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First BanCorp.

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Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 1001-5000
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FY1999 Annual Report · First BanCorp.
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able of
able of
TTTTTable of
able of
able of
Contents
Contents
Contents
Contents
Contents

Financial Highlights ............................................. 2

Business Profile ................................................... 5

President’s Letter ................................................. 7

Achievements in 1999 ....................................... 10

Puerto Rico Economy ......................................... 13

Board of Directors ............................................. 14

Officers ............................................................ 15

Financial Review ............................................... 17

Stockholders’  Information ................................... 76

Financial
Financial
Financial
Financial
Financial
Highlights
Highlights
Highlights
Highlights
Highlights

In Thousands (Except for per share results)

1999

1998

O p e r a t i n g   R e s u l t s :

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Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Other income
Other operating expenses
Income tax provision
Net  income
Per  common  share:

Net income - basic
Net income - diluted

$

$

185,733
47,960
32,862
101,272
7,288
62,075

2.00
1.98

166,168
76,000
58,240
91,798
4,798
51,812

1.75
1.74

We i g h t e d   A v e r a g e   S h a r e s :

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Basic
Diluted

A t   Ye a r   E n d :

28,941
29,199

29,586
29,858

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Assets
Loans
Allowance for loan losses
Investments
Deposits
Borrowings
Capital

$ 4,721,568
2,745,368
71,784
1,811,164
2,565,422
1,803,729
294,902

$ 4,017,352
2,120,054
67,854
1,800,489
1,775,045
1,930,488
270,368

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2

3

PPPPPuerueruerueruertototototo
RicoRicoRicoRicoRico

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Aguada
Aguadilla
Isabela
San Sebastián
Arecibo
Manatí
Vega Baja
Dorado
Toa Baja
Bayamón
Guaynabo
San Juan
Carolina
Río Grande
Fajardo
Humacao
Yabucoa
Caguas
Aguas Buenas
Cidra
Guayama
Cayey
Barranquitas
Ponce
Utuado
Yauco
Cabo Rojo
Mayagüez
Saint  Thomas
Saint  Croix

BRANCH

48  OFFICES

MONEY EXPRESS

27  OFFICES

FIRST  LEASING  &  RENTAL  CORP.

6  OFFICES

AUTO  LOAN  CENTER

2  OFFICES

LOAN  CENTER

2  OFFICES

MORTGAGE  LOAN  CENTER

4  OFFICES

TOTAL

89  OFFICES

4

Business
Business
Business
Business
Business
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile
Profile

October 1, 1998 the Bank reorganized,
making FirstBank a subsidiary of the
holding company First BanCorp.

First BanCorp, which is a well-

capitalized institution under federal
standards,  operates  48  full  service
branches including three offices in the
U.S. Virgin Islands.  The Corporation
also has two auto loan centers, two
personal loan centers and four mort-
gage loan centers in Puerto Rico. A
second  tier  subsidiary,  Money  Express,
operates 27 offices dedicated to small
loans throughout Puerto Rico. First
BanCorp also has a second tier subsid-
iary known as First Leasing and Rental
Corp., which rents and leases motor
vehicles from its six offices in Puerto
Rico.

5

First BanCorp (the Corporation),

incorporated in Puerto Rico, is the holding
company  for  FirstBank  (the  Bank),  the
second largest locally owned commercial
bank in Puerto Rico. First BanCorp had
total assets of  $4.722 billion as of Decem-
ber 31, 1999.  The Corporation operates
primarily in the Puerto Rico banking
market, offering a wide selection of
financial services to a growing number of
consumer  and  commercial  customers.
Commercial loans, consumer loans,
mortgage  loans  and  investment  securities
are the most important areas of business.

The Corporation has a $1.2 billion

portfolio of commercial loans, commercial
mortgages,  construction  loans  and  other
related  commercial  products.  Its  commer-
cial clients include businesses of all sizes
covering a wide range of economic
activities. First BanCorp has a $474 million
portfolio of residential mortgages. The
institution has $1.1 billion in consumer
loans, concentrated in auto loans and
leases, personal loans and credit cards. Its
$1.8 billion investment portfolio consists
mostly of U.S. government securities and
mortgage  backed  securities.  Through  a
strategic  alliance  with  Paine  Webber,  the
Corporation offers full brokerage services
in  selected  branches.  Approximately
1,700 full time professionals and a sophisti-
cated  computer  system  support  the
business activities of the Corporation.

First chartered in 1948, First
BanCorp was the first savings bank
established in Puerto Rico, under the
name of “First Federal Savings Bank”. It
has been a stockholder owned institution
since 1987. In October 1994 it became a
Puerto  Rico  chartered  commercial  bank
and  was  renamed  “FirstBank”.  Effective

First BanCorp has distinguished itself

by providing innovative marketing
strategies  and  novel  products  to  attract
clients. Besides its main branches and
specialized lending offices, the Corpora-
tion has offered a telephone information
service called “Telebanco” since 1983.
This was the first telebanking service
offered in Puerto Rico. First BanCorp
clients have access to an extensive ATM

network all over the world. The Corpo-
ration was the first in Puerto Rico to open
on weekends and the first to offer in-
store branches to its clients. First
BanCorp was the first banking institution
in Puerto Rico with a presence on the
internet.  During 2000, First BanCorp will
launch a new, interactive web site  where
clients will be able to perform all types of
banking  transactions.

First BanCorp and its subsidiaries
are subject to supervision, examination
and regulation of the Federal Reserve
Board, the Federal Deposit  Insurance
Corporation and the Commissioner of
Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico.

First BanCorp is committed to
provide the most efficient and cost
effective  banking  services  possible.
Management’s goal is to be the premier
financial institution in financial products
and services in Puerto Rico. First
BanCorp’s Management will work
constantly to exceed the expectations of
our stockholders, clients and employees.

6

President’s
President’s
President’s
President’s
President’s
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter
Letter

TTTTTo our stockholders:
o our stockholders:
o our stockholders:
o our stockholders:
o our stockholders:

On behalf of the Board of Directors
and staff of First BanCorp I am pleased to
submit our annual report for 1999,
another record year. In 1999 First
BanCorp earned $62.1 million, repre-
senting $2.00 per share (basic) or $1.98
per  share  (diluted).  These  earnings
compared favorably with 1998, when the
Corporation earned $51.8 million, which
came to $1.75 per share (basic) or $1.74
per  share  (diluted).  Net  income  increased
19.8  percent  and  diluted  earnings  per
share rose 13.8 percent in 1999. These
achievements  continue  our  record  of
consistent  earnings  growth.

During 1999 we concentrated on

investing in new technology and diversify-
ing our services. The pace of change in
First BanCorp accelerated with a series of
targeted  purchases  and  strategic  alliances
that laid the foundation for future growth.

Growth and Diversification
Growth and Diversification
Growth and Diversification
Growth and Diversification
Growth and Diversification

Last year we worked hard to

increase  commercial  and  construction
lending. In consumer lending the Corpo-
ration continued to improve the quality of
the portfolio through improved underwrit-
ing  processes.

At midyear we acquired the Puerto
Rico operations of Royal Bank of Canada.
This acquisition added $90 million of high
quality commercial loans, while giving us a
well-located branch facility in the Hato
Rey financial district. In August we
acquired the $42 million private label
credit card business of Western Auto in

Puerto Rico. This acquisition substantially
increased  our  important  credit  card
business.

The largest acquisition occurred at

year-end.  We  acquired  four  branches
from  Citibank’s  Caribbean  operations.
One of these branches in St. Thomas
will strengthen our existing business in
the U.S. Virgin Islands. The three
Puerto Rico branches will add to our
business in San Juan, Ponce and
Mayaguez. This acquisition included $83
million in retail deposits.

Aside from all these acquisitions,
we have moved quickly to take advan-
tage  of  the  Gramm-Leach-Bliley  Act,
passed by Congress in November
1999.  This legislation removed the
barriers  separating  the  banking,  insur-
ance  and  brokerage  industries.  We
expect the Puerto Rico legislature will
quickly enact legislation to harmonize
local and Federal banking laws in this
area.  We  have  recruited  an  Executive
Vice President with many years of
experience in local securities markets to
oversee our entry into brokerage and
investment  banking  business.

Through  an  agreement  with
Goldman, Sachs & Co., First BanCorp

7

now participates in bond issues by the
Government of Puerto Rico.  The
Corporation has also arranged a strategic
alliance with Paine Webber of Puerto
Rico, the largest brokerage firm in the
Island with thirty five years of local
experience. Early in the year 2000 Paine
Webber opened offices in eleven of our
branches.  This  arrangement  gives  the
Corporation’s clients the widest range of
investment  advice,  brokerage  services,
and  money  management  experience
available in Puerto Rico, while our officers
are also available to sell our products and
services to Paine Webber’s 32,000 clients
in Puerto Rico.

New Investments in
New Investments in
New Investments in
New Investments in
New Investments in
acilities and
acilities and
echnology, F, F, F, F, Facilities and
echnology
echnology
TTTTTechnology
acilities and
acilities and
echnology
raining
raining
TTTTTraining
raining
raining

First BanCorp has been investing
heavily in technology, particularly in the
area of commercial banking services.
During the first half of 2000 we are
upgrading the computer systems in our
branches. These changes will allow
greater efficiency, while helping our
employees  develop  and  strengthen
relationships with our clients.  Also
internet banking will be available by the
midyear  2000.

First BanCorp will provide an
internet service while maintaining all
existing banking services available to our
clients.  For this reason we are continuing
our plans to expand First BanCorp’s
branch network. During 1999 we added
three new branches while acquiring five
more from other institutions. We plan to
open  more  branches  this  year.

Our employees are the key to our
success.  We  have  reorganized  our  sales
and distribution system, adding a newly
recruited Senior Vice President with vast
experience in marketing and sales to help
make  our  branches  more  sales-oriented.
In addition, the larger branches in the
metropolitan  area  have  two  managers:
one for regular clients and the other for
commercial relationships. We have
recruited a Senior Vice President with a
long track record in commercial lending
to  administer  this  middle  market  strategy.

We  have  completely  restructured
our  branch-based  deposits,  introducing  a
new product which pays bonuses for
clients with multiple relationships. We
have  created  a  corporate  professional
image by providing uniforms to  all our
branch  employees  and  offered  extended
branch  hours.    To  facilitate  these  changes
we are expanding employee training in all
areas of the Corporation.

We have planned and coordinated

these  changes  under  a  special  project
designed to simplify operations while
making our services more efficient,
responsive  and  convenient.  We  named
the project “The Next Fifty” because we
launched it in 1998, the Corporation’s
50th anniversary year, as a way to initiate
our second fifty years of growth. Forty
five employees participated full time in
the  project,  generating  more  than  500
ideas for improvement.  We expect “The
Next Fifty” to add $12 million in annual-
ized  earnings  through  cost  reductions
and  revenue  enhancements.  We  are
reinvesting most of these earnings in new
technology. “The Next Fifty” will continue
through into 2001.

8

As First BanCorp embarks on

another year of growth and service to
the Puerto Rican community, we are
confident that our Corporation is
stronger  and  better  positioned  than
ever. We have a truly outstanding group
of employees, officers and directors. I
am confident that we can meet the
challenges ahead, and that we will
continue to provide outstanding service
to our clients, while benefiting employ-
ees and stockholders in the years to
come.

Angel  Alvarez-Pérez
Chairman
President
Chief  Executive  Officer

We expect these initiatives to favor
continued low operating costs. During the
past year our efficiency ratio averaged
46.6%, almost the same as the 46.5% of
1998.

Enhancing
Enhancing
Enhancing
Enhancing
Enhancing
Shareholder Valuealuealuealuealue
Shareholder V
Shareholder V
Shareholder V
Shareholder V

Our efforts have paid off in strong
earnings growth for 1999, with a return
on equity of  21.06%, compared with
20.54% in 1998. Our stock price has not
reflected  these  strong  results  during
1999. Nevertheless, investors who held
First BanCorp stock over the ten year
period from year-end 1989 to year-end
1999 received a cumulative total return of
1,661%, for an average annual growth
rate of 33.2% on their investment.

The Corporation began a stock
repurchase  program  four  years  ago.
During 1999 we repurchased 1,452,000
shares. This brought total activity over the
course  of  our  share  repurchase  program
to 3,115,450 shares, adjusted for splits,
representing a total investment of  $54.3
million. In addition, officers and directors
of First BanCorp own approximately 19
percent of its shares. This shows their
confidence in First BanCorp’s future and
their  commitment  to  keep  its  fundamen-
tals sound.

During 1999 the magazine U.S.

Banker  mentioned  First  BanCorp’s
outstanding performance in its annual
survey of America’s 100 largest banks.
During 1998 First BanCorp ranked fourth
among all U.S. banks in cost control and in
return on equity First BanCorp ranked
tenth.  We are confident that in the
course of time our stock price will reflect
this  outstanding  performance.

9

Achievements in
Achievements in
Achievements in
Achievements in
Achievements in
19991999199919991999

Record profits made 1999 a very
successful year for First BanCorp. The
company  made  exceptional  progress.
Besides  making  heavy  investments  in
new  computer  systems,  improving
employee training and expanding
commercial and construction loans, the
Corporation  launched  several  important
strategic  alliances.

Profits continued their healthy
growth as First BanCorp earned $62.1
million, which comes to $2.00 per share
(basic) or $1.98 per share (diluted). In
1998 the Corporation earned $51.8
million, the equivalent of $1.75 (basic) or
$1.74 (diluted) in per share terms. Net
income increased by 19.8%, or 13.8%
per share on a diluted basis. Net interest
income, the main source of the
Corporation’s earnings, grew by $19.5
million from $166.2 million in 1998 to
$185.7 million in 1999. Gains on sale of
investments contributed $1.4 million to
net income in 1999, while in 1998 these
sales contributed $26.8 million.

First BanCorp’s assets grew by
$705 million during 1999, ending the
year at $4.722 billion. Loans increased
by $625 million for the year, mainly from
commercial loans growth of approxi-
mately $400 million.  The Corporation
successfully issued $90 million in pre-
ferred stock in April 1999.

First BanCorp made three impor-

tant acquisitions last year. At midyear
FirstBank,  the  Corporation’s  banking
subsidiary, acquired the Puerto Rico
operations of Royal Bank of Canada. This
purchase included a $90 million portfolio
of high quality commercial loans and an
attractive branch in the Hato Rey

financial district. In August, the Bank
acquired the credit card business of
Western  Auto,  the  largest  auto  parts
retailer in Puerto Rico with 38 stores.
This transaction brought FirstBank a $42
million credit card portfolio distributed
among roughly 100,000 clients.

At year-end FirstBank also acquired
four offices from Citibank. One of these
branches is located in St. Thomas, U.S.
Virgin Islands, and the other three are
located in Puerto Rico. Besides the
facilities and deposits, the Bank acquired
approximately $30 million in loans as a
part of this transaction.

An Expanding Role
An Expanding Role
An Expanding Role
An Expanding Role
An Expanding Role
for a Growing Branch
for a Growing Branch
for a Growing Branch
for a Growing Branch
for a Growing Branch
Network
Network
Network
Network
Network

During 1999 deposits grew from

$1.775 billion to $2.565 billion, an
increase of $790 million. Management
worked intensively to lay the groundwork
for future deposit growth by expanding
the branch network and improving its
products.  Besides  purchasing  the  five
branches  mentioned  above,  the  Corpo-
ration also opened three new branches
during the year. The Corporation plans
to open more branches during the year
2000. As the Corporation moves
increasingly toward relationship banking,
Management is placing loan centers in
selected  branches  to  increase  originations
of mortgages and commercial loans.

Management  restructured  the
Corporation’s  deposit  products,  introduc-
ing an innovative new product called the
“Bonus  Account”.  This  account  rewards
clients who have multiple relationships

10

with FirstBank (e.g. a checking account, a
mortgage and an auto loan). At the same
time, Management is holding back or
eliminating some older products which are
less popular than they were in past years.
These changes will complement the
development  of  the  branch  network.

Management is also opening
specialized  offices  in  selected  branches.
Four branches now have mortgage loan
centers, which will provide financing for
new homes in the San Juan metropolitan
area. In addition, several branches now
include a commercial loan officer, aside
from  the  traditional  branch  manager.

Early in the year 2000 First BanCorp

began  offering  brokerage  services  in
selected  branches  through  a  new  alliance
with Paine Webber. This arrangement will
give the Corporation’s clients the broadest
range of brokerage and financial manage-
ment services available in Puerto Rico.
Previously First BanCorp formed an
alliance with Goldman Sachs to participate
in the underwriting of Puerto Rico
government  securities.  During  the  year
2000, the Corporation will begin offering
internet services for those clients who like
the convenience of banking from their
homes along with the security of having
branch  officers  available.

Improvements in Efficiency
Improvements in Efficiency
Improvements in Efficiency
Improvements in Efficiency
Improvements in Efficiency

In 1998 Management began a
comprehensive  re-design  plan  to  stream-
line all corporate operations. The Corpo-
ration named the project “The Next Fifty”
because  Management  launched  it  in  the
Corporation’s 50th anniversary year as a
way to initiate the second fifty years of
growth.  Management  has  invested  most

of the savings from this project in new
technology.  Largely  because  of  this
program First BanCorp was able to
maintain an efficiency ratio of only
46.6% during 1999, almost equal to the
46.5% in 1998. Overall operating
expenses were held to only $101.3
million for 1999 compared with $91.8
million in the previous year. Manage-
ment achieved this in spite of significant
increases in the size of the branch
network and heavy investments in new
computer  systems.  First  BanCorp’s
efficiency ratio compares very favorably
with that of other commercial banks
throughout  the  U.S.

Improvements in the
Improvements in the
Improvements in the
Improvements in the
Improvements in the
Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet

Contributing to higher profits in
1999 was a significant improvement in
asset quality. Two years ago Manage-
ment substantially improved its system
of underwriting consumer loans,
introduced  tighter  underwriting  proce-
dures and improved the Corporation’s
computer  systems.    As  a  result,  the
quality of the loan portfolio has im-
proved.  During 1999 First BanCorp
provided $48 million for loan losses as
compared with $76 million in 1998. This
represents  a  reduction  of  37  percent.

Loan quality has improved
according to other measures as well.
On December 31, 1999 non-perform-
ing loans totaled $53.8 million, com-
pared to $57.0 million on the same date
in 1998 and $52.9 million on a smaller
portfolio at the end of 1997. By the end
of 1999, the ratio of non-performing
loans to total loans had fallen to 1.96%,
compared with 2.69% at the end of

11

1998 and 2.70% at year-end 1997. The
reserve coverage ratio (allowance for
loan losses as a percentage of non-
performing loans) reached 133.3% by
the end of 1999, well above its earlier
levels of 119.1% at year-end 1998 and
109.0% at the end of 1997. Manage-
ment is committed to continuing these
improvements in loan quality in coming
years.

During the early part of 1999

Management  strengthened  the  capital
structure of First BanCorp by issuing $90
million in preferred stock. This transaction
will help the Corporation to maintain a
solid capital structure. Although assets
grew substantially during 1999, the
Corporation’s capital ratios remained
strong. The core capital ratio was 7.5%
and the risk based capital ratio was
16.2% as of December 31, 1999.

Increasing
Increasing
Increasing
Increasing
Increasing
Shareholder Valuealuealuealuealue
Shareholder V
Shareholder V
Shareholder V
Shareholder V

The financial results continue a

trend of earnings growth that has
produced excellent value for sharehold-
ers.  First  BanCorp’s  return  on  average
equity was 21.06% in 1999, while
average asset yield was 1.49%.  Divi-
dends increased in 1999, and reached a
payout ratio of 17.96% compared with
17.12% in 1998. During 1999 the
Corporation  repurchased  1,452,000
common  shares.

While the stock price has not
reflected  these  strong  results  during
1999, investors who held First BanCorp
stock over the ten year period from
year-end 1989 to year-end 1999
received a cumulative total return of
1,661%. This is equivalent to an average
annual growth rate of 33.2% on the
original  investment.

Management is optimistic about the

future of First BanCorp. The range of
services it offers, its effective network of
offices  and  branches  supplemented  by
new sales methods, its dedicated staff
and its quality reputation with clients will
all contribute to future earnings growth.
Management will continue its efforts to
improve First BanCorp’s excellent
performance in 2000 and in the years to
come.

12

to Rico
to Rico
PPPPPuerueruerueruerto Rico
to Rico
to Rico
Economy
Economy
Economy
Economy
Economy

The island of Puerto Rico is a U.S.
Commonwealth with a population of 3.8
million, located in the Caribbean approxi-
mately 1,600 miles southeast of New
York. Puerto Rico has been enjoying solid
economic growth over most of the
1990’s. Real GNP grew by over 4% in
the 1999 fiscal year. Private economists
are forecasting 2% to 3% real growth in
the  fiscal  year  2000.  Management  expects
recent growth patterns on the Island to
continue, with some slowdown during the
coming  fiscal  year.

Puerto Rico’s economic perfor-

mance is a natural result of its increasing
integration into the U.S. economy. Puerto
Ricans are U.S. citizens and serve in the
United States armed forces.  The Island
uses U.S. currency and forms a part of
the U.S. financial system. Federal courts
enforce U.S. laws in Puerto Rico.  Since
Puerto Rico falls within the U.S. for
purposes of customs and migration, there
is full mobility of funds, people and goods
between Puerto Rico and the U.S.
mainland. Puerto Rico banks are subject
to the same Federal laws, regulations and
supervision as other financial institutions in
the rest of the U.S. The Federal Deposit
Insurance  Corporation  insures  the
deposits of Puerto Rico chartered com-
mercial banks, including FirstBank, the
banking subsidiary of First BanCorp.

Puerto Rico made a rapid transi-

tion from poverty in the immediate
postwar period to prosperity today.
Throughout this process the Island has
attracted  industry  using  tax  exemption.
Many multinational corporations have
substantial  operations  here.  During
1996 Congress repealed Section 936 of
the  Internal  Revenue  Code,  which
provided Federal tax exemption for
companies operating in Puerto Rico.
However, Congress also provided a ten
year  grandfather  clause  for  companies
already  operating  here.  Because  Puerto
Rico has a fiscal system independent
from that of the U.S., it can fashion local
tax incentives to attract or retain
industry. A new law broadening and
strengthening  local  tax  incentives  went
into effect on January 1, 1998.

Puerto Rico is becoming some-

what  less  dependent  on  manufacturing
than it was in the early postwar period.
Manufacturing  attracted  by  tax  exemp-
tion is still an important part of the
Island’s  economy.  Nevertheless,  Puerto
Rico has been diversifying its economic
base to include tourism, business
services and transportation. As part of
these  changes  the  Island  has  been
receiving U.S. private investment in
diverse areas such as hotels, financial
services and large retail stores. During
the past year a slowdown in manufac-
turing growth was balanced by strong
construction  activity,  both  private  and
public. Management is optimistic about
Puerto Rico’s economic future.

13

Angel Alvarez-Pérez, Esq.
Chairman

Board of
Board of
Board of
Board of
Board of
Directors
Directors
Directors
Directors
Directors

Annie Astor de Carbonell, C.P.A.
Angel L. Umpierre, C.P.A.
José  Teixidor
Germán E. Malaret, M.D.

Armando López Ortiz, Eng.
Héctor M. Nevares, Esq.
José Julián Alvarez
Jorge Díaz

Antonio  Pavía  Villamil,  M.D.
Francisco D. Fernández, Eng.
Rafael Bouet, Eng.

14

PRESIDENT

Angel Alvarez-Pérez
Chief Executive Officer
Chairman

SENIOR EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENTS

Annie Astor de Carbonell
Chief Financial Officer
Luis M. Beauchamp
Chief Lending Officer
Wholesale Banking

EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENTS

Aurelio  Alemán
Consumer Banking
Fernando L. Batlle
Sales & Distribution,
Mortgage Banking
Francisco Cortés
Administrative Services
Ricardo Ramos
First Securities
Randolfo  Rivera
Corporate Banking

FirstFirstFirstFirstFirst
BanCorp
BanCorp
BanCorp
BanCorp
BanCorp
Officers
Officers
Officers
Officers
Officers

Standing from left to right:
Aida García,
Francisco Cortés,
Aurelio Alemán,
Randolfo Rivera,
Fernando L. Batlle,
Luis Cabrera,
Josianne M. Rosselló.

Seated from left to right:
Luis  Beauchamp,
Angel  Alvarez-Pérez,
Annie Astor de Carbonell.

Not present:
Miguel Mejías
Ricardo Ramos
Laura Villarino

SENIOR
VICE PRESIDENTS

Miguel  Babilonia
Consumer Credit Policy
& Portfolio Management
Luis Cabrera
Treasury & Investments
Eva Candelario
Corporate Business
Development
José Cerame
Middle Market &
Community Banking
Aida M. García
Human Resources
Michael García
Consumer Collection
Fernando Iglesias
Special Loans & Credit
Administration
Roger Lay
Internal Auditing
Miguel  Mejías
Information Systems
John  Ortiz
Consumer Lending,
Sales & Services
Haydeé Rivera
Branch Banking Operations
Julio  Rivera
Construction Lending
Josianne  M.  Rosselló
Marketing & Public Relations
Demetrio  Santiago
Auto Wholesale Business
Héctor Santiago
Auto Business
Denise Segarra
Sales & Distribution
Laura  Villarino
Controller

Miguel  Pimentel
Corporate Business
Development
Carlos Power
Next Fifty Project
Rolando Quevedo
Legal Counsel
Jorge Rendón
Operational Support
Migdalia  Rivera
Community Banking
Sandra Rivera
Auto Collection
Belinda  Rodríguez
Consumer Sales
José L. Rodríguez
Information Systems
Elizabeth Sánchez
Marine Financing
Roberto Sánchez
Credit Risk
Miguel  Santin
Corporate Banking
Carmen Torres
Capacity Planning Manager
Raphael Torres
Regional Sales Manager

VICE PRESIDENTS

William Alvarez
Indirect  Business
Development
José H. Aponte
Commercial Mortgage
Beverly Bachetti
Private Banking
Juan E. Barnés
Branch Manager
Ana Colón
Centralized Accounting
David  González
Corporate Business
Development
Nelson  González
Corporate Business
Development
Eric López
Corporate Banking
Marcelo López
Regional Sales Manager
Juanita Marrero
Mortgage Banking
Iván Martínez
Project Manager
José  Negrón
Auto Asset & Disposition
Luis Orengo
Commercial Loans
Eduardo Ortiz
Auto Wholesale
Osvaldo Padilla
Corporate Business
Reynaldo Padilla
Auto Finance

15

FIRST  FEDERAL
FINANCE CORPORATION
DBA MONEY EXPRESS
“LA FINANCIERA”

Angel Alvarez-Pérez
Chief Executive Officer

Fernando L. Batlle
President and Chief Operating Officer

Orlando Vélez
Vice President and
Operations Manager

FIRST  LEASING
AND RENTAL CORPORATION

Angel Alvarez-Pérez
Chief Executive Officer

Aurelio  Alemán
President and Chief Operating Officer

William  Vélez
Vice President and General Manager

16

SELECTED
SELECTED
SELECTED
SELECTED
SELECTED
FINANCIAL  DAAAAATTTTTAAAAA
FINANCIAL  D
FINANCIAL  D
FINANCIAL  D
FINANCIAL  D

Year ended December 31,

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

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(In thousands except for per share results)

Condensed Income Statements:

Total interest income
Total interest expense
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Other income
Other operating expenses
Unusual item - SAIF assessment
Income before income tax provision
Provision for income tax
Net income

Per Common Share Results (1):

Net income per common share - diluted
Cash dividends declared
Average shares outstanding
Average shares-diluted

Balance Sheet Data:

$369,063
183,330
185,733
47,961
32,862
101,272

69,363
7,288
62,075

$1.98
$0.36
28,941
29,199

Loans and loans held for sale
Allowance for possible loan losses
Investments
Total assets
Deposits
Borrowings
Total capital
Book value per common share, end of year (1)

$ 2,745,368
71,784
1,811,164
4,721,568
2,565,422
1,803,729
294,902
7.30

Regulatory Capital Ratios (In Percent):
Total capital to risk weighted assets
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets
Tier 1 capital to average assets
Selected Financial Ratios (In Percent):
Net income to average total assets
Interest rate spread (2)
Net interest income to average earning assets (2)
Yield on average earning assets (2)
Cost on average interest bearing liabilities
Net income to average total equity
Net income to average common equity
Average total equity to average total assets
Dividend payout ratio
Efficiency ratio (3)

Offices:

Number of full service branches
Loan origination offices

16.16
11.64
7.47

1.49
4.29
4.85
9.29
5.00
21.06
24.68
7.07
17.96
46.62

48
41

$321,298
155,130
166,168
76,000
58,240
91,798

56,610
4,798
51,812

$1.74
$0.30
29,586
29,858

$ 2,120,054
67,854
1,800,489
4,017,352
1,775,045
1,930,488
270,368
9.17

17.39
11.55
6.59

1.48
4.76
5.27
9.83
5.07
20.54
20.54
7.22
17.12
46.46

40
45

$285,160
130,429
154,731
55,676
39,866
83,268

55,653
8,125
47,528

$1.58
$0.24
30,036
30,204

$1,959,301
57,712
1,276,900
3,327,436
1,594,635
1,458,148
236,379
7.93

17.26
11.07
7.44

1.63
5.30
5.83
10.45
5.15
22.30
22.30
7.32
15.14
45.45

36
44

$256,523
113,027
143,496
31,582
29,614
82,498
9,115
49,915
12,281
37,634

$1.22
$0.20
30,794
30,952

$208,488
96,838
111,650
30,894
48,268
65,628

63,396
14,295
49,101

$1.58
$0.08
30,592
31,118

$ 1,896,074
55,254
830,980
2,822,147
1,703,926
884,741
191,142
6.32

$ 1,556,606
55,009
785,747
2,432,816
1,518,367
698,097
171,202
5.51

15.25
9.32
6.65

1.48
5.46
6.03
10.63
5.17
20.49
20.49
7.23
16.32
49.03

 36
47

16.17
9.93
6.82

 2.22
5.07
5.59
10.12
5.05
33.19
33.19
6.68
 5.06
47.96

36
43

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(1) Amounts presented were recalculated, when applicable, to retroactively consider the effect of common stock splits.
(2) Ratios were computed on a taxable equivalent basis.
(3) Other operating expenses to the sum of net interest income and other income (excluding gain on sale of  investments).

17

MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND
MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND
MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND
MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND
MANAGEMENT’S  DISCUSSION  AND
YSIS  OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
YSIS  OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
ANALANALYSIS  OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
ANALANAL
YSIS OF  FINANCIAL CONDITION
YSIS  OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
ANAL
TIONS
TIONS
TS  OF  OPERA
TS  OF  OPERA
AND  RESUL
AND  RESUL
TIONS
TS  OF  OPERATIONS
AND  RESULTS  OF  OPERA
TIONS
TS  OF  OPERA
AND  RESUL
AND  RESUL

FINANCIAL REVIEW SUMMARY

For the year 1999, First BanCorp (the Corporation) recorded earnings of
$62,074,949 or $2.00 per common share (basic) and $1.98 per common share (diluted),
compared to $51,812,387 or $1.75 per common share (basic) and $1.74 per common
share (diluted) for 1998, and $47,527,552 or $1.58 per common share (basic and diluted)
for 1997.

The Corporation’s earnings are attributed to the net interest income earned on the

growing portfolio of earning assets, improvements in asset quality resulting in a lower provision
for loan losses, and controls over operating expenses.  For 1999 as compared to 1998, net
income increased by $10,262,562 or $0.24 per common share (diluted), and for 1998 as
compared to 1997, by $4,284,835 or $0.16 per common share (diluted).

Return on average assets was 1.49% for 1999, 1.48% for 1998 and 1.63% for

1997.  Return on average equity was 21.06% for 1999, 20.54% for 1998 and 22.30% for
1997.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Corporation’s results of operations depend primarily on its net interest income,
which is the difference between the interest income earned on interest earning assets, including
investment securities and loans, and the interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities,
including deposits and borrowings.  Also, the results of operations depend on the provision for
loan losses, operating expenses (such as personnel, occupancy and other costs), other income
(mainly service charges and fees on loans), and gains on sale of investments.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income increased to $185.7 million for 1999 from $166.2 million in

1998 and $154.7 million in 1997.  This improvement results from the continuous increase in
the average volume of interest earning assets together with a higher available capital and non-
interest bearing liabilities to fund those assets.  This is reflected in an increase in the average
volume of interest earning assets of $721.2 million for 1999 as compared to 1998 and of
$582.7 million for 1998 as compared to 1997. Interest bearing liabilities increased by $606
million for 1999 as compared to 1998 and by $528 million for 1998 as compared to 1997.

The following table includes a detailed analysis of net interest income.  Part I presents

average volumes and rates on a tax equivalent basis and Part II presents the extent to which
changes in interest rates and changes in volume of interest related assets and liabilities have
affected the Corporation’s net interest income. For each category of earning assets and interest
bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to changes in volume (changes
in volume multiplied by old rates), and changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by old vol-
umes).  Rate-volume variances (changes in rate multiplied by changes in volume) have been
allocated to the changes in volume and changes in rate based upon their respective percentage of
the combined totals.

18

PPPPPararararart It It It It I

Year  ended  December  31,

1999

Average volume
1998

1997

Interest income (1) / expense
1997
1998

1999

Average rate (1)
1999 1998 1997

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(Dollars in thousands)

Earning Assets:
Deposits at banks and other
short-term investments

Government obligations
Mortgage backed securities
Other investment
FHLB stock

Total investments
Consumer loans (2)
Residential real estate loans (2)
Construction loans (2)
Commercial loans (2)
Finance leases (2)
Total loans
Total earning assets
Interest Bearing Liabilities:
Interest bearing checking accounts
Savings accounts
Certificate accounts
Interest bearing deposits
Other borrowed funds
FHLB advances

Total interest bearing
liabilities

Net interest income (1)
Interest rate spread (1)
Net interest margin (1)

$

27,344 $

40,766 $

67,969
404,517
319,777
415,742
428,804
1,032,632
1,294,195
519
1,150
18,646
10,150
10,252
16,170
911,959
1,404,577
1,772,097
1,090,991
1,032,704
1,013,782
283,799
290,564
327,700
10,488
19,169
94,940
473,093
613,697
847,917
50,823
43,108
68,577
1,909,194
1,999,242
2,352,916
$4,125,013 $ 3,403,819 $2,821,153

$

450
24,997
92,157
1,598
1,101
120,303
138,130
30,754
9,216
75,879
9,080
263,059
$383,362

$

2,028 $ 3,708
26,949
34,942
21
670
66,290

1.65% 4.97% 5.45%
6.01% 6.25% 6.66%
19,984
7.12% 7.50% 8.15%
77,463
8.57% 16.14% 4.24%
186
6.81% 7.25% 6.60%
743
6.79% 7.15% 7.27%
100,404
147,100 13.63% 13.49% 13.48%
139,309
9.38% 10.60% 10.39%
29,485
30,807
9.71% 9.66% 9.57%
1,004
1,852
44,770
8.95% 9.16% 9.46%
56,239
6,220 13.24% 13.97% 12.24%
6,022
228,579 11.18% 11.72% 11.97%
234,229
$334,633 $294,869 9.29% 9.83% 10.45%

$140,690
413,662
1,373,263
1,927,615
1,728,913
8,451

$123,847
398,249
972,433
1,494,529
1,559,892
4,515

$116,852
400,998
985,124
1,502,974
1,012,757
15,157

$4,931
12,381
73,177
90,489
92,370
471

$  4,487
11,717
54,214
70,418
84,460
252

$4,167
12,155
55,827
72,149
  57,418
864

3.50% 3.62% 3.57%
2.99% 2.94% 3.03%
5.33% 5.58% 5.67%
4.69% 4.71% 4.80%
5.34% 5.41%   5.67%
5.57% 5.58% 5.70%

$3,664,979 $ 3,058,936 $2,530,888

$183,330

$155,130 $130,431 5.00% 5.07% 5.15%

$200,032

$179,503 $164,438

4.29% 4.76% 5.30%
4.85% 5.27% 5.83%

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(1) On a tax equivalent basis.  The tax equivalent yield was computed dividing the interest rate spread on exempt assets by

(1- statutory tax rate) and adding to it the cost of interest bearing liabilities.  When adjusted to a tax equivalent basis, yields on
taxable and exempt assets are comparative.

(2) Non-accruing loans are included in the average balances.

19

t IIt II
t IIt II
PPPPPararararart II

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 1999 compared to 1998
Increase (decrease)
Due to:
Rate

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   1998 compared to 1997

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Total

Volume

Increase (decrease)
Due to:
Rate

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Total

Volume

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(In thousands)

Earning assets:
Deposits at banks and other
short-term investments
Government obligations
Mortgage backed securities
Other investment
FHLB stock

Total investments

Consumer loans
Residential real estate loans
Construction loans
Commercial loans
Finance leases
Total loans
Total interest income
Interest bearing liabilities:
Deposits
Other borrowed funds
FHLB advances

Total interest expense
Change in net interest income

$

(521)
5,884
19,123
2,143
  416
27,045
(2,565)
3,711
7,355
21,212
3,465
33,178
60,223

20,368
9,091
      219
  29,678
$ 30,545

$ (1,057)
(871)
(4,429)
(731)
(58)
(7,146)
1,386
(3,765)
9
(1,572)
  (406)
(4,348)
(11,494)

(297)
(1,181)
   0
(1,478)
$(10,016)

$ (1,578)
5,013
14,694
1,412
358
19,899
(1,179)
(54)
7,364
19,640
3,059
28,830
48,729

20,071
7,910
219
28,200
$ 20,529

$ (1,377)
(5,375)
47,250
 50
7
40,555
(7,861)
711
839
13,096
(1,011)
5,774
46,329

(403)
30,323
  (594)
29,326
$ 17,003

$

(303)
(1,589)
(4,729)
114
66
(6,441)
70
612
9
(1,628)
811
(126)
(6,567)

(1,327)
(3,282)
  (18)
(4,627)
$ (1,940)

$ (1,680)
(6,964)
42,521
164
73
34,114
(7,791)
1,323
848
11,468
(200)
5,648
39,762

(1,730)
27,041
    (612)
  24,699
$15,063

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Total interest income includes tax equivalent adjustments of $14.3 million, $13.3 million

and $9.7 million for 1999, 1998, and 1997, respectively.  On a tax equivalent basis, net interest
income increased to $200 million for 1999 from $179.5 million for 1998, and $164.4 million
for 1997.  The interest rate spread and net interest margin amounted to 4.29% and 4.85%,
respectively, for 1999, as compared to 4.76% and 5.27%, respectively, for 1998 and to 5.30%
and 5.83%, respectively, for 1997.  The reduction in the interest rate spread and net interest
margin for 1999 is mainly due to the increase of $367.5 million in the average volume of total
investments when compared to the average volume recorded for 1998.  These investments have
a lower spread than loans without considering the effects of credit risk.  In addition, there was a
reduction of $18.9 million in the average volume of consumer loans, which provide the highest
spread, but have the highest credit risk in the portfolio.

1999 compared to 1998

On a tax equivalent basis interest income increased by $48.6 million for 1999 as

compared to 1998.  On a tax equivalent basis the yield on earning assets was 9.29% for 1999 as
compared to 9.83% for 1998.  The increase in interest income results from the growth in the
average of interest earning assets of $721.2 million in 1999.

For the loan portfolio, the growth in 1999 of $234.2 million in the average volume of

commercial loans (including commercial real estate loans) represented an increase of $21.2 million
in income due to volume, partially offset by a reduction of $1.6 million in interest income due to
rate.  The average portfolio of construction loans increased by $75.8 million for 1999, represent-
ing a positive volume variance of $7.4 million.  The average portfolio of residential mortgage loans
increased by $37.1 million for 1999, representing a positive volume variance of $3.7 million.  The
average finance lease portfolio (mostly composed of consumer loans) increased by $25.5 million
in 1999, representing a positive volume variance of $3.5 million.  The decrease of $18.9 million

20

in the average volume of consumer loans in 1999 caused a negative variance in interest income
due to volume of $2.6 million. The increase in the commercial real estate, construction and
commercial loans portfolio resulted from the Corporation’s strategy to diversify its asset base,
which was concentrated in consumer loans.  The consumer loan portfolio decreased as a result of
the tighter underwriting policies implemented during 1997.

For the investment portfolio, the average volume of mortgage backed securities
increased by $261.6 million in 1999.  The tax equivalent yield on mortgage backed securities was
7.12% in 1999 and 7.50% in 1998.  The portfolio of mortgage backed securities contributed
$19.1 million in interest income due to volume net of $4.4 million decrease in interest income
due to rate.  The average volume of government obligations increased by $96 million for 1999 as
compared to 1998, causing a total increase in interest income of $5 million.

Interest expense increased by $28.2 million for 1999 as compared to 1998.  This was

the result of the increase in the average volume of interest bearing liabilities of $606 million for
1999 as compared to 1998 with a volume variance of $29.7 million.  However, the negative
variance was partially offset by a decrease in the cost of interest bearing liabilities from 5.07% for
1998 to 5.00% for 1999 causing a positive rate variance of $1.5 million for 1999 as compared
to 1998.

1998 compared to 1997

On a tax equivalent basis interest income increased by $39.8 million for 1998 as

compared to 1997.  On a tax equivalent basis the yield on earning assets was 9.83% for 1998 as
compared to 10.45% for 1997.  The improvement in interest income was due to the increase in
the average volume of interest earning assets of $582.7 million.

For the investment portfolio, the average volume of mortgage backed securities
increased by $603.8 million in 1998.  The tax equivalent yield on mortgage backed securities was
7.50% in 1998 and 8.15% in 1997.  The portfolio of mortgage backed securities contributed
$47.3 million in interest income due to volume net of a $4.7 million decrease in interest income
due to rate.  The average volume of government obligations decreased by $84.7 million for 1998
as compared to 1997, resulting in a total decrease in interest income of $7 million.

For the loan portfolio, the growth in the average volume of commercial loans (including
commercial real estate loans) of $140.6 million in 1998 represented an increase of $13.1 million
in income due to volume, partially offset by a reduction of $1.6 million in interest income due to
rate.  In 1998 the average volume of residential real estate and construction loans increased by
$6.8 million and $8.7 million, respectively, representing an increase in interest income of $1.3
million and $.8 million, respectively.  The decrease of $58.3 million in the average volume of
consumer loans caused a negative variance in interest income due to volume of $7.9 million. The
increase in the commercial real estate and commercial loans portfolio was the result of the
Corporation’s strategy of diversifying its asset base, which was concentrated in consumer loans.
The consumer loan portfolio decreased as a result of the tighter underwriting policies implemented
during 1997.

Interest expense increased by $24.7 million for 1998 as compared to 1997.  This
results from the increase in the average volume of interest bearing liabilities of $528 million for
1998 as compared to 1997 with a volume variance of $29.3 million.  However, interest expense
was affected by a decrease of eight basis points in the cost of interest bearing liabilities from 5.15%
for 1997 to 5.07% for 1998 causing a positive rate variance of $4.6 million for 1998 as
compared to 1997.

21

Provision for Loan Losses

During 1999, the Corporation provided $48 million for loan losses, a significant

decrease compared to $76 million in 1998 and $55.7 million in 1997.  The provision for loan
losses recorded in 1999 reflects the improvements in the credit quality of the loan portfolio.  Net
charge offs for 1999 amounted to $44 million, a significant reduction compared to net charge offs
for 1998 of $65.9 million and of $53.2 million for 1997.  Net charge offs to average loans
outstanding has significantly improved to 1.87% as compared to 3.29% and 2.79% for 1998 and
1997, respectively.

The allowance activity for 1999, and previous four years was as follows:

Year ended December 31,

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

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Allowance for loan losses, beginning of period
Provision for loan losses
Loans charged off:

Commercial real estate
Commercial
Finance leases
Consumer

Recoveries and other adjustments
Net charge offs
Allowance for loan losses, end of period
Allowance for loan losses to year end total

loans and loans held for sale
Net charge offs to average loans
outstanding during the period

$67,854
  47,960

(51)
(774)
(793)
(52,047)
9,634
  (44,031)
$71,784

 (Dollars in thousands)
$55,254
55,675

$55,009
31,582

$57,712
76,000

(168)
(712)
(3,438)
(67,906)
6,366
(65,858)
$67,854

(284)
(597)
(1,399)
(57,311)
6,374
(53,217)
$57,712

(492)
(781)
(161)
  (33,295)
3,392
  (31,337)
$55,254

$37,413
30,894

(403)
(3,299)

(10,821)
1,225
(13,298)
$55,009

2.61%

3.20%

2.95%

2.91%

3.53%

1.87%

3.29%

2.79%

1.80%

.93%

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The Corporation maintains the allowance for loan losses at a level that Management

considers adequate to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  The adequacy of the allowance
for loan losses is reviewed on a quarterly basis as part of the continuing evaluation of the quality of
the assets. This evaluation is based upon a number of factors, including the followings: historical
loan loss experience, projected loan losses, loan portfolio composition, current economic
conditions, fair value of the underlying collateral, financial condition of the borrowers, and, as such,
includes amounts based on judgments and estimates made by Management

Other Income

The following table presents the composition of other income.

Year ended December 31,

1999

1998

1997

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Other fees on loans
Service charges on deposit accounts
Fees on loans serviced for others
Rental income
Other operating income
Other income before gain on

sale of investments and trading

Gain on sale of investments
Trading (loss) income

Total

$12,887
8,540
864
2,610
6,592

31,493
1,377
  (8)
$32,862

(In thousands)
$11,158
7,844
1,617
2,292
5,137

28,048
26,827
3,365
$58,240

$ 10,899
7,363
  2,670
1,935
  4,866

27,733
11,388
   745
$ 39,866

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22

Other income primarily consists of service charges on deposit accounts, fees on loans,

servicing income, commissions derived from various banking activities, the results of trading
activities and gains on sale of investments.

Other fees on loans consist mainly of credit card fees and late charges collected on loans.

The increase in this source of income to $12.9 million in 1999 from $11.2 million in 1998 and
$10.9 million in 1997 was due to fees generated on the increased portfolio of commercial loans.

Service charges on deposit accounts represent an important and stable source of other

income for the Corporation.  This source of income increased to $8.5 million in 1999 from $7.8
million in 1998 and $7.4 million in 1997.

Fees on loans serviced for others primarily reflect the servicing fees for the auto loan

securitizations closed in 1995.  It also includes servicing fees on residential mortgage loans
originated and subsequently securitized.  The decrease in this account is due to the continued
repayment of the auto loan portfolio.

The Corporation’s second tier subsidiary, First Leasing and Rental Corporation,

generates income on the rental of various types of motor vehicles.  This source of income has
averaged approximately $2 million in the past three years.

The other operating income category is composed of various types of service fee such

as check fees and rental of safe deposit boxes.  Other operating income also includes earned
discounts on tax credits purchased and utilized against income tax payments.

Gains on sale of investment securities amounted to $1.4 million in 1999, $26.8 million
in 1998 and $11.4 million in 1997.  These gains reflect market opportunities that arose and that
are in consonance to the Corporation’s investment policies.

Other Operating Expense

Other operating expenses amounted to $101.3 million for 1999 as compared to

$91.8 million for 1998 and $83.3 million for 1997.  The following table presents the compo-
nents of other operating expenses.

Year ended December 31,

1999

1998

1997

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Salaries and benefits
Occupancy and equipment
Deposit insurance premium
Other taxes and insurance
Professional and service fees
Business promotion
Communications
Real estate owned operations
Amortization of debt issue costs
Expense of rental equipment
Other

Total

$ 48,546
20,137
1,096
5,683
6,672
5,896
4,667
(303)
612
1,478
6,789
$101,273

(In thousands)
$ 43,185
18,155
971
5,607
5,820
5,922
4,330
42
691
1,226
5,849
$ 91,798

$38,644
16,101
1,040
5,536
4,883
4,993
4,364
(21)
788
1,184
  5,756
$83,268

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23

Management’s goal has been to make expenditures that directly contribute to increase the
efficiency and profitability of the Corporation.  This control over other operating expenses has been
an important factor contributing to the increase in earnings in recent years.  In 1999, the Corpora-
tion started the implementation of a cost restructuring project, which has transformed the opera-
tions and processes toward a more cost efficient institution. The savings generated by this effort
have been invested mainly in new technology. The Corporation’s efficiency ratio, which is the ratio
of other operating expenses to the sum of net interest income and other recurring income, was
46.62% for 1999 as compared to 46.46% and 45.45% for 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The increase in operating expenses for 1999 is mainly the result of the investments

made in new technology, the expansion of the Corporation’s branch network, the acquisition of
new business and branches and the staffing of the commercial lending business to support the
growth in the portfolio.  During 1999 the Corporation opened a new full-service branch and two
in-store branches. In July of 1999, the Corporation acquired the Royal Bank’s operations in Puerto
Rico including its full service branch in the financial district of Hato Rey.  In August of 1999, the
Corporation acquired the credit card portfolio of Western Auto. In December of 1999, the
Corporation acquired four branches from CitiBank. To emphasize the commercial lending area, the
Corporation recruited new officers for the origination of loans to the middle market throughout
selected branches.  The salary and benefits category was also affected by increases in salary and
fringe benefits.

The occupancy and equipment category consists of expenses associated with premises,
office and computer equipment, and other automated banking equipment.  The increase in the past
three years was the result of the enhancement of hardware and software through system conver-
sions, which have enabled the Corporation to offer new products, and improve customer service
and portfolio servicing.  Expenses related to the year 2000 issue also affected this category (see
Year 2000 section).

The increase in the professional and service fee category for 1999 is primarily attributed

to the credit card processing and assessment fees resulting from the increase in the credit card
portfolio and the increase in the number of accounts managed due to the acquisition of the
Western Auto portfolio.  The increase in credit card fee income exceeded the related processing
costs.

Business promotion costs amounted to $5.9 million for 1999 as compared to $5.9
million in 1998, and $5 million for 1997.  Business promotion expenses have been incurred to
increase loan and deposit volumes.  In addition, in 1999 the Corporation launched a distinct
publicity campaign to promote its new “Bonus account”  and a corporate image.

Income Tax Expense

The provision for income tax amounted to $7.3 million (or 11% of pre-tax earnings) for

1999 as compared to $4.8 million (or 8% of pre-tax earnings) in 1998, and $8.1 million (or
15% of pre-tax earnings) in 1997.  The Corporation has maintained an effective tax rate lower
than the statutory rate of 39% mainly by investing in obligations and loans exempt from federal and
Puerto Rico income tax.  For additional information relating to taxes, see Note 28 of the
Corporation’s financial statements - “Income Taxes.”

24

FINANCIAL CONDITION

The following table presents an average balance sheet as of the dates indicated:

December  31,

1999

1998

1997

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Assets
Interest earning assets:
Deposits at banks and other
short-term investments

Government obligations
Mortgage backed securities
Other investment
FHLB stock

Total investments

Consumer loans
Residential real estate loans
Construction loans
Commercial loans
Finance leases
Total loans

Total interest earning assets (1)
Total non-interest earning assets
Total  assets
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
Interest bearing checking accounts
Savings accounts
Certificate accounts
Interest bearing deposits
Other borrowed funds
FHLB advances

Total interest bearing liabilities
Total non-interest bearing liabilities

Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 (In thousands)

$

40,766
319,777
1,032,632
1,150
   10,252
1,404,577
  1,032,704
290,564
19,169
613,697
  43,108
1,999,242
3,403,819
89,717
$3,493,536

$   123,847
398,249
972,433
1,494,529
1,559,892
    4,515
3,058,936
182,369
3,241,305
   252,231
$3,493,536

$

67,969
404,517
428,804
519
  10,150
911,959
1,090,991
283,799
10,488
  473,093
   50,823
1,909,194
2,821,153
  91,355
$2,912,508

$ 116,852
400,998
    985,124
1,502,974
1,012,757
  15,157
2,530,888
   168,515
2,699,403
  213,105
$2,912,508

$

27,344
415,742
1,294,195
18,646
16,170
1,772,097
1,013,782
327,700
94,940
  847,917
  68,577
  2,352,916
4,125,013
47,768
$ 4,172,781

$ 140,690
413,662
1,373,263
1,927,615
1,728,913
  8,451
3,664,979
  212,993
3,877,972
    294,809
$ 4,172,781

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(1) Net of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation on investments securities available for sale.

25

Assets

The Corporation’s total assets at December 31, 1999 amounted to $4,722 million,

$704 million over the $4,017 million at December 31, 1998.  The increase in total assets results
primarily from the growth in total loans receivable (net of the allowance for loan losses) of $621
million.

The following table presents the composition of the loan portfolio at year-end for each of the last five years.

December  31,

% of
Total

% of
Total

1998

1999

% of
Total

% of
Total

1996

1997

1995

% of
Total

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 (Dollars in thousands)

Residential real estate loans
Commercial real
estate loans
Construction loans
Commercial loans
Total commercial

Finance leases
Consumer loans

Total

$ 473,563

17 $ 303,011

14

$ 292,604

15

$ 297,246

16 $ 319,758

21

  371,643
132,068
655,417
1,159,128
  85,692
1,026,985
$ 2,745,368

  332,219
14
62,963
5
368,549
24
763,731
43
52,214
   3
  37
1,001,098
100 $2,120,054

16
   3
17
36
   3
   47
100

306,734
9,279
  235,571
551,584
42,500
1,072,613
$1,959,301

  15
  1
12
28
  2
 55
100

    256,227
10,209
174,770
441,206
  58,481
1,099,141
$1,896,074

  13
210,645
 14
    1
9,233
  1
10
156,369
  9
24
376,247
24
   2
32,965
   3
  57
    53
827,636
100  $1,556,606   100

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During 1999 the Corporation continued its strategy of diversifying its loan portfolio

composition through the origination and purchase of commercial loans. This resulted in a significant
increase of $395.4 million in the commercial loan portfolio. This increase includes approximately
$90 million in commercial loans purchased from Royal Bank of Puerto Rico. Residential real estate
loans increased in 1999 by $170.6 million as a result of new resources added to this line of
business.  Finance leases, which are mostly composed of loans to individuals to finance the
acquisition of an auto, increased by $33.5 million. Consumer loans increased by $25.9 million in
1999 as a result of the acquisition of a $42 million credit card portfolio from Western Auto, offset
by a decrease in the rest of the portfolio of $16.1 million.

26

The Corporation’s investment portfolio at December 31, 1999 amounted to $1,811

million, in line with the investment portfolio of $1,801 million at December 31, 1998.

The composition and tax equivalent weighted average interest rates of the Corporation’s

earning assets at December 31, 1999 were as follows:

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Amount
(In thousands)

Weighted
Average Rate

Money market instruments
Government obligations
Mortgage backed securities
FHLB of N.Y. stock
Other investment

Total investments

Consumer loans
Residential real estate loans
Construction loans
Commercial and commercial real estate loans
Finance leases

Total  loans(1)
Total earning assets

$

  35,217
437,705
1,223,873
17,827
     96,541
    1,811,163
1,026,985
473,563
132,068
1,027,060
  85,692
    2,745,368
$  4,556,531

4.64%
6.74%
7.20%
6.81%
7.33%
7.04%
15.02%
8.94%
8.88%
8.15%
12.41%
11.02%
9.44%

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(1) Excludes the reserve for loan losses.  Generally, non-accruing loans were included in this
analysis as if they were accruing interest.

27

Non-performing Assets

Total non-performing assets are the sum of non-accruing loans, OREO’s and other
repossessed properties.  Non-accruing loans are loans as to which interest is no longer being
recognized.  When loans fall into non-accruing status, all previously accrued and uncollected interest
is charged against interest income.

At December 31, 1999, total non-performing assets amounted to $57 million (1.22%

of total assets) as compared to $63 million (1.57% of total assets) at December 31, 1998 and
$63 million (1.89% of total assets) at December 31, 1997.  The Corporation’s reserve to non-
performing loans was 133.4% at December 31, 1999 as compared to 119.1% and 109.0% at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Past due loans are loans delinquent 90 days or more as to principal and/or interest, and

still accruing interest.

The following table presents non-performing assets at the dates indicated.  The presentation of non-performing assets was changed for

1999 and previous four years to exclude past due and still accruing loans to conform it to the industry practice.

December  31,

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

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Non-accruing loans:

Residential real estate
Commercial and commercial real estate
Finance leases
Consumer

Other real estate owned (OREO)
Other repossessed property
Total non-performing assets
Past due loans
Non-performing assets to total assets
Non-performing loans to total loans
Allowance for loan losses
Allowance to total non-performing loans

$ 8,633
17,975
2,482
  24,726
53,816
517
3,112
$ 57,445
$ 13,781
1.22%
1.96%
$ 71,784
133.39%

$

9,151
19,355
1,716
  26,736
56,958
3,642
  2,277
$ 62,877
$ 15,110
1.57%
2.69%
$ 67,854
119.13%

 (Dollars in thousands)

$ 6,963
16,869
4,560
24,547
  52,939
1,132
  8,702
$ 62,773
$ 11,544
1.89%
2.70%
$ 57,712
109.02%

$ 8,814
11,568
5,125
25,655
  51,162
1,696
    7,566
$60,424
$   9,752
2.14%
2.70%
$55,254
108.00%

$

9,309
18,979
297
  26,085
  54,670
2,991
  3,132
$ 60,793
5,544
$
2.50%
3.51%
$ 55,009
100.62%

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28

Non-accruing Loans

Residential Real Estate Loans-
 The Corporation classifies all real estate loans delinquent 90 days or more in non-accruing status.
Even though these loans are in non-accruing status, Management considers based on the value of
the underlying collateral and the loan to value ratios, that no material losses will be incurred in this
portfolio.  Management’s understanding is based on the historical experience of the Corporation.
Non-accruing real estate loans amounted to $8.6 million (1.82% of total residential real estate
loans) at December 31, 1999, as compared to $9.2 million (3.02% of total residential real estate
loans) and $7 million (2.38% of total residential real estate loans) at December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.

Commercial Loans - The Corporation places all commercial loans (including commercial real
estate and construction loans) 90 days delinquent as to principal and interest in non-accruing status.
The risk exposure of this portfolio is diversified.  Non-accruing commercial loans amounted to
$18 million (1.55% of total commercial loans) at December 31, 1999 as compared to $19.4
million (2.53% of total commercial loans) and $16.9 million (3.06% of total commercial loans) at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.  At December 31, 1999, there was only one non-
accruing commercial loan of over $1 million, which is a $2.6 million loan, partially secured by
inventory, accounts receivable and real estate collateral.

Finance Leases - Finance leases are classified as non-accruing when they are delinquent 90 days
or more. Non-accruing finance leases amounted to $2.5 million (2.90% of total finance leases) at
December 31, 1999, compared to $1.7 million (3.29% of total finance leases) at December 31,
1998, and $4.6 million (10.73% of total finance leases) at December 31, 1997.

Consumer Loans - Consumer loans are classified as non-accruing when they are delinquent 90
days in auto, boat and home equity reserve loans, 120 days in personal loans (including small
loans) and 180 days in credit cards and personal lines of credit.

Non-accruing consumer loans amounted to $24.7 million (2.41% of the total con-
sumer loan portfolio) at December 31, 1999, $26.7 million (or 2.67% of the total consumer
loan portfolio) at December 31, 1998 and $24.5 million (or 2.29% of the total consumer loan
portfolio) at December 31, 1997.  The decrease in the ratio and amount of non-accruing loans
was the result of the improvement on the credit quality of the portfolio.  This improvement
resulted in a decrease in charge off of consumer loans to $52 million in 1999 from $67.9 million
in 1998, and $57.3 million in 1997.

Other Real Estate

Owned (OREO)

OREO acquired in settlement of loans is carried at the lower of cost (carrying value of the

loan) or fair value less estimated cost to sell off the real estate at the date of acquisition.

Repossessed Property

The Repossessed Property category includes repossessed boats and autos acquired in
settlement of loans. Repossessed boats are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value.
Repossessed autos are recorded at the principal balance of the loans less an estimated loss on the
disposition of certain units.

Past Due Loans

Past due loans are accruing commercial and consumer loans, which are contractually

delinquent 90 days or more.  Past due commercial loans are current as to interest but delinquent in
the payment of principal.  Past due consumer loans include personal lines of credit and credit card
loans delinquent 90 days up to 179 days and personal loans (including small loans) delinquent 90
days up to 119 days.

29

Sources of Funds

The Corporation’s principal funding sources are branch-based deposits, institutional
deposits, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and notes.

Deposits

Total deposits amounted to $2,565 million at December 31, 1999, as compared to

$1,775 million and $1,595 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Total deposits are composed of branch-based deposits and institutional deposits.
The following table presents the composition of total deposits.

December 31,

1999

1998

1997

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Savings accounts
Interest bearing checking accounts
Certificates of deposit
Interest bearing deposits
Non-interest bearing deposits
   Total
Weighted average rate during the
  period on interest bearing deposit
Interest bearing deposits:
  Average balance outstanding
Non-interest bearing deposits:
  Average balance outstanding

 (Dollars in thousands)

$ 447,946
162,601
1,742,978
2,353,525
211,896
$2,565,421

$ 416,424
130,883
  1,054,634
1,601,941
   173,104
$ 1,775,045

$ 403,129
121,452
   929,955
1,454,536
    140,099
$1,594,635

4.69%

4.71%

4.80%

$1,927,614

$ 1,494,529

$1,502,975

179,478

145,357

127,256

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Institutional deposits include brokered certificates of deposits and certificates issued to agencies of
the Government of Puerto Rico.

Total interest bearing deposits increased by $751.6 million at December 31, 1999

when compared to December 31, 1998.  This fluctuation was mainly due to: (1) an increase in
branch-based deposits of $206.7 million; (2) an increase of $560 million in brokered certificates of
deposits; net of (3) a decrease of $10 million in certificates issued to corporations operating under
Internal Revenue Code Section 936; and (4) a decrease of $5.0 million in certificates issued to the
agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico.

Non-interest bearing deposits increased by $38.8 million in 1999.  The increase in total

branch based deposits includes the deposits of the five branches acquired from other financial
institutions.

Borrowings

At December 31, 1999 total borrowings amounted to $1,804 million as compared to
$1,931 million and $1,458 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.  The following
table presents the composition of borrowings.

December 31,

1999

1998

    1997

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                                                                                                    (Dollars in thousands)
Federal funds purchased and securities

sold under agreements to repurchase

Other short term borrowings
Advances from FHLB
Notes payable
Subordinated notes

Total

$1,452,151
152,484
50,000
55,500
93,594
$1,803,729

$1,623,698
86,595
  2,600
118,100
99,496
$1,930,489

$ 965,869
231,505
29,000
132,350
99,423
$1,458,147

Weighted average rate during the period

5.34%

5.41%

5.67%

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30

The Corporation uses federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements, advances from
FHLB and notes payable as additional funding sources.  The borrowings of the Corporation consist
primarily of federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repur-
chase agreements) which at December 31, 1999 amounted to $1,452.2 million or 81% of total
borrowings.  Repurchase agreements had a total weighted average cost of 5.07%, during the year
ended December 31, 1999.  For more information on borrowings please refer to Notes 20
through 24 of the Corporation’s financial statements.

The composition and weighted average interest rates of interest bearing liabilities at

December 31, 1999, were as follows:

Amount
(In thousands)

Weighted
Average rate

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Interest bearing deposits
Borrowed funds

$ 2,353,525
1,803,729

4.94%
5.60%

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Capital

During 1999, the Corporation increased its total capital from $270.4 million at Decem-
ber 31, 1998 to $294.9 million at December 31, 1999.  Total capital increased by $24.5 million
due to earnings of $62.1 million, the issuance of 3,600,000 shares of preferred stock at $86.9
million, the issuance of 13,000 shares of common stock through the exercise of stock options at a
cost of $176,313, reduced by the repurchased shares of common stock at a total cost of $32.5
million, an unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale of $77.4 million and cash
dividends of $14.7 million.

The Corporation’s objective is to maintain a solid capital position above the “well

capitalized” classification under the federal banking regulations.  The Corporation continues to
exceed the well capitalized guidelines.  To be in a “well capitalized” position, an institution should
have:  (i) a leverage ratio of 5% or greater; (ii) a total risk based capital ratio of 10% or greater; and
(iii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6% or greater.  At December 31, 1999 the Corporation had
a leverage ratio of 7.47%; a total risk based capital ratio of 16.16%; and a Tier 1 risk-based capital
ratio of 11.64%.

Dividends

In 1999, 1998 and 1997 the Corporation declared four quarterly cash dividends of
$0.09, $0.075 and $0.06 per common share, respectively, for an annual dividend of $0.36,
$0.30 and $0.24, respectively.  Total cash dividends paid on common shares amounted to $10.4
million for 1999 (or a 17.96% dividend payout ratio), $8.9 million for 1998 (or a 17.12%
dividend payout ratio) and $7.2 million for 1997 (or a 15.14% dividend payout ratio).  Dividends
declared on preferred stock amounted to $4.3 million in 1999.

Year  2000

The transition to the year 2000 occurred as expected without any significant problems

on the Corporation’s computer systems or any other date sensitive operating equipment.  The
expenses incurred to comply with the year 2000 date change amounted to approximately $1.4
million for the year 1999 and $650,000 for the year 1998.

Asset/Liability Management

The Corporation has a formal system of interest rate risk management.  Management

recognizes that it may sometimes be necessary to forego earning opportunities in order to maintain
a stable stream of net interest income as interest rates rise and fall.

Management monitors the Corporation’s interest rate risk position primarily through

computer simulations of the effect of rising and falling interest rates on net interest income.  Two
sets of simulations are carried out, both of which cover a two year time horizon: one assuming a
flat balance sheet with a constant asset/liability mix and another assuming a balance sheet which
grows according to expected loan originations and funding.  These simulations also incorporate
expected changes in prepayment rates as interest rates rise or fall, repricing characteristics of
variable rate assets and liabilities, current and expected lending rates, funding sources and costs.
Other factors, which may be potentially important in determining the future growth of net interest
income (i.e. planned securitizations and liquidity requirements), are considered in these simulations.

31

Management also uses one year GAP analysis as a secondary technique for evaluating

interest rate risk.  The Corporation’s one year GAP fluctuated between a negative 2% and a
negative 27% of assets during 1999.  Management considers that the ranges of the GAP ratio
achieved during 1999 are adequate, considering the Corporation’s net interest margin and capital
ratios.

The Corporation’s interest rate risk position is measured on a quarterly basis and is

evaluated by the Asset Liability Management and Investment Committee.  This Committee is in
charge, among other things, of informing Management as to the current levels of interest rate risk
and, when necessary, managing the repricing of the Corporation’s assets, liabilities and off balance
sheet contracts to maintain that risk at reasonable and prudent levels.

Liquidity

Liquidity refers to the level of cash and eligible investments to meet loan and investment
commitments, potential deposit outflows and debt repayments.  The Asset Liability Management
and Investment Committee, using measures of liquidity developed by Management reviews the
Corporation’s liquidity position and liquidity targets on a weekly basis.

The principal sources of short-term funds are loan repayments, deposits, securities sold
under agreements to repurchase, and lines of credit with the FHLB and other financial institutions.
The Investment Committee reviews credit availability on a regular basis.  In addition, the Corpora-
tion has securitized and sold auto and mortgage loans as supplementary sources of funding.
Commercial paper has also provided additional funding.  The Corporation has obtained long-term
funding through the issuance of notes and long-term institutional certificates of deposit.  The
Corporation’s principal uses of funds are the origination of loans and the repayment of maturing
deposit accounts and borrowings.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

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

Unlike most industrial companies, substantially all of the assets and liabilities of a financial

institution are monetary in nature.  As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on a financial
institution’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation.  Interest rate movements are
not necessarily correlated with changes in the prices of goods and services.

Market Prices and Stock Data

Quarter ended

High

Low

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The Corporation’s common stock is

traded in the New York Stock Exchange
(NYSE) under the symbol FBP.  On Decem-
ber 31, 1999, there were 641 holders of
record of the Corporation’s common stock.

The following table sets forth the

high and low prices of the Corporation’s
common stock for the periods indicated as
reported by the NYSE.  Common stock prices
were adjusted to give retroactive effect to the
stock split declared in May 1998.

1999:
December
September
June
March

1998:
December
September
June
March

1997:
December
September
June
March

$22.81
24.75
28.50
30.38

$30.50
29.50
29.63
23.88

$18.82
17.75
13.63
14.38

$19.25
19.75
22.00
22.69

$21.38
23.63
22.72
16.50

$15.13
12.53
11.69
12.50

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32

TIVE  AND  QUALITALITALITALITALITAAAAATIVETIVETIVETIVETIVE
TIVE  AND  QU
TIVE  AND  QU
ANTITAAAAATIVE  AND  QU
ANTIT
ANTIT
QUQUQUQUQUANTIT
TIVE  AND  QU
ANTIT
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

First BanCorp manages its asset/liability position in order to limit the effects of changes in

interest rates on net interest income, subject to other goals of Management and within guidelines
set forth by the Board of Directors.

The day-to-day management of interest rate risk, as well as liquidity management and
other related matters, is assigned to the Asset Liability Management and Investment Committee
(ALCO).  The ALCO is composed of the following officers: President and CEO, Senior Executive
Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Senior Executive Vice President/Chief Lending Officer,
Executive Vice President and President of Money Express, Senior Vice President/Investments, and
the Economist.  The ALCO meets on a weekly basis.  The Economist also acts as secretary,
keeping minutes of all meetings.

Committee meetings focus on, among other things, current and expected conditions in

world financial markets, competition and prevailing rates in the local deposit market, reviews of
liquidity, unrealized gains and losses in securities, recent or proposed changes to the investment
portfolio, alternative funding sources and their costs, hedging and the possible purchase of
derivatives such as swaps and caps, and any tax or regulatory issues which may be pertinent to
these areas.  The ALCO approves pricing and funding decisions in the light of the Corporation’s
overall growth strategies and objectives.  On a quarterly basis the ALCO performs a comprehen-
sive asset/liability review, examining the measures of interest rate risk described below together
with other matters such as liquidity and capital.

The Corporation uses simulations to measure the effects of changing interest rates on

net interest income.  These measures are carried out in two ways, assuming upward and
downward interest rate movements of 200 basis points:

(1) using a balance sheet which is assumed to be flat at the levels existing on the simulation date,
and
(2) using a balance sheet which has growth patterns and strategies similar to those which have
occurred in the recent past.

Assuming a flat balance sheet, tax equivalent net interest income for the twelve months
following December 31, 1999 and 1998 would be $203.3 million and $207.1 million, respec-
tively, under flat rates, $183.5 million and $185.4 million, respectively, under rising rates, and
$222.3 million and $211.0 million, respectively, under falling rates.  Assuming a growing balance
sheet, tax equivalent net interest income for 1999 would be $213.5 million under flat rates (1998
- $209.1 million), $192.9 million under rising rates (1998 - $188.3 million) and $228.4 million
under falling rates (1998 - $212.5 million).  These simulations do not represent what actual
results would be, since interest rate risk management is dynamic, and can be adjusted depending on
the committee’s interest rate outlook.

These simulations assume gradual upward or downward movements of interest rates
over one year, with the change totaling 200 basis points at the end of the twelve month period.
The balance sheet is divided into groups of similar assets and liabilities in order to simplify the
process of carrying out these projections.  As interest rates rise or fall, these simulations incorpo-
rate expected future lending rates, current and expected future funding sources and cost, the
possible exercise of options, liquidity requirements, and other factors which may be important in
determining the future growth of net interest income.  Only interest and fee income is included in
these projections; profits on the sale of assets are excluded.  All computations are done on a tax
equivalent basis, including the effects of the changing cost of funds on the tax-exempt spreads of
certain investments.  The projections are carried out for First BanCorp on a fully consolidated
basis.

These simulations are highly complex, and they use many simplifying assumptions which

are intended to reflect the general behavior of the Corporation over the period in question, but
there can be no assurance that actual events will parallel these assumptions in all cases.  For this
reason, the results of these simulations are only approximations of the true sensitivity of net
interest income to changes in market interest rates.

33

35

FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
TEMENTS  OF
TEMENTS  OF
TED  STAAAAATEMENTS  OF
TED  ST
TED  ST
CONSOLIDAAAAATED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
TEMENTS  OF
TEMENTS  OF
TED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
FINANCIAL  CONDITION
FINANCIAL  CONDITION
FINANCIAL  CONDITION
FINANCIAL  CONDITION
FINANCIAL  CONDITION

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December 31,

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 1999

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1998

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Assets
Cash and due from banks
Money market instruments
Investment securities available for sale, at market:

United States and Puerto Rico Government obligations
Mortgage backed securities
Other investments

Total investment securities available for sale

Investment securities held to maturity, at cost:

United States and Puerto Rico Government  obligations
Mortgage backed securities

Total investment securities held to maturity

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock
Loans held for sale
Loans receivable
Total loans

Allowance for loan losses
Total loans - net
Other real estate owned
Premises and equipment - net
Accrued interest receivable
Due from customers on acceptances
Other assets

Total  assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:

Non-interest bearing deposits
Interest bearing deposits
Federal funds purchased and securities
  sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings
Advances from FHLB
Notes payable
Bank acceptances outstanding
Accounts payable and other liabilities

Subordinated notes
Stockholders’ equity:

Preferred Stock, authorized 50,000,000 shares: issued and
 outstanding 3,600,000 shares at $25.00 liquidation value
  per share
Common stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 250,000,000 shares;
  issued 29,612,552 shares
Less: Treasury Stock (at par value)
Common stock outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
Capital reserve
Legal surplus
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income - unrealized gain (loss)

on securities available for sale, net of tax

$

58,267,929
    35,217,064

340,356,015
1,017,176,782
  96,541,374
    1,454,074,171

  97,349,381
    206,696,658
    304,046,039
    17,826,500
37,794,078
2,707,574,019
2,745,368,097
  (71,784,237)
  2,673,583,860
517,405
61,947,817
17,917,526
2,738,176
95,431,678
$ 4,721,568,165

$

211,896,459
2,353,525,177

1,452,151,222
152,484,084
50,000,000
55,500,000
2,738,176
54,776,718
  4,333,071,836
93,594,080

90,000,000

29,612,552
(1,552,000)
28,060,552
19,863,466
40,000,000
126,792,514
  58,834,676

(68,648,959)
  294,902,249

$

39,416,097
     525,669

268,611,106
    1,492,538,909
1,620,000
  1,762,770,015

    26,921,836

    26,921,836
  10,270,600
20,641,628
2,099,412,756
2,120,054,384
  (67,854,066)
2,052,200,318
3,642,525
51,537,192
10,738,072
2,392,338
  56,937,413
$ 4,017,352,075

$

173,103,709
1,601,941,185

    1,623,697,988
86,594,710
2,600,000
118,100,000
2,392,338
39,058,247
  3,647,488,177
    99,495,830

29,599,552
     (100,000)
    29,499,552
23,575,936
30,000,000
53,454,469
  125,088,180

  8,749,931
  270,368,068

Contingencies and commitments

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 4,721,568,165

$ 4,017,352,075

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

37

FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
TEMENTS
TEMENTS
TED  STAAAAATEMENTS
TED  ST
TED  ST
CONSOLIDAAAAATED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
TEMENTS
TEMENTS
TED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
OF INCOME
OF INCOME
OF INCOME
OF INCOME
OF INCOME

1999

Year  ended December 31,
1998

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 1997

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Interest income:

Loans
Investment securities
Short-term investments
Dividends on FHLB stock

Total interest income

Interest expense:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Advances from FHLB

Total interest expense
Net interest income

Provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan losses

Other income:

Other fees on loans
Service charges on deposit accounts
Trading (loss) income
Fees on loans serviced for others
Gain on sale of investments
Rental income
Other operating income

Total other income

Other operating expenses:

Employees’ compensation and benefits
Occupancy and equipment
Taxes and insurance
Net (gain) cost of operations and disposition of
other real estate owned
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Other

Total other operating expenses

Income before income tax provision
Income tax provision
Net income

Earnings per common share - basic
Earnings per common share - diluted

$ 260,741,177
106,770,856
450,248
1,100,823
369,063,104

$ 231,513,730
  88,312,096
729,417
   743,161
321,298,404

$ 225,524,452
55,310,691
3,654,806
    670,156
285,160,105

90,489,121
79,455,499
12,914,538
  470,590
183,329,748
185,733,356

47,960,500
137,772,856

12,886,541
8,540,291
(7,946)
864,278
1,376,672
2,609,657
6,592,940
    32,862,433

48,545,839
20,137,354
6,778,354

(303,359)
612,404
25,501,303
101,271,895

69,363,394
7,288,445
62,074,949

2.00
1.98

$

$
$

70,418,359
69,494,151
14,965,751
   251,707
155,129,968
166,168,436

  76,000,000
  90,168,436

11,157,852
  7,843,837
3,364,843
1,617,292
26,827,417
2,291,814
   5,136,795
  58,239,850

43,185,324
18,154,663
6,577,894

42,359
691,411
23,146,048
91,797,699

56,610,587
4,798,200
$ 51,812,387

$
$

1.75
1.74

$

$
$

72,147,084
  39,460,518
17,958,092
863,599
130,429,293
154,730,812

 55,675,500
99,055,312

10,898,586
  7,363,369
744,789
2,669,673
11,388,137
1,935,169
4,865,788
  39,865,511

38,644,042
16,101,054
6,575,896

(21,128)
787,745
21,180,662
  83,268,271

55,652,552
8,125,000
47,527,552

1.58
1.58

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○

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

38

FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
TEMENTS  OF  CASH
TEMENTS  OF  CASH
TED  STAAAAATEMENTS  OF  CASH
TED  ST
TED  ST
CONSOLIDAAAAATED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
TEMENTS  OF  CASH
TEMENTS  OF  CASH
TED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
FLOWS
FLOWS
FLOWS
FLOWS
FLOWS

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1999

○

Year  ended December 31,
1998

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1997

○

○

○

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○

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○

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○

○

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○

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○

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Cash flows from (for) operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:

Depreciation
Provision for loan losses
Increase in taxes payable
Increase in deferred tax asset
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
Amortization of deferred loan fees (costs)
Net gain on sale of investments securities
Originations of loans held for sale
Proceeds from sale of loans
Decrease in other assets
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
Total adjustments

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from (for) investing activities:

Principal collected on loans
Loans originated
Purchase of loans
Sales of investment securities
Purchase of securities held-to-maturity
Purchases of securities available-for-sale
Principal repayments and maturities of securities held-to-maturity
Principal repayments of securities available-for-sale
Additions to premises and equipment
Purchase of FHLB stock

Net cash used by investing activities

Cash flows from (for) financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and
  securities sold under repurchase agreements
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings
FHLB-N.Y. advances taken/paid
Payments of notes payable
Decrease (increase) in debt securities issuance cost
Dividends
Repurchase of common stock
Issuance of preferred stock
Treasury stock acquired
Exercise of stock options

Net cash provided  by financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Cash and cash equivalents include:
Cash and due from banks
Money market instruments

$

62,074,949

$

51,812,387

$

47,527,552

7,645,035
47,960,500
2,345,647
(6,702,849)
(7,179,454)
10,056,988
(680,735)
(1,376,673)
(18,222,990)
1,266,787
12,950,921
  5,012,929
  53,076,106
115,151,055

719,964,127
(1,270,442,873)
(118,603,000)
9,630,866
(277,624,203)
(6,069,805,410)
500,000
6,267,048,544
(18,055,660)
  (7,555,900)
  (764,943,509)

7,827,866
76,000,000
3,454,049
(11,454,033)
2,297,862
1,072,485
881,411
(26,827,417)
(9,086,622)

20,776,413
   1,718,242
66,660,256
  118,472,643

559,726,839
(797,256,751)
(1,330,497)
302,128,585

(6,899,653,771)
34,782,596
6,061,838,410
(10,917,891)
     (120,300)
(750,802,780)

7,281,936
55,675,500
1,464,869
(1,765,992)
(3,843,610)
(2,371,552)
(30,868)
(11,388,137)
(7,668,575)
  1,249,543
48,813,231
   (3,157,333)
    84,259,012
      131,786,564

661,129,038
(819,802,988)

118,004,497
(18,837,919)
(8,185,668,960)
27,591,758
7,518,487,101
(6,739,859)

(705,837,332)

790,376,740

180,410,210

(109,290,923)

(172,898,023)
65,889,375
47,400,000
(68,501,750)
1,211,219
(14,657,799)

86,850,217
(32,510,611)
176,313
703,335,681
53,543,227
39,941,766
$        93,484,993

$        58,267,929
35,217,064
$        93,484,993

654,760,505
(144,910,185)
(26,400,000)
(14,177,660)
(1,049,270)
  (8,870,832)
  (3,656,420)

(2,211,250)
   196,501
      634,091,599
  1,761,462
38,180,304
$     39,941,766

$     39,416,097
525,669
$     39,941,766

381,012,600
231,504,896
14,900,000
(54,010,993)
957,972
  (7,197,417)
(6,899,822)

         382,249
    451,358,562
(122,692,206)
160,872,510
38,180,304

37,666,068
     514,236
38,180,304

$

$

$

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The accompanying notes are integral part of these statements.

39

FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
TEMENTS
TEMENTS
TED  STAAAAATEMENTS
TED  ST
TED  ST
CONSOLIDAAAAATED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
TEMENTS
TEMENTS
TED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Preferred
  stock

Common
stock

Additional
paid-in
capital

Capital
reserve

Legal
surplus

Retained
 earnings

Unrealized
gain (loss) on
securities
available
for sale

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December  31,  1996
Net income
Change in valuation of
  securities available for sale
Addition to legal surplus
Addition to capital reserve
Repurchase of common stock
Stock option exercised
Cash dividends-common stock
December  31,  1997

Net income
Change in valuation of
  securities available for sale
Addition to capital reserve
Repurchase of common stock
Treasury stock
Stock option exercised
Cash dividends-common stock
Common stock split
  on May 29, 1998
December  31,  1998

Net income
Change in valuation of
  securities available for sale
Issuance of preferred stock
Addition to legal surplus
Addition to capital reserve
Treasury stock
Stock options exercised
Cash dividends:

Common stock
Preferred stock
December  31,  1999

$

$15,116,651 $38,599,962

$10,000,000 $49,106,995 $77,711,586
47,527,552

$607,119

4,347,474

10,000,000

(247,825)
33,000

(495,650)
349,249

14,901,826

38,453,561

20,000,000

53,454,469

10,000,000

(108,800)
(100,000)
10,000

(217,600)
(50,000)
186,501

11,424,325

12,031,444

(3,281,513)

(4,347,474)
(10,000,000)
(6,156,347)

(7,197,417)
97,537,900

51,812,387

(10,000,000)
(3,330,024)
(2,061,250)

(8,870,832)

14,796,526
29,499,552

(14,796,526)
23,575,936

30,000,000

53,454,469

125,088,180

    8,749,931

90,000,000

(3,149,783)

(1,452,000)
13,000

(726,000)
163,313

73,338,045

10,000,000

(77,398,890)

62,074,949

(73,338,045)
(10,000,000)
(30,332,611)

(10,382,797)
(4,275,000)

$90,000,000 $28,060,552 $19,863,466

$40,000,000 $126,792,514 $58,834,676 $(68,648,959)

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

40

FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
FIRST  BANCORP
TEMENTS  OF
TEMENTS  OF
TED  STAAAAATEMENTS  OF
TED  ST
TED  ST
CONSOLIDAAAAATED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
TEMENTS  OF
TEMENTS  OF
TED  ST
CONSOLID
CONSOLID
COMPREHENSIVE  INCOME
COMPREHENSIVE  INCOME
COMPREHENSIVE  INCOME
COMPREHENSIVE  INCOME
COMPREHENSIVE  INCOME

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1999
$ 62,074,949

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Year ended December 31,
1998
$ 51,812,387

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1997
47,527,552

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$

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Net income
Other comprehensive income net of tax:
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains

arising during the period

Less: reclassification adjustment
  for gains included in net income

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

(76,501,672)

8,102,283

12,081,362

897,218
(77,398,890)

11,383,796
  (3,281,513)

657,037
11,424,325

Comprehensive  (loss)  income

$ (15,323,941)

$ 48,530,874

$

58,951,877

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The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

41

NOTES  TO  CONSOLIDAAAAATEDTEDTEDTEDTED
NOTES  TO  CONSOLID
NOTES  TO  CONSOLID
NOTES  TO  CONSOLID
NOTES  TO  CONSOLID
TEMENTS
TEMENTS
FINANCIAL  STAAAAATEMENTS
FINANCIAL  ST
FINANCIAL  ST
TEMENTS
TEMENTS
FINANCIAL  ST
FINANCIAL  ST

Note 1 - Nature of Business

First BanCorp (the Corporation) was incorporated on October 1st, 1998
under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to serve as the bank holding
company for FirstBank Puerto Rico (FirstBank or the Bank).  As a result of this reorga-
nization each of the Bank’s outstanding shares of common stock was converted into
one share of common stock of the new bank holding company.  First BanCorp is
subject to the Federal Bank Holding Company Act and to the regulations, supervision,
and examination of the Federal Reserve Board.

FirstBank, the Corporation’s subsidiary, is a commercial bank chartered

under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.  Its main office is located in San
Juan, Puerto Rico, and has 45 full service banking branches in Puerto Rico and three
in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  It also has loan origination offices in Puerto Rico focusing on
consumer loans and residential mortgage loans.  In addition, through its wholly owned
subsidiaries, FirstBank operates other offices in Puerto Rico specializing in small
personal loans, finance leases and vehicle rental. The Bank is subject to the supervi-
sion, examination and regulation of the Office of the Commissioner of Financial
Institutions of Puerto Rico and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC),
which insures its deposits through the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF).

Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Corporation and its subsidiaries
conform with generally accepted accounting principles, and, as such, include amounts
based  on  judgments,  estimates  and  assumptions  made  by  Management  that  affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and contingent assets and liabilities at the
date  of  the  financial  statements  and  the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses
during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Following is a description of the more significant accounting policies followed by the
Corporation:

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corpora-

tion and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned.  All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Statement of cash flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash

on  hand,  amounts  due  from  banks  and  money  market  instruments.

42

Segments of the Corporation and related information

Operating segments are components of the Corporation about which
separate financial information is available based on which Management  makes
operating  decisions  and  assesses  performance.

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

The  Corporation  enters  into  purchases  of  securities  under  agreements  to
resell  the  same  securities.  Amounts  advanced  under  these  agreements  represent
short-term loans and are reflected as assets in the statements of financial condition.
The Corporation monitors the market value of the underlying securities as compared
to the related receivable, including accrued interest, and requests additional collateral
where  deemed  appropriate.

Investment securities

The Corporation classifies its investments in debt and equity securities into

one  of  three  categories:

Held to maturity - Securities for which the entity has the positive intent and

ability to hold to maturity.  These securities are carried at amortized cost.

Trading - Securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of

selling them in the near term.  These securities are carried at fair value, with unreal-
ized gains and losses reported in earnings.

Available for sale - Securities not classified as trading or as held to maturity.
These securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses net
of  estimated  tax  effect,  excluded  from  earnings  and  reported  in  other  comprehensive
income as a separate component of stockholders’ equity.

Premiums and discounts are amortized as an adjustment to interest income

over the life of the related securities using a method that approximates the interest
method.  Realized gains or losses on securities are reported in earnings.  When
computing realized gains or losses, the cost of securities is determined on the specific
identification  method.

43

Loans and allowance for loan losses

Loans  are  stated  at  their  outstanding  balance  less  unearned  interest  and  net
deferred loan origination fees and costs.  Unearned interest on installment loans (i.e.,
personal and auto) is recognized as income under a method which approximates the
interest  method.

Loans on which the recognition of interest income has been discontinued are

designated as non-accruing.  When loans are placed on non-accruing status, any
accrued  but  uncollected  interest  income  is  reversed  and  charged  against  interest
income.

Consumer loans are classified as non-accruing when they are delinquent: 90

days or more for auto, boat and home equity reserve loans, 120 days or more for
personal loans, and 180 days or more for credit cards and personal lines of credit.
Commercial and mortgage loans are classified as non-accruing when they are
delinquent 90 days or more.  This policy is also applied to all impaired loans.

The Corporation provides for estimated losses on mortgage, commercial and

consumer loans upon an evaluation of the risk characteristics of said loans, loss
experience, economic conditions and other pertinent factors.  Loan losses are
charged and recoveries are credited to the allowance for loan losses.

Loan origination fees and costs

Loan origination fees and costs incurred in the origination of loans are
deferred and amortized using the interest method or under a method that approxi-
mates the interest method over the life of the loans as an adjustment to interest
income.  When a loan is paid off or sold, any unamortized net deferred fee (cost)
balance is credited (charged) to income.

Other real estate owned

Other real estate owned, acquired in settlement of loans, is carried at the
lower of cost (carrying value of the loan) or fair value minus estimated cost to sell of
the real estate at the date of acquisition.  Subsequent to foreclosure, gains or losses
resulting from the sale of these properties and losses recognized on the periodic
reevaluations of these properties are credited or charged to net cost (gain) of
operations and disposition of other real estate owned.  The cost of maintaining and
operating  these  properties  is  expensed  as  incurred.

44

Premises and equipment

Premises  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation.

Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the individual assets without exceeding 40 years.  Depreciation of leasehold improve-
ments is computed on the straight-line method over the terms of the leases or
estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter.  Costs of mainte-
nance and repairs which do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets
are  expensed  as  incurred.    Costs  of  renewals  and  betterments  are  capitalized.
When assets are sold or disposed of, their cost and related accumulated depreciation
are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is reflected in earnings.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets consist of core deposits values which are amortized using

straight line method over ten years.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

The Corporation enters into sales of securities under agreements to repur-
chase the same or similar securities.  Generally, similar securities are securities from
the same issuer, with identical form and type, similar maturity, identical contractual
interest rates, similar assets as collateral and the same aggregate unpaid principal
amount.    The  securities  underlying  the  agreements  remain  in  the  asset  accounts.

Amortization of debt issuance costs

Costs related to the issuance of debt are amortized under a method which

approximates  the  interest  method.

Treasury stock

The Corporation accounts for treasury stock at par value.  Under this

method, the treasury stock account is increased by the par value of each share of
common stock reacquired.  Any excess paid per share over the par value is debited
to additional paid-in capital for the amount per share that it was originally credited.
Any remaining excess is charged to retained earnings.

45

Stock option plan

The cost associated with stock option plan under which certain employees

receive options to buy shares of stock of the Corporation must be recognized either
by the fair value based method or the intrinsic value based method.  The Corporation
uses the intrinsic value based method of accounting. Under the intrinsic value based
method, compensation cost is the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the
stock at grant date or other measurement date over the amount an employee must
pay to acquire the stock.  If material, entities using the intrinsic value based method
on awards granted to employees must make pro forma disclosures of net income and
earnings per share, as if the fair value based method of accounting had been applied.
Under the fair value based method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date
based on the value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is
usually the vesting period.

Earnings per common share

Earnings per share-basic is calculated by dividing income available to common
stockholders by the weighted average number of outstanding common shares.  The
computation of earnings per share-diluted is similar to the computation of earnings per
share-basic  except  that  the  weighted  average  common  shares  are  increased  to
include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if
the dilutive potential common shares had been issued.  Stock options outstanding
under the Corporation’s stock option plan are considered in the earnings per share-
diluted by application of the treasury stock method.  Any stock splits or stock divi-
dends are retroactively recognized in all periods presented in financial statements.

Reporting comprehensive income

Comprehensive income includes net income and several other items that
current accounting standards require to be recognized outside of net income.  This
statement  was  implemented  in  1998  and  affected  only  financial  statements’  presenta-
tion.  Reclassification of financial statements for earlier periods was presented for
comparative  purposes.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in the 1998 and 1997 financial statements have been

reclassified to conform with the 1999 presentation.

46

Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133 “Accounting for Deriva-
tive Instruments and Hedging Activities.”  This statement establishes accounting and
reporting  standards  for  derivative  instruments,  including  derivative  instruments  that
are embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities.  SFAS No. 133 standard-
izes accounting for derivative instruments, including those embedded in other
contracts, by requiring the recognition of all derivatives (both assets and liabilities) in
the statement of financial position at fair value.  In accordance with SFAS No. 133,
changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are generally accounted for as
current income or other comprehensive income, depending on their designation.

SFAS No. 133 generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss
recognition on the hedging instruments with the recognition of either the changes in
the fair value of the hedged asset or liability, or the earnings effect of the hedged
forecasted  transaction.

On July 7, 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 137, “Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities - Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement
No. 133”.  SFAS No. 137 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 133.  SFAS No. 133
would be effective for all fiscal quarters of all fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2000.
Based on current volumes,  Management expects that the adoption of SFAS No. 133
will not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s financial position and results of
operations.

Note 3 - Stockholders’ Equity

Common stock

On April 30, 1998, the Corporation declared a two for one stock split on its

then outstanding 14,796,526 shares of common stock.  As a result, a total of
14,796,526 additional shares of common stock were issued on May 29, 1998.  In
addition, 10,000 and 13,000 shares of common stock were issued during 1998 and
1999 as part of the exercise of stock options under the Corporation’s stock option
plan.

The Corporation declared a cash dividend on its common stock of $0.24 per

share in 1997, of $0.30 per share in 1998, and of $0.36 per share in 1999.

47

Stock repurchase plan and treasury stock

In 1996 a stock repurchase program was established (the 1996 Program)
where the Corporation is authorized to repurchase in the open market, and retire
from circulation or hold as treasury stock, up to ten percent of the 31,083,502 issued
and outstanding shares of common stock at the time the program was approved by
the stockholders.  Under this program the Corporation repurchased a total of
1,452,000 shares of common stock at a cost of $32,510,611 during 1999, 317,600
shares of common stock at a cost of $5,867,674 during 1998, and 495,650 shares of
common stock at a cost of $6,899,822 during 1997.  The number of shares were
adjusted to recognize the May 1998 stock split.  From the total amount of stocks
repurchased,  1,552,000  shares  were  held  as  treasury  stock  at  December  31,  1999
(1998 - 100,000 shares) and were available for general corporate purposes.

In 1997 an additional stock repurchase program was established whereby

the Corporation may repurchase in the open market shares of common stock, which
amount represents 10% of the issued and outstanding shares after all shares autho-
rized  under  the  1996  Program  have  been  repurchased.

Preferred stock

The Corporation has 50,000,000 shares of authorized  non-cumulative and
non-convertible preferred stock with a par value of $1.  This stock may be issued in
series and the shares of each series shall have such rights and preferences as shall be
fixed by the Board of Directors when authorizing the issuance of that particular series.
On April 30, 1999, the Corporation issued 3,600,000 shares of preferred stock.  The
liquidation value per share is $25.  Annual dividends of $1.78125 per share, are
payable monthly, if declared by the board of directors.  At December 31, 1998, no
shares  of  preferred  stock  were  outstanding.

Capital reserve

The capital reserve account was established to comply with certain regula-

tory requirements of the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto
Rico related to the issuance of subordinated notes by FirstBank in 1995.  An amount
equal to 10% of the principal of the notes is set aside each year from retained
earnings until the reserve equals the total principal amount.  At the notes repayment
date the balance in capital reserve is to be transferred to the legal surplus account or
retained earnings after the approval of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of
Puerto Rico.

48

Legal surplus

The Banking Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requires FirstBank

that a minimum of 10% of the net income for the year be transferred to legal
surplus, until such surplus equals the total of paid in capital on common and preferred
stock.  Amounts transferred to the legal surplus account from the retained earnings
account are not available for distribution to the stockholders.

Dividend restrictions

The Corporation is subject to certain restrictions generally imposed on

Puerto Rico corporations (i.e., that dividends may be paid out only from the
Corporation’s net assets in excess of capital or in the absence of such excess, from
the Corporation’s net earnings for such fiscal year and/or the preceding fiscal year).
The Federal Reserve Board has also issued a policy statement that provides that bank
holding companies should generally pay dividends only out of current operating
earnings.

Note 4 - Regulatory Capital
Requirement

The Corporation is subject to various regulatory capital requirements

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

49

Capital standards established by regulations require the Corporation to

maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Tier 1 capital to total average assets (lever-
age ratio) and ratios of Tier 1 and total capital to risk-weighted assets, as defined in the
regulations.  The total amount of risk-weighted assets is computed by applying risk
weighting factors to the Corporation’s assets, which vary from 0% to 100% depend-
ing on the nature of the asset.

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Corporation exceeded the require-

ments for an adequately capitalized institution.

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, the Corporation also was a well capitalized

institution under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  To be
categorized as well capitalized the Corporation must maintain minimum total risk
based, Tier 1 risk based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table.
Management believes that there are no conditions or events that have changed that
classification.

The Corporation’s and its banking subsidiary’s regulatory capital positions were as follows:

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Regulatory  requirements

Actual

  Amount

Ratio

For  capital
adequacy  purposes
Ratio

Amount

To  be  well  capitalized

Amount

Ratio

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At December 31, 1999

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

First BanCorp
FirstBank

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

First BanCorp
FirstBank

Tier I Capital (to Average Assets):

First BanCorp
FirstBank

$468,261
409,173

16.16%
14.26%

$337,284
279,383

11.64%
9.73%

$337,284
279,383

7.47%
6.26%

(Dollars in thousands)

$231,758
229,608

$115,879
114,804

$135,473
133,953

8%
8%

4%
4%

3%
3%

$289,697
287,010

10%
10%

$173,818
172,206

$225,789
223,255

6%
6%

5%
5%

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Regulatory  requirements

Actual

  Amount

Ratio

For  capital
adequacy  purposes
Ratio

Amount

To  be  well  capitalized

Amount

Ratio

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At December 31, 1998

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

First BanCorp
FirstBank

Tier I Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):

First BanCorp
FirstBank

Tier I Capital (to Average Assets):

First BanCorp
FirstBank

(Dollars in thousands)

$377,939
372,015

17.39%
17.12%

$173,835
173,817

$250,910
244,989

11.55%
11.28%

$ 86,917
86,909

$250,910
244,989

6.59%
6.44%

$114,204
114,204

8%
8%

4%
4%

3%
3%

$217,294
217,271

10%
10%

$130,376
130,363

$190,340
190,340

6%
6%

5%
5%

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50

Note 5 - Stock Option Plan

The Corporation has a stock option plan covering certain employees.  The

options granted under the plan cannot exceed 20% of the number of common
shares outstanding.  Each option provides for the purchase of one share of common
stock at a price not less than the fair market value of the stock on the date the option
is granted.  The maximum term to exercise the options is ten years.  The stock
option plan provides for a proportionate adjustment in the exercise price and the
number of shares that can be purchased in the event of a stock dividend, stock split,
reclassification of stock, merger or reorganization and certain other issuance and
distributions.

Following is a summary of the activity related to stock options as adjusted

retroactively for the May 1998 stock split:

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Number
of Options

Weighted  Average
Exercise Price per Option

At December 31, 1996

Granted
Exercised
Expired or canceled
At December 31, 1997

Granted
Exercised

At December 31, 1998

Granted
Exercised

At December 31, 1999

    325,714
240,000
(66,000)
  (25,714)
    474,000
296,000
(13,500)
  756,500
    223,000
    (13,000)
    966,500

$  6.15
15.45
5.79
10.20
10.68
24.85
14.56
16.16
19.99
13.56
17.07

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The options outstanding at December 31, 1999 have an original expiration
term of ten years and all of them are exercisable.  The exercise price of the options
outstanding at December 31, 1999 ranges from $5.79 to $28.38 and the weighted
average remaining contractual life is approximately eight years.

Following is additional information concerning the stock options outstanding at

December 31, 1999.  The data included herein have been adjusted to reflect the
May 1998 stock split.

 Number of
Options

Exercise
   Price per Option

  Contractual
Maturity

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234,000
   213,500
   60,000
7,000
40,000
12,000
177,000
2,000
3,500
15,000
202,500
966,500

$  5.79
15.63
19.19
28.38
27.09
26.56
26.00
25.94
26.44
22.56
19.63

November  2004
November  2007
February 2008
April 2008
May  2008
June  2008
November  2008
February 2009
April 2009
August  2009
November  2009

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51

Note 6 - Earnings Per Common Share

The calculations of earnings per common share for the years ended Decem-

ber 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 follow (in thousands, except per share data):

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Net income
Less: Preferred stock dividend
Net income - attributable to common stockholders

$62,075 $ 51,812 $47,528

(4,275)

$57,800 $ 51,812 $47,528

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Year ended December 31,
1999

1998

1997

Year ended December 31,
1999

1998

1997

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Earnings  per  common  share-basic:

Net income - available to common stockholders
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Earnings per common share-basic

Earnings per common share-diluted:

$57,800 $51,812
29,586
1.75

2.00 $

28,941

$

$47,528
30,036
$ 1.58

Net income - available to common stockholders
Weighted average common shares and share equivalents:
Average common shares outstanding
Common stock equivalents - Options
Total
Earnings per common share-diluted

$57,800 $51,812

$47,528

28,941
258
29,199
$   1.98

29,586
272
29,858
$    1.74

30,036
168
30,204
$   1.58

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Had compensation cost for the stock options granted been determined based
on the fair value at the grant date (as a result of the requirement explained in Note 2
- Stock option plan), the Corporation’s net income and earnings per common share
would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated, as follow (in thou-
sands,  except  per  share  data):

Year ended December 31,
1999

1998

1997

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Pro forma earnings per common share:
Net income - available to common stockholders
Earnings per common share-basic
Earnings per common share-diluted

$56,341
$1.95
$1.93

$48,592 $46,354
$1.55
$1.54

$1.64
$1.63

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Management uses the binomial model for the computation of the fair value of
each option granted to buy shares of the Corporation’s common stock.  The fair value
of each option granted during 1999, 1998 and 1997 was estimated using the following
assumptions: weighted dividend growth of 22.38% (1999) and 21.97% (1998);
expected life of 10 years; weighted expected volatility of 29.46% (1999), 36.08%
(1998), and 29.8% (1997), and weighted risk-free interest rate of 6.04% (1999),
5.10% (1998) and 5.76% (1997).  The weighted estimated fair value of the options
granted was $6.54 (1999), $10.95 (1998) and $4.89 (1997) per option.

Note 7 - Cash and Due from Banks

The Corporation is required by law to maintain average reserve balances.
The amount of those reserve average balances was approximately $40,975,700 at
December 31, 1999 (1998 - $34,867,200).

52

Note 8 - Securities Purchased Under Agreements To Resell

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, there were no securities purchased

under agreements to resell.  The maximum aggregate balance outstanding at  any
month-end during 1999 was approximately $17,421,000 (1998 - $209,232,000).
The average aggregate balance during 1999 was $1,577,504 (1998 - $15,009,052).
The  securities  underlying  these  agreements  are  kept  under  the  Corporation’s  control
or  held  by  the  dealers  through  which  the  agreements  were  transacted.    These
securities are not recorded as assets of the Corporation.

Note 9 - Investment Securities Held For Trading

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, there were no securities held for trading

purposes or options on such securities.

All  trading  instruments  are  subject  to  market  risk,  the  risk  that  future  changes
in market conditions, such as fluctuations in market prices or interest rates, may make
an instrument less valuable or more onerous.  The instruments are accounted for at
market value, and their changes are reported directly in earnings.  The Corporation
may write options on trading securities as part of its trading activities.  Also the
Corporation may enter in securities sold not yet purchased transactions for trading
purposes.  These transactions are carried at market value.  Net gains and losses
resulting from these transactions are recorded in the trading income or loss account.

The net loss from the sale of trading securities amounted to $7,946 for the

year ended December 31, 1999 (a gain of $3,364,843 for 1998 and a gain of
$744,789 for 1997), and were included in earnings as trading income.

Note 10 - Investment Securities Held
To Maturity

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, approximate market value,
taxable equivalent weighted average yield and maturities of investment securities held
to maturity at December 31, 1999 and 1998 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

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December  31,  1999

December  31,  1998

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Amortized
cost

Unrealized

gains

(losses)

Market
 value

Weighted
  average
  yield%

Amortized
cost

Unrealized
gains    (losses)

Market
  value

Weighted
average
yield%

Obligations of U.S.
Government Agencies:
  Within 1 year
  After 5 to 10 years
  After 10 years

Puerto Rico Government
Obligations:

After 10 years

Total
Mortgage backed securities:
Government National
Mortgage Association
(GNMA) certificates
After 10 years

$10,000
83,756

$    (166)
(9,255)

$9,834
74,501

8.34
9.15

$   500

$(2)

$   498

3.37

23,051

  $569

23,620

10.20

    3,593
$97,349

$57
    3,650
$57 $(9,421) $87,985

7.46
9.00

    3,371
$26,922

   204
$  773

   3,575
$(2) $27,693

  7.41
9.73

$206,697

$(7,851) $198,845

8.18

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Expected  maturities  of  mortgage  backed  securities  and  certain  other  securi-
ties might differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to
call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

53

Note 11 -Investment Securities Held For Sale

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, approximate market
value, taxable equivalent weighted average yield and maturities of investment securi-
ties held for sale at December 31, 1999 and 1998 were as follows (dollars in thou-
sands):

December  31,  1999

December  31,  1998

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Amortized
cost

Unrealized

gains

(losses)

Market
 value

Weighted
  average Amortized
  yield%

cost

Unrealized
gains    (losses)

Market
  value

Weighted
average
yield%

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$

39,577
67,468

$ (4,302)
(9,621)

$

35,275
57,847

4.90
5.84

219,065
27,457

$

53

(58)
(5,127)

219,060
22,330

6.11
8.36

$ 240,040
25,619

$

51

$ (159)

 $ 240,091
25,460

5,880
$ 359,447

(36)
53 $(19,144)

5,844
$ 340,356

$

8.00
6.13

2,964
$ 268,623

96

$

147  $ (159)

  3,060
$ 268,611

$

997
9,905
22,872
33,774

$

$

 (25)
(255)
(155)
(435)

972
9,650
22,728
33,350

$

11
11

3,674
1,039,069
1,042,743

1,410
1,410

(46)
(76,054)
(76,100)

3,628
964,425
968,053

8.07
7.02
7.26
7.21

6.39
6.95
6.95

$

4,564
1,001
10,169
32,363
48,097

$

19
9
149
  802
  979

$

  4,583
1,010
10,318
33,166
49,077

1,411,369
1,411,369

9,936
9,936

$(357)
(357)

1,420,947
1,420,947

6.91
6.91

644
188
    11,109
11,941

  299
  299

(7)
(6)
(46)
(59)

637
182
  11,362
12,181

8.75
8.08
10.34
10.22

157
2,691
274
14,299
  17,421

1
30
   11
  605
  647

 (10)
(10)

158
2,721
285
14,894
18,058

8.23
8.40
10.28
10.35
10.02

  2,463

  757

  3,220

11.70

2,764

767

  3,530

9.33

  361

 12

    373

17.33

$1,091,282

$2,489 $(76,594)

$1,017,177

7.01

        865

62
$1,480,516 $12,391

$ (367)

  927
$1,492,539

11.63
7.02

$   67,359
14,750
11,779
  990
94,878

$

$1,914

$

$

 (88)
(162)

$1,914 $

(250)

$

69,273
14,662
11,617
  990
96,542

6.73
8.91
8.69  $
8.38
7.33

$

1,964

1,964

$ (344)

$ (344)

$

$

1,620

15.76

1,620

15.76

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54

U.S. Treasury Securities:
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Obligations of other U.S.
 Government Agencies:

Within 1 year
After 10 years

Puerto Rico Government
 Obligations:

After 10 years

Total

Mortgage backed securities-
Federal Home Loan
Mortgage  Corporation
(FHLMC) certificates:
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Government National
 Mortgage Association
(GNMA) certificates:

After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Federal National
 Mortgage Association
(FNMA) certificates:
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Mortgage pass through
 certificates:

After 10 years
Real Estate Mortgage
 Interest Conduit:
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years

Total
Other investment:
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total

5.00
8.32

7.18
5.35

7.84
8.14
7.68
9.07
8.64

Maturities  for  mortgage  backed  securities  are  based  upon  contratual  terms
assuming no repayments.  The weighted average yield on investment securities held
for sale is based on amortizet cost, therefore it does not give effect to changes in fair
value.

At December 31, 1999, the net unrealized loss of $68,648,959 (1998 - net

unrealized gain of $8,749,931) on securities available for sale after the estimated
income tax of $22,882,986 (1998 - $2,916,644) was reported as a separate
component of stockholders’ equity.  For 1999, the change in the net unrealized
holding gain/loss on the available for sale securities amounted to a loss of
$103,198,520 (1998 - a loss of $4,375,351) before estimated income taxes.

For 1999, proceeds from the sale of securities amounted to $9.6 million
(1998 - $302.1 million, 1997 - $118.0 million) resulting in a realized gain of $1.4
million (1998 - $26.8 million, 1997 -$11.4 million).  No losses were recognized on
those  sales.

Note 12 - Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock

At December 31, 1999 and 1998, there were investments in FHLB stock

with book value of $17,826,500 and $10,270,600, respectively.  The estimated
market value of such investments is its redemption value.

Note 13 - Interest and Dividend on
Investments

A detail of interest and dividend income on investments follows (in thousands):

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Mortgage-backed securities:
Taxable
Exempt

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Other investment securities:
Taxable
Exempt

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Year ended December 31,

1999

1998

   1997

$   4,137
77,900
$82,037

$ 1,528
24,758
$26,286

$   5,230
63,131
$68,361

$

801
20,621
$21,422

$   6,239
  24,481
$30,720

$   1,372
27,544
$28,916

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55

Note 14 - Loans Receivable

The following is a detail of the loan portfolio:

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December  31,
1999

December  31,
1998

Residential real estate loans:
Secured by first mortgages:

Conventional
Insured by government agencies:

Federal Housing Administration and Veterans
  Administration
Puerto Rico Housing Bank and Finance Agency

Secured by second mortgages

Deferred loan and commitment fees - net

Residential real estate loans

$395,884,613

$237,560,711

6,543,487
32,928,102
5,706,225
441,062,427
(5,293,370)
435,769,057

8,185,232
38,515,744
4,956,196
289,217,883
  (  6,848,311)
282,369,572

161,498,219
(98,535,025)
     62,963,194

Construction, land acquisition and land improvements
Undisbursed portion of loans in process
Construction loans

288,301,904
(156,233,791)
132,068,113

Commercial loans:

Commercial loans
Commercial mortgage

Commercial loans

Finance leases

Consumer and other loans:

Personal
Personal lines of credit
Auto
Boat
Credit card
Home equity reserve loans
Unearned interest

Other
Consumer and other loans
Loans receivable
Loans held for sale
Total loans
Allowance for loan losses
Total loans-net

655,417,037
371,642,698
1,027,059,735

368,548,532
332,219,186
700,767,718

85,692,482

    52,214,184

422,722,624
13,029,258
532,242,160
37,018,313
168,045,087
2,656,713
  (148,835,815)
1,026,878,340
  106,292
1,026,984,632
2,707,574,019
37,794,078
2,745,368,097
  (71,784,237)
$2,673,583,860

    463,052,946
  9,535,354
512,116,471
32,208,879
125,955,592
3,385,220
(145,284,440)
1,000,970,022
   128,066
1,001,098,088
2,099,412,756
     20,641,628
2,120,054,384
(67,854,066)
$2,052,200,318

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The Corporation’s primary lending area is Puerto Rico.  At December 31,

1999 and 1998 there is no significant concentration of credit risk in any specific industry
on the loan portfolio.

At December 31, 1999, loans in which the accrual of interest income had

been discontinued amounted to $53,816,000  (1998 - $56,958,000; 1997 -
$52,939,000).  If these loans had been accruing interest, the additional interest income
realized would have been approximately $4,544,000 (1998 - $4,970,000; 1997 -
$5,246,000).  There are no material commitments to lend additional funds to borrow-
ers whose loans were in non-accruing status at these dates.

At December 31, 1999 and 1998 mortgage loans held for sale amounted to

$37,794,078 and $20,641,628, respectively.  All mortgage loans originated and sold
during 1999 and 1998 were sold based on pre-established commitments or at market
values, which in both situations were equal or exceeded the carrying value of the loans.

56

At December 31, 1999, the Corporation was servicing mortgage loans

owned by others aggregating approximately $134,348,000 (1998 - $147,439,000;
1997 - $168,416,000).  As a result of the securitization of auto loans, at December
31, 1998 the Corporation was servicing auto loans aggregating approximately
$19,567,000 (1997 - $59,049,000).  During 1999 the auto loans securitized were
paid off.

Various loans secured by first mortgages were assigned as collateral for term

notes, certificates of deposit, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New
York, and unused lines of credit.  The mortgage loans pledged as collateral amounted
to $157,612,921 and $222,732,275 at December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
A portfolio of personal loans was assigned as collateral for short-term borrowings as
explained in Note 21 - “Other Short-Term Borrowings.”  The personal loans pledged
as collateral amounted to $186,417,700 and $220,443,511 at December 31, 1999
and  1998,  respectively.
Note 15 - Allowance for Loan Losses

The changes in the allowance for loan losses were as follows:

    1999

Year ended December 31,
1998

1997

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Balance at beginning of period
Provision charged to income
Losses charged against the allowance
Recoveries credited to the allowance
Other adjustments
Balance at end of period

$67,854,066
47,960,500
(53,664,742)
9,047,548
586,865
$71,784,237

$ 57,711,927
76,000,000
(72,223,389)
6,033,922
331,606
$ 67,854,066

$55,253,546
55,675,500
(59,590,916)
6,373,797

$57,711,927

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At December 31, 1999, $4.4 million ($14.3 million at December 31, 1998) in
commercial and real estate loans over $1,000,000 was considered impaired with an
allowance of $1.3 million ($3.8 million at December 31, 1998).  As of both periods,
no increases in the provision for loan losses were necessary, since the allowance
provided already covered the estimated impairment.  There were no consumer
loans over $1,000,000 considered impaired at December 31, 1999 and 1998.  The
average recorded investment in impaired loans amounted to $9.4 million for 1999
(1998 - $10.8 million).  Interest income in the amount of approximately $428,470
was recognized on impaired loans for 1999 (1998 - approximately $736,000).  No
interest income was recognized in 1997 on the portfolio of impaired loans during the
period  they  were  impaired.

Note 16 - Related Party Transactions

The Corporation granted loans to its directors, executive officers and to

certain related individuals or entities in the ordinary course of business.  The move-
ment and balance of these loans were as follows:

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   Amount

Balance at December 31, 1997
New loans
Payments
Balance at December 31, 1998
New loans
Payments
Balance at December 31, 1999

$   8,902,326
21,006,257
(8,379,759)
21,528,824
2,105,812
(541,851)
$ 23,092,785

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57

Note 17 - Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation as follows:

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    December 31,

1999

1998

Land
Buildings and improvements
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and equipment

Accumulated depreciation

Projects in progress

Total premises and equipment - net

$ 6,853,249
33,433,031
14,222,676
50,531,481
105,040,437
(48,232,875)
56,807,562
5,140,255
$61,947,817

$ 5,825,249
30,976,673
10,807,734
41,330,835
88,940,491
(42,167,391)
46,773,100
4,764,092
$51,537,192

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Note 18 - Other Assets

Following is a detail of other assets:

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    December 31,

1999

1998

Deferred tax asset
Accounts receivable
Prepaid expenses
Revenue earning vehicles
Other repossessed property
Insurance claims
Other

   Total

$54,645,143
8,202,865
9,243,210
5,679,920
2,709,258
1,618,037
  13,333,245
$95,431,678

$22,142,665
10,023,555
10,219,939
4,465,609
2,276,766
1,778,133
  6,030,746
$56,937,413

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Note 19 - Deposits and Related Interest

Deposits and related interest consist of the following:

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    December 31,

1999

1998

Type of account and interest rate at:
Savings accounts - 2.75% to 4.00%
(1998  -  2.75%  to  4.00%)
Interest bearing checking accounts -

2.75% to 4.50% (1998 - 2.90% to 4.50%)

Non-interest bearing checking accounts
Certificate accounts - 3.80% to 8.00%
   (1998 - 3.80% to 7.15%)

$   447,945,723

$    416,423,889

162,601,169
211,896,459

130,883,438
173,103,709

1,742,978,285
$2,565,421,636

1,054,633,858
$1,775,044,894

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58

The weighted average interest rate on total deposits at December 31,

1999 and 1998 was 4.94% and 4.57%, respectively.

At December 31, 1999, the aggregate amount of demand deposits that

were reclassified as loan amounted to $6,939,685 (1998 - $8,180,802).

The following table presents a summary of certificates of deposits with
remaining term of more than one year at December 31, 1999 (in thousands):

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Total

Over one year to two years
Over two years to three years
Over three years to four years
Over four years to five years
Over five years
  Total

$ 75,329
58,647
94,766
50,702
153,346
$432,790

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At December 31, 1999 time deposits in denominations of $100,000 or
higher amounted to $1,283,083,091 (1998 - $667,373,511) including brokered
certificates of deposit of $843,217,222 (1998 - $283,249,222) at a weighted average
rate of 5.84% (1998 - 5.63%).

At December 31, 1999, certificates of deposits aggregating $49,000,000

(1998 - $59,000,000) were guaranteed by irrevocable standby letters of credit
issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and other banks.  At Decem-
ber 31, 1999 specific mortgage loans with a carrying value of $71,165,714 (1998 -
$137,483,494) and estimated market value of $58,992,705 (1998 - $141,951,708)
and securities with a book value of $5,401,047 (1998 - $6,877,563) and approxi-
mate market value of $5,351,690 (1998 - $7,041,301) were pledged to the Federal
Home Loan Bank of New York as part of the agreements covering the letters of
credit.

At December 31, 1999, deposit accounts issued to government agencies
with a carrying value of $62,378,476 (1998 - $67,306,284) were collateralized by
securities with a carrying value of $78,782,695 (1998 - $70,892,236) and estimated
market value of $75,677,459 (1998 - $72,177,444) and specific mortgage loans with
a carrying value of $3,947,207 (1998 - $4,838,781) and estimated market value of
$3,758,925 (1998 - $5,684,600).

A table showing interest expense on deposits follows:

Year ended December 31,
1998

1999

1997

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Savings
Interest bearing checking accounts
Certificates
   Total

$12,380,515
4,931,452
73,177,154
$90,489,121

$11,716,764
4,486,582
54,215,013
$70,418,359

$12,155,192
4,167,371
55,824,521
$72,147,084

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59

Note 20 - Federal Funds Purchased and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Federal  funds  purchased  and  securities  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase  (repurchase  agreements)  consist  of  the  following:

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December 31,

1999

1998

Federal  funds  purchased,  interest
 rate (1998 - 5.32%)
Repurchase  agreements,  interest
 ranging from 4.50% to 6.35%
 (1998 - 4.65% to 5.80%)

Accrued  interest  payable

Total

$ 1,447,732,029
1,447,732,029
4,419,193
$ 1,452,151,222

$

15,000,000

1,605,630,051
1,620,630,051
3,067,937
$1,623,697,988

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Federal  funds  purchased  and  repurchase  agreements  mature  as  follows:

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December 31,

1999

1998

Federal  funds  purchased:
One to thirty days
Repurchase  agreements:
One to thirty days
Over thirty to ninety days
Over ninety days

Total

$ 1,229,448,029
8,450,000
209,834,000
1,447,732,029
$ 1,447,732,029

$

15,000,000

1,158,520,676
247,109,375
200,000,000
1,605,630,051
$ 1,620,630,051

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60

The following securities were sold under agreements to repurchase:

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December  31,  1999

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Amortized
cost of
underlying
securities

 Balance of
  borrowing

Approximate
 market value
of underlying
securities

Weighted
average
interest
rate

Underlying securities
U.S. Treasury Securities and
obligations of other U.S.
Government Agencies
Mortgage backed securities

Total

$      325,528,692
    1,233,633,232
$1,559,161,924

$      296,719,958
    1,151,012,071
$1,447,732,029

$      303,107,211
    1,150,557,955
$1,453,665,166

5.77%
6.16%

Accrued interest receivable

$       3,152,900

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December  31,  1998

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Amortized
cost of
underlying
securities

 Balance of
  borrowing

Approximate
 market value
of underlying
securities

Weighted
average
interest
rate

Underlying securities
U.S. Treasury Securities and
obligations of other U.S.
Government Agencies
Mortgage backed securities

Total

$    216,073,870
    1,393,322,895
$1,609,396,765

  $    214,716,114
    1,390,913,937
$1,605,630,051

$    216,111,108
    1,403,729,265
$1,619,840,373

5.13%
6.08%

Accrued interest receivable

$       4,321,371

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The  weighted  average  interest  rates  of  federal  funds  purchased  and  repurchase  agreements  at  December  31,  1999  and

1998 was 5.38% and 5.03%, respectively.

At December 31, 1999, the securities underlying such agreements were delivered to, and are being held by the dealers

with  which  the  repurchase  agreements  were  transacted,  except  for  transactions  where  the  Corporation  has  agreed  to  repurchase
similar but not identical securities.  The maximum aggregate balance outstanding at any month-end during 1999 was
$1,631,913,357 (1998 - $1,648,513,898).  The average balance during 1999 was approximately $1,441,486,000 (1998 -
$1,225,726,000).

Note 21 - Other Short-Term Borrowings

On March 31, 1997, the Corporation entered into a $250,000,000 financing arrangement administered by Credit Suisse

First Boston to be renewed annually within a term of three years. At December 31, 1999 borrowings through this arrangement
amounted to $152,484,084 (1998 - $86,594,710).  Interest periods under the financing agreement cannot exceed 100 days.  The
rate of interest for this type of financing, in which advances may be repaid or reborrowed at the option of the Corporation, is
equivalent to A-1+/P-1 rated commercial paper.  The weighted average maturity at December 31, 1999 was 36 days (1998 - 21
days).

The weighted average interest rate of these borrowings at December 31, 1999 and 1998 was 6.20% and 6.38%,

respectively. The maximum aggregate balance outstanding at any month-end was approximately $152,484,084 (1998 -
$224,780,000).  The average aggregate balance outstanding during the year was approximately $97,373,301 (1998 -
$111,236,888).

Under this arrangement, the Corporation is required to maintain eligible collateral consisting of personal loans owned by
the Corporation to secure this borrowing.   The Corporation has to maintain at all times the aggregate outstanding balance of the
borrowing at a maximum of 85% of the aggregate book value of the personal loans placed as collateral.  The aggregate book value
of the loans pledged as collateral at December 31, 1999 amounted to $186,417,700 (1998 - $220,443,511).

61

Note 22 - Advances From The Federal Home Loan Bank of New York
(FHLB-N.Y.)

Following is a detail of the advances from the FHLB-NY:

December  31,

Maturity

  Interest rate

      1999

      1998

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February 3, 2000
February 28, 2000
January 4, 1999

Total

5.86%
6.03%
5.13%

$20,000,000
30,000,000

$50,000,000

$2,600,000
$2,600,000

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Advances  are  received  from  the  FHLB-N.Y.  under  an  Advances,  Collateral
Pledge  and  Security  Agreement  (the  Collateral  Agreement).    Under  the  Collateral
Agreement, the Corporation is required to maintain a minimum amount of qualifying
mortgage collateral with a market value at least 110% of the outstanding advances.
At December 31, 1999, specific mortgage loans with an estimated market value of
$56,303,500 (1998 - $3,155,152) were pledged to the FHLB-N.Y. as part of the
Collateral Agreement.  The carrying value of such loans at December 31, 1999
amounted to $55,000,000 (1998 - $2,860,000).

Note 23 - Notes Payable

Following is a detail of notes payable outstanding:

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Issue date (footnote)

Maturity

Interest rate

1999

1998

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December  31,  1999

December  31,

February 11, 1994 (b)
May 13, 1994 (b)
May 26, 1994 (b)
September 7, 1994 (a)
September 29, 1994 (a)
September 12, 1996 (b)
September 20, 1996 (b)
September 20, 1996 (a)
     Total

      1999
      1999
      1999
      1999
      1999
2001
2001
2001

  5.44%
  6.19%
  6.09%
  4.33%
  6.40%
5.82%
5.61%
5.49%

$

2,100,000
10,000,000
5,000,000
15,500,000
30,000,000
10,000,000
20,500,000
25,000,000
$118,100,000

$10,000,000
20,500,000
    25,000,000
$55,500,000

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Footnotes:

a.These notes have the benefit of a firm commitment issued by the FHLB-N.Y.
whereby it will make advances to pay the principal and interest on the notes as they
become due if the Corporation fails to do so. The Corporation is required to maintain
as  collateral  with  the  FHLB-N.Y.  securities  having  an  aggregate  market  value,  deter-
mined monthly, equal to 110% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the
notes plus interest.  The collateral securities may consist of a combination of all or
some of the following:  (i) home mortgage loans owned by the Corporation and
secured by first mortgages on real properties in Puerto Rico; (ii) obligations of, or
guaranteed by, the United States Government or certain agencies;  (iii) fully-modified
pass-through  mortgage  backed  certificates  guaranteed  by  GNMA;  (iv)  mortgage
participation  certificates  issued  by  FHLMC;  (v)  guaranteed  mortgage  pass-through
certificates issued by FNMA; and (vi) certain certificates of deposit issued by banks
approved  by  the  FHLB-N.Y.

62

At December 31, 1999, specific mortgage loans with a book value of

$27,500,000 (1998 - $77,550,000) and an estimated market value of $28,459,750
(1998 - $88,887,810) were pledged to the FHLB-N.Y. as part of the agreement
covering the above mentioned firm commitment.  The estimated market value was
computed based on parameters given by the Federal Home Loan Bank.

b.The Corporation is required to maintain with the holder of these notes, cash or
securities with a market value of at least 105% of the aggregate amount of the notes.
The aggregate estimated market value and carrying value of the eligible collateral at
December 31, 1999 amounted to $30,152,980 (1998 - $46,162,955) and
$29,793,954 (1998 - $45,328,289), respectively.
Note 24 - Subordinated Notes

On December 20, 1995, the Bank issued 7.63% subordinated capital notes

in the amount of $100,000,000 maturing in 2005.  The notes were issued at a
discount.  At December 31, 1999 the outstanding balance net of the unamortized
discount and notes repurchased in 1999 was $93,594,080 (1998 - $99,495,830).
Interest on the notes is payable semiannually and at maturity.  The notes represent
unsecured obligations of the Bank ranking subordinate in right of payment to all
existing and future senior debt including the claims of depositors and other general
creditors.  The notes may not be redeemed prior to their maturity. At December
31,  1999,  the  Bank  has  transferred  to  capital  reserves  from  the  retained  earnings
account $40,000,000, as a result of the requirement explained in Note 3 - “Stock-
holders’  Equity.”

Note 25 - Unused Lines Of Credit

The Corporation maintains unsecured standby lines of credit with other

banks.  At December 31, 1999, the Corporation’s total unused lines of credit with
these banks amounted to approximately $123,500,000 (1998 - $69,500,000).  At
December 31, 1999, the Corporation has an available line of credit with the FHLB
guaranteed with excess collateral, in the amount of $2,812,126 (1998 -
$20,808,133).

Note 26 - Employees’ Benefit Plan

FirstBank has a defined contribution retirement plan (the Plan) qualified under

the provisions of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code Section 1165(e).  All
employees (excluding the Bank’s subsidiaries) are eligible to participate in the Plan after
one year of service.  Under the provisions of the Plan, the Bank is required to make a
contribution of a quarter of the first 4% of each participant’s compensation.  Partici-
pants are permitted to contribute up to 10% of their annual compensation, limited to
$8,000 per year.  Additional contributions to the Plan are voluntarily made by the
Bank as determined by its Board of Directors.  The Bank made a total contribution of
$625,375, $575,000 and $540,000 during 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively, to the
Plan.

63

Note 27 - Other Expenses

A detail of other expenses follows:

Year ended December 31,
1998

1999

1997

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Professional and service fees
Advertising and business promotion
Communications
Revenue earning equipment
Supplies and printing
Other
Total

$ 6,672,254
5,896,265
4,666,698
1,478,492
1,361,374
    5,426,220
$25,501,303

$ 5,819,978
5,922,039
4,330,023
1,225,689
1,314,131
4,534,188
$23,146,048

$   4,883,088
4,993,392
4,363,802
1,183,557
1,128,672
   4,628,151
$21,180,662

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Note 28 - Income Taxes

The Corporation is subject to Puerto Rico income tax on its income from all

sources.    For United States income tax purposes, the Corporation is treated as a
foreign corporation.  Accordingly, it is generally subject to United States income tax
only on its income from sources within the United States or income effectively
connected with the  conduct of a trade or business within the United States.  Any
United States income tax paid by the Corporation is creditable, within certain condi-
tions and limitations, as a foreign tax credit against its Puerto Rico tax liability.

The provision for income taxes was as follows (in thousands):

Year ended December 31,
1998

1997

1999

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Current
Deferred
Total

$13,991
  (6,703)
$  7,288

$17,845
(13,047)
$  4,798

$16,364
  (8,239)
$  8,125

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Income tax expense applicable to income before provision for income tax

differs from the amount computed by applying the Puerto Rico statutory rate of 39%
as follows (dollars in thousands):

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Year ended December 31,

1999

 Amount

  % of
pre-tax
 income

  1998

   Amount

% of
pre-tax
income

1997

Amount

  % of
 pre-tax
income

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Computed income tax at statutory rate
Benefit of net exempt income
Other-net

Total income tax provision

$27,052
(13,959)
  (5,805)
   $  7,288

39
(20)
 (8)
11

$22,078
(22,078)
    4,798
$  4,798

39
(39)
8
8

$21,705
(13,137)
  (443)
$  8,125

39
(24)

15

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64

Accounting for income taxes

Deferred  taxes  arise  because  certain  transactions  affect  the  determination  of
taxable income for financial reporting purposes in periods different from the period in
which  the  transactions  affect  taxable  income  for  tax  return  purposes.    Deferred  taxes
have been recorded based upon the Puerto Rico enacted tax rate of 39%.  Current
tax expense has been provided based upon the estimated tax liability to be incurred
for  tax  return  purposes.

The components of the deferred tax asset and liability were as follows

(in  thousands):

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December  31,

1999

  1998

Deferred tax asset:

Adjustment to charge-off method
Unrealized loss on available for sale securities
Other

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liability:

Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
Other

Deferred tax liability

$27,995
22,883
4,114
$54,992

$   (347)
$   (347)

$25,460

1,232
$26,692

$ (2,917)
(1,633)
$ (4,550)

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Due  to  the  above  temporary  differences,  a  net  deferred  tax  asset  resulted

amounting to $54.6 million at December 31, 1999 (1998 - $22.1 million).  The
primary  timing  difference  was  the  effect  of  future  deductions  under  the  charge-offs
method for deducting bad debt losses.   No valuation allowance was considered
necessary.

The tax effect of the unrealized holding gain or loss for securities available for

sale is included as a part of stockholders’ equity in other comprehensive income.

Note 29 - Commitments

At December 31, 1999 certain premises are leased with terms expiring

through the year 2011.  The Corporation has the option to renew or extend certain
leases from two to ten years beyond the original term.  Some of these leases require
the payment of insurance, increases in property taxes and other incidental costs. At
December 31, 1999, the obligation under various leases was follows:

Year

 Amount

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2000
2001
2002
2003
2004 and later years
Total

    $ 3,012,850
2,403,792
1,964,048
1,176,557
4,631,265
$13,188,512

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Rental expense included in occupancy and equipment expense was $3,390,786

in 1999 (1998 - $3,158,156; 1997 - $2,933,798).

65

Note 30 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The information about the estimated fair values of financial instruments as

required  by  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  is  presented  hereunder
including some items not recognized in the statement of financial condition.  The
disclosure requirements exclude certain financial instruments and all non financial
instruments.  Accordingly,  the  aggregate  fair  value  amounts  presented  do  not  repre-
sent Management’s estimation of the underlying value of the Corporation.  A sum-
mary table of estimated fair values and carrying values of financial instruments at
December 31, 1999 and 1998 follows (in thousands):

December  31,

1999

1998

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 Estimated
   fair value

  Carrying
value

Estimated
fair  value

Carrying
value

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Assets:
Money market instruments
Investment securities
FHLB stock
Loans receivable - net
Liabilities:
Deposits
Federal funds, securities sold
 under agreements to repurchase
 and other short-term borrowings
Advances from FHLB
Debt security borrowings

$ 35,217
1,740,905
17,827
2,753,597

$ 35,217
1,758,120
17,827
2,673,584

$
526
1,790,463
10,271
2,146,003

$
526
1,789,692
10,271
2,052,200

2,554,429

2,565,422

1,776,811

1,775,045

1,604,635
50,000
145,994

1,604,635
50,000
149,094

1,710,293
2,600
231,923

1,710,293
2,600
217,596

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The  estimated  fair  values  were  based  on  judgments  regarding  current  and

future economic conditions.  The estimates are subjective in nature and involve
uncertainties  and  matters  of  significant  judgment  and,  therefore,  cannot  be  deter-
mined with precision.  Changes in the underlying assumptions used in calculating the
fair values could significantly affect the results.  In addition, the fair value estimates are
based on outstanding balances without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated
future business.  Therefore, the estimated fair values may materially differ from the
values that could actually be realized on a sale.

The estimated fair values were calculated using certain facts and assumptions

which vary depending on the specific financial instrument, as follows:

Money market instruments

The  carrying  amounts  of  money  market  instruments  are  reasonable  esti-

mates of their fair values.

Investment securities

The fair values of investment securities are the market values based on

quoted  market  prices  and  dealer  quotes.

FHLB stock

Investments in FHLB stock are valued at their redemption values.

66

Loans receivable - net

The fair value of all loans was estimated by discounting loans with similar

financial characteristics.  Loans were classified by type such as commercial, residential
mortgage,  credit  card  and  automobile.    These  asset  categories  were  further  seg-
mented into fixed and adjustable rate categories and by accruing and non-accruing
groups.  Performing floating rate loans were valued at book if they reprice at least
once every three months.  The fair value of fixed rate performing loans was calcu-
lated by discounting expected cash flows through the estimated maturity date.
Recent  prepayment  experience  was  assumed  to  continue  for  mortgage  loans,  credit
cards, auto loans and personal loans.  Other loans assumed little or no prepayment.
Prepayment estimates were based on the Corporation’s historical data for similar
loans.  Discount rates were based on the Treasury Yield Curve at the date of the
analysis, with an offset which reflects the risk and other costs inherent in the loan
category.      In  certain  cases,  where  recent  experience  was  available  regarding  the  sale
of loans, this information was also incorporated into the fair value estimates.

Non-accruing loans covered by a specific loan loss reserve were viewed as

immediate losses and were valued at zero.  Other non-accruing loans were arbitrarily
assumed to be repaid after one year.  Presumably this would occur either because
loan is repaid, collateral has been sold to satisfy the loan or because general reserves
are applied to it.  The value of non-accruing loans not covered by specific reserves
was discounted for one year at the going rate for new loans.

Deposits

The estimated fair values of demand deposits and savings accounts, which
are the deposits with no defined maturities, are the amount payable on demand at
the reporting date.  For deposits with stated maturities, but that reprice at least
quarterly, the fair values are estimated to be the amount payable at the reporting
date.

The fair values of fixed rate deposits with stated maturities, are based on the
discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be paid on deposits.  The cash
flows are based on contractual maturities; no early repayments are assumed.  Dis-
count rates are based on the broker certificate of deposit yield curve.  The estimated
fair values of total deposits exclude the fair value of core deposits intangible, which
represent the value of the customer relationship measured by the values of demand
deposits and savings deposits that bear a low or zero rate of interest and do not
fluctuate  in  response  to  changes  in  interest  rates.

Federal funds, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-

term borrowings

Federal  funds  purchased,  repurchase  agreements  and  other  short-term

borrowings are commitments to borrow funds which reprice at least quarterly.
Therefore, their outstanding balances are estimated to be their fair values.

Advances from FHLB

The fair value of advances was determined using book value, due to its short

time  to  maturity.

Debt security borrowings

The fair value of debt security borrowings with fixed maturities was deter-

mined using discounted cash flow analysis over the full term of the borrowings.  The
cash flows assumed no early repayment of the borrowings.  Discount rates were
based on the broker CD yield curve.  Variable rate debt securities reprice at intervals
of three months or less, therefore, their outstanding balances are estimated to be
their fair values.

67

Note 31 - Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Supplemental cash flow information follows (in thousands):

Year ended December 31,
1998

1997

1999

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Cash paid for:
Interest
Income tax

Non cash investing and financing activities:

Mortgage loans exchanged for mortgage
  backed securities
Additions to other real estate owned

$173,273
6,271

$153,645
1,494

$132,801
1,089

639

2,975

4,046
541

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Note 32 - Financial Instruments With Off-Balance Sheet Risk, Commitments to Extend
Credit and Standby Letters of Credit

The following table presents a detail of commitments to extend credit and

standby letters of credit (in thousands):

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December  31,

1999

1998

Financial instruments whose contract
 amounts represent credit risk:

Commitments to extend credit:

To originate loans
Unused credit card lines
Unused personal lines of credit
Commercial lines of credit

Commercial letters of credit
Standby letters of credit

$465,902
253,463
10,362
244,135
12,345
13,754

$245,257
132,867
10,536
96,874
19,101
1,575

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The Corporation’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by the other party to the financial instrument on commitments to extend credit and
standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instru-
ments.  Management uses the same credit policies in making commitments and
conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as

long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract.  These
commitments generally expire within one year.  Since certain commitments are
expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does
not  necessarily  represent  future  cash  requirements.    In  the  case  of  credit  cards  and
personal lines of credit, the Corporation can at any time and without cause, cancel
the unused credit facility.  The amount of collateral, obtained if deemed necessary by
the Corporation upon extension of credit, is based on Management’s credit evaluation
of the borrower.  Rates charged on the loans that are finally disbursed is the rate
being offered at the time the loans are closed, therefore, no fee is charged on these
commitments.  The fee is the amount which is used as the estimate of the fair value
of  commitments.

68

In general, commercial and standby letters of credit are issued to facilitate

foreign and domestic trade transactions.  Normally, commercial and standby letters of
credit  are  short-term  commitments  used  to  finance  commercial  contracts  for  the
shipment of goods.  The collateral for these letters of credit include cash or available
commercial lines of credit.  The fair value of commercial and standby letters of credit
is  based  on  the  fees  currently  charged  for  such  agreements,  which  at  December  31,
1999 is not significant.

Interest rate risk management

The operations of the Corporation are subject to interest rate fluctuations to
the  extent  that  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-bearing  liabilities  mature  or  reprice
at different times or in different amounts.  As part of the interest rate risk manage-
ment,  the  Corporation  has  entered  into  a  series  of  interest  rate  swap  agreements.
Under the interest rate swaps, the Corporation agrees with other parties to ex-
change,  at  specified  intervals,  the  difference  between  fixed-rate  and  floating-rate
interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount.  Net
interest  settlements  on  interest  rate  swaps  are  recorded  as  an  adjustment  to  interest
expense  on  deposit  accounts.

The following table indicates the types of swaps used (in thousands):

                                                                                           Notional amount

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Pay-fixed  swaps:
Balance at December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999

Receive-fixed  swaps:
Balance at December 31, 1997
Expired  contracts
Balance at December 31, 1998
Expired  contracts
New  contracts
Balance at December 31, 1999

$ 50,000

$ 80,000
 40,000
40,000
40,000
185,000
$ 185,000

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Pay-fixed swaps at December 31, 1999, have a fixed weighted average rate
payment of 6.48% (1998 - 5.41%) and a floating weighted average rate receiving of
6.07% (1998 - 6.48%).  Receive-fixed swaps at December 31, 1999, have a floating
weighted average rate payment of 6.09% (1998 - 5.13%) and a fixed weighted
average rate receiving of 7.05% (1998 - 7.15%).  Floating rates are based on an 85%
to 100% of the average of the last three months LIBOR rate.

For swap transactions, the amounts potentially subject to credit loss are the

net streams of payments under the agreements and not the notional principal
amounts used to express the volume of the swaps.  At December 31, 1999 the
Corporation had total net receivable of $1,286,445 (1998 - $876,949) related to the
swap transactions. The Corporation controls the credit risk of its interest rate swap
agreements through approvals, limits, and monitoring procedures.  The Corporation
does not anticipate non-performance by the counterparties.  As part of the swap
transactions, the Corporation is required to pledge collateral in the form of deposits in
banks or securities. The book value and aggregate market value of securities pledged
as collateral for interest rate swaps at December 31, 1999 was approximately $6.6

69

million and $6.7 million, respectively (1998 - $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respec-
tively).  The period to maturity of the swaps at December 31, 1999 ranged from five
months through fifteen years (1998 - from one year and four months through eight
years and two months).

At December 31, 1999, the estimated fair value to liquidate the

Corporation’s interest rate swaps was approximately $192,000 (1998 - $2,760,000).

Options

From time to time the Corporation may enter into put and call options with

the intention of enhancing the yield of its investment portfolio.  The aggregate amount
permitted to be outstanding under this program is limited by resolution of the Board
of Directors.  During 1999 and 1998 there was no activity under the program.

Interest Rate Protection Agreements (Caps)

The Corporation also issues interest rate protection agreements (Caps) to

limit its exposure to rising interest rates on its deposits.  Under these agreements, the
Corporation pays an up front premium or fee for the right to receive cash flow
payments  in  excess  of  the  predetermined  cap  rate;  thus,  effectively  capping  its
interest rate cost for the duration of the agreement.  The premium is amortized as
an adjustment to interest expense on deposits.  The following table indicates the
agreements outstanding at December 31, 1999 (dollars in thousands):

Cap agreements notional amount

Cap Rate

Current 90 day LIBOR

Maturity

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$50,000
200,000
200,000

6.00%
6.50%
6.50%

6.00%
6.00%
6.00%

March 27, 2000
June 4, 2000
October 2, 2000

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70

Note 33 - Segment Information

In 1998, the Corporation implemented SFAS No. 131 “Disclosures about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”.  The Corporation has three
reportable  segments:  Retail  business,  Treasury  and  Investments,  and  Commercial
Corporate  business.    Management  determined  the  reportable  segments  based  on
the internal reporting used to evaluate performance and to assess where to allocate
resources.  Other factors such as the Corporation’s organizational chart, nature of
the  products,  distribution  channels  and  the  economic  characteristics  of  the  products
were also considered in the determination of the reportable segments.

The Retail business segment is composed of the Corporation’s branches and

loan centers together with the retail products of deposits and consumer loans.
Certain small commercial loans originated by the branches are included in the Retail
business.  Consumer loans include loans such as personal, residential real estate,
auto, credit card and small loans.  Finance leases are also included in Retail business.
The Commercial Corporate segment is composed of commercial loans and corporate
services  such  as  letters  of  credit  and  cash  management.    The  Treasury  and  Invest-
ment segment is responsible for the Corporation investment portfolio and treasury
functions.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in

Note 2 - “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

The Corporation evaluates the performance of the segments based on net
interest income after the estimated provision for loan losses.  The segments are also
evaluated based on the average volume of its earning assets less the allowance for
loan losses.

The only intersegment transaction is the net transfer of funds between the
segments  and  the  Treasury  and  Investment  segment.    The  Treasury  and  Investment
segment sells funds to the Retail and Commercial Corporate segments to finance
their  lending  activities  and  purchases  funds  gathered  by  those  segments.    The  interest
rates  charge  or  credit  by  Investment  and  Treasury  is  based  on  market  rates.

71

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

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Retail

Treasury  and
Investments

Commercial
Corporate

Total

For the year ended December 31, 1999:
Interest income
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds
Interest expense
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Segment income
Average earning assets

For the year ended December 31, 1998:
Interest income
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds
Interest expense
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Segment income
Average earning assets

For the year ended December 31, 1997:
Interest income
Net (charge) credit for transfer of funds
Interest expense
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Segment income
Average earning assets

$ 186,224
(4,018)
(58,665)
123,541
(46,802)
76,739
1,462,311

$    178,251
7,683
(60,003)
125,931
(74,837)
51,094
1,364,803

$ 184,761
(4,396)
(58,553)
121,812
(52,343)
69,469
1,443,982

$ 108,332
48,737
(124,665)
32,404

32,404
1,726,719

$ 89,785
20,698
(95,127)
15,356

15,356
1,418,791

$ 59,263
27,534
(71,876)
14,921

14,921
909,457

$ 74,508
(44,719)

29,789
(1,159)
28,630
815,569

$    52,499
(28,381)

24,118
(1,163)
22,955
561,612

$    40,246
(23,138)

17,108
(3,332)
13,776
415,427

$ 369,064

(183,330)
185,734
(47,961)
137,773
4,004,599

$ 320,535

(155,130)
165,405
(76,000)
89,405
3,345,206

$    284,270

(130,429)
153,841
(55,675)
98,166
2,768,866

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

 (in thousands):

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1999

Year ended December 31,
1998

1997

Interest income:
Total interest income for segments
Interest income credited to expense accounts

Total consolidated interest income

Net income:
Total income for segments
Other income
Operating expenses
Income taxes

Total consolidated net income

Average assets:
Total average earning assets for segments
Average non earning assets

Total consolidated average assets

$ 369,064

$ 369,064

$ 320,535
  763
$ 321,298

$ 284,270
890
$ 285,160

$ 137,773
32,862
(101,272)
(7,288)
  62,075

$

$

$

89,405
58,240
(91,035)
  (4,798)
51,812

$

$

98,166
39,866
(82,379)
(8,125)
47,528

$4,004,599
168,182
$4,172,781

$3,345,206
148,331
$3,493,537

$2,768,866
143,643
$2,912,509

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72

Note 34 - Litigation

The Corporation is a defendant in a number of legal proceedings arising in
the normal course of business.  Management believes, based on the opinion of legal
counsel, that the final disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse
effect on the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations.

Note 35 - Selected Quarterly
Financial Data (Unaudited)

Financial data showing results of the 1999 and 1998 quarters is presented

below.  These results are unaudited.  In the opinion of Management, all adjustments
necessary  for  a  fair  presentation  have  been  included:

March  31

June 30

Sept. 30

Dec.  31

1999

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Interest income
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Net income
Earnings per common
share-basic
Earnings per common
share-diluted

$87,142,829
44,597,465
13,800,000
14,141,215

$87,255,568
46,340,663
12,949,500
15,393,514

$94,475,146 $100,189,561
48,006,136
10,194,500
16,332,074

46,789,092
11,016,500
16,208,146

$0.48

$0.48

$0.49

$0.49

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$0.52

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March  31

June 30

Sept. 30

Dec.  31

1998

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Interest income
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Net income
Earnings per common
share-basic
Earnings per common
share-diluted

$77,397,641
40,607,988
21,738,000
12,360,681

$77,731,354
41,193,889
13,929,000
12,700,723

$79,846,911 $ 86,322,498
44,554,228
39,812,331
18,913,000
21,420,000
13,686,365
13,064,618

$0.42

$0.42

$0.43

$0.43

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$0.46

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Note 36 - First BanCorp  (Holding Company Only) Financial Information

The following condensed financial information presents the financial position of

the Holding Company only at December 31, 1999 and 1998 and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the period ended on  December 31, 1999 and from
October 1st, 1998 through December 31, 1998.

73

Statements of
Statements of
Statements of
Statements of
Statements of
Financial Condition
Financial Condition
Financial Condition
Financial Condition
Financial Condition

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December  31,  1999

December  31,1998

Assets:
Cash and due from depository institutions
Money market instruments
Investment securities available for sale, at market value:
United States Government obligations
Other investments

Total investment securities available for sale
Investment in FirstBank Puerto Rico, at equity
Other assets
Total  assets

Liabilities & Stockholders’ Equity:
Other borrowings
Accounts payable and other liabilities

Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
Contingencies and commitments
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 13,159,737
1,777,750

24,890,139
21,291,774
46,181,913
235,637,500
  348,337
$297,105,237

$      865,360
1,337,628
2,202,988
294,902,249

$

5,702,362

264,447,053
     218,653
$ 270,368,068

$ 270,368,068

$297,105,237

$ 270,368,068

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Statements of Income
Statements of Income
Statements of Income
Statements of Income
Statements of Income
and of Comprehensive Income
and of Comprehensive Income
and of Comprehensive Income
and of Comprehensive Income
and of Comprehensive Income

Year  ended
December  31,  1999

Period from
October  1,  1998  through
December  31,1998

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Income:

Interest income on investment securities
Interest income on other investments
Dividend from subsidiary
Other income

Expenses:

Other operating expenses

Income before income taxes and equity in
  undistributed earnings of subsidiary
Income taxes
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
Net income
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
Comprehensive (loss) income

$ 1,536,930
1,140,656
10,000,000
61,161
12,738,747

$10,359,843

10,359,843

242,178

15,110

12,496,569
374,245
49,952,625
62,074,949
(77,398,890)
$(15,323,941)

10,344,733

   3,341,632
  13,686,365
  8,749,931
$22,436,296

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The principal source of income for the Holding Company consists of earnings from FirstBank.

74

Statements of
Statements of
Statements of
Statements of
Statements of
Cash Flows
Cash Flows
Cash Flows
Cash Flows
Cash Flows

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Year  ended
December  31,  1999

Period from
October  1,  1998  through
  December 31, 1998

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
Net increase in other assets
Net increase in other liabilities
Total adjustments
Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of securities available
 for sale
Net cash used by investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from other borrowings
Proceeds from issuance on preferred stock
Exercise of stock options
Cash dividends paid
Treasury stock acquired
Net cash provided by financing activities

Net increase in cash
Cash and cash equivalents the beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period

Cash and cash equivalents include:
Cash and due from banks
Money market instruments

$ 62,074,949

$ 13,686,365

(49,952,625)
(129,686)
883,201
(49,199,110)
  12,875,839

(44,364,194)
(44,364,194)

865,360
86,850,217
176,313
(14,657,799)
(32,510,611)
40,723,480
9,235,125
5,702,362
$ 14,937,487

$ 13,159,737
1,777,750
$ 14,937,487

(3,341,632)
(218,654)

(3,560,286)
10,126,079

(2,212,467)
  (2,211,250)
(4,423,717)
5,702,362

$ 5,702,362

$ 5,702,362

$ 5,702,362

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75

Stockholders’
Stockholders’
Stockholders’
Stockholders’
Stockholders’
Information
Information
Information
Information
Information

Independent Certified Public Accountants
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Annual Meeting:
The annual meeting of stockholders will be held on April
27, 2000, at 2:00 p.m., at the main office of the
Corporation located at 1519 Ponce de León Avenue,
Santurce, Puerto Rico.

Telephone
(787)  729-8200
Internet
http://www.1bankpr.com

Additional Information and Form 10-K:
Additional financial information about First BanCorp may
be requested to Mrs. Laura Villarino, Senior Vice
President and Controller, PO Box 9146, Santurce,
Puerto Rico 00908.  Copies of First BanCorp’s Form
10K filed with the SEC, will be provided to stockholders
upon written request to Mrs. Laura Villarino at the same
mailing address.

Transfer Agent and Registrar:
The Bank of New York, 101 Barclay Street 12W,
New York, NY 10286

General Counsels:
Fiddler, González & Rodríguez, LLP
Látimer, Biaggi, Rachid & Godreau
Meléndez Pérez, Morán & Santiago

76