-backed securities, Puerto
Rico and U.S. Government and agency obligations, municipal securities rated A or
better by any of the nationally recognized rating agencies and commercial paper
rated P-1 by Moody's Investors Service, Inc or A-1 by Standard and Poor's, a
Division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. In addition, the Investment
Department is responsible for the pricing and sale of deposits and reverse
repurchase agreements. See "Sources of Funds-Deposits and Borrowings" and
"Equity Risk Investments."
The Bank's investment strategy is affected by both the rates and terms
available on competing investments and tax and other legal considerations.
9
The following table presents the carrying value of investments as of
year end for each of the years indicated:
2001 2000 1999
----------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Held to maturity:
US Government and agency obligations ...... $ 1,788,000 $ 1,367,417 $ 1,029,450
Puerto Rico Government and agency obligations 22,607 13,769 16,668
Commercial paper .......................... 59,992 34,994 --
Corporate notes ........................... 66,460 51,420 17,165
Mortgage and other asset-backed securities 432,716 189,087 111,249
----------- ----------- -----------
Total ............................. 2,369,775 1,656,687 1,174,532
----------- ----------- -----------
Available for sale:
US Government and agency obligations .... 196,446 -- --
Corporate notes ......................... 56,080 -- --
Mortgage-backed securities .............. 29,156 27,806 22,185
----------- ----------- -----------
Total ............................ 281,682 27,806 22,185
----------- ----------- -----------
Trading securities- mainly mortgage-backed
securities ................................ 4,609 2,161 1,289
----------- ----------- -----------
Total investments ........................... $ 2,656,066 $ 1,686,654 $ 1,198,006
=========== =========== ===========
At December 31, 2001, the only investment of an issuer which aggregate balance
exceeded 10% of the consolidated stockholders, equity follows:
NAME OF ISSUER INVESTMENT CATEGORY CARRYING VALUE FAIR VALUE
Constellation Energy Group, Inc. Commercial paper - matures next business day $ 39,993 $ 39,993
The carrying amount of investment securities at December 31, 2001, by
contractual maturity (excluding mortgage and others asset- backed securities),
are shown below:
CARRYING WEIGHTED
AMOUNT AVERAGE YIELD
----------- -------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
US Government and agency obligations:
Due within one year or less .................... $ 198,597 1.96%
Due after one year through five years .......... 1,419,035 4.59
Due after five years through ten years ......... 254,585 5.75
Due after ten years ............................ 112,229 7.03
----------- ------
1,984,446 4.62
----------- ------
Puerto Rico Government and agency obligations:
Due within one year ............................ 600 7.60
Due after one year through five years .......... 6,000 4.88
Due after five years through ten years ......... 14,012 7.11
Due after ten years ............................ 1,995 6.15
----------- ------
22,607 6.45
----------- ------
Other:
Due within one year ............................ 59,992 2.82
Due after one year through five years .......... 45,300 4.16
Due after ten years ............................ 77,240 4.99
----------- ------
182,532 4.07
----------- ------
Total .................................. 2,189,585 4.59
Mortgage and other asset-backed securities ....... 466,481 5.17
----------- ------
Total .................................. $ 2,656,066 4.69%
=========== ======
10
Mortgage and other asset-backed securities at December 31, 2001,
consists of:
(IN THOUSANDS)
Trading securities:
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)
certificates ....................................... $ 2,579
Fannie Mae (FNMA) certificates .......................... 2,030
---------
Total .............................................. 4,609
---------
Available for sale- Collaterized Mortgage Obligation
(CMO) certificates ................................. 29,156
---------
Held to maturity:
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Certificates ..... 13,475
GNMA certificates ....................................... 18,500
FNMA certificates ....................................... 10,011
CMO certificates ........................................ 319,386
Other ................................................... 71,344
---------
Total held to maturity ............................. 432,716
---------
Total mortgage and other asset-backed
securities ....................................... $ 466,481
=========
SOURCES OF FUNDS
GENERAL. Deposits, reverse repurchase agreements, Federal Home Loan
Bank ("FHLB") advances and term notes are the primary sources of the Bank's
funds for use in lending and for other general business purposes. In addition,
the Bank obtains funds in the form of loan repayments and income from operations
and the maturities and repayments of securities. Loan repayments are a
relatively stable source of funds, while net increases in deposits and reverse
repurchase agreements are significantly influenced by general interest rates and
money market conditions. Short-term borrowings from the FHLB of New York is used
to compensate for reductions in normal sources of funds such as savings inflows
at less than projected levels.
DEPOSITS. The Bank offers a diversified choice of deposit accounts. At
December 31, 2001, the Bank had total deposits of $3.2 billion (excluding
accrued interest payable), of which $465.3 million or 14.50% consisted of
savings deposits, $141.4 million or 4.41% consisted of interest bearing demand
deposits, $123.9 million or 3.86% consisted of noninterest bearing deposits, and
$2.5 billion or 77.23% consisted of time deposits. Time deposits include $1.6
billion of brokered deposits. These accounts have historically been a stable
source of funds. The Bank also offers negotiable order of withdrawal ("NOW")
accounts, Super Now Accounts, special checking accounts and commercial demand
accounts. At December 31, 2001, the scheduled maturities of time certificates of
deposit in amounts of $100,000 or more are as follows:
(IN THOUSANDS)
3 months or less .......................................... $ 227,255
over 3 months through 6 months ............................. 64,411
over 6 months through 12 months ............................ 52,944
over 12 months ............................................. 63,030
---------
Total ............................................ $ 407,640
=========
The following table sets forth the average amount and the average rate
paid on the following deposit categories for the years ended December 31:
2001 2000 1999
----------------------- ----------------------- -----------------------
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE AMOUNT RATE
----------- ------- ----------- ------- ----------- -------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Time deposits ............ $ 2,177,399 5.21% $ 1,765,493 6.34% $ 1,377,977 5.44%
Savings deposits ......... 432,626 2.96 407,636 3.06 405,288 3.07
Interest bearing demand
deposits ............... 100,960 3.45 97,168 3.28 105,774 2.93
Noninterest bearing demand
deposits ............... 136,251 -- 118,632 -- 120,059 --
----------- ----- ----------- ----- ----------- -----
Total .......... $ 2,847,236 4.55% $ 2,388,929 5.34% $ 2,009,098 4.51%
=========== ===== =========== ===== =========== =====
The increase in deposits during the last three years is mainly the
result of the increase in the volume of business.
11
BORROWINGS. The following table sets forth the borrowings of the Bank
at the dates indicated:
DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----------- ----------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Reverse repurchase agreements ..... $ 2,059,646 $ 1,179,073 $ 729,968
Advances from FHLB ................ 120,000 120,000 70,000
Term notes ........................ 43,000 48,000 79,000
----------- ----------- ---------
Total ................... $ 2,222,646 $ 1,347,073 $ 878,968
=========== =========== =========
The Bank has made use of institutional reverse repurchase agreements in
order to obtain funding, primarily through investment banks and brokerage firms.
Such agreements are collateralized with investment securities. The Bank had $2.1
billion in total reverse repurchase agreements outstanding at December 31, 2001,
at a weighted average rate of 4.19%. Reverse repurchase agreements outstanding
as of December 31, 2001, mature as follows: $503.3 million within 30 days;
$303.2 million in 2001; $164.6 million in 2005; $47.5 million in 2006; and $1.04
billion thereafter.
Westernbank also obtains advances from FHLB of New York. As of December
31, 2001, Westernbank had $120.0 million in outstanding FHLB advances at a
weighted average rate of 5.10%. Advances from FHLB mature as follows: $14.0
million in 2003; $14.0 million in 2005; $50.0 million in 2006; and $42.0 million
in 2010.
At December 31, 2001, the Bank had outstanding $43.0 million of term
notes payable, consisting of variable rate notes (83% to 89% of three month
LIBID rate), at a weighted average rate of 1.66%. At such date, $43.0 million
mature in 2002.
The following table presents certain information regarding the Bank's
short-term borrowings for the periods indicated.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
---------- ---------- ---------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Amount outstanding at year end ................... $ 806,548 $ 170,225 $ 174,266
Monthly average outstanding balance .............. 353,003 274,669 171,914
Maximum outstanding balance at any month-end ..... 806,548 472,916 276,956
Weighted average interest rate:
For the year ................................ 3.73% 6.29% 5.22%
At year end ................................. 2.18 6.65 5.86
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS. As part of the Company's
asset/liability management, the Bank uses interest-rate contracts, which include
interest-rate exchange agreements (swaps and options agreements), to hedge
various exposures or to modify interest rate characteristics of various
statement of financial condition accounts.
Effective January 1, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133 ("SFAS 133"), ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 138
("SFAS 138"), ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND CERTAIN HEDGING
ACTIVITIES. These statements establish accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in
other contracts, and for hedging activities. The statements require that all
derivative instruments be recognized as assets and liabilities at fair value. If
certain conditions are met, the derivative may qualify for hedge accounting
treatment and be designated as one of the following types of hedges: (a) hedge
of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability
or an unrecognized firm commitment ("fair value hedge"); (b) a hedge of the
exposure to variability of cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or
forecasted transaction ("cash flow hedge") or (c) a hedge of foreign currency
exposure ("foreign currency hedge").
In the case of a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of
the derivative instruments that have been highly effective are recognized in
current period earnings along with the change in value of the designated hedged
item. In the case of a qualifying cash flow hedge, changes in the value of the
derivative instruments that have been highly effective are recognized in other
comprehensive income, until such time those earnings are affected by the
variability of the cash flows of the underlying hedged item. In either a fair
value hedge or a cash flow hedge, net earnings may be impacted to the extent the
changes in the value of the derivative instruments do not perfectly offset
changes in the value of the hedged items. If the derivative is not designated as
a hedging instrument, the changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded
in earnings. The Company does not currently have any foreign currency hedges.
12
Certain contracts contain embedded derivatives. When the embedded
derivative possesses economic characteristics that are not clearly and closely
related to the economic characteristics of the host contract, it should be
bifurcated and carried at fair value and designated as a trading or non-hedging
derivative instrument.
The effect of implementing these Statements on the Company's financial
condition was a decrease in deposits; an increase in other liabilities and an
increase in accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax of $45,000) by
$2,607,000, $2,472,000 and $135,000, respectively. There was no effect on
results of operations from the implementation of these Statements.
In the case of interest-rate exchange agreements that qualify for
hedging accounting treatment, net interest income (expense) resulting from the
differential between exchanging floating and fixed-rate interest payment is
recorded on a current basis as an adjustment to interest income or expense on
the corresponding hedged assets and liabilities.
The Company utilizes various derivative instruments for hedging
purposes and other than hedging purposes such as asset/liability management.
These transactions involve both credit and market risk. The notional amounts are
amounts in which calculations and payments are based. Notional amounts do not
represent direct credit exposures. Direct credit exposure is limited to the net
difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any. The
actual risk of loss is the cost of replacing, at market, these contracts in the
event of default by the counterparties. The Company controls the credit risk of
its derivative financial instruments agreements through credit approvals, limits
and monitoring procedures.
The Company enters into interest-rate swap contracts in managing its
interest rate exposure. Interest-rate swap contracts generally involve the
exchange of fixed and floating-rate interest-payment obligations without the
exchange of the underlying principal amounts. Entering into interest-rate swap
contracts involves not only the risk of dealing with counterparties and their
ability to meet the terms of the contracts, but also the interest rate risk
associated with unmatched positions. Interest rate swaps are the most common
type of derivative contract that the Company utilizes. Situations in which the
Company utilizes interest rate swaps are: a) to convert its fixed-rate
certificates of deposit (liabilities) to a variable rate, and b) to convert its
variable rate - term notes and FHLB advances (liabilities) to a fixed rate. By
entering into the swap, the principal amount of the hedged item would remain
unchanged but the interest payment streams would change.
Interest-rate swap contracts used to convert its fixed-rate
certificates of deposit (liabilities) to a variable rate, mature between ten to
twenty years with a right by the counterparty to call after the first
anniversary. The Company has an identical right to call the certificates of
deposit.
In addition, the Company offers its customers certificates of deposit
which contain an embedded derivative tied to the performance of Standard &
Poor's 500 Composite Stock Index that must be bifurcated from the host deposit
and recognized in the statement of financial condition in accordance with SFAS
133. At the end of five years, the depositor will receive a specified percent of
the average increase of the month-end value of the stock index. If such index
decreases, the depositor receives the principal without any interest. The
Company uses interest rate swap and option agreements with major broker dealer
companies to manage its exposure to the stock market. Under the terms of the
swap agreements, the Company will receive the average increase in the month-end
value of the index in exchange for a quarterly fixed interest cost. Under the
option agreements, the Company also will receive the average increase in the
month-end value of the index but in exchange for the payment of a premium when
the contract is initiated. Since the embedded derivative instrument of the
certificates of deposit and the interest rate swap and option agreements do not
qualify for hedge accounting, these derivative instruments are marked to market
through earnings.
Interest rate options, which include caps, are contracts that transfer,
modify, or reduce interest rate risk in exchange for the payment of a premium
when the contract is initiated. The Company pays a premium for the right, but
not the obligation, to buy or sell a financial instrument at predetermined terms
in the future. The credit risk inherent in options is the risk that the exchange
party may default.
Derivatives instruments are generally negotiated over-the-counter
("OTC") contracts. Negotiated OTC derivatives are generally entered into between
two counterparties that negotiate specific agreement terms, including the
underlying instrument, amount, exercise price and maturity.
See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for a detail of
derivative transactions.
13
OTHER OFF-BALANCE SHEET INSTRUMENTS. In the ordinary course of
business, the Bank enters into off-balance sheet instruments consisting of
commitments to extend credit, commitments under credit-card arrangements, and
standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the
financial statements when they are funded or related fees are incurred or
received. The Bank periodically evaluates the credit risks inherent in these
commitments and letters of credit, and establishes loss allowances for such
risks if and when these are deemed necessary.
YIELDS EARNED AND RATES PAID
The net income of the Bank depends primarily upon the difference or
spread between the interest income received on its interest-earning assets and
the interest paid on its interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income
increased $26.6 million or 27.04% for the year ended December 31, 2001, reaching
$125.1 million, compared to $98.5 million reported in 2000 and $102.2 million in
1999. The increase in 2001 was the result of increases in most of the components
of interest income, but principally from interest income from loans, investment
securities and mortgage and other asset-backed securities, which was partially
offset by increases in interest expense, principally on deposits and reverse
repurchase agreements. The decrease in 2000 was primarily the result of
increases in interest expense on deposit, reverse repurchase agreements and FHLB
advances associated with rising interest rates for most of year 1999. These
expenses offset the increases in interest in interest income from loans,
investment securities, and money market instruments.
The following table reflects the interest income and interest expense,
the average balance, the average yield and the average rate paid for each major
category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the
periods indicated:
INTEREST AVERAGE BALANCE AVERAGE RATE
------------------------------ ------------------------------------ ------------------------
2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------ ------ ------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1) .................... $207,385 $183,497 $151,398 $2,534,486 $2,023,169 $1,686,477 8.18% 9.07% 8.98%
Mortgage and other asset-
backed securities (2) ...... 28,273 12,387 9,490 411,922 142,911 122,496 6.86 8.67 7.75
Investment securities (3) .... 98,946 84,532 65,926 1,606,744 1,253,011 1,009,945 6.16 6.75 6.53
Money market instruments ..... 8,731 10,171 6,173 203,081 160,224 119,851 4.30 6.35 5.15
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------ ------ ------
Total interest-earning
assets ....................... 343,335 290,587 232,987 4,756,233 3,579,315 2,938,769 7.22 8.12 7.93
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------ ------ ------
Interest-bearing
liabilities:
Deposits ..................... 129,676 127,640 90,554 2,847,236 2,388,929 2,009,098 4.55 5.34 4.51
Reverse repurchase
agreements ................. 79,882 53,968 33,511 1,484,639 847,028 672,657 5.38 6.37 4.98
Advances from FHLB ........... 6,597 6,920 2,809 120,000 106,715 51,476 5.50 6.48 5.46
Term notes ................... 2,114 3,609 3,932 47,798 74,863 83,785 4.42 4.82 4.69
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------ ------ ------
Total interest-bearing
liabilities .................. 218,269 192,137 130,806 4,499,673 3,417,535 2,817,016 4.85 5.62 4.64
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ------ ------ ------
Net interest income ............ $125,066 $ 98,450 $102,181 2.37% 2.50% 3.29%
======== ======== ======== ====== ====== ======
Net interest-earning assets .... $256,560 $161,780 $121,753
========== ========== ==========
Net yield on interest-earning
assets (4) ................... 2.63% 2.75% 3.48%
====== ====== ======
Interest-earning assets to
interest-bearing liabilities
ratio ........................ 105.70% 104.73% 104.32%
========== ========== ==========
- ----------
(1) Includes loans held for sale. Average loans exclude non-performing loans.
Loans fees amounted to $4.6 million; $3.5 million; and $4.9 million in
2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
(2) Includes mortgage-backed securities available for sale and for trading
purposes.
(3) Includes trading account securities and investments available for sale.
(4) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
14
The following table sets forth information regarding changes in
interest income and interest expense for the Bank for the periods indicated. For
each category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability,
information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume
(changes in volume times old rate) and (2) changes in rates (changes in rate
times old volume). The changes that are not due solely to volume or rate are
allocated based on the proportion of the change in each category.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 VS. 2000 2000 VS. 1999
---------------------------------- ----------------------------------
VOLUME RATE TOTAL VOLUME RATE TOTAL
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Interest income:
Loans (1) ......................... $ 38,974 $(15,086) $ 23,888 $ 30,522 $ 1,577 $ 32,099
Mortgage and other assets-backed
securities (2) ................. 17,861 (1,975) 15,886 1,691 1,206 2,897
Investment securities (3) ......... 20,854 (6,440) 14,414 16,333 2,273 18,606
Money market instruments .......... 2,323 (3,763) (1,440) 3,640 358 3,998
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total increase (decrease) in interest
income ............................ 80,012 (27,264) 52,748 52,186 5,414 57,600
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Interest expense:
Deposits .......................... 8,824 (6,788) 2,036 18,722 18,364 37,086
Reverse repurchase agreements ..... 32,662 (6,748) 25,914 9,854 10,603 20,457
Advances from FHLB ................ 1,450 (1,773) (323) 3,497 614 4,111
Term notes ........................ (1,165) (330) (1,495) (427) 104 (323)
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total increase (decrease) in interest
expense ........................ 41,771 (15,639) 26,132 31,646 29,685 61,331
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Increase (decrease) in net interest
income ......................... $ 38,241 $(11,625) $ 26,616 $ 20,540 $(24,271) $ (3,731)
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
- --------
(1) Includes loans held for sale.
(2) Includes mortgage-backed securities available for sale and trading
securities.
(3) Includes investments available for sale.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain
ratios reflecting the productivity and profitability of the Company:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, (1)
-----------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
----- ----- -----
Return on total assets (2) ......................... 1.22% 1.17% 1.27%
Return on common stockholders' equity (3) .......... 27.49 24.75 24.57
Dividend payout ratio to common stockholders (4) ... 19.99 21.42 20.48(5)
Equity-to-asset ratio (6) .......................... 6.29 6.21 6.46
- -------
(1) Averages computed by using beginning and end of year balances.
(2) Net income divided by average total assets.
(3) Net income attributable to common stockholders divided by average
common stockholders' equity.
(4) Common stockholders' dividend declared divided by net income
attributable to common stockholders.
(5) The amount of $2,525,000 dividends corresponding to the second semester
of 1998, which were declared for stockholders of record on January 15,
1999, and paid on January 25, 1999, was excluded from the 1999 ratio
(included in the 1998 ratio).
(6) Average net worth divided by average total assets.
MARKET AREA AND COMPETITION
The Company operates through 35 full service branch offices throughout
Puerto Rico, primarily in the Southwestern portion of the island. In recent
years, the Company has expanded into the San Juan metropolitan area, where it
now has four branches. In addition, the Company has four branches in
northeastern Puerto Rico. As of December 31, 2001, the Company was the third
largest locally controlled banking company headquartered in Puerto Rico, based
on total assets.
The Company competes mainly with other commercial banks in attracting
and retaining deposits and in making real estate and commercial loans. At year
end 2001, there were approximately 13 other banks, including affiliates of banks
headquartered in the United States, Canada and Spain, operating branches in
Puerto Rico.
15
COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT
Under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"), as implemented by federal
regulations, a financial institution has a continuing and affirmative
obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the
credit needs of its entire community, including low and moderate income
neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or
programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution's
discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are
best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA
requires federal examiners, in connection with the examination of a financial
institution, to assess the institution's record of meeting the credit needs of
its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain
applications by such institution. The CRA also requires all institutions to make
public disclosure of their CRA ratings. The Company has a Compliance Committee,
which oversees the planning of products, and services offered to the community,
especially those aimed to serve low and moderate income communities. The CRA
rated the Company as having a "satisfactory record of meeting community credit
needs."
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2001, the Company had 817 full-time employees,
including its executive officers; and 6 part time employees.
REGULATION
FEDERAL REGULATION. The Company is a financial holding company subject
to the regulation, supervision, and examination of the Federal Reserve Board
under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company is required
to file periodic reports and other information with the Federal Reserve Board,
and the Federal Reserve Board may conduct examinations of the Company.
The Company is subject to capital adequacy guidelines of the Federal
Reserve Board. The guidelines apply on a consolidated basis and require bank
holding companies to maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets
of 4.0% to 5.0%. There is a minimum ratio of 3.0% established for the most
highly rated bank holding companies. The Federal Reserve Board's capital
adequacy guidelines also require bank holding companies to maintain a minimum
ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and a minimum
ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.0%. As of December 31,
2001, the Company's ratio of Tier 1 capital to total average assets was 7.17%,
its ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.64%, and its ratio of
qualifying total capital to risk-weighted assets was 12.65%.
The Company's ability to pay dividends to its stockholders and expand
its line of business through the acquisition of new banking or nonbanking
subsidiaries can be restricted if its capital falls below levels established by
the Federal Reserve Board's guidelines. In addition, any bank holding company
whose capital falls below levels specified in the guidelines can be required to
implement a plan to increase capital.
The Federal Reserve Board is empowered to initiate cease and desist
proceedings and other supervisory actions for violations of the Bank Holding
Company Act, or the Federal Reserve Board's regulations, orders or notices
issued thereunder. Under applicable regulations, banks and bank holding
companies which do not meet minimum capital adequacy guidelines are considered
to be undercapitalized and are required to submit an acceptable plan for
achieving capital adequacy.
Federal Reserve Board approval is required if the Company seeks to
acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of a bank
if, after such acquisition, the Company would own or control directly or
indirectly more than 5% of the voting stock of the bank. Federal Reserve Board
approval also must be obtained if a financial holding company acquires all or
substantially all of the assets of a bank or merges or consolidates with another
bank holding company.
Under the Change in Bank Control Act, persons who intend to acquire
control of a financial holding company, either directly or indirectly or through
or in concert with one or more persons, must give 60 days' prior written notice
to the Federal Reserve Board. "Control" would exist when an acquiring party
directly or indirectly has voting control of at least 25% of the Company's
voting securities or the power to direct the management or policies of the
Company. Under Federal Reserve Board regulations, a rebuttable presumption of
control would arise with respect to an acquisition where, after the transaction,
the acquiring party has ownership, control or the power to vote at least 10%
(but less than 25%) of the Company's common stock.
Under Puerto Rico law, no person or company may acquire direct or
indirect control of a holding company without first obtaining the prior approval
of the Puerto Rico Commissioner of Financial Institutions (the "Puerto Rico
Commissioner"). Control is defined to mean the power to, directly or indirectly,
direct or decisively influence the management or the operations of the holding
company.
16
Control is presumed to exist if a person or entity, or group acting in concert,
would become the owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 5% of the voting
stock of the holding company as a result of the transfer of voting stock, and
such person, entity or group did not own more than 5% of the voting stock prior
to the transfer.
The Company is required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written
notice of any purchase or redemption of its outstanding equity securities if the
gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net
consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12
months, will be equal to 10% or more of the Company's consolidated net worth.
The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove any purchase or redemption if it
determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or
would violate any law, regulation, order or directive of the Federal Reserve
Board, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal
Reserve Board. Such notice and approval is not required for a bank holding
company that would be treated as "well capitalized" under applicable regulations
of the Federal Reserve Board, that has received a composite "1" or "2" rating at
its most recent bank holding company inspection by the Federal Reserve Board,
and that is not the subject of any unresolved supervisory issues.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any redemption of the Company's preferred stocks
will require the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
On October 26, 2001, the President signed into law comprehensive
anti-terrorism legislation known as the USA Patriot Act. Title III of the USA
Patriot Act requires financial institutions to help prevent, detect and
prosecute international money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The
Company's bank has adapted its systems and procedures to accomplish this. The
Secretary of the Treasury has proposed additional regulations to further
implement Title III. Although the Company cannot predict when and in what form
these regulations will be adopted, the Company believes that the cost of
compliance with Title III of the USA Patriot Act is not likely to be material to
the Company.
PUERTO RICO BANKING LAW. Westernbank is a bank chartered under the
Puerto Rico Banking Law and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable
limits by the FDIC under SAIF and BIF. Westernbank is subject to extensive
regulation by the Puerto Rico Commissioner as its chartering agency, and by the
FDIC as the deposit insurer. Westernbank must file reports with the Puerto Rico
Commissioner and the FDIC concerning its activities and financial condition, and
it must obtain regulatory approval prior to entering into certain transactions,
such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other depository institutions and
opening or acquiring branch offices. The Puerto Rico Commissioner and the FDIC
conduct periodic examinations to assess Westernbank's compliance with various
regulatory requirements. This regulation and supervision is intended primarily
for the protection of the deposit insurance funds and depositors. The regulatory
authorities have extensive discretion in connection with the exercise of their
supervisory and enforcement activities, including the setting of policies with
respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of adequate loan
loss reserves for regulatory purposes.
Westernbank derives its lending, investment and other powers primarily
from the applicable provisions of the Puerto Rico Banking Law and the
regulations adopted thereunder. That law governs the responsibilities of
directors, officers and stockholders, and the corporate powers, savings,
lending, capital and investment requirements and other activities of
Westernbank. The Puerto Rico Commissioner has extensive rulemaking power and
administrative discretion under the Puerto Rico Banking Law, and generally
examines Westernbank on an annual basis.
The Puerto Rico Banking Law requires that at least 10% of the yearly
net income of Westernbank be credited annually to a reserve fund. This must be
done every year until the reserve fund is equal to the total paid-in capital for
common stock and preferred stock. At December 31, 2001, Westernbank had an
adequate reserve fund established. The Puerto Rico Banking Law also provides
that when the expenditures of a bank are greater than the receipts, the excess
is charged against the undistributed profits of the bank, and the balance, if
any, is charged against and reduces the reserve fund. If there is no reserve
fund sufficient to cover the entire amount, the excess amount is charged against
the capital account and no dividend can be declared until the capital has been
restored to its original amount and the reserve fund to 20% of the original
capital.
Under the Puerto Rico Banking Law, Westernbank must maintain a legal
reserve in an amount equal to at least 20% of Westernbank's demand liabilities,
except certain government deposits. At December 31, 2001, Westernbank had a
legal reserve of 186.68%.
The Puerto Rico Regulatory Financial Board (the "Financial Board")
which is part of the Office of the Commissioner, has the authority to regulate
the maximum interest rates and finance charges that may be charged on loans to
individuals and unincorporated businesses in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In
February 1992 and again in November 1997, the Financial Board approved
regulations which provide that the applicable interest rate on loans to
individuals and unincorporated businesses is to be determined by free
competition. The Financial Board also has authority to regulate the maximum
finance charges on retail installment sales contracts, including credit card
purchases, which are currently set at 21%. There is no maximum rate set for
installment sales contracts involving motor vehicles, commercial, agricultural
and industrial equipment, commercial electric appliances, and insurance
premiums.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. Westernbank is subject to minimum capital
requirements imposed by the FDIC that are substantially similar to the capital
requirements imposed on the Company. The FDIC regulations require that
Westernbank maintain a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to
risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to
risk-weighted assets of 4.0%. In addition, under the minimum leverage-based
capital requirement adopted by the FDIC, Westernbank must maintain a ratio of
17
Tier 1 capital to average total assets (leverage ratio) of at least 3% to 5%,
depending on Westernbank's CAMELS rating. As of December 31, 2001, Westernbank's
ratio of total capital to risk--weighted assets was 12.15%, its ratio of Tier 1
capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.13%, and its ratio of Tier 1 capital to
average total assets was 6.86%. Capital requirements higher than the generally
applicable minimum requirements may be established for a particular bank if the
FDIC determines that a bank's capital is, or may become, inadequate in view of
its particular circumstances. Failure to meet capital guidelines could subject a
bank to a variety of enforcement actions, including actions under the FDIC's
prompt corrective action regulations.
ACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS ON STATE-CHARTERED BANKS. State banks are limited
in their investments and activities engaged in as principal to those permissible
under applicable state law and that are permissible for national banks and their
subsidiaries, unless such investments and activities are specifically permitted
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or the FDIC determines that such activity
or investment would pose no significant risk to the SAIF and BIF. The FDIC has
by regulation determined that certain real estate investment activities do not
present a significant risk to the SAIF and BIF, provided they are conducted in
accordance with the regulations. Provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act,
passed in 1999, permit national banks to establish financial subsidiaries that
may engage in the activities permissible for financial holding companies, other
than insurance underwriting, merchant banking and real estate development and
investment activities. In order to exercise this authority, a bank and its
depository institution affiliates must be well- capitalized, well-managed and
have CRA ratings of at least "satisfactory." For a state bank, such activities
also must be permissible under relevant state law.
ENFORCEMENT. The FDIC, as well as the Puerto Rico Commissioner, has
extensive enforcement authority over insured banks, including Westernbank. This
enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil
money penalties, to issue cease and desist orders and to remove directors and
officers. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated in response to
violations of laws and regulations and to unsafe or unsound practices.
DEPOSIT INSURANCE. Westernbank is subject to quarterly payments on
semiannual insurance premium assessments for its FDIC deposit insurance.
However, the FDIC has recently announced that it may have to impose premiums
commencing in 2002. Westernbank is subject to separate assessments to repay
bonds ("FICO bonds") issued in the late 1980's to recapitalize the former
Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation. The assessment for the payments
on the FICO bonds for the quarter beginning on January 1, 2002 is 1.82 basis
points for BIF- assessable and SAIF-assessable deposits. Most of Westernbank's
deposits are presently insured by SAIF.
FDIC insurance on deposits may be terminated by the FDIC, after notice
and hearing, upon a finding by the FDIC that the insured bank has engaged or is
engaging in unsafe or unsound practices, or is in an unsafe or unsound condition
to continue operations as an insured bank, or has violated any applicable law,
regulation, rule or order of or condition imposed by or written agreement
entered into with the FDIC.
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES OF WESTERNBANK. Transactions between
Westernbank and any of its affiliates, including the Company, are governed by
sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. An affiliate of a bank is any
company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with the bank. Generally, sections 23A and 23B (1) limit the extent to which a
bank or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with any one
affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the bank's capital stock and surplus, and
limit such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such
capital stock and surplus, and (2) require that all such transactions be on
terms that are consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The term
"covered transactions" includes the making of loans, purchase of or investment
in securities issued by the affiliate, purchase of assets, issuance of
guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Most loans by a bank to any
of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100 to
130 percent of the loan amount, depending on the nature of the collateral. In
addition, any covered transaction by a bank with an affiliate and any sale of
assets or provision of services to an affiliate must be on terms that are
substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the bank as those
prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.
In addition, Sections 22 (h) and (g) of the Federal Reserve Act places
restrictions on loans to executive officers, directors, and principal
stockholders. Under Section 22 (h), loans to a director, an executive officer
and to a greater than 10% stockholder of a financial institution, and certain
affiliated interests of either, may not exceed, together with all other
outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests, the financial
institution's loans to one borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the
18
institution's unimpaired capital and surplus). Section 22 (h) also requires that
loans to directors, executive officers and principal stockholders be made on
terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other
persons unless the loans are made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program
that (i) is widely available to employees of the institution and (ii) does not
give preference to any director, executive officer or principal stockholder, or
certain affiliated interests of either, over other employees of the financial
institution. Section 22 (h) also requires prior board approval for certain
loans, and the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a financial
institution to all insiders cannot exceed the institution's unimpaired capital
and surplus. Furthermore, Section 22 (h) places additional restrictions on loans
to executive officers.
SAFETY AND SOUNDNESS STANDARDS. Westernbank is subject to certain FDIC
standards designed to maintain the safety and soundness of individual banks and
the banking system. The FDIC has prescribed safety and soundness guidelines
relating to (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit
systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate
exposure; (v) asset growth and quality; (vi) earnings; and (vii) compensation
and benefit standards for officers, directors, employees and principal
stockholders. A state nonmember bank not meeting one or more of the safety and
soundness guidelines may be required to file a compliance plan with the FDIC.
PROMPT CORRECTIVE ACTION. Under the FDIC's prompt corrective action
regulations, insured institutions will be considered (i) "well capitalized" if
the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1
risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5% or greater
(provided that the institution is not subject to an order, written agreement,
capital directive or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a
specified capital level for any capital measure), (ii) "adequately capitalized"
if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier
1 risk based capital ratio of 4% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4% or
greater (3% or greater if the institution is rated composite CAMELS 1 in its
most recent report of examination and is not experiencing or anticipating
significant growth), (iii) "undercapitalized" if the institution has a total
risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8%, or a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of
less than 4% and a leverage ratio that is less than 4% (3% if the institution is
rated composite CAMELS 1 in its most recent report of examination and is not
experiencing or anticipating significant growth), (iv) "significantly
undercapitalized" if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that
is less than 6%, Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 3% or a leverage
ratio that is less than 3%, and (v) "critically undercapitalized" if the
institution has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or
less than 2%. Under certain circumstances, the FDIC can reclassify a well
capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an adequately
capitalized institution or an undercapitalized institution to comply with
supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the
FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as
critically undercapitalized). At December 31, 2001, Westernbank qualified as a
"well capitalized" institution.
An institution that is categorized as undercapitalized, significantly
undercapitalized, or critically undercapitalized is required to submit an
acceptable capital restoration plan to its appropriate federal banking agency,
which would be the FDIC for Westernbank. An undercapitalized institution also is
generally prohibited from increasing its average total assets, making
acquisitions, establishing any branches, or engaging in any new line of
business, except in accordance with an accepted capital restoration plan or with
the approval of the FDIC. In addition, the FDIC may take any other action that
it determines will better carry out the purpose of prompt corrective action
initiatives.
DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS. Westernbank is not permitted to pay dividends
if, as the result of the payment, it would become undercapitalized, as defined
in the prompt corrective action regulations of the FDIC. In addition, if
Westernbank becomes "undercapitalized" under these regulations, payment of
dividends would be prohibited without the prior approval of the FDIC.
Westernbank also could be subject to these dividend restrictions if the FDIC
determines that Westernbank is in an unsafe or unsound condition or engaging in
an unsafe or unsound practice.
OTHER. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act imposes certain obligations on
financial institutions, including state-chartered banks like Westernbank, to
develop privacy policies, restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer data with
nonaffiliated parties at the customer's request, and establish procedures and
practices to protect and secure customer data.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK SYSTEM
Westernbank is a member of the FHLB System. The System consists of 12
regional Federal Home Loan Banks, with each subject to supervision and
regulation by the Federal Housing Finance Board. The Federal Home Loan Bank
provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions.
Westernbank, as a member of the FHLB of New York, is required to acquire and
hold shares of capital stock in that FHLB in an amount equal to; the greater of
1.0% of the aggregate principal amount of its unpaid residential mortgage loans,
home purchase contracts and similar obligations at the beginning of each year,
19
or 5% of its FHLB advances outstanding or one percent of thirty percent of total
assets. At December 31, 2001, the Bank had $38.5 million in FHLB's capital
stock.
Advances from the FHLB of New York are secured by a member's shares of
stock in the FHLB of New York, certain type of mortgages and other assets,
including investment securities. Interest rates charged for advances vary
depending upon maturity and the cost of funds to the FHLB of New York. As of
December 31, 2001, there were $120.0 million in outstanding advances and $649.0
million in securities sold under agreements to repurchase from the FHLB of New
York.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity refers to the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash
to meet the funding needs of current loan demand, savings deposit withdrawals,
principal and interest payments with respect to outstanding borrowings and to
pay operating expenses. The Company monitors its liquidity in accordance with
guidelines established by the Investment Committee and applicable regulatory
requirements. The Company's need for liquidity is affected by loan demand, net
changes in deposit levels and the scheduled maturities of its borrowings.
Liquidity demand caused by net reductions in deposits is usually caused by
factors over which the Company has limited control.
The Company derives its liquidity from both its assets and liabilities.
Liquidity from assets is provided by receipt of interest and principal payments
and prepayments, by the ability to sell assets at market prices and by utilizing
unpledged assets as collateral for borrowings. At December 31, 2001, the Company
had approximately $727.8 million in securities and other short-term securities
maturing or repricing within one year or available for sale. Additional
asset-driven liquidity is provided by the remainder of the investment securities
portfolio and securitizable loans.
Liquidity is derived from liabilities by maintaining a variety of
funding sources, including deposits, and other short and long-term borrowing,
such as securities sold under agreements to repurchase ("reverse repurchase
agreements"). Other borrowings funding source limits are determined annually by
each counterparty and depend on the Bank's financial condition and delivery of
acceptable collateral securities. The Bank may be required to provide additional
collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. In addition,
the Bank utilizes the National Certificate of Deposit ("CD") Market as a source
of cost effective deposit funding in addition to local market deposit inflows.
Depositors in this market consist of credit unions, banking institutions, CD
brokers and some private corporations or non-profit organizations. The Bank's
ability to acquire brokered deposits can be restricted if it becomes in the
future less than well-capitalized. An adequately-capitalized bank, by
regulation, may not accept deposits from brokers unless it applies for and
receives a waiver from the FDIC. The Company also uses the Federal Home Loan
Bank (FHLB) as a funding source, issuing notes payable, such as advances, and
other borrowings, such as reverse repurchase agreements, through its FHLB member
subsidiary, Westernbank. This funding source requires the Bank to maintain a
minimum amount of qualifying collateral with a fair value of at least 110% and
105% of the outstanding advances and reverse repurchase agreements,
respectively.
As of December 31, 2001, the Bank had line of credit agreements with
three commercial banks permitting the Bank to borrow a maximum aggregate amount
of $75.0 million (no borrowings were made during the year ended December 31,
2001 under such lines of credit). The agreements provide for unsecured advances
to be used by the Company on an overnight basis. Interest rate is negotiated at
the time of the transaction. The credit agreements are renewable annually.
The Company's liquidity targets are reviewed monthly by the Investment
Committee and are based on the Company's commitment to make loans and
investments and its ability to generate funds.
The Bank's investment portfolio at December 31, 2001 had an average
maturity of 73 months. However, no assurance can be given that such levels will
be maintained in future periods.
CAPITAL, DIVIDENDS, STOCK SPLIT AND OPTION PLANS
Total shareholders' equity as a measure of capital increased by
approximately $137.3 million in 2001 and $26.8 million in 2000.
In June 1998, Westernbank issued 1,219,000 shares of 7.125%
Non-cumulative, Convertible Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series A, with a
liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. Proceeds from the issuance of
preferred stock amounted to $29.1 million, net of $1.3 million of issuance
costs. Each share is convertible, at the holder's option, at any time on or
after the 90th date following the issue date, into .995 shares of the Company's
common stock, subject to adjustment upon certain events. The per share
conversion ratio equates to a price of $25.125 per share of common stock.
20
In April and June 1999, Westernbank issued 2,001,000 shares of 7.25%
Non-cumulative, Non-convertible Monthly Income Series B Preferred Stock, with a
liquidation preference of $25 per share. Proceeds from the issuance of preferred
stock amounted to $48.3 million, net of $1.8 million of issuance costs.
In March and April 2001, the Company issued 2,208,000 shares of its
7.60% Non-cumulative, Non-convertible Monthly Income Preferred Stock, Series C,
with a liquidation preference of $25 per share. Proceeds from issuance of
preferred stock amounted to $53.1 million, net of $2.1 million of issuance cost.
In August 2001, the Company issued 1,791,999 shares of its 7.40%
Non-cumulative, Non-convertible Monthly Income Preferred Stock Series D, with a
liquidation preference of $25 per share. Proceeds from issuance of preferred
stock amounted to $43.2 million, net of $1.6 million of issuance cost.
The Company may redeem, in whole or in part, at any time at the
following redemption prices, if redeemed during the twelve month period
beginning July 1 for 1998 Series A, May 28 for 1999 Series B, March 30 for the
2001 Series C and August 1 for the 2001 Series D of the years indicated below,
plus accrued and unpaid dividends, if any, for the current period to the date of
redemption:
REDEMPTION PRICE PER SHARE
--------------------------------------------------------
YEAR SERIES A SERIES B SERIES C SERIES D
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 $26.00 -- -- --
2003 25.75 -- -- --
2004 25.50 $26.00 -- --
2005 25.25 25.50 -- --
2006 25.00 25.00 $25.50 $25.50
2007 25.00 25.00 25.25 25.25
2008 and thereafter 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00
Series A, B, C and D Preferred Stocks rank senior to the Company's
common stock as to dividends and liquidation rights. Dividends declared on
preferred stock for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 amounted to $10.3
million and $5.8 million, respectively.
During 2001, 2000 and 1999 the Company acquired and retired shares of
common stock as follows: $28,000 (1,700 shares) in 2001; $4.8 million (498,300
shares) in 2000; and $1.2 million (80,309 shares) in 1999.
Total common stock dividends declared in 2001 amounted to $10.4 million
compared to $8.3 million in 2000.
On January 18, 2002, the Board of Directors approved an increase of its
annual dividend payments to shareholders in 2002 to $0.32 per share. This
represents an increase of 28% over the dividends paid the previous year of $0.25
per share.
On March 7, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the policy
of paying dividends on a monthly basis. Initial dividend payment under this
policy, were applied retroactively for dividends corresponding to the first
three-month period ending March 31, 2000. Thereafter, dividends on common stock
and preferred stock are being paid on the 15th day of each month for
stockholders of record as of the last day of the previous month.
In June 1999, the Board of Directors approved the 1999 Qualified Stock
Option Plan (the "1999 Qualified Option Plan") and the 1999 Nonqualified Stock
Option Plan (the "1999 Nonqualified Option Plan"), for the benefit of employees
of the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans offer to key officers,
directors and employees an opportunity to purchase shares of the Company's
common stock. Under the 1999 Qualified Option Plan, options for up to 4,200,000
shares of common stock can be granted. Also, options for up to 4,200,000 shares
of common stock, reduced by any share issued under the 1999 Qualified Option
Plan, can be granted under the 1999 Nonqualified Option Plan. The option price
for both plans is determined at the grant date. Both plans will remain in effect
for a term of 10 years. The Board of Directors has sole authority and absolute
discretion as to the number of stock options to be granted, their vesting
rights, and the options' exercise price. The Plans provide for a proportionate
adjustment in the exercise price and the number of shares that can be purchased
in the event of a stock split, reclassification of stock and a merger or a
reorganization. At December 31, 2001, and 2000, the Company had outstanding
2,370,000 and 2,295,000 options, respectively, under the 1999 Qualified
21
Stock Option Plan. These options were granted to various executives' officers
and employees, which will become fully exercisable after five years following
the grant date. During 2001 and 2000, the Company granted 75,000 and 2,295,000
options, respectively, to various executive officers and employees. None of
these options were exercised or forfeited in 2001 and 2000.
On February 28, 1998 and on February 3, 1997, the Bank declared a
two-for-one stock split and a fifteen percentage stock dividend of its common
shares.
COMMONWEALTH TAXATION
GENERAL. Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, all companies are
treated as separate taxable entities and are not entitled to file consolidated
tax returns. The Company, Westernbank and Westernbank Insurance, Corp. (the
"Companies") report their income and expenses based on the accrual basis of
accounting and file their Puerto Rico tax returns on a calendar year basis.
INCOME TAXES. The Companies are subject to Puerto Rico regular income
tax on income earned from all sources up to a maximum rate of 39%.
The Puerto Rico income tax act disallows any interest deduction which
is allocable to income earned from tax exempt obligations acquired after
December 31, 1987. For purposes of the above determination, each company is
required to allocate interest expense to exempt interest income based on the
ratio that the average exempt obligations bear to the total average assets of
each company.
The Companies are also subject to an alternative minimum tax ("AMT")
equal to 22% of the alternative minimum taxable income. The alternative minimum
taxable income is equal to each company's taxable income adjusted for certain
items. The principal adjustments for determining each company's alternative
minimum taxable income are the following: (i) no deduction may be claimed with
respect to the company's interest expense allocable to interest income derived
from tax exempt obligations acquired before January 1, 1988, other than
mortgages guaranteed by the government of Puerto Rico, its agencies,
instrumentalities and political subdivisions, issued before September 1, 1987;
and (ii) the alternative minimum taxable income is increased by 50% of the
amount by which the corporation's book income (adjusted for certain items)
exceeds its alternative minimum taxable income without regard to this
adjustment.
The AMT is payable if it exceeds regular income tax. The excess of AMT
over regular income tax paid in any one year may be used to offset regular
income tax in future years, subject to certain limitations. The Companies income
taxes were based on regular income tax rates.
The Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code provides a dividend received
deduction of 100% on dividends received from wholly owned subsidiaries subject
to income taxation in Puerto Rico, like Westernbank and Westernbank Insurance
Corp.
For the year ended December 31, 2001, the Company had approximately
$26.4 million of regular taxable income, on which it was required to pay current
income tax of $11.7 million. The income on certain investments is exempt for
income tax purposes. Also, activities relating to the Westernbank International
division are exempt for income tax purposes. As a result of the above, the
Company's effective tax rate is substantially below the statutory rate.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company owns the condominium offices space housing its main offices
at 19 West McKinley Street, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
The Company's investment in premises and equipment, exclusive of
leasehold improvements, at December 31, 2001, was $33.4 million. The combined
net book value of the Company's main offices as of December 31, 2001 was $1.5
million.
22
The Company's properties, owned (excluding its main offices) or leased,
at book value as of December 31, 2001 follow:
BOOK VALUE OF:
------------------------
LEASEHOLD PROPERTY LEASE
LOCATION IMPROVEMENTS OWNED EXPIRATION DATE(*)
- ---------------------------------------- ------------ -------- ------------------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Mayaguez Mall ........................ $ 236 $ -- March 20, 2006
Mayaguez Main ........................ 465 N/A
Mayaguez Plaza ....................... 497 N/A
Other location ....................... 180 N/A
Aguadilla-- Aguadilla Mall ............. 162 January 30, 2005
Aguada-- Aguada II ..................... 1,203 July 31, 2002
Camuy .................................. 117 May 3, 2002
Cabo Rojo-- La Hacienda ................ 1,498 N/A
Sabana Grande .......................... 215 N/A
Carolina
Campo Rico ........................... 461 April 31, 2004
Plaza Carolina ....................... 218 January 30, 2009
San German -- La Quinta Shopping
Center ............................... 374 N/A
Bayamon ................................ 483 N/A
Caguas ................................. 576 August 31, 2002
Guaynabo ............................... 4,333 March 31, 2039
Yauco .................................. 679
Land lots for future developments ...... 12,683 N/A
Other properties-- (individually ....... Various dates throughout
less than $100,000) .................. 345 134 November 12, 2006
-------- ---------
Total ................................ $ 8,330 $ 16,529
======== =========
(*) Excludes renewal options.
At December 31, 2001, the Company's future rental commitments under
non-cancelable operating leases aggregated $24.6 million, not considering
renewal options.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary
routine legal proceedings incidental to the business of the Company to which the
Company or any of its subsidiaries is the subject or of which any of their
property is the subject.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
23
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) since December 5, 2001 under the symbol "WHI" (before that date it was
traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
(Nasdaq) under the symbol "WBPR"). The following table sets forth the closing
sale prices for the Common Stock for the periods indicated.
HIGH LOW
--------- ---------
2001
1st quarter ... $ 11.88 $ 11.00
2nd quarter ... 13.00 12.00
3rd quarter ... 14.49 13.50
4th quarter ... 16.40 15.96
2000
1st quarter ... $ 10.75 $ 9.13
2nd quarter ... 9.25 7.88
3rd quarter ... 10.19 9.25
4th quarter ... 12.06 11.56
The closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2001 was $16.20.
The approximate number of holders of record of the Company's Common Stock at
December 31, 2001 was 642.
The Company's cash dividends corresponding to 2001 and 2000 were as
follows:
RECORD DATE PAYABLE DATE AMOUNT PER SHARE
- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------
YEAR 2001
January 31, 2001 February 15, 2001 $ 0.0208
February 28, 2001 March 15, 2001 0.0208
March 31, 2001 April 15, 2001 0.0209
April 30, 2001 May 15, 2001 0.0208
May 31, 2001 June 15, 2001 0.0208
June 30, 2001 July 15, 2001 0.0209
July 31, 2001 August 15, 2001 0.0208
August 31, 2001 September 15, 2001 0.0208
September 30, 2001 October 15, 2001 0.0209
October 31, 2001 November 15, 2001 0.0208
November 30, 2001 December 15, 2001 0.0208
December 31, 2001 January 15, 2002 0.0209
---------
Total $ 0.2500
=========
YEAR 2000
March 31, 2000 April 17, 2000 $ 0.0500
April 30, 2000 May 15, 2000 0.0167
May 31, 2000 June 15, 2000 0.0167
June 30, 2000 July 15, 2000 0.0167
July 31, 2000 August 14, 2000 0.0167
August 31, 2000 September 15, 2000 0.0167
September 30, 2000 October 15, 2000 0.0167
October 31, 2000 November 15, 2000 0.0166
November 30, 2000 December 15, 2000 0.0166
December 31, 2000 January 15, 2001 0.0166
---------
Total $ 0.2000
=========
24
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
Year Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance Sheet Data:
Total Assets: $5,888,194 $4,260,857 $3,374,571 $2,481,176 $1,555,799
Securities purchased under agreements to resell 136,096 125,809 120,655 91,211 42,878
Interest-bearing deposits in other banks and federal
funds sold 46,251 54,805 25,671 7,787 5,442
Investment securities held to maturity, securities
available for sale and trading securities 2,656,066 1,686,654 1,198,006 892,169 631,121
Loans-net and mortgage loans held for sale 2,843,657 2,208,300 1,871,742 1,361,297 784,795
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities: $5,500,285 $4,010,239 $3,150,752 $2,326,894 $1,453,564
Savings deposits 465,267 416,684 409,423 403,753 362,317
Other deposits (excluding accrued interest payable) 2,743,166 2,188,538 1,819,975 1,276,320 676,088
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase 2,059,646 1,179,073 729,968 506,325 281,750
Term notes 43,000 48,000 79,000 84,000 112,000
Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank 120,000 120,000 70,000 31,000
Total Stockholders' Equity 387,909 250,618 223,819 154,282 102,235
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations Data:
Interest income $ 343,335 $ 290,587 $ 232,987 $ 157,446 $ 113,528
Interest expense 218,269 192,137 130,806 84,308 57,198
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net interest income 125,066 98,450 102,181 73,138 56,330
Provision for loan losses (12,278) (8,700) (14,000) (6,000) (2,700)
Other income, net 18,181 13,868 12,239 10,154 9,979
Operating expenses (60,310) (53,216) (53,816) (41,705) (35,012)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes 70,659 50,402 46,604 35,587 28,597
Income taxes 8,504 5,814 9,480 6,892 5,693
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income $ 62,155 $ 44,588 $ 37,124 $ 28,695 $ 22,904
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 51,891 $ 38,789 $ 32,817 $ 27,604 $ 22,904
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share
(after effect of stock splits) $ 1.25 $ 0.93 $ 0.78 $ 0.66 $ 0.54
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Dividends per Common Share
(after effect of stock splits) $ 0.25 $ 0.20 $ 0.16 $ 0.12 $ 0.09
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
25
Years Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Other Selected Data:
Average yield earned on all interest-earning
assets 7.21% 8.12% 7.93% 8.28% 8.50%
Average rate paid on all interest-bearing
liabilities 4.85% 5.62% 4.64% 4.54% 4.41%
Average interest rate spread 2.37% 2.50% 3.29% 3.74% 4.09%
Branch offices 35 35 36 36 35
Ratios
The following table sets forth, for the indicated periods, certain
ratios reflecting the productivity and profitability of the Company:
Years Ended December 31, (1)
------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999 1998 1997
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Return on assets (2) 1.22% 1.17% 1.27% 1.42% 1.61%
Return on common stockholders' equity (3) 27.49% 24.75% 24.57% 24.42% 24.71%
Equity-to-assets ratio (4) 6.29% 6.21% 6.46% 6.35% 6.53%
Net yield on interest earning assets (5) 2.63% 2.75% 3.48% 3.84% 4.21%
(1) Averages computed by using beginning and end of year balances.
(2) Net income divided by average total assets.
(3) Net income attributable to common stockholders divided by average
common stockholders' equity.
(4) Average net worth divided by average total assets.
(5) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
26
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This financial discussion contains an analysis of the consolidated
financial position and financial performance of W Holding Company, Inc. and its
wholly owned subsidiaries, Westernbank Puerto Rico ("Westernbank") and
Westernbank Insurance, Corp. The Company was organized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in February 1999 to become the bank holding company
of Westernbank. Westernbank offers a full array of business and consumer
financial services, including banking, trust services, and brokerage services.
Westernbank Insurance Corp. is a general insurance agent placing property,
casualty, life and disability insurance.
The Company's principal source of earnings is its net interest income.
This is the difference between interest income on loans, investments,
mortgage-backed securities and other assets and its interest expense on deposits
and borrowings, including securities sold under repurchase agreements, term
notes and advances from Federal Home Loan Bank. Loan origination and commitments
fees, net of related costs, are deferred and amortized over the life of the
related loans as a yield adjustment. Gains or losses on the sale of loans and
investments and service charges, fees and other income, also affect income. In
addition, the Company's net income is affected by the level of its non-interest
expenses, such as compensation, employees' benefits, occupancy costs and other
operating expenses.
The main objective of the Company's asset-liability management program
is to invest funds judiciously and reduce interest rate risks while optimizing
net income and maintaining adequate liquidity levels. The Company uses several
tools to manage the risks associated with the composition and repricing of
assets and liabilities. Therefore, management has followed a conservative
practice inclined towards the preservation of capital with adequate returns. The
Company's Investment Committee, which includes the Board of Directors and senior
management, is responsible for the asset-liability management oversight. The
Investment Department is responsible for implementing the policies established
by the Investment Committee.
The Company's total assets increased by $1.63 billion from year-end
2000 to year-end 2001. This growth reflects a $635.4 million increase in net
loans and a $969.4 million increase in investment securities. Liabilities to
fund the growth increased by $1.49 billion.
The Company also has assets managed by its trust division. This
division offers a variety of IRA products and manages 401 (K) and Keogh
retirement plans, custodian and corporate accounts. At December 31, 2001, total
assets managed by Westernbank's trust amounted to $110.2 million, an increase of
$109.9 million or 521.05% when compared to $211,000 as of December 31, 2000.
Such increase was the result of effective aggressive marketing efforts
throughout the year.
Net income increased to $62.2 million in 2001, up 39.40% from $44.6
million in 2000, and net income available to common stockholders increased to
$51.9 million in 2001, up 33.78% from $38.8 million in 2000. The increase for
the year ended December 31, 2001 was the result of increases in all components
of interest income, but principally from interest income from loans, investment
securities and mortgage and other asset-backed securities, which was partially
offset by increases in interest expense, principally on deposits and reverse
repurchase agreements.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
The Company had total assets of $5.89 billion, $4.26 billion and $3.37
billion as of December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. As of December 31,
2001, total liabilities amounted to $5.50 billion, an increase of $1.49 billion
or 37.16% when compared to $4.01 billion as of December 31, 2000. In 2000, total
liabilities totaled $4.01 billion, an increase of $859.5 million or 27.28% from
December 31, 1999.
INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS
Interest-earning assets amounted to $5.74 billion at December 31, 2001,
an increase of $1.62 billion or 39.28% when compared to $4.12 billion as of
December 31, 2000, which represented an increase of $878.7 million or 27.07%
when compared to $3.25 billion as of December 31, 1999. The increase in
interest-earnings assets reflects the increases in loans and investment
securities.
During 2001 and 2000, the Bank continued its emphasis on the
origination of commercial real estate loans as well as origination and purchase
of residential mortgage loans. Residential mortgage and construction loans,
including mortgage loans held for sale, increased from $815.9 million as of
December 31, 1999, to $871.8 million as of December 31, 2000, and to $974.3
million as of December 31, 2001. Commercial real estate loans increased from
$677.9 million as of December 31, 1999, to $887.1 million as of December 31,
2000, and to $1.12 billion as of December 31, 2001. Total other loans, which
includes consumer loans (including credit cards), commercial loans (not
collateralized by real estate) increased from $409.0 million at December 31,
1999, to $483.4 million as of December 31, 2000, and to $795.6 million as of
December 31, 2001. This increase was mainly due to the continuous emphasis in
27
the credit granting activity and the acquisition of the entire loan portfolio of
the Puerto Rico branch of Congress Credit Corporation, a subsidiary of First
Union National Bank, N.A. for $163.8 million on June 15, 2001.
Trading, available for sale and held to maturity investment securities,
which principally include United States and Puerto Rico Government and agency
obligations and mortgage and other asset-backed securities increased from $1.20
billion as of December 31, 1999, to $1.69 billion as of December 31, 2000, and
to $2.66 billion as of December 31, 2001, an increase of $488.6 million or
40.79% in 2000, and $969.4 million or 57.48% in 2001.
Securities purchased under agreements to resell increased from $120.7
million as of December 31, 1999, to $125.8 million as of December 31, 2000, and
to $136.1 million as of December 31, 2001, an increase of $5.2 million or 4.27%
and $10.3 million or 8.18%, respectively.
INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES
Interest-bearing liabilities amounted to $5.31 billion at December 31,
2001, an increase of $1.48 billion or 38.51% when compared to $3.83 billion as
of December 31, 2000. In 2000, interest-bearing liabilities increased by $827.1
million or 27.53% when compared to $3.00 billion at December 31, 1999.
The increase in interest-bearing liabilities from year-end 2000 to
year-end 2001 reflects an increase of $599.8 million in deposits (excluding
noninterest-bearing accounts and accrued interest payable), $880.6 million in
securities sold under agreements to repurchase, net of a decrease of $5.0
million in term notes. The increase in 2000 was mainly related to a $358.9
million increase in deposits, $449.1 million increase in securities sold under
agreements to repurchase and $50.0 million increase in advances from FHLB, net
of a decrease of $31.0 million in term notes.
The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts and certificates of
deposit. Savings deposits increased from $409.4 million as of December 31, 1999,
to $416.7 million as of December 31, 2000, and to $465.3 million as of December
31, 2001, an increase of $7.3 million or 1.77% and $48.6 million or 11.66%,
respectively. In addition, other deposits, represented mainly by time deposits,
including brokered deposits and Individual Retirement Account Deposits (IRA's),
increased from $1.82 billion as of December 31, 1999, to $2.19 billion as of
December 31, 2000, and to $2.74 billion as of December 31, 2001, an increase of
$368.6 million or 20.25% in 2000, and $554.6 million or 25.34% in 2001. Other
deposits include brokered deposits amounting to $1.57 billion, $1.27 billion and
$894.8 million as of December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
As of December 31, 2001, total stockholders' equity amounted to $387.9
million, an increase of $137.3 million or 54.78% when compared to $250.6 million
as of December 31, 2000. In 2000, total stockholders' equity increased by $26.8
million or 11.97% when compared to $223.8 million at December 31, 1999. The
increase during 2001 was primarily due to a net income of $62.2 million, the
issuance of 2001 Series C and D preferred stock for $96.3 million (net of cost
of issuance of $3.7 million), offset by cash dividends declared on common and
preferred stock totaling $20.6 million. The increase during 2000 was primarily
due to a net income of $44.6 million, net of cash dividends declared on common
and preferred stocks totaling $14.1 million and of the repurchase of 498,300
shares of common stock for $4.8 million.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
NET INTEREST INCOME
Net interest income represents the main source of earnings of the
Company. As further discussed in "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About
Market Risk", the Company uses several tools to manage the risks associated with
the composition and repricing of assets and liabilities.
Net interest income increased $26.6 million or 27.04% for the year
ended December 31, 2001, reaching $125.1 million, compared to $98.5 million
reported in 2000 and $102.2 million in 1999. The increase in 2001 was the result
of increases in most of the components of interest income, but principally from
interest income from loans, investment securities and mortgage and other
asset-backed securities, which was partially offset by increases in interest
expense, principally on deposits and reverse repurchase agreements. The decrease
in 2000 was primarily the result of increases in interest expense on deposits,
28
reverse repurchase agreements and FHLB advances associated with rising interest
rates for most of year 1999. These expenses offset the increases in interest
income from loans, investment securities, and money market instruments.
Average interest-earning assets increased $1.18 billion or 32.88% from
2000 to 2001, and $640.5 million or 21.80% from 1999 to 2000. The rise in
average interest-earning assets in both periods is mainly related to increases
in average loans, which is the higher yielding category of interest-earning
assets, followed by a significant increase in investment securities and mortgage
and other asset-backed securities.
The increase in average interest-earning assets was partially offset by
an increase in average interest-bearing liabilities of $1.08 billion or 31.66%
and $600.5 million or 21.32% experienced in 2001 and 2000, respectively. The
increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was mainly related to
significant increases in average deposits and in securities sold under
agreements to repurchase.
Interest income on loans amounted to $207.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001, compared to $183.5 million in 2000 and $151.4 million in
1999. Commercial loans - collateralized by real estate as well as other
commercial loans accounted for the majority of the increase in average loans
during 2001. The increase was primarily from a combination of business growth
experienced as a result of the Company continuous emphasis in the credit
granting activity and the purchases of mortgage and commercial loans, which
includes the purchase of the entire loan portfolio of the Puerto Rico branch of
Congress Credit Corporation for $163.8 million. Mortgage loans accounted for the
majority of the increase in average loans in 2000, mainly attributed to the
purchase of mortgage loans portfolios. In addition, commercial real estate loans
contributed to the increase as a result of a business growth experienced during
2000. The average balance on loans increased $511.3 million or 25.27% in 2001,
and $336.7 million or 19.96% in 2000. The average yield on loans increased from
8.98% in 1999, to 9.07% in 2000 and decreased to 8.18% in 2001, as a result of
fluctuation on market interest rates during both years.
Interest income on investment securities amounted to $98.9 million for
the year ended December 31, 2001 compared to $84.5 million in 2000 and $65.9
million in 1999. A rise in average balances of $353.7 million in 2001 and $243.1
million in 2000 caused these increases in income from investment securities for
2001 and 2000. The average yield on investments securities increased from 6.53%
in 1999, to 6.75% in 2000 and decreased to 6.16% in 2001.
Interest income on mortgage and other asset-backed securities and
trading securities amounted to $28.3 million for the year ended December 31,
2001, compared to $12.4 million in 2000 and $9.5 million in 1999. A rise in
average balance of $269.0 million or 188.24% in 2001, and $29.0 million or
25.48% in 2000 mainly caused these increases in income on mortgage and other
asset-backed securities and trading securities for both years. The average yield
on mortgage and other asset-backed securities and trading securities increased
from 7.65% in 1999, to 8.67% in 2000 and decreased to 6.86% in 2001.
Interest income on money market instruments decreased to $8.7 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $10.2 million in 2000 and $6.2
million in 1999. The decrease in 2001 was mainly related to a decrease in the
average yield on money market instruments from 6.35% in 2000, to 4.30% in 2001.
The average yield during 1999 was 5.15%. The increase in 2000 was due to a
combination of an increase in the average balance and in the average yield. The
average balance on money market instruments increased by $40.4 million or 33.69%
in 2000 and $42.9 million or 26.75% in 2001.
Interest expense on deposits amounted to $129.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 2001, compared to $127.6 million in 2000 and $90.6 million in
1999. The increase in 2001 was mainly attributed to a rise in the average
balance on deposits. The increase in 2000 was due to a combination of an
increase in the average balance of deposits and in the average rate paid on
them. The average balance of deposits increased $458.3 million or 19.18% in
2001, and $379.8 million or 18.91% in 2000. The average rate paid on deposits
decreased from 5.34% in 2000, to 4.55% in 2001. The average rate paid during
1999 was 4.51%.
Interest expense on securities sold under agreements to repurchase
amounted to $80.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to
$54.0 million in 2000, and $33.5 million in 1999. The increase in 2001 was
mainly caused by an increase in the average balance of securities sold under
agreements to repurchase. The increase in 2000 was due to a combination of an
increase in the average balance of securities sold under agreements to
repurchase and in the average rate paid on them. The average balance of
securities sold under agreements to repurchase increased $637.6 million or
75.28% in 2001, and $174.4 million or 25.92% in 2000. The average rate paid on
securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased from 6.37% in 2000, to
5.38% in 2001. The average rate paid during 1999 was 4.98%.
Interest expense on advances from FHLB amounted to $6.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $6.9 million in 2000 and $2.8 million
in 1999. The decrease in 2001 was primarily related to a decrease in the average
29
interest rates paid on them from 6.48% in 2000, to 5.50% in 2001. In 2001, the
average balance increased $13.3 million or 12.45%. The increase in 2000 was
mainly due to an increase in the average balance of advances from FHLB of $55.2
million or 107.31%.
Interest expense on term notes totaled $2.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001, compared to $3.6 million in 2000 and $3.9 million in 1999.
This decrease is mainly related to a decrease in the average balance of term
notes in 2001 and 2000.
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2001,
amounted to $12.3 million, with an allowance for loan losses at December 31,
2001 of $38.4 million. In 2000, the provision for loan losses amounted to $8.7
million, with an allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2000 of $28.9
million. While for the year ended December 31, 1999 the provision for loan
losses amounted to $14.0 million, with an allowance for loan losses of $24.0
million at December 31, 1999. The decrease in the provision for loan losses of
$5.3 million in 2000 was mainly due to a lower level of delinquencies in the
loan portfolio and a reduction in net loans charged off of $2.1 million.
The allowance for loan losses is a current estimate of the losses
inherent in the present portfolio based on management's ongoing quarterly
evaluations of the loan portfolio. Estimates of losses inherent in the loan
portfolio involve the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions. This
evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are
susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
The Company follows a systematic methodology to establish and evaluate
the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. This methodology includes the
consideration of factors such as current economic conditions, trends in the
nature and volume (delinquencies, charge-off, non-accrual and problem loans),
prior loss experience results of periodic credit reviews of individuals loans,
changes in the internal lending policies and credit standards, collection
practices, and examination results from bank regulatory agencies and the
Company's internal credit examiners. (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements for a detailed description of methodology). Because of uncertainties
inherent in the estimation process, management's estimate of credit losses
inherent in the loan portfolio and the related allowance may change in the near
term.
At December 31, 2001, the allowance for loan losses was $38.4 million,
or 1.33% of total loans, and 271.83% of total non-performing loans, compared
with an allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2000 of $28.9 million, or
1.30% of total loans, and 298.53% of total non-performing loans.
During 2001, accounts amounting to $7.0 million were written-off
against the allowance for loan losses, as compared to $5.4 million in 2000. The
accounts written-off are submitted to the Collections Department recovery unit
for continued collection efforts. Recoveries made from accounts previously
written-off amounted to $1.3 million in 2001 and $1.6 million in 2000.
OTHER INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts and other fees amounted to $18.9
million for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $14.4 million in 2000
and $11.9 million in 1999. The increase of $4.4 million or 30.60% in 2001 as
compared to 2000, was primarily the result of an increase in fees charged to
checking accounts, credit cards and other loan fees and fees from other services
consistent with the Company strategy of increasing its fee base and other
income.
OPERATING EXPENSES
Total operating expenses amounted to $60.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 2001, as compared to $53.2 million in 2000 and $53.8 million in
1999.
Salaries and employee benefits, which are the largest components of
total operating expenses, amounted to $22.9 million for the year ended December
31, 2001, compared to $20.1 million in 2000, and $21.8 million in 1999, an
increase of $2.8 million or 13.74% in 2001, and a decrease of $1.7 million or
7.76% in 2000. The increase in 2001 was mainly due to an increase in personnel
to support the continued expansion of the Company, including the inception of
new lines of businesses, normal salary increases and related employees'
benefits. The decrease in 2000 was primary the result of a strict cost reduction
plan while at the same time, supporting the expansion of the Company.
30
Equipment expenses amounted to $8.8 million in 2001, $8.7 million in
2000, and $6.8 million in 1999, an increase of $155,000 or 1.78% and $1.9
million or 27.25%, respectively. This increase was the result of continued
investment in technological resources to support the Company's expansion,
increases on furniture and fixtures and equipment expenses, including
depreciation and property taxes.
Occupancy expenses amounted to $5.0 million for years 2001, 2000 and in
1999. This is the result of a strict cost reduction plan while at the same time
supporting the expansion of the Company.
Advertising expense amounted to $4.4 million in 2001, $3.3 million in
2000, and $4.1 million in 1999. The increase in 2001 of $1.0 million or 31.18%,
was due to promotional efforts launched in connection to the individual
retirement's accounts campaign as well as for the consumer loans and credit
cards programs. The decrease in 2000 of $724,000 or 17.78%, was the result of
strict cost reduction measures.
All other operating expenses amounted to $19.1 million in 2001 compared
to $16.1 million in 2000 and $16.2 million in 1999. The increase in 2001 was
mainly due to increases in the volume of operations, new businesses and the
inception in new markets. The slight decrease in 2000 resulted from a general
increase in other operating expenses related to the expansion of the Company and
the increase in the volume of business, both of which were significantly offset
by strict cost reduction measures.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
Under Puerto Rico income tax laws, the Company and its subsidiaries are
required to pay the higher of an alternative minimum tax of 22% or a regular
statutory rate up to 39%. The current provision for estimated Puerto Rico income
taxes for the year ended December 31, 2001 amounted to $11.7 million compared to
$7.7 million in 2000 and $13.8 million in 1999. Deferred income taxes reflect
the impact of credit carryforwards and "temporary differences" between amounts
of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and their respective
tax bases. The income on certain investments is exempt for income tax purposes.
Also, activities relating to the Westernbank International division are exempt
for income tax purposes. As a result, the Company's effective tax rate is
substantially below the statutory rate.
NET INCOME
The Company's net income increased $17.6 million or 39.40% and $7.5 million or
20.11% in 2001 and 2000, respectively. The increase in 2001 resulted from an
increase in net interest income and other income, which was partially offset by
increases in total operating expenses and in the provisions for loan losses and
income taxes. The increase in 2000, is mainly due to a decrease in operating
expenses and in the provision for income taxes and loan losses.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
As disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
has certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts.
At December 31, 2001, the aggregate contractual obligations and commercial
commitments are: