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Popular Inc

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FY2007 Annual Report · Popular Inc
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Popular, Inc. 2007

Annual Report
Informe Anual 

1
2
5
6
8

17

Letter to Shareholders
Popular, Inc. At-a-Glance
Institutional Values
25-Year Historical Financial Summary
Board of Directors /
Corporate Leadership Circle /
Our Creed / Our People /
Corporate Information
Financial Review and 
Supplementary Information

9
10
13
14
16

Carta a los Accionistas
Un Vistazo a Popular, Inc.
Valores Institucionales
Resumen Financiero Histórico – 25 Años
Junta de Directores / 
Círculo de Liderato Corporativo / 
Nuestro Credo / Nuestra Gente / 
Información Corporativa

Popular, Inc. is a full service financial institution based in

Popular Inc. es un proveedor de servicios financieros completos

Puerto Rico with operations in Puerto Rico, the United States,

con operaciones en Puerto Rico, Estados Unidos, el Caribe y

the Caribbean and Latin America. As the leading financial

América Latina. Como institución financiera líder en Puerto

institution in Puerto Rico, with over 300 branches and offices,

Rico, con más de 300 sucursales y oficinas, la Corporación

the Corporation offers retail and commercial banking services

ofrece servicios bancarios comerciales y a individuos a través de

through its franchise, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, as well 

su franquicia, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, así como servicios

as auto and equipment leasing and financing, mortgage loans,

de arrendamiento y financiamiento de vehículos y equipo,

consumer lending, investment banking, broker/dealer and

préstamos hipotecarios, financiamiento individual, corretaje 

insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. In the

y banca de inversión y  seguros a través de subsidiarias

United States, the Corporation operates Banco Popular North

especializadas. En los Estados Unidos, la Corporación opera

America, including its wholly-owned subsidiary E-LOAN, and

Banco Popular North America, incluyendo su subsidiaria 

Popular Financial Holdings. Banco Popular North America, 

E-LOAN y Popular Financial Holdings. Banco Popular North

a community bank, provides a wide range of financial services
and products and operates branches in New York, California,

America, un banco comunitario, provee una amplia gama de
servicios y productos financieros y opera sucursales en Nueva

Illinois, New Jersey, Florida and Texas. E-LOAN offers online

York, California, Illinois, Nueva Jersey, Florida y Texas. E-LOAN

consumer direct lending, while Popular Financial Holdings is

provee financiamiento en línea directo al consumidor, mientras

dedicated to mortgage servicing. The Corporation, through its

que Popular Financial Holdings se dedica a préstamos

transaction processing company, EVERTEC, continues to use 

hipotecarios manejados a terceros. La Corporación, a través 

its expertise in technology as a competitive advantage in its

de su compañía de procesamiento de transacciones financieras

expansion throughout the United States, the Caribbean and

EVERTEC, continúa usando su experiencia en tecnología como

Latin America, as well as internally servicing many of the

una ventaja competitiva para su expansión en Estados Unidos,

Corporation’s subsidiaries’ system infrastructures and

el Caribe y América Latina, y prestando internamente servicios 

transactional processing businesses. The Corporation is

a las infraestructuras de sistemas así como procesamiento a las

exporting its 114 years of experience through these regions

subsidiarias de la Corporación.  La Corporación está exportando

while continuing its commitment to meeting the needs of retail

sus 114 años de experiencia a estas regiones mientras continúa

and business clients through innovation, and to fostering

su compromiso con satisfacer las necesidades de clientes

growth in the communities it serves.

individuales y comerciales por medio de la innovación, y con

fomentar el crecimiento en las comunidades donde sirve. 

Popular, Inc.

2007 Annual Report

1

Decisions we made during 2007 were

extremely difficult, but will place us in 

a better position moving forward.

Letter

2007

to Shareholders

Popular’s financial performance in 2007 was significantly influenced by the negative
impact of the mortgage industry downturn in the results of our non-banking opera-
tions in the United States and by actions we undertook to address that situation. 
These decisions, while extremely difficult, place us in a better position going forward 
as we focus on our core banking franchise in the mainland. In Puerto Rico, our finan-
cial services business continued delivering strong results, despite an economic recession
and deteriorating credit quality. EVERTEC, our processing business, showed steady
earnings growth and made progress on several strategic fronts.

Popular reported a net loss of $64.5 million for 2007, compared with a net income
of $357.7 million in 2006. Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the year
was $0.27, compared with a net income per common share of $1.24 for 2006. These
losses represented a negative return on assets (ROA) of 0.14% and a negative return on
common equity (ROE) of 2.08%, compared to 0.74% and 9.73% in 2006, respectively. 
Our results for 2007 were negatively affected by (i) a $274.9 million increase in 
the provision for loan losses in 2007 as compared to 2006, driven by the slowdown 
in the United States housing sector and weak economic conditions in Puerto Rico; (ii) 
a $90.1 million pre-tax loss related to the recharacterization of several on-balance sheet
securitizations at Popular Financial Holdings (PFH); (iii) a reduction of $85.1 million 
in the fair value of residual interests recognized by PFH in previous securitizations; 

2

Popular, Inc. At-a-Glance

Letter to Shareholders, continued

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

> Approximately 1.4 million clients

> 204 branches and 111 offices throughout

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

> 6,442 FTEs as of 12/31/07

> 615 ATMs and 28,000 POS throughout

Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands

> #1 market share in Total Deposits 

(34.9% - 9/30/07) and Total Loans
(23.0% - 9/30/07)

> $27.1 billion in assets, $16.6 billion in 
loans and $18.8 billion in deposits 
as of 12/31/07

Banco Popular North America

> 147 branches throughout six states
(Florida, California, New York, New
Jersey, Texas, and Illinois)

> 24 leasing offices with a presence 

in 15 states

> 2,923 FTEs as of 12/31/07

> 5th SBA lender in the United States 

in terms of dollars of loans

> E-LOAN held $1.5 billion in deposits
and originated $3.6 billion in loans
during 2007

> $13.4 billion in assets, $10.3 billion in

loans and $9.8 billion in total deposits 
as of 12/31/07

EVERTEC

> 11 offices throughout the United States
and Latin America serving 15 countries

> 1,765 FTEs as of 12/31/07

> Processed over 1 billion transactions 

in 2007, of which more than 535 million
corresponded to the ATH® Network

> 4,944 ATMs and over 100,500 POS
throughout the United States and 
Latin America

Popular Financial Holdings

> 135 offices in 16 states as of 12/31/07

> Total originations amounted to $3.4

billion in 2007

> Mortgage portfolio serviced for others

of $9.4 billion as of 12/31/07

> 930 FTEs as of 12/31/07

> $3.9 billion in assets and $3.3 billion 

in loans

secondary market. In the case of Banco
Popular North America (BPNA), we
embarked on a process to focus our
resources to improve the profitability 
of our retail franchise. 

Popular Financial Holdings

PFH recorded a net loss of $269.4
million in 2007. These results reflect 
the deterioration of the sub-prime 
mortgage business as well as charges
related to some of the initiatives we
undertook during the year.

In January of 2007, we adopted a

restructuring plan for PFH which
included the decisions to exit the whole-
sale sub-prime origination business, to
consolidate support functions with its
sister United States banking entity, Banco
Popular North America, and to focus on
profitable businesses. 

As a result of the restructuring plan
and the decision to exit the wholesale
sub-prime business, we completed the
recharacterization of certain on-balance
sheet securitizations that allowed us to
recognize these transactions as sales.
Consequently, we removed approxi-
mately $3.2 billion in mortgage loans
and $3.1 billion in related liabilities 
from our balance sheet. The impact of
the recharacterization was a pre-tax loss
of $90.1 million. The removal of these
mortgage assets from our books
improves capital and credit quality ratios
and reduces the amount of sub-prime
mortgages on our books. 

Most of PFH’s remaining portfolio
amounting to approximately $1.5 billion
and $287 million of bond certificates
associated with on-balance sheet securiti-
zations will be presented at market value
based on FAS 159 (Fair Value Option 
for Financial Assets and Financial

(iv) $16.6 million in restructuring 
charges at PFH; and (v) $231.9 million 
in restructuring and impairment charges
at E-LOAN. These negative variances
were partially offset by a pre-tax gain of
$118.7 million stemming from the sale 
of the Corporation’s shares of common
stock of Telecomunicaciones de Puerto
Rico, Inc. (TELPRI) in March of 2007. 
Our stock price fell 41% during 
2007, closing the year at $10.60. We 
are extremely disappointed with our
financial results as well as the perform-
ance of our stock. We recognize these
results are unacceptable and have begun 
a process to realign our operations in the
United States to take them to acceptable
profitability levels. 

United States

At Popular Financial Holdings (PFH), 
our mainland United States sub-prime
lending operation, we reduced the size of
the business and took measures to lessen 
our exposure to the sub-prime mortgage
market. At E-LOAN, we adapted the 
business model and right-sized our 
infrastructure to reflect a market with
significantly lower volumes, higher 
delinquencies and a practically illiquid

Popular, Inc.

2007 Annual Report

3

Liabilities). The adoption of FAS 159,
which will be implemented on January
1st, will result in a negative pre-tax
adjustment that could range between $280
million and $300 million that will have
no impact in the income statement since
it will be deducted from retained earnings.

At the time of the January 2007
restructuring, we decided to continue 
the operations of Equity One and its
subsidiaries, which are dedicated to origi-
nating and servicing consumer finance
loans through a network of over 130
offices. However, given increasing funding
costs stemming from the disruption in the
capital markets that began in the summer
of 2007, we became convinced that it
would become progressively more diffi-
cult to generate an adequate return on the
capital invested at Equity One. In January
2008, we announced the signing of an
agreement to sell certain assets of Equity
One to American General Financial, a
member of the American International
Group (AIG). As part of the agreement,
American General acquired a significant
portion of Equity One’s mortgage loan and
consumer loan portfolio approximating
$1.4 billion as well as 24 of Equity One’s
branches. We will be closing the remain-
ing branches. The transaction which
closed on March 1st, 2008, resulted in
restructuring charges of $19.5 million,
most of which will be recorded in the first
quarter, and generated a pre-tax gain of
approximately $50 million.

The combined effect of the aforemen-
tioned initiatives is a reduction of PFH’s
mortgage loans held-in portfolio from
$6.9 billion in the beginning of 2007 

to approximately $1.3 billion as of
December 2007, of which $1 billion is
sub-prime compared to a sub-prime 
portfolio amounting to $4.6 billion as of
December 2006. Also, these initiatives
enable us to present a clearer picture of
Popular’s real exposure in this business. 

Banco Popular North America

Banco Popular North America (BPNA),
which includes E-LOAN as a subsidiary,
reported a net loss of $195.4 million in
2007. This loss was driven by a net loss
of $245.7 million at E-LOAN. 

BPNA’s banking operations generated a
net income of $50.5 million, which, even
though positive, was 50% below 2006.
BPNA’s results were adversely affected by
increased credit costs and lower net inter-
est income. BPNA’s provision totaled $77.8
million, 106% higher than in 2006, due
to the higher non-performing assets in the
construction loan and mortgage portfolios.
Net interest income was $14.5 million
below 2006 levels due to tighter margins. 
Given the challenges we face, we took
action to focus and prioritize resources. 
In October 2007, we announced the sale
of six of our Houston, Texas branches to
Prosperity Bank. Prosperity Bank paid a
premium of 10.10% for approximately
$125 million in deposits, and purchased
certain loans and assets attributable to 
the branches. We will focus our efforts 
on improving the performance of the
branch network we have built in the
United States to enhance the value of 
our retail franchise.

E-LOAN incurred a net loss of 
$245.7 million in 2007, which includes
restructuring charges of $20.1 million
and goodwill and trademark impairment
charges amounting to $211.8 million. 

We will focus our efforts

to enhance the value

of our retail franchise.

E-LOAN’s business continued to be
severely impacted by market conditions
during 2007. A general decline in 
mortgage origination volume, significant
increases in delinquencies and foreclo-
sures and reduced liquidity in the
secondary markets prompted us to
restructure E-LOAN. In November 2007,
we adopted a restructuring plan that
substantially reduced marketing and
personnel expenses and focused E-LOAN
in the origination of agency conforming
first mortgage loans. This plan resulted 
in restructuring charges of $20.1 million
in the fourth quarter of 2007 and is
expected to reduce operating expenses 
by $77 million in 2008. 

Given the changes to the business
model and the challenging environment
faced by the mortgage industry in the
United States, we conducted an assess-
ment of the value of E-LOAN’s recorded
goodwill and trademark. The review
resulted in the recognition of an impair-
ment. This charge was a non-cash
transaction and did not impact Popular’s
liquidity or regulatory capital ratios.

E-LOAN continues to be an important
element for Popular given its technology
platform, the wide geographic reach of its
products, its ability to raise deposits for
the Corporation and its widely known
and respected brand.

4

Letter to Shareholders, continued

Puerto Rico

Our financial services operations in
Puerto Rico, which consist of Banco
Popular de Puerto Rico and other special-
ized subsidiaries, performed very well in
2007 despite an economy in recession,
deteriorating credit quality and aggressive
competition. These results confirm our
capacity not only to withstand these nega-
tive forces, but to strengthen our position
even in the most challenging of times.

Net income for the Puerto Rico circle

totaled $327.3 million, $28.6 million
lower than in 2006. Financial results 
were impacted by deterioration in credit
quality, which translated in a provision for
loan losses of $243.7 million, 73% higher
than the previous year. Net charge-offs
rose by 69%, reaching $191 million,
mostly in the commercial, credit card 
and personal loan portfolios. Throughout
the year, we focused on proactively
managing credit quality by tightening
underwriting standards, anticipating
possible losses, increasing spreads and
improving collection efforts.

Notwithstanding our careful approach

in the credit arena, we were able to
defend and increase our market share
across the board. Market share gains get
tougher every year, considering we are
already the top player in seven out of the
nine key product categories we closely
track. During 2007, we improved our
position in eight out of the nine categories,
accounting for 23% of total loans and
35% of total deposits in the market. 
We will continue to focus on profitable
market growth to further solidify our
leadership position in Puerto Rico.

In addition to growing our existing
business, we strengthened our franchise
with the acquisition of Citibank’s local
retail business and Smith Barney’s local
retail brokerage operations. The retail
business acquisition included 17 branches
(seven of which were consolidated),
approximately $1 billion in deposits,
mostly core deposits, and over $220
million in loans. Including these deposits,
Popular’s market share rose to approxi-
mately 38%. We welcomed over 200 
new colleagues and a solid client base
which offers great potential to cross-sell
additional Popular products. The local
securities business is highly concentrated,
with 60% of assets under management
(AUM) controlled by the top two players.
The Smith Barney transaction strengthens
our sales force and provides additional
business volume ($1.2 billion in AUM),
significantly closing the gap between
Popular Securities and the second player.
Improving cost efficiency remained
one of Banco Popular’s priorities in 2007.
Expenses were 4.7% higher than in
2006, in great part due to costs related
to the conversion of Citibank’s retail and
brokerage operations. However, even
though these costs were not in the origi-
nal budget, total expenses for the year
were below budget due to disciplined
spending in other areas. As a result of
our cost efficiency efforts throughout the
last three years, we have improved our
efficiency ratio from 55.8% in 2005 to
52.9% in 2007. 

We expect the tough economic scenario
to persist well into 2008, but as we proved
in 2007, discipline, a focus on execution
and a strong franchise can not only get us
through the toughest times, it can make
us emerge even stronger than before.

As we proved in 2007, 

discipline and focus

on execution can make 

us emerge stronger.

EVERTEC

EVERTEC, our processing unit with oper-
ations in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and
Latin America, increased revenues, net
income and transaction volume in 2007
despite a recession in its main market,
Puerto Rico, and increased competition
from larger processing companies across
all regions.

EVERTEC’s net income in 2007

reached $31.3 million, an increase of 20%
over 2006. These results were driven by
good revenue growth, mainly from clients
other than Popular companies, combined
with tight expense management.

In addition to solid financial results,
EVERTEC made important progress in
several of its key strategic areas, such as
enhancing the competitiveness of the
ATH® Network. For over 20 years, ATH®
has been the preferred, as well as the
most secure and cost effective payment
method for Puerto Ricans. During 2007,
the ATH® network processed over 535
million transactions through 4,944 ATMs
and 100,500 POS terminals. In recent
years, ATH® has experienced increased
competition from Visa and MasterCard
due to the rise in signature debit cards. 
In response to this challenge, the ATH®
Network in Puerto Rico updated its 
price structure to give greater financial

Popular, Inc.

2007 Annual Report

5

Institutional Values

Social Commitment
We are committed to work
actively in promoting the social
and economic well-being of the
communities we serve.

Customer
We achieve satisfaction for 
our customers and earn their 
loyalty by adding value to each
interaction. Our relationship with
the customer takes precedence
over any particular transaction.

Integrity
We are guided by the highest
standards of ethics, integrity 
and morality. Our customers’
trust is of utmost importance 
to our institution.

Excellence
We believe there is only one way
to do things: the right way.

Innovation
We foster a constant search 
for new solutions as a strategy 
to enhance our competitive
advantage.

Our People
We strive to attract, develop,
compensate and retain the most
qualified people in a work
environment characterized by
discipline and affection.

Shareholder Value
Our goal is to produce high 
and consistent financial returns
for our shareholders, based on 
a long-term view.

incentives to member banks while
remaining the lowest-cost alternative for
merchants. These changes will solidify
and protect the ATH® brand and foster
long-term growth of the business.

In Puerto Rico, we added several

financial institutions to our client roster as
well as expanded the services offered to
existing clients. EVERTEC now processes
approximately 75% of all checks and
electronic interchange in Puerto Rico. 
We expanded our workforce management
business with the acquisition of SENSE, 
a software development company that
provides solutions for human resources,
payroll, and time and attendance. The
health systems business acquired a port-
folio of medical providers and increased
the number of processed transactions 
by approximately 20%. EVERTEC Latin
America had an excellent year, signifi-
cantly increasing revenues and adding
important customers in the region,
despite the entry of international proces-
sors resulting from the acquisition of local
banks by large international players.
EVERTEC’s results and strategic

accomplishments during 2007 corroborate
the strategy we laid out four years ago of
leveraging our existing infrastructure to
generate additional revenues and further
diversify our sources of income.

Moving Forward

Throughout this challenging year, the
guidance and support of our Board of
Directors has been very significant and
greatly appreciated. I would like to recog-
nize José B. Carrión (Pepe) for his service
in the Banco Popular and Popular, Inc.
Boards. For seven years, this organization
greatly benefited from his counsel and
insight. Pepe retired in 2007 upon reaching

the mandatory retirement age. At the
same time, we are extremely pleased to
welcome Michael Masin to our Board 
of Directors. I know that Michael’s vast
experience as part of the management
and the Boards of some of the top 
corporations in the United States will 
be of great value to Popular. 

Also, after serving Popular for 30 years,
our Executive Vice President in charge of
People, Communications and Planning,
Tere Loubriel will retire in March. Tere
held a wide variety of positions through-
out the years, all of them with the same
level of dedication and commitment to
excellence. We will miss her tremendously
and wish her the best. Eduardo Negrón,
our Deputy Chief Legal Officer for 
seven years, will direct the People and
Communications area going forward. 
In retrospect, 2007 was definitely 
one of the most challenging years that 
our Corporation has faced to date.
Unprecedented conditions and turmoil 
in the financial services industry have 
put our organization to the test. Our
people responded as they always have,
focusing their attention and energy to
define and execute what was necessary 
to tackle the issues at hand. Now, more
than ever, we are confident about our
ability to go forward and return Popular to
the growth and profitability levels that have
characterized this organization’s history. 

Richard L. Carrión 

Chairman, President 

and Chief Executive Officer

6

25-Year Historical Financial Summary

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

Selected Financial Information

Net Interest Income
Non-Interest Income
Operating Expenses
Net Income
Assets
Net Loans
Deposits
Stockholders’ Equity
Market Capitalization
Return on Assets (ROA)
Return on Equity (ROE)

Per Common Share1

Net Income – Basic
Net Income – Diluted
Dividends (Declared)
Book Value
Market Price

Assets by Geographical Area

Puerto Rico
United States
Caribbean and Latin America

Total

Traditional Delivery System

Banking Branches
Puerto Rico
Virgin Islands
United States
Subtotal

Non-Banking Offices

Popular Financial Holdings
Popular Cash Express
Popular Finance
Popular Auto
Popular Leasing, U.S.A.
Popular Mortgage
Popular Securities
Popular Insurance
Popular Insurance Agency U.S.A.
Popular Insurance, V.I.
EVERTEC

Subtotal
Total

Electronic Delivery System

ATMs2

Owned and Driven
Puerto Rico
Caribbean
United States
Subtotal

Driven

Puerto Rico
Caribbean
Subtotal
Total

Transactions (in millions)

Electronic Transactions3
Items Processed

Employees (full-time equivalent)

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

$

$

$
$

$

144.9
19.6
127.3
26.8
2,974.1
1,075.7
2,347.5
182.2
119.3
0.95%
15.86%

0.19
0.19
0.06
1.24
0.83

94%
5%
1%
100%

112
3
6
121

$

$

$
$

$

156.8
19.0
137.2
29.8
3,526.7
1,373.9
2,870.7
203.5
159.8
0.94%
15.83%

0.21
0.21
0.06
1.38
1.11

91%
8%
1%
100%

113
3
9
125

$

$

$
$

$

174.9
26.8
156.0
32.9
4,141.7
1,715.7
3,365.3
226.4
216.0
0.89%
15.59%

0.23
0.23
0.07
1.54
1.50

92%
7%
1%
100%

115
3
9
127

$

$

$
$

$

184.2
41.4
168.4
38.3
4,531.8
2,271.0
3,820.2
283.1
304.0
0.88%
15.12%

0.25
0.25
0.08
1.73
2.00

92%
7%
1%
100%

124
3
9
136

121

125

127

136

113

113

51

51
164

30

30

30

0.6
102.1

3,832

78

78

6

6
84

4.4
110.3

4,110

94

94

36

36
130

7.0
123.8

4,314

$

$

$
$

$

207.7
41.0
185.7
38.3
5,389.6
2,768.5
4,491.6
308.2
260.0
0.76%
13.09%

0.24
0.24
0.09
1.89
1.67

94%
5%
1%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

232.5
54.9
195.6
47.4
5,706.5
3,096.3
4,715.8
341.9
355.0
0.85%
14.87%

0.30
0.30
0.09
2.10
2.22

93%
6%
1%
100%

$ 

$

$
$

$

260.9
63.3
212.4
56.3
5,972.7
3,320.6
4,926.3
383.0
430.1
0.99%
15.87%

0.35
0.35
0.10
2.35
2.69

92%
6%
2%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

284.2
70.9
229.6
63.4
8,983.6
5,373.3
7,422.7
588.9
479.1
1.09%
15.55%

0.40
0.40
0.10
2.46
2.00

89%
9%
2%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

407.8
131.8
345.7
64.6
8,780.3
5,195.6
7,207.1
631.8
579.0
0.72%
10.57%

0.27
0.27
0.10
2.63
2.41

87%
11%
2%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

440.2
124.5
366.9
85.1
10,002.3
5,252.1
8,038.7
752.1
987.8
0.89%
12.72%

0.35
0.35
0.10
2.88
3.78

87%
10%
3%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

492.1
125.2
412.3
109.4
11,513.4
6,346.9
8,522.7
834.2
1,014.7

1.02%
13.80%

0.42
0.42
0.12
3.19
3.88

79%
16%
5%
100%

126
3
9
138

14

14
152

136
3

139

55

55
194

126
3
10
139

17

17
156

153
3

156

68

68
224

128
3
10
141

18
4

22
163

151
3

154

65

65
219

173
3
24
200

26
9

35
235

211
3

214

54

54
268

161
3
24
188

27

26
9

62
250

206
3

209

73

73
282

162
3
30
195

41

26
9

76
271

211
3
6
220

81

81
301

165
8
32
205

58

26
8

92
297

234
8
11
253

86

86
339

8.3
134.0

4,400

12.7
139.1

4,699

14.9
159.8

5,131

16.1
161.9

5,213

18.0
164.0

7,023

23.9
166.1

7,006

28.6
170.4

7,024

33.2
171.8

7,533

1 Per common share data adjusted for stock splits.
2 Does not include host-to-host ATMs (2,186 in 2007) which are neither owned nor driven, but are part of the ATH® Network. 
3 From 1981 to 2003, electronic transactions include ACH, Direct Payment, TelePago, Internet Banking and ATH® Network transactions in Puerto Rico. Since 2004, these numbers were adjusted to include ATH® Network
transactions in the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador and United States, health care transactions, wire transfers, and other electronic payment transactions in addition to those previously stated.

Popular, Inc.

2007 Annual Report

7

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

$

535.5
141.3
447.8
124.7
12,778.4
7,781.3
9,012.4
1,002.4
923.7
1.02%
13.80%

0.46
0.46
0.13
3.44
3.52

76%
20%
4%
100%

$

584.2
173.3
486.8
146.4
15,675.5
8,677.5
9,876.7
1,141.7
$ 1,276.8

$

681.3
205.5
541.9
185.2
16,764.1
9,779.0
10,763.3
1,262.5
$ 2,230.5

$

784.0
247.6
636.9
209.6
19,300.5
11,376.6
11,749.6
1,503.1
$ 3,350.3

1.04%
14.22%

1.14%
16.17%

1.14%
15.83%

$
$

$

0.53
0.53
0.15
3.96
4.85

75%
21%
4%
100%

$
$

$

0.67
0.67
0.18
4.40
8.44

$
$

$

0.75
0.75
0.20
5.19
12.38

74%
22%
4%
100%

74%
23%
3%
100%

166
8
34
208

73

28
10

111
319

262
8
26
296

88

88
384

166
8
40
214

91

31
9

3

134
348

281
8
38
327

120

120
447

178
8
44
230

102

39
8

3
1

153
383

327
9
53
389

162
97
259
648

201
8
63
272

117

44
10
7
3
2

183
455

391
17
71
479

170
192
362
841

43.0
174.5

7,606

56.6
175.0

7,815

78.0
173.7

7,996

111.2
171.9

8,854

$

$

$
$

$

873.0
291.2
720.4
232.3
23,160.4
13,078.8
13,672.2
1,709.1
4,611.7

$

953.7
372.9
837.5
257.6
25,460.5
14,907.8
14,173.7
1,661.0
$ 3,790.2

1.14%
15.41%

1.08%
15.45%

0.83
0.83
0.25
5.93
17.00

71%
25%
4%
100%

198
8
89
295

128
51
48
10
8
11
2

258
553

421
59
94
574

187
265
452
1,026

130.5
170.9

10,549

$
$

$

0.92
0.92
0.30
5.76
13.97

71%
25%
4%
100%

199
8
91
298

137
102
47
12
10
13
2

4
327
625

442
68
99
609

102
851
953
1,562

159.4
171.0

11,501

982.8
464.1
876.4
276.1
28,057.1
16,057.1
14,804.9
1,993.6
3,578.1

$ 1,056.8
491.8
926.2
304.5
30,744.7
18,168.6
16,370.0
2,272.8
$ 3,965.4

$

1,160.2
543.8
1,029.0
351.9
33,660.4
19,582.1
17,614.7
2,410.9
$ 4,476.4

$ 1,284.7
626.0
1,113.1
470.9
36,434.7
22,602.2
18,097.8
2,754.4
$ 5,960.2

$

1,375.5
608.8
1,171.0
489.9
44,401.6
28,742.3
20,593.2
3,104.6
$ 7,685.6

$ 1,424.2
785.3
1,328.2
540.7
48,623.7
31,710.2
22,638.0
3,449.2
$ 5,836.5

$

1,427.9
809.5
1,485.1
357.7
47,404.0
32,736.9
24,438.3
3,620.3
$ 5,003.4

$

$

1,449.4
694.3
1,704.6
-64.5
44,411.4
29,911.0
28,334.4
3,581.9
2,968.3

1.04%
15.00%

1.09%
14.84%

1.11%
16.29%

1.36%
19.30%

1.23%
17.60%

1.17%
17.12%

0.74%
9.73%

-0.14%
-2.08%

0.99
0.99
0.32
6.96
13.16

72%
26%
2%
100%

199
8
95
302

136
132
61
12
11
21
3
2

4
382
684

478
37
109
624

118
920
1,038
1,662

199.5
160.2

10,651

$
$

$

1.09
1.09
0.38
7.97
14.54

$
$

$

1.31
1.31
0.40
9.10
16.90

$
$

$

1.74
1.74
0.51
9.66
22.43

$
$

$

1.79
1.79
0.62
10.95
28.83

$
$

$

1.98
1.97
0.64
11.82
21.15

$
$

$

1.24
1.24
0.64
12.32
17.95

-$
-$

$

0.27
0.27
0.64
12.12
10.60

68%
30%
2%
100%

66%
32%
2%
100%

62%
36%
2%
100%

55%
43%
2%
100%

53%
45%
2%
100%

52%
45%
3%
100%

196
8
96
300

149
154
55
20
13
25
4
2
1

4
427
727

524
39
118
681

155
823
978
1,659

206.0
149.9

11,334

195
8
96
299

153
195
36
18
13
29
7
2
1
1
5
460
759

539
53
131
723

174
926
1,100
1,823

236.6
145.3

11,037

193
8
97
298

181
129
43
18
11
32
8
2
1
1
5
431
729

557
57
129
743

176
1,110
1,286
2,029

255.7
138.5

11,474

192
8
128
328

183
114
43
18
15
30
9
2
1
1
7
423
751

568
59
163
790

167
1,216
1,383
2,173

568.5
133.9

12,139

194
8
136
338

213
4
49
17
14
33
12
2
1
1
8
354
692

583
61
181
825

212
1,726
1,938
2,763

625.9
140.3

13,210

191
8
142
341

159

52
15
11
32
12
2
1
1
12
297
638

605
65
192
862

226
1,360
1,586
2,448

690.2
150.0

12,508

59%
38%
3%
100%

196
8
147
351

135

51
12
24
32
13
2
1
1
11
282
633

615
69
187
871

433
1,454
1,887
2,758

772.7
175.2

12,303

8

Board of Directors
Richard L. Carrión 
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer, 
Popular, Inc.

Juan J. Bermúdez
Partner, Bermúdez & Longo, S.E.

María Luisa Ferré
President, Grupo Ferré Rangel

Michael Masin
Senior Partner, O’Melvany & Myers

Manuel Morales Jr.
President, Parkview Realty, Inc.

Francisco M. Rexach Jr.
President, Capital Assets, Inc.

Frederic V. Salerno
Investor

William J. Teuber Jr.
Vice Chairman, EMC Corporation

José R. Vizcarrondo
President and Chief Executive Officer 
Desarrollos Metropolitanos, S.E.

Samuel T. Céspedes, Esq.
Secretary of the Board of Directors, Popular, Inc.

Corporate Leadership Circle

Richard L. Carrión 
Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer,
Popular, Inc.

David H. Chafey Jr. 
Senior Executive Vice President, Popular, Inc.
President, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Roberto R. Herencia
Executive Vice President, Popular, Inc. 
President, Banco Popular North America

Amílcar Jordán, Esq. 
Executive Vice President, Risk Management, Popular, Inc.

Jorge A. Junquera
Senior Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer, Popular, Inc.

Tere Loubriel
Executive Vice President, 
People, Communications and Planning, Popular, Inc.

Brunilda Santos de Álvarez, Esq.
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Legal Officer, Popular, Inc.

Félix M. Villamil
Executive Vice President, Popular, Inc.
President, EVERTEC, Inc.

Our Creed
Banco Popular is a local institution dedicating its efforts
exclusively to the enhancement of the social and economic
conditions in Puerto Rico and inspired by the most sound
principles and fundamental practices of good banking. 

Banco Popular pledges its efforts and resources to the
development of a banking service for Puerto Rico within
strict commercial practices and so efficient that it could
meet the requirement of the most progressive community
of the world.

These words, written in 1928 by Don Rafael Carrión Pacheco,
Executive Vice President and President (1927–1956), embody
the philosophy of Popular, Inc.

Our People
The men and women who work for our institution, 
from the highest executive to the employees who handle
the most routine tasks, feel a special pride in serving 
our customers with care and dedication. All of them feel
the personal satisfaction of belonging to the “Banco
Popular Family,” which fosters affection and understanding
among its members, and which at the same time firmly
complies with the highest ethical and moral standards 
of behavior.

These words by Don Rafael Carrión Jr., President and
Chairman of the Board (1956–1991), were written in 1988 
to commemorate the 95th anniversary of Banco Popular de
Puerto Rico, and reflect our commitment to human resources.

Corporate Information
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Annual Meeting

The 2008 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Popular, Inc. 

will be held on Friday, April 25, at 9:00 a.m. at Centro

Europa Building in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Additional Information

The Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange

Commission on Form 10-K and any other financial 

information may also be viewed by visiting our website:

www.popular.com

Popular, Inc.

2007

Informe Anual

9

Decisiones tomadas durante el 2007

fueron muy difíciles, pero nos colocarán

en mejor posición para ir hacia adelante.

Carta a

2007

los Accionistas

La ejecutoria financiera de Popular en el año 2007 se vio significativamente influida por 
el impacto negativo del deterioro de la industria hipotecaria en los resultados de nuestras
operaciones no bancarias en los Estados Unidos, y por las acciones que tomamos para
hacerle frente a esta situación. Aunque fueron extremadamente difíciles, estas decisiones nos
posicionan mejor para salir adelante, mientras nos enfocamos en nuestra franquicia bancaria
en los Estados Unidos continentales. Nuestros servicios financieros en Puerto Rico continua-
ron rindiendo resultados sólidos, a pesar de la recesión económica y del deterioro en la
calidad de crédito. EVERTEC, nuestra compañía de procesamiento, reflejó un crecimiento
consistente en ganancias y realizó avances en varios frentes estratégicos.

Popular registró una pérdida neta de $64.5 millones en el 2007, en comparación con 
un ingreso neto de $357.7 millones en el 2006. La pérdida neta por acción común básica y
diluida en el año fue $0.27, comparado con $1.24 de ingreso neto por acción en el 2006.
Estas pérdidas representaron un rendimiento negativo de activos (ROA) de un 0.14% y 
un rendimiento negativo sobre capital (ROE) de 2.08%, comparado con un rendimiento
positivo de 0.74% y un 9.73%, respectivamente en el 2006.

Nuestros resultados del 2007 se vieron afectados negativamente por (i) un aumento 
en la provisión para pérdidas en préstamos de $274.9 millones en el 2007 comparado con
el 2006, que fue impulsado por la contracción en el sector de la vivienda en los Estados
Unidos, así como la débil situación económica en Puerto Rico, (ii) una pérdida antes de
contribución sobre ingresos de $90.1 millones asociada con la recaracterización de varias
titulizaciones en el estado de situación de Popular Financial Holdings (PFH), (iii) una 

10

Un Vistazo a Popular, Inc.

Carta a los Accionistas, continuación

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

> Aproximadamente 1.4 millones de clientes 

> 204 sucursales y 111 oficinas a través de

Puerto Rico e Islas Vírgenes

> 6,442 empleados (equivalente a tiempo

completo) al 31/12/07

> 615 cajeros automáticos y 28,000 termina-
les de punto de venta a través de Puerto
Rico e Islas Vírgenes

> Primer lugar en participación de mercado

en total de depósitos (34.9% - 30/09/07) y
volumen de préstamos (23.0% - 30/09/07)

> $27,100 millones en activos, $16,600 
millones en préstamos y $18,800 
millones en depósitos al 31/12/07

Banco Popular North America

> 147 sucursales a través de seis estados 
(Florida, California, Nueva York, Nueva
Jersey, Texas, e Illinois)

> 24 oficinas de arrendamiento con 

presencia en 15 estados

> 2,923 empleados (equivalente a tiempo

completo) al 31/12/07

> Como prestamista de SBA, ocupa la 

quinta posición en los Estados Unidos 
en términos de volumen de préstamos 
en dólares

> E-LOAN tuvo $1,500 millones en 

depósitos y alcanzó $3,600 millones 
en originaciones en 2007

> $13,400 millones en activos, $10,300 

millones en préstamos y $9,800 
millones en depósitos al 31/12/07

EVERTEC

> 11 oficinas a través de los Estados Unidos 
y Latinoamérica, sirviendo a 15 países

> 1,765 empleados (equivalente a tiempo

completo) al 31/12/07

> Procesó más de 1,000 millones de 

transacciones en 2007, de las cuales 
más de 535 millones correspondieron 
a la Red ATH®

> 4,944 cajeros automáticos y más de

100,500 terminales de punto de venta 
a través de los Estados Unidos y
Latinoamérica

Popular Financial Holdings

> 135 oficinas in 16 estados al 31/12/07

> El total de originaciones alcanzó 

$3,400 millones en 2007

> Al 31/12/07, la cartera de préstamos 
hipotecarios manejados a terceros 
ascendió a $9,400 millones

> 930 empleados (equivalente a tiempo

completo) al 31/12/07

> $3,900 millones en activos y $3,300 

millones en préstamos

mercado con volúmenes notablemente 
más bajos, mayores niveles de morosidad, y
un mercado secundario prácticamente sin
liquidez. En el caso de Banco Popular North
America (BPNA), hemos emprendido un
proceso de enfocar nuestros recursos para
mejorar la rentabilidad de nuestra franquicia
de banca individual.

Popular Financial Holdings
Popular Financial Holdings (PFH) registró
una pérdida neta de $269.4 millones 
en el 2007. Estos resultados reflejan el 
deterioro del negocio de hipotecas de alto
riesgo, así como cargos asociados con
algunas de las iniciativas que llevamos a
cabo durante el año.

En enero del 2007, adoptamos un plan
de reestructuración para PFH que incluyó
las decisiones de salir del negocio mayorista
de originación de hipotecas de alto riesgo,
consolidar las funciones de apoyo con
Banco Popular North America, su entidad
bancaria afiliada en los Estados Unidos, y
enfocarnos en negocios rentables.

Como resultado del plan de reestructura-
ción y de la decisión de salir del negocio de
hipotecas de alto riesgo, completamos la
recaracterización de ciertas titulizaciones en
el estado de situación que nos permitieron
reconocer estas transacciones como ventas.
Por consiguiente, removimos aproximada-
mente $3,200 millones en préstamos
hipotecarios, y $3,100 millones en pasivos
relacionados de nuestro estado de situación.
El impacto de la recaracterización fue una
pérdida antes de contribución sobre ingre-
sos de $90.1 millones. La eliminación de
estos activos hipotecarios de nuestros libros
mejora las métricas de capital y de calidad
de crédito, y también reduce la cantidad de
hipotecas de alto riesgo en nuestros libros.
La mayor parte de la cartera restante de

PFH, la cual totaliza aproximadamente
$1,500 millones al igual que $287 millones
en certificados de bonos asociados con las
titulizaciones en el estado de situación se
presentarán al valor del mercado en base a
FAS 159 (Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities). La adop-
ción de FAS 159, que se implementará el

reducción de $85.1 millones en el justo
valor de intereses residuales reconocidos por
PFH en titulizaciones previas, (iv) $16.6
millones en costos por reestructuración en
PFH y (v) $231.9 millones en cargos por
reestructuración y menoscabo de algunos
activos en E-LOAN. Estas variaciones nega-
tivas fueron compensadas en parte por una
ganancia antes de contribución sobre ingre-
sos de $118.7 millones proveniente de la
venta en marzo del 2007 de las acciones
comunes de Telecomunicaciones de Puerto
Rico, Inc. (TELPRI) que tenía la Corporación.
El precio de nuestra acción bajó en un
41% durante el 2007 a $10.60 al cierre del
año. Estamos extremadamente decepciona-
dos con nuestros resultados financieros, así
como con el rendimiento de nuestra acción.
Reconocemos que estos resultados son
inaceptables, y hemos comenzado un
proceso dirigido a realinear nuestras opera-
ciones en los Estados Unidos, con el fin de
llevarlas a niveles aceptables de rentabilidad.

Estados Unidos
En Popular Financial Holdings (PFH),
nuestra operación de préstamos de alto
riesgo en los Estados Unidos, reducimos el
tamaño del negocio y tomamos medidas
para aminorar nuestro riesgo en el mercado
de hipotecas de alto riesgo. En E-LOAN,
adaptamos el modelo de negocio y ajusta-
mos nuestra infraestructura al tamaño
adecuado para reflejar la realidad de un

Popular, Inc.

2007

Informe Anual

11

Enfocaremos nuestros

esfuerzos en realzar el

valor de nuestra franquicia

de banca individual.

como la reducción de liquidez en los 
mercados secundarios, nos instaron a rees-
tructurar E-LOAN. En noviembre del 2007,
adoptamos un plan de reestructuración que
redujo sustancialmente los gastos de merca-
deo y personal, a la vez que enfocó a
E-LOAN en la originación de préstamos de
primeras hipotecas que cumplen con las
pautas de las agencias federales. Este plan 
se tradujo en cargos de $20.1 millones por
concepto de reestructuración durante el
cuarto trimestre del 2007, y se espera que
reduzca los gastos de operaciones en $77
millones en el 2008.

En vista de los cambios realizados al
modelo de negocios y del ambiente de 
desafíos que encara la industria hipotecaria
en los Estados Unidos, realizamos una 
valoración de la plusvalía y del poder de la
marca E-LOAN. La valoración demostró un
deterioro de plusvalía. Esta transacción se
realizó sin que mediara efectivo, y por tanto
no impactó la liquidez de Popular ni las
métricas de capital requeridas por las agen-
cias reguladoras.

E-LOAN sigue siendo un elemento
importante para Popular, dada su plata-
forma tecnológica, el amplio alcance
geográfico de sus productos, su capacidad
de aumentar el nivel de depósitos de la
Corporación, así como el valor de su marca,
que es ampliamente reconocida y respetada.

1ro de enero, se traducirá en un ajuste 
negativo de entre aproximadamente $280 
y $300 millones antes de contribuciones
sobre ingresos y no tendrá impacto en el
estado de ingresos y gastos, puesto que se
deducirá del balance de las ganancias
acumuladas.

Al momento de la reestructuración de
enero del 2007, decidimos continuar las
operaciones de Equity One y sus subsidia-
rias, las cuales se dedican a originar y dar
servicio a préstamos de consumo a través 
de una red de más de 130 oficinas. No
obstante, en vista del aumento en los costos
de fondos debido a cambios en los merca-
dos capitales que comenzaron en el verano
del 2007, nos convencimos de que sería
progresivamente más difícil generar un
rendimiento adecuado sobre el capital 
invertido en Equity One. En enero del
2008, anunciamos la firma de un acuerdo
para vender ciertos activos de Equity One 
a American General Financial, miembro 
de American International Group (AIG).
Como parte del acuerdo, American General
adquirió una parte significativa de la cartera
de préstamos hipotecarios y de consumo 
de aproximadamente $1,400 millones, 
así como 24 sucursales de Equity One.
Cerraremos las sucursales restantes. Esta
transacción cerró en marzo primero del
2008, y resultó en cargos por concepto de
reestructuración de $19.5 millones, la
mayor parte de los cuales se registrarán en
el primer trimestre, y generaron una ganan-
cia antes de contribuciones sobre ingresos
de aproximadamente $50 millones.

El efecto combinado de las iniciativas
mencionadas anteriormente es una reduc-
ción en la cartera de préstamos de PFH, 
de $6,900 millones al comienzo del 2007, 
a aproximadamente $1,300 millones a
diciembre del 2007, de los cuales $1,000
millones son préstamos de alto riesgo,
comparado con $4,600 millones a diciem-
bre del 2006. Estas iniciativas nos permiten
presentar un cuadro más claro de nuestro
riesgo en este negocio.

Banco Popular North America
Banco Popular North America (BPNA), que
incluye E-LOAN como subsidiaria, registró
una pérdida neta de $195.4 millones 
en el 2007. Esta pérdida fue impulsada 
por una pérdida neta de $245.7 millones 
en E-LOAN.

Las operaciones bancarias de BPNA
generaron un ingreso neto de $50.5 millones,
lo cual aunque positivo, fue un 50% más
bajo que en el 2006. Los resultados de
BPNA se vieron afectados adversamente por
el aumento en los costos de crédito e ingre-
sos por concepto de interés más bajos. La
provisión para pérdida de préstamos de
BPNA alcanzó un total de $77.8 millones, 
la cual es 106% más alta que en el 2006,
debido a una cantidad mayor de activos no
acumulativos en las carteras de préstamos
hipotecarios y de construcción. El ingreso
neto por intereses fue de $14.5 millones,
menos que el del 2006, debido a márgenes
más estrechos.

En vista de los retos a los cuales nos
enfrentamos, tomamos acción para enfocar
y priorizar nuestros recursos. En octubre 
del 2007 anunciamos la venta de seis de
nuestras sucursales en Houston, Texas a
Prosperity Bank. Prosperity Bank pagó 
una prima de 10.10% para obtener aproxi-
madamente $125 millones en depósitos y
también adquirió ciertos préstamos y activos
atribuibles a las sucursales. Enfocaremos
nuestros esfuerzos en mejorar la ejecutoria
de la red de sucursales que hemos formado
en los Estados Unidos para aumentar el
valor de nuestra franquicia de banca 
individual.

E-LOAN incurrió en una pérdida neta 
de $245.7 millones en el 2007, que incluye
los cargos de $20.1 millones por reestructu-
ración, al igual que cargos por deterioro de
plusvalía y del poder de la marca ascendien-
tes a $211.8 millones.

El negocio de E-LOAN continuó reci-
biendo el impacto severo de las condiciones
del mercado en el 2007. Una disminución
general en el volumen de originación de
hipotecas, aumentos significativos en los
niveles de morosidad y ejecuciones, así

12

Carta a los Accionistas, continuación

Puerto Rico
Nuestras operaciones de servicios financie-
ros en Puerto Rico, compuestas por Banco
Popular de Puerto Rico y otras subsidiarias
especializadas, se desempeñaron muy bien
en el 2007, a pesar del escenario de rece-
sión, el deterioro de la calidad de crédito, y
la competencia tan reñida. Estos resultados
confirman nuestra capacidad de no sola-
mente resistir estas fuerzas negativas, sino
también de fortalecer nuestra posición aun
en las épocas marcadas por los más formi-
dables retos.

El ingreso neto en el círculo de Puerto
Rico alcanzó un total de $327.3 millones,
$28.6 millones menos que en el 2006. Los
resultados financieros recibieron el impacto
del deterioro en la calidad de crédito, que
resultó en una provisión para pérdidas en
préstamos de $243.7 millones, la cual es
73% más alta que en el año anterior. Las
pérdidas netas en préstamos aumentaron 
en un 69%, alcanzando la cifra de $191
millones, mayormente en las carteras de
préstamos comerciales, personales y de
tarjetas de crédito. A través del año nos
enfocamos en manejar proactivamente la
calidad de crédito, siendo más estrictos con
los estándares de suscripción, anticipando
posibles pérdidas, aumentando los márgenes
y mejorando los esfuerzos de cobro.

A pesar de nuestro enfoque cauteloso 
en el área de crédito, pudimos defender y
aumentar nuestra participación general de
mercado. El obtener mayor participación 
de mercado resulta más difícil cada año,
considerando que somos el jugador princi-
pal en siete de nueve categorías de producto
claves que seguimos de cerca. Durante el
2007 mejoramos nuestra posición en ocho
de nueve categorías, abarcando el 23% del
total de préstamos y el 35% del total de
depósitos en el mercado. Continuaremos
haciendo hincapié en la expansión rentable
del mercado, para solidificar más nuestra
posición de liderazgo en Puerto Rico.

Además de ampliar nuestro negocio exis-
tente, fortalecimos nuestra franquicia con la
adquisición del negocio de banca individual
a nivel local de Citibank y las operaciones
locales de corretaje de Smith Barney. La
adquisición del negocio de banca individual
incluyó 17 sucursales (de las cuales siete
fueron consolidadas), aproximadamente
$1,000 millones en depósitos, mayormente
depósitos básicos, y más de $220 millones
en préstamos. Al incluir estos depósitos, la
participación de mercado de Popular
aumentó a aproximadamente un 38%. Le
dimos la bienvenida a más de 200 nuevos
compañeros, así como a una sólida base de
clientes que representa un gran potencial
para la venta cruzada de productos adicio-
nales de Popular. El negocio local de valores
se encuentra sumamente concentrado, con
el 60% de los activos bajo manejo (AUM)
controlado por las dos entidades principales
del mercado. La transacción de Smith
Barney fortalece nuestra fuerza de ventas y
provee volumen adicional de negocios
($1,200 millones en AUM), lo cual cierra
significativamente la brecha existente entre
Popular Securities y la segunda entidad que
compite en el mismo mercado.

El mejoramiento de la rentabilidad 
continuó siendo una de las prioridades de
Banco Popular en el 2007. Los gastos fueron
4.7% más altos que en el 2006, en gran
parte debido a los costos relacionados con 
la conversión de las operaciones de banca
individual y de corretaje de Citibank. Sin
embargo, aun cuando estos costos no
estaban contemplados en el presupuesto
original, los gastos totales del año estuvieron
por debajo del presupuesto debido a la
disciplina ejercida en los gastos de otras
áreas. Como resultado de nuestros esfuerzos
realizados a través de los pasados tres años,
hemos mejorado nuestra métrica de eficien-
cia de un 55.8% en el 2005 a un 52.9% 
en el 2007.

Anticipamos que el difícil escenario
económico actual persistirá hasta bien
entrado el 2008. No obstante, tal y como 
lo probamos en el 2007, la disciplina, el
enfoque en la ejecución, y la solidez de
nuestra franquicia, pueden no solamente

Tal y como lo probamos 

en el 2007, la disciplina 

y el enfoque en la 

ejecución pueden 

fortalecernos aún más.

hacernos sobrellevar los tiempos más 
difíciles, sino que pueden hacernos surgir
aún mas fuertes que antes.

EVERTEC
EVERTEC, nuestra unidad de procesa-
miento con operaciones en Puerto Rico, 
el Caribe y Latinoamérica, aumentó sus
ingresos, su ingreso neto y su volumen 
de transacciones en el 2007, a pesar de la
recesión económica en Puerto Rico, que 
es su mercado principal, y de la creciente
competencia de otras compañías de procesa-
miento más grandes establecidas a través de
todas las regiones.

En ingreso neto de EVERTEC en el 2007

alcanzó $31.3 millones, lo que representa
un aumento de un 20% sobre el 2006.
Estos resultados fueron impulsados por un
crecimiento bueno en los ingresos prove-
niente principalmente de clientes fuera de
las compañías Popular, combinado con un
manejo más estricto de los gastos.

Además de sus sólidos resultados finan-

cieros, EVERTEC realizó un importante
progreso en varias de sus áreas estratégicas
claves, tales como aumentar la competitivi-
dad de la Red ATH®. Por más de 20 años,
ATH® ha sido el método de pago preferido,
así como el más seguro y menos costoso
para los puertorriqueños. Durante el 2007,
la red ATH® procesó más de 535 millones
de transacciones a través de 4,944 cajeros
automáticos y 100,500 terminales de punto
de venta. En años recientes, ATH® ha expe-
rimentado niveles de competencia en
aumento por parte de Visa y MasterCard

Popular, Inc.

2007

Informe Anual

13

Valores Institucionales

Compromiso Social
Estamos comprometidos a traba-
jar activamente para promover el
bienestar social y económico de
las comunidades que servimos.

Cliente
Logramos la satisfacción y lealtad
de nuestros clientes añadiéndole
valor a cada interacción. La 
relación con nuestro cliente está
por encima de una transacción
particular.

Integridad
Nos desempeñamos bajo las
normas más estrictas de ética,
integridad y moral. La confianza
que nuestros clientes nos depositan
es lo más importante.

Excelencia
Creemos que sólo hay una forma
de hacer las cosas: bien hechas.

Innovación
Fomentamos la búsqueda 
incesante de nuevas soluciones
como estrategia para realzar
nuestra ventaja competitiva.

Nuestra Gente
Nos esforzamos por atraer, 
desarrollar, recompensar y 
retener al mejor talento dentro 
de un ambiente de trabajo que 
se caracteriza por el cariño y la
disciplina.

Rendimiento
Nuestra meta es obtener 
resultados financieros altos y
consistentes para nuestros 
accionistas fundamentados en
una visión a largo plazo.

debido al alza de tarjetas de débito con
firma. Como respuesta a este cambio, la Red
ATH® en Puerto Rico actualizó su estructura
de precios para brindar mayores incentivos
financieros a sus miembros bancarios, a la
vez que se mantiene como la alternativa de
más bajo costo para los comerciantes. Estos
cambios solidificarán y protegerán el poder
de la marca ATH® y fomentarán el creci-
miento del negocio a largo plazo.

En Puerto Rico, añadimos varias institu-
ciones financieras a nuestra lista de clientes
y ampliamos los servicios que se ofrecen a
los clientes existentes. EVERTEC ahora
procesa aproximadamente el 75% de todos
los cheques e intercambios electrónicos en
Puerto Rico. Expandimos nuestro negocio
de manejo de fuerza laboral con la adquisi-
ción de SENSE, una compañía de desarrollo
de software que brinda soluciones a las
áreas de recursos humanos, procesamiento
de nómina, horario y asistencia. El negocio
de sistemas de salud adquirió una cartera de
proveedores médicos y aumentó el número
de transacciones procesadas en aproximada-
mente un 20%. EVERTEC Latinoamérica
tuvo un año excelente, aumentando nota-
blemente los ingresos y añadiendo clientes
importantes en la región, a pesar de la
entrada de compañías internacionales de
procesamiento, como consecuencia de la
adquisición de bancos locales por parte de
grandes entidades internacionales.

Los resultados y logros estratégicos de
EVERTEC durante el 2007 corroboran la
estrategia que establecimos hace cuatro años
apalancando nuestra infraestructura para
generar ingresos adicionales y diversificar
más nuestras fuentes de ingreso.

Hacia adelante
La guía y el apoyo de nuestra Junta de
Directores durante este año, caracterizado
por tantos retos, ha sido muy significativa y
absolutamente apreciada. Quisiera expresar
un reconocimiento especial a José B.
Carrión (Pepe) por su servicio en las Juntas
de Banco Popular y Popular, Inc. Durante
siete años esta organización se benefició
enormemente de su asesoría e intelecto.

Pepe se retiró en el 2007 al llegar a la edad
de jubilación obligatoria. A la misma vez,
nos sentimos extremadamente complacidos
de darle la bienvenida a nuestra Junta de
Directores a Michael Masin. Sé que la vasta
experiencia de Michael como parte de la
gerencia y de las Juntas de algunas de las
principales corporaciones en los Estados
Unidos, será de gran valor a Popular.

Igualmente, luego de servir a Popular

por espacio de 30 años, Tere Loubriel,
nuestra Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva a cargo de
Gente, Comunicaciones y Planificación, se
retirará en Marzo. Tere ocupó una amplia
variedad de cargos a través de los años,
todos ellos con el mismo nivel de dedica-
ción y compromiso con la excelencia. 
La vamos a echar muchísimo de menos y 
le deseamos lo mejor. Eduardo Negrón,
nuestro Principal Oficial Legal Auxiliar
durante siete años, va a dirigir y llevar 
hacia adelante las áreas de Gente y
Comunicaciones.

En retrospectiva, el 2007 fue definitiva-

mente uno de los años de más desafíos a 
los cuales nuestra Corporación se ha 
enfrentado hasta la fecha. Las condiciones
sin precedentes y la turbulencia en la 
industria de servicios financieros han 
puesto a prueba nuestra organización.
Nuestra gente respondió como siempre 
lo ha hecho, enfocando su atención y 
energías en definir y llevar a cabo lo que
era necesario hacer para afrontar los retos.
Ahora más que en cualquier otro momento,
nos sentimos seguros de nuestra capacidad
de ir hacia adelante y volver a colocar a
Popular en los niveles de crecimiento y
rentabilidad que han caracterizado la 
historia de esta organización.

Richard L. Carrión 

Presidente de la Junta de Directores 

Presidente, Principal Oficial Ejecutivo

14

Resumen Financiero Histórico – 25 Años

(Dólares en millones, excepto información por acción)

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

Información Financiera Seleccionada

Ingreso Neto por Intereses
Ingreso Operacional
Gastos Operacionales
Ingreso Neto
Activos
Préstamos Netos
Depósitos
Capital de Accionistas
Valor Agregado en el Mercado
Rendimiento de Activos (ROA)
Rendimiento de Capital (ROE)

Por Acción Común1

Ingreso Neto – Básico
Ingreso Neto – Diluido
Dividendos (Declarados)
Valor en los Libros
Precio en el Mercado

Activos por Área Geográfica

Puerto Rico
Estados Unidos
Caribe y Latinoamérica

Total

Sistema de Distribución Tradicional

Sucursales Bancarias

Puerto Rico
Islas Vírgenes
Estados Unidos
Subtotal
Oficinas No Bancarias

Popular Financial Holdings
Popular Cash Express
Popular Finance
Popular Auto
Popular Leasing, U.S.A.
Popular Mortgage
Popular Securities
Popular Insurance
Popular Insurance Agency U.S.A.
Popular Insurance, V.I.
EVERTEC

Subtotal
Total

Sistema de Distribución Electrónico

Cajeros Automáticos2

Propios y Administrados

Puerto Rico
Caribe
Estados Unidos
Subtotal
Administrados
Puerto Rico
Caribe

Subtotal
Total

Transacciones (en millones)

Transacciones Electrónicas3
Efectos Procesados

Empleados (equivalente a tiempo completo)

$

$

$
$

$

144.9
19.6
127.3
26.8
2,974.1
1,075.7
2,347.5
182.2
119.3
0.95%
15.86%

0.19
0.19
0.06
1.24
0.83

94%
5%
1%
100%

112
3
6
121

$

$

$
$

$

156.8
19.0
137.2
29.8
3,526.7
1,373.9
2,870.7
203.5
159.8
0.94%
15.83%

0.21
0.21
0.06
1.38
1.11

91%
8%
1%
100%

113
3
9
125

$

$

$
$

$

174.9
26.8
156.0
32.9
4,141.7
1,715.7
3,365.3
226.4
216.0
0.89%
15.59%

0.23
0.23
0.07
1.54
1.50

92%
7%
1%
100%

115
3
9
127

$

$

$
$

$

184.2
41.4
168.4
38.3
4,531.8
2,271.0
3,820.2
283.1
304.0
0.88%
15.12%

0.25
0.25
0.08
1.73
2.00

92%
7%
1%
100%

124
3
9
136

121

125

127

136

113

113

51

51
164

30

30

30

0.6
102.1

3,832

78

78

6

6
84

4.4
110.3

4,110

94

94

36

36
130

7.0
123.8

4,314

$

$

$
$

$

207.7
41.0
185.7
38.3
5,389.6
2,768.5
4,491.6
308.2
260.0
0.76%
13.09%

0.24
0.24
0.09
1.89
1.67

94%
5%
1%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

232.5
54.9
195.6
47.4
5,706.5
3,096.3
4,715.8
341.9
355.0
0.85%
14.87%

0.30
0.30
0.09
2.10
2.22

93%
6%
1%
100%

$ 

$

$
$

$

260.9
63.3
212.4
56.3
5,972.7
3,320.6
4,926.3
383.0
430.1
0.99%
15.87%

0.35
0.35
0.10
2.35
2.69

92%
6%
2%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

284.2
70.9
229.6
63.4
8,983.6
5,373.3
7,422.7
588.9
479.1
1.09%
15.55%

0.40
0.40
0.10
2.46
2.00

89%
9%
2%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

407.8
131.8
345.7
64.6
8,780.3
5,195.6
7,207.1
631.8
579.0
0.72%
10.57%

0.27
0.27
0.10
2.63
2.41

87%
11%
2%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

440.2
124.5
366.9
85.1
10,002.3
5,252.1
8,038.7
752.1
987.8
0.89%
12.72%

0.35
0.35
0.10
2.88
3.78

87%
10%
3%
100%

$

$

$
$

$

492.1
125.2
412.3
109.4
11,513.4
6,346.9
8,522.7
834.2
1,014.7

1.02%
13.80%

0.42
0.42
0.12
3.19
3.88

79%
16%
5%
100%

126
3
9
138

14

14
152

136
3

139

55

55
194

126
3
10
139

17

17
156

153
3

156

68

68
224

128
3
10
141

18
4

22
163

151
3

154

65

65
219

173
3
24
200

26
9

35
235

211
3

214

54

54
268

161
3
24
188

27

26
9

62
250

206
3

209

73

73
282

162
3
30
195

41

26
9

76
271

211
3
6
220

81

81
301

165
8
32
205

58

26
8

92
297

234
8
11
253

86

86
339

8.3
134.0

4,400

12.7
139.1

4,699

14.9
159.8

5,131

16.1
161.9

5,213

18.0
164.0

7,023

23.9
166.1

7,006

28.6
170.4

7,024

33.2
171.8

7,533

1 Datos ajustados por las divisiones en acciones.
2 No incluyen cajeros automáticos que están conectados a la Red ATH® (2,186 en el 2007) pero que son administrados por otras instituciones financieras. 
3 Desde el 1981 al 2003, transacciones electrónicas incluyen transacciones ACH, Pago Directo, TelePago, Banca por Internet y transacciones por la Red ATH® en Puerto Rico. Desde 2004, estos números incluyen el total de 
transacciones por la Red ATH® en República Dominicana, Costa Rica, El Salvador y Estados Unidos, transacciones de facturación médica, transferencias cablegráficas y otros pagos electrónicos además de lo previamente señalado.

Popular, Inc.

2007

Informe Anual

15

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

$

535.5
141.3
447.8
124.7
12,778.4
7,781.3
9,012.4
1,002.4
923.7
1.02%
13.80%

0.46
0.46
0.13
3.44
3.52

76%
20%
4%
100%

$

584.2
173.3
486.8
146.4
15,675.5
8,677.5
9,876.7
1,141.7
$ 1,276.8

$

681.3
205.5
541.9
185.2
16,764.1
9,779.0
10,763.3
1,262.5
$ 2,230.5

$

784.0
247.6
636.9
209.6
19,300.5
11,376.6
11,749.6
1,503.1
$ 3,350.3

1.04%
14.22%

1.14%
16.17%

1.14%
15.83%

$
$

$

0.53
0.53
0.15
3.96
4.85

75%
21%
4%
100%

$
$

$

0.67
0.67
0.18
4.40
8.44

$
$

$

0.75
0.75
0.20
5.19
12.38

74%
22%
4%
100%

74%
23%
3%
100%

166
8
34
208

73

28
10

111
319

262
8
26
296

88

88
384

166
8
40
214

91

31
9

3

134
348

281
8
38
327

120

120
447

178
8
44
230

102

39
8

3
1

153
383

327
9
53
389

162
97
259
648

201
8
63
272

117

44
10
7
3
2

183
455

391
17
71
479

170
192
362
841

43.0
174.5

7,606

56.6
175.0

7,815

78.0
173.7

7,996

111.2
171.9

8,854

$

$

$
$

$

873.0
291.2
720.4
232.3
23,160.4
13,078.8
13,672.2
1,709.1
4,611.7

$

953.7
372.9
837.5
257.6
25,460.5
14,907.8
14,173.7
1,661.0
$ 3,790.2

1.14%
15.41%

1.08%
15.45%

0.83
0.83
0.25
5.93
17.00

71%
25%
4%
100%

198
8
89
295

128
51
48
10
8
11
2

258
553

421
59
94
574

187
265
452
1,026

130.5
170.9

10,549

$
$

$

0.92
0.92
0.30
5.76
13.97

71%
25%
4%
100%

199
8
91
298

137
102
47
12
10
13
2

4
327
625

442
68
99
609

102
851
953
1,562

159.4
171.0

11,501

982.8
464.1
876.4
276.1
28,057.1
16,057.1
14,804.9
1,993.6
3,578.1

$ 1,056.8
491.8
926.2
304.5
30,744.7
18,168.6
16,370.0
2,272.8
$ 3,965.4

$

1,160.2
543.8
1,029.0
351.9
33,660.4
19,582.1
17,614.7
2,410.9
$ 4,476.4

$ 1,284.7
626.0
1,113.1
470.9
36,434.7
22,602.2
18,097.8
2,754.4
$ 5,960.2

$

1,375.5
608.8
1,171.0
489.9
44,401.6
28,742.3
20,593.2
3,104.6
$ 7,685.6

$ 1,424.2
785.3
1,328.2
540.7
48,623.7
31,710.2
22,638.0
3,449.2
$ 5,836.5

$

1,427.9
809.5
1,485.1
357.7
47,404.0
32,736.9
24,438.3
3,620.3
$ 5,003.4

$

$

1,449.4
694.3
1,704.6
-64.5
44,411.4
29,911.0
28,334.4
3,581.9
2,968.3

1.04%
15.00%

1.09%
14.84%

1.11%
16.29%

1.36%
19.30%

1.23%
17.60%

1.17%
17.12%

0.74%
9.73%

-0.14%
-2.08%

0.99
0.99
0.32
6.96
13.16

72%
26%
2%
100%

199
8
95
302

136
132
61
12
11
21
3
2

4
382
684

478
37
109
624

118
920
1,038
1,662

199.5
160.2

10,651

$
$

$

1.09
1.09
0.38
7.97
14.54

$
$

$

1.31
1.31
0.40
9.10
16.90

$
$

$

1.74
1.74
0.51
9.66
22.43

$
$

$

1.79
1.79
0.62
10.95
28.83

$
$

$

1.98
1.97
0.64
11.82
21.15

$
$

$

1.24
1.24
0.64
12.32
17.95

-$
-$

$

0.27
0.27
0.64
12.12
10.60

68%
30%
2%
100%

66%
32%
2%
100%

62%
36%
2%
100%

55%
43%
2%
100%

53%
45%
2%
100%

52%
45%
3%
100%

196
8
96
300

149
154
55
20
13
25
4
2
1

4
427
727

524
39
118
681

155
823
978
1,659

206.0
149.9

11,334

195
8
96
299

153
195
36
18
13
29
7
2
1
1
5
460
759

539
53
131
723

174
926
1,100
1,823

236.6
145.3

11,037

193
8
97
298

181
129
43
18
11
32
8
2
1
1
5
431
729

557
57
129
743

176
1,110
1,286
2,029

255.7
138.5

11,474

192
8
128
328

183
114
43
18
15
30
9
2
1
1
7
423
751

568
59
163
790

167
1,216
1,383
2,173

568.5
133.9

12,139

194
8
136
338

213
4
49
17
14
33
12
2
1
1
8
354
692

583
61
181
825

212
1,726
1,938
2,763

625.9
140.3

13,210

191
8
142
341

159

52
15
11
32
12
2
1
1
12
297
638

605
65
192
862

226
1,360
1,586
2,448

690.2
150.0

12,508

59%
38%
3%
100%

196
8
147
351

135

51
12
24
32
13
2
1
1
11
282
633

615
69
187
871

433
1,454
1,887
2,758

772.7
175.2

12,303

16

Junta de Directores
Richard L. Carrión
Presidente de la Junta de Directores 
Presidente, Principal Oficial Ejecutivo, Popular, Inc.

Juan J. Bermúdez
Socio, Bermúdez & Longo, S.E.

María Luisa Ferré
Presidenta, Grupo Ferré Rangel

Michael Masin
Senior Partner, O’Melvany & Myers

Manuel Morales, Jr.
Presidente, Parkview Realty, Inc.

Francisco M. Rexach, Jr.
Presidente, Capital Assets, Inc.

Frederic V. Salerno
Inversionista

William J. Teuber, Jr.
Vicepresidente de la Junta de Directores, EMC Corporation

José R. Vizcarrondo
Presidente y Principal Oficial Ejecutivo, Desarrollos
Metropolitanos, S.E.

Lcdo. Samuel T. Céspedes
Secretario de la Junta de Directores, Popular, Inc.

Círculo de Liderato Corporativo

Richard L. Carrión
Presidente de la Junta de Directores 
Presidente, Principal Oficial Ejecutivo, Popular, Inc.

David H. Chafey, Jr.
Primer Vicepresidente Ejecutivo, Popular, Inc.
Presidente, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Roberto R. Herencia
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo, Popular, Inc.
Presidente, Banco Popular North America

Lcdo. Amílcar Jordán
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo, Manejo de Riesgo, Popular, Inc.

Jorge A. Junquera
Primer Vicepresidente Ejecutivo, 
Principal Oficial Financiero, Popular, Inc.

Tere Loubriel
Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva, 
Gente, Comunicaciones y Planificación, Popular, Inc.

Lcda. Brunilda Santos de Álvarez
Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva, 
Principal Oficial Legal, Popular, Inc.

Félix M. Villamil
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo, Popular, Inc.
Presidente, EVERTEC, Inc.

Nuestro Credo

El Banco Popular es una institución genuinamente nativa
dedicada exclusivamente a trabajar por el bienestar social
y económico de Puerto Rico e inspirada en los principios
más sanos y fundamentales de una buena práctica bancaria.

El Popular tiene empeñados sus esfuerzos y voluntad 
al desarrollo de un servicio bancario para Puerto Rico
dentro de normas estrictamente comerciales tan eficiente
como pueda requerir la comunidad más progresista 
del mundo.

Estas palabras, escritas en 1928 por don Rafael Carrión
Pacheco, Vicepresidente Ejecutivo y Presidente (1927-1956),
representan el pensamiento que rige a Popular, Inc. en todos
sus mercados.

Nuestra Gente
Los hombres y mujeres que laboran para nuestra institución,
desde los más altos ejecutivos hasta los empleados que
llevan a cabo las tareas más rutinarias, sienten un orgullo
especial al servir a nuestra clientela con esmero y dedica-
ción. Todos sienten la íntima satisfacción de pertenecer a
la Gran “Familia del Banco Popular”, en la que se fomenta
el cariño y la comprensión entre todos sus miembros, y en
la que a la vez se cumple firmemente con las más estrictas
reglas de conducta y de moral.

Estas palabras fueron escritas en 1988 por don Rafael Carrión,
Jr., Presidente y Presidente de la Junta de Directores, (1956-
1991), con motivo del 95 aniversario del Banco Popular de
Puerto Rico y son muestra de nuestro compromiso con nuestros
recursos humanos.

Información Corporativo
Firma Registrada de Contabilidad Pública Independiente

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Reunión Anual

La reunión anual de accionistas del 2007 de Popular, Inc.

se celebrará el viernes, 25 de abril, a las 9:00 a.m. en el

Edificio Centro Europa en San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Información Adicional

El Informe Anual en la Forma 10-K radicado con la Comisión

de Valores e Intercambio e información financiera adicional

están disponibles visitando nuestra página de Internet:

www.popular.com

Financial Review and
Supplementary Information

Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Statistical  Summaries

Financial  Statements

Management’s  Report  to  Stockholders

Report of Independent Registered
Public  Accounting  Firm

Consolidated  Statements  of  Condition
as of December 31, 2007 and 2006

Consolidated  Statements  of  Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006 and 2005

Consolidated  Statements  of  Cash  Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2007,
2006 and 2005

Consolidated  Statements  of  Changes  in
Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005

Consolidated  Statements  of  Comprehensive
Income for the years ended December 31,
2007, 2006 and 2005

Notes  to  Consolidated  Financial  Statements

3

68

73

74

76

 77

78

79

 80

81

2

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking  Statements

Overview

Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events

Events  Subsequent  to  Year-End  2007

Critical  Accounting  Policies  /  Estimates

Statement  of  Operations  Analysis

Net Interest Income
Provision  for  Loan  Losses
Non-Interest  Income
Operating  Expenses
Income  Tax  Expense
Fourth  Quarter  Results

Reportable  Segment  Results

Statement  of  Condition  Analysis
    Assets

Deposits,  Borrowings  and

Other  Liabilities
Stockholders’  Equity

Off-Balance  Sheet  Financing  Entities

Risk  Management
Market  Risk
Liquidity Risk
Credit Risk Management and

Loan Quality

Operational  Risk  Management

Loss  Mitigation  for  Securitized  Mortgage  Loans

Recently  Issued  Accounting  Pronouncements

and  Interpretations

Glossary  of  Selected  Financial  Terms

Statistical  Summaries

Statements  of  Condition
Statements  of  Operations
Average Balance Sheet and

Summary of Net Interest Income

Quarterly Financial Data

3

3

8

10

11

19
21
21
26
28
28

29

32

34
35

36

36
36
43

50
60

60

62

65

68
69

70
72

2007     Annual Report        3
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Management’’’’’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”)
provides  you  with  information  management  believes  necessary
for understanding the financial performance of Popular, Inc. and
its  subsidiaries  (the  “Corporation”  or  “Popular”).  All
accompanying  tables,  consolidated  financial  statements  and
corresponding  notes  included  in  this  “Financial  Review  and
Supplementary Information - 2007 Annual Report” (“the report”)
should be considered an integral part of this MD&A.

FFFFF O R W A R D
L O O K I N G  S  S  S  S  S T A T E M E N T S
O R W A R D----- L O O K I N G
T A T E M E N T S
T A T E M E N T S
L O O K I N G
L O O K I N G
O R W A R D
O R W A R D
T A T E M E N T S
T A T E M E N T S
L O O K I N G
O R W A R D
The  information  included  in  this  report  may  contain  certain
forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private
Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  These  include
descriptions of products or services, plans or objectives for future
operations,  and  forecast  of  revenues,  earnings,  cash  flows,  or
other  measures  of  economic  performance.  Forward-looking
statements  can  be  identified  by  the  fact  that  they  do  not  relate
strictly  to  historical  or  current  facts.

Forward-looking  statements  are  not  guarantees  of  future
performance  and,  by  their  nature,  involve  certain  risks,
uncertainties,  estimates  and  assumptions  by  management  that
are difficult to predict. Various factors, some of which are beyond
the  Corporation’s  control,  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ
materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-
looking  statements.  Factors  that  might  cause  such  a  difference
include, but are not limited to, the rate of growth in the economy,
as well as general business and economic conditions; changes in
interest rates, as well as the magnitude of such changes; the fiscal
and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies;
the relative strength or weakness of the consumer and commercial
credit sectors and of the real estate markets; the performance of
the stock and bond markets; competition in the financial services
industry;  possible  legislative,  tax  or  regulatory  changes;  and
difficulties in combining the operations of acquired entities.

All  forward-looking  statements  are  based  upon  information
available  to  the  Corporation  as  of  the  date  of  this  report.
Management assumes no obligation to update or revise any such
forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences or unanticipated
events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

OOOOO V E R V I E W
V E R V I E W
V E R V I E W
V E R V I E W
V E R V I E W
The Corporation is a financial holding company, which is subject
to the supervision and regulation of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System. Since its foundation more than a century
ago, Popular has evolved from a commercial bank based in Puerto
Rico to a diverse financial services company with operations in
Puerto Rico, the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America.
The  Corporation  ranked  30th  among  the  top  50  bank  holding
companies based on total assets as per information gathered and
disclosed by the Federal Reserve System as of December 31, 2007.

The  Corporation  operates  four  principal  businesses  or
operating segments: Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Banco Popular
North  America,  Popular  Financial  Holdings  and  EVERTEC.  As
the leading financial institution in Puerto Rico, the Corporation
offers retail and commercial banking services through its principal
banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (“BPPR”), as
well as auto and equipment leasing and financing, mortgage loans,
consumer  lending,  investment  banking,  broker-dealer  and
insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. In the United
States,  the  Corporation  operates  Banco  Popular  North  America
(“BPNA”), including its wholly-owned subsidiary E-LOAN, and
Popular Financial Holdings (“PFH”). BPNA is a community bank
providing a broad range of financial services and products to the
communities  it  serves.  BPNA  operates  branches  in  New  York,
California, Illinois, New Jersey, Florida and Texas. E-LOAN offers
online consumer direct lending and provides an online platform
to raise deposits for BPNA. PFH, after certain restructuring events
discussed  later  in  this  MD&A,  is  currently  exiting  the  loan
origination  business,  but  still  carries  a  maturing  loan  portfolio
that approximated $3.3 billion at December 31, 2007, of which a
carrying  amount  of  $1.4  billion  was  classified  as  held-for-sale.
Also,  PFH  continues  to  service  for  others  over  $9.4  billion  in
mortgage  loans.  The  Corporation,  through  its  transaction
processing  company,  EVERTEC,  continues  to  use  its  expertise
in  technology  as  a  competitive  advantage  in  its  expansion
throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America,
as  well  as  internally  servicing  many  of  the  Corporation's
subsidiaries’ system infrastructures and transactional processing
businesses. Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements, as
well as the Reportable Segments section in this MD&A, present
further information about the Corporation’s business segments.
Popular,  Inc.’s  financial  performance  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2007 reflected a net loss of $64.5 million, compared
with net income of $357.7 million for 2006. The reduction in the
Corporation’s results of operations continued to reflect the impact
of  unprecedented  adverse  market  conditions,  particularly  on
Popular’s  U.S. mainland operations.

Net losses in the Corporation’s U.S. operations, which include
the reportable segments of Banco Popular North America and PFH,
amounted  to  $467.8  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,
2007, compared to net income of $5.0 million in 2006. The year
2007  was  marked  by  very  important  decisions  with  respect  to
Popular’s U.S. operations, which had a significant impact in the
financial results for the year, including:

• the implementation of various restructuring plans, resulting
in  the  recognition  of  significant  associated  costs,  which
approximated $36.7 million, and of non-cash impairment
losses  related  to  E-LOAN’s  goodwill  and  trademark
approximating  $211.8  million,  and

4

Table  A
Table  A
Table  A
Table  A
Table  A
Components of Net (Loss) Income as a Percentage of Average Total Assets

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Sales and valuation adjustments of investment securities
(Loss) gain on sale of loans and valuation adjustments

on loans held-for-sale

Trading (losses) gains
Other non-interest income

Operating expenses

Net (loss) income before tax and cumulative effect

of accounting change

Income tax
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
Net (loss) income

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

3 . 0 8 %
3 . 0 8 %
3 . 0 8 %
3 . 0 8 %
3 . 0 8 %
( 1 . 1 9 )
( 1 . 1 9 )
( 1 . 1 9 )
( 1 . 1 9 )
( 1 . 1 9 )
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2

( 0 . 0 8 )
( 0 . 0 8 )
( 0 . 0 8 )
( 0 . 0 8 )
( 0 . 0 8 )
( 0 . 0 1 )
( 0 . 0 1 )
( 0 . 0 1 )
( 0 . 0 1 )
( 0 . 0 1 )
1 . 4 4
1 . 4 4
1 . 4 4
1 . 4 4
1 . 4 4
3 . 3 6
3 . 3 6
3 . 3 6
3 . 3 6
3 . 3 6
( 3 . 6 2 )
( 3 . 6 2 )
( 3 . 6 2 )
( 3 . 6 2 )
( 3 . 6 2 )

( 0 . 2 6 )
( 0 . 2 6 )
( 0 . 2 6 )
( 0 . 2 6 )
( 0 . 2 6 )
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2
0 . 1 2
-

( 0 . 1 4 % )
( 0 . 1 4 % )
( 0 . 1 4 % )
( 0 . 1 4 % )
( 0 . 1 4 % )

              For  the Year

2006

2.96%
(0.60)
0.01

0.24
0.07
1.36
4.04
(3.08)

0.96
(0.22)
-
0.74%

2005

3.07%
(0.42)
  0.11

0.18
0.06
1.34
4.34
(2.86)

1.48
(0.32)
0.01
1.17%

2004

3.45%
(0.45)
  0.04

0.11
-
1.38
4.53
(2.94)

2003

3.71%
(0.57)
0.21

0.15
(0.03)
1.48
4.95
(3.21)

1.59
(0.36)
-
   1.23%

1.74
(0.38)
-
    1.36%

• the loan recharacterization transaction of the majority of
the on-balance sheet securitizations at PFH which resulted
in a net pre-tax loss of approximately $90.1 million.
These  U.S.  strategic  events  are  explained  in  detail  in  the
Significant U.S. Strategic Events section of this MD&A and are
integral to the understanding of the 2007 financial results.

The  Corporation’s  operations  in  Puerto  Rico  continued  to
perform  well  despite  a  difficult  economic  environment,  which
presents  credit  challenges  and  has  led  to  a  recessionary  cycle.
Solidifying  Popular’s  presence  in  the  Puerto  Rico  market  and
sustaining the Corporation’s confidence in this market, in 2007,
the  Corporation  completed  the  acquisition  of  Citibank’s  retail
banking operations in Puerto Rico, which added 17 branches to
BPPR’s  retail  branch  network  prior  to  branch  closing  due  to
synergies, and contributed approximately $1 billion in deposits
and $220 million in loans. Also, Popular Securities, a subsidiary
within  the  Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico  reportable  segment,
strengthened  its  brokerage  sales  force  and  increased  its  assets
under  its  management  by  acquiring  Smith  Barney’s  retail
brokerage operations in Puerto Rico. Both of these acquisitions
took place in the latter part of the fourth quarter of 2007. The
Corporation  recorded  $147  million  in  goodwill  and  other
intangibles  related  to  these  two  acquisitions.

Information on the analysis of financial results for the Puerto
Rico,  including  EVERTEC,  and  U.S.  operations  is  provided  in
the Reportable Segments section of this MD&A.

Table A presents a five-year summary of the components of net
(loss)  income  as  a  percentage  of  average  total  assets.  Table  B
presents the changes in net (loss) income applicable to common

stock and (losses) earnings per common share for the last three
years. In addition, Table C provides selected financial data for the
past  10  years.  A  glossary  of  selected  financial  terms  has  been
included at the end of this MD&A.

Financial results for the year ended December 31, 2007 were
principally impacted by the following items (on a pre-tax basis),
compared to the year 2006:

• A $274.9 million increase in the provision for loan losses,
which was mostly influenced by a slowdown in the housing
sector, principally in the U.S. mainland, and weak economic
conditions  in  Puerto  Rico  and  the  U.S.  mainland  that
impacted  the  commercial  and  consumer  sectors  and  has
resulted in higher delinquencies. Refer to the Credit Risk
Management and Loan Quality section of this MD&A for a
more detailed analysis of the allowance for loan losses, net
charge-offs,  non-performing  assets  and  credit  quality
statistics.

• A decrease of $115.2 million in non-interest income, mostly
driven by loss on sale of loans that includes the impact of
the  PFH  loan  recharacterization  transaction  described  in
detail  in  the  Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events  section  in
this MD&A and unfavorable valuation adjustments on loans
held-for-sale due to illiquidity in certain markets and higher
credit  loss  expectations  which  impacted  price  margins.
Also, the decrease in non-interest income was the result of
reductions in value in the residual interests of PFH. These
unfavorable variances were partially offset by higher gains
on  sale  of  equity  securities  by  the  Corporation’s  holding
company and higher service fees.

2007     Annual Report        5
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Table  B
Table  B
Table  B
Table  B
Table  B
Changes in Net (Loss) Income Applicable to Common Stock and (Losses) Earnings per Common Share

(In thousands, except per common share amounts)

D o l l a r s
D o l l a r s
D o l l a r s
D o l l a r s
D o l l a r s

Per  share
Per  share
Per  share
Per  share
Per  share

Dollars

Per share

 Dollars

Per share

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

$ 3 4 5 , 7 6 3
$ 3 4 5 , 7 6 3
$ 3 4 5 , 7 6 3
$ 3 4 5 , 7 6 3
$ 3 4 5 , 7 6 3

$ 1 . 2 4
$ 1 . 2 4
$ 1 . 2 4
$ 1 . 2 4
$ 1 . 2 4

$528,789

$1.98

$477,995

$1.79

Net income applicable to common stock

for prior year

Increase (decrease) from changes in:

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Sales and valuation adjustments of investment

securities

Trading account
Sales of loans and valuation adjustments on

loans held-for-sale

Other non-interest income
Impairment losses on long-lived assets*
Goodwill and trademark impairment losses*
Amortization of intangibles
All other operating expenses
Income tax
Cumulative effect of accounting change

2 1 , 4 8 0
2 1 , 4 8 0
2 1 , 4 8 0
2 1 , 4 8 0
2 1 , 4 8 0
( 2 7 4 , 8 9 0 )
( 2 7 4 , 8 9 0 )
( 2 7 4 , 8 9 0 )
( 2 7 4 , 8 9 0 )
( 2 7 4 , 8 9 0 )

0 . 0 8
0 . 0 8
0 . 0 8
0 . 0 8
0 . 0 8
( 0 . 9 9 )
( 0 . 9 9 )
( 0 . 9 9 )
( 0 . 9 9 )
( 0 . 9 9 )

3,703
(92,488)

5 0 , 8 0 0
5 0 , 8 0 0
5 0 , 8 0 0
5 0 , 8 0 0
5 0 , 8 0 0
( 3 7 , 7 5 2 )
( 3 7 , 7 5 2 )
( 3 7 , 7 5 2 )
( 3 7 , 7 5 2 )
( 3 7 , 7 5 2 )

0 . 1 8
0 . 1 8
0 . 1 8
0 . 1 8
0 . 1 8
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )

(47,754)
5,237

( 1 5 6 , 3 9 1 )
( 1 5 6 , 3 9 1 )
( 1 5 6 , 3 9 1 )
( 1 5 6 , 3 9 1 )
( 1 5 6 , 3 9 1 )
2 8 , 1 7 4
2 8 , 1 7 4
2 8 , 1 7 4
2 8 , 1 7 4
2 8 , 1 7 4
( 5 , 1 1 2 )
( 5 , 1 1 2 )
( 5 , 1 1 2 )
( 5 , 1 1 2 )
( 5 , 1 1 2 )
( 1 9 7 , 5 1 2 )
( 1 9 7 , 5 1 2 )
( 1 9 7 , 5 1 2 )
( 1 9 7 , 5 1 2 )
( 1 9 7 , 5 1 2 )
1 , 9 3 3
1 , 9 3 3
1 , 9 3 3
1 , 9 3 3
1 , 9 3 3
( 1 8 , 7 8 7 )
( 1 8 , 7 8 7 )
( 1 8 , 7 8 7 )
( 1 8 , 7 8 7 )
( 1 8 , 7 8 7 )
1 6 5 , 8 8 8
1 6 5 , 8 8 8
1 6 5 , 8 8 8
1 6 5 , 8 8 8
1 6 5 , 8 8 8
-----

( 0 . 5 6 )
( 0 . 5 6 )
( 0 . 5 6 )
( 0 . 5 6 )
( 0 . 5 6 )
0 . 1 0
0 . 1 0
0 . 1 0
0 . 1 0
0 . 1 0
( 0 . 0 2 )
( 0 . 0 2 )
( 0 . 0 2 )
( 0 . 0 2 )
( 0 . 0 2 )
( 0 . 7 1 )
( 0 . 7 1 )
( 0 . 7 1 )
( 0 . 7 1 )
( 0 . 7 1 )
0 . 0 1
0 . 0 1
0 . 0 1
0 . 0 1
0 . 0 1
( 0 . 0 6 )
( 0 . 0 6 )
( 0 . 0 6 )
( 0 . 0 6 )
( 0 . 0 6 )
0 . 6 0
0 . 6 0
0 . 6 0
0 . 6 0
0 . 6 0
-----

34,124
32,603
(7,232)
(14,239)
(2,798)
(132,604)
42,029
  (3,607)

0.01
(0.35)

(0.18)
0.02

0.13
0.12
(0.03)
(0.05)
(0.01)
(0.50)
0.16
(0.01)

1.29
(0.05)

48,696
(16,615)

0.18
(0.06)

36,859
30,210

39,129
70,306
-
-
(1,735)
(155,453)
(4,210)
3,607

528,789
-

0.14
0.11

0.15
0.27
-
-
(0.01)
(0.58)
(0.01)
0.01

1.99
(0.01)

Net (loss) income before preferred stock dividends

and change in average common shares

Change in average common shares**

( 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
-----

( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
-----

345,763
-

Net (loss) income applicable to common stock

( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

$345,763

$1.24

$528,789

$1.98

*Associated with the PFH Restructuring Plan, PFH Branch Network Restructuring Plan, and E-LOAN Restructuring Plan.

**Reflects the effect of the shares repurchased, plus the shares issued through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan and the subscription rights offering, and the effect of stock
options exercised in the years presented.

• Higher  operating  expenses  by  $219.5  million,  which
includes  restructuring  charges  that  are  detailed  in  the
Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events  section  in  this  MD&A.

The above unfavorable variances were partially offset by:
• Higher net interest income by $21.5 million. For further
information  refer  to  the  Net  Interest  Income  and  Market
Risk  sections  of  this  MD&A.

• Income tax benefit of $59.0 million in 2007, compared to
income tax expense of $106.9 million in 2006. Refer to the
Income  Tax  section  of  this  MD&A  for  additional
information.

Total assets at December 31, 2007 amounted to $44.4 billion,
or  $3.0  billion  lower  than  total  assets  at  the  same  date  in  the
previous  year.  Total  earning  assets  at  December  31,  2007
decreased by $2.8 billion, or 6%, compared with December 31,
2006.    As  of  December  31,  2007,  loans,  the  primary  interest-
earning asset category for the Corporation, totaled $29.9 billion,
reflecting  a  decline  of  $2.8  billion,  or  9%,  from  December  31,

2006. As explained in the Significant U.S. Strategic Events section
of  this  MD&A,  the  loan  recharacterization  transaction  and  the
PFH Restructuring Plan contributed substantially to the reduction
in total loans. For more detailed information on lending activities,
refer  to  the  Statement  of  Condition  Analysis  and  Credit  Risk
Management and Loan Quality sections of this MD&A. Investment
and trading securities, the second largest component of interest-
earning assets, accounted for $0.6 billion of the decline in total
assets from December 31, 2006.

Assets at December 31, 2007 were funded principally through
deposits,  primarily  time  deposits.  Deposits  supported
approximately  64%  of  the  asset  base,  while  borrowings,  other
liabilities and stockholders’ equity accounted for approximately
36%. As of December 31, 2006, 52% of total assets were funded
through  deposits,  while  borrowings,  other  liabilities  and
stockhoders'  equity  accounted  for  48%.  In  the  third  quarter  of
2007,  the  Corporation  increased  its  reliance  on  brokered
certificates of deposit, as a result of expected reduced availability
of non-deposit funding. Beginning in the third quarter of 2007,

6

T a b l e   C
T a b l e   C
T a b l e   C
T a b l e   C
T a b l e   C
Selected Financial Data

(Dollars  in  thousands,  except  per  share  data)

CONDENSED  INCOME  STATEMENTS

Interest  income
Interest  expense
Net interest income
Provision for  loan  losses
Net gain (loss) on sale and valuation adjustment of investment securities
Trading account (loss) profit
(Loss) gain on sale of loans and valuation adjustments on

loans held-for-sale

Other    non-interest  income
Operating  expenses
Income  tax (benefit) expense
Net (gain) loss of minority interest
Cumulative  effect of accounting change, net of tax

Net (loss) income
Net (loss) income applicable to common stock

PER COMMON  SHARE DATA*

Net (loss) income:

Basic before cumulative effect of accounting change
Diluted before cumulative effect of accounting change
Basic after cumulative effect of accounting change
Diluted after cumulative effect of accounting change

Dividends declared
Book value
Market  price
Outstanding  shares:
Average - basic
Average - diluted
End of period

AVERAGE  BALANCES

Net loans**
Earning  assets
Total  assets
Deposits
Borrowings
Total  stockholders’ equity

PERIOD  END  BALANCES

Net  loans**
Allowance for loan losses
Earning  assets
Total  assets
Deposits
Borrowings
Total  stockholders’ equity

SELECTED  RATIOS

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

$ 3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
$ 3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
$ 3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
$ 3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
$ 3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0

5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )

( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
-
-

( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
( 0 . 2 7 )
0 . 6 4
0 . 6 4
0 . 6 4
0 . 6 4
0 . 6 4
1 2 . 1 2
1 2 . 1 2
1 2 . 1 2
1 2 . 1 2
1 2 . 1 2
1 0 . 6 0
1 0 . 6 0
1 0 . 6 0
1 0 . 6 0
1 0 . 6 0

$3,064,441
1,636,531
1,427,910
287,760
4,359
35,288

117,421
652,417
1,485,073
106,886
-
-

$357,676
$345,763

$1.24
1.24
1.24
1.24
0.64
12.32
17.95

$2,665,859
1,241,652
1,424,207
195,272
52,113
30,051

83,297
619,814
1,328,200
148,915
-
      3,607

$540,702
$528,789

$1.97
1.96
1.98
1.97
0.64
11.82
21.15

2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 7 9 , 4 9 4 , 1 5 0
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5

278,468,552
278,703,924
278,741,547

267,334,606
267,839,018
275,955,391

$ 3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
$ 3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
$ 3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
$ 3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
$ 3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
1 6 , 8 6 6 , 7 5 4
1 6 , 8 6 6 , 7 5 4
1 6 , 8 6 6 , 7 5 4
1 6 , 8 6 6 , 7 5 4
1 6 , 8 6 6 , 7 5 4
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6

$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
4 0 , 9 0 1 , 8 5 4
4 0 , 9 0 1 , 8 5 4
4 0 , 9 0 1 , 8 5 4
4 0 , 9 0 1 , 8 5 4
4 0 , 9 0 1 , 8 5 4
4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
1 1 , 5 6 0 , 5 9 6
1 1 , 5 6 0 , 5 9 6
1 1 , 5 6 0 , 5 9 6
1 1 , 5 6 0 , 5 9 6
1 1 , 5 6 0 , 5 9 6
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2

$32,078,716
44,930,391
48,294,566
23,264,132
20,545,546
3,741,273

$32,736,939
522,232
43,660,568
47,403,987
24,438,331
18,533,816
3,620,306

$29,730,913
43,245,684
46,362,329
22,253,069
20,091,520
3,274,808

$31,710,207
461,707
45,167,761
48,623,668
22,638,005
21,296,299
3,449,247

Net  interest yield (taxable equivalent basis)
Return on average total assets
Return on average common stockholders’ equity
Dividend  payout ratio to common stockholders
Efficiency  ratio
Overhead  ratio
Tier  I capital to risk-adjusted assets
Total capital to risk-adjusted assets

3.59%
1.17
17.12
32.31
62.30
38.12
11.17
12.44
 * Per share data is based on the average number of shares outstanding during the periods, except for the book value and market price which are based on the information

3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 0 . 1 4 )
( 2 . 0 8 )
( 2 . 0 8 )
( 2 . 0 8 )
( 2 . 0 8 )
( 2 . 0 8 )
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 )
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 )
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 )
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 )
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 )
8 1 . 9 9
8 1 . 9 9
8 1 . 9 9
8 1 . 9 9
8 1 . 9 9
6 9 . 7 0
6 9 . 7 0
6 9 . 7 0
6 9 . 7 0
6 9 . 7 0
1 0 . 1 2
1 0 . 1 2
1 0 . 1 2
1 0 . 1 2
1 0 . 1 2
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8

3.44%
0.74
9.73
51.02
67.16
47.31
10.61
11.86

at the end of the periods. All per share data have been adjusted to reflect two stock splits effected in the form of dividends on July 8, 2004 and  July 1, 1998.

** Includes loans held-for-sale.

2007     Annual Report        7
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

2004

2003

2002

Year  ended  December  31,
2001

2000

1999

1998

$2,216,265
840,754
1,375,511
178,657
15,254
(159)

44,168
549,508
1,171,012
144,705
-
-

$489,908
$477,995

$1.79
1.79
1.79
1.79
0.62
10.95
28.83

$2,034,238
749,550
1,284,688
195,939
71,094
(10,214)

53,572
511,558
1,113,083
130,326
(435)
 -

$470,915
$460,996

$1.74
1.74
1.74
1.74
0.51
9.66
22.43

$2,023,797
863,553
1,160,244
205,570
(3,342)
(804)

52,077
495,832
1,029,002
117,255
(248)
-

$351,932
$349,422

$1.31
1.31
1.31
1.31
0.40
9.10
16.90

$2,095,862
1,039,105
1,056,757
213,250
27
(1,781)

45,633
447,937
926,209
105,280
18
686

$304,538
$296,188

$1.09
1.09
1.09
1.09
0.38
7.97
14.54

$2,150,157
1,167,396
982,761
194,640
11,201
1,991

39,673
411,195
876,433
100,797
1,152

-

$276,103
$267,753

$0.99
0.99
0.99
0.99
0.32
6.96
13.16

$1,851,670
897,932
953,738
148,948
638
(1,582)

34,890
338,970
837,482
85,120
2,454
-

$257,558
$249,208

$0.92
0.92
0.92
0.92
0.30
5.76
13.97

$1,651,703
778,691
873,012
137,213
8,933
3,653

23,036
255,624
720,354
74,671
328

-

$232,348
$223,998

$0.83
0.83
0.83
0.83
0.25
5.93
17.00

266,302,105
266,674,856
266,582,103

265,481,840
265,595,832
265,783,892

267,830,164
267,830,550
264,878,094

272,476,576
272,476,938
272,724,728

271,814,952
271,814,952
271,997,234

271,171,268
271,171,268
271,308,584

271,064,172
271,064,172
271,274,654

$25,143,559
37,621,648
39,898,775
19,409,055
16,954,909
2,903,137

$28,742,261
437,081
41,812,475
44,401,576
20,593,160
19,882,202
3,104,621

$20,730,041
32,781,355
34,674,761
17,757,968
13,835,437
2,545,113

$22,602,192
408,542
34,451,748
36,434,715
18,097,828
14,949,236
2,754,417

$18,729,220
30,194,914
31,822,390
16,984,646
12,190,076
2,150,386

$19,582,119
372,797
31,899,765
33,660,352
17,614,740
12,955,966
2,410,879

$17,045,257
26,414,204
27,957,107
15,575,791
9,805,000
2,096,534

$18,168,551
336,632
29,139,288
30,744,676
16,370,042
11,588,221
2,272,818

$15,801,887
24,893,366
26,569,755
14,508,482
9,674,547
1,884,525

$16,057,085
290,653
26,339,431
28,057,051
14,804,907
10,785,239
1,993,644

$13,901,290
22,244,959
23,806,372
13,791,338
7,825,855
1,712,792

$14,907,754
292,010
23,754,620
25,460,539
14,173,715
9,154,468
1,660,986

$11,930,621
19,261,949
20,432,382
12,270,101
6,268,921
1,553,258

$13,078,795
267,249
21,591,950
23,160,357
13,672,214
7,297,742
1,709,113

3.95%
1.23
17.60
32.85
59.86
40.88
11.82
13.21

4.28%
1.36
19.30
27.05
60.51
37.91
12.43
13.93

4.19%
1.11
16.29
30.76
60.42
41.82
9.85
11.52

4.33%
1.09
14.84
33.10
59.81
41.11
9.96
11.74

4.23%
1.04
15.00
32.47
61.45
41.96
10.44
12.37

4.65%
1.08
15.45
31.56
63.16
48.71
10.17
12.29

4.91%
1.14
15.41
28.42
62.35
49.15
10.82
13.14

8

the U.S. credit markets were marked by unprecedented instability
and  disruption,  making  even  routine  asset  sale  and  funding
activities much more challenging for financial institutions. Credit
spreads  widened  significantly  and  rapidly  as  many  investors
allocated their funds to only the highest-quality financial assets
such as U.S. government securities. The result of these actions by
market participants made it more difficult for corporate borrowers
to raise financing in the capital markets. In light of this scenario,
the Corporation determined at that time to substitute overnight
borrowings with longer term funding. Furthermore, the increase
in deposits was the result of the acquisition of the Citibank retail
branches  in  Puerto  Rico  in  the  fourth  quarter  of  2007,  which
contributed with approximately $1 billion in deposits, principally
in  time  deposits  and  savings  accounts.  For  additional  data  on
funding sources refer to the Statement of Condition Analysis and
Liquidity  Risk  sections  of  this  MD&A.

Stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2007 showed a reduction
of $38 million, compared to December 31, 2006. The impact of
the net loss for the year 2007 and the dividend payouts was partially
offset  by  the  net  impact  of  unrealized  gains  in  the  valuation  of
available-for-sale  securities  at  year-end  2007  of  $21  million,
compared to unrealized losses of $155 million in year-end 2006.
The  Corporation’s  common  stock  declined  41%  in  market
value  in  2007  closing  at  $10.60.  The  Corporation’s  market
capitalization at December 31, 2007 was $3.0 billion, compared
with  $5.0  billion  at  December  31,  2006.  The  shares  of  the
Corporation’s  common  and  preferred  stock  are  traded  on  the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations
(“NASDAQ”)  system  under  the  symbols  BPOP  and  BPOPO,
respectively.  Table  J  shows  the  Corporation’s  common  stock
performance  on  a  quarterly  basis  during  the  last  five  years,
including market prices and cash dividends declared.

The  Corporation,  like  other  financial  institutions,  is  subject
to a number of risks, many of which are outside of management’s
control,  though  efforts  are  made  to  manage  those  risks  while
optimizing returns. Among the risks assumed are (1) market risk,
which  is  the  risk  that  changes  in  market  rates  and  prices  will
adversely  affect  the  Corporation’s  financial  condition  or  results
of  operations,  (2)  liquidity  risk,  which  is  the  risk  that  the
Corporation will have insufficient cash or access to cash to meet
operating needs and financial obligations, (3) credit risk, which
is  the  risk  that  loan  customers  or  other  counterparties  will  be
unable to perform their contractual obligations, and (4) operational
risk, which is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed
internal processes, people and systems, or from external events.
These  four  risks  are  covered  in  greater  detail  throughout  this
MD&A.  In  addition,  the  Corporation  is  subject  to  legal,
compliance and reputational risks, among others.

As  a  financial  services  company,  the  Corporation’s  earnings
are  significantly  affected  by  general  business  and  economic

conditions.  Lending  and  deposit  activities  and  fee  income
generation are influenced by the level of business spending and
investment,  consumer  income,  spending  and  savings,  capital
market  activities,  competition,  customer  preferences,  interest
rate  conditions  and  prevailing  market  rates  on  competing
products.  The  Corporation  continuously  monitors  general
business  and  economic  conditions,  industry-related  indicators
and  trends,  competition,  interest  rate  volatility,  credit  quality
indicators,  loan  and  deposit  demand,  operational  and  systems
efficiencies, revenue enhancements and changes in the regulation
of  financial  services  companies.  The  Corporation  operates  in  a
highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by
changes in federal and local laws and regulations. Also, competition
with  other  financial  institutions  could  adversely  affect  its
profitability.

The description of the Corporation’s business and risk factors
contained in Item 1 and 1A of its Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2007, while not all inclusive, discusses additional
information about the business of the Corporation and the material
risk  factors  that,  in  addition  to  the  other  information  in  this
report, readers should consider.

Further  discussion  of  operating  results,  financial  condition
and business risks is presented in the narrative and tables included
herein.

Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events
Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events
Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events
Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events
Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events
The following significant U.S. initiatives were adopted to improve
the Corporation’s balance sheet, profitability and liquidity. Certain
of these events occurred in 2007, while others are expected to be
effected in early 2008.

PFH Restructuring Plan
In  January  2007,  the  Corporation  adopted  a  Restructuring  and
Integration Plan at PFH, the holding company of Equity One (the
“PFH  Restructuring  Plan”).  The  PFH  Restructuring  Plan  called
for PFH to exit the wholesale subprime mortgage loan origination
business during early first quarter of 2007 and to shut-down the
wholesale broker, retail and call center business divisions. Also,
the plan included consolidating PFH support functions with its
sister U.S. banking entity, Banco Popular North America, creating
a  single  integrated  North  American  financial  services  unit.  At
that time, Popular decided to continue the operations of Equity
One and its subsidiaries (“Equity One”), with over 130 consumer
services branches, principally dedicated to direct subprime loan
origination,  consumer  finance  and  mortgage  servicing.

The  PFH  Restructuring  Plan  resulted  in  restructuring  costs
amounting to approximately $14.7 million in 2007, primarily in
severance and lease termination charges. In 2006, the Corporation
recognized $7.2 million in impairment of long-lived assets and
$14.2 million in the impairment of PFH’s goodwill as a result of

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the  PFH  Restructuring  Plan.  Refer  to  the  Operating  Expenses
section in this MD&A for a breakdown of these costs by major
categories.  Exiting  these  origination  channels  also  impacted
financial results by reducing new loan volumes and, thus, had an
impact on revenues generated by the sale of loans.

Refer to the Events Subsequent to Year-End 2007 section of
this MD&A for additional steps taken by management with respect
to  PFH’s  operations  in  2008,  which  resulted  in  a  second
restructuring plan, namely the PFH Branch Network Restructuring
Plan.

E-LOAN Restructuring Plan
In November 2007, the Board of Directors of Popular adopted a
restructuring plan for its Internet financial services subsidiary E-
LOAN  (the  “E-LOAN  Restructuring  Plan”).  Considering
E-LOAN’s operating losses in light of current market conditions
and other factors, the Board of Directors approved a substantial
reduction  of  marketing  and  personnel  costs  at  E-LOAN  and
changes  in  E-LOAN’s  business  model  to  align  it  with  revenue
expectations.  The  changes  include  concentrating  marketing
investment toward the Internet and the origination of first mortgage
loans  that  qualify  for  sale  to  government  sponsored  entities
(“GSEs”). Also, as a result of escalating credit costs in the current
economic  environment  and  lower  liquidity  in  the  secondary
markets  for  mortgage  related  products,  in  December  2007,  the
Corporation determined to hold back the origination by E-LOAN
of home equity lines of credit, closed-end second lien mortgage
loans and auto loans. The E-LOAN Restructuring Plan continues
to promote the Internet deposit gathering initiative with BPNA.
As  part  of  the  E-LOAN  Restructuring  Plan,  the  Corporation
evaluated the value of E-LOAN’s recorded goodwill and trademark
by considering the changes in E-LOAN’s business model and the
unprecedented conditions in the mortgage loan business. The E-
LOAN  Restructuring  Plan  resulted  in  charges  recorded  in  the
fourth  quarter  of  2007  amounting  to  $231.9  million,  which
included $211.8 million in non-cash impairment losses related to
its  goodwill  and  trademark  intangible  assets.  Refer  to  the
Operating  Expenses  section  in  this  MD&A  for  a  breakdown  of
these  costs  by  major  categories.

The  cost-control  plan  initiative  and  changes  in  loan
origination strategies incorporated as part of the plan will result
in the elimination of over 400 positions between the fourth quarter
of  2007  and  first  quarter  of  2008.  As  a  result  of  the  E-LOAN
Restructuring Plan, operating expenses are expected to be reduced
by approximately $77 million for 2008. E-LOAN’s estimated net
losses  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2008  are  expected  to
decline by $15 million, resulting principally from the reduction
in operating expenses, partially offset by the related tax impact
and  by  lower  volume  of  loan  originations  in  certain  business
channels that are impacted by this plan.

Recharacterization of Certain On-Balance Sheet Securitizations
as Sales under FASB Statement No. 140
From 2001 through 2006, the Corporation conducted 21 mortgage
loan securitizations that were sales for legal purposes but did not
qualify  for  sale  accounting  treatment  at  the  time  of  inception
because  the  securitization  trusts  did  not  meet  the  criteria  for
qualifying special purpose entities (“QSPEs”) contained in SFAS
No.  140  “Accounting  for  Transfers  and  Servicing  of  Financial
Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities”. As a result, the transfers
of  the  mortgage  loans  pursuant  to  these  securitizations  were
initially accounted for as secured borrowings with the mortgage
loans  continuing  to  be  reflected  as  assets  on  the  Corporation’s
consolidated  statement  of  financial  condition  with  appropriate
footnote disclosure indicating that the mortgage loans were, for
legal purposes, sold to the securitization trusts.

As part of the Corporation’s strategy of exiting the subprime
business at PFH, on December 19, 2007, PFH and the trustee for
each of the related securitization trusts amended the provisions of
the  related  pooling  and  servicing  agreements  to  delete  the
discretionary  provisions  that  prevented  the  transactions  from
qualifying  for  sale  treatment.  These  changes  in  the  primary
discretionary  provisions  included:

• deleting  the  provision  that  grants  the  servicer  “sole
discretion” to have the right to purchase for its own account
or for resale from the trust fund any loan which is 91 days or
more delinquent;

• deleting the provision that grants the servicer (PFH) “sole
discretion” to sell loans with respect to which it believes
default is imminent;

• deleting  the  provision  that  grants  the  servicer  “sole
discretion”  to  determine  whether  an  immediate  sale  of  a
real  estate  owned  (“REO”)  property  or  continued
management of such REO property is in the best interest of
the certificateholders; and

• deleting the provision that grants the residual holder (PFH)
to  direct  the  trustee  to  acquire  derivatives  post  closing.
The Corporation obtained a legal opinion, which among other
considerations, indicated that each amendment (a) is authorized
or permitted under the pooling and servicing agreement related
to such amendment, and (b) will not adversely affect in any material
respect the interests of any certificateholders covered by the related
pooling  and  servicing  agreement.

The  amendments  to  the  pooling  and  servicing  agreement
allowed the Corporation to recognize 16 out of the 21 transactions
as sales under SFAS No. 140. When accounting for the transfers
as sales, the Corporation (i) reclassified the loans as held-for-sale
with the corresponding lower of cost or market adjustment as of
the date of the transfer, (ii) removed from the Corporation’s books

10

approximately $3.2 billion in mortgage loans and $3.1 billion in
related  liabilities  representing  secured  borrowings,  (iii)
recognized assets referred to as residual interests, which represent
the fair value of residual interest certificates that were issued by
the securitization trusts and retained by PFH, and (iv) recognized
mortgage servicing rights, which represent the fair value of PFH’s
right to continue to service the mortgage loans transferred to the
securitization  trusts.  As  part  of  the  recharacterization,  the
Corporation  recognized  residual  interests  of  $38  million  and
MSRs of $18 million. The Corporation had previously recorded
MSRs  in  several  of  these  securitization  transactions,  which
amounted to $18 million at December 31, 2007. The net impact
of the recharacterization transaction was a pre-tax loss of $90.1
million, which is included in the caption “(Loss) gain on sale of
loans  and  valuation  adjustments  on  loans  held-for-sale”  in  the
consolidated statement of operations.

Because the loans in these trusts continued to be reflected as
assets on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements prior
to  effecting  the  loan  recharacterization  transaction,  the
Corporation was required to record charge-offs and make provision
for inherent loan losses relating to such loans in accordance with
FASB  Statement  No.  5,  “Accounting  for  Contingencies.”

This  loan  recharacterization  transaction  as  sale  on  the
Corporation’s financial statements reflects management’s current
strategy  of  exiting  the  subprime  mortgage  origination  business
of PFH. It also provides investors a better portrayal of the legal
rights and obligations related to these transactions and will allow
them to better assess their economic impact on the Corporation’s
financial  condition.  The  removal  of  the  mortgage  assets  from
Popular’s books had a favorable impact on its capital ratios and
reduced the amount of subprime mortgages in the Corporation’s
books. The loan recharacterization transaction contributed with
a reduction in non-performing mortgage loans of approximately
$316 million, when compared to December 31, 2006.

Events  Subsequent  To  Year-End  2007
Events  Subsequent  To  Year-End  2007
Events  Subsequent  To  Year-End  2007
Events  Subsequent  To  Year-End  2007
Events  Subsequent  To  Year-End  2007
Sale of BPNA’s Retail Bank Branches in Houston
On January 10, 2008, the Corporation completed the sale of six
branches  of  BPNA  in  Houston,  Texas  to  Prosperity  Bank.
Prosperity  Bank  paid  a  premium  of  10.10%  for  approximately
$126 million in deposits, as well as purchased certain loans and
other assets attributable to the branches. Prosperity retained all
branch-based employees. BPNA continues to operate its mortgage
business  based  in  Houston  as  well  as  its  franchise  and  small
business lending activities in Texas. BPNA will also continue to
maintain a retail branch in Arlington, Texas.

PFH Branch Network Restructuring Plan
Given the unprecedented disruption in the capital markets since
the  summer  of  2007  and  its  impact  on  funding,  Popular’s

management concluded that it would be difficult to generate an
adequate return on the capital invested at Equity One’s consumer
service  branches.

In  January  2008,  the  Corporation  signed  an  Asset  Purchase
Agreement (the “Agreement”) to sell certain assets of Equity One,
the U.S. mainland consumer finance operations of Popular Financial
Holdings,  to  American  General  Finance,  Inc.,  a  member  of
American International Group. The closing of the Agreement with
effective date of March 1, 2008 resulted in the sale of a significant
portion of Equity One’s mortgage loan and consumer loan portfolio
approximating  $1.4  billion.  This  portfolio  was  reclassified  by
the Corporation from loans held-in-portfolio to loans held-for-sale
in December 2007. American General Finance, Inc. will hire certain
Equity One’s consumer services employees and will retain certain
branch locations. Equity One will close all remaining consumer
branches. Workforce reductions at Equity One will result in the
loss of employment for those employees at the consumer services
branches not hired by American General Finance, Inc., as well as
for other related support functions.

This strategic initiative resulted in the adoption of an additional
restructuring plan at PFH (the “PFH Branch Network Restructuring
Plan”) during the first quarter of 2008. It is anticipated that this
restructuring plan (the “PFH Branch Network Restructuring Plan”)
will result in estimated combined charges for the Corporation of
approximately $19.5 million, of which $1.9 million in impairment
charges  related  to  long-lived  assets,  primarily  leasehold
improvements,  furniture  and  equipment,  were  recognized  on
December  31,  2007,  and  the  remainder  is  expected  to  be
substantially incurred in the first quarter of 2008.

Adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”)
The  Corporation  adopted  the  provisions  of  SFAS  No.  159  in
January  2008.  Management  elected  the  fair  value  option  for
approximately $287 million of loans and $287 million of bond
certificates  associated  to  PFH’s  on-balance  sheet  securitizations
that  were  outstanding  at  December  31,  2007  (transactions
excluded  from  the  recharacterization  transaction  described  in
Note  23  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements).  These  loans
serve  as  collateral  for  the  bond  certificates.  Due  to  accounting
constraints,  the  Corporation  is  unable  to  recharacterize  these
loan securitizations as sales. Additionally, the Corporation elected
the fair value option for approximately $1.2 billion of whole loans
held-in-portfolio by PFH. These whole loans consist principally
of mortgage loans, including second-liens, that were originated
through  the  exited  business  of  PFH  and  home  equity  lines  of
credit that had been originated by E-LOAN prior to the 2007 U.S.
reorganization. Due to their subprime characteristics and current
market  disruptions,  these  loans  are  being  held-in-portfolio  as

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potential buyers have withdrawn from the market given heightened
concerns  over  credit  quality  of  borrowers  and  continued
deterioration in the housing markets.  Management understands
that accounting for these loans at fair value provides a more relevant
and transparent measurement of the realizable value of the assets
and differentiates the PFH portfolio from that loan portfolio that
the Corporation will continue to originate through other channels
outside  PFH.  The  measurement  of  the  bond  certificates  at  fair
value  reflects  the  actual  liability  of  the  Corporation  after
considering the credit risk to be borne by the certificateholders
on the on-balance sheet securitization. Management understands
that the adoption of the fair value option for the financial assets
and liabilities selected better reflects the inherent risks of these
instruments  and  reflects  the  intention  of  the  Corporation  to
discontinue most of the businesses previously conducted at PFH.
As a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 159, the Corporation
expects  to  recognize  a  negative  pre-tax  adjustment  that  could
range between $280 million and $300 million ($158 million and
$169  million  after-tax)  due  to  the  transitional  adjustment  for
electing the fair value option on existing instruments at adoption.
That amount represents the difference between the fair value and
the carrying value of the loans at date of adoption. This negative
adjustment would not impact earnings but instead be reflected as
a reduction of beginning retained earnings as of January 1, 2008.
Subsequent increases or decreases in the fair value of the assets
and liabilities accounted under SFAS No. 159 provisions will be
recorded  as  valuation  adjustments  through  earnings  in  the
consolidated statement of operations. The fair value adjustments
disclosed here are only estimates as management is in the process
of  validating  the  methodologies  used  to  value  the  assets  and
liabilities and the results of such valuations. Also, management
continues to evaluate the impact that SFAS No. 159 will have on
the  consolidated  financial  statements,  including  disclosures.

CCCCCRITICAL
OLICIES  /  E  /  E  /  E  /  E  /  E STIMATES
CCOUNTING  P  P  P  P  P OLICIES
RITICAL  A  A  A  A  ACCOUNTING
STIMATES
STIMATES
OLICIES
OLICIES
CCOUNTING
CCOUNTING
RITICAL
RITICAL
STIMATES
STIMATES
OLICIES
CCOUNTING
RITICAL
The  accounting  and  reporting  policies  followed  by  the
Corporation and its subsidiaries conform with generally accepted
accounting principles ( “GAAP”) in the United States of America
and general practices within the financial services industry. The
Corporation’s  significant  accounting  policies  are  described  in
detail in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and should
be read in conjunction with this section.

Critical  accounting  policies  require  management  to  make
estimates and assumptions, which involve significant judgment
about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and that
involve a high degree of subjectivity. These estimates are made
under facts and circumstances at a point in time and changes in
those facts and circumstances could produce actual results that
differ  from  those  estimates.  The  following  MD&A  section  is  a

summary of what management considers the Corporation’s critical
accounting  policies  /  estimates.

Securities’  Classification  and  Related  Values
Securities’  Classification  and  Related  Values
Securities’  Classification  and  Related  Values
Securities’  Classification  and  Related  Values
Securities’  Classification  and  Related  Values
Management determines the appropriate classification of debt and
equity  securities  at  the  time  of  purchase.  Debt  securities  are
classified as held-to-maturity ( “HTM”) when the Corporation has
the  intent  and  ability  to  hold  the  securities  to  maturity.  HTM
securities are reported on the Corporation’s financial statements
at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities classified as trading
securities  are  reported  at  fair  value,  with  unrealized  gains  and
losses  included  in  earnings.  Debt  and  equity  securities  not
classified as HTM or trading, except for equity or other securities
which do not have readily available fair values, are classified as
available-for-sale ( “AFS”). Securities AFS are reported at fair value,
with  unrealized  gains  and  losses  excluded  from  earnings  and
reported net of taxes in accumulated other comprehensive income
(a  component  of  stockholders’  equity).  At  December  31,  2007,
unrealized net gains on the AFS securities, net of taxes, amounted
to $21 million. Investments in equity or other securities that do
not have publicly and readily determinable fair values are classified
as other investment securities in the statement of condition and
carried at the lower of cost or realizable value.

The  assessment  of  fair  value  applies  to  certain  of  the
Corporation’s  assets  and  liabilities,  including  the  trading  and
investment portfolios. Fair values are volatile and are affected by
factors  such  as  market  interest  rates,  technical  factors  affecting
supply and demand, prepayment speeds and discount rates.

Fair values for most of the Corporation’s trading and investment
securities, including publicly-traded equity securities, are based
on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not readily
available,  fair  values  are  based  on  quoted  prices  of  similar
instruments. For information on the determination of the fair value
of  interest-only  strips  derived  from  securitization  transactions,
refer to the critical accounting policy described under the section
Retained  Interests  on  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets  -  Subprime
Mortgage  Loan  Securitizations,  in  this  MD&A.  Significant
changes  in  factors  such  as  interest  and  prepayment  rates  could
affect the value of the trading, AFS and HTM securities and cause
the Corporation to recognize other-than-temporary impairments,
thereby  adversely  affecting  results  of  operations.  Management
assesses the fair value of its portfolio at least on a quarterly basis.
Factors  considered  include  for  example,  the  nature  of  the
investment,  severity  and  duration  of  possible  impairments,
industry  reports,  sector  credit  ratings,  economic  environment,
creditworthiness of the issuers and any guarantees, and the ability
to hold the security until maturity or recovery. Any impairment
that  is  considered  other-than-temporary  is  recorded  directly  in
the statement of operations.

12

Notwithstanding  the  judgment  required  in  determining  the
fair value of the Corporation’s assets and liabilities, management
believes that its estimates of fair value are reasonable given the
process of obtaining external prices, periodic reviews of internal
models and the consistent application of methodologies from period
to period.

Loans  and  Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Loans  and  Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Loans  and  Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Loans  and  Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Loans  and  Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Interest on loans is accrued and recorded as interest income based
upon the principal amount outstanding.

Recognition  of  interest  income  on  commercial  and
construction loans, lease financing, conventional mortgage loans
and closed-end consumer loans is discontinued when loans are 90
days or more in arrears on payments of principal or interest, or
when other factors indicate that the collection of principal and
interest is doubtful. Income is generally recognized on open-end
(revolving credit) consumer loans until the loans are charged-off.
Closed-end  consumer  loans  and  leases  are  charged-off  when
payments are 120 days in arrears. In the case of the Corporation’s
non-bank consumer and mortgage lending subsidiaries, however,
closed-end  consumer  loans,  including  second  mortgages,  are
charged-off when payments are 180 days delinquent. Open-end
(revolving credit) consumer loans are charged-off when payments
are 180 days in arrears.

One of the most critical and complex accounting estimates is
associated with the determination of the allowance for loan losses.
The  provision  for  loan  losses  charged  to  current  operations  is
based on this determination. The methodology used to establish
the allowance for loan losses is based on SFAS No. 114 “Accounting
by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan” (as amended by SFAS No.
118)  and  SFAS  No.  5  “Accounting  for  Contingencies.”  Under
SFAS  No.  114,  the  Corporation  has  defined  as  impaired  loans
those  commercial  loans  that  amount  to  $250,000  or  more  and
with interest and /or principal 90 days or more past due.  Also,
specific  commercial  loans  over  $500,000  are  deemed  impaired
when,  based  on  current  information  and  events,  management
considers that it is probable that the debtor will be unable to pay
all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan
agreement. An allowance for loan impairment is recognized to the
extent  that  the  carrying  value  of  an  impaired  commercial  loan
exceeds  the  present  value  of  the  expected  future  cash  flows
discounted at the loan’s effective rate, the observable market price
of the loan, if available, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan
is collateral dependent. The allowance for impaired commercial
loans is part of the Corporation’s overall allowance for loan losses.
SFAS No. 5 provides for the recognition of a loss allowance for
groups  of  homogeneous  loans.  To  determine  the  allowance  for
loan losses under SFAS No. 5, the Corporation applies a historic
loss and volatility factor to specific loan balances segregated by
loan  type  and  legal  entity.  For  subprime  mortgage  loans,  the

allowance for loan losses is established to cover at least one year of
projected losses which are inherent in these portfolios.

The Corporation’s management evaluates the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses on a monthly basis following a systematic
methodology in order to provide for known and inherent risks in
the loan portfolio. In developing its assessment of the adequacy of
the  allowance  for  loan  losses,  the  Corporation  must  rely  on
estimates  and  exercise  judgment  regarding  matters  where  the
ultimate outcome is unknown, such as economic developments
affecting specific customers, industries or markets. Other factors
that can affect management’s estimates are the years of historical
data to include when estimating losses, the level of volatility of
losses in a specific portfolio, changes in underwriting standards,
financial accounting standards and loan impairment measurement,
among  others.  Changes  in  the  financial  condition  of  individual
borrowers, in economic conditions, in historical loss experience
and in the condition of the various markets in which collateral
may be sold, may all affect the required level of the allowance for
loan  losses.  Consequently,  the  business,  financial  condition,
liquidity, capital and results of operations could also be affected.
A discussion about the process used to estimate the allowance
for loan losses is presented in the Credit Risk Management and
Loan Quality section of this MD&A.

Retained  Interests  on  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets
Retained  Interests  on  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets
Retained  Interests  on  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets
Retained  Interests  on  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets
Retained  Interests  on  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets
-  Subprime  Mortgage  Loan  Securitizations
-  Subprime  Mortgage  Loan  Securitizations
-  Subprime  Mortgage  Loan  Securitizations
-  Subprime  Mortgage  Loan  Securitizations
-  Subprime  Mortgage  Loan  Securitizations
In  subprime  mortgage  loan  securitizations,  the  Corporation
combines  the  subprime  mortgage  loans  that  are  originated  or
purchased in pools to serve as collateral for asset-backed securities
that are issued and sold to the public. In connection with PFH’s
securitization  transactions,  the  Corporation  is  party  to  pooling
and servicing agreements in which the Corporation transfers (on
a servicing retained basis) certain of the Corporation’s loans to a
special  purpose  entity,  which  in  turn  transfers  the  loans  to  a
securitization  trust  vehicle.

In order to determine the proper accounting treatment for each
securitization transaction, management evaluates whether or not
the Corporation retained or surrendered control over the transferred
assets by reference to the conditions set forth in SFAS No. 140,
“Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishment of Liabilities - a replacement of FASB Statement
No. 125.” All terms of these transactions are evaluated against the
conditions  set  forth  in  this  statement,  including  among  the
principal  factors  the  isolation  of  transferred  assets  from  the
transferor, transferee’s right to pledge or exchange the transferred
assets, and entitlement and obligation to repurchase or redeem
the  assets.

When the transfer of subprime mortgage loans is executed in
a manner such that the Corporation surrenders control over the

collateral and meets all required sale criteria of SFAS No. 140, the
transfer is accounted for as a sale to the extent that consideration
other than beneficial interests is received in exchange (“off-balance
sheet securitizations”). In accordance with SFAS No. 140, a gain
or loss on the sale is recognized based on the carrying amount of
the financial assets involved in the transfer, allocated between the
assets transferred and the retained interests based on their relative
fair value at the date of transfer. In a loan securitization accounted
for as a sale of assets, the Corporation normally retains the right
to  service  the  underlying  mortgage  loans  and  also  retains  the
residual  interest  certificates.  The  estimated  fair  value  of  the
securitization  components  is  considered  a  critical  accounting
estimate as the valuation assumptions used regarding economic
conditions and the make-up of the collateral, including interest
rates,  principal  payments,  prepayments  and  loan  defaults,  are
highly uncertain and require a high degree of judgment.

During 2007, the Corporation conducted one off-balance sheet
asset securitization that involved the transfer of mortgage loans
to  a  qualifying  special  purpose  entity  (“QSPE”),  which  in  turn
transferred  these  assets  and  their  titles  to  different  trusts.
Approximately $461 million in adjustable (“ARM”) and fixed-rate
loans were securitized and sold by PFH during 2007 as part of this
off-balance sheet asset securitization and PFH realized a gain on
sale of approximately $13.5 million. As part of this transaction,
the  Corporation  initially  recognized  MSRs  of  $8  million  and
residual  interests  of  $5  million.  Also,  in  December  2007,  the
Corporation completed the recharacterization of certain on-balance
sheet  securitizations  that  allowed  the  Corporation  to  recognize
t h e   t r a n s a c t i o n s   a s   s a l e s   u n d e r   S F A S   N o .   1 4 0 .   T h i s
recharacterization was described in the Significant U.S. Strategic
Events section of this MD&A.

When the Corporation transfers financial assets and the transfer
fails any one of the SFAS No. 140 sales criteria, the Corporation
is  not  permitted  to  derecognize  the  transferred  financial  assets
and the transaction is accounted for as a secured borrowing. In
these  cases,  the  assets  remain  on  the  Corporation’s  financial
statements and a liability is recorded for the related asset-backed
securities  (“on-balance  sheet  securitizations”).  The  loans
transferred to the trusts are included on the consolidated statement
of  condition  as  pledged  loans  held-in-portfolio.  During  2007,
PFH did not execute any on-balance sheet securitization.

The recorded residual interests and MSRs resulting from the
subprime mortgage loan securitizations are subject to the valuation
techniques described below since quoted market prices for these
types of assets are not readily available because these assets are
not actively traded.

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R e s i d u a l   i n t e r e s t s
R e s i d u a l   i n t e r e s t s
R e s i d u a l   i n t e r e s t s
R e s i d u a l   i n t e r e s t s
R e s i d u a l   i n t e r e s t s
Under SFAS No. 140, residual interests retained in securitizations
or  other  financial  assets  that  can  contractually  be  prepaid  or
otherwise settled in such a way that the holder would not recover
substantially all of its investment shall be subsequently measured
like investments in debt securities classified as available-for-sale
or trading under SFAS No. 115.

Residual  interests  retained  as  part  of  off-balance  sheet
securitizations  of  subprime  mortgage  loans  prior  to  2006  have
been classified as investment securities available-for-sale and are
presented at fair value in the consolidated statements of condition.
PFH’s  residual  interests  classified  as  available-for-sale  as  of
December 31, 2007 amounted to $5 million.

Commencing in January 2006 and as permitted by accounting
guidance, the residual interests derived from newly-issued PFH’s
off-balance sheet securitizations and from the recharacterization
were  accounted  for  as  trading  securities.  Trading  securities  are
marked-to-market with changes in value reflected in current period
earnings (favorable and unfavorable value changes) as opposed to
available-for-sale  securities  in  which  the  changes  in  value  are
recorded  as  unrealized  gains  (losses)  through  equity,  unless
unfavorable changes are considered other-than temporary. Residual
interests  from  PFH’s  securitizations  and  recharacterization
accounted  for  as  trading  securities  amounted  to  $40  million  at
December 31, 2007.

Management’s  determination  to  prospectively  classify  the
residual interests as trading securities was driven by accounting
considerations  and  not  by  intent  to  actively  trade  these  assets.
Illiquidity  in  the  subprime  markets  had  a  direct  impact  on  the
value and liquidity of the Corporation’s residual interests as will
be described below. Given market conditions, management does
not  anticipate  selling  these  residual  interests  in  the  near  term
unless an opportunity arises as part of strategic initiatives.

The cash flows the Corporation receives on residual interests
are  dependent  on  the  interest  rate  environment,  default  and
prepayment  experience  of  the  borrowers  of  the  underlying
mortgage  loan  collateral  and  the  interest  spread  between  the
coupon  on  the  underlying  loans  and  the  cost  of  financing,
considering overcollateralization, which is designed to protect
the primary security holder from credit loss on the underlying
loans.  As  payments  are  received,  they  are  applied  to  the  cost
basis of the residual interest. Each period, the accretable yield
for each residual interest is evaluated and, to the extent there has
been  a  change  in  the  estimated  cash  flows,  it  is  adjusted  and
applied prospectively. The accretable yield is recorded as interest
income  with  a  corresponding  increase  to  the  cost  basis  of  the
residual interest.

The  Corporation  reviews  the  residual  interests  for  potential
impairment  on  a  quarterly  basis  and  records  impairment  in
accordance with SFAS No. 115 and EITF 99-20 “Recognition of

14

Interest  Income  and  Impairment  on  Purchased  and  Retained
Beneficial  Interests  in  Securitized  Financial  Assets”    ("EITF  99-
20").  Management’s  basis  in  determining  when  these  securities
must be written down to fair value due to other-than-temporary
impairment is based on EITF 99-20. Whenever the current fair
value  of  the  residual  interests  classified  as  available-for-sale  is
lower than its current amortized cost, management evaluates if an
impairment  charge  for  the  deficiency  is  required  to  be  taken
through earnings. If there has been an adverse change in estimated
cash  flows  (considering  both  the  timing  and  amount  of  flows),
then the residual interest security is written-down to fair value,
which becomes the new amortized cost basis. The Corporation
recognized  other-than-temporary  impairment  losses  on  these
residual interests of $45.4 million for the year ended December
31, 2007 that are classified as part of net gain (loss) on sale and
valuation adjustment of investment securities in the consolidated
statements of operations. During 2007, all declines in fair value in
residual interests classified as available-for-sale were considered
other-than-temporary.

The fair value determinations for residual interests classified
as trading securities are also performed on a quarterly basis. Any
valuation adjustment related to these particular residual interests
is  reflected  in  earnings  as  it  occurs  and  is  recorded  as  part  of
trading  account  (loss)  profit  in  the  consolidated  statements  of
operations. The Corporation recognized trading losses on these
residual interests of $39.7 million for the year ended December
31, 2007.

The fair value of the residual interests for each securitization
is determined by using a third-party cash flow valuation model to
calculate the present value of projected future cash flows. However,
all economic assumptions are internally developed and provided
to the third-party (the internal-based valuation). The assumptions,
which are highly uncertain and require a high degree of judgment,
include primarily market discount rates, anticipated prepayment
speeds,  delinquency  and  loss  rates.  The  assumptions  used  are
drawn from a combination of internal and external data sources.
The  principal  assumptions  and  their  sources  are  summarized
below:

• Prepayment rates on loan collateral are estimated by product
types  (adjustable  and  fixed  rate  mortgages)  by  analyzing
internal  loan  collateral  prepayment  performance  and
prepayment  data  obtained  from  research  reports  and
publications provided by industry participants.

• Discount rates are determined based on the inherent risk
associated with the specific cash flow stream and rates of
return observed in the capital markets for instruments with
similar  cash  flow  characteristics.

• Future interest rates are projected from a forward yield curve
obtained  from  nationally  recognized  market  data  service

providers, such as Bloomberg.

• Credit losses are estimated by utilizing an industry standard
predictive credit performance model and allocated over the
expected life of the collateral by utilizing a default curve
developed by a nationally recognized credit rating agency.
Credit losses are determined for the major product types
(adjustable and fixed rate mortgages) in the collateral pool
being  securitized  and  are  calibrated  by  analyzing  actual
loss experience realized by the Corporation to that projected
by the model for the same type of collateral.

These assumptions are periodically refined as data is updated,
accumulated and analyzed, tools utilized for analysis become more
sophisticated  and  market  conditions  change.  This  is  based  on
the same framework utilized to determine the initial assumptions
used to calculate fair value. Any measurement of the fair value of
residual  interests  is  limited  by  the  existing  conditions  and  the
assumptions utilized as of a particular point in time. Those same
assumptions may not be appropriate if applied at a different point
in time.

A third-party valuation of the residual interests, in which all
economic  assumptions  are  determined  by  this  third-party  (the
external-based  valuation),  is  obtained  on  a  quarterly  basis  in
connection with the preparation of the financial statements, and
is used by management as a benchmark to evaluate the adequacy
of the cash flow model and the reasonableness of the assumptions
and fair value estimates developed internally for the internal-based
valuation.  The  external-based  valuations  are  analyzed  and
assumptions are evaluated and incorporated in the internal-based
valuation  model  when  deemed  necessary  and  agreed  by
management.

The  Corporation  requires  that  internally  determined
assumptions  be  documented  and  validated  quarterly,  and  that
significant deviations in assumptions when compared with outside
sources be investigated and substantiated with factual data.

In  2007,  the  subprime  mortgage  market  has  continued  to
experience (1) deteriorating credit performance trends, particularly
in loans originated in 2005, 2006 and 2007, (2) unprecedented
turmoil  with  subprime  lenders  due  to  increases  in  losses,
bankruptcies and liquidity problems, (3) lower levels of housing
activity and home price appreciation, and (4) a general tightening
of credit standards that may adversely affect subprime borrowers
when trying to refinance their mortgages. Furthermore, since the
third quarter of 2007, the U.S. credit markets have been affected
by unprecedented instability and disruption, making even routine
asset sales much more challenging. Credit spreads have widened
significantly and rapidly, as many investors have allocated their
funds  to  only  the  highest-quality  financial  assets  such  as  U.S.
government  securities.

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These factors led to an increase in cash flow uncertainty for
investors  in  subprime  mortgage  securities  thereby  causing  risk
premiums to increase. Given the increase in risk premiums, along
with  lower  liquidity  for  subprime  mortgage  securities  observed
in the market, in the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation changed
the  discount  rate  utilized  to  discount  projected  residual  cash
flows from 17% at the end of the fourth quarter in 2006 to 25% at
March 31, 2007. Market liquidity deteriorated further during the
third  quarter  of  2007,  as  evidenced  by  wider  spreads  on
subordinated  interests  in  newly  issued  asset-backed  security
transactions. As a result of the incremental market disruptions,
management  increased  again  the  discount  rate  utilized  in  the
valuation of the residual interests to 30% in the third quarter of
2007 and to 40% in the fourth quarter of 2007.

For the reasons described below, the prepayment assumption
for  fixed-rate  loans  was  changed  to  20.7%  HEP  (“home  equity
prepayment curve”) by December 31, 2007 from the 28% HEP
utilized  at  the  same  date  in  the  previous  year.  The  HEP  model
assumes that prepayment speeds increase evenly over the seasoning
ramp of 12 months. The revised HEP reflects a decrease in the
long-term projected prepayment rates for the fixed-rate mortgage
collateral influenced by factors such as decreases in home prices,
slowdown in the purchases and sales of both new and existing
homes,  and  interest  rates  behavior,  which  impact  refinance
activity.

With  respect  to  credit  losses,  reduction  in  home  prices,
declining demand for housing units leading to rising inventories,
housing  affordability  challenges  and  a  general  tightening  of
underwriting  standards  are  expected  to  lead  to  higher  future
cumulative credit losses. Based on an analysis by management of
PFH’s historical collateral performance, risk model estimates and
rating  agency  loss  coverage  levels,  the  cumulative  credit  loss
assumptions were also changed, worsening throughout all quarters
of  2007.  The  cumulative  credit  loss  estimates  range  between
3.35% and 11.03% as of December 31, 2007, compared to 1.28%
and 3.19% basis points at December 31, 2006. The increase reflects
current conditions in the housing and credit markets and higher
delinquencies in 2005 through 2007 vintages.

Refinements to assumptions, as well as model mechanics, are
typical in the on-going modeling process. As such, enhancements
to  the  estimation  process  are  to  be  expected  in  the  normal
assumption development process. Management believes that the
value of the Corporation’s residual interests as of December 31,
2007 is reasonable, but no assurance can be provided that future
changes  in  interest  rates,  prepayments  and  loss  experience,  or
changes in the market discount rate will not require additional
write-downs.

Refer to Note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for
information on the key economic assumptions used in measuring
the  fair  value  of  the  residual  interests  at  the  dates  of  the

securitizations and as of the end of 2007. Also, such note provides
a  sensitivity  analysis  based  on  immediate  changes  to  the  most
critical assumptions used in determining the fair value at December
31, 2007.

Mortgage  Servicing  Rights
Mortgage  Servicing  Rights
Mortgage  Servicing  Rights
Mortgage  Servicing  Rights
Mortgage  Servicing  Rights
The Corporation accounts for mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”)
at fair value.

The fair value of servicing rights is estimated by using a cash
flow valuation model which calculates the present value of estimated
future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration actual
and  expected  loan  prepayment  rates,  discount  rates,  servicing
costs, and other economic factors, which are determined based
on current market conditions.

Similar  to  the  residual  interests,  the  Corporation  estimates
fair value of MSRs using a third-party valuation model that calculates
the  present  value  of  projected  future  cash  flows  in  which  all
economic assumptions are determined by the Corporation. The
valuation of MSRs requires the Corporation to make estimates of
numerous market assumptions, such as interest rates, prepayment
assumptions,  servicing  costs,  discount  rates,  and  the  payment
performance of the underlying loans. These MSRs are valued using
a  static  interest  rate  simulation.

Economic assumptions are reviewed for reasonableness on a
quarterly basis and adjusted as necessary to reflect current and
anticipated market conditions. Thus, any measurement of the fair
value  of  MSRs  is  limited  by  the  existing  conditions  and  the
assumptions utilized as of a particular point in time. Those same
assumptions may not be appropriate if applied at a different point
in time.

Third-party  valuations  of  the  fair  value  of  the  subprime
mortgage  loans’  MSRs,  in  which  all  economic  assumptions  are
determined by the third party, are obtained on a quarterly basis,
and are used by management only as a benchmark to evaluate the
reasonableness of the fair value estimates made internally. These
external-based  valuations  are  analyzed  and  assumptions  are
evaluated and incorporated in the internal-based valuation model
when validated and agreed upon by management. The Corporation
requires that internally determined assumptions be documented
and  validated  quarterly,  and  that  significant  deviations  in
assumptions when compared with outside sources be investigated
and substantiated with factual data.

Refer to Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for
information on the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 156 and
other information on the Corporation’s MSRs. Refer to Note 23 to
the consolidated financial statements for information on the key
economic  assumptions  used  in  measuring  the  fair  value  of  the
MRSs recorded by PFH and BPPR at the dates of the securitizations,
recharacterization  or  sales  and  as  of  December  31,  2007.  Also,
Note  23  provides  a  sensitivity  analysis  based  on  immediate

16

changes to the most critical assumptions used in determining the
fair value at December 31, 2007.

Income  Taxes
Income  Taxes
Income  Taxes
Income  Taxes
Income  Taxes
The  calculation  of  our  periodic  income  taxes  is  complex  and
requires the use of estimates and judgments. The Corporation has
recorded  two  accruals  for  income  taxes:  (1)  the  net  estimated
amount currently due or to be received from taxing jurisdictions,
including any reserve for potential examination issues, and (2) a
deferred  income  tax  that  represents  the  estimated  impact  of
temporary differences between how the Corporation recognizes
assets  and  liabilities  under  GAAP,  and  how  such  assets  and
liabilities are recognized under the tax code. Differences in the
actual outcome of these future tax consequences could impact the
Corporation’s  financial  position  or  its  results  of  operations.  In
estimating  taxes,  management  assesses  the  relative  merits  and
risks of the appropriate tax treatment of transactions taking into
consideration  statutory,  judicial  and  regulatory  guidance.
Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce
the deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. The
net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2007 amounted to $520
million of which $215 million was related to timing differences
in the recognition of the provision for loan losses under GAAP and
actual charge offs under the tax code, and $175 million was related
to net operating losses carryforward in the U.S. operations. The
realization of the deferred tax asset related to the net operating
loss carryforward of the Corporation’s U.S. operations is dependent
upon the existence of, or generation of, taxable income prior to
their expiration term of 20 years. Based on the information available
as of December 31, 2007, the Corporation expects to fully realize
the net deferred tax asset. Refer to Note 27 to the consolidated
financial statements for the Corporation’s net deferred tax assets
and valuation allowance requirements at December 31, 2007.

Changes  in  the  Corporation’s  estimates  can  occur  due  to
changes  in  tax  rates,  new  business  strategies,  newly  enacted
guidance,  and  resolution  of  issues  with  taxing  authorities
regarding  previously  taken  tax  positions.  Such  changes  could
affect the amount of accrued taxes. The current income tax payable
for 2007 has been paid during the year in accordance with estimate
tax  payments  rules.  Any  remaining  payment  will  not  have  any
significant  impact  on  liquidity  and  capital  resources.

SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” requires the
recognition  of  income  taxes  on  the  unremitted  earnings  of
subsidiaries, unless these can be remitted on a tax-free basis or
are  permanently  invested.  The  Corporation’s  U.S.  subsidiaries
(which are considered foreign under Puerto Rico income tax law)
have never remitted retained earnings. The Corporation considers
the reinvestment of such earnings permanent. The Corporation’s
subsidiaries in the United States file a consolidated return. As of

December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  had  no  current  or
accumulated  earnings  and  profits  on  its  combined  U.S.
subsidiaries’  operations  and,  accordingly,  the  recognition  of  a
deferred tax liability was not considered necessary.

During  the  first  quarter  of  2007,  the  Corporation  adopted
Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109” (FIN
48), which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement
attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement
of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Under the accounting guidance, a tax benefit from an uncertain
position  may  be  recognized  only  if  it  is  “more  likely  than  not”
that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. The
tax  benefit  of  a  qualifying  position  is  the  largest  amount  of  tax
benefit  that  is  greater  than  50  percent  likely  of  being  realized
upon  ultimate  settlement  with  a  taxing  authority  having  full
knowledge  of  all  relevant  information.  Based  on  management’s
assessment, there was no impact on retained earnings as of January
1, 2007 due to the initial application of the provisions of FIN 48
since the Corporation did not recognize any change in the liability
for unrecognized tax benefits. The amount of unrecognized tax
benefits,  including  accrued  interest,  as  of  December  31,  2007
amounted to $22.2 million. Refer to Note 27 to the consolidated
financial statements for further information on the impact of FIN
48.  The  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  may  increase  or
decrease in the future for various reasons including adding amounts
for  current  tax  year  positions,  expiration  of  open  income  tax
returns due to the statutes of limitation, changes in management’s
judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examinations,
litigation and legislative activity and the addition or elimination
of uncertain tax positions. Although the outcome of tax audits is
uncertain, the Corporation believes that adequate amounts of tax,
interest and penalties have been provided for any adjustments that
are expected to result from open years. The Corporation does not
anticipate a significant change to the total amount of unrecognized
tax benefits within the next 12 months.

From  time  to  time,  the  Corporation  is  audited  by  various
federal, state and local authorities regarding income tax matters.
The  audits  are  in  various  stages  of  completion;  however,  no
outcome for a particular audit can be determined with certainty
prior to the conclusion of the audit, appeal and, in some cases,
litigation  process.  Although  management  believes  its  approach
to determining the appropriate tax treatment is supportable and
in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” and FASB Interpretation
No.  48,  “Accounting  for  Uncertainty  in  Income  Taxes,”  it  is
possible that the final tax authority will take a tax position that is
different than that which is reflected in the Corporation’s income
tax provision and other tax reserves. As each audit is conducted,
adjustments, if any, are appropriately recorded in the consolidated

2007     Annual Report        17
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financial  statement  in  the  period  determined.  Such  differences
could have an adverse effect on our income tax provision or benefit,
or  other  tax  reserves,  in  the  reporting  period  in  which  such
determination  is  made  and,  consequently,  on  our  results  of
operations, financial position and/or cash flows for such period.

Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets
Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets
Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets
Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets
Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible  Assets
The  Corporation’s  goodwill  and  other  identifiable  intangible
assets having an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment
based on the requirements of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets.” Intangibles with indefinite lives are evaluated
for impairment at least annually and on a more frequent basis if
events  or  circumstances  indicate  impairment  could  have  taken
place.  Such  events  could  include,  among  others,  a  significant
adverse  change  in  the  business  climate,  an  adverse  action  by  a
regulator, an unanticipated change in the competitive environment
and a decision to change the operations or dispose of a  reporting
unit.

As of December 31, 2007, goodwill totaled $631 million, while
other  intangibles  with  indefinite  useful  lives,  mostly  associated
with  E-LOAN’s  trademark,  amounted  to  $17  million.    Refer  to
Notes 1 and 12 to the consolidated financial statements for further
information on goodwill and other intangible assets. Note 12 to
the  consolidated  financial  statements  provides  an  allocation  of
goodwill by business segment.

During 2007, the Corporation performed the annual goodwill
impairment evaluation for the entire organization. The reporting
units  utilized  for  this  evaluation  were  those  that  are  one  level
below  the  business  segments  identified  in  Note  12  to  the
consolidated financial statements. The impairment evaluation is
performed in two steps. The first step of the goodwill evaluation
process is to determine if potential impairment exists in any of
the Corporation’s reporting units, and is performed by comparing
the fair value of the reporting units with their carrying amount,
including  goodwill.  If  required  from  the  results  of  this  step,  a
second step measures the amount of any impairment loss.  The
second step process estimates the fair value of the unit’s individual
assets and liabilities in the same manner as if a purchase of the
reporting unit was taking place. If the implied fair value of goodwill
calculated in step two is less than the carrying amount of goodwill
for the reporting unit, an impairment is indicated and the carrying
value of goodwill is written down to the calculated value.

In  determining  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit,  the
Corporation generally uses a combination of methods, including
market  price  multiples  of  comparable  companies  and  the
discounted cash flow analysis.

The computations require management to make estimates and
assumptions. Critical assumptions that are used as part of these
evaluations include:

• selection of comparable publicly traded companies, based

on nature of business, location and size;

•  selection of comparable acquisition transactions;
• the discount rate applied to future earnings, based on an

estimate of the cost of equity;

• the potential future earnings of the reporting unit;
•  market  growth and new business assumptions;
•  the relative weight given to the valuations derived by the

different valuation methods.

For purposes of the market comparable approach, valuations
were determined by calculating average price multiples of relevant
revenue drivers from a group of companies that are comparable to
the  reporting  unit  being  analyzed  and  applying  those  price
multiples to the revenue drivers of the reporting unit.  While the
market price multiple is not an assumption, a presumption that it
provides an indicator of the value of the reporting unit is inherent
in the valuation. The determination of the market comparables
also involves a degree of judgment.

For  purposes  of  the  discounted  cash  flows  approach,  the
valuation is based on  estimated future cash flows. The Corporation
uses its internal Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO)
forecasts to estimate future cash flows. The cost of equity used to
discount the cash flows was calculated using the Ibbotson Build-
Up Method and ranged from 10.88% to 18.62%.

As  indicated  in  the  Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events  section
of this MD&A, management made a decision during the fourth
quarter  of  2007  to  restructure  the  operations  of  E-LOAN.  As  a
result,  management  updated  the  valuation  test  of  E-LOAN’s
goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2007 to consider the new
business  developments  at  that  subsidiary.  As  a  result  of  this
impairment  analysis,  the  Corporation  recorded  goodwill
impairment losses of $164.4 million associated with the operations
of E-LOAN.

The annual goodwill impairment evaluation performed for the
other  reporting  units  resulted  in  no  impairment  of  goodwill  or
other  intangible  assets  with  indefinite  lives.

The  goodwill  impairment  evaluation  process  requires  the
Corporation to make estimates and assumptions with regard to
the  fair  value  of  the  reporting  units.  Actual  values  may  differ
significantly from these estimates.  Such differences could result
in future impairment of goodwill that would, in turn, negatively
impact the Corporation’s results of operations and the reporting
units where the goodwill is recorded.  However, had our estimated
fair  value  calculated  for  all  units  evaluated  using  the  market
comparable approach been approximately 10% lower, there would
still be no indication of impairment for any of the Corporation’s
reporting  units.

18

The valuation of the E-LOAN trademark was performed using
a valuation approach called the “relief-from-royalty” method. The
basis of the “relief-from-royalty” method is that, by virtue of having
ownership of the trademarks and trade names, Popular is relieved
from having to pay a royalty, usually expressed as a percentage of
revenue,  for  the  use  of  trademarks  and  trade  names.  The  main
estimates  involved  in  the  valuation  of  this  intangible  asset
included the determination of:

•  an appropriate royalty rate;
•  the  revenue  projections  that  benefit  from  the  use  of  this

intangible;

•  the after-tax royalty savings derived from the ownership of

the intangible; and

•  the discount rate to apply to the projected benefits to arrive

at the present value of this intangible.

Since  estimates  are  an  integral  part  of  this  trademark
impairment  analysis,  changes  in  these  estimates  could  have  a
significant impact on the calculated fair value.

Based  on  the  impairment  evaluation  test  completed  as  of
December 31, 2007, the Corporation recorded impairment losses
of $47.4 million associated with E-LOAN’s trademark.

Pension  and  Postretirement  Benefit  Obligations
Pension  and  Postretirement  Benefit  Obligations
Pension  and  Postretirement  Benefit  Obligations
Pension  and  Postretirement  Benefit  Obligations
Pension  and  Postretirement  Benefit  Obligations
The Corporation provides pension and restoration benefit plans
for  certain  employees  of  various  subsidiaries.  The  Corporation
also provides certain health care benefits for retired employees of
BPPR. The benefit costs and obligations of these plans are impacted
by the use of subjective assumptions, which can materially affect
recorded  amounts,  including  expected  returns  on  plan  assets,
discount  rates,  rates  of  compensation  increase  and  health  care
trend rates. Management applies judgment in the determination of
these factors, which normally undergo evaluation against industry
assumptions and the actual experience of the Corporation. The
Corporation uses an independent actuarial firm for assistance in
the determination of the pension and postretirement benefit costs
and  obligations.  Detailed  information  on  the  plans  and  related
valuation assumptions are included in Note 24 to the consolidated
financial  statements.

The Corporation periodically reviews its assumption for long-
term expected return on pension plan assets in the Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan, which is the Corporation’s largest
pension plan with a market value of assets of $516.5 million at
December  31,  2007.  The  expected  return  on  plan  assets  is
determined by considering a total fund return estimate based on a
weighted average of estimated returns for each asset class in the
plan. Asset class returns are estimated using current and projected
economic and market factors such as real rates of return, inflation,

credit  spreads,  equity  risk  premiums  and  excess  return
expectations.

As part of the review, the Corporation’s independent consulting
actuaries performed an analysis of expected returns based on the
plan’s  asset  allocation  at  January  1,  2008.    This  analysis  is
validated by the Corporation and used to develop expected rates
of return. This forecast reflects the actuarial firm’s view of expected
long-term  rates  of  return  for  each  significant  asset  class  or
economic indicator; for example, 9.0% for large / mid-cap stocks,
5.3% for fixed income, and 2.7% inflation at January 1, 2008. A
range of expected investment returns is developed, and this range
relies both on forecasts and on broad-market historical benchmarks
for expected returns, correlations, and volatilities for each asset
class.

As  a  consequence  of  recent  reviews,  the  Corporation  left
unchanged  its  expected  return  on  plan  assets  for  year  2008  at
8.0%, similar to the expected rate assumed in 2006 and 2007.

Pension  expense  for  the  Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico
Retirement Plan in 2007 amounted to $0.6 million. This included
a credit of $41.4 million reflecting the expected return on assets.
Pension expense is sensitive to changes in the expected return
on assets. For example, decreasing the expected rate of return for
2008 from 8.00% to 7.50% would increase the projected 2008
expense for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan by
approximately $2.5 million.

On December 31, 2006, the Corporation adopted SFAS No.
158  “Employers’  Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit  Pension  and
Other Postretirement Plans—an amendment of FASB Statements
No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R)”, and commenced to account for the
underfunded status of the Corporation’s pension and postretirement
benefit plans as a liability, with an offset, net of tax, in accumulated
other comprehensive income. The determination of the fair value
of pension plan obligations involves judgment, and any changes
in  those  estimates  could  impact  the  Corporation’s  consolidated
statement of financial condition. The valuation of pension plan
obligations is discussed above. Management believes that the fair
value  estimates  of  the  pension  plan  assets  are  reasonable  given
that the plan assets are managed, in the most part, by the fiduciary
division of BPPR, which is subject to periodic audit verifications.
Also, the composition of the plan assets, as disclosed in Note 24
of  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  is  primarily  in  equity
and  debt  securities,  which  have  readily  determinable  quoted
market  prices.

The Corporation uses the Citigroup Yield Curve to discount
the expected program cash flows as a guide in the selection of the
discount  rate,  as  well  as  the  Citigroup  Pension  Liability  Index.
The  Corporation  decided  to  use  a  discount  rate  of  6.40%  to
determine the benefit obligation at December 31, 2007, compared
with 5.75% at December 31, 2006.

2007     Annual Report        19
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

A  40  basis  point  decrease  in  the  assumed  discount  rate  of
6.40% as of the beginning of 2008 would increase the projected
2008 expense for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement
Plan by approximately $2.0 million. The change would not affect
the minimum required contribution to the Plan.

The  Corporation  also  provides  a  postretirement  health  care
benefit plan for certain employees of BPPR. This plan was unfunded
(no  assets  were  held  by  the  plan)  at  December  31,  2007.  The
Corporation  had  an  accrual  for  postretirement  benefit  costs  of
$126 million at December 31, 2007. Assumed health care trend
rates may have significant effects on the amounts reported for the
health care plan. Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements
provides  information  on  the  assumed  rates  considered  by  the
Corporation  and  on  the  sensitivity  that  a  one-percentage  point
change in the assumed rate may have in the cost components and
postretirement benefit obligation of the Corporation.

SSSSS TATEMENT
PERATIONS  A  A  A  A  A NALYSIS
TATEMENT      OFOFOFOFOF  O  O  O  O  O PERATIONS
NALYSIS
NALYSIS
PERATIONS
PERATIONS
TATEMENT
TATEMENT
NALYSIS
NALYSIS
PERATIONS
TATEMENT
Net  Interest  Income
Net  Interest  Income
Net  Interest  Income
Net  Interest  Income
Net  Interest  Income
Net  interest  income  is  the  Corporation’s  primary  source  of
earnings representing 68% of total revenues (defined as net interest
income plus non-interest income) for 2007, compared to 64% in
2006. It is defined as the difference between the revenue generated
on interest earning assets less the interest cost of funding those
assets.  Various  factors  may  cause  the  net  interest  income  to
fluctuate from period to period, which may include interest rate
volatility,  the  shape  of  the  yield  curve,  changes  in  volume  and
mix  of  earning  assets  and  interest  bearing  liabilities,  repricing
characteristics  of  assets  and  liabilities,  and  derivative
transactions,  among  others.

Interest earning assets include investment securities and loans
that are exempt from income tax, principally in Puerto Rico. The
main  sources  of  tax-exempt  interest  income  are  investments  in
obligations  of  some  U.S.  Government  agencies  and  sponsored
entities of the Puerto Rico Commonwealth and its agencies, and
assets  held  by  the  Corporation’s  international  banking  entities,
which  are  tax-exempt  under  Puerto  Rico  laws.  To  facilitate  the
comparison of all interest data related to these assets, the interest
income has been converted to a taxable equivalent basis, using
the applicable statutory income tax rates. The marginal tax rate
for the Puerto Rico subsidiaries in 2007 was 39%, compared to
43.5% for BPPR and 41.5% for the other Puerto Rico subsidiaries
in 2006. The marginal tax rate was 41.5% for all the Puerto Rico
subsidiaries in 2005. The decrease in the marginal tax rate was
responsible  for  the  majority  of  the  reduction  in  the  taxable
equivalent benefit between 2006 and 2007, as shown in Table D.
The taxable equivalent computation considers the interest expense
disallowance required by the Puerto Rico tax law, also affected by
the mentioned decrease in tax rate.

 Average outstanding securities balances are based on amortized
cost  excluding  any  unrealized  gains  or  losses  on  securities
available-for-sale. Non-accrual loans have been included in the
respective average loans and leases categories. Loan fees collected
and  costs  incurred  in  the  origination  of  loans  are  deferred  and
amortized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to interest
yield.  Interest  income  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007
included  an  unfavorable  impact  of  $8.4  million,  consisting
principally  of  amortization  of  net  loan  origination  costs  (net  of
origination  fees)  and  amortization  of  net  premiums  on  loans
purchased, partially offset by prepayment penalties and late payment
charges.  These  amounts  approximated  unfavorable  impacts  of
$18  million  and  $42  million,  respectively,  for  the  years  ended
December 31, 2006 and 2005. The reduction in the unfavorable
impact for 2007, compared with 2006 and 2005, was mainly the
result of a lower balance of premium amortized related to mortgage
loans purchased by PFH, mainly in years prior to 2006, due to
reduced loan prepayments and to the direct impact of the maturity
run-off of the purchased mortgage loan portfolio.

In  2007,  management  continued  its  strategy  to  improve  the
net  interest  margin  by  not  reinvesting  maturities  of  securities;
focusing on growing the commercial and consumer loan portfolio;
and  reducing  the  level  of  residential  mortgage  loans  (mainly
through a reduction of volume at PFH). These strategies assisted
in  increasing  the  yield  on  earning  assets  and  reduced  the
Corporation’s  dependence  on  wholesale  funding,  while  the
purchase of the Citibank retail network in Puerto Rico provided a
more stable funding source.

However, even though the Corporation showed improvement
in its margin, the year 2007 presented various challenges: Internet-
based  deposits  carry  a  higher  rate  than  deposits  from  branches
due to the competitive nature of this business channel, the liquidity
crisis  that  took  place  in  the  second  half  of  2007  lead  the
Corporation  to  enter  into  certain  financing  agreements  which
may delay the expected benefit of reduced market interest rates,
and competitive pressures that resulted in increases in the cost of
interest bearing deposits, and that affected the volume and spreads
of consumer and mortgage loans in the Puerto Rico subsidiaries.
During 2006, the Federal Reserve (“FED”) raised the federal
funds target rate 100 basis points, increasing this rate from 4.25%
on December 31, 2005 to 5.25% by June 30, 2006 and remaining
at that rate as of December 31, 2006. In 2007, the FED reduced
the federal funds rate 50 basis points in September 2007, 25 basis
points in October 2007 and 25 basis points in December 2007,
reaching  4.25%  at  December  31,  2007.  As  a  result  of  financial
markets  remaining  under  considerable  stress,  further  credit
tightening throughout 2007 for some businesses and households,
the housing sector contracting and some labor markets softening,
among  other  considerations,  the  FED  announced  these  interest
rate cuts in 2007.

20

The average key index rates for the years 2005 through 2007

were as follows:

Prime rate
Fed  funds  rate
3-month LIBOR
3-month Treasury Bill
10-year Treasury
FNMA 30-year

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

8 . 0 5 %
8 . 0 5 %
8 . 0 5 %
8 . 0 5 %
8 . 0 5 %
5 . 0 5
5 . 0 5
5 . 0 5
5 . 0 5
5 . 0 5
5 . 3 0
5 . 3 0
5 . 3 0
5 . 3 0
5 . 3 0
4 . 4 6
4 . 4 6
4 . 4 6
4 . 4 6
4 . 4 6
4 . 6 3
4 . 6 3
4 . 6 3
4 . 6 3
4 . 6 3
6 . 2 4
6 . 2 4
6 . 2 4
6 . 2 4
6 . 2 4

7.96%
4.96
5.20
4.84
4.79
6.32

6.19%
3.20
3.57
3.20
4.28
5.72

Table D presents the different components of the Corporation’s
net  interest  income,  on  a  taxable  equivalent  basis,  for  the  year
ended December 31, 2007, as compared with the same period in
2006,  segregated  by  major  categories  of  interest  earning  assets
and  interest  bearing  liabilities.

The  decrease  in  average  earning  assets  for  the  year  ended
December  31,  2007,  compared  with  the  previous  year,  was
principally  due  to  the  Corporation’s  decision  not  to  reinvest
maturities  of  securities,  mainly  U.S.  Government  agencies,  as
well as selling low yielding mortgage loans in the second half of
2006.  These  strategies,  in  addition  to  the  growth  in  the
commercial  and  consumer  loan  portfolios  and  the  reduction
experienced  in  the  Corporation’s  U.S.  subprime  mortgage  loan
originations, contributed to a change in the mix of earning assets
and funding sources. Refer to the Statement of Condition Analysis
section of this MD&A for additional information on factors that
contributed to the fluctuation in major earning assets categories.
The Corporation’s funding sources also experienced a change
in its mix, which contributed to the variance attributable to the
change in volume shown in Table D. The decline in low yielding
assets, an increase in the Corporation’s deposit base, and liquidity
measures taken in the second half of 2007 in response to market
disruptions, resulted in reduced levels of borrowed money. The
E-LOAN  Internet  deposit  gathering  initiative,  launched  in  the
latter part of 2006, as well as increases in non-Internet certificates
of deposit, including brokered CDs and money market accounts,
coupled  with  the  deposits  derived  from  the  acquisition  of
Citibank’s retail branches in Puerto Rico, contributed also to the
reduction in borrowed money.

The  increase  in  the  net  interest  margin  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2007, compared with the previous year, was partly
attributed to the following factors:

• The yield for commercial loans increased, when compared
to 2006, in part due to a high proportion of these loans with
floating  rates.  As  of  December  31,  2007,  approximately
63% of the portfolio of commercial and construction loans
had floating or adjustable interest rates. For the majority of
2007, rates remained higher than 2006. In addition, due to
the timing of the rate resets, certain adjustable rate portfolios

have not had the complete impact of the decrease in market
rates that occurred in the last quarter of 2007.

• The  yield  of  residential  mortgage  loans  increased,  when
compared to 2006, mainly as a result of a decrease in the
premium amortization for secured mortgage loans due to a
slowdown in the prepayment activity in the U.S. market, as
well  as    the  direct  impact  of  the  maturity  run-off  of  the
purchased mortgage portfolio.

• The yield of consumer loans increased, when compared to
2006, mainly as a result of higher rates for the Puerto Rico
consumer loan portfolio, and a higher volume and rate of
credit cards. The yield of the credit card portfolio increased
by 39 basis points.

Partially  offsetting  the  above  mentioned  favorable  variances

were the following negative impacts:

• Increased cost of interest bearing deposits as a result of a
higher proportion of Internet-based deposits raised through
the E-LOAN platform and higher rates for money markets
and time deposits. The overall increase in the Corporation’s
cost of deposits was also affected by the lagged impact of
the FED’s rate increase in 2006 and competitive pressures.
• Higher cost of short-term borrowings primarily as a result
of the tightening performed by the FED during 2006 and
higher funding costs in response to the market disruptions
in the second half of 2007.

• Increase in the cost of long-term debt,  in part due to secured
debt  with  floating  rates  derived  from  on-balance  sheet
mortgage  loan  securitizations  that  were  outstanding  for
most of the year prior the loan recharacterization transaction
that took effect in late December 2007.

• Unfavorable impact of mark-to-market adjustment related
to  derivative  instruments  that  were  associated  with
borrowed funds. The Corporation recognized $15.9 million
in derivative losses for the year ended December 31, 2007,
compared with derivative losses of $8.2 million in 2006,
which are included as funding costs on borrowed funds.
Most of these derivatives are economically hedging long-
term  debt.  The  decline  in  the  fair  value  of  the  derivative
instruments was influenced by disruptions in the financial
markets during the third quarter of 2007 and the reduction
in interest rates by the FED in the second half of 2007.
As  part  of  its  asset  /  liability  management  strategies,  the
Corporation  has  entered  into  some  activities  with  derivative
financial instruments to protect its exposure to market risk. Refer
to the Market Risk – Derivatives section of this MD&A and Note
30 to the audited consolidated financial statements for additional
information regarding the Corporation’s involvement in derivative
activities.

2007     Annual Report        21
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

As shown in Table D, the decrease in net interest income on a
taxable equivalent basis from 2005 to 2006 was mainly the result
of a lower taxable equivalent adjustment and lower net interest
margin, partially offset by an increase in average earning assets.
The  decrease  in  the  net  interest  margin  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2006, compared with 2005, was partly attributed
to a higher average cost of interest bearing liabilities, principally
due  to  the  tightening  in  monetary  policy  by  the  FED.  During
2006, the FED raised the federal funds target rate from 4.25% on
December 31, 2005 to 5.25% by June 30, 2006 and remaining at
that rate as of December 31, 2006. Also, there was an increase in
the cost of long-term debt resulting primarily from secured debt
with floating rates derived from mortgage loan on-balance sheet
securitization  transactions  by  PFH  and  higher  cost  of  interest
bearing deposits. Partially offsetting these unfavorable variances
were higher yields in commercial, mortgage and consumer loans.
Contributors to the increase in loan yields for 2006 included the
favorable  impact  of  rising  rates  in  collateralized  mortgage
obligations and commercial loans with floating rates, a decline in
premium  amortization  on  mortgage  loans  purchased  due  to  a
slowdown in the prepayment activity in the U.S. market, as well
as a decrease in the amount of mortgage loans purchased as part of
PFH’s  operations.  Also  contributing  to  this  variance  were  the
impact of sales of low yielding mortgage loans during the third
quarter of 2006 and maturities of low yielding securities during
2006,  mainly  agency  securities.

The decrease in the taxable equivalent adjustment from 2005
to 2006, as shown in Table D, was mainly the result of a higher
cost of funds, partially offset by the increase in exempt interest
income and a greater benefit derived from a higher statutory rate
in 2006, when compared to 2005, as mentioned above. Puerto
Rico tax law requires that an interest expense be assigned to the
exempt  interest  income  in  order  to  calculate  a  net  benefit.  The
interest  expense  is  determined  by  applying  the  ratio  of  exempt
assets  to  total  assets  to  the  Corporation’s  total  interest  expense
in Puerto Rico. To the extent that the cost of funds increases at a
faster pace than the yield of earning assets, the net benefit will be
reduced.  The  cost  of  funds  increased  in  part  due  to  the  FED's
tightening in monetary policy, which increased the federal funds
target rate by 100 basis points during 2006.

Average tax-exempt earning assets approximated $8.9 billion
in  2007,  of  which  83%  represented  tax-exempt  investment
securities,  compared  with  $9.7  billion  and  87%  in  2006,  and
$10.0 billion and 88% in 2005.

Provision  for  Loan  Losses
Provision  for  Loan  Losses
Provision  for  Loan  Losses
Provision  for  Loan  Losses
Provision  for  Loan  Losses
The  Corporation’s  provision  for  loan  losses  for  the  year  ended
December 31, 2007 increased by $274.9 million, compared with
2006,  and  exceeded  net  charge-offs  by  $139.6  million.  This
increase was mainly attributed to higher net charge-offs by $193.4

million, mainly in the mortgage, consumer, and commercial loan
portfolios,  which  reflect  the  continued  credit  problems  in  the
U.S.  mainland  subprime  mortgage  market,  as  well  as  higher
delinquencies in U.S. and Puerto Rico, due in part by the slowdown
in the economy. Also, the increase reflects probable losses inherent
in the loan portfolio, as a result of current economic conditions
and deteriorating market trends, primarily in the mortgage and
commercial  loan  sectors.  The  net  charge-offs  to  average  loans
held-in-portfolio ratio deteriorated, increasing to 1.31% in 2007,
from 0.74% in 2006 and 0.62% in 2005.

The provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31,
2006  increased  by  $92.5  million,  or  47%,  and  exceeded  net-
charge  offs  by  $58  million  compared  with  2005.  This  increase
was  mainly  attributed  to  the  growth  in  the  loan  portfolio  and
higher net charge-offs, mainly in the consumer loan portfolio in
Puerto Rico. Also, the increase reflected probable losses inherent
in  the  loan  portfolio  as  a  result  of  economic  conditions  and
deteriorating market trends in 2006, primarily in the subprime
mortgage loan sectors and in the commercial portfolio, evidenced
by an increase in non-performing assets from 2005 to 2006.

Refer to the Credit Risk Management and Loan Quality section
for  a  detailed  analysis  of  non-performing  assets,  allowance  for
loan losses and selected loan losses statistics. Also, refer to Table
G  and  Note  9  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the
composition of the loan portfolio.

N o n - I n t e r e s t   I n c o m e
N o n - I n t e r e s t   I n c o m e
N o n - I n t e r e s t   I n c o m e
N o n - I n t e r e s t   I n c o m e
N o n - I n t e r e s t   I n c o m e
Refer to Table E for a breakdown on non-interest income by major
categories for the past five years. Non-interest income accounted
for 32% of total revenues in 2007, while it represented 36% of
total revenues in the years 2006 and 2005.

Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2007,

compared with the previous year, was mostly impacted by:

• Higher other service fees, which are detailed by category

in  Table  E.

(cid:132) The  favorable  variance  in  credit  card  fees  was  due  to
higher  merchant  fees  resulting  from  higher  volume  of
purchases and late payment fees due to greater volume of
credit  card  accounts  billed  at  a  higher  average  rate
pursuant to a change in contract terms.

(cid:132) The  increase  in  debit  card  fees  was  mostly  due  to  the
change  in  the  automatic  teller  machines’  interchange
fees from a fixed rate to a variable rate, as well as higher
transactional volume. Also, the increase is associated to
higher surcharge revenues from non-BPPR users of the
ATM terminals.

(cid:132) The  increase  in  mortgage  servicing  fees  was  related  to
higher servicing fees due to the growth in the portfolio
of loans serviced for others, which rose by approximately

22

T a b l e   D
T a b l e   D
T a b l e   D
T a b l e   D
T a b l e   D
Net Interest Income - Taxable Equivalent Basis

 (Dollars in millions)

Year ended December 31,

Average Volume
2006

Variance

2007
2007
2007
2007
2007

Average Yields / Costs
2007
2007
2007
2007
2007
2006

Variance

5 . 1 7 %
5 . 1 7 %
5 . 1 7 % 5.56%
5 . 1 7 %
5 . 1 7 %

(0.39%)

Money market investments

$514
$514
$514
$514
$514

9 , 8 5 4
9 , 8 5 4
9 , 8 5 4
9 , 8 5 4
9 , 8 5 4

6 7 26 7 26 7 26 7 26 7 2

$564

11,774

513

($50)

(1,920)

159

1 1 , 0 4 0
1 1 , 0 4 0
1 1 , 0 4 0
1 1 , 0 4 0
1 1 , 0 4 0

12,851

(1,811)

1 5 , 0 8 2
1 5 , 0 8 2
1 5 , 0 8 2
1 5 , 0 8 2
1 5 , 0 8 2

1 , 1 7 8
1 , 1 7 8
1 , 1 7 8
1 , 1 7 8
1 , 1 7 8

1 0 , 9 5 4
1 0 , 9 5 4
1 0 , 9 5 4
1 0 , 9 5 4
1 0 , 9 5 4

5 , 5 3 6
5 , 5 3 6
5 , 5 3 6
5 , 5 3 6
5 , 5 3 6

3 2 , 7 5 0
3 2 , 7 5 0
3 2 , 7 5 0
3 2 , 7 5 0
3 2 , 7 5 0

13,613

1,283

12,113

5,070

32,079

1,469

(105)

(1,159)

466

671

5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9

6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4

5 . 2 6
5 . 2 6
5 . 2 6
5 . 2 6
5 . 2 6

7 . 7 2
7 . 7 2
7 . 7 2
7 . 7 2
7 . 7 2

7 . 8 9
7 . 8 9
7 . 8 9
7 . 8 9
7 . 8 9

7 . 1 2
7 . 1 2
7 . 1 2
7 . 1 2
7 . 1 2

1 0 . 8 2
1 0 . 8 2
1 0 . 8 2
1 0 . 8 2
1 0 . 8 2

8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5

5.14

6.63

5.22

7.63

7.57

6.93

10.53

7.82

0.05

(0.19)

0.04

0.09

0.32

0.19

0.29

0.23

Investment securities

Trading securities

Loans:

 (In thousands)

Interest

Variance
Attributable to

2007
2007
2007
2007
2007

2006

Variance

Rate

Volume

$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5

5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8

4 3 , 3 0 6
4 3 , 3 0 6
4 3 , 3 0 6
4 3 , 3 0 6
4 3 , 3 0 6

$31,382

605,588

34,004

($4,817)

($1,824)

($2,993)

(94,380)

5,061

(99,441)

9,302

(992)

10,294

5 8 1 , 0 7 9
5 8 1 , 0 7 9
5 8 1 , 0 7 9
5 8 1 , 0 7 9
5 8 1 , 0 7 9

670,974

(89,895)

2,245

(92,140)

1 , 1 6 4 , 9 1 8
1 , 1 6 4 , 9 1 8
1 , 1 6 4 , 9 1 8
Commercial and construction 1 , 1 6 4 , 9 1 8
1 , 1 6 4 , 9 1 8

1,038,497

126,421

11,693

114,728

Leasing

Mortgage

Consumer

9 2 , 9 4 0
9 2 , 9 4 0
9 2 , 9 4 0
9 2 , 9 4 0
9 2 , 9 4 0

7 8 0 , 0 1 2
7 8 0 , 0 1 2
7 8 0 , 0 1 2
7 8 0 , 0 1 2
7 8 0 , 0 1 2

5 9 9 , 0 8 5
5 9 9 , 0 8 5
5 9 9 , 0 8 5
5 9 9 , 0 8 5
5 9 9 , 0 8 5

97,166

839,515

533,692

(4,226)

3,950

(8,176)

(59,503)

22,472

(81,975)

65,393

9,047

47,162

56,346

80,923

2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 5
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 5
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 5
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 5
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 5

2,508,870

128,085

$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0

$44,930

($1,140)

7 . 3 5 %
7 . 3 5 %
7 . 3 5 % 7.08%
7 . 3 5 %
7 . 3 5 %

0.27%

Total earning assets
Interest bearing deposits:

$ 3 , 2 1 8 , 0 3 4
$ 3 , 2 1 8 , 0 3 4
$ 3 , 2 1 8 , 0 3 4 $3,179,844
$ 3 , 2 1 8 , 0 3 4
$ 3 , 2 1 8 , 0 3 4

$38,190

$49,407

($11,217)

$ 4 , 4 2 9
$ 4 , 4 2 9
$ 4 , 4 2 9
$ 4 , 4 2 9
$ 4 , 4 2 9

5 , 6 9 8
5 , 6 9 8
5 , 6 9 8
5 , 6 9 8
5 , 6 9 8

1 1 , 3 9 9
1 1 , 3 9 9
1 1 , 3 9 9
1 1 , 3 9 9
1 1 , 3 9 9

2 1 , 5 2 6
2 1 , 5 2 6
2 1 , 5 2 6
2 1 , 5 2 6
2 1 , 5 2 6
8 , 6 8 5
8 , 6 8 5
8 , 6 8 5
8 , 6 8 5
8 , 6 8 5

8 , 1 8 1
8 , 1 8 1
8 , 1 8 1
8 , 1 8 1
8 , 1 8 1

$3,878

5,440

9,977

19,295
10,677

9,868

$551

258

1,422

2,231
(1,992)

(1,687)

2 . 6 0 %
2 . 6 0 %
2 . 6 0 % 2.06%
2 . 6 0 %
2 . 6 0 %

0.54%

NOW and money market*

$ 1 1 5 , 0 4 7
$ 1 1 5 , 0 4 7
$ 1 1 5 , 0 4 7
$ 1 1 5 , 0 4 7
$ 1 1 5 , 0 4 7

$79,820

$35,227

$17,963

$17,264

1 . 9 6
1 . 9 6
1 . 9 6
1 . 9 6
1 . 9 6

4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3

3 . 5 6
3 . 5 6
3 . 5 6
3 . 5 6
3 . 5 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6

5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8

1.43

4.24

3.01
4.86

5.45

0.53

0.49

0.55
0.30

0.23

Savings

Time deposits

Short-term borrowings

Medium and long-term debt

Total interest bearing

1 1 1 , 8 7 7
1 1 1 , 8 7 7
1 1 1 , 8 7 7
1 1 1 , 8 7 7
1 1 1 , 8 7 7

77,611

34,266

5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9

422,663

116,206

7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2

4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6

580,094
518,960

537,477

185,699
(70,788)

(72,661)

4,513

46,221

68,697
30,623

19,458

29,753

69,985

117,002
(101,411)

(92,119)

3 8 , 3 9 2
3 8 , 3 9 2
3 8 , 3 9 2
3 8 , 3 9 2
3 8 , 3 9 2

39,840

(1,448)

4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7

4.11

0.26

liabilities

1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1

1,636,531

42,250

118,778

(76,528)

4 , 0 4 3
4 , 0 4 3
4 , 0 4 3
4 , 0 4 3
4 , 0 4 3

1 , 3 5 5
1 , 3 5 5
1 , 3 5 5
1 , 3 5 5
1 , 3 5 5

3,970

1,120

73

235

$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0
$ 4 3 , 7 9 0

$44,930

($1,140)

3 . 8 3 %
3 . 8 3 %
3 . 8 3 % 3.64%
3 . 8 3 %
3 . 8 3 %

3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 % 3.44%
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %

0.19%

0.08%

Non-interest bearing
demand deposits

Other sources of funds

Net interest margin

Net interest income on

2 . 9 8 %
2 . 9 8 %
2 . 9 8 % 2.97%
2 . 9 8 %
2 . 9 8 %

0.01%

Net interest spread

a taxable equivalent basis

1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3

1,543,313

(4,060)

($69,371)

$65,311

Taxable equivalent
adjustment

8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3

115,403

(25,540)

Net interest income

$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0 $1,427,910
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0

$21,480

Notes:  The changes that are not due solely to volume or rate are allocated to volume and rate based on the proportion of the change in each category.

*Includes interest bearing demand deposits corresponding to certain government entities in Puerto Rico.

$7.2 billion from December 31, 2006 to December 31,
2007 as well as, higher late payment fees derived from
the  serviced  portfolio  as  a  result  of  increased
delinquencies  primarily  associated  with  the  U.S.
mainland. Also, the positive variance was impacted by
the adoption of SFAS No. 156, in which the Corporation
elected  fair  value  measurement  and,  as  a  result,  the

residential  mortgage  servicing  rights  are  no  longer
amortized  in  proportion  to  and  over  the  period  of
estimated net servicing income. Refer to Note 22 to the
consolidated financial statements for detailed information
on  the  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  156.  Any  fair  value
adjustment of MSRs is recorded in “other service fees” in
the consolidated statements of operations together with

2007     Annual Report        23
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

    (In thousands)

Interest

Variance
Attributable to

2006

2005

Variance

Rate

Volume

$31,382

605,588

34,004

$33,319

($1,937)

$8,592

($10,529)

591,089

14,499

38,049

(23,550)

32,427

1,577

(123)

1,700

670,974

656,835

14,139

46,518

(32,379)

Average Volume
2005

Variance

Average Yields / Costs
2005
2006

Variance

(Dollars in millions)

2006

$564

11,774

513

12,851

13,613

1,283

12,113

5,070

32,079

$797

12,230

488

13,515

11,815

1,303

12,238

4,375

29,731

$44,930

$43,246

$3,878

5,440

9,977

19,295
10,677

9,868

$3,732

5,677

8,776

18,185
10,327

9,764

($233)

(456)

25

(664)

1,798

(20)

(125)

695

2,348

$1,684

$146

(237)

1,201

1,110
350

104

5.56%

4.18%

1.38%

Money market investments

5.14

6.63

5.22

7.63

7.57

6.93

10.53

7.82

4.83

6.65

4.86

6.73

7.57

6.53

10.12

7.18

0.31

(0.02)

0.36

0.90

-

0.40

0.41

0.64

Investment securities

Trading securities

Loans:

Leasing

Mortgage

Consumer

7.08%

6.46%

0.62%

Total earning assets
Interest bearing deposits:

Commercial and construction 1,038,497

794,899

243,598

113,981

129,617

97,166

839,515

533,692

98,618

(1,452)

799,332

442,662

40,183

91,030

60

48,421

16,012

(1,512)

(8,238)

75,018

2,508,870

2,135,511

373,359

178,474

194,885

$3,179,844

$2,792,346

$387,498

$224,992

$162,506

2.06%

1.49%

0.57%

NOW and money market*

$79,820

$55,645

$24,175

$20,257

$3,918

1.43

4.24

3.01
4.86

5.45

1.23

3.48

2.37
3.38

4.73

0.20

0.76

0.64
1.48

0.72

Savings

Time deposits

Short-term borrowings

Medium and long-term debt

Total interest bearing

77,611

422,663

580,094
518,960

537,477

69,940

7,671

305,228

117,435

430,813
349,203

149,281
169,757

9,953

72,341

102,551
162,016

461,636

75,841

73,812

(2,282)

45,094

46,730
7,741

2,029

39,840

38,276

1,564

4.11

3.24

0.87

liabilities

1,636,531

1,241,652

394,879

338,379

56,500

3,970

1,120

4,069

901

(99)

219

$44,930

$43,246

$1,684

3.64%

3.44%

2.87%

3.59%

0.77%

(0.15%)

Non-interest bearing
demand deposits

Other sources of funds

Net interest margin

Net interest income on

2.97%

3.22%

(0.25%)

Net interest spread

a taxable equivalent basis

1,543,313

1,550,694

(7,381)

($113,387)

$106,006

Taxable equivalent
adjustment

115,403

126,487

(11,084)

Net interest income

$1,427,910

$1,424,207

$3,703

the loan servicing fees charged to third-parties on the
serviced  portfolio.  These  favorable  variances  were
partially  offset  by  lower  prepayment  fees  on  loans
serviced due to a slowdown in prepayments.

(cid:132) Other fees decreased mainly as a result of lower brokered
loan fees on services provided to mortgage brokers on
the  origination  of  loans  for  their  portfolio.  This

reduction  in  servicing  fees  was  a  result  of  the
discontinuation of PFH’s broker-origination channel as
part of the PFH Restructuring Plan.

• Favorable  variance  in  the  net  gain  on  sale  and  valuation
adjustments of investment securities, which consisted of:

24

(In  thousands)
Net gain on sale of

investment securities
Valuation adjustments of
investment securities

Total

Year ended December 31,

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006 $ Variance

$ 1 2 0 , 3 2 8
$ 1 2 0 , 3 2 8
$ 1 2 0 , 3 2 8
$ 1 2 0 , 3 2 8
$ 1 2 0 , 3 2 8

$22,233

$98,095

• Unfavorable variance in gain on sales of loans and negative
adjustments  in  the  valuation  of  loans  held-for-sale,
particularly mortgage loans, were as follows:

( 6 5 , 1 6 9 )
( 6 5 , 1 6 9 )
( 6 5 , 1 6 9 )
( 6 5 , 1 6 9 )
( 6 5 , 1 6 9 )
$ 5 5 , 1 5 9
$ 5 5 , 1 5 9
$ 5 5 , 1 5 9
$ 5 5 , 1 5 9
$ 5 5 , 1 5 9

(17,874)
$4,359

(47,295)
$50,800

(In thousands)

Year ended December 31,

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006 $ Variance

The favorable variance in the net gain on sale of investment
securities for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared with
the same period in 2006, was mainly due to $118.7 million in
gains  from  the  sale  of  the  Corporation ’s  interest  in
Telecomunicaciones de Puerto Rico, Inc. (“TELPRI”) during the
first quarter of 2007. The gain on sale of investment securities in
2006 included gains of $13.6 million from the sale of marketable
equity  securities  and  FNMA  securities.

The  unfavorable  variance  in  valuation  adjustments  of
investment securities, considered other-than-temporary, included
a negative valuation adjustment of $45.4 million in PFH’s residual
interests  classified  as  available-for-sale  and  $19.5  million  in
certain  equity  securities  for  2007.  During  2006,  the  negative
valuation adjustments were mostly associated to $17.8 million of
PFH’s residual interests. For information on the conditions that
impacted PFH’s residual interests during 2007 and 2006, refer to
the  Critical  Accounting  Policies  /  Estimates  section  of  this
MD&A.

• Unfavorable variance in trading account (loss) profit, which

consisted  of:

(In thousands)
Mark-to-market of  PFH'S

residual interests
Other trading account

profit

Total

Year ended December 31,
2006

$ Variance

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

( $ 3 9 , 6 6 1 )
( $ 3 9 , 6 6 1 )
( $ 3 9 , 6 6 1 )
( $ 3 9 , 6 6 1 )
( $ 3 9 , 6 6 1 )

($971) ($38,690)

3 7 , 1 9 7
3 7 , 1 9 7
3 7 , 1 9 7
3 7 , 1 9 7
3 7 , 1 9 7
( $ 2 , 4 6 4 )
( $ 2 , 4 6 4 )
( $ 2 , 4 6 4 )
( $ 2 , 4 6 4 )
( $ 2 , 4 6 4 )

938
36,259
$35,288 ($37,752)

PFH’s  residual  interests  classified  as  trading  securities  were
also unfavorably impacted by credit and market events in the U.S.
subprime  market  during  2007  as  described  previously  in  this
MD&A.

Loss on sale of loans related

to loan recharacterization by
PFH

( $ 9 0 , 1 4 4 )
( $ 9 0 , 1 4 4 )
( $ 9 0 , 1 4 4 )
( $ 9 0 , 1 4 4 )
( $ 9 0 , 1 4 4 )

-

($90,144)

Gain on sales of loans,

excluding loan
recharacterization

Lower of cost or market

valuation adjustment on
loans held-for-sale

Total

7 6 , 5 6 4
7 6 , 5 6 4
7 6 , 5 6 4
7 6 , 5 6 4
7 6 , 5 6 4

$117,421

(40,857)

( 2 5 , 3 9 0 )
( 2 5 , 3 9 0 )
( 2 5 , 3 9 0 )
( 2 5 , 3 9 0 )
( 2 5 , 3 9 0 )
( $ 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( $ 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( $ 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( $ 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( $ 3 8 , 9 7 0 )

-

(25,390)
$117,421 ($156,391)

The  negative  variance  associated  to  the  loss  on  the  loan
recharacterization  transaction  by  PFH  was  explained  in  the
Significant  U.S.  Strategic  Events  section  of  this  MD&A.

Excluding  the  PFH  loan  recharacterization  transaction,  the
decrease in gain on sales of loans for 2007, compared to 2006, was
principally due to lower volume of loans originated at PFH due to
exiting the wholesale subprime mortgage business, coupled with
lower origination volume at E-LOAN due to market conditions
and the lack of liquidity in the private secondary markets. There
were also lower gains on sale of SBA loans by the Corporation’s
U.S. banking subsidiary. The decrease was partially offset by the
fact that during 2006, BPPR realized a $20.1 million loss on the
bulk  sale  of  mortgage  loans,  and  there  were  no  similar  losses
during 2007.

The unfavorable lower of cost or market valuation adjustment
on loans held-for-sale resulted principally from the deterioration
in the U.S. subprime mortgage market and lack of liquidity in the
private secondary markets experienced during the second half of
2007,  which  negatively  impacted  price  margins,  coupled  with
credit  deterioration.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, non-interest income
increased $24.2 million, or 3%, compared with 2005. There were
higher gains on sale of loans by $34.1 million mainly due to E-
LOAN’s production, as this subsidiary was acquired in the fourth
quarter  of  2005,  partially  offset  by  losses  in  the  Puerto  Rico
operations that resulted from the bulk sale of approximately $0.6
billion  of  mortgage  loans  to  a  U.S.  financial  institution  during
2006  and  lower  sales  volumes  and  price  margins  due  to  the
slowdown in the housing market. Other operating income rose by
$34.9 million during 2006, when compared to the previous year,
due to higher revenues from E-LOAN related in part to mortgage
loan closing services and business referral fees, higher dividend
income  derived  from  the  Corporation’s  investment  in  TELPRI,
higher income derived from securitization related invested funds,

2007     Annual Report        25
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

T a b l e   E
T a b l e   E
T a b l e   E
T a b l e   E
T a b l e   E
Non-Interest  Income

(Dollars  in  thousands)

2007
2007
2007
2007
2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

Five-Year
C.G.R.*

Service charges on deposit accounts

$ 1 9 6 , 0 7 2
$ 1 9 6 , 0 7 2
$ 1 9 6 , 0 7 2
$ 1 9 6 , 0 7 2
$ 1 9 6 , 0 7 2

$190,079

$181,749

$165,241

$161,839

4.45%

Year  ended  December  31,

Other service fees:

Credit card fees and discounts
Debit card fees
Insurance fees
Processing fees
Sale and administration of

1 0 2 , 1 7 6
1 0 2 , 1 7 6
1 0 2 , 1 7 6
1 0 2 , 1 7 6
1 0 2 , 1 7 6
7 6 , 5 7 3
7 6 , 5 7 3
7 6 , 5 7 3
7 6 , 5 7 3
7 6 , 5 7 3
5 5 , 8 2 4
5 5 , 8 2 4
5 5 , 8 2 4
5 5 , 8 2 4
5 5 , 8 2 4
4 7 , 4 7 6
4 7 , 4 7 6
4 7 , 4 7 6
4 7 , 4 7 6
4 7 , 4 7 6

89,827
61,643
53,889
44,050

82,062
52,675
50,734
42,773

69,702
51,256
38,924
40,169

60,432
45,811
29,855
40,003

11.53
12.52
18.02
5.37

      investment products

3 0 , 4 5 3
3 0 , 4 5 3
3 0 , 4 5 3
3 0 , 4 5 3
3 0 , 4 5 3

27,873

28,419

22,386

21,174

7.12

Mortgage servicing fees, net of
amortization and fair value
adjustments
Trust fees
Check cashing fees
Other fees

1 1 , 7 0 8
1 1 , 7 0 8
1 1 , 7 0 8
1 1 , 7 0 8
1 1 , 7 0 8
1 1 , 1 5 7
1 1 , 1 5 7
1 1 , 1 5 7
1 1 , 1 5 7
1 1 , 1 5 7
3 8 73 8 73 8 73 8 73 8 7
2 7 , 5 0 3
2 7 , 5 0 3
2 7 , 5 0 3
2 7 , 5 0 3
2 7 , 5 0 3

(2,750)
9,316
737
36,290

6,226
8,290
17,122
43,200

7,412
8,872
21,680
35,150

6,853
7,830
24,420
48,014

Total other service fees

3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7

320,875

331,501

295,551

284,392

(0.36)
4.23
(55.07)
(6.99)

6.45

Net gain on sale and valuation

adjustments of investment securities

Trading account (loss) profit
(Loss) gain on sale of loans and

valuation adjustments on loans
held-for-sale

Other operating income

Total non-interest income
* C.G.R. refers to compound growth rate.

5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )

4,359
35,288

52,113
30,051

15,254
(159)

71,094
(10,214)

-
25.11

( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2

117,421
141,463

83,297
106,564

44,168
88,716

53,572
65,327

-
10.89

$ 6 9 4 , 3 1 6
$ 6 9 4 , 3 1 6
$ 6 9 4 , 3 1 6
$ 6 9 4 , 3 1 6
$ 6 9 4 , 3 1 6

$809,485

$785,275

$608,771

$626,010

5.01%

and  higher  revenues  from  services  on  the  structuring  of  bond
issues,  among  others.  These  favorable  variances  were  partially
offset  by  a  decrease  of  $47.8  million  in  net  gains  on  sale  and
unfavorable  valuation  adjustments  of  other-than-temporary
impairments  of  investment  securities  available-for-sale,
principally  residual  interests  of  PFH.  Additionally,  there  were
lower check cashing fees and other fees as a result of the lack of
revenue originally produced by the Corporation’s check cashing
operations in the U.S., which were sold during the fourth quarter
of 2005.

26

Operating  Expenses
Operating  Expenses
Operating  Expenses
Operating  Expenses
Operating  Expenses
Refer  to  Table  F  for  the  detail  of  operating  expenses  by  major
categories along with various related ratios for the last five years.
Operating  expenses  totaled  $1.7  billion  for  the  year  ended
December  31,  2007,  an  increase  of  $219.5  million,  or  15%,
compared with the same period in 2006. Included in operating
expenses for 2007 are approximately $248.5 million in impairment
charges  and  costs  associated  to  the  PFH  Restructuring  Plan,  E-
LOAN Restructuring Plan and PFH Branch Network Restructuring
Plan  described  previously  in  this  MD&A.  In  2006,  there  were
$21.4  million  in  impairment  charges  associated  with  the  PFH
Restructuring Plan. The table below segregates these 2007 costs
by  categories  within  operating  expenses.

PFH

E-LOAN

PFH Branch

Restructuring Restructuring Network  Restructuring

(in millions)

Plan

Plan

Plan

Total

-

-
-
-
-

$4.6

$7.8

$14.7

$12.4

4.5
0.3
1.8
0.3

4.2
0.4
0.4
-

8.7
0.7
2.2
0.3

Personnel costs (1)
Net occupancy
expenses (2)
Equipment expenses
Professional fees (3)
Other operating expenses
Total restructuring
expenses
Impairment of long-lived
assets (4)
Impairment of trademark
and goodwill (5)
Total restructuring and
impairment charges
(1) Severance, stay bonuses, related taxes and other employee benefits
(2) Lease terminations
(3) Outplacement services and professional services contract termination
(4) Impairment of leasehold improvements, equipment and intangible assets with
definitive lives
(5) Goodwill impairment of $164.4 million and trademark impairment of $47.4 million

$248.5

$231.9

$24.3

211.8

211.8

$14.7

12.4

10.5

$9.6

$1.9

1.9

-

-

-

-

Isolating the impact of the different charges associated to the
restructuring plans named above, operating expenses increased
(decreased) from 2006 to 2007 as follows:

(in millions)

2007

Charges
2007, excluding
related to charges related to excluding
restructuring
impairment
plans

restructuring
plans

2006,

charges Variance

$12.4
8.7
0.7
-
2.2
-
-
-

$655.8
114.9
126.8
50.1
147.7
66.9
115.4
17.4

$668.7
116.7
135.9
44.5
141.5
68.3
130.0
17.7

$668.2
123.6
127.5
50.1
149.9
66.9
115.4
17.4

($12.9)
(1.8)
(9.1)
5.6
6.2
(1.4)
(14.6)
(0.3)

Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
Printing and supplies
Impairment losses on
long-lived assets (1)
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in
fiscal period
Goodwill and trademark
-
impairment losses (1)
(2.0)
Amortization of intangibles
Total
($7.4)
 (1) For comparative purposes, this table excludes $7.2 million in impairment of long-lived
assets and $14.2 million in goodwill impairment losses taken in 2006 that were associated
to the PFH Restructuring Plan.

-
12.4
$1,463.5

211.8
10.4
$1,704.6

-
10.4
$1,456.1

211.8
-
$248.5

(0.1)
150.8

12.3
151.1

-
118.1

(0.1)
32.7

12.4
0.3

(9.7)

9.7

-

-

-

Excluding  the  severance  costs  associated  with  the
restructuring  plans,  the  decrease  in  personnel  costs  for  2007,
compared to 2006, was principally the result of lower headcount
resulting from the PFH Restructuring Plan which took effect in
early  2007.  The  PFH  reportable  segment’s  personnel  expenses,
excluding  $7.8  million  related  to  the  PFH  Restructuring  Plan,
decreased by $37.1 million during 2007, compared to the previous
year. PFH was impacted by a reduction in headcount as described
below. The reduction in the PFH reportable segment’s personnel
costs  was  partly  offset  by  increases  in  the  Corporation’s  other
reportable segments, including the Puerto Rico and U.S. mainland
operations. These increases were mostly associated to the impact
of merit increases across the Corporation’s subsidiaries, increased
headcount,  higher  commissions  on  certain  businesses,  medical
insurance costs and  savings plan expenses, among other factors,
coupled with lower cost deferrals due to a lower volume of loan
originations. At December 31, 2007, the Corporation’s full-time
equivalent  employees  (“FTEs”)  were  12,303,  compared  with
12,508 at December 31, 2006.

Other  operating  expenses  categories  reflecting  greater
variances in 2007 compared to 2006, excluding the impact of the
restructuring plans, are described below.

• Equipment expenses declined mostly as a result of lower
electronic equipment depreciation, maintenance and repair

2007     Annual Report        27
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

T a b l e   F
T a b l e   F
T a b l e   F
T a b l e   F
T a b l e   F
Operating Expenses

(Dollars in thousands)

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

2004

2003

Salaries
$ 5 1 9 , 5 2 3
$ 5 1 9 , 5 2 3
$ 5 1 9 , 5 2 3
$ 5 1 9 , 5 2 3
$ 5 1 9 , 5 2 3
Pension, profit sharing and other benefits 1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6

$517,178
151,493

$474,636
148,053

$427,870
143,148

$388,527
137,917

Year  ended  December  31,

Total personnel costs

Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
Printing and supplies
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Other operating expenses:

Credit card processing, volume
and interchange expenses

Transportation and travel
All other*

Goodwill and trademark

impairment losses

Amortization of intangibles

Subtotal

Total

6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9

1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4

4 1 , 6 9 5
4 1 , 6 9 5
4 1 , 6 9 5
4 1 , 6 9 5
4 1 , 6 9 5
1 6 , 1 4 2
1 6 , 1 4 2
1 6 , 1 4 2
1 6 , 1 4 2
1 6 , 1 4 2
9 3 , 2 2 5
9 3 , 2 2 5
9 3 , 2 2 5
9 3 , 2 2 5
9 3 , 2 2 5

2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5

1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2

668,671

116,742
135,877
44,543
141,534
68,283
129,965
17,741
7,232

30,707
18,064
79,098

14,239
12,377

816,402

622,689

108,386
124,276
39,197
119,281
63,395
100,434
18,378
-

29,700
19,426
73,459

-
9,579

571,018

89,821
108,823
40,260
95,084
60,965
75,708
17,938
-

26,965
14,968
61,618

-
7,844

526,444

83,630
104,821
37,904
82,325
58,038
73,277
19,111
-

23,869
13,811
82,009

-
7,844

705,511

599,994

586,639

Five-Year
C.G.R.

7.50%
3.24

6.45

9.51
5.16
6.17
12.10
4.41
13.43
(2.63)
-

18.25
3.04
7.62

-
2.79

13.92

$ 1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
$ 1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
$ 1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
$ 1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
$ 1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1

$1,485,073

$1,328,200

$1,171,012

$1,113,083

10.62%

Efficiency ratio**
Personnel costs to average assets
Operating expenses to average assets
Employees (full-time equivalent)
Assets per employee (in millions)

8 1 . 9 9 %
8 1 . 9 9 %
8 1 . 9 9 %
8 1 . 9 9 %
8 1 . 9 9 %
1 . 4 2
1 . 4 2
1 . 4 2
1 . 4 2
1 . 4 2
3 . 6 2
3 . 6 2
3 . 6 2
3 . 6 2
3 . 6 2
1 2 , 3 0 3
1 2 , 3 0 3
1 2 , 3 0 3
1 2 , 3 0 3
1 2 , 3 0 3
$ 3 . 6 1
$ 3 . 6 1
$ 3 . 6 1
$ 3 . 6 1
$ 3 . 6 1

67.16%
1.38
3.08
12,508
$3.79

62.30%
1.34
2.86
13,210
$3.68

59.86%
1.43
2.94
12,139
$3.66

60.51%
1.52
3.21
11,474
$3.18

* Includes insurance, sundry losses, FDIC assessment and other real estate expenses, among others.
** Non-interest expense divided by net interest income plus recurring non-interest income.

expenses,  and  software  package  amortization,  as  well  as
lower equipment requirements due to the streamlining of
PFH’s  operations.

• Other  taxes  increased  mainly  associated  to  higher
municipal  license  taxes,  personal  property  taxes,
examination banking fees and the new sales tax implemented
in Puerto Rico in the later part of 2006.

• Professional fees also increased principally due to higher
business strategy consulting, computer service fees, credit
collection,  imaging  services  and  programming  services,
among others.

• Business  promotion  expenses  experienced  a  reduction
mainly as a result of cost control measures on marketing
expenditures on the U.S. mainland operations, primarily at

E-LOAN,  and  lower  expenditures  at  PFH  due  to  the
streamlining of operations in 2007. These reductions were
partially offset by higher costs related to the loyalty reward
program in the Puerto Rico operations.

• Other operating expenses rose primarily as a result of higher
other  real  estate  expenses  associated  with  the  increased
administrative and foreclosure costs resulting from a higher
number of repossessed units and additional write downs in
the collateral value of repossessed real estate properties in
the U.S. mainland. The increase in other operating expenses
is also due to higher credit card processing and interchange
expenses, primarily due to higher volume of transactions
at a higher average rate.

28

• Impact  of  change  in  fiscal  period  of  certain  subsidiaries
represents a net loss for the month of December 2005 in
those  subsidiaries  that  changed  their  fiscal  year  in  2006,
as described in the Corporation’s 2006 Annual Report.
The efficiency ratio measures how much of a company’s revenue
is  used  to  pay  operating  expenses.  As  stated  in  the  Glossary  of
Selected Financial Terms included in this 2007 Annual Report, in
determining  the  efficiency  ratio,  the  Corporation  includes
recurring non-interest income items, thus isolating income items
that may be considered volatile in nature. Management believes
that  the  exclusion  of  those  items  would  permit  greater
comparability for analytical purposes. Amounts within non-interest
income  not  considered  recurring  in  nature  by  the  Corporation
amounted to $64.6 million during the year ended December 31,
2007,  compared  with  $26.0  million  in  the  same  period  of  the
previous  year.  Non-recurring  gains  during  2007  corresponded
principally  to  net  gains  on  sale  and  valuation  adjustments  of
investment securities available-for-sale, whereas 2006 was mainly
impacted  by  gains  on  the  sale  of  real  estate  properties.  The
efficiency  ratio  was  mainly  unfavorably  impacted  by  the
impairment losses that resulted from the evaluation of the goodwill
and trademark of E-LOAN and the restructuring charges related
to the three restructuring plans previously discussed.

For the year 2006, total operating expenses increased $156.9
million,  or  12%,  from  2005,  mainly  resulting  from  E-LOAN’s
operations,  which  had  only  impacted  2005  results  since  its
acquisition in November 2005. E-LOAN’s share of the increase
in  operating  expenses  for  2006,  compared  to  2005,  was
approximately $133 million. Popular Cash Express ("PCE"), sold
in  late  2005,  contributed  with  a  reduction  of  $28  million  in
operating expenses for 2006, which represented the subsidiary’s
costs for the year 2005. Isolating the above impact in operating
expenses  from  E-LOAN  and  PCE,  the  Corporation’s  operating
expenses for the year ended December 31, 2006 increased $52
million, or 4%, compared with the previous year.

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2006,  personnel  costs
increased by $46.0 million, or 7%, compared with 2005. E-LOAN
contributed  with  $46.4  million  of  this  increase,  while  PCE
contributed with a reduction of $10.1 million. The increase was
mainly  attributed  to  higher  salaries  and  related  taxes,  bonuses,
health insurance costs and savings plan expenses, partially offset
by  lower  incentive  compensation,  training  costs  and  profit
sharing. All other operating expenses for the year 2006, excluding
personnel costs, increased by $110.9 million, or 16%, compared
with 2005. E-LOAN contributed with approximately $86.1 million
of this increase, mostly in business promotion and professional
fees. PCE represented a reduction of approximately $17.6 million,
principally in net occupancy expenses. Excluding the impact of
E-LOAN and PCE, the most significant variances were goodwill

impairment losses during 2006 of $14.2 million at PFH, higher
net occupancy expenses by $11.1 million resulting from business
expansion in the U.S. mainland, the impact of a change in this
fiscal year of certain of the Corporation’s subsidiaries amounting
to a pre-tax loss of $9.7 million, and higher equipment expenses
by  $8.8  million  driven  by  software  maintenance  and  systems
technology  investments  to  support  business  processes.  These
variances were partially offset by a reduction of $14.9 million in
business  promotion  expenses,  excluding  E-LOAN  and  PCE
operations, resulting from lower expenses related to the loyalty
rewards program as a result of a lower cost structure and changes
in the redemption requirements, and by cost control measures.

Income  Tax  Expense
Income  Tax  Expense
Income  Tax  Expense
Income  Tax  Expense
Income  Tax  Expense
Income  tax  benefit  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007  was
$59.0 million, compared with an income tax expense of $106.9
million for 2006. This variance was primarily due to the pre-tax
losses for 2007, in the Corporation’s U.S. operations, and to higher
income subject to a preferential tax rate on capital gains in Puerto
Rico when compared to 2006. In addition, income tax expense in
the Puerto Rico operations decreased due to the expiration of the
transitory provision that increased the statutory tax rate for Puerto
Rico corporations in 2006, as described earlier in the Net Interest
Income section of this MD&A.  The impact of these changes was
partially offset by lower net tax-exempt interest income and by
the  reversal  of  several  tax  positions  during  2006  upon  the
completion of various federal and Puerto Rico tax audits.

Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 was
$106.9 million, compared with $148.9 million in 2005, a decrease
of $42.0 million, or 28%. This decline was primarily due to lower
pre-tax earnings, partially offset by a decrease in net tax-exempt
interest income and by lower income subject to a preferential tax
rate  on  capital  gains  in  Puerto  Rico.  In  addition,  income  tax
expense reflected a change in the statutory tax rate from 41.5% to
43.5% in BPPR effective in 2006 and there was lower reversal of
certain tax positions during 2006 as compared to 2005.

Refer to Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements for

additional information on income taxes.

Fourth  Quarter  Results
Fourth  Quarter  Results
Fourth  Quarter  Results
Fourth  Quarter  Results
Fourth  Quarter  Results
Refer to the Statistical Summary 2006-2007 Quarterly Financial
Data presented in this MD&A.

Net interest margin, on a taxable equivalent basis, was 3.53%
for the fourth quarter of 2007, compared to 3.52% in the same
period of 2006. Net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis,
declined  by  $3.1  million,  or  less  than  1%,  compared  with  the
fourth quarter of 2006. The reduction was principally due to a
lower  taxable  equivalent  adjustment,  as  a  result  of  the  lower
marginal tax rate in 2007 of 39%, which was discussed in the Net

2007     Annual Report        29
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Interest  Income  section  of  this  MD&A.  The  average  volume  of
earning assets declined by $0.4 billion, primarily due to a $0.9
billion net reduction in money markets and securities, offset in
part  by  an  increase  in  average  loans  of  $0.5  billion,  mainly
commercial and consumer loans, reduced in part by a lower average
volume of mortgage loans. Earning assets were funded principally
through interest bearing deposits, which on average rose by $3.0
billion, and non-interest bearing sources of funds, which rose on
average by $0.3 billion. Borrowed funds decreased $3.7 billion.
Refer to the Statement of Condition and Liquidity sections of this
MD&A for explanations on changes in the mix of earning assets
and funding sources.

The provision for loan losses for the fourth quarter of 2007
increased by $94.8 million, compared with the same quarter in
2006,  principally  due  to  higher  net  charge-offs  and  to  higher
delinquencies, a trend exhibited throughout the year due to weak
economic conditions. The net charge-offs to average loans held-
in-portfolio ratio deteriorated, increasing to 1.75% in the fourth
quarter of 2007, from 0.93% for the same quarter in 2006. Net
charge-offs for the quarter ended December 31, 2007 were $141.5
million, compared with $73.4 million in the same quarter of the
previous year. The increase was experienced in mortgage loans
by $37.2 million, consumer loans by $16.7 million and commercial
loans  by  $16.1  million.  The  increase  in  net  charge-offs  on
mortgage loans primarily reflects the continued credit problems
in the U.S. mainland subprime mortgage market. Increases in net
charge-offs in the commercial loan and consumer loan portfolios
are  principally  due  to  higher  delinquencies  in  Puerto  Rico
resulting  from  the  slowdown  in  the  economy.  The  commercial
loan  sector  in  the  Corporation’s  U.S.  mainland  operations  also
experienced  higher  charge-offs.

Non-interest income amounted to $71.8 million for the quarter
ended December 31, 2007, compared with $205.3 million for the
same quarter in 2006. This decline was mostly the result of the
$90.1  million  pre-t ax  l oss  re sul ti ng  f ro m   t he  lo an
recharacterization  transaction  by  PFH,  and  to  higher  losses  on
the valuation of PFH’s residual interest by $15.0 million for the
fourth  quarter  of  2007,  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2006.
Also, there were lower gains on the sale of real estate property in
the  fourth  quarter  of  2007  by  approximately  $10.5  million,
compared  to  the  same  quarter  in  the  previous  year.  These
unfavorable variances were partially offset by higher other service
fees that included debit and credit card fees, offset in part by an
unfavorable change in the fair value of mortgage servicing rights
during  the  fourth  quarter  of  2007  due  to  market  conditions,
including changes in delinquency curves and increased servicing
costs.

Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of 2007 totaled $621.2
million,  representing  an  increase  of  $242.3  million,  compared
with  the  same  quarter  in  2006.  This  increase  was  principally

driven  by  $211.8  million  in  impairment  losses  related  to  E-
LOAN’s goodwill and trademark, and to $20.1 million in other
charges taken in the fourth quarter of 2007 associated to the E-
LOAN Restructuring Plan. The fourth quarter of 2006 included
$21.4 million in impairment charges related to goodwill and long-
lived  assets  on  the  PFH  Restructuring  Plan.  Other  factors
impacting the increase in other operating expenses for the fourth
quarter  of  2007,  when  compared  to  the  same  quarter  in  2006,
included higher salaries in part due to merit increases, additional
headcount  from  the  Puerto  Rico  acquisitions,  lower  expense
deferrals due to lower loan origination volumes, higher other real
estate expenses and credit collection expenses, partially offset by
lower equipment and business promotion expenses, among other
factors.

Income tax benefit amounted to $95.5 million in the fourth
quarter of 2007, compared to income tax expense of $18.8 million
in  the  same  quarter  of  2006.  The  main  factors  impacting  this
variance were the operating losses recorded in the U.S. operations
primarily  as  a  result  of  the  loan  recharacterization  and  the
restructuring  plans.

RRRRR E P O R T A B L E
E G M E N T  R  R  R  R  R E S U L T S
E P O R T A B L E  S  S  S  S  S E G M E N T
E S U L T S
E S U L T S
E G M E N T
E G M E N T
E P O R T A B L E
E P O R T A B L E
E S U L T S
E S U L T S
E G M E N T
E P O R T A B L E
The Corporation’s reportable segments for managerial reporting
purposes  consist  of  Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico,  EVERTEC,
Banco Popular North America, and PFH. Also, a Corporate group
supports  the  reportable  segments.  For  managerial  reporting
purposes,  the  costs  incurred  by  the  Corporate  group  are  not
allocated to the four reportable segments.

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2007, all U.S. operations were in
a single segment referred to as Popular North America. Given the
events  and  strategic  moves  commenced  by  management  in  the
fourth  quarter  of  2007  with  respect  to  selling  or  discontinuing
PFH’s  loan  origination  branch  operations,  including  the
prospective  sale  of  a  significant  portion  of  its  branch  portfolio
during  the  first  quarter  of  2008  and  the  sale  or  closure  of  its
consumer  branch  network,  management  determined  that  the
Popular  North  America  (U.S.  operations)  would  no  longer  be
evaluated as a single reportable segment. As a result, commencing
in the fourth quarter of 2007, the Corporation’s Popular North
America  reportable  segment  was  segregated  in  two  segments:
Banco Popular North America, which includes the operations of
E-LOAN; and PFH.

As  a  result  of  further  disruptions  in  the  subprime  market,
liquidity constraints with respect to financing the operations of
PFH  and  further  loan  credit  deterioration,  the  Corporation
determined  to  exit  this  business  and  allow  the  existing  loan
portfolio  that  cannot  be  sold  due  to  lack  of  market  or  to  legal
constraints  (i.e.  for  the  on-balance  sheet  securitization  not
recharacterized) to mature. As indicated in the Events Subsequent
to Year-End 2007 section of this MD&A, management opted to

30

account for a substantial portion of PFH’s maturing loans held-
in-portfolio at fair value commencing on January 1, 2008. PFH
will continue to operate its loan servicing unit.

For a more complete description of the Corporation’s reportable
segments,  including  additional  financial  information  and  the
underlying management accounting process, refer to Note 32 to
the consolidated financial statements.

The  Corporate  group  had  a  net  income  of  $44.2  million  in
2007, compared with a net loss of $28.8 million in 2006 and a net
income  of  $9.0  million  in  2005.    In  2007,  the  Corporation’s
holding companies within the Corporate group realized net gains
on  the  sale  and  valuation  adjustment  of  investment  securities,
mainly  marketable  equity  securities,  approximating  $95.5
million, mainly due to a gain on the sale of TELPRI shares in the
first quarter of 2007, while in 2006 these gains amounted to $13.9
million.

Highlights on the earnings results for the reportable segments

are discussed below.

Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico
Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico
Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico
Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico
Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico
The  Corporation’s  core  operations  in  Puerto  Rico  continued  to
perform well during 2007 despite a difficult economic environment
which  presented  credit  challenges,  aggressive  competition  and
an economy experiencing a greater slowdown than in the previous
year. As indicated earlier, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico grew its
retail  banking  business  by  acquiring  Citibank’s  retail  banking
operations,  which  added  17  branches  prior  to  branch  closings
due  to  synergies.  Also,  Popular  Securities,  a  subsidiary  within
the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico reportable segment, strengthened
its  brokerage  sales  force  and  assets  under  management  by
acquiring  Smith  Barney’s  retail  brokerage  operations  in  Puerto
Rico. Both of these acquisitions took place in the latter part of the
fourth quarter of 2007.

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico reportable segment reported net
income of $327.3 million in 2007, a decrease of $28.6 million, or
8%, when compared with the previous year. Net income amounted
to  $355.9  million  for  2006  and  $398.7  million  for  2005.  The
main factors that contributed to the variance 2007 compared to
2006 included:

• Higher  net  interest  income  by  $42.9  million,  or  5%,
primarily related to the commercial banking business;
• Higher provision for loan losses by $102.6 million, or 73%,
primarily associated with higher net charge-offs mainly in
the consumer and commercial loan portfolios due to higher
delinquencies resulting from the slowdown in the economy.
The  provision  for  loan  losses  represented  127%  of  net
charge-offs for 2007, compared with 124% in 2006. The
net  charge-offs  to  average  loans  held-in-portfolio  for  the
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico operations was 1.22% for the

year ended December 31, 2007, compared with 0.77% in
the previous year. The ratio of allowance for loan losses to
loans held-in-portfolio for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
reportable  segment  was  2.31%  at  December  31,  2007,
compared with 2.09% at December 31, 2006;

• Higher  non-interest  income  by  $53.6  million,  or  12%,
mainly due to higher other service fees by $42.0 million,
primarily  in  debit  and  credit  card  fees  and  mortgage
servicing fees. Also, there was a favorable variance in the
caption of gains on sale of loans by $16.4 million because
of a $20.1 million loss on the bulk sale of mortgage loans in
the third quarter of 2006;

• Higher  operating  expenses  by  $34.1  million,  or  5%,
primarily  associated  with  higher  professional  fees,
personnel costs, business promotion, other operating taxes
and  other  operating  expenses,  which  include  credit  card
processing  and  interchange  expenses.  Despite  the  5%
increase  in  operating  costs,  this  reportable  segment
managed costs through disciplined spending during 2007;
• Lower  income  tax  expense  by  $11.7  million,  or  9%,
primarily due to lower taxable income in 2007 than in the
previous year.

E V E R T E C
E V E R T E C
E V E R T E C
E V E R T E C
E V E R T E C
EVERTEC is the Corporation’s reportable segment dedicated to
processing  and  technology  outsourcing  services,  servicing
customers  in  Puerto  Rico,  the  Caribbean,  Central  America  and
the U.S. mainland.  EVERTEC provides support internally to the
Corporation’s subsidiaries, as well as to third parties. EVERTEC
increased  transaction  volume,  revenues  and  net  income  during
2007 in spite of a recession in its main market, Puerto Rico, and
in spite of increased competition from larger competitors across
all  regions  it  serves.  During  2007,  EVERTEC  focused  on
leveraging its existing product offering to achieve strong revenue
growth,  enhancing  competitiveness  of  the  automated  teller
machine  network,  continuously  improving  quality  levels,  and
continuing  to  develop  its  technology  infrastructure.

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007,  net  income  for  the
reportable  segment  of  EVERTEC  totaled  $31.3  million,  an
increase of $5.3 million, or 20%, compared with $26.0 million
for 2006. Net income amounted to $24.7 million for 2005.  Factors
that contributed to the variance in results for 2007 when compared
to 2006 included:

• Lower net interest loss by $1.1 million, or 57%, primarily
due to increased revenues from funds invested in securities;
• Higher  non-interest  income  by  $12.4  million,  or  5%,
mostly  as  a  result  of  higher  electronic  transactions
processing fees related to point of sale and the automated
teller  machine  network,  other  item  processing  fees
associated  with  cash  depot  services  and  payment

2007     Annual Report        31
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

processing,  and  an  increase  in  IT  consulting  services,
among  others;

• Higher  operating  expenses  by  $5.7  million,  or  3%,
primarily due to higher personnel costs, including impact
of  merit  increases,  higher  headcount,  commissions  and
medical  costs,  among  other  factors,  and  professional
services  primarily  in  programming  services.  These
variances were partially offset by lower equipment expenses
due  to  lower  software  package  expenses  and  lower
depreciation of electronic equipment.

• Higher  income  tax  expense  by  $2.5  million,  or  17%,
primarily due to higher taxable income in 2007 compared
to the previous year.

Banco  Popular  North  America
Banco  Popular  North  America
Banco  Popular  North  America
Banco  Popular  North  America
Banco  Popular  North  America
For the year ended December 31, 2007, the reportable segment of
Banco Popular North America, which includes the operations of
E-LOAN, had a net loss of $195.4 million, compared to net income
of $67.5 million for 2006 and $97.6 million for 2005.  E-LOAN’s
net loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 amounted to $245.7
million, compared to net losses of $33.0 million in 2006 and $1.6
million in 2005. E-LOAN was acquired by the Corporation in the
fourth quarter of 2005.

The main factors that contributed to the variance in results for
2007 as compared to results a year earlier for the Banco Popular
North America reportable segment included:

• Lower  net  interest  income  by  $9.4  million,  or  less  than

3%;

• Higher provision for loan losses by $49.0 million, or 105%,
primarily  due  to  higher  net  charge-offs  in  the  mortgage
and  commercial  loan  portfolios.  The  provision  for  loan
losses  represented  166%  of  net  charge-offs  for  2007,
compared with 116% of net charge-offs in 2006. The net
charge-offs to average loans held-in-portfolio for the Banco
Popular North America operations was 0.62% for the year
ended December 31, 2007, compared with 0.45% in the
previous  year.  The  ratio  of  allowance  for  loan  losses  to
loans held-in-portfolio for the Banco Popular North America
reportable  segment  was  1.26%  at  December  31,  2007,
compared with 1.00% at December 31, 2006. The increase
in  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  reflects  potential  losses
inherent in the loan portfolio as a result of current economic
conditions  and  deteriorating  market  trends,  primarily  in
the subprime mortgage loan sector and in the commercial
portfolio,  evidenced  by  an  increase  in  non-performing
assets. Refer to the Overview of Mortgage Loan Exposure
section in the Credit Risk Management and Loan Quality
area  of  this  MD&A  for  further  information  on  the
Corporation’s subprime mortgage loan exposure.

• Lower  non-interest  income  by  $32.6  million,  or  15%,
mainly  due  to  an  unfavorable  variance  in  the  caption  of
gain on sale of loans and valuation adjustments on loans
held-for-sale  by  $25.7  million  mainly  due  to  lower  loan
volume  originated  and  sold  by  E-LOAN,  lower  price
margins due to market conditions, reduced gains on sale
of SBA loans by BPNA due to lower volume, and unfavorable
lower  of  cost  or  market  adjustments  on  mortgage  loans
held-for-sale due to less liquidity in the secondary markets.
Also,  contributing  to  the  unfavorable  variance  in  non-
interest income for this reportable segment were lower gains
on the sale of real estate properties by $10.4 million. These
unfavorable variances were partially offset by higher service
charges  on  deposits  by  $5.3  million;

• Higher  operating  expenses  by  $238.7  million,  or  53%,
mainly due to the $211.8 million impairment losses related
to E-LOAN’s goodwill and trademark. Also included in the
increase  for  2007  are  the  $9.6  million  of  restructuring
charges and $10.5 million in impairment losses on long-
lived assets as a result of the E-LOAN restructuring plan.
Other  increases  in  personnel  costs,  net  occupancy  and
equipment expenses were partially offset by lower business
promotion expenses; and

• Income tax benefit of $29.5 million in 2007, compared to
income tax expense of $37.3 million in 2006. The variance
is mainly attributed to higher losses in the operations of E-
LOAN, as well as lower taxable income at BPNA.

P o p u l a r   F i n a n c i a l   H o l d i n g s
P o p u l a r   F i n a n c i a l   H o l d i n g s
P o p u l a r   F i n a n c i a l   H o l d i n g s
P o p u l a r   F i n a n c i a l   H o l d i n g s
P o p u l a r   F i n a n c i a l   H o l d i n g s
For the year ended December 31, 2007, net loss for the reportable
segment  of  Popular  Financial  Holdings  totaled  $269.4  million,
compared  to  a  net  loss  of  $61.7  million  for  2006.  Net  income
amounted  to  $10.5  million  for  2005.  The  main  factors  that
contributed to this variance in results for 2007 compared to 2006
included:

• Lower net interest income by $32.9 million, or 19%, mostly
the result of margin compression, including the impact of
higher cost of funds, and a reduction in earning assets due
to the downsizing of the operation that took effect in 2007;
• Higher  provision  for  loan  losses  by  $121.2  million,  or
121%,  primarily  due  to  higher  net  charge-offs  in  the
mortgage loan portfolio due to the continued credit problems
in  the  U.S.  mainland  subprime  mortgage  market.  The
provision for loan losses represented 129% of net charge-
offs for 2007, compared with 131% of net charge-offs in
2006. The net charge-offs to average loans held-in-portfolio
for the Popular Financial Holdings operations was 2.36%
for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared with 0.99%
for the year ended December 31, 2006. The ratio of allowance

32

for  loan  losses  to  loans  held-in-portfolio  for  the  Popular
Financial  Holdings  reportable  segment  was  2.41%  at
December  31,  2007,  compared  with  1.46%  at  December
31,  2006;

• Non-interest losses of $179.4 million in 2007, compared
to  non-interest  income  of  $39.0  million  in  2006.  The
variance was mainly due to the $90.1 million unfavorable
impact of PFH’s loan recharacterization transaction, lower
gains on the sale of loans resulting because of lower volume
of loans originated and sold as a result of the exiting of the
wholesale subprime mortgage business during 2007, and
lower  price  margins.  Also,  the  reduction  in  non-interest
income  includes  the  impact  of  the  unfavorable  valuation
adjustments of PFH’s residual interests of $85.1 million in
2007, compared with $18.7 million in 2006;

• Lower operating expenses by $47.0 million, or 23%, mainly
due to the impact of the downsizing of PFH’s operations
during 2007 and the fact that the year 2006 included $14.2
million in goodwill impairment losses and $7.2 million in
impairment  losses  on  long-lived  assets.  This  was  in  part
offset  by  $16.6  million  in  restructuring  charges  and
impairment  losses  on  long-lived  assets  taken  in  2007  as
part of the PFH Restructuring Plan and PFH Branch Network
Restructuring  Plan  described  in  the  Operating  Expenses
section of this MD&A; and

• Income tax benefit of $150.5 million in 2007, compared to
$32.8  million  in  2006,  mostly  due  to  higher  operating
losses.

ONDITION  A  A  A  A  A NALYSIS
TATEMENT      O FO FO FO FO F  C  C  C  C  C ONDITION
SSSSS TATEMENT
NALYSIS
NALYSIS
ONDITION
ONDITION
TATEMENT
TATEMENT
NALYSIS
NALYSIS
ONDITION
TATEMENT
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
Refer  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  included  in  this
Annual Report for the Corporation’s consolidated statements of
condition as of December 31, 2007 and 2006. Also, refer to the
Statistical  Summary  2003-2007  in  this  MD&A  for  condensed
statements of condition for the past five years. Earning assets at
calendar year-end 2007 totaled $40.9 billion, a decrease of 6%,
when  compared  to  $43.7  billion  at  December  31,  2006.  This
decline was principally due to the strategic decisions made with
respect to PFH’s reportable segment, which included exiting the
wholesale  subprime  mortgage  origination  business  since  early
2007 and a reduction in loans of approximately $3.2 billion that
resulted  from  the  loan  recharacterization  transaction  discussed
earlier, offset in part by growth in other loan portfolio categories.
The portfolio of investment securities, including trading and
other  securities,  totaled  $10.0  billion  at  December  31,  2007,
compared with $10.6 billion at December 31, 2006, a decrease of
6%. Notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements provide
additional information of the Corporation’s available-for-sale and
held-to-maturity investment portfolios. Also, refer to the Market

Risk  section  of  this  MD&A,  which  includes  a  table  with  the
breakdown of the trading portfolio by major types of securities at
December 31, 2007. The decline in the Corporation’s investment
securities portfolio was mainly associated with the determination
of  not  replacing  securities  that  were  maturing,  in  part  because
the  interest  spread  was  not  favorable,  and  also  as  part  of  the
Corporation’s strategy to deleverage the balance sheet and reduce
lower  yielding  assets.

A breakdown of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, the principal

category of earning assets, is presented in Table G.

The  main  challenge  during  2007  for  the  Corporation’s
commercial  business  sector  was  maintaining  portfolio  growth
while curtailing delinquency. Commercial loans increased by $1.1
billion, or 8%, from December 31, 2006 to the same date in 2007,
and  included  growth  in  commercial  mortgage,  participations,
franchise, SBA and construction loans, among others. Commercial
construction  loans,  which  are  included  as  part  of  commercial
loans in Table G, totaled $1.9 billion at December 31, 2007, an
increase  of  37%,  compared  with  $1.4  billion  at  December  31,
2006. The growth in the construction loan sector was focused on
experienced  developers,  small  condos,  and  the  social  interest
market.

The decrease in the lease financing portfolio from December
31, 2006 to the end of 2007 was mostly reflected in the Puerto
Rico  operations,  whose  leasing  portfolio  decreased  by
approximately  $74  million,  or  8%,  compared  to  December  31,
2006.  As  in  the  prior  year,  the  Corporation’s  lease  financing
subsidiary in Puerto Rico (“the Island”) was impacted by strong
competition and slowdown in the Island’s economy. The Banco
Popular North America reportable segment also reflected a decline
in  its  lease  financing  portfolio,  including  the  runoff  of
underperforming lease financings.

Mortgage loans at December 31, 2007 decreased by $4.3 billion,
or 36%, from December 31, 2006. The PFH reportable segment’s
mortgage loan portfolio was reduced by  $4.5 billion.  This decline
at PFH was principally the result of the aforementioned strategies,
which included exiting the wholesale mortgage loan origination
channel and completing the loan recharacterization transaction.
The latter strategy of converting on-balance sheet securitizations
to sale transactions resulted in the removal of approximately $3.2
billion  in  mortgage  loans  from  the  Corporation’s  books.  Also,
PFH  completed  one  new  off-balance  sheet  securitization
transaction  in  2007  involving  approximately  $461  million  in
unpaid  principal  balance  of  mortgage  loans.  The  reduction  in
mortgage  loans  by  PFH  was  partially  offset  by  increases  in  the
Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico  reportable  segment.  Despite  the
slowdown  in  the  housing  market,  Popular  Mortgage  in  Puerto
Rico increased its loan production due to successful sales efforts
and market share gained from past major competitors. Also, the
Banco Popular North America reportable segment was impacted

2007     Annual Report        33
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

T a b l e   G
T a b l e   G
T a b l e   G
T a b l e   G
T a b l e   G
Loans Ending Balances (including Loans Held-for-Sale)

(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial*
Lease financing
Mortgage**
Consumer
 Total

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
$ 1 5 , 6 2 7 , 1 6 3
$ 1 5 , 6 2 7 , 1 6 3
$ 1 5 , 6 2 7 , 1 6 3
$ 1 5 , 6 2 7 , 1 6 3
$ 1 5 , 6 2 7 , 1 6 3
1 , 1 6 4 , 4 3 9
1 , 1 6 4 , 4 3 9
1 , 1 6 4 , 4 3 9
1 , 1 6 4 , 4 3 9
1 , 1 6 4 , 4 3 9
7 , 4 3 4 , 8 0 0
7 , 4 3 4 , 8 0 0
7 , 4 3 4 , 8 0 0
7 , 4 3 4 , 8 0 0
7 , 4 3 4 , 8 0 0
5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0

$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2
$ 2 9 , 9 1 1 , 0 0 2

2006

$14,536,837
1,226,490
11,695,156
5,278,456
$32,736,939

2005

$12,757,886
1,308,091
12,872,452
4,771,778
$31,710,207

2004

$10,897,747
1,164,606
12,641,329
4,038,579
$28,742,261

2003
$8,571,165
1,053,821
9,708,536
3,268,670
$22,602,192

Five-Year
C.G.R.
13.96%
5.60
(0.09)
12.90
8.84%

As of December 31,

*Includes commercial construction.

**Includes residential construction.

by growth in non-conventional mortgages. Refer to the Overview
of  Mortgage  Loan  Exposure  section  in  the  Credit  Risk
Management  and  Loan  Quality  area  of  this  MD&A  for  further
information on the Corporation’s mortgage loan exposure.

A breakdown of the Corporation’s consumer loan portfolio at

December 31, 2007 and 2006 follows:

(In thousands)

2007
2007
2007
    2007
2007

2006

Change %  Change

Personal
Credit cards
Auto
Other
Total

$ 3 , 2 7 6 , 6 7 5
$ 3 , 2 7 6 , 6 7 5
$ 3 , 2 7 6 , 6 7 5
$ 3 , 2 7 6 , 6 7 5
$ 3 , 2 7 6 , 6 7 5
1 , 1 2 8 , 1 3 7
1 , 1 2 8 , 1 3 7
1 , 1 2 8 , 1 3 7
1 , 1 2 8 , 1 3 7
1 , 1 2 8 , 1 3 7
1 , 0 4 0 , 7 4 3
1 , 0 4 0 , 7 4 3
1 , 0 4 0 , 7 4 3
1 , 0 4 0 , 7 4 3
1 , 0 4 0 , 7 4 3
2 3 9 , 0 4 5
2 3 9 , 0 4 5
2 3 9 , 0 4 5
2 3 9 , 0 4 5
2 3 9 , 0 4 5

$ 5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
$ 5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
$ 5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
$ 5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0
$ 5 , 6 8 4 , 6 0 0

$2,457,619
1,032,546
1,570,308
217,983
$5,278,456

$819,056
95,591
(529,565)
21,062
$406,144

33%
9
(34)
10
8%

The  increase  in  personal  loans  from  December  31,  2006  to
December 31, 2007 was principally attributed to higher volume
of home equity lines of credit in the Banco Popular North America
operations, particularly from loan originations by E-LOAN. Also,
the  increase  in  personal  loans  was  associated  to  the  Citibank
acquisition  in  Puerto  Rico,  which  contributed  with  over  $180
million  in  personal  loans  at  acquisition  date.  Credit  cards  also
increased  from  December  31,  2006  to  the  same  date  in  2007,
principally in the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico reportable segment,
whose credit card portfolio grew 8% from the end of 2006, mostly
as  a  result  of  higher  sales  volume,  new  credit  cards  launched,
effective  mailing  campaigns  that  included  convenience  checks,
and volume generated for benefits derived from the loyalty rewards
program, among other factors. Banco Popular North America also
contributed  with  a  newly  originated  credit  card  portfolio  of
approximately  $12  million,  as  a  result  of  initiating  the  credit
cards issuance business during 2007. Auto loans decreased from
the end of 2006 to the same date in 2007 by $530 million, or 34%.
There was a decline in the auto loan portfolio of the Banco Popular
North America reportable segment by approximately $508 million.
BPNA’s  auto  loan  portfolio  continues  to  runoff  because  of
management’s  decision  to  cease  auto  loan  originations  through

dealer channels. Furthermore, the Corporation completed a sale of
over $275 million in auto loans to a third-party buyer in December
2007, which had been originated by E-LOAN. Also contributing
to the reduction in the Corporation’s auto loan portfolio was the
economic slowdown in the Puerto Rico market, which reduced
automobile sales and decreased the size of the overall auto loan
market. The “other” category of consumer loans includes marine
loans and revolving lines of credit. The increase in this category
is principally due to reserve lines of credit by approximately $16
million from the Citibank portfolio acquired. Despite the growth
in the consumer lending business, this business in Puerto Rico
was negatively impacted by the economic downturn in the Island
which has led to a deterioration of credit quality, as evidenced by
the increase in consumer loan charge-offs, depicted later in the
Credit Risk Management and Loan Quality section of this MD&A.
Servicing  assets  increased  $32  million,  or  19%,  from
December 31, 2006 to the same date in 2007. Refer to Note 22 to
the consolidated financial statements for further information on
the composition and accounting for servicing assets. The growth
in  servicing  rights  was  mainly  due  to  purchased  mortgage
servicing  rights  in  the  PFH  operations,  mortgage  servicing
rights derived from the off-balance sheet securitization executed
by PFH in 2007 and the loan recharacterization transaction, and
from sales and securitizations of originated loans by the Puerto
Rico operations. Also, the increase was due in part to the adoption
of SFAS No. 156 during 2007, pursuant to which the Corporation
elected  to  account  for  residential  mortgage  servicing  rights  at
fair value. These favorable impacts were offset in part by reductions
in the servicing rights value, as a result of maturity run-off of the
serviced  portfolio.

34

The  following  table  provides  a  breakdown  of  the  principal
categories  that  comprise  the  caption  of  “Other  assets”  in  the
consolidated  statements  of  condition  as  of  December  31,  2007
and 2006.

of a total of $63.8 million prior to the impairment charge. Refer to
Note  12  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  further
information on goodwill and the composition of other intangible
assets by reportable business segments.

(In thousands)
Net deferred tax assets
Bank-owned life insurance

program

Prepaid expenses
Securitization advances and

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

$525,369
$525,369
$525,369
$525,369
$525,369

2006

Change
$359,433 $165,936

2 1 5 , 1 7 1
2 1 5 , 1 7 1
2 1 5 , 1 7 1
2 1 5 , 1 7 1
2 1 5 , 1 7 1
1 8 8 , 2 3 7
1 8 8 , 2 3 7
1 8 8 , 2 3 7
1 8 8 , 2 3 7
1 8 8 , 2 3 7

206,331
168,717

8,840
19,520

related assets

1 6 8 , 5 9 9
1 6 8 , 5 9 9
1 6 8 , 5 9 9
1 6 8 , 5 9 9
1 6 8 , 5 9 9

181,387

(12,788)

Investments under the equity

method

Derivative assets
Others
Total

8 9 , 8 7 0
8 9 , 8 7 0
8 9 , 8 7 0
8 9 , 8 7 0
8 9 , 8 7 0
7 6 , 9 5 8
7 6 , 9 5 8
7 6 , 9 5 8
7 6 , 9 5 8
7 6 , 9 5 8
1 9 2 , 7 9 0
1 9 2 , 7 9 0
1 9 2 , 7 9 0
1 9 2 , 7 9 0
1 9 2 , 7 9 0
$ 1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
$ 1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
$ 1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
$ 1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
$ 1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4

66,794
23,076
21,545
55,413
408,816 (216,026)
$10,103

$1,446,891

Explanations for the most significant variances in other assets

follow:

• The decrease in “others” was mainly due to trade receivables
of  $232  million  outstanding  at  December  31,  2006  for
mortgage-backed  securities  sold  prior  to  year-end,  with
settlement date in January 2007.

• The increase in net deferred tax assets was mostly associated
with  PFH  due  to  the  impact  of  the  loss  on  the  loan
recharacterization transaction and on the valuation of PFH’s
residual  interests  since  these  losses  were  recognized  for
tax  purposes  in  a  different  period  causing  a  timing
difference.  Also,  the  increase  is  due  to  the  net  operating
loss  carryforwards  in  certain  tax  jurisdictions  and  to  the
reversal of a deferred tax liability due to the impairment of
E-LOAN’s  trademark.  Transactions  that  were  treated  as
on-balance  sheet  securitizations  for  accounting  purposes
were treated as sales for tax purposes since inception. Refer
to Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements for the
composition of deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2007,
compared to the results at December 31, 2006.

Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets  at  December  31,  2007
reflected  a  decline  of  $75  million,  or  10%,  when  compared  to
December 31, 2006. This reduction was principally the result of
the  aforementioned  write-down  in  E-LOAN’s  goodwill  and
trademark for $211.8 million, partially offset by recorded goodwill
and  core  deposit  intangibles  of  $126  million  and  $21  million,
respectively,  that  are  related  to  the  Citibank  retail  business
acquisition and Smith Barney's retail brokerage operations by the
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico reportable segment  in late 2007.
After recording the estimated impairment charge, the full amount
of E-LOAN’s goodwill of $164.4 million was eliminated while the
balance in trademark remains at approximately $16.4 million, out

Deposits,  Borrowings  and  Other  Liabilities
Deposits,  Borrowings  and  Other  Liabilities
Deposits,  Borrowings  and  Other  Liabilities
Deposits,  Borrowings  and  Other  Liabilities
Deposits,  Borrowings  and  Other  Liabilities
The composition of the Corporation’s financing to total assets at
December 31, 2007 and 2006 was as follows:

(Dollars in millions)

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

% increase (decrease) % of total assets
2006

from 2006 to 2007

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

$ 4 , 5 1 1
$ 4 , 5 1 1
$ 4 , 5 1 1
$ 4 , 5 1 1
$ 4 , 5 1 1

1 5 , 5 5 3
1 5 , 5 5 3
1 5 , 5 5 3
1 5 , 5 5 3
1 5 , 5 5 3

Non-interest bearing
deposits
Interest-bearing core
deposits
Other interest-bearing
deposits
Federal funds and
repurchase agreements 5 , 4 3 7
5 , 4 3 7
5 , 4 3 7
5 , 4 3 7
5 , 4 3 7
Other short-term
borrowings
Notes payable
Others
Stockholders’ equity

8 , 2 7 1
8 , 2 7 1
8 , 2 7 1
8 , 2 7 1
8 , 2 7 1

1 , 5 0 2
1 , 5 0 2
1 , 5 0 2
1 , 5 0 2
1 , 5 0 2

3 , 5 8 2
3 , 5 8 2
3 , 5 8 2
3 , 5 8 2
3 , 5 8 2

4 , 6 2 1
4 , 6 2 1
4 , 6 2 1
4 , 6 2 1
4 , 6 2 1

9 3 49 3 49 3 49 3 49 3 4

$4,222

14,923

5,293

5,762

4,034
8,737
813
3,620

6.8%

1 0 . 2 %
1 0 . 2 %
1 0 . 2 %
1 0 . 2 %
1 0 . 2 %

8.9%

4.2

56.3

(5.6)

(62.8)
(47.1)
14.9
(1.1)

3 5 . 0
3 5 . 0
3 5 . 0
3 5 . 0
3 5 . 0

31.5

1 8 . 6
1 8 . 6
1 8 . 6
1 8 . 6
1 8 . 6

11.2

1 2 . 2
1 2 . 2
1 2 . 2
1 2 . 2
1 2 . 2

12.2

3 . 43 . 43 . 43 . 43 . 4

1 0 . 4
1 0 . 4
1 0 . 4
1 0 . 4
1 0 . 4

2 . 12 . 12 . 12 . 12 . 1

8 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 18 . 1

8.5
18.4
1.7
7.6

The  Corporation’s  deposits  by  categories  for  2007  and
previous years are presented in Table H. Total deposits increased
$3.9 billion, or 16%, from the end of 2006 to December 31, 2007.
The acquisition of the Citibank retail branches in Puerto Rico in
the  fourth  quarter  of  2007  contributed  with  approximately  $1
billion  in  deposits,  principally  in  time  deposits  and  savings
accounts.

Time  deposits  totaled  $13.4  billion  at  December  31,  2007.
When compared to December 31, 2006, this category increased
by $3.1 billion, or 30%. Brokered certificates of deposit reflected
a  significant  increase  of  $2.3  billion.  The  increase  in  brokered
certificates  of  deposit  is  directly  related  to  the  Corporation’s
decision to substitute short-term borrowings with deposits as a
result of continued instability in the global financial and capital
markets  during  the  second  half  of  2007.  Refer  to  the  Liquidity
Risk section later in this MD&A for further information on the
Corporation’s  banking  subsidiaries  and  holding  companies
liquidity  position.  Also,  the  increase  in  time  deposits  from
December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007 was due to time deposits
from the Citibank retail branch acquisition, competitive interest
rate  campaigns  by  BPPR  focused  on  certificates  of  deposit  to
individuals, growth in IRA deposits and increased volume of time
deposits gathered through the E-LOAN Internet platform, among
other factors. At December 31, 2007, $791 million in time deposits
were gathered through the E-LOAN on-line platform, an increase
of $365 million, or 86%, when compared to December 31, 2006.

2007    Annual Report         35
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Table  H
Table  H
Table  H
Table  H
Table  H
Deposits Ending Balances

As of December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)
Demand deposits*
Savings, NOW and

money market deposits

Time deposits
 Total

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
$ 5 , 1 1 5 , 8 7 5
$ 5 , 1 1 5 , 8 7 5
$ 5 , 1 1 5 , 8 7 5
$ 5 , 1 1 5 , 8 7 5
$ 5 , 1 1 5 , 8 7 5

2006
$4,910,848

2005
$4,415,972

2004
$4,173,268

2003
$3,726,707

9 , 8 0 4 , 6 0 5
9 , 8 0 4 , 6 0 5
9 , 8 0 4 , 6 0 5
9 , 8 0 4 , 6 0 5
9 , 8 0 4 , 6 0 5
1 3 , 4 1 3 , 9 9 8
1 3 , 4 1 3 , 9 9 8
1 3 , 4 1 3 , 9 9 8
1 3 , 4 1 3 , 9 9 8
1 3 , 4 1 3 , 9 9 8

$ 2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
$ 2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
$ 2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
$ 2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
$ 2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8

9,200,732
10,326,751
$24,438,331

8,800,047
9,421,986
$22,638,005

8,865,831
7,554,061
$20,593,160

7,839,291
6,531,830
$18,097,828

*Includes interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits.

Five-Year
C.G.R.
8.72%

5.19
15.12

9.97%

Savings,  NOW  and  money  market  deposits  increased  7%,
when compared to December 31, 2006. This growth was mainly
derived from the acquisition of the Citibank branches in Puerto
Rico.

Borrowed funds totaled $11.6 billion at December 31, 2007, a
decrease of $7 billion, or 38%, compared to December 31, 2006.
This  decline  was  principally  due  to  the  loan  recharacterization
transaction  discussed  earlier,  which  reduced  the  balance  of
securitized debt in the form of bond certificates to investors by
approximately $3.1 billion. Also, the Corporation placed greater
reliance on deposits. Several strategies were put in place by the
Corporation’s  banking  subsidiaries  to  mitigate  the  impact  of
current market conditions on liquidity risk. Among the strategies
implemented  was  the  utilization  of  unpledged  liquid  assets  to
raise financing in the repo markets, the proceeds of which were
also  used  to  pay  off  unsecured  borrowings.  Furthermore,  the
reduction in borrowed funds was also impacted by the strategy to
deleverage the balance sheet and not reinvest proceeds obtained
from  maturing  securities.  Refer  to  Notes  14  through  18  to  the
consolidated  financial  statements  for  additional  information  on
the Corporation’s borrowings at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Also,  refer  to  the  Liquidity  Risk  section  of  this  MD&A  for
additional  information  on  the  Corporation’s  funding  sources  at
December 31, 2007.

S t o c k h o l d e r s ’   E q u i t y
S t o c k h o l d e r s ’   E q u i t y
S t o c k h o l d e r s ’   E q u i t y
S t o c k h o l d e r s ’   E q u i t y
S t o c k h o l d e r s ’   E q u i t y
Total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2007 and December
31, 2006 was $3.6 billion. The reduction in stockholders’ equity
due to the net loss for the year 2007 and to the dividend payouts
was partially offset by the net impact of unrealized gains in the
valuation of available-for-sale securities at year-end 2007 of $21
million, compared to unrealized losses of $155 million in year-
end 2006. Refer to the consolidated statements of condition and of
stockholders’ equity included in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements for further information on its composition.
Also, the disclosures of accumulated other comprehensive income

(loss), an integral component of stockholders’ equity, are included
in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The  Corporation  offers  a  dividend  reinvestment  and  stock
purchase  plan  for  its  stockholders  that  allows  them  to  reinvest
their  quarterly  dividends  in  shares  of  common  stock  at  a  5%
discount from the average market price at the time of the issuance,
as  well  as  purchase  shares  of  common  stock  directly  from  the
Corporation  by  making  optional  cash  payments  at  prevailing
market prices. During 2007, $20.2 million in additional capital
was issued under the plan, compared to $16.5 million in 2006.

The  Corporation  continues  to  exceed  the  well-capitalized
guidelines  under  the  federal  banking  regulations.  At  December
31,  2007  and  2006,  BPPR,  BPNA  and  Banco  Popular,  National
Association (“BP, N.A.”) were all well-capitalized. Table I presents
the Corporation’s capital adequacy information for the years 2003
to 2007. Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements presents
further  information  on  the  Corporation’s  regulatory  capital
requirements.

Included within surplus in stockholders’ equity at December
31, 2007 was $374 million corresponding to a statutory reserve
fund applicable exclusively to Puerto Rico banking institutions.
This statutory reserve fund totaled $346 million at December 31,
2006.  The  Banking  Act  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Puerto  Rico
requires that a minimum of 10% of BPPR’s net income for the year
be transferred to a statutory reserve account until such statutory
reserve equals the total of paid-in capital on common and preferred
stock. During 2007, $28 million were transferred to the statutory
reserve. Any losses incurred by a bank must first be charged to
retained earnings and then to the reserve fund. Amounts credited
to the reserve fund may not be used to pay dividends without the
prior  consent  of  the  Puerto  Rico’s  Commissioner  of  Financial
Institutions. The failure to maintain sufficient statutory reserves
would preclude BPPR from paying dividends. At December 31,
2007 and 2006, BPPR was in compliance with the statutory reserve
requirement. The more relevant capital requirements applicable
to  the  Corporation  are  the  federal  banking  agencies  capital
requirements included in Table I.

36

T a b l e   I
T a b l e   I
T a b l e   I
T a b l e   I
T a b l e   I
Capital Adequacy Data

(Dollars in thousands)

Risk-based capital:
Tier I capital
Supplementary (Tier II) capital

Total capital

Risk-weighted assets:
Balance sheet items
Off-balance sheet items

Total risk-weighted assets

Ratios:

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

2004

2003

As of December 31,

$ 3 , 3 6 1 , 1 3 2
$ 3 , 3 6 1 , 1 3 2
$ 3 , 3 6 1 , 1 3 2
$ 3 , 3 6 1 , 1 3 2
$ 3 , 3 6 1 , 1 3 2
4 1 7 , 1 3 2
4 1 7 , 1 3 2
4 1 7 , 1 3 2
4 1 7 , 1 3 2
4 1 7 , 1 3 2
$ 3 , 7 7 8 , 2 6 4
$ 3 , 7 7 8 , 2 6 4
$ 3 , 7 7 8 , 2 6 4
$ 3 , 7 7 8 , 2 6 4
$ 3 , 7 7 8 , 2 6 4

$3,727,860
441,591
$4,169,451

$3,540,270
403,355
$3,943,625

$3,316,009
389,638
$3,705,647

$2,834,599
341,840
$3,176,439

$ 3 0 , 2 9 4 , 4 1 8
$ 3 0 , 2 9 4 , 4 1 8
$ 3 0 , 2 9 4 , 4 1 8
$ 3 0 , 2 9 4 , 4 1 8
$ 3 0 , 2 9 4 , 4 1 8
2 , 9 1 5 , 3 4 5
2 , 9 1 5 , 3 4 5
2 , 9 1 5 , 3 4 5
2 , 9 1 5 , 3 4 5
2 , 9 1 5 , 3 4 5
$ 3 3 , 2 0 9 , 7 6 3
$ 3 3 , 2 0 9 , 7 6 3
$ 3 3 , 2 0 9 , 7 6 3
$ 3 3 , 2 0 9 , 7 6 3
$ 3 3 , 2 0 9 , 7 6 3

$32,519,457
2,623,264
$35,142,721

$29,557,342
2,141,922
$31,699,264

$26,561,212
1,495,948
$28,057,160

$21,384,288
1,411,402
$22,795,690

Tier I capital (minimum required - 4.00%)
Total capital (minimum required - 8.00%)
Leverage ratio*
Equity to assets
Tangible equity to assets
Equity to loans
Internal capital generation rate

1 0 . 1 2 %
1 0 . 1 2 %
1 0 . 1 2 %
1 0 . 1 2 %
1 0 . 1 2 %
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8
1 1 . 3 8
7 . 3 3
7 . 3 3
7 . 3 3
7 . 3 3
7 . 3 3
8 . 2 0
8 . 2 0
8 . 2 0
8 . 2 0
8 . 2 0
6 . 6 4
6 . 6 4
6 . 6 4
6 . 6 4
6 . 6 4
1 1 . 7 9
1 1 . 7 9
1 1 . 7 9
1 1 . 7 9
1 1 . 7 9
( 6 . 6 1 )
( 6 . 6 1 )
( 6 . 6 1 )
( 6 . 6 1 )
( 6 . 6 1 )

10.61%
11.86
8.05
7.75
6.25
11.66
4.48

11.17%
12.44
7.47
7.06
5.86
11.01
10.93

11.82%
13.21
7.78
7.28
6.59
11.55
10.82

12.43%
13.93
8.00
7.34
6.76
12.28
12.84

* All banks are required to have a minimum Tier I leverage ratio of 3% or 4% of adjusted quarterly average assets, depending on the bank's classification.

The  average  tangible  equity  amounted  to  $3.1  billion  and
$3.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006,
respectively. Total tangible equity was $2.9 billion at December
31, 2007 and $2.8 billion at the end of 2006. The average tangible
equity  to  average  tangible  assets  ratio  for  2007  was  6.64%,
compared with 6.25% in 2006.

I N A N C I N G  E  E  E  E  E N T I T I E S
A L A N C E  S  S  S  S  S H E E TH E E TH E E TH E E TH E E T  F  F  F  F  F I N A N C I N G
OOOOO F FF FF FF FF F-B-B-B-B-B A L A N C E
N T I T I E S
N T I T I E S
I N A N C I N G
I N A N C I N G
A L A N C E
A L A N C E
N T I T I E S
N T I T I E S
I N A N C I N G
A L A N C E
The Corporation, through certain subsidiaries of PFH, conducted
a  program  of  asset  securitizations  that  involved  the  transfer  of
mortgage  loans  to  a  special  purpose  entity  depositor,  which  in
turn transferred those mortgage loans to different securitization
trusts,  thus  isolating  those  loans  from  the  Corporation’s  assets.
The  securitization  trusts  that  constituted  “qualified  special
purpose  entities”  (“QSPEs”)  under  the  provisions  of  SFAS  No.
140 and are associated with securitizations that qualified for sale
accounting  under  SFAS  No.  140  are  not  consolidated  in  the
Corporation’s  financial  statements.  The  investors  in  these  off-
balance sheet securitizations have no recourse to the Corporation’s
assets or revenues. The Corporation’s creditors have no recourse
to any assets or revenues of the special purpose entity depositor,
or the securitization trust funds. As of December 31, 2007 and
2006, the Corporation had mortgage loans of approximately $5.4
billion  and  $2.3  billion,  respectively,  in  securitization
transactions that qualified for off-balance sheet treatment. These
transactions had liabilities in the form of debt securities payable
to  investors  from  the  assets  inside  each  securitization  trust  of
approximately $5.1 billion and $2.3 billion at the end of 2007 and

2006,  respectively.  The  Corporation  retained  servicing
responsibilities  and  certain  subordinated  interests  in  these
securitizations  in  the  form  of  residual  interests.  Their  value  is
subject  to  credit,  prepayment  and  interest  rate  risks  on  the
transferred  financial  assets.  The  servicing  rights  and  residual
interests retained by the Corporation are recorded in the statement
of condition as of December 31, 2007 at fair value. Refer to the
Significant U.S. Strategic Events and Critical Accounting Policies
/ Estimates sections in this MD&A for further information.

RRRRR I S KI S KI S KI S KI S K  M  M  M  M  M A N A G E M E N T
A N A G E M E N T
A N A G E M E N T
A N A G E M E N T
A N A G E M E N T
Risk  identification  and  monitoring  are  key  elements  in  overall
risk management. The Corporation’s primary risk exposures are
market,  liquidity,  credit  and  operational  risks,  all  of  which  are
discussed  in  the  following  sections.

Market  Risk
Market  Risk
Market  Risk
Market  Risk
Market  Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the
fair value of financial instruments or other assets due to changes
in  interest  rates,  currency  exchange  rates  or  equity  prices.  The
financial results and capital levels of Popular, Inc. are constantly
exposed  to  market  risk.  It  is  a  primary  responsibility  of  the
Corporation’s Board of Directors (“the Board”) and management
to ensure that the level of market risk assumed throughout all of
the subsidiaries of Popular as well as on a consolidated basis, is
within  policy  guidelines  approved  by  the  Board.  The  Board
delegates  the  monitoring  of  this  risk  to  the  Board’s  Risk
Management Committee, and its management to the Market Risk

2007    Annual Report         37
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Committee (“the Committee”) of Popular, Inc., which is composed
of certain executive officers, and senior officers from the business,
treasury  and  finance  areas.  The  Committee’s  primary  goal  is  to
ensure that the market risk assumed by the Corporation remains
within the parameters of the Board’s policies.

Interest  Rate  Risk
Interest  Rate  Risk
Interest  Rate  Risk
Interest  Rate  Risk
Interest  Rate  Risk
Interest  rate  risk  represents  the  exposure  of  the  Corporation’s
profitability  or  market  value  to  changes  in  interest  rates.
Management  considers  interest  rate  risk  (IRR)  a  predominant
market risk in terms of its potential impact on earnings.

The  Corporation  is  subject  to  various  categories  of  interest

rate  risk,  including:

• Repricing or Term Structure Risk – this risk arises due to
mismatches in the timing of rate changes and cash flows
from the Corporation’s assets and liabilities. For example,
if assets reprice or mature at a faster pace than liabilities
and  interest  rates  are  generally  declining,  earnings  could
initially  decline.

• Basis  Risk  –  this  risk  involves  changes  in  the  spread
relationship  of  the  different  rates  that  impact  the
Corporation’s  balance  sheet.  This  type  of  risk  is  present
when assets and liabilities have similar repricing frequencies
but are tied to different market interest rate indexes.

• Yield Curve Risk - short-term and long-term market interest
rates  may  change  by  different  amounts;  for  example,  the
shape  of  the  yield  curve  may  affect  new  loan  yields  and
funding costs differently.

• Options  Risk  –  changes  in  interest  rates  may  shorten  or
lengthen the maturities of assets and liabilities. For example,
prepayments,  which  tend  to  increase  when  market  rates
decline,  may  accelerate  maturities  for  mortgage  related
products.  In  addition,  call  options  in  the  Corporation’s
investment portfolios may be exercised in a declining rate.
Conversely, the opposite would occur in a rising interest
rate scenario.

In addition to the risks detailed above, interest rates may have
an indirect impact on loan demand, credit losses, loan origination
volume,  the  value  of  the  Corporation’s  investment  securities
holdings, including residual interests, gains and losses on sales
of  securities  and  loans,  the  value  of  mortgage  servicing  rights,
and other sources of earnings.

In limiting interest rate risk to an acceptable level, management
may alter the mix of floating and fixed rate assets and liabilities,
change  pricing  schedules,  adjust  maturities  through  sales  and
purchases  of  investment  securities,  and  enter  into  derivative
contracts,  among  other  alternatives.

The  Corporation  maintains  a  formal  asset  and  liability
management  process  to  quantify,  monitor  and  control  interest

rate risk and to assist management in maintaining stability in the
net interest income under varying interest rate environments.

The Committee implements the market risk policies approved
by the Board as well as the risk management strategies reviewed
and adopted in Committee meetings. The Committee measures
and monitors the level of short and long-term IRR assumed by the
Corporation and its subsidiaries. It uses simulation analysis and
static  gap  estimates  for  measuring  short-term  IRR.  Duration
analysis is used to quantify the level of long-term IRR assumed,
and focuses on the estimated economic value of the Corporation,
that  is,  the  difference  between  the  estimated  market  value  of
financial  assets  less  the  estimated  value  of  financial  liabilities.
Due to the importance of critical assumptions in measuring market
risk, the risk models incorporate third-party developed data for
critical  assumptions  such  as  prepayment  speeds  on  mortgage-
related products, estimates on the duration of the Corporation’s
deposits and interest rate scenarios.

Static gap analysis measures the volume of assets and liabilities
maturing  or  repricing  at  a  future  point  in  time.  The  repricing
volumes typically include adjustments for anticipated future asset
prepayments  and  for  differences  in  sensitivity  to  market  rates.
The  volume  of  assets  and  liabilities  repricing  during  future
periods, particularly within one year, is used as one short-term
indicator of IRR. Table K presents the static gap estimate for the
Corporation as of December 31, 2007. These static measurements
do  not  reflect  the  results  of  any  projected  activity  and  are  best
used as early indicators of potential interest rate exposures. They
do not incorporate possible action that could be taken to manage
the Corporation’s IRR.

The  interest  rate  sensitivity  gap  is  defined  as  the  difference
between  earning  assets  and  interest  bearing  liabilities  maturing
or repricing within a given time period. At December 31, 2007,
the  Corporation’s  one-year  cumulative  positive  gap  was  $3.3
billion or 8.12% of total earning assets.

Net  interest  income  simulation  analysis  performed  by  legal
entity  and  on  a  consolidated  basis  is  another  tool  used  by  the
Corporation in estimating the potential change in future earnings
resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates. Sensitivity
analysis is calculated on a monthly basis using a simulation model,
which  incorporates  actual  balance  sheet  figures  detailed  by
maturity and interest yields or costs, the expected balance sheet
dynamics,  reinvestments,  and  other  non-interest  related  data.
Simulations  are  processed  using  various  interest  rate  scenarios
to estimate how sensitive future net interest income is to changes
in interest rates. The asset and liability management group also
performs validation procedures on various assumptions used as
part  of  the  sensitivity  analysis.

Simulation analyses are based on many assumptions, including
relative levels of market interest rates, interest rate spreads, loan
prepayments and deposit decay. Thus, they should not be relied

38

T a b l e   J
T a b l e   J
T a b l e   J
T a b l e   J
T a b l e   J
Common Stock Performance

                      Market Price

High

Low

Cash
Dividends
Declared
Per Share

Book
Value
Per
Share

Dividend
Payout
Ratio

Dividend
 Yield *

Price/
Earnings
Ratio

Market/
Book
Ratio

( 2 3 3 . 8 9 % )
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 % )
$ 1 2 . 1 2
$ 1 2 . 1 2
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 % )
$ 1 2 . 1 2 ( 2 3 3 . 8 9 % )
( 2 3 3 . 8 9 % )
$ 1 2 . 1 2
$ 1 2 . 1 2

( 3 9 . 2 6 x )
( 3 9 . 2 6 x )
4 . 3 8 %
4 . 3 8 %
( 3 9 . 2 6 x )
4 . 3 8 % ( 3 9 . 2 6 x )
( 3 9 . 2 6 x )
4 . 3 8 %
4 . 3 8 %

8 7 . 4 6 %
8 7 . 4 6 %
8 7 . 4 6 %
8 7 . 4 6 %
8 7 . 4 6 %

$12$12$12$12$121/2
16161616161/6
17171717171/2
1 91 91 91 91 9

$192/3
201/8
22
211/5

$24
271/2
252/3
28

$287/8
261/3
22
24

$237/9
203/5
202/5
171/2

$8$8$8$8$82/3
11111111113/8
15151515155/6
15151515155/6

$ 0 . 1 6
$ 0 . 1 6
$ 0 . 1 6
$ 0 . 1 6
$ 0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6
0 . 1 6

$172/9
172/5
181/2
191/2

$201/9
242/9
23
234/5

$241/2
211/2
20
211/2

 $198/9
181/3
17
16

$0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16

$0.16
0.16
0.16
0.16

$0.16
0.16
0.16
0.14

$0.14
0.13
0.14
0.10

12.32

51.02

3.26

14.48

145.70

11.82

32.31

2.60

10.68

178.93

10.95

32.85

2.50

16.11

263.29

9.66

27.05

2.45

12.93

232.14

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
4th4th4th4th4th  quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter
3rd3rd3rd3rd3rd  quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter
2 n d2 n d2 n d2 n d2 n d  quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter
1st1st1st1st1st  quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter
quarter

2006
4th quarter
3rd quarter
2nd quarter
1st quarter

2005
4th quarter
3rd quarter
2nd quarter
1st quarter

2004
4th quarter
3rd quarter
2nd quarter
1st quarter

2003
4th quarter
3rd quarter
2nd quarter
1st quarter

* Based on the average high and low market price for the four quarters.
Note: All per share data has been adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split effected in the form of a dividend on July 8, 2004.

upon as indicative of actual results. Further, the estimates do not
contemplate actions that management could take to respond to
changes in interest rates. By their nature, these forward-looking
computations are only estimates and may be different from what
may actually occur in the future.

Based on the results of the simulation analyses as of December
31,  2007,  the  Corporation’s  net  interest  income  for  the  next
twelve  months  is  estimated  to  increase  by  $50.4  million  in  a
hypothetical  200  basis  points  parallel  rising  rate  scenario,  and
the change for the same period, utilizing a similar size declining
rate  scenario,  is  an  estimated  decrease  of  $44.3  million.  Both
hypothetical  rate  scenarios  consider  the  gradual  change  to  be

achieved during a twelve-month period from the prevailing rates
at December 31, 2007.

The Corporation’s loan and investment portfolios are subject
to prepayment risk, which results from the ability of a third party
to  repay  debt  obligations  prior  to  maturity.  At  December  31,
2007  and  2006,  net  discount  associated  with  loans  acquired
represented  less  than  1%  of  the  total  loan  portfolio,  while  net
premiums associated with portfolios of AFS and HTM securities
approximated  2%  of  these  investment  securities  portfolios.
Prepayment  risk  also  could  have  a  significant  impact  on  the
duration  of  mortgage-backed  securities  and  collateralized
mortgage  obligations,  since  prepayments  could  shorten  the

2007    Annual Report         39
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Table  K
Table  K
Table  K
Table  K
Table  K
Interest Rate Sensitivity

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets:
Money market investments
Investment and trading securities
Loans
Other assets
Total

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity:
Savings, NOW, money market and other
interest bearing demand accounts

Other time deposits
Federal funds purchased and assets

sold under agreements to repurchase

Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Non-interest bearing deposits
Other non-interest bearing liabilities

and minority interest

Stockholders’ equity

Total

Interest rate swaps
Interest rate sensitive gap
Cumulative interest rate

sensitive gap

Cumulative interest rate sensitive

gap to earning assets

As of December 31, 2007

By Repricing Dates

After
three months
but within
six months

After
six months
but within
nine months

After
nine months
but within
one year

After one
year

Non-interest
bearing
 funds

$399
204,831
1,447,674

$394
499,261
1,495,593

$998,672
1,017,525

$100
5,575,921
12,776,804

0-30
days

$871,747
1,837,550
10,700,337

Within
31-90
days

$134,072
867,905
2,473,069

13,409,634

3,475,046

1,652,904

1,995,248

2,016,197

18,352,825

2,054,835
2,069,485

2,704,165
1,201,067
736,410

13,595
3,109,235

1,306,568
120,100
85,827

2,450,131

1,231,682

1,027,080

8,341,261
3,526,385

1,426,532

180,812
549,453

43,060

605,763

2,600,839

$3,509,583
3,509,583

4,510,789

Total

$1,006,712
9,984,140
29,911,002
3,509,583
44,411,437

10,409,691
13,413,998

5,437,265
1,501,979
4,621,352
4,510,789

$8,765,962

385,315
5,028,987

$4,635,325

$3,180,396

$1,274,742

$1,632,843

$15,895,017

189,925
(970,354)

(105,641)
(1,633,133)

(4,728)
715,778

(204,401)
178,953

(260,470)
2,197,338

5,028,987

4,058,633

2,425,500

3,141,278

3,320,231

5,517,569

12.30%

9.92%

5.93%

7.68%

8.12%

13.49%

934,481
3,581,882
$9,027,152

934,481
3,581,882
$44,411,437

weighted average life of these portfolios. Table L, which presents
the  maturity  distribution  of  earning  assets,  takes  into
consideration  prepayment  assumptions,  as  determined  by
management, based on the expected interest rate scenario.

Duration analysis measures longer-term IRR, in particular the
duration  of  the  market  value  of  equity.  It  expresses  in  general
terms the sensitivity of the market value of equity to changes in
interest rates. The estimated market value of equity is obtained
from the market value of the cash flows from the Corporation’s
financial assets and liabilities, which are primarily payments of
interest and repayments of principal. Thus, the market value of
equity incorporates all expected future cash flows from net interest
income as well as principal repayments, whereas other measures
of IRR focus primarily on short-term net interest income.

The duration of the market value of portfolio equity (“MVPE”)
is a measure of its riskiness. The MVPE is equal to the estimated
market  value  of  the  Corporation’s  assets  minus  the  estimated
market value of the liabilities. The duration of MVPE is equal to

the product of the market value of assets times its duration, minus
the product of the market value of liabilities times its duration,
divided by the market value of equity. In general, the longer the
duration  of  MVPE,  the  more  sensitive  is  its  market  value  to
changes  in  interest  rates.

Duration measures the expected length of a financial asset or
liability. In particular, it equals the weighted average maturity of
the present value of all the cash flows of a financial asset or liability
where the weights are equal to the present value of each cash flow.
The  present  value  of  cash  flows  occurring  in  the  future  is  the
estimated market value as of a certain date. The sensitivity of the
market value of a financial asset or liability to changes in interest
rates is primarily a function of its duration. In general terms, the
longer  the  duration  of  an  asset  or  liability,  the  greater  is  the
sensitivity  of  its  market  value  to  interest  rate  changes.  Since
duration measures the term of a financial asset or liability, it is
usually expressed in terms of years or months.

40

Duration of equity is evaluated by management on a monthly
basis.  The  duration  of  equity  at  December  31,  2007  was  in
compliance with the Corporation’s established MVPE policy limits
in a most likely interest rate scenario.

T r a d i n g
T r a d i n g
T r a d i n g
T r a d i n g
T r a d i n g
The Corporation’s trading activities are another source of market
risk and are subject to policies and risk guidelines approved by
the  Board  of  Directors  to  manage  such  risks.  Most  of  the
Corporation’s trading activities are limited to mortgage banking
activities  and  the  market-making  activities  of  the  Corporation’s
broker-dealer business. In anticipation of customer demand, the
Corporation  carries  an  inventory  of  capital  market  instruments
and maintains market liquidity by quoting bid and offer prices to
and trading with other market makers and clients. Positions are
also  taken  in  interest  rate  sensitive  instruments,  based  on
expectations  of  future  market  conditions.  These  activities
constitute the proprietary trading business and are conducted by
the Corporation to provide customers with securities inventory
and  liquidity.  Also,  as  indicated  in  the  Critical  Accounting
Policies  /  Estimates  in  this  MD&A,  the  Corporation  had  $40
million in residual interests derived from PFH’s off-balance sheet
securitization  transactions  classified  as  trading  securities.

Trading  instruments  are  recognized  at  market  value,  with
changes  resulting  from  fluctuations  in  market  prices,  interest
rates or exchange rates reported in current period income. Further
information on the Corporation’s risk management and trading
activities  is  included  in  Note  30  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements.

In the opinion of management, the size and composition of the
trading portfolio does not represent a potentially significant source
of market risk for the Corporation.

At December 31, 2007, the trading portfolio of the Corporation
amounted  to  $768  million  and  represented  2%  of  total  assets,
compared  with  $382  million  and  1%  a  year  earlier.  Mortgage-
backed securities represented 90% of the trading portfolio at the
end of 2007, compared with 55% in 2006. The mortgage-backed
securities are investment grade securities, all of which are rated
AAA by at least one of the three major rating agencies at December
31, 2007. A significant portion of the trading portfolio is hedged
against  market  risk  by  positions  that  offset  the  risk  assumed.

This  portfolio  was  composed  of  the  following  at  December  31,
2007:

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Average Yield*

Weighted

Mortgage-backed securities
Commercial paper
U.S. Treasury and agencies
Puerto Rico and U.S. Government obligations
Interest-only strips
Other

*Not on a taxable equivalent basis.

$687,754
6,331
273
14,097
42,312
17,188

$767,955

6.32%
5.69
3.13
5.63
14.92
4.47

6.73%

At December 31, 2007, the trading portfolio of the Corporation
had an estimated duration of 4.0 years and a one-month value at
risk (VAR) of approximately $3.6 million, assuming a confidence
level  of  95%.  VAR  is  a  key  measure  of  market  risk  for  the
Corporation.  VAR  represents  the  maximum  amount  that  the
Corporation can expect to lose with 95% confidence within one
month in the course of its risk taking activities. Its purpose is to
describe the amount of capital needed to absorb potential losses
from adverse market volatility. There are numerous assumptions
and estimates associated with VAR modeling, and actual results
could differ from these assumptions and estimates.

The Corporation enters into forward contracts to sell mortgage-
backed securities with terms lasting less than a month which are
accounted  for  as  trading  derivatives.  These  contracts  are
recognized at fair value with changes directly reported in current
period  income.  Refer  to  the  Derivatives  section  that  follows  in
this MD&A for additional information. At December 31, 2007,
the fair value of these forward contracts was not significant.

The Corporation does not participate in any trading activities

involving  commodity  contracts.

D e r i v a t i v e s
D e r i v a t i v e s
D e r i v a t i v e s
D e r i v a t i v e s
D e r i v a t i v e s
Derivatives are used by the Corporation to protect against changes
in net interest income and cash flows as part of its overall interest
rate  risk  management  strategy.  Derivative  instruments  that  the
Corporation may use include, among others, interest rate swaps
and caps, index options, and forward contracts. The Corporation
does not use highly leveraged derivative instruments in its interest
rate risk management strategy. The Corporation also enters into
foreign exchange contracts and interest rate swaps and caps for
the  benefit  of  commercial  customers.  The  Corporation
economically  hedges  its  exposure  related  to  these  commercial
customer  derivatives  by  entering  into  offsetting  third-party
contracts  with  approved,  reputable  counterparties  with
substantially matching terms and currencies. Refer to Note 30 to
the consolidated financial statements for further information on

2007     Annual Report        41
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

the  Corporation’s  involvement  in  derivative  instruments  and
hedging  activities.

specified price or yield. These securities are hedging a forecasted
transaction and thus qualify for cash flow hedge accounting.

The Corporation’s derivatives activities are entered primarily
to offset the impact of market volatility on the economic value of
assets or liabilities. The net effect on the market value of potential
changes  in  interest  rates  of  derivatives  and  other  financial
instruments  is  analyzed.  The  effectiveness  of  these  hedges  is
monitored to ascertain that the Corporation is reducing market
risk as expected. Derivatives transactions are generally executed
with instruments with a high correlation to the hedged asset or
liability.  The  underlying  index  or  instrument  of  the  derivatives
used by the Corporation is selected based on its similarity to the
asset  or  liability  being  hedged.  As  a  result  of  interest  rate
fluctuations,  hedged  fixed  and  variable  interest  rate  assets  and
liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in fair value. The effect of
this  unrealized  appreciation  or  depreciation  is  expected  to  be
substantially  offset  by  the  Corporation’s  gains  or  losses  on  the
derivative instruments that are linked to these hedged assets and
liabilities.  Management  will  assess  if  circumstances  warrant
liquidating  or  replacing  the  derivatives  position  in  the
hypothetical event that high correlation is reduced. Based on the
Corporation’s  derivative  instruments  outstanding  at  December
31, 2007, it is not anticipated that such a scenario would have a
material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results
of operations.

Certain  derivative  contracts  also  present  credit  risk  because
the counterparties may not meet the terms of the contract. If a
counterparty  fails  to  perform,  the  Corporation’s  credit  risk  is
equal  to  the  net  fair  value  of  the  derivative  contract.  The
Corporation minimizes credit risk through approvals, limits and
monitoring procedures. The Corporation deals exclusively with
counterparties that have high quality credit ratings. Further, as
applicable  under  the  terms  of  the  master  arrangements,  the
Corporation may obtain collateral, where appropriate, to reduce
risk. The Corporation has not incurred losses from counterparty
nonperformance on derivatives. Credit risk related to derivatives
is not considered significant at December 31, 2007.

Cash Flow Hedges
In  a  cash  flow  hedging  strategy,  the  Corporation  manages  the
variability of cash payments due to interest rate fluctuations by
the  effective  use  of  derivatives  linked  to  hedged  assets  and
liabilities. The notional amount of derivatives designated as cash
flow hedges as of December 31, 2007 amounted to $343 million.
The cash flow hedges outstanding related to forward contracts or
“to  be  announced”  (“TBA”)  mortgage-backed  securities  that  are
sold and bought for future settlement to hedge the sale of mortgage-
backed securities and loans prior to securitization, had a notional
amount of $143 million at December 31, 2007. The seller agrees
to deliver on a specified future date, a specified instrument, at a

In conjunction with the issuance of medium-term notes, the
Corporation entered into interest rate swaps to convert floating
rate debt to fixed rate debt with the objective of minimizing the
exposure to changes in cash flows due to higher interest rates. At
December  31,  2007,  these  contracts  had  a  notional  amount  of
$200  million.  Refer  to  Note  30  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements  for  additional  quantitative  information  on  these
derivative  contracts.

Fair Value Hedges
The  Corporation  did  not  have  any  outstanding  derivatives
designated as fair value hedges at December 31, 2007.

Trading and Non-Hedging Derivative Activities
The  Corporation  takes  derivatives  positions  based  on  market
expectations or to benefit from price differentials between financial
instruments and markets. However, these derivatives instruments
are  mostly  utilized  to  economically  hedge  a  related  asset  or
liability. Also, to a lesser extent, the Corporation may also enter
into  various  derivatives  to  provide  these  types  of  products  to
customers. These types of free-standing derivatives are carried at
fair value with changes in fair value recorded as part of the results
of operations for the period.

Following  is  a  description  of  the  most  significant  of  the
Corporation’s derivative activities that do not qualify for hedge
accounting as defined in SFAS No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities” (as amended). Refer to Note
30  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for  additional
quantitative  and  qualitative  information  on  these  derivative
instruments.

During 2006 and most of 2007, the Corporation had interest
rate  caps  in  conjunction  with  a  series  of  securitizations  of
mortgage loans in order to limit the interest rate payable to the
security holders. These contracts were designated as non-hedging
derivatives and were marked-to-market, thus impacting earnings.
However, at the end of 2007, these caps were no longer required
to  be  consolidated  by  the  Corporation  as  a  result  of  the
recharacterization  transaction  described  in  the  Significant  U.S.
Strategic  Events  section  of  this  MD&A  since  they  pertained  to
the  bond  certificates  issued  by  the  trust.  During  2007,  the
Corporation  recognized  an  increase  in  interest  expense  of  $3.1
million due to unfavorable changes in fair value associated with
interest rate caps, compared to $8.2 million in additional interest
expense for 2006.

At December 31, 2007, the Corporation also had outstanding
$2.0 billion in notional amount of interest rate swap agreements
with a negative fair value (liability) of $4.0 million, which were

42

not designated as accounting hedges, some of which had offsetting
positions.  The  agreements  seek  various  strategies,  including
among others:

• utilizing the instruments in the Corporation’s capacity as

an intermediary on behalf of its customers;

• economically hedging the cost of short-term borrowings;
• economically hedging the payments on the bond certificates

offered as part of an on-balance sheet securitization;

• economically converting to a fixed-rate the cost of funding

a portion of the auto loans held-in-portfolio; and

• economically  hedging  the  changes  in  fair  value  of  loans

acquired and originated prior to securitization.

For  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007,  the  impact  of  the
mark-to-market of interest rate swaps not designated as accounting
hedges  was  a  net  decrease  in  earnings  of  approximately  $11.6
million, primarily in the interest expense category of the statement
of  operations,  compared  with  an  earnings  reduction  of
approximately $1.8 million in 2006 mainly in the trading profit
(loss)  category  of  the  income  statement.  Some  of  the  strategies
for which the derivatives held by the Corporation were utilized
are not expected to be employed by the Corporation in the near
term  or  are  not  expected  to  have  a  significant  impact  during
2008.  The  Corporation  cancelled  all  swaps  related  to  the  auto
loans because a substantial amount of that loan portfolio was sold
in  December  2007.  Additionally,  the  Corporation  is  no  longer
entering  into  swaps  to  economically  hedge  changes  in  the  fair
value  of  loans  prior  to  securitization  because  that  strategy  was
related to the operations of PFH that were exited in 2007. The
Corporation  has  $200  million  remaining  in  swaps  that  are
economically  hedging  the  cost  of  short-term  borrowing.  These
swaps will mature in December 2008. Additionally, at December
31,  2007,  the  Corporation  continued  to  hold  an  interest  swap
with a notional amount of $185 million that is associated with
hedging the payments of bond certificates offered as part of one
on-balance sheet securitization that remained outstanding at year-
end  2007  because  it  did  not  qualify  for  recharacterization  as  a
result  of  the  existence  of  the  derivative  instrument.  The
Corporation  will  account  for  the  related  bond  certificate  at  fair
value upon adoption of SFAS No. 159 in 2008.

The  Corporation  also  enters  into  interest  rate  lock
commitments (“IRLCs”) in connection with one of its subsidiary’s
mortgage  banking  activities  to  fund  mortgage  loans  at  interest
rates  previously  agreed  (locked)  by  both  the  Corporation  with
the customer for specified periods of time. When the borrower
locks its interest rate, the Corporation effectively extends a put
option to the customer, whereby the customer is not obligated to
enter into the loan agreement but the Corporation must honor the
interest  rate  for  the  specified  time  period.  The  Corporation  is
exposed to interest rate risk during the period of the IRLC through

the sale of the underlying loan due to changes in interest rates.
These  IRLCs  are  recognized  at  fair  value  with  changes  in  fair
value  recorded  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations.
Outstanding  IRLCs  expose  the  Corporation  to  the  risk  that  the
price of the loans associated with the commitments might decline
from  inception  of  the  rate  lock  to  funding  of  the  loan  due  to
increases in mortgage interest rates. To protect against this risk,
the  Corporation  utilizes  forward  loan  sales  commitments  to
economically hedge the risk of potential changes in the value of
the  loans  that  would  result  from  the  commitments.  The
Corporation  expects  that  the  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  these
derivative instruments will offset changes in the fair value of the
IRLCs. At December 31, 2007, the Corporation had outstanding
IRLCs with a notional amount of $149 million and a negative fair
value (liability) of $128 thousand.

Additionally,  at  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  had
forward contracts with a notional amount of $693 million and a
negative  fair  value  (liability)  of  $3.2  million  not  designated  as
accounting  hedges.    These  forward  contracts  are  considered
derivatives under SFAS No. 133 and are recorded at fair value.
Subsequent changes in the value of these forward contracts are
recorded in the statement of operations. These forward contracts
are  principally  used  to  economically  hedge  the  changes  in  fair
value  of  mortgage  loans  held-for-sale  and  mortgage  pipeline
through both mandatory and best efforts forward sale agreements.
These forward contracts are entered into in order to optimize the
gain on sales of loans and / or mortgage-backed securities. For
the year ended December 31, 2007, the impact of the mark-to-
market  of  the  forward  contracts  not  designated  as  accounting
hedges was a reduction to earnings of $11.2 million, which was
included in the categories of trading account profit and gain on
sale of loans in the consolidated statement of operations. In 2006,
the unfavorable impact to earnings was $1.9 million.

Furthermore,  the  Corporation  has  over-the-counter  option
contracts  which  are  utilized  in  order  to  limit  the  Corporation’s
exposure on customer deposits whose returns are tied to the S&P
500 or to certain other equity securities or commodity indexes.
The  Corporation,  through  its  Puerto  Rico  banking  subsidiary,
BPPR,  offers  certificates  of  deposit  with  returns  linked  to  these
indexes  to  its  retail  customers,  principally  in  connection  with
IRA accounts, and certificates of deposit sold through its broker-
dealer subsidiary. At December 31, 2007, these deposits amounted
to  $187  million,  or  less  than  1%  of  the  Corporation’s  total
deposits.  In  these  certificates,  the  customer’s  principal  is
guaranteed by BPPR and insured by the FDIC to the maximum
extent permitted by law. The instruments pay a return based on
the increase of these indexes, as applicable, during the term of the
instrument.  Accordingly,  this  product  gives  customers  the
opportunity  to  invest  in  a  product  that  protects  the  principal

2007     Annual Report        43
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

invested but allows the customer the potential to earn a return
based on the performance of the indexes.

other  operating  income  in  the  consolidated  statements  of
operations.

The risk of issuing certificates of deposit with returns tied to
the applicable indexes is hedged by BPPR. BPPR purchases index
options from financial institutions with strong credit standings,
whose  return  is  designed  to  match  the  return  payable  on  the
certificates of deposit issued. By hedging the risk in this manner,
the effective cost of the deposits raised by this product is fixed.
The contracts have a maturity and an index equal to the terms of
the pool of client’s deposits they are economically hedging.

The purchased option contracts are initially accounted for at
cost (i.e., amount of premium paid) and recorded as a derivative
asset.  The  derivative  asset  is  marked-to-market  on  a  monthly
basis with changes in fair value charged to earnings. The deposits
are hybrid instruments containing embedded options that must
be bifurcated in accordance with SFAS No. 133. The initial value
of the embedded option (component of the deposit contract that
pays  a  return  based  on  changes  in  the  applicable  indexes)  is
bifurcated from the related certificate of deposit and is initially
recorded  as  a  derivative  liability  and  a  corresponding  discount
on  the  certificate  of  deposit  is  recorded.  Subsequently,  the
discount on the deposit is accreted and included as part of interest
expense  while  the  bifurcated  option  is  marked-to-market  with
changes in fair value charged to earnings. The purchased option
contracts are marked-to-market on a quarterly basis.

The purchased index options are used to economically hedge
the bifurcated embedded option. These option contracts do not
qualify for hedge accounting in accordance with the provisions
of SFAS No. 133 and therefore cannot be designated as accounting
hedges. At December 31, 2007, the notional amount of the index
options on deposits approximated $211 million with a fair value
of $46 million (asset) while the embedded options had a notional
value of $187 million with a fair value of $44 million (liability).
Refer to Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements for a
description  of  other  non-hedging  derivative  activities  utilized
by the Corporation during 2007 and 2006.

F o r e i g n   E x c h a n g e
F o r e i g n   E x c h a n g e
F o r e i g n   E x c h a n g e
F o r e i g n   E x c h a n g e
F o r e i g n   E x c h a n g e
The  Corporation  conducts  business  in  certain  Latin  American
markets  through  several  of  its  processing  and  information
technology  services  and  products  subsidiaries.  Also,  it  holds
interests  in  Consorcio  de  Tarjetas  Dominicanas,  S.A.
(“CONTADO”) and Centro Financiero BHD, S.A. (“BHD”) in the
Dominican  Republic.  Although  not  significant,  some  of  these
businesses are conducted in the country’s foreign currency. The
resulting foreign currency translation adjustment, from operations
for which the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar, is
reported  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  in  the
consolidated  statements  of  condition,  except  for  highly-
inflationary  environments  in  which  the  effects  are  included  in

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2006,  approximately
$0.8 million in net remeasurement gains on the investments held
by the Corporation in the Dominican Republic were reflected in
other  operating  income  instead  of  accumulated  other
comprehensive loss. In 2007, the Corporation ceased to consider
the Dominican Republic as a “highly inflationary economy” and
as such, the foreign currency translation adjustment was reported
as  part  of  other  comprehensive  loss.  Refer  to  the  consolidated
statement  of  comprehensive  income  in  the  financial  statements
for related amounts corresponding to the year 2007.

At  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  had  approximately
$35  million  in  an  unfavorable  foreign  currency  translation
adjustment  as  part  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss,
compared to unfavorable adjustments of $37 million at December
31, 2006 and $36 million at December 31, 2005.

Liquidity  Risk
Liquidity  Risk
Liquidity  Risk
Liquidity  Risk
Liquidity  Risk
For a financial institution, liquidity risk may arise whenever the
institution  cannot  generate  enough  cash  from  either  assets  or
liabilities to meet its obligations when they become due, without
incurring unacceptable losses. Cash requirements for a financial
institution  are  primarily  made  up  of  deposit  withdrawals,
contractual  loan  funding,  the  repayment  of  borrowings  as  they
mature and the ability to fund new and existing investments as
opportunities  arise.  An  institution’s  liquidity  may  be  pressured
if, for example, its credit rating is downgraded, it experiences a
sudden and unexpected substantial cash outflow, or some other
event causes counterparties to avoid exposure to the institution.
An  institution  is  also  exposed  to  liquidity  risk  if  markets  on
which it depends are subject to loss of liquidity. The objective of
effective liquidity management is to ensure that the Corporation
remains sufficiently liquid to meet all of its financial obligations,
finance expected future growth and maintain a reasonable safety
margin  for  cash  commitments  under  both  normal  operating
conditions and under unpredictable circumstances of industry or
market  stress.

To achieve this objective, the Board of Directors, through the
Risk  Management  Committee,  is  responsible  for  approving
policies regarding liquidity risk management as well as approving
operating  and  contingency  procedures,  and  supervising  their
implementation. Liquidity is managed at the level of the holding
companies that own the banking and non-banking subsidiaries.
Also, it is managed at the level of the banking and non-banking
subsidiaries. The Corporation’s Corporate Treasurer is responsible
for  implementing  the  policies  and  procedures  approved  by  the
Risk  Management  Committee  and  for  monitoring  the  liquidity
position  on  an  ongoing  basis.

44

The  Corporation  has  established  policies  and  procedures  to
assist it in remaining sufficiently liquid to meet all of its financial
obligations,  finance  expected  future  growth  and  maintain  a
reasonable safety margin for cash commitments under both normal
operating conditions and unsettled market environments.

including  its  terms,  is  included  in  Notes  14  through  18  to  the
consolidated  financial  statements.  Also,  the  consolidated
statements  of  cash  flows  in  the  accompanying  consolidated
financial  statements  provide  information  on  the  Corporation’s
cash inflows and outflows.

Liquidity,  Funding  and  Capital  Resources
Liquidity,  Funding  and  Capital  Resources
Liquidity,  Funding  and  Capital  Resources
Liquidity,  Funding  and  Capital  Resources
Liquidity,  Funding  and  Capital  Resources
The  U.S.  credit  markets  have  been  marked  by  unprecedented
instability and disruption since the beginning of the third quarter
of 2007, making most funding activities much more challenging
for  financial  institutions.  Credit  spreads  have  widened
significantly and rapidly, as many investors allocated their funds
to only the highest-quality financial assets such as U.S. government
securities.  The  result  of  these  actions  by  market  participants
made it more difficult for corporate borrowers to raise financing
in  the  credit  markets  and  reduced  the  value  of  most  financial
assets  except  the  highest-quality  obligations.

Several  sectors  have  been  significantly  impacted,  including
the money markets, the corporate debt market and more recently,
the  municipal  securities  and  student  loan  markets.  A  primary
catalyst  of  the  market  disruptions  has  been  an  abrupt  shift  by
investors  away  from  non-government  securities  into  U.S.
Government obligations, and the unwillingness to assume many
types of risk.

The  Corporation  has  historically  financed  a  portion  of  its
business in the money and corporate bond markets, both of which
have  been  affected  by  financial  market  developments  since  the
beginning  of  the  third  quarter  of  2007.  As  it  became  more
challenging  to  raise  financing  in  the  capital  markets,  the
Corporation’s  management  took  actions  to  reduce  the  use  of
borrowings to finance its businesses and thus  ensure access to
stable  sources  of  liquidity.  These  actions,  which  are  explained
below,  included,  for  example,  replacing  short-term  unsecured
borrowings with deposits and increasing secured lines of credit.
The Corporation’s liquidity position is closely monitored on
an ongoing basis. Management believes that its current sources
of liquidity are adequate to meet the funding needs in the normal
course of business. Sources of liquidity include both those available
to the banking affiliates and to a lesser extent, those expected to
be available with third party providers. The former include access
to stable base of core deposits and secured sources of credit. The
latter  include  credit  lines  and  anticipated  debt  offerings  in  the
capital markets. In addition to these, asset sales can be a source of
liquidity  to  the  Corporation.  Even  if  some  of  these  alternatives
may not be available temporarily, it is expected that in the normal
course of business, our funding sources are adequate.

The  following  sections  provide  further  information  on  the
Corporation’s major funding activities and needs, as well as the
risks involved in these activities. A more detailed description of
the  Corporation’s  borrowings  and  available  lines  of  credit,

B a n k i n g   S u b s i d i a r i e s
B a n k i n g   S u b s i d i a r i e s
B a n k i n g   S u b s i d i a r i e s
B a n k i n g   S u b s i d i a r i e s
B a n k i n g   S u b s i d i a r i e s
Primary  sources  of  funding  for  the  Corporation’s  banking
subsidiaries  (BPPR,  BPNA  and  BP,N.A.,  or  “the  banking
subsidiaries”) include retail and commercial deposits, purchased
funds, institutional borrowings, and to a lesser extent, loan sales.
The principal uses of funds for the banking subsidiaries include
loan and investment portfolio growth, repayment of obligations
as they become due, dividend payments to the holding company,
and  operational  needs.  In  addition,  the  Corporation’s  banking
subsidiaries maintain borrowing facilities with the Federal Home
Loan Banks ("FHLB") and at the discount window of the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York ("FED"), and have a considerable amount
of collateral that can be used to raise funds under these facilities.
Borrowings from the FHLB or the FED discount window require
the  Corporation  to  post  securities  or  whole  loans  as  collateral.
The banking subsidiaries must maintain their FHLB memberships
to  continue  accessing  this  source  of  funding.

To  mitigate  exposure  to  funding  risk  for  the  banking
subsidiaries in the current environment, concrete steps have been
taken  by  management  to  reduce  the  need  to  access  the  money
markets for financing, including relying more on deposits than
borrowings.

Deposits
Deposits are a key source of funding as they tend to be less volatile
than  institutional  borrowings  and  their  cost  is  less  sensitive  to
changes in market rates. Core deposits are generated from a large
base of consumer, corporate and institutional customers.

Total deposits at the Corporation increased from $24.4 billion
at December 31, 2006 to $28.3 billion at December 31, 2007, an
increase of $3.9 billion or 16%. As indicated previously in this
MD&A, the growth in deposits was impacted by the acquisition
of the Citibank retail branches in Puerto Rico and by measures
taken in the fourth quarter of 2007 to raise brokered certificates of
deposit in the U.S. national CD market.

Core deposits have historically provided the Corporation with
a sizable source of relatively stable and low-cost funds. As indicated
in  the  glossary,  for  purposes  of  defining  core  deposits,  the
Corporation  excludes  brokered  certificates  of  deposits  with
denominations under $100,000.

Core deposits totaled $20.1 billion, or 71% of total deposits,
at  December  31,  2007,  compared  to  $19.1  billion  and  78%  at
December  31,  2006.  Core  deposits  financed  49%  of  the

Corporation’s earning assets at December 31, 2007 compared to
44% at December 31, 2006.

Certificates  of  deposit  with  denominations  of  $100,000  and
over at December 31, 2007 totaled $5.3 billion, or 19% of total
deposits. Their distribution by maturity was as follows:

(In thousands)
3  months  or  less
3 to 6 months
6 to 12 months
Over 12 months

$2,839,025
859,462
664,980
914,223

$5,277,690

The Corporation had $3.1 billion in brokered certificates of
deposit at December 31, 2007, which represented 11% of its total
deposits,  compared  to  $866  million  and  4%  at  December  31,
2006. Approximately 2% of the brokered certificates of deposit
outstanding at December 31, 2007 are callable, but only at the
option of the Corporation. Brokered certificates of deposit, which
are typically sold through an intermediary to small retail investors,
provide access to longer-term funds that are available in the market
area  and  provide  the  ability  to  raise  additional  funds  without
pressuring  retail  deposit  pricing.  In  the  event  that  any  of  the
Corporation’s  banking  subsidiaries  fall  under  the  regulatory
capital  ratios  of  a  well-capitalized  institution,  that  banking
subsidiary  faces  the  risk  of  not  being  able  to  raise  brokered
deposits.  Each  of  the  Corporation's  banking  subsidiaries  were
considered  well-capitalized  at  December  31,  2007.  One  of  the
strategies  followed  by  management  in  response  to  the
unprecedented  market  disruptions  described  above,  was  the
utilization  of  brokered  certificates  of  deposit  to  replace
uncommitted lines of credit.

Average  deposits  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007
represented 58% of average earning assets, compared with 52%
and  51%  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2006  and  2005,
respectively.  Table  M  summarizes  average  deposits  for  the  past
five  years.

The  Corporation’s  ability  to  compete  successfully  in  the
marketplace  for  deposits  depends  on  various  factors,  including
pricing,  service,  convenience  and  financial  stability  as  reflected
by operating results and credit ratings (by nationally recognized
credit rating agencies). Although a downgrade in the credit rating
of the Corporation may impact its ability to raise deposits or the
rate it is required to pay on such deposits, management does not
believe that the impact should be material. Deposits at all of the
Corporation’s banking subsidiaries are federally insured and this
is expected to mitigate the effect of a downgrade in credit ratings.

2007     Annual Report        45
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Borrowings
Liquidity on the liability side is also generated through the ability
to obtain wholesale funding through a variety of sources, including
advances  from  FHLB,  federal  funds  purchased,  repurchase
agreements whereby investment securities and loans are pledged
as collateral, and advances under lines of credit with correspondent
banks, among other sources.

Borrowings  at  the  banking  subsidiaries,  excluding
intercompany balances between the three entities, amounted to
$6.2 billion at December 31, 2007, compared with $8.1 billion at
December 31, 2006.

The  use  of  borrowings  was  decreased  substantially  at  the
banking  subsidiaries  during  2007.  Management  decided  to
eliminate the use of unsecured short-term borrowings, primarily
by raising deposits. Another strategy implemented by management
during the second half of 2007 included the utilization of unpledged
liquid assets to raise financing in the repo markets, the proceeds
of which were also used to pay off unsecured borrowings. Short-
term unsecured borrowings at the banking subsidiaries excluding
intercompany balances between the three entities were reduced
from  $3.8  billion  at  December  31,  2006  to  $626  million  at
December 31, 2007, which represents a decrease of $3.2 billion
or  84%.  Outstanding  repurchase  agreements  at  the  banking
subsidiaries, also excluding the intercompany balances between
the  three  entities,  were  $3.8  billion  at  December  31,  2007,  an
increase of $384 million or 11%, when compared to December
31, 2006.

The  Corporation’s  banking  subsidiaries  have  the  ability  to
borrow funds from the FHLB at competitive prices. At December
31, 2007, the banking subsidiaries had short-term and long-term
credit facilities authorized with the FHLB aggregating $2.6 billion
based on assets pledged with the FHLB at that date. Outstanding
borrowings  under  these  credit  facilities  totaled  $1.7  billion  at
December  31,  2007,  compared  with  $781  million  at  year-end
2006. Such advances are collateralized by securities and mortgage
loans and do not have restrictive covenants. Refer to Note 17 to
the consolidated financial statements for additional information.
At  December  31,  2007,  the  banking  subsidiaries  had  a
borrowing capacity at the FED discount window of approximately
$3.0 billion, which remained unused, compared with $2.9 billion
at December 31, 2006. This facility is a collateralized source of
credit that is highly reliable even under difficult market conditions.
The amount available under this line is dependent upon the balance
of loans and securities pledged as collateral.

Bank  Holding  Companies
Bank  Holding  Companies
Bank  Holding  Companies
Bank  Holding  Companies
Bank  Holding  Companies
The principal sources of funding for the holding companies have
included dividends received from its banking and non-banking
subsidiaries and proceeds from the issuance of medium-term notes,
commercial  paper,  junior  subordinated  debentures  and  equity.

46

Banking laws place certain restrictions on the amount of dividends
a bank may make to its parent company. Such restrictions have
not had, and are not expected to have, any material effect on the
Corporation’s ability to meet its cash obligations. The principal
uses  of  these  funds  include  the  repayment  of  maturing  debt,
dividend payments to shareholders and subsidiary funding through
capital or debt.

The Corporation’s bank holding companies (“BHCs”, Popular,
Inc., Popular North America and Popular International Bank, Inc.)
have borrowed in the money markets and the corporate debt market
primarily  to  finance  their  non-banking  subsidiaries.  The  recent
restructuring  and  asset  sales  related  to  the  Corporation’s  U.S.
non-banking business will substantially reduce the BHC’s need
for  capital  markets  borrowings  in  the  future.  However,  it  may
pursue  such  transactions  if  market  conditions  are  sufficiently
favorable, to sell assets or refund maturing debt.

Current conditions have made market access more uncertain.
As  an  alternative  to  capital  markets  financing,  the  Corporation
worked  on  several  initiatives  to  ensure  that  adequate  funding
sources  are  available,  notwithstanding  potential  market
conditions.

At December 31, 2007, the BHCs had borrowings (excluding
intercompany balances) maturing as indicated in the table below:

(In thousands)
   2008
2009
2010
2011
2012 and thereafter

$1,736,802
914,843
2,000
1,000
1,123,305
$3,777,950

The BHCs renewed a revolving credit agreement in October
2007.  This  facility  was  used  as  backup  for  the  Corporation’s
commercial  paper  program,  which  was  a  source  of  short-term
funding. Due to adverse market conditions, the size of the facility
was reduced from $555 million at December 31, 2006 to $235
million in October 2007. In December 2007, the entire balance of
commercial  paper  outstanding  backed-up  by  this  facility  was
repaid and the revolving credit facility was terminated.

During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Corporation successfully
completed  a  capital  markets-based  financing  and  issued  $275
million  of  its  6.85%  senior  notes  maturing  in  December  2012.
These funds were used to repay short-term borrowings. Also, the
Corporation  successfully  negotiated  a  committed  credit  facility
with  a  leading  global  banking  institution,  whereby  the
Corporation can borrow up to $500 million secured by PFH loans
eligible  per  terms  under  the  credit  line  agreement.  This  credit
line is intended to serve as a contingent source of readily-available
liquidity, and matures in November 2008.

The  BHCs  have  additional  sources  of  liquidity  available,  in
the  form  of  credit  facilities  available  from  affiliate  banking
subsidiaries and third party providers, as well as dividends that
can be paid by the subsidiaries and assets that could be sold or
financed.

N o n - b a n k i n g   s u b s i d i a r i e s
N o n - b a n k i n g   s u b s i d i a r i e s
N o n - b a n k i n g   s u b s i d i a r i e s
N o n - b a n k i n g   s u b s i d i a r i e s
N o n - b a n k i n g   s u b s i d i a r i e s
The principal sources of funding for the non-banking subsidiaries
include internally generated cash flows from operations, borrowed
funds from the holding companies or their direct parent companies,
wholesale funding and asset securitizations, loan sales repurchase
agreements and warehousing lines of credit. The principal uses of
funds  for  the  non-banking  subsidiaries  include  loan  portfolio
growth, repayment of maturing debt and operational needs.

The  Corporation,  as  a  result  of  previously  announced  U.S.
restructuring  initiatives  and  expected  asset  sales,  has  exited  its
PFH  non-banking  lending  businesses.  Consequently,  what  will
remain is primarily a discontinued business line, principally with
a portfolio of mortgage and consumer loans which is running off.
The  financing  required  for  this  remaining  business  is  expected
to be minimal.

Any  operating  cash  needs  that  may  be  required  by  the
discontinued  business  are  expected  to  be  provided  by  funding
from affiliates. Additional sources of liquidity can be provided by
asset sales and secured financings.

The  Corporation,  acting  as  servicer  in  certain  securitization
transactions,  is  required  under  certain  servicing  agreements  to
advance its own funds to meet contractual remittance requirements
for  investors,  process  foreclosures  and  pay  property  taxes  and
insurance premiums. Funds are also advanced to maintain and
market real estate properties on behalf of investors. As the servicer,
the Corporation is required to advance funds only to the extent
that it believes the advances are recoverable. The advances have
the highest standing in terms of repayment priority over payments
made  to  bondholders  of  each  securitization  trust.  Servicing
advance requirements have increased in 2007 primarily as a result
of  slower  prepayment  rates  and  higher  delinquency  levels.  The
Corporation funds these advances from several internal and external
funding sources.

Other  Funding  Sources
Other  Funding  Sources
Other  Funding  Sources
Other  Funding  Sources
Other  Funding  Sources
The Corporation may also raise funding through approved, but
uncommitted revolving lines of credit or federal funds lines with
authorized counterparties. These lines are available at the option
of the counterparty.

The  investment  securities  portfolio  provides  an  additional
source of liquidity, which may be created through either securities
sales  or  repurchase  agreements.  The  Corporation’s  portfolio
consists  primarily  of  liquid  U.S.  Treasury  and  government
sponsored agency securities that can be used to raise funds in the

2007     Annual Report        47
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Table  L
Table  L
Table  L
Table  L
Table  L
Maturity Distribution of Earning Assets

(In thousands)

Money market securities
Investment and trading securities
Loans:

Commercial
Construction
Lease  financing
Consumer
Mortgage

Total

As of December 31, 2007

Maturities

After one year

through five years

    After five years

Fixed

interest

rates

Variable

interest

rates

Fixed

interest

 rates

 Variable

 interest

rates

$3,494,566

$128,169

$2,302,180

2,602,186
21,734
674,842
1,710,400
1,721,474

2,691,172
631,303

398,694
339,714

1,289,815
15,219
9,028
200,086
2,217,324

$1,902,719
12,286

342,252
326,036

One year

or  less

$1,006,712
3,808,688

5,199,899
1,260,830
480,569
3,033,168
2,830,252

Total

$1,006,712
9,733,603

13,685,791
1,941,372
1,164,439
5,684,600
7,434,800

$17,620,118

$10,225,202

$4,189,052

$6,033,652

$2,583,293

$40,651,317

Notes: Equity securities available-for-sale and other investment securities, including Federal Reserve Bank stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock held by the

Corporation, are not included in this table.
Loans held-for-sale have been allocated according to the expected sale date.

repo markets. At December 31, 2007, the investment and trading
securities portfolios, as shown in Table L, totaled $9.7 billion, of
which $3.8 billion, or 39%, had maturities of one year or less.
Mortgage-related investments in Table L are presented based on
expected maturities, which may differ from contractual maturities,
since  they  could  be  subject  to  prepayments.  The  availability  of
the repurchase agreement would be subject to having sufficient
available un-pledged collateral at the time the transactions are to
be consummated. The Corporation’s un-pledged investment and
trading  securities,  excluding  other  investment  securities,
amounted to $1.9 billion as of December 31, 2007. A substantial
portion of these securities could be used to raise financing quickly
in the U.S. money markets.

Additional liquidity may be provided through loan maturities,
prepayments  and  sales.  The  loan  portfolio  can  also  be  used  to
obtain  funding  in  the  capital  markets.  In  particular,  mortgage
loans and some types of consumer loans, have secondary markets
which the Corporation may use. The maturity distribution of the
loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007 is presented in Table L. As
of that date, $12.8 billion or 43% of the loan portfolio was expected
to  mature  within  one  year.  The  contractual  maturities  of  loans
have been adjusted to include prepayments based on historical
data and prepayment trends.

Another potential source of funding is the issuance of shares of

common or preferred stock, or hybrid securities.

Risks  to  Liquidity
Risks  to  Liquidity
Risks  to  Liquidity
Risks  to  Liquidity
Risks  to  Liquidity
The importance of the Puerto Rico market for the Corporation is
an additional risk factor that could affect its financing activities.
In the case of an extended economic slowdown in Puerto Rico, the
credit quality of the Corporation could be affected and, as a result
of higher credit costs, profitability may decrease. The substantial
integration of Puerto Rico with the U.S. economy may limit the
probability  of  a  prolonged  recession  in  Puerto  Rico,  but  a  U.S.
recession,  concurrently  with  a  slowdown  in  Puerto  Rico,  may
make a recovery in the local economic cycle more challenging.
Factors  that  the  Corporation  does  not  control,  such  as  the
economic  outlook  of  its  principal  markets  and  regulatory
changes,  could  affect  its  ability  to  obtain  funding.  In  order  to
prepare  for  the  possibility  of  such  a  scenario,  management  has
adopted  contingency  plans  for  raising  financing  under  stress
scenarios when important sources of funds that are usually fully
available, are temporarily unavailable. These plans call for using
alternate  funding  mechanisms  such  as  the  pledging  or
securitization  of  certain  asset  classes  and  accessing  committed
credit lines and loan facilities put in place with the FHLB, leading
commercial banks and the FED. The Corporation has a substantial
amount of assets available for raising funds through these channels
and is confident that it has adequate alternatives to rely on under
a scenario where some primary funding sources are temporarily
unavailable.

Total lines of credit outstanding are not necessarily a measure
of the total credit available on a continuing basis. Certain of these

48

Table  M
Table  M
Table  M
Table  M
Table  M
Average Total Deposits

(Dollars in thousands)

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

2004

2003

Five-Year
C.G.R.

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

$ 4 , 0 4 3 , 4 2 7
$ 4 , 0 4 3 , 4 2 7
$ 4 , 0 4 3 , 4 2 7
$ 4 , 0 4 3 , 4 2 7
$ 4 , 0 4 3 , 4 2 7

$3,969,740

$4,068,397

$3,918,452

$3,495,099

4.62%

Savings accounts
NOW, money market and other interest

5 , 6 9 7 , 5 0 9
5 , 6 9 7 , 5 0 9
5 , 6 9 7 , 5 0 9
5 , 6 9 7 , 5 0 9
5 , 6 9 7 , 5 0 9

5,440,101

5,676,452

5,407,600

5,190,527

3.60

bearing demand accounts

4 , 4 2 9 , 4 4 8
4 , 4 2 9 , 4 4 8
4 , 4 2 9 , 4 4 8
4 , 4 2 9 , 4 4 8
4 , 4 2 9 , 4 4 8

3,877,678

3,731,905

2,965,941

2,550,480

12.10

For the Year

Certificates of deposit:

Under $100,000
$100,000 and over

Certificates of deposit

Other time deposits

3 , 9 4 9 , 2 6 2
3 , 9 4 9 , 2 6 2
3 , 9 4 9 , 2 6 2
3 , 9 4 9 , 2 6 2
3 , 9 4 9 , 2 6 2
5 , 9 2 8 , 9 8 3
5 , 9 2 8 , 9 8 3
5 , 9 2 8 , 9 8 3
5 , 9 2 8 , 9 8 3
5 , 9 2 8 , 9 8 3

9 , 8 7 8 , 2 4 5
9 , 8 7 8 , 2 4 5
9 , 8 7 8 , 2 4 5
9 , 8 7 8 , 2 4 5
9 , 8 7 8 , 2 4 5

1 , 5 2 0 , 4 7 1
1 , 5 2 0 , 4 7 1
1 , 5 2 0 , 4 7 1
1 , 5 2 0 , 4 7 1
1 , 5 2 0 , 4 7 1

3,768,653
4,963,534

8,732,187

1,244,426

3,382,445
4,266,983

7,649,428

1,126,887

3,067,220
3,144,173

6,211,393

905,669

2,877,946
2,881,836

5,759,782

762,080

Total interest bearing deposits

2 1 , 5 2 5 , 6 7 3
2 1 , 5 2 5 , 6 7 3
2 1 , 5 2 5 , 6 7 3
2 1 , 5 2 5 , 6 7 3
2 1 , 5 2 5 , 6 7 3

19,294,392

18,184,672

15,490,603

14,262,869

7.05
15.23

11.52

15.10

9.37

Total deposits

$ 2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
$ 2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
$ 2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
$ 2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0
$ 2 5 , 5 6 9 , 1 0 0

$23,264,132

$22,253,069

$19,409,055

$17,757,968

8.53%

lines  could  be  subject  to  collateral  requirements,  standards  of
creditworthiness,  leverage  ratios  and  other  regulatory
requirements, among other factors.

Maintaining  adequate  credit  ratings  on  Popular’s  debt
obligations is an important factor for liquidity, because the credit
ratings influence the Corporation’s ability to borrow, the cost at
which it can raise financing and access to funding sources. The
credit ratings are based on the financial strength, credit quality
and concentrations in the loan portfolio, the level and volatility of
earnings,  capital  adequacy,  the  quality  of  management,  the
liquidity  of  the  balance  sheet,  the  availability  of  a  significant
base of core retail and commercial deposits, and the Corporation’s
ability to access a broad array of wholesale funding sources, among
other factors. Changes in the credit rating of the Corporation or
any  of  its  subsidiaries  to  a  level  below  “investment  grade”  may
affect the Corporation’s ability to raise funds in the capital markets.
The  Corporation’s  counterparties  are  sensitive  to  the  risk  of  a
rating downgrade. In the event of a downgrade, it may be expected
that the cost of borrowing funds in the institutional market would
increase. In addition, the ability of the Corporation to raise new
funds or renew maturing debt may be more difficult.

In  December  2007,  Moody’s  Investor  Service  (“Moodys”)
downgraded by one notch to “A3”, the senior debt rating of the
Corporation  and  reduced  the  short-term  rating  to  “P-2”.  The
ratings were put on “watch negative”, which implies that within
a short period of time there was the possibility of an additional
downgrade. The funding challenges at the bank holding company
as well as the profitability of the U.S. business were given as the
primary concerns underlying the downgrades.

In  January  2008,  Moodys  upgraded  the  ratings  outlook  to
“stable” and removed the ratings watch which had been in effect.

Initiatives executed by management to address the bank holding
companies’  funding  challenges  were  cited  as  prompting  the
change, although the profitability of the U.S. business continues
to be a ratings concern.

After the end of the third quarter of 2007, Fitch Ratings reduced
the short-term credit rating of Popular, Inc. and Popular North
America,  Inc.  to  “F-2”  from  “F-1”,  and  placed  their  long-term
senior debt rating of “A-” on negative rating watch. Fitch Ratings
mentioned that the rating actions reflected credit quality pressures
from  our  sub-prime  loan  exposure  as  well  as  a  more  difficult
environment for bank holding company funding. In both cases,
Fitch Ratings maintained that it believes that both situations are
challenging but manageable.

In January 2008, Fitch Ratings announced that it was affirming
the Corporation’s senior debt rating at “A-” as well as removing
the  rating  from  “watch  negative”.  The  outlook  was  maintained
“negative”. Management actions related to bank holding company
liquidity  were  highlighted  by  the  agency  as  underlying  the
removal of the “watch”, but U.S. business profitability concerns
have kept the ratings outlook negative, until these challenges are
resolved.

Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (“S&P”) currently rates our
debt  “BBB+”  for  long-term  debt  and  “A-2”  for  short-term
obligations, both with a stable outlook.

Credit ratings are an important factor in accessing the credit
markets. Even though the Corporation is currently several notches
above  the  investment-grade  threshold  with  each  of  the  rating
agencies,  the  possibility  of  ratings  downgrades  can  affect  our
ability  to  raise  unsecured  financing  at  competitive  rates.

The  Corporation  and  BPPR’s  debt  ratings  at  December  31,

2007 were as follows:

Popular, Inc.

BPPR

Short-term
debt
F-2
P-2
A-2

Fitch
Moody’s
S&P

Long-term Short-term Long-term
debt
F-1
P-1
A-2

debt
A-
A3
BBB+

debt
A-
A2
A-

The ratings above are subject to revisions or withdrawal at any
time  by  the  assigning  rating  agency.  Each  rating  should  be
evaluated independently of any other rating.

Some of the Corporation’s borrowings and deposits are subject
to  “rating  triggers”,  contractual  provisions  that  accelerate  the
maturity of the underlying obligations in the case of a change in
rating. Therefore, the need for the Corporation to raise funding in
the marketplace could increase more than usual in the case of a
rating  downgrade.  The  amount  of  obligations  subject  to  rating
triggers  that  could  accelerate  the  maturity  of  the  underlying
obligations was $38 million at December 31, 2007.

In  the  course  of  borrowing  from  institutional  lenders,  the
Corporation has entered into contractual agreements to maintain
certain  levels  of  debt,  capital  and  asset  quality,  among  other
financial  covenants.  If  the  Corporation  were  to  fail  to  comply
with those agreements, it may result in an event of default. Such
failure may accelerate the repayment of the related obligations. An
event of default could also affect the ability of the Corporation to
raise new funds or renew maturing borrowings. At December 31,
2007,  the  Corporation  had  $215  million  in  outstanding
obligations  subject  to  covenants,  including  those  which  are
subject  to  rating  triggers.  At  December  31,  2007,  one  of  the
Corporation’s  U.S.  subsidiaries  was  not  complying  with  a
particular covenant with respect to one credit facility. A written
waiver was obtained. Obligations outstanding under this credit
facility  approximated  $87  million  at  December  31,  2007,  and
was paid in full in February 2008.

Contractual  Obligations  and  Commercial
Contractual  Obligations  and  Commercial
Contractual  Obligations  and  Commercial
Contractual  Obligations  and  Commercial
Contractual  Obligations  and  Commercial
C o m m i t m e n t s
C o m m i t m e n t s
C o m m i t m e n t s
C o m m i t m e n t s
C o m m i t m e n t s
The  Corporation  has  various  financial  obligations,  including
contractual  obligations  and  commercial  commitments,  which
require future cash payments on debt and lease agreements. Also,
in  the  normal  course  of  business,  the  Corporation  enters  into
contractual arrangements whereby it commits to future purchases
of  products  or  services  from  third  parties.  Obligations  that  are
legally  binding  agreements  whereby  the  Corporation  agrees  to
purchase products or services with a specific minimum quantity

2007     Annual Report        49
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

defined  at  a  fixed,  minimum  or  variable  price  over  a  specified
period of time are defined as purchase obligations.

At  December  31,  2007,  the  aggregate  contractual  cash
obligations  including  purchase  obligations  and  borrowings
maturities were:

Payments Due by Period

(In millions)

Less than
 1 year

1 to 3
years

3 to 5 After 5
 years

 years Total

Certificates  of  deposit
Fed  funds  and  repurchase

agreements
Other short-term
borrowings
Long-term  debt
Purchase  obligations
Annual rental

commitments  under
operating  leases

Capital leases

Total contractual cash

$9,911

$2,534

$854

$115

$13,414

4,038

237

1,502
1,490
170

-
1,302
67

49
1

74
3

763

-
654
29

55
3

399

5,437

-
1,175
9

1,502
4,621
275

203
19

381
26

obligations

$17,161

$4,217

$2,358

$1,920

$25,656

Purchase  obligations  include  major  legal  and  binding
contractual obligations outstanding at the end of 2007, primarily
for  services,  equipment  and  real  estate  construction  projects.
Services  include  software  licensing  and  maintenance,  facilities
maintenance,  supplies  purchasing,  and  other  goods  or  services
used in the operation of the business. Generally, these contracts
are renewable or cancelable at least annually, although in some
cases  to  secure  favorable  pricing  concessions,  the  Corporation
has committed to contracts that may extend for several years.

As  of  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation’s  liability  on  its
pension  and  postretirement  benefit  plans  amounted  to  $164.0
million.  During  2008,  the  Corporation  expects  to  contribute
$5.7  million  to  the  pension  and  benefit  restoration  plans,  and
$6.3 million to the postretirement benefit plan to fund current
benefit payment requirements. Obligations to these plans are based
on current and projected obligations of the plans, performance of
the plan assets, if applicable, and any participant contributions.
Refer to Note 24 to the consolidated financial statements for further
information on these plans. Management believes the effect of the
pension and postretirement plans on liquidity is not significant
to the Corporation’s overall financial condition.

As  of  December  31,  2007,  the  liability  for  uncertain  tax
positions, excluding associated interest and penalties, was $22.2
million  pursuant  to  FIN  No.  48,  which  was  described  in  the
Critical  Accounting  Policies  section.  This  liability  represents
an estimate of tax positions that the Corporation has taken in its
tax  returns  which  may  ultimately  not  be  sustained  upon
examination  by  the  tax  authorities.  The  ultimate  amount  and

50

timing of any future cash settlements cannot be predicted with
reasonable certainty. Under the statute of limitation, the liability
for uncertain tax positions expire as follows: 2008 - $2.3 million,
2009 - $4.2 million, 2010 - $4.4 million, 2011 - $5.9 million and
2012 - $5.4 million.

A  number  of  business  and  asset  acquisition  agreements  to
which the Corporation is a party may require the Corporation to
make contingent payments in future years if certain predetermined
goals,  such  as  revenue  or  loan  origination  targets,  are  achieved
within a specified time. Management estimates that the maximum
future payments under these agreements at December 31, 2007
approximated  $5.8  million.

The  Corporation  also  utilizes  lending-related  financial
instruments in the normal course of business to accommodate the
financial needs of its customers. The Corporation’s exposure to
credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the other party to
the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, standby
letters of credit and commercial letters of credit is represented by
the  contractual  notional  amount  of  these  instruments.  The
Corporation uses credit procedures and policies in making those
commitments and conditional obligations as it does in extending
loans to customers. Since many of the commitments may expire
without being drawn upon, the total contractual amounts are not
representative of the Corporation’s actual future credit exposure
or liquidity requirements for these commitments.

At December 31, 2007 the contractual amounts related to the
Corporation’s off-balance sheet lending and other activities were:

Amount of Commitment – Expiration Period

Less than
 1 year

1 to 3 3 to 5 After 5
 years
years

years Total

$6,240

$1,149

$370

$151

$7,910

(In millions)
Commitments to
extend  credit
Commercial letters

of  credit

Standby letters of

credit

Commitments to originate

mortgage loans

Unfunded  investment  obligations

25

145

95
-

1

27

18
7

2

-

-
-

-

-

-
32

26

174

113
39

The Corporation is a member of the Visa USA network through
its subsidiary BPNA. On October 3, 2007, the Visa organization
completed  a  series  of  restructuring  transactions  to  combine  its
affiliated operating companies, including Visa USA, under a single
holding  company,  Visa,  Inc.  As  a  result  of  Visa’s  restructuring,
the Corporation’s membership interest in Visa USA was exchanged
for an approximately 0.00874% equity interest in Visa Inc. Class
USA stock. On November 11, 2007, Visa Inc. filed a registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the
offer and sale of its common stock to the public. Visa has disclosed
that it plans to use the proceeds from its initial public offering to
partially redeem Visa USA members’ equity interests and to fund
the settlement of certain Visa USA related litigation.

Pursuant  to  the  Visa  USA  bylaws,  BPNA  is  obligated  to
indemnify  Visa,  Inc.  for  certain  losses.  On  October  3,  2007,  a
Loss Sharing Agreement (“LSA”) became effective which reaffirmed
the Corporation’s obligation to indemnify Visa, Inc. for potential
future  settlement  of  certain  litigation.  The  Corporation’s
indemnification  obligation  is  limited  to  its  0.00874%
proportionate  equity  interest  in  Visa  USA.  The  Corporation
recorded an estimated liability related to its obligation to indemnify
Visa for covered litigation of $223 thousand as of December 31,
2007.

If  the  Visa  initial  public  offering  is  successfully  completed,
the Corporation is expected to receive cash in partial redemption
of  its  equity  interest  currently  carried  at  zero  value.  Further,
management expects that the indemnification obligation to Visa
will be reduced when Visa either disburses funds for negotiated
settlements, or funds an escrow account designated for settlement
of  covered  litigation.  Management  expects  that  the  gain  to  be
realized from redemption of Visa shares will more than exceed the
indemnification obligations recorded to date.

BPPR is a member of Visa International, as such is not impacted

by  the  indemnification  obligation.

Refer to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for
further information on the Corporation’s contractual obligations,
commercial  commitments,  and  derivative  contracts.

Total

$6,505

$1,202

$372

$183

$8,262

The  Corporation  also  enters  into  derivative  contracts  under
which it is required either to receive cash or pay cash, depending
on  changes  in  interest  rates.  These  contracts  are  carried  at  fair
value on the consolidated statements of condition with the fair
value  representing  the  net  present  value  of  the  expected  future
cash receipts and payments based on market rates of interest as of
the  statement  of  condition  date.  The  fair  value  of  the  contract
changes daily as interest rates change.

Credit  Risk  Management  and  Loan  Quality
Credit  Risk  Management  and  Loan  Quality
Credit  Risk  Management  and  Loan  Quality
Credit  Risk  Management  and  Loan  Quality
Credit  Risk  Management  and  Loan  Quality
Credit risk represents the possibility of loss from the failure of a
borrower or counterparty to perform according to the terms of a
credit-related  contract.  Credit  risk  arises  primarily  from  the
Corporation’s  lending  activities,  as  well  as  from  other  on-  and
off-balance sheet credit instruments. Credit risk management is
based  on  analyzing  the  creditworthiness  of  the  borrower,  the
adequacy  of  underlying  collateral  given  current  events  and
conditions,  and  the  existence  and  strength  of  any  guarantor
support.

2007     Annual Report        51
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

The  Corporation  manages  credit  risk  by  maintaining  sound
underwriting standards, monitoring and evaluating loan portfolio
quality,  its  trends  and  collectibility,  and  assessing  reserves  and
loan  concentrations.  Also,  credit  risk  is  mitigated  by  recruiting
qualified  and  highly  skilled  credit  officers,  implementing  and
monitoring  lending  policies  and  collateral  requirements,  and
instituting credit review procedures to ensure appropriate actions
to  comply  with  laws  and  regulations.  The  Corporation’s  credit
policies require prompt identification and quantification of asset
quality  deterioration  or  potential  loss  in  order  to  ensure  the
adequacy  of  the  allowance  for  loan  losses.  Included  in  these
policies, primarily determined by the amount, type of loan and
risk  characteristics  of  the  credit  facility,  are  various  approval
levels and lending limit constraints, ranging from the branch or
department  level  to  those  that  are  more  centralized.  When
considered necessary, the Corporation requires collateral to support
credit  extensions  and  commitments,  which  is  generally  in  the
form  of  real  estate  and  personal  property,  cash  on  deposit  and
other highly liquid instruments.

At December 31, 2007, the Corporation’s credit exposure was
centered in its $29.9 billion total loan portfolio, which represented
73% of its earning assets. The portfolio composition for the last
five years is presented in Table G.

The  Corporation’s  Credit  Strategy  Committee  (“CRESCO”)
oversees  all  credit-related  activities  and  is  responsible  for
managing  the  Corporation’s  overall  credit  exposure  and
developing credit policies, standards and guidelines that define,
quantify,  and  monitor  credit  risk.  Through  the  CRESCO,
management  reviews  asset  quality  ratios,  trends  and  forecasts,
problem loans, evaluates the provision for loan losses and assesses
the methodology and adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on
a  monthly  basis.  The  analysis  of  the  allowance  adequacy  is
presented  to  the  Risk  Management  Committee  of  the  Board  of
Directors for review, consideration and ratification on a quarterly
basis.

The Corporation also has a Corporate Credit Risk Management
Division  (“CCRMD”),  which  is  centralized  and  independent  of
the lending function. It oversees the credit risk rating system and
reviews the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in accordance
with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  (“GAAP”)  and
regulatory  standards.  In  addition,  there  is  a  Credit  Risk
Management (“CRM”) function at the Corporation's Puerto Rico
and U.S. mainland operations. The CCRMD’s functions include
managing  and  controlling  the  Corporation’s  credit  risk,  which
is accomplished through various techniques applied at different
stages of the credit-granting process. A CRM representative, who
is  a  permanent  member  of  the  Executive  Credit  Committee,
oversees adherence to policies and procedures established for the
initial underwriting of the credit portfolio. Also, the CRM performs
ongoing monitoring of the portfolio, including potential areas of

concern for specific borrowers and / or geographic regions. The
CRM strives to identify problem loans early and has specialized
workout  officers,  who  are  independent  of  the  originating  unit,
that handle substantially all commercial loans which are past due
over 90 days, have filed bankruptcy, or are considered problem
loans based on their risk profile.

The Corporation also has a Credit Process Review Group within
the CRM, which performs annual comprehensive credit process
reviews of several middle markets, construction, asset-based and
corporate banking lending groups in BPPR. This group evaluates
the  credit  risk  profile  of  each  originating  unit  along  with  each
unit’s  credit  administration  effectiveness,  including  the
assessment of the risk rating representative of the current credit
quality of the loans, and the evaluation of collateral documentation.
The  monitoring  performed  by  this  group  contributes  to  assess
compliance  with  credit  policies  and  underwriting  standards,
determine the current level of credit risk, evaluate the effectiveness
of the credit management process and identify control deficiencies
that may arise in the credit-granting process. Based on its findings,
the Credit Process Review Group recommends corrective actions,
if  necessary,  that  help  in  maintaining  a  sound  credit  process.
CCRMD has contracted an outside loan review firm to perform the
credit  process  reviews  in  the  U.S.  mainland  operations.  The
CCRMD  and  CRM  participate  in  defining  the  review  plan  with
the  outside  loan  review  firm  and  actively  participate  in  the
discussions of the results of the loan reviews with the business
units. The CRM may periodically review the work performed by
the outside loan review firm. CRM reports the results of the loan
process  reviews  to  the  Audit  Committee  of  the  Corporation’s
Board of Directors. Beginning in 2008, the loan review function
for the U.S. mainland operations will have an internal officer in
charge  of  this  process.  The  loan  review  plan  for  2008  will  be
conducted by this internal resource in a joint effort with the outside
loan review firm.

The Corporation issues certain credit-related off-balance sheet
financial  instruments  including  commitments  to  extend  credit,
standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit to meet
the  financing  needs  of  its  customers.  For  these  financial
instruments,  the  contract  amount  represents  the  credit  risk
associated with failure of the counterparty to perform in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the contract, and the decline in
value of the underlying collateral. The credit risk associated with
these financial instruments varies depending on the counterparty’s
creditworthiness and the value of any collateral held. Refer to Note
28 to the consolidated financial statements and to the Contractual
Obligations and Commercial Commitments section of this MD&A
for  the  Corporation’s  involvement  in  these  credit-related
activities.

The  Corporation  is  also  exposed  to  credit  risk  by  using
derivative  instruments,  but  manages  the  level  of  risk  by  only

52

dealing  with  counterparties  of  good  credit  standing,  entering
into  master  netting  agreements  whenever  possible  and,  when
appropriate,  obtaining  collateral.  Refer  to  Note  30  to  the
consolidated financial statements for further information on the
Corporation’s involvement in derivative instruments and hedging
activities.

The Corporation manages the exposure to a single borrower,
industry or product type through participations and loan sales.
The  Corporation  maintains  a  diversified  portfolio  intended  to
spread its risk and reduce its exposure to economic downturns,
which  may  occur  in  different  segments  of  the  economy  or  in
particular  industries.  Industry  and  loan  type  diversification  is
reviewed quarterly.

The  Corporation’s  credit  risk  exposure  is  spread  among
individual consumers, small and medium businesses, as well as
corporate borrowers engaged in a wide variety of industries. Only
327 of these commercial lending relationships have credit relations
with  an  aggregate  exposure  of  $10  million  or  more.  Highly
leveraged transactions and credit facilities to finance speculative
real estate ventures are minimal, and there are no loans to less
developed  countries.  The  Corporation  limits  its  exposure  to
concentrations of credit risk by the nature of its lending limits.
The Corporation has made a substantial number of loans to
subprime borrowers mainly through its subsidiary PFH. The actual
rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on these loans could
be  higher  during  economic  slowdowns.  Rising  unemployment,
higher interest rates or declines in housing prices tend to have a
greater negative effect on the ability of such borrowers to repay
their mortgage loans. All the factors mentioned above also impact
the  value  of  residual  interests  created  as  a  result  of  off-balance
sheet  securitizations  conducted  through  PFH.  Refer  to  the
Overview  of  Mortgage  Loan  Exposure  section  for  further
information.

Geographical  and  Government  Risk
Geographical  and  Government  Risk
Geographical  and  Government  Risk
Geographical  and  Government  Risk
Geographical  and  Government  Risk
The Corporation is also exposed to geographical and government
risk.  The  Corporation’s  assets  and  revenue  composition  by
geographical area and by business segment is presented in Note
32 to the consolidated financial statements.

A significant portion of the Corporation’s financial activities
and credit exposure is concentrated in Puerto Rico. Consequently,
its financial condition and results of operations are dependent on
the  Island’s  economic  conditions.  An  extended  economic
slowdown  or  recessionary  cycle,  adverse  political  or  economic
developments  in  Puerto  Rico  or  natural  disasters,  such  as
hurricanes affecting the Island, could result in a downturn in loan
originations, an increase in the level of non-performing assets, an
increase in the rate of foreclosure loss on mortgage loans and a
reduction  in  the  value  of  the  Corporation’s  loans  and  loan

servicing  portfolio,  all  of  which  would  adversely  affect  the
Corporation’s  profitability  and  financial  condition.

The economy of Puerto Rico continued deteriorating during
2007. The weak fiscal position of the P.R. Government and strained
consumer finances, which were impacted by the effects of rising
unemployment rates, oil prices, utilities and taxes, among others,
affected the P.R. economy considerably. The current state of the
economy  and  uncertainty  in  the  private  and  public  sectors  has
had an adverse effect on the credit quality of the Corporation’s
loan portfolios. A prolonged economic slowdown, which has led
to  a  recessionary  cycle  could  cause  those  adverse  effects  to
continue,  as  delinquency  rates  may  continue  to  increase  in  the
short-term until more sustainable growth resumes.

Even  though  Puerto  Rico’s  Government  and  many  of  its
instrumentalities are investment-grade rated borrowers in the U.S.
capital  markets,  the  current  fiscal  situation  of  the  Puerto  Rico
("P.R. Government") led nationally recognized rating agencies to
downgrade  the  credit  rating  of  the  P.R.  Government's  debt
obligations during 2006. In November 2007, Moody’s changed
the  outlook  of  the  P.R.  Government’s  credit  ratings  to  “stable”
from  “negative”.  In  justifying  its  change  in  outlook,  Moody’s
recognized  the  progress  the  P.R.  Government  has  made  in
addressing  the  fiscal  challenges  it  has  faced  in  recent  years.  In
particular, it mentioned the controls imposed on public spending
and  the  implementation  of  the  sales  tax  as  two  favorable
developments. The rating agencies have maintained the negative
outlook  for  the  Puerto  Rico  obligation  bonds.  Factors,  such  as
the government’s ability to implement meaningful steps to curb
operating  expenditures,  improve  managerial  and  budgetary
controls, and eliminate the government’s reliance on loans from
the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico to cover budget
deficits, will be key determinants of future rating changes.

At  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  had  $1.0  billion  of
credit facilities granted to or guaranteed by the P.R. Government
and  its  political  subdivisions,  of  which  $150  million  were
uncommitted lines of credit. Of these total credit facilities granted,
$914 million in loans were outstanding at December 31, 2007. A
substantial  portion  of  the  Corporation’s  credit  exposure  to  the
Government  of  Puerto  Rico  are  either  collateralized  loans  or
obligations  that  have  a  specific  source  of  income  or  revenues
identified for its repayment. Some of these obligations consist of
senior and subordinated loans to public corporations that obtain
revenues  from  rates  charged  for  services  or  products,  such  as
water and electric power utilities. Public corporations have varying
degrees of independence from the Central Government and many
receive appropriations or other payments from it. The Corporation
also has loans to various municipalities for which the good faith,
credit and unlimited taxing power of the applicable municipality
has  been  pledged  to  their  repayment.  These  municipalities  are
required by law to levy special property taxes in such amounts as

2007     Annual Report        53
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

shall be required for the payment of all of its general obligation
bonds and loans. Another portion of these loans consists of special
obligations  of  various  municipalities  that  are  payable  from  the
basic  real  and  personal  property  taxes  collected  within  such
municipalities.  The  good  faith  and  credit  obligations  of  the
municipalities have a first lien on the basic property taxes.

Furthermore, as of December 31, 2007, the Corporation had
outstanding  $178  million  in  Obligations  of  Puerto  Rico,  States
and  Political  Subdivisions  as  part  of  its  investment  portfolio.
Refer to Notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements for
additional information. Of that total, $155 million was exposed
to  the  creditworthiness  of  the  P.R.  Government  and  its
municipalities. Of that portfolio, $55 million was in the form of
Puerto  Rico  Commonwealth  Appropriation  Bonds,  which  are
currently  rated  Ba1,  one  notch  below  investment  grade,  by
Moody’s, while Standard & Poor’s Rating Services ("S&P") rates
them  as  investment  grade.  At  December  31,  2007,  the
Appropriation Bonds represented approximately $1.8 million in
unrealized  losses  in  the  Corporation’s  portfolio  of  investment
securities available-for-sale. The Corporation is closely monitoring
the political and economic situation of the Island and evaluates
the  portfolio  for  any  declines  in  value  that  management  may
consider being other-than-temporary. Management has the intent
and ability to hold these investments for a reasonable period of
time or up to maturity for a forecasted recovery of fair value up to
(or beyond) the cost of these investments.

As further detailed in Notes 6 and 7 to the consolidated financial
statements, a substantial portion of the Corporation’s investment
securities  represented  exposure  to  the  U.S.  Government  in  the
form  of  U.S.  Treasury  securities  and  obligations  of  U.S.
Government  sponsored  entities.  In  addition,  $134  million  of
residential mortgages and $352 million in commercial loans were
insured or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies at
December 31, 2007.

Overview  of  Mortgage  Loan  Exposure
Overview  of  Mortgage  Loan  Exposure
Overview  of  Mortgage  Loan  Exposure
Overview  of  Mortgage  Loan  Exposure
Overview  of  Mortgage  Loan  Exposure
Deteriorating  conditions  in  the  U.S.  mainland  housing  market
and,  to  a  lesser  extent,  in  Puerto  Rico  accelerated  throughout
2007. As many lenders have been forced out of business or have
severely  curtailed  their  operations  and  most  remaining  lenders
have  increased  nonconforming  mortgage  interest  rates  and
tightened underwriting standards, many borrowers, particularly
subprime  borrowers  and  borrowers  in  markets  with  declining
housing  prices,  have  been  unable  to  refinance  existing  loans.
Borrowers  in  markets  with  declining  housing  prices  may  find
themselves unable to refinance their loans, as a result of diminished
equity in their homes.

In  a  stressed  housing  market  with  increasing  delinquencies
and  declining  housing  prices,  such  as  currently  exists,  the
adequacy of collateral securing the loan becomes a much more

important  factor  in  determining  future  loan  performance,  as  a
borrower with more equity in the property has a greater vested
interest in keeping the loan current than a borrower with little to
no equity in the property. Also, in the event that the Corporation
has to foreclose on a property, the extent to which the outstanding
balance on the loan exceeds the collateral value will determine the
severity of loss.

The  residential  mortgage  loan  origination  business  has
historically  been  cyclical,  with  periods  of  strong  growth  and
profitability  followed  by  periods  of  shrinking  volumes  and
industry-wide  losses.  Because  the  Corporation  made  loans  to
borrowers  that  have  FICO®  scores  of  660  or  below,  the  actual
rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on these loans could
be  higher  during  economic  slowdowns.  Rising  unemployment,
higher  interest  rates,  declines  in  housing  prices  and  an  overall
tightening of credit standards by lenders tend to have a greater
negative  effect  on  the  ability  of  such  borrowers  to  repay  their
mortgage  loans.

The following table provides information on the Corporation’s
mortgage  loan  exposure  for  loans  held-in-portfolio,  (thus
excluding loans held-for-sale) at December 31, 2007. Subprime
mortgage loans refer to mortgage loans made to individuals with
a  FICO®  score  of  660  or  below.  FICO®  scores  are  used  as  an
indicator of the probability of default for loans.

(In billions)
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Banco Popular North America
Popular Financial Holdings:

- Owned-in-trust
- Owned - originated through wholesale channels
("centralized")
- Owned - originated through consumer branches

Sub-total

Other not classified as prime or subprime loans

Total Popular, Inc.

Prime Subprime
loans
$1,119
510

loans
$1,236
1,199

Total
$2,355
1,709

57

229

286

199
74
$1,959

716
69
$3,449

915
143
5,408
663
$6,071

Mortgage loans held-in-portfolio that are considered subprime
under the above definition for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
reportable segment approximated 42% of its total mortgage loans
held-in-portfolio  as  of  December  31,  2007.  The  Corporation,
however,  believes  that  the  particular  characteristics  of  BPPR’s
subprime  portfolio  limit  its  exposure  under  current  market
conditions.  BPPR’s  loans  are  fixed-rate  fully  amortizing,  full-
documentation  loans  that  do  not  have  the  level  of  layered  risk
associated  with  subprime  loans  offered  by  certain  major  U.S.
mortgage  loan  originators.  Deteriorating  economic  conditions
have  impacted  the  mortgage  delinquency  rates  in  Puerto  Rico
increasing the levels of non-accruing mortgage loans. However,
BPPR has not to date experienced significant increases in losses.
The annualized ratio of mortgage loans net charge-offs to average

54

mortgage loans held-in-portfolio for this subprime portfolio was
0.04% for the year ended December 31, 2007.

BPNA’s mortgage loans held-in-portfolio  considered subprime
under the above definition, isolating E-LOAN, approximated 71%
of its total mortgage loans held-in-portfolio as of December 31,
2007.  This  portfolio  has  principally  two  products  -  either  7/1
ARMs (fixed-rate interest until end of year seven in which interest
rate begins to reset annually until maturity) or 30 years fixed-rate
mortgages  that  do  not  have  the  level  of  layered  risk  associated
with subprime loans offered by certain major U.S. mortgage loan
originators.  For  example,  BPNA’s  subprime  mortgage  loan
portfolio  has  minimal  California  market  exposure,  loans  are
underwritten to the fully indexed rate, and there are no interest-
only,  piggybacks  or  option  ARM  loans  (Refer  to  Glossary  for
general descriptions of these loan types). Furthermore, the loans
are 100% owner occupied. Also, the first interest rate reset on the
7/1 ARMs is not until 2012. Deteriorating economic conditions
in the U.S. mainland housing market have impacted the mortgage
industry delinquency rates; however, the levels of non-accruing
mortgage loans in BPNA’s subprime mortgage portfolio have been
lower than PFH’s subprime mortgage portfolio. The non-accruing
loans  to  loans  held-in-portfolio  ratio  for  BPNA’s  subprime
mortgage loans was 3.67% at December 31, 2007. The annualized
ratio of mortgage loans net charge-offs to average mortgage loans
held-in-portfolio for this subprime portfolio was 1.28% for the
year ended December 31, 2007. As a result of higher delinquency
and net charge-offs experience, BPNA recorded a higher provision
for loan losses in the fourth quarter of 2007 to cover for inherent
losses  in  this  portfolio.  The  average  loan  to  value  (“LTV”)  at
December  31,  2007  in  BPNA’s  portfolio  was  89.36%.  Effective
late December 2007, BPNA launched several initiatives designed
to reduce the overall credit exposure in the portfolio that involve
the purchase, by either the borrower or BPNA, of private mortgage
insurance.

Mortgage loans held-in-portfolio for PFH, excluding Popular
FS, that are considered subprime approximated 73% of its total
mortgage loans held-in-portfolio as of December 31, 2007. In the
past,  PFH  originated  mortgage  loans  through  various  channels
including bulk acquisitions, mortgage loan brokers and its retail
branch  network.  As  part  of  the  PFH  Restructuring  Plan,  PFH
ceased  originating  loans  through  all  channels  except  for  loans
originated  directly  through  its  consumer  finance  branches  and
the customer loan center. This resulted in a significant reduction
in total originations of mortgage loans at PFH during 2007. Also,
as  a  result  of  the  loan  recharacterization  transaction  discussed
previously,  the  Corporation  reduced  its  exposure  to  subprime
mortgage loans by the end of 2007. The loan recharacterization
transaction contributed with a reduction of approximately $2.4
billion in subprime mortgages based on portfolio data reported in
the Corporation’s Form 10-Q as of September 30, 2007. Also, as

indicated in the Events Subsequent to Year-End 2007 section of
this MD&A, during December 2007, the Corporation reclassified
approximately  $1.4  billion  carrying  amount  in  mortgage  and
consumer  loans  originated  through  PFH’s  consumer  branches
from loans held-in-portfolio to loans held-for-sale with the intent
to sell these loans by the end of the first quarter of 2008. Since the
exposure in this held-for-sale portfolio is short-term and a sales
price was set with the prospective buyer, these loans are excluded
from  the  previous  tabular  presentation  which  segregates  prime
and  subprime  mortgage  loans.  The  prospective  sale  of  this
consumer  branch  portfolio  is  expected  to  reduced  the
Corporation’s subprime mortgage loan exposure in its portfolio
of loans to be held until maturity by over $700 million.

Approximately $287 million of the loans held-in-portfolio by
PFH as of December 31, 2007 were identified as “owned-in-trust”
for  purposes  of  these  disclosures.  These  loans  were  pledged  as
collateral  for  asset-backed  securities  issued  by  the  Corporation
(in the form of bond certificates) as a financing vehicle through
on-balance sheet securitization transactions. Because these loan
securitizations did not meet the sale criteria under SFAS No. 140,
the transactions were treated as on-balance sheet securitizations
for  accounting  purposes.  These  “owned-in-trust”  loans  do  not
pose the same magnitude of risk to the Corporation as those loans
owned outright because the potential losses related to “owned-in-
trust” loans above overcollaterization levels will be borne by the
holde rs   o f  t he  b onds  and  no t   by   t he   C o rpora tion .
Overcollateralization is defined as a type of credit enhancement
by which an issuer of bond certificates pledges mortgage loans as
collateral in excess of the principal amount of bond certificates
issued  to  cover  possible  losses.  As  of  December  31,  2007,  the
collateral balance on the five securitizations deals accounted as
“on-balance  sheet  securitizations”  approximated  $308  million,
which exceeded the outstanding balance of the bond certificates
by $24 million. The allowance for loan losses recorded for these
“owned-in-trust” loans amounted to approximately $5.3 million
at December 31, 2007.

An  additional  risk  factor  related  to  the  residential  mortgage
loan  sector  is  the  repricing  of  adjustable  rate  mortgage  loans
(“ARMs”). In the U.S. mortgage market, a substantial amount of
ARMs were originated in recent years. These loans typically have
a  low  fixed  rate  for  an  initial  period  (two  or  three  years)  and
afterwards the rate “floats” or adjusts periodically based on a market
rate of interest, such as LIBOR. Of PFH’s subprime mortage loans
held-in-portfolio  at  December  31,  2007,  $320  million  or  32%
were ARMs. Many of the ARMs currently outstanding are schedule
to reset  before the end of 2008. It is possible that in some of these
loans, when rates adjust, there will be a substantial increase in the
underlying loan payment, possibly enough to pressure the cash
flow  of  the  underlying  debtor  and  increase  the  likehood  of
delinquency.

The table below provides information on PFH’s mortgage loans
held-in-portfolio segregated between owned and “owned-in-trust”
loans.

Owned (a)

Owned-in-Trust (b)

12-31-07

12-31-06

12-31-07

12-31-06

$1,063
$925
$138
8.76%
85.59%

$286
$284
$2
8.76%
81.45%
$112
596
4.31%
21.35%
6.20%
2.38%
3.88%
8.89%

$2,191
$1,868
$323
8.87%
82.66%
$69
607
2.95%
8.66%
2.54%
0.89%
2.48%
2.75%

$4,543
$4,511
$32
7.55%
83.39%
$140
620
2.18%
10.93%
3.48%
1.30%
1.84%
4.31%

($ in millions)
Current Balance (c)
($ in millions)
First Liens
Second Liens
Weighted-average coupon (WAC)
Avg. Loan-to-Value (LTV) (d)
Avg. Loan Balance ($ in thousands) $91
606
Avg. FICO score (e)
3.81%
Bankruptcy (% of $)
18.52%
Total Delinquency
4.78%
30 Days (% of $)
2.41%
60 Days (% of $)
4.80%
90+ Days (% of $)
6.53%
Foreclosure (% of $)
Business Channel
29%
Broker
24%
Asset Acquisition
Retail Mortgage (call centers)
7%
Customer Loan Center ("CLC") (f) 23%
14%
Decentralized (branches)
3%
Other
Product Type
60%
Fixed-rate
29%
ARM (Adjustable rate mortgage)
4%
Balloon
1%
Interest only - Fixed
6%
Interest only - ARM
(a) Owned portfolio - represents mortgage loans originated / acquired, but not sold / securitized.
(b) Owned-in-trust - represents mortgage loans securitized in on-balance sheet securitizations, as
such, are part of PFH’s portfolio under SFAS No. 140.
(c) Excluding deferred fees, origination costs, net premiums and other items.
(d) LTV – a lending risk ratio calculated by dividing the total amount of the mortgage or loan by the
fair value of the property. The LTV presented is based on amounts at loan origination date.
(e) FICO® - the Corporation uses external credit scores as a useful measure for assessing the credit
quality of a borrower. These scores are numbers supplied by credit information providers, based
on statistical models that summarize an individual’s credit record. FICO® scores, developed by Fair
Isaac Corporation, are the most commonly used credit scores.
(f) CLC - unit that anticipates possible refinancing needs of the customer and makes efforts to retain
the customer by offering the company’s products.

17%
72%
6%
4%
-
1%

22%
17%
5%
6%
47%
3%

53%
10%
16%
19%
-
2%

35%
51%
13%
-
1%

69%
20%
10%
-
1%

62%
21%
16%
-
1%

The U.S. government and the mortgage industry have taken
steps to limit the negative effects of the subprime mortgage crisis
on the financial markets and the economy as a whole. Many of
these  initiatives  have  focused  on  lenders  being  able  to  modify
mortgages  so  that  distressed  or  potentially  distressed  debtors
can continue to make payments on their mortgages. Refer to the
Off-Balance  Financing  Entities  section  in  this  MD&A  for
information on certain of these market initiatives.

Non-Performing  Assets
Non-Performing  Assets
Non-Performing  Assets
Non-Performing  Assets
Non-Performing  Assets
A summary of non-performing assets by loan categories and related
ratios  is  presented  in  Table  N.  Non-performing  assets  include
past-due loans that are no longer accruing interest, renegotiated

2007     Annual Report        55
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

loans and real estate property acquired through foreclosure. During
2004, the Corporation adopted the standard industry practice of
placing commercial and construction loans on non-accrual status
if  payments  of  principal  or  interest  are  delinquent  90  days  or
more, instead of 60 days or more, which was its previous policy.
The level of non-performing loans has been mostly impacted
by the effects of a continuing downturn in the economy of Puerto
Rico  and  a  slowdown  in  the  U.S.  economy,  which  has  affected
both  the  commercial  and  consumer  sectors.  The  Puerto  Rico
economy  continued  to  contract  during  2007  as  it  has  been
impacted  by  consumers’  finances  under  stress,  unemployment
rates  at  high  levels,  rising  operational  costs  which  pressure
businesses, caution on capital spending, slowdown in the housing
market,  among  other  factors.  The  growth  of  the  U.S.  economy
also fell in the latter part of 2007, in part, as a result of the credit
crunch that took effect in the second half of 2007. The slowdown
was triggered by a slump in building activity as housing prices
significanttly declined. Also, the U.S. economy faced the threats
of lower consumer spending while, at the same time, addressing
inflation as oil and other commodity costs were rising. With the
aim of boosting the economy and avoiding a recession in the U.S.
mainland, the U.S. Government approved an economic stimulus
package during early 2008, which includes a series of tax rebates.
The  economic  stimulus  package,  which  is  also  applicable  to
Puerto Rico, is anticipated to also have a positive impact on the
economy  of  Puerto  Rico.  Also,  as  indicated  in  the  Net  Interest
Income section of this MD&A, the FED reduced its key interest
rate to 3% as it tries to stimulate economic momentum.

Non-performing commercial loans as of December 31, 2007
reflected an increase of $204 million from December 31, 2006,
mainly due to deteriorating economic conditions in Puerto Rico
and  the  U.S.  mainland.  The  percentage  of  non-performing
commercial loans to commercial loans held-in-portfolio rose from
1.09% at the end of 2006 to 2.32% at the same date in 2007. For
December 31, 2005, this ratio was 1.06%. Of the total increase in
non-performing commercial loans between the end of 2006 and
2007,  $95  million  of  the  increase  pertained  to  commercial
construction loans. Commercial loans considered impaired under
the Corporation’s criteria for FAS 114 amounted to $322 million
at December 31, 2007, compared with $208 million at the same
date in 2006.

Non-performing  consumer  loans  represented  0.94%,  0.92%
and 0.83% of consumer loans held-in-portfolio at December 31,
2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively. The ratio for 2007 remained
at a level very close to 2006, in part, because the portfolio growth
in consumer loans has been mostly in credit cards which are not
placed in non-accrual status under the Corporation’s policy and
in home equity lines of credit which is mostly a relatively newly
originated portfolio from the 2007 vintage. The increase in this

56

Table  N
Table  N
Table  N
Table  N
Table  N
Non-Performing Assets

(Dollars in thousands)

Non-accrual loans:

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

 As of December 31,
2005

2004

2003

Commercial (including construction)
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer

Total non-performing loans

Other real estate

Total non-performing assets

Accruing loans past-due

90 days or more

Non-performing assets to loans held-in-portfolio
Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio
Non-performing assets to assets
Interest lost

$ 3 6 2 , 0 1 9
$ 3 6 2 , 0 1 9
$ 3 6 2 , 0 1 9
$ 3 6 2 , 0 1 9
$ 3 6 2 , 0 1 9
1 0 , 1 8 2
1 0 , 1 8 2
1 0 , 1 8 2
1 0 , 1 8 2
1 0 , 1 8 2
3 4 9 , 3 8 1
3 4 9 , 3 8 1
3 4 9 , 3 8 1
3 4 9 , 3 8 1
3 4 9 , 3 8 1
4 9 , 0 9 0
4 9 , 0 9 0
4 9 , 0 9 0
4 9 , 0 9 0
4 9 , 0 9 0
7 7 0 , 6 7 2
7 7 0 , 6 7 2
7 7 0 , 6 7 2
7 7 0 , 6 7 2
7 7 0 , 6 7 2
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0

$ 8 5 2 , 0 8 2
$ 8 5 2 , 0 8 2
$ 8 5 2 , 0 8 2
$ 8 5 2 , 0 8 2
$ 8 5 2 , 0 8 2

$ 1 0 9 , 5 6 9
$ 1 0 9 , 5 6 9
$ 1 0 9 , 5 6 9
$ 1 0 9 , 5 6 9
$ 1 0 9 , 5 6 9

3 . 0 4 %
3 . 0 4 %
3 . 0 4 %
3 . 0 4 %
3 . 0 4 %
2 . 7 5
2 . 7 5
2 . 7 5
2 . 7 5
2 . 7 5
1 . 9 2
1 . 9 2
1 . 9 2
1 . 9 2
1 . 9 2
$ 7 1 , 0 3 7
$ 7 1 , 0 3 7
$ 7 1 , 0 3 7
$ 7 1 , 0 3 7
$ 7 1 , 0 3 7

$158,214
11,898
499,402
48,074
717,588
84,816
$802,404

$99,996

2.51%
2.24
1.69
$58,223

$133,746
2,562
371,885
39,316
547,509
79,008
$626,517

$86,662

2.02%
1.77
1.29
$46,198

$122,593
3,665
395,749
32,010
554,017
59,717
$613,734

$168,266
7,494
344,916
36,350
557,026
53,898
$610,924

$79,091

2.19%
1.98
1.38
$45,089

$75,557

2.74%
2.49
1.68
$45,541

ratio from 2005 to 2006 resulted from higher delinquency levels,
partially offset by portfolio growth.

Non-performing  mortgage  loans,  which  decreased  by  $150
million, or 30%, since December 31, 2006, represented 41% of
total  non-performing  assets  and  5.75%  of  total  mortgage  loans
held-in-portfolio at December 31, 2007, compared with 62% and
4.51%, respectively, at December 31, 2006, and 59% and 3.02%,
respectively,  at  December  31,  2005.  The  decline  was  directly
related  to  the  PFH  loan  recharacterization  transaction  which
resulted  in  a  reduction  in  non-performing  mortgage  loans  of
approximately $316 million, which was partially offset by increases
in  non-performing  mortgage  loans  in  PFH’s  remaining  owned
portfolio, the Puerto Rico operations and BPNA in the amount of
$167 million. The increase at these reportable segments was mainly
due to the continued deterioration in the subprime market in the
U.S.  mainland,  as  well  as  higher  delinquencies  triggered  by
deteriorating economic conditions in Puerto Rico. The increase
in non-performing mortgage loans since December 31, 2005 to
2006 was also due to similar factors, which were already being
experienced  to  a  lesser  extent  during  2006.  Ratios  of  mortgage
loans  net  charge-offs  as  a  percentage  of  the  average  mortgage
loans  held-in-portfolio  are  presented  later  in  the  Allowance  for
Loan Losses section of this MD&A.

Non-performing financing leases represented 0.93% of the lease
financing portfolio at December 31, 2007, compared with 0.97%
at  the  end  of  2006,  remaining  at  a  relatively  stable  level.  Non-
performing  financing  leases  represented  0.20%  of  the  lease
financing  portfolio  at  December  31,  2005.The  increase  in  non-
performing  leases  for  2006,  compared  to  the  earlier  year,  was
mainly the impact of a system conversion. The new lease system

identifies non-accruing leases at actual days past due instead of
installments past due, which was the previous system parameter.
The impact in interest reversals or charge-offs, as a result of this
system  conversion,  was  not  significant.

Other  real  estate  owned,  representing  real  estate  property
acquired through foreclosure, at December 31, 2007 reflected a
decrease  of  $3  million,  or  4%,  compared  with  December  31,
2006.  This  decline  resulted  because  of  the  elimination  of  $68
million  in  other  real  estate  property,  as  a  result  of  PFH’s  loan
recharacterization transaction since the properties belong to the
trust and had to be excluded from the Corporation’s accounting
records at the time the securitization was recharacterized as a sale
transaction. This decline was offset by increases in other of the
Corporation’s  reportable  segments.  With  the  slowdown  in  the
housing market, there is a continued economic deterioration in
certain geographic areas, which also has a softening effect on the
market for resale of repossessed real estate properties. Defaulted
loans have increased, and these loans move through the default
process to the other real estate classification. The combination of
increased flow of defaulted loans from the loan portfolio to other
real estate owned and the slowing of the liquidation market has
resulted in an increase in the number of units on hand.

Under  the  standard  industry  practice,  closed-end  consumer
loans are not customarily placed on non-accrual status prior to
being charged-off. Excluding the closed-end consumer loans from
non-accruing  at  December  31,  2007,  adjusted  non-performing
assets would have been $803 million, or 2.87%, of loans held-in-
portfolio, compared with $754 million or 2.36%, respectively, at
December 31, 2006. The allowance to non-performing loans ratio
at December 31, 2007 and 2006 would have been 76.06% and

2007     Annual Report        57
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

78.00%, respectively. The decline in this ratio reflects a higher
proportion of real estate secured loans in non-performing status.
Given the change in policy in 2004 for placing commercial loans
on non-accrual status as previously discussed, and excluding the
closed-end consumer loans from non-accruing at December 31,
2005,  adjusted  non-performing  assets  would  have  been  $587
million, or 1.89%, of loans held-in-portfolio, and the allowance to
non-performing loans ratio would have been 90.85% at December
31,  2005.

Once  a  loan  is  placed  in  non-accrual  status,  the  interest
previously  accrued  and  uncollected  is  charged  against  current
earnings and thereafter income is recorded only to the extent of
any  interest  collected.  Refer  to  Table  N  for  information  on  the
interest  income  that  would  have  been  realized  had  these  loans
been performing in accordance with their original terms.

In addition to the non-performing loans discussed earlier, there
were  $50  million  of  commercial  loans  at  December  31,  2007,
which in management’s opinion are currently subject to potential
future  classification  as  non-performing,  and  therefore  are
considered impaired for purposes of the analysis under SFAS No.
114. At December 31, 2006 and 2005, these potential problem
loans approximated $103 million and $30 million, respectively.
The decline from December 31, 2006 to the same date in 2007 was
mainly due to a particular commercial lending relationship in the
Corporation’s  Puerto  Rico  banking  operations.

Another  key  measure  used  to  evaluate  and  monitor  the
Corporation’s asset quality is loan delinquencies. Loans delinquent
30 days or more and delinquencies as a percentage of their related
portfolio category at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are presented
below.

(Dollars in millions)
Loans delinquent 30 days or more
Total delinquencies as a percentage

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
$ 2 , 0 1 1
$ 2 , 0 1 1
$ 2 , 0 1 1
$ 2 , 0 1 1
$ 2 , 0 1 1

2006
$1,917

of total loans:
Commercial
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer

Total

4 . 9 7 %
4 . 9 7 %
4 . 9 7 %
4 . 9 7 %
4 . 9 7 %
4 . 3 6
4 . 3 6
4 . 3 6
4 . 3 6
4 . 3 6
1 2 . 2 8
1 2 . 2 8
1 2 . 2 8
1 2 . 2 8
1 2 . 2 8
4 . 7 5
4 . 7 5
4 . 7 5
4 . 7 5
4 . 7 5

6 . 7 2 %
6 . 7 2 %
6 . 7 2 %
6 . 7 2 %
6 . 7 2 %

2.93%
9.30
9.97
4.00
5.86%

Accruing  loans  past  due  90  days  or  more  are  composed
primarily of credit cards, FHA / VA and other insured mortgage
loans, and delinquent mortgage loans included in the Corporation’s
financial  statements  pursuant  to  GNMA’s  buy-back  option
program.  Under  SFAS  No.  140,  servicers  of  loans  underlying
Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities must report as their own
assets the defaulted loans that they have the option to purchase,
even when they elect not to exercise that option. Also, accruing
loans past due 90 days or more include residential conventional

loans purchased from other financial institutions that, although
delinquent,  the  Corporation  has  received  timely  payment  from
the  sellers  /  servicers,  and,  in  some  instances,  have  partial
guarantees under recourse agreements.

Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level sufficient to
provide for estimated loan losses based on evaluations of inherent
risks  in  the  loan  portfolio.  The  Corporation’s  management
evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses on a monthly
basis.  Some  of  the  factors  that  management  considers  in
determining the allowance are current economic conditions and
the resulting impact on Popular’s loan portfolio, the composition
of  the  portfolio  by  loan  types  and  risk  profiles,  historical  loss
experience, the current level of the allowance in relation to total
loans  and  to  historical  loss  levels,  results  of  periodic  credit
reviews of individual loans, collateral values of properties securing
certain  loans,  regulatory  requirements  and  loan  impairment
measurement, among others.

The  Corporation’s  methodology  to  determine  its  allowance
for loan losses follows the guidance in SFAS No. 114 (as amended
by  SFAS  No.  118)  and  SFAS  No.  5.  Under  SFAS  No.  114,
commercial loans over a predetermined amount are identified for
impairment  evaluation  on  an  individual  basis  and  specific
impairment reserves are calculated. SFAS No. 5 provides for the
recognition  of  a  loss  contingency  for  a  group  of  homogeneous
loans, which are not individually evaluated under SFAS No. 114,
when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount
can be reasonably estimated. To determine the allowance for loan
losses under SFAS No. 5, the Corporation applies a historic loss
and volatility factor to specific loan balances segregated by loan
type and legal entity.

The  result  of  the  exercise  described  above  is  compared  to
stress-tested levels of historic losses over a period of time, recent
tendencies of losses and industry trends. Management considers
all  indicators  derived  from  the  process  described  herein,  along
with  qualitative  factors  that  may  cause  estimated  credit  losses
associated with the loan portfolios to differ from historical loss
experience. The final outcome of the provision for loan losses and
the  appropriate  level  of  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  for  each
subsidiary and the Corporation is a determination made by the
CRESCO,  which  actively  reviews  the  Corporation’s  allowance
for loan losses.

Management’s evaluation of the quantitative factors (historical
net  charge-offs,  statistical  loss  estimates,  etc.),  as  well  as
qualitative  factors  (current  economic  conditions,  portfolio
composition,  delinquency  trends,  etc.),  results  in  the  final
determination of the provision for loan losses to maintain a level
of allowance for loan losses which is deemed to be adequate. Since
the  determination  of  the  allowance  for  loans  losses  considers

58

Table  O
Table  O
Table  O
Table  O
Table  O
Allowance for Loan Losses and Selected Loan Losses Statistics

(Dollars in thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Allowances acquired
Provision for loan losses
Impact of change in reporting period*

Charge-offs:

Commercial (including construction)
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer

Recoveries:

Commercial (including construction)
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer

Net loans charged-off:

Commercial
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer

Write-downs related to loans transferred

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

$ 5 2 2 , 2 3 2
$ 5 2 2 , 2 3 2
$ 5 2 2 , 2 3 2
$ 5 2 2 , 2 3 2
$ 5 2 2 , 2 3 2
7 , 2 9 0
7 , 2 9 0
7 , 2 9 0
7 , 2 9 0
7 , 2 9 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
-----
1 , 0 9 2 , 1 7 2
1 , 0 9 2 , 1 7 2
1 , 0 9 2 , 1 7 2
1 , 0 9 2 , 1 7 2
1 , 0 9 2 , 1 7 2

9 8 , 5 4 2
9 8 , 5 4 2
9 8 , 5 4 2
9 8 , 5 4 2
9 8 , 5 4 2
2 3 , 7 2 2
2 3 , 7 2 2
2 3 , 7 2 2
2 3 , 7 2 2
2 3 , 7 2 2
1 4 4 , 6 5 4
1 4 4 , 6 5 4
1 4 4 , 6 5 4
1 4 4 , 6 5 4
1 4 4 , 6 5 4
2 2 2 , 1 5 5
2 2 2 , 1 5 5
2 2 2 , 1 5 5
2 2 2 , 1 5 5
2 2 2 , 1 5 5

4 8 9 , 0 7 3
4 8 9 , 0 7 3
4 8 9 , 0 7 3
4 8 9 , 0 7 3
4 8 9 , 0 7 3

1 9 , 9 8 5
1 9 , 9 8 5
1 9 , 9 8 5
1 9 , 9 8 5
1 9 , 9 8 5
8 , 6 9 5
8 , 6 9 5
8 , 6 9 5
8 , 6 9 5
8 , 6 9 5
1 , 3 1 4
1 , 3 1 4
1 , 3 1 4
1 , 3 1 4
1 , 3 1 4
3 5 , 9 8 2
3 5 , 9 8 2
3 5 , 9 8 2
3 5 , 9 8 2
3 5 , 9 8 2

6 5 , 9 7 6
6 5 , 9 7 6
6 5 , 9 7 6
6 5 , 9 7 6
6 5 , 9 7 6

7 8 , 5 5 7
7 8 , 5 5 7
7 8 , 5 5 7
7 8 , 5 5 7
7 8 , 5 5 7
1 5 , 0 2 7
1 5 , 0 2 7
1 5 , 0 2 7
1 5 , 0 2 7
1 5 , 0 2 7
1 4 3 , 3 4 0
1 4 3 , 3 4 0
1 4 3 , 3 4 0
1 4 3 , 3 4 0
1 4 3 , 3 4 0
1 8 6 , 1 7 3
1 8 6 , 1 7 3
1 8 6 , 1 7 3
1 8 6 , 1 7 3
1 8 6 , 1 7 3

4 2 3 , 0 9 7
4 2 3 , 0 9 7
4 2 3 , 0 9 7
4 2 3 , 0 9 7
4 2 3 , 0 9 7

2006
$461,707
-
287,760
2,510
751,977

55,605
24,526
59,613
149,776
289,520

17,283
10,643
979
30,870
59,775

38,322
13,883
58,634
118,906
229,745

2005
$437,081
6,291
195,272
1,586
640,230

64,559
20,568
48,212
108,110
241,449

22,067
10,939
775
29,145
62,926

42,492
9,629
47,437
78,965
178,523

2004
$408,542
27,185
178,657
-
614,384

64,931
37,125
33,032
103,393
238,481

19,778
11,385
1,440
28,575
61,178

45,153
25,740
31,592
74,818
177,303

2003
$372,797
13,697
195,939
-
582,433

80,069
22,995
29,495
100,040
232,599

20,594
11,477
467
26,170
58,708

59,475
11,518
29,028
73,870
173,891

to loans held-for-sale

Balance at end of year

Loans held-in-portfolio:

Outstanding at year end
Average

Ratios:

Allowance for loan losses to year

end loans held-in-portfolio

Recoveries to charge-offs
Net charge-offs to average loans

 held-in-portfolio

Net charge-offs earnings coverage
Allowance for loan losses to net

charge-offs

Provision for loan losses to:

Net charge-offs
Average loans held-in-portfolio
Allowance to non-performing assets
Allowance to non-performing loans

1 2 0 , 2 4 3
1 2 0 , 2 4 3
1 2 0 , 2 4 3
1 2 0 , 2 4 3
1 2 0 , 2 4 3

-

-

-

-

$ 5 4 8 , 8 3 2
$ 5 4 8 , 8 3 2
$ 5 4 8 , 8 3 2
$ 5 4 8 , 8 3 2
$ 5 4 8 , 8 3 2

$522,232

$461,707

$437,081

$408,542

$ 2 8 , 0 2 1 , 4 5 6
$ 2 8 , 0 2 1 , 4 5 6
$ 2 8 , 0 2 1 , 4 5 6
$ 2 8 , 0 2 1 , 4 5 6
$ 2 8 , 0 2 1 , 4 5 6
3 2 , 1 8 1 , 5 9 6
3 2 , 1 8 1 , 5 9 6
3 2 , 1 8 1 , 5 9 6
3 2 , 1 8 1 , 5 9 6
3 2 , 1 8 1 , 5 9 6

$32,017,017
31,246,079

$31,011,026
28,830,965

$27,991,533
24,881,341

$22,330,600
20,258,913

1 . 9 6 %
1 . 9 6 %
1 . 9 6 %
1 . 9 6 %
1 . 9 6 %

1 3 . 4 9
1 3 . 4 9
1 3 . 4 9
1 3 . 4 9
1 3 . 4 9

1 . 3 1
1 . 3 1
1 . 3 1
1 . 3 1
1 . 3 1
1 . 0 4 x
1 . 0 4 x
1 . 0 4 x
1 . 0 4 x
1 . 0 4 x

1 . 3 0
1 . 3 0
1 . 3 0
1 . 3 0
1 . 3 0

1 . 3 3
1 . 3 3
1 . 3 3
1 . 3 3
1 . 3 3
1 . 7 5 %
1 . 7 5 %
1 . 7 5 %
1 . 7 5 %
1 . 7 5 %

6 4 . 4 1
6 4 . 4 1
6 4 . 4 1
6 4 . 4 1
6 4 . 4 1
7 1 . 2 1
7 1 . 2 1
7 1 . 2 1
7 1 . 2 1
7 1 . 2 1

1.63%
20.65

0.74
3.27x

2.27

1.25
0.92%
65.08
72.78

1.49%

26.06

0.62
4.94x

2.59

1.09
0.68%

73.69
84.33

1.56%

25.65

0.71
4.59x

2.47

1.01
0.72%

71.22
78.89

1.83%

25.24

0.86
4.59x

2.35

1.13
0.97%

66.87
73.34

*Represents the net effect of provision for loan losses, less net charge-offs corresponding to the impact of the change in fiscal period at certain subsidiaries described in the
overview section (change from fiscal to calendar reporting year for non-banking subsidiaries).

2007     Annual Report        59
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Table  P
Table  P
Table  P
Table  P
Table  P
Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

(Dollars in millions)

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

2004

2003

As  of  December,

Percentage  of
Percentage  of
Percentage  of
Percentage  of
Percentage  of
Percentage of
Allowance
Allowance
Loans  in  Each
Loans  in  Each
Allowance
Loans  in  Each Allowance Loans in Each
Allowance
Allowance
Loans  in  Each
Loans  in  Each
f o r
f o r
Category  to
Category  to
f o r
Category  to
f o r
f o r
Category  to
  Category  to
Category to
Total  Loans*
Total  Loans*
Loan  Losses
Loan  Losses
Total  Loans* Loan Losses Total Loans*
Loan  Losses Total  Loans*
Total  Loans*
Loan  Losses
Loan  Losses

for

Percentage of

           Percentage of
Allowance Loans in Each Allowance Loans in Each Allowance Loans in Each
Category to
Loan Losses Total Loans* Loan Losses Total Loans* Loan Losses Total Loans*

Percentage of

Category to

Category to

for

for

for

Commercial
Lease  financing
Mortgage
Consumer
Total

$ 2 2 2 . 7
$ 2 2 2 . 7
$ 2 2 2 . 7
$ 2 2 2 . 7
$ 2 2 2 . 7
2 5 . 6
2 5 . 6
2 5 . 6
2 5 . 6
2 5 . 6
7 0 . 0
7 0 . 0
7 0 . 0
7 0 . 0
7 0 . 0
2 3 0 . 5
2 3 0 . 5
2 3 0 . 5
2 3 0 . 5
2 3 0 . 5
$ 5 4 8 . 8
$ 5 4 8 . 8
$ 5 4 8 . 8
$ 5 4 8 . 8
$ 5 4 8 . 8

5 5 . 7 %
5 5 . 7 %
5 5 . 7 %
5 5 . 7 %
5 5 . 7 %
3 . 93 . 93 . 93 . 93 . 9
2 1 . 7
2 1 . 7
2 1 . 7
2 1 . 7
2 1 . 7
1 8 . 7
1 8 . 7
1 8 . 7
1 8 . 7
1 8 . 7
1 0 0 . 0 %
1 0 0 . 0 %
1 0 0 . 0 %
1 0 0 . 0 %
1 0 0 . 0 %

$204.0
24.8
92.2
201.2
$522.2

45.3%
3.8
34.6
16.3
100.0%

$184.4
27.6
72.7
177.0
$461.7

40.7%
4.2
39.7
15.4
100.0%

$179.0
 28.7
67.7
161.7
 $437.1

38.9%
4.2
42.5
14.4
100.0%

$171.5
29.8
55.5
151.7
$408.5

38.4%
4.7
42.3
14.6
100.0%

*Note:  For  purposes  of  this  table,  the  term  loans  refers  to  loans  held-in-portfolio  (excludes  loans  held-for-sale).

projections  and  assumptions,  actual  losses  can  vary  from  the
estimated amounts.

Refer to Table O for a summary of the activity in the allowance
for  loan  losses  and  selected  loan  losses  statistics  for  the  past  5
years.

Table P details the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses
by loan categories. The breakdown is made for analytical purposes,
and  it  is  not  necessarily  indicative  of  the  categories  in  which
future loan losses may occur.

Also,  the  following  table  presents  net  charge-offs  to  average
loans  held-in-portfolio  by  loan  category  for  the  years  ended
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005:

Commercial

(including construction)

Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer
Total

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

0 . 5 2 %
0 . 5 2 %
0 . 5 2 %
0 . 5 2 %
0 . 5 2 %
1 . 2 8
1 . 2 8
1 . 2 8
1 . 2 8
1 . 2 8
1 . 3 7
1 . 3 7
1 . 3 7
1 . 3 7
1 . 3 7
3 . 4 1
3 . 4 1
3 . 4 1
3 . 4 1
3 . 4 1

1 . 3 1 %
1 . 3 1 %
1 . 3 1 %
1 . 3 1 %
1 . 3 1 %

0.28%
1.08
0.51
2.38
0.74%

0.36%
0.74
0.42
1.81
0.62%

The increase in the ratio of commercial loans net charge-offs
to average loans held-in-portfolio for the year ended December
31,  2007  was  mostly  associated  with  deterioration  in  the
economic  conditions  in  Puerto  Rico  and  in  the  U.S.  mainland.
The  ratio  of  commercial  loans  net  charge-offs  to  average
commercial loans held-in-portfolio in the Banco Popular de Puerto
Rico reportable segment was 0.62% for the year ended December
31,  2007,  compared  to  0.33%  for  the  previous  year.  Also,  an
increase  was  experienced  in  the  Banco  Popular  North  America
reportable segment, whose ratio was 0.31% for 2007, compared
with 0.21% for 2006. The allowance for loan losses corresponding
to commercial loans held-in-portfolio represented 1.43% of that
portfolio at December 31, 2007, compared with 1.41% in 2006
and  1.46%  in  2005.  The  ratio  of  allowance  to  non-performing

loans in the commercial loan category was 61.50% at the end of
2007, compared with 129.0% in 2006 and 137.9% in 2005. The
decrease  in  this  ratio  from  2006  to  2007  was  related  to  the
significant increase in commercial non-performing loans which
are mostly secured by real estate and other collateral and for which
no specific reserves were considered necessary as part of the SFAS
No. 114 impairment analysis. The portion of the allowance for
loan losses related to impaired loans at December 31, 2007, 2006
and  2005  was  $54  million,  $37  million  and  $20  million,
respectively. Further disclosures with respect to impaired loans
are included in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
The  increase  in  net  charge-offs  to  average  loans  held-in-
portfolio in the lease financing portfolio from 2006 to 2007 was
the result of higher delinquencies in the Banco Popular de Puerto
Rico reportable segment. This was partially offset by a decrease in
net  charge-offs  to  average  loans  held-in-portfolio  in  the  lease
financing portfolio of the Banco Popular North America operations.
There  was  a  large  amount  of  charge-offs  in  the  U.S.  leasing
subsidiary during 2006 related to a particular customer lending
relationship. The allowance for loan losses to the lease financing
portfolio was 2.34% at December 31, 2007, compared with 2.03%
at the same date in 2006 and 2.11% in 2005.

Mortgage  loans  net  charge-offs  as  a  percentage  of  average
mortgage loans held-in-portfolio increased primarily due to the
slowdown in the housing sector and higher delinquency levels,
primarily  in  the  Corporation’s  U.S.  subprime  mortgage  loan
portfolio. This increase also reflects the impact of the reduction
in the mortgage loan portfolio at PFH. The increase in net charge-
offs on mortgage loans for 2007, when compared to 2006, included
an  increase  of  $34  million  in  net  charge-offs  on  second  liens
mortgages at PFH. The mortgage loans net charge-offs to average
mortgage loans held-in-portfolio ratio at PFH, excluding Popular
FS, for 2007 was 2.10%, compared with 0.77% in 2006 and 0.62%
in 2005. Refer to the Overview of Mortgage Loan Exposure section

60

in this MD&A for information on PFH’s mortgage loan portfolio,
including  credit  statistics.  Deteriorating  economic  conditions
have  also  impacted  the  mortgage  delinquency  rates  in  Puerto
Rico, thus increasing the levels of non-accruing mortgage loans.
However,  no  significant  increase  in  losses  has  occurred.  The
mortgage loans net charge-off to average mortgage loans held-in-
portfolio  ratio  in  the  Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico  reportable
segment  was  0.04%  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007.
Historically, the Corporation has experienced a low level of losses
in  its  Puerto  Rico  mortgage  loan  portfolio.  The  Corporation’s
allowance  for  loan  losses  for  mortgage  loans  held-in-portfolio
represented  1.15%  of  that  portfolio  at  December  31,  2007,
compared with 0.83% in 2006 and 0.59% in 2005. The increase
in this ratio from 2006 to 2007 was the result of higher trend of net
charge-offs, the inherent losses in the subprime portfolio due to
economic conditions and the slowdown in that sector’s housing
market,  which  has  affected  home  values  and  thus,  impacts  the
initial write-downs to fair value at the time of a property foreclosure.
Consumer loans net-charge offs for 2007 reflected an increase
of 57%, when compared to 2006, and also as a percentage of the
average consumer loan portfolio. The increase in this ratio was
associated with higher delinquencies in Puerto Rico and growth
in unsecured consumer loans, primarily personal loans and credit
cards. The allowance for loan losses for consumer loans held-in-
portfolio  represented  4.39%  of  that  portfolio  at  December  31,
2007,  compared  with  3.86%  in  2006  and  3.71%  in  2005.  The
increase  in  this  ratio  was  the  result  of  increased  levels  of
delinquencies and charge-offs coupled with higher loan volumes.
Included in Table O as part of the reconciliation of the allowance
for loan losses as of December 31, 2007 was $120 million of write-
downs  in  value  due  to  credit  considerations  arising    from  loan
transfers  to  held-for-sale.  This  amount  principally  consisted  of
$74 million pertaining to the loans recharacterized in December
2007 and $43 million related to the $1.5 billion portfolio that will
be  sold  by  PFH  in  the  first  quarter  of  2008.  The  loans  were
reclassified from held-in-portfolio to held-for-sale at the lower of
cost or fair value at the time the decision to sell was made. The
charge-off ratios included in Table O does not consider the removal
of the allowance for loan losses upon the transfer of loans to held-
for-sale.

Operational  Risk  Management
Operational  Risk  Management
Operational  Risk  Management
Operational  Risk  Management
Operational  Risk  Management
Operational  risk  can  manifest  itself  in  various  ways,  including
errors,  fraud,  business  interruptions,  inappropriate  behavior  of
employees,  and  failure  to  perform  in  a  timely  manner,  among
others. These events can potentially result in financial losses and
other damages to the Corporation, including reputational harm.
The  successful  management  of  operational  risk  is  particularly
important to a diversified financial services company like Popular

because  of  the  nature,  volume  and  complexity  of  its  various
businesses.

To monitor and control operational risk and mitigate related
losses,  the  Corporation  maintains  a  system  of  comprehensive
policies  and  controls.  The  Corporation’s  Operational  Risk
Committee  (“ORCO”),  which  is  composed  of  senior  level
representatives from the business lines and corporate functions,
provides executive oversight to facilitate consistency of effective
policies,  best  practices,  controls  and  monitoring  tools  for
managing and assessing all types of operational risks across the
Corporation. The Operational Risk Management Division, within
the  Corporation’s  Risk  Management  Group,  serves  as  ORCO’s
operating  arm  and  is  responsible  for  establishing  baseline
processes to measure, monitor, limit and manage operational risk.
In addition, the Internal Audit Division provides oversight about
policy compliance and ensures adequate attention is paid to correct
the  identified  issues.

Operational  risks  fall  into  two  major  categories:  business
specific  and  corporate-wide  affecting  all  business  lines.  The
primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of business
specific  risks  relies  on  business  unit  managers.  Accordingly,
business unit managers are responsible of ensuring that appropriate
risk containment measures, including corporate-wide or business
segment  specific  policies  and  procedures,  controls  and
monitoring tools, are in place to minimize risk occurrence and
loss exposures. Examples of these include personnel management
practices,  data  reconciliation  processes,  transaction  processing
monitoring  and  analysis  and  contingency  plans  for  systems
interruptions. To manage corporate-wide risks, specialized groups
such as Legal, Information Security, Business Continuity, Finance
and Compliance, assist the business units in the development and
implementation of risk management practices specific to the needs
of the individual businesses.

Operational  risk  management  plays  a  different  role  in  each
category.  For  business  specific  risks,  the  Operational  Risk
Management Group works with the segments to ensure consistency
in  policies,  processes,  and  assessments.  With  respect  to
corporate-wide  risks,  such  as  information  security,  business
continuity,  legal  and  compliance,  the  risks  are  assessed  and  a
consolidated corporate view is developed and communicated to
the business level.

LLLLL OSSOSSOSSOSSOSS  M  M  M  M  MITIGATION
ECURITIZED  M  M  M  M  MORTGAGE
ITIGATION  F  F  F  F  F OROROROROR  S  S  S  S  SECURITIZED
ORTGAGE
ORTGAGE
ECURITIZED
ECURITIZED
ITIGATION
ITIGATION
ORTGAGE
ORTGAGE
ECURITIZED
ITIGATION
LLLLL O A N S
O A N S
O A N S
O A N S
O A N S

Loan  Modification  Program
Loan  Modification  Program
Loan  Modification  Program
Loan  Modification  Program
Loan  Modification  Program
In October 2007, in response to market conditions and guidance
issued  by  the  American  Securitization  Forum  (“ASF”)  and  the
SEC’s Office of Chief Accountant (the “OCA”), PFH instituted a
loan  modification  program  (the  “Modification  Program”)  for  its

2007     Annual Report        61
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securitized  U.S.  subprime  residential  adjustable-rate  mortgage
loans (“Subprime ARM Loans”). In addition to having to comply
with parameters set forth in the transaction documents governing
the securitized loans, a concern was raised by the industry that
modifying a Subprime ARM Loan owned by a QSPE could result in
disqualification  of  that  QSPE,  thereby  disallowing  the  related
securitization  transaction  from  being  accounted  for  using  off-
balance sheet accounting treatment. The OCA, in a July 18, 2007
Memorandum  to  SEC  Chairman  Christopher  Cox  regarding
“Accounting for Loan Modifications,” concluded that, subject to
certain limitations, modifying a Subprime ARM Loan when default
is “reasonably foreseeable” does not preclude continued off-balance
sheet treatment for the related QSPE under SFAS No. 140.

Consistent  with  the  above-referenced  guidance  and  the
transaction documents governing the securitization transactions,
the Modification Program permitted PFH, as servicer, to modify
a Subprime ARM Loan if, among other things, the modification:
• would  be  consistent  with  generally  accepted  servicing

practices;

• would be in the collective best interest of the holders of the

related  asset-backed  securities;

• would be in response to a default or a “reasonably foreseeable”

default; and

• would provide the borrower with a long term and sustainable

solution.

Permissible modifications to a Subprime ARM Loan under the
Modification  Program  included  the  postponement  of  the  loan’s
interest  rate  reset  date,  conversion  to  a  fixed-rate  loan  and
reduction of the loan’s interest rate cap on reset.

The  ASF  Framework  and  Subprime  ARM  Loans
The  ASF  Framework  and  Subprime  ARM  Loans
The  ASF  Framework  and  Subprime  ARM  Loans
The  ASF  Framework  and  Subprime  ARM  Loans
The  ASF  Framework  and  Subprime  ARM  Loans
On December 6, 2007, the ASF, working with various constituency
groups  as  well  as  representatives  of  U.S.  federal  government
agencies, issued the Streamlined Foreclosure and Loss Avoidance
Framework for Securitized Subprime Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
(the “ASF Framework”). The ASF Framework provides guidance
for servicers to streamline borrower evaluation procedures and to
facilitate the use of foreclosure and loss prevention efforts in an
attempt to reduce the number of U.S. subprime residential mortgage
borrowers  who  might  default  in  the  coming  year  because  the
borrowers  cannot  afford  to  pay  the  increased  loan  interest  rate
after their Subprime ARM Loan interest rate resets.

The ASF Framework is focused on Subprime ARM Loans that
have an initial fixed interest rate period of 36 months or less, are
included in securitized pools, were originated between January 1,
2005 and July 31, 2007, and have an initial interest rate reset date
between January 1, 2008 and July 31, 2010. The ASF Framework
directs servicers to categorize Subprime ARM Loans into one of
three segments:

• Segment 1: Current Subprime ARM Loans (under the ASF
Framework, “current” means a Subprime ARM Loan that is
not more than 30 days delinquent, and has not been more
than 1 x 60 days delinquent in the last 12 months, both
determined under the OTS method) where the borrower is
likely to be able to refinance into any available mortgage
product,  including  FHA,  FHA  Secure  or  other  readily
available mortgage industry products.

• Segment  2:  Current  Subprime  ARM  Loans  where  the
borrower is unlikely to be able to refinance into any readily
available mortgage industry product.

(cid:132) Subprime ARM Loans belong in Segment 2 (a “Segment 2

Subprime ARM Loan”), if

(cid:132) they have a current loan-to-value ratio (based on the
first lien Subprime ARM Loan only) greater than 97%,
or

(cid:132) t h e y   d o   n o t   s a t i s f y   t h e   o t h e r   F H A   S e c u r e
requirements, including that program’s delinquency
history, debt-to-income ratio at origination and loan
amount standards, and the servicer cannot determine
whether  they  are  eligible  for  another  mortgage
i n d u s t r y   p r o d u c t   w i t h o u t   c o n d u c t i n g   a n
underwriting  analysis.

(cid:132) Subject to certain limitations, Segment 2 Subprime ARM
loans are eligible for a fast track loan modification under
which the interest rate will be kept at the existing initial
rate,  generally  for  five  years  following  the  upcoming
reset date.

• Segment 3: Subprime ARM Loans where the borrower is not
Current  and  is  demonstrating  difficulty  meeting  the
introductory rate on the Subprime ARM Loan.

Since its issuance on December 6, 2007, PFH, in its capacity
as  servicer  and  in  conjunction  with  its  Modification  Program,
has followed the guidance provided by the ASF Framework with
respect  to  Subprime  ARM  Loans.  While  a  uniform  industry
definition of what constitutes a “subprime loan” does not exist,
PFH generally considers a loan to be a Subprime ARM Loan if its
FICO score is less than 660.

The  following  supplemental  information  regarding  PFH’s
implementation of the ASF Framework with respect to Subprime
ARM Loans securitized by PFH is provided as of December 31,
2007:

• Segment 1:

(cid:132) Amount  of  Subprime  ARM  Loans  that  fall  within  this

category:  $398  million

(cid:132) During  2007,  $996.3  thousand  worth  of  loans  in  this

segment were subject to a loan modification.

62

• Segment 2:

(cid:132) Amount  of  Subprime  ARM  Loans  that  fall  within  this

category:  $62.4  million

(cid:132) During  2007,  $175.9  thousand  worth  of  loans  in  this

segment were subject to a loan modification.

• Segment 3:

(cid:132) Amount  of  Subprime  ARM  Loans  that  fall  within  this

category:  $128.3  million

(cid:132) During 2007, $1.92 million worth of loans in this segment

were  subject  to  loss  mitigation  activities.

On January 8, 2008, the OCA issued a letter (the “OCA Letter”)
addressing  accounting  issues  that  may  be  raised  by  the  ASF
Framework. Specifically, the OCA Letter expressed the view that
if a Segment 2 Subprime ARM Loan is modified pursuant to the
ASF Framework and that loan could legally be modified, the OCA
will  not  object  to  continued  status  of  the  transferee  as  a  QSPE
under  SFAS  No.  140.  In  reaching  its  ultimate  conclusion,  the
OCA noted that the ASF Framework indicated that for a Segment
2 Subprime ARM Loan, the servicer could presume that the borrower
would be unable to pay pursuant to the original terms of the loan
after the interest rate reset, and thus, a default on the loan would
be  “reasonably  foreseeable”  in  the  absence  of  a  modification.
Concurrent  with  the  issuance  of  the  OCA  Letter,  the  OCA
requested the FASB to immediately address the issues that have
arisen in the application of the QSPE guidance in SFAS No. 140.
Any  loan  modifications  we  make  in  accordance  with  the  ASF
Framework  will  not  have  an  impact  on  our  off-balance  sheet
accounting treatment of the Subprime ARM Loans securitized by
PFH and currently owned by QSPEs and will not have a material
effect  on  our  accounting  treatment  of  our  retained  interests  in
those securitizations of Subprime ARM Loans.

The following supplemental information regarding QSPE’s that
own Subprime ARM Loans that were securitized by PFH is provided
as of December 31, 2007:

Total  assets ............................................................ $5.34  billion

Subprime ARM Loan ......................................... $1.51  billion

Other assets (including real estate owned) ...... $0.15  billion

Total  beneficial  interest  isssued ............................ $5.05  billion

Held by third-party investors .......................... $5.01  billion

Retained by the Corporation ........................... $0.04 billion

As  of  December  31,  2007  and  2006  the  amount  of  loans
classified  as  real  estate  owned  in  QSPE’s  that  owned  Subprime
ARM Loans totaled $153.6 million and $13.3 million respectively.
The $140.3 million increase was due to a $39.5 million increase
in defaults and the progression of delinquent loans into real estate

owned status and the addition of $100.7 million of loans in real
estate owned status owned by securitization trusts that prior to
December 31, 2007 did not qualify as QSPE’s.

R e c e n t l y   I s s u e d   A c c o u n t i n g   P r o n o u n c e m e n t s   a n d
R e c e n t l y   I s s u e d   A c c o u n t i n g   P r o n o u n c e m e n t s   a n d
R e c e n t l y   I s s u e d   A c c o u n t i n g   P r o n o u n c e m e n t s   a n d
R e c e n t l y   I s s u e d   A c c o u n t i n g   P r o n o u n c e m e n t s   a n d
R e c e n t l y   I s s u e d   A c c o u n t i n g   P r o n o u n c e m e n t s   a n d
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s
I n t e r p r e t a t i o n s
SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements”
SFAS  No.  157,  issued  in  September  2006,  defines  fair  value,
establishes  a  framework  of  measuring  fair  value  and  requires
enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No.
157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of its financial
instruments  according  to  a  fair  value  hierarchy.  The  fair  value
hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used
to determine fair values. Financial assets carried at fair value will
be  classified  and  disclosed  in  one  of  the  three  categories  in
accordance with the hierarchy. The three levels of the fair value
hierarchy  are  (1)  quoted  market  prices  for  identical  assets  or
liabilities in active markets, (2) observable market-based inputs
or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data, and
(3) unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years  beginning  after  November  15,  2007,  and  interim  periods
within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB decided to
issue a final staff position that defers for one year the effective date
for  nonfinancial  assets  and  nonfinancial  liabilities  that  are
recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The
staff position also amends SFAS No. 157 to exclude SFAS No. 13
“Accounting  for  Leases”  and  its  related  interpretive  accounting
pronouncements  that  address  leasing  transactions.  The
Corporation adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 that were
not  deferred,  commencing  in  the  first  quarter  of  2008. The
provisions  of  SFAS  157  are  to  be  applied  prospectively.  The
Corporation  is  currently  assessing  the  impact  of  SFAS  No.  157
on  its  consolidated  financial  statements,  including  disclosures.

SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities - Including an Amendment of FASB Statement
No. 115”
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, which provides
companies with an option to report selected financial assets and
liabilities at fair value. The election to measure a financial asset
or liability at fair value can be made on an instrument-by-instrument
basis  and  is  irrevocable.  The  difference  between  the  carrying
amount  and  the  fair  value  at  the  election  date  is  recorded  as  a
transition adjustment to opening retained earnings. Subsequent
changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. The statement
also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed
to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different
measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.

2007     Annual Report        63
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It also requires entities to display the fair value of those assets and
liabilities for which the company has chosen to use fair value on
the face of the balance sheet. The new statement does not eliminate
disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards,
including  requirements  for  disclosures  about  fair  value
measurements  included  in  SFAS  No.  157,  “Fair  Value
Measurements,” and SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value
of Financial Instruments.” The Corporation adopted the provisions
of SFAS No. 159 in January 2008. Refer to the Events Subsequent
to Year-End 2007 section for a discussion of the estimated impact
of the adoption of SFAS No. 159.

FSP FIN No. 39-1 “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39”
In April 2007, the FASB issued Staff Position FSP FIN No. 39-1,
which defines “right of setoff” and specifies what conditions must
be met for a derivative contract to qualify for this right of setoff.
It also addresses the applicability of a right of setoff to derivative
instruments  and  clarifies  the  circumstances  in  which  it  is
appropriate to offset amounts recognized for those instruments in
the statement of financial position. In addition, this FSP permits
the  offsetting  of  fair  value  amounts  recognized  for  multiple
derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under
a master netting arrangement and fair value amounts recognized
for  the  right  to  reclaim  cash  collateral  (a  receivable)  or  the
obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from the
same master netting arrangement as the derivative instruments.
This  interpretation  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after
November  15,  2007,  with  early  application  permitted.  The
adoption of FSP FIN No. 39-1 in 2008 did not have a material
impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

SOP 07-01“Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting
Guide Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies
and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment
Companies”
The  Statement  of  Position  07-1  (“SOP  07-01”),  issued  in  June
2007,  provides  guidance  for  determining  whether  an  entity  is
within  the  scope  of  the  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public
Accountants  (“AICPA”)  Audit  and  Accounting  Guide  for
Investment  Companies  (“the  AICPA  Guide”).  Additionally,  it
provides guidance as to whether a parent company or an equity
method  investor  can  apply  the  specialized  industry  accounting
principles of the AICPA Guide. SOP 07-01 was to be effective for
fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2007. On February
of  2008,  the  FASB  issued  a  final  staff  position  that  indefinitely
defers the effective dates of SOP 07-01 and, for entities that meet
the definition of an “investment company” in SOP 07-01, of FSP
FIN  46(R)-7,  “Application  of  FASB  Interpretation  No.  46(R)  to
Investment Companies.” The FASB decision was in response to
several implementation issues that arose after SOP 07-1 was issued.

Nevertheless, management is evaluating the impact, if any, that
the adoption of SOP 07-01 may have on its consolidated financial
statements and disclosures.

FSP FIN No. 46(R) – 7 “Application of FASB Interpretation No.
46(R) to Investment Companies”
In May 2007, the FASB issued Staff Position FSP FIN No.46(R) -
7, which amends the scope of the exception on FIN No.46(R) to
indicate that investments accounted for at fair value, in accordance
with  the  specialized  accounting  guidance  in  the  AICPA  Guide,
are not subject to consolidation under FIN No. 46(R). Management
is  evaluating  the  impact,  if  any,  that  the  adoption  of  this
interpretation may have on its consolidated financial statements
and disclosures. As indicated under the guidance of SOP 07-01,
which was previously described, the implementation of FSP FIN
No. 46(R) - 7 is indefinitely delayed until further notification by
the FASB.

SFAS No. 141-R “Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
141(R), Business Combinations (a revision of SFAS No. 141)”
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business
Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) will significantly change how
entities apply the acquisition method to business combinations.
The most significant changes affecting how the Corporation will
account for business combinations under this statement include
the following: the acquisition date will be the date the acquirer
obtains  control;  all  (and  only)  identifiable  assets  acquired,
liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in the acquiree
will  be  stated  at  fair  value  on  the  acquisition  date;  assets  or
liabilities  arising  from  noncontractual  contingencies  will  be
measured at their acquisition date at fair value only if it is more
likely than not that they meet the definition of an asset or liability
on  the  acquisition  date;  adjustments  subsequently  made  to  the
provisional amounts recorded on the acquisition date will be made
retroactively  during  a  measurement  period  not  to  exceed  one
year; acquisition-related restructuring costs that do not meet the
criteria in SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit  or  Disposal  Activities,”  will  be  expensed  as  incurred;
transaction costs will be expensed as incurred; reversals of deferred
income  tax  valuation  allowances  and  income  tax  contingencies
will  be  recognized  in  earnings  subsequent  to  the  measurement
period; and the allowance for loan losses of an acquiree will not be
permitted to be recognized by the acquirer. Additionally, SFAS
141(R)  will  require  new  and  modified  disclosures  surrounding
subsequent  changes  to  acquisition-related  contingencies,
contingent  consideration,  noncontrolling  interests,  acquisition-
related transaction costs, fair values and cash flows not expected
to  be  collected  for  acquired  loans,  and  an  enhanced  goodwill
rollforward.  The  Corporation  will  be  required  to  prospectively
apply SFAS 141(R) to all business combinations completed on or

64

after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is not permitted. For business
combinations in which the acquisition date was before the effective
date, the provisions of SFAS 141(R) will apply to the subsequent
accounting  for  deferred  income  tax  valuation  allowances  and
income tax contingencies and will require any changes in those
amounts to be recorded in earnings. Management will be evaluating
the effects that SFAS 141(R) will have on the financial condition,
results of operations, liquidity, and the disclosures that will be
presented on the consolidated financial statements.

 SFAS No. 160 “Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements,
an amendment of ARB No. 51”
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, which amends
ARB No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for
the  noncontrolling  interest  in  a  subsidiary  and  for  the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 will require entities
to  classify  noncontrolling  interests  as  a  component  of
stockholders’ equity in the consolidated financial statements and
will  require  subsequent  changes  in  ownership  interests  in  a
subsidiary  to  be  accounted  for  as  an  equity  transaction.
Additionally,  SFAS  No.  160  will  require  entities  to  recognize  a
gain or loss upon the loss of control of a subsidiary and to remeasure
any  ownership  interest  retained  at  fair  value  on  that  date.  This
statement also requires expanded disclosures that clearly identify
and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests
of  the  noncontrolling  owners.  SFAS  160  is  effective  on  a
prospective  basis  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods  within
those  fiscal  years,  beginning  on  or  after  December  15,  2008,
except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which
are required to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not
permitted. Management will be evaluating the effects, if any, that
the  adoption  of  this  statement  will  have  on  its  consolidated
financial  statements.

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109 (“SAB 109”) “Written Loan
Commitments Recorded at Fair Value through Earnings”
On November 5, 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin
No. 109 (SAB 109), which requires that the fair value of a written
loan commitment that is marked to market through earnings should
include the future cash flows related to the loan’s servicing rights.
However, the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment
still must exclude the expected net cash flows related to internally
developed  intangible  assets  (such  as  customer  relationship
intangible  assets).

SAB 109 applies to two types of loan commitments: (1) written
mortgage loan commitments for loans that will be held-for-sale
when funded that are marked to market as derivatives under FAS
133  (derivative  loan  commitments);  and  (2)  other  written  loan

commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings
under Statement 159’s fair-value election.

SAB 109 supersedes SAB 105, which applied only to derivative
loan  commitments  and  allowed  the  expected  future  cash  flows
related  to  the  associated  servicing  of  the  loan  to  be  recognized
only  after  the  servicing  asset  had  been  contractually  separated
from the underlying loan by sale or securitization of the loan with
servicing  retained.  SAB  109  will  be  applied  prospectively  to
derivative loan commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters
beginning after December 15, 2007.

The Corporation is currently evaluating the potential impact

of adopting this SAB 109.

Staff Position (FSP) FAS 140-d, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial
Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions” (“FSP FAS 140-d”)
In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS
140-d,  “Accounting  for  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets  and
Repurchase  Financing  Transactions.”  The  objective  of  this  FSP
is to provide implementation guidance on whether the security
transfer and contemporaneous repurchase financing involving the
transferred  financial  asset  must  be  evaluated  as  one  linked
transaction or two separate de-linked transactions.

Current practice records the transfer as a sale and the repurchase
agreement as a financing. The FSP requires the recognition of the
transfer and the repurchase agreement as one linked transaction,
unless all of the following criteria are met: (1) the initial transfer
and the repurchase financing are not contractually contingent on
one another; (2) the initial transferor has full recourse upon default,
and the repurchase agreement’s price is fixed and not at fair value;
(3) the financial asset is readily obtainable in the marketplace and
the transfer and repurchase financing are executed at market rates;
and  (4)  the  maturity  of  the  repurchase  financing  is  before  the
maturity of the financial asset. The scope of this FSP is limited to
transfers and subsequent repurchase financings that are entered
into contemporaneously or in contemplation of one another.

The  FSP  will  be  effective  for  the  Corporation  on  January  1,
2009.  Early  adoption  is  prohibited.  The  Corporation  will  be
evaluating the potential impact of adopting this FSP.

Glossary of Selected Financial
Terms

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Allowance  for  Loan  Losses 
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses 
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses  -  The  reserve  established  to  cover
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses 
Allowance  for  Loan  Losses 
credit losses inherent in loans held-in-portfolio.

and  interest),  whereas  average  life  computes  the  average  time
needed to collect one dollar of principal.

Asset  Securitization
Asset  Securitization
Asset  Securitization  -  The  process  of  converting  receivables
Asset  Securitization
Asset  Securitization
and  other  assets  that  are  not  readily  marketable  into  securities
that can be placed and traded in capital markets.

Earning  Assets
Earning  Assets
Earning  Assets  -  Assets  that  earn  interest,  such  as  loans,
Earning  Assets
Earning  Assets
investment  securities,  money  market  investments  and  trading
account  securities.

Basis  Point 
Basis  Point 
Basis  Point  -  Equals  to  one-hundredth  of  one  percent.  Used  to
Basis  Point 
Basis  Point 
express changes or differences in interest yields and rates.

Efficiency  Ratio 
Efficiency  Ratio 
Efficiency  Ratio  -      Non-interest  expense  divided  by  net  interest
Efficiency  Ratio 
Efficiency  Ratio 
income plus recurring non-interest income.

Book  Value  Per  Common  Share 
Book  Value  Per  Common  Share 
Book  Value  Per  Common  Share  -  Total  common  shareholders’
Book  Value  Per  Common  Share 
Book  Value  Per  Common  Share 
equity divided by the total number of common shares outstanding.

Effective  Tax  Rate
Effective  Tax  Rate
Effective  Tax  Rate  -  Income  tax  expense  divided  by  income
Effective  Tax  Rate
Effective  Tax  Rate
before taxes.

Brokered  Certificate  of  Deposit  -      Deposit  purchased  from  a
Brokered  Certificate  of  Deposit 
Brokered  Certificate  of  Deposit 
Brokered  Certificate  of  Deposit 
Brokered  Certificate  of  Deposit 
broker  acting  as  an  agent  for  depositors.  The  broker,  often  a
securities  broker-dealer,  pools  CDs  from  many  small  investors
and markets them to financial institutions and negotiates a higher
rate for CDs placed with the purchaser.

Cash  Flow  Hedge  - 
Cash  Flow  Hedge  - 
Cash  Flow  Hedge  -  A  derivative  designated  as  hedging  the
Cash  Flow  Hedge  - 
Cash  Flow  Hedge  - 
exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction.

Common  Shares  Outstanding
Common  Shares  Outstanding
Common  Shares  Outstanding  -  Total  number  of  shares  of
Common  Shares  Outstanding
Common  Shares  Outstanding
common stock issued less common shares held in treasury.

Core Deposits 
Core Deposits 
Core Deposits - A deposit category that includes all non-interest
Core Deposits 
Core Deposits 
bearing  deposits,  savings  deposits  and  certificates  of  deposit
under $100,000, excluding brokered certificates of deposit with
denominations under $100,000. These deposits are considered a
stable source of funds.

C u m u l a t i v e   T o t a l   R e t u r n   t o   C o m m o n   S t o c k h o l d e r s  
C u m u l a t i v e   T o t a l   R e t u r n   t o   C o m m o n   S t o c k h o l d e r s  
C u m u l a t i v e   T o t a l   R e t u r n   t o   C o m m o n   S t o c k h o l d e r s   -
C u m u l a t i v e   T o t a l   R e t u r n   t o   C o m m o n   S t o c k h o l d e r s  
C u m u l a t i v e   T o t a l   R e t u r n   t o   C o m m o n   S t o c k h o l d e r s  
Was obtained by dividing (i) the cumulative amount of dividends
per share, assuming dividend reinvestment since the measurement
point  December  31,  2001  plus  (ii)  the  change  in  the  per  share
price  since  the  measurement  date,  by  the  share  price  at  the
measurement date.

Derivative 
Derivative 
Derivative  -  A  contractual  agreement  between  two  parties  to
Derivative 
Derivative 
exchange cash or other assets in response to changes in an external
factor, such as an interest rate or a foreign exchange rate.

Dividend  Payout  Ratio
Dividend  Payout  Ratio
Dividend  Payout  Ratio  -  Dividends  paid  on  common  shares
Dividend  Payout  Ratio
Dividend  Payout  Ratio
divided by net income applicable to shares of common stock.

Duration
Duration
Duration  -  Expected  life  of  a  financial  instrument  taking  into
Duration
Duration
account its coupon yield / cost, interest payments, maturity and
call  features.  Duration  attempts  to  measure  actual  maturity,  as
opposed to final maturity. Duration measures the time required to
recover a dollar of price in present value terms (including principal

Fair  Value  Hedge  - 
Fair  Value  Hedge  - 
Fair  Value  Hedge  -  A  derivative  designated  as  hedging  the
Fair  Value  Hedge  - 
Fair  Value  Hedge  - 
exposure  to  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  a  recognized  asset  or
liability or a firm commitment.

GapGapGapGapGap  -  The  difference  that  exists  at  a  specific  period  of  time
between  the  maturities  or  repricing  terms  of  interest-sensitive
assets  and  interest-sensitive  liabilities.

Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill  -  The  excess  of  the  purchase  price  of  net  assets  over
Goodwill
Goodwill
the fair value of net assets acquired in a business combination.

Interest-only  Loan  -  A  non-amortized  loan  in  which  interest
Interest-only  Loan
Interest-only  Loan
Interest-only  Loan
Interest-only  Loan
is due at regular intervals until maturity, when the entire balance
is due.

Interest-only  Strip
Interest-only  Strip
Interest-only  Strip  -  The  holder  receives  interest  payments
Interest-only  Strip
Interest-only  Strip
based on the current value of the loan collateral. High prepayments
can return less to the holder than the dollar amount invested.

Interest  Rate  Caps  /  Floors
Interest  Rate  Caps  /  Floors
Interest  Rate  Caps  /  Floors  -  An  interest  rate  cap  is  a
Interest  Rate  Caps  /  Floors
Interest  Rate  Caps  /  Floors
contractual agreement between two counterparties in which the
buyer, in return for paying a fee, will receive cash payments from
the seller at specified dates if rates go above a specified interest
rate level known as the strike rate (cap). An interest rate floor is a
contractual agreement between two counterparties in which the
buyer, in return for paying a fee, will receive cash payments from
the  seller  at  specified  dates  if  interest  rates  go  below  the  strike
rate.

Interest  Rate  Swap
Interest  Rate  Swap
Interest  Rate  Swap  –  Financial  transactions  in  which  two
Interest  Rate  Swap
Interest  Rate  Swap
counterparties agree to exchange streams of payments over time
according to a predetermined formula. Swaps are normally used to
transform  the  market  exposure  associated  with  a  loan  or  bond
borrowing from one interest rate base (fixed-term or floating rate).

66

Interest-Sensitive  Assets  /  Liabilities  -      Interest-earning
Interest-Sensitive  Assets  /  Liabilities 
Interest-Sensitive  Assets  /  Liabilities 
Interest-Sensitive  Assets  /  Liabilities 
Interest-Sensitive  Assets  /  Liabilities 
assets / liabilities for which interest rates are adjustable within a
specified time period due to maturity or contractual arrangements.

Four basic payment options that exist are the minimum payment
option,  interest-only  payment,  30-year  payment  and  15-year
payment.

Net  Charge-Offs  -      The  amount  of  loans  written-off  as
Net  Charge-Offs 
Net  Charge-Offs 
Net  Charge-Offs 
Net  Charge-Offs 
uncollectible, net of the recovery of loans previously written-off.

Net  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
Net  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
Net  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock  -  Net  income
Net  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
Net  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
less dividends paid on the Corporation’s preferred stock.

Basic
Basic
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share 
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share 
Basic  -  Net  income
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share  -  Basic
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share 
Basic
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share 
applicable to common stock divided by the number of weighted-
average common shares outstanding.

  Diluted
  Diluted
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share
  Diluted    -  Net  income
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share    -  Diluted
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share
  Diluted
Net  Income  Per  Common  Share
applicable  to  common  stock  divided  by  the  sum  of  weighted-
average common shares outstanding plus the effect of common
stock  equivalents  that  have  the  potential  to  be  converted  into
common shares.

Net  Interest  Income
Net  Interest  Income
Net  Interest  Income  -The  difference  between  the  revenue
Net  Interest  Income
Net  Interest  Income
generated  on  earning  assets,  less  the  interest  cost  of  funding
those  assets.

Net  Interest  Margin 
Net  Interest  Margin 
Net  Interest  Margin  -  Net  interest  income  divided  by  total
Net  Interest  Margin 
Net  Interest  Margin 
average  earning  assets.

Net  Interest  Spread
Net  Interest  Spread
Net  Interest  Spread  -  Difference  between  the  average  yield  on
Net  Interest  Spread
Net  Interest  Spread
earning  assets  and  the  average  rate  paid  on  interest  bearing
liabilities,  and  the  contribution  of  non-interest  bearing  funds
supporting  earning  assets  (primarily  demand  deposits  and
stockholders’  equity).

Non-Performing  Assets  -      Includes  loans  on  which  the  accrual
Non-Performing  Assets 
Non-Performing  Assets 
Non-Performing  Assets 
Non-Performing  Assets 
of interest income has been discontinued due to default on interest
and / or principal payments or other factors indicative of doubtful
collection, loans for which the interest rates or terms of repayment
have been renegotiated, and real estate which has been acquired
through foreclosure.

Options  Adjustable  Rate  Mortgage  -  is  an  adjustable  rate
Options  Adjustable  Rate  Mortgage
Options  Adjustable  Rate  Mortgage
Options  Adjustable  Rate  Mortgage
Options  Adjustable  Rate  Mortgage
mortgage  (“ARM”)  which  consists  of  taking  an  index  (i.e    12-
month  Treasury  Average,  Cost  of  Deposit  Index,  etc.),  then
adding  a  margin  to  total  the  final  interest  rate.  Unlike  other
ARM’s where the principal and interest or simple interest payment
is calculated from the total of the index and margin, the Options
ARM  may  offer  4  monthly  payment  options  every  month
depending  on  the  loan  program,  giving  the  borrower  the
opportunity to choose which payment gets made based on the
borrower’s economic condition at the time the payment is due.

Option  Contract 
Option  Contract 
Option  Contract  -  Conveys  a  right,  but  not  an  obligation,  to
Option  Contract 
Option  Contract 
buy or sell a specified number of units of a financial instrument at
a  specific  price  per  unit  within  a  specified  time  period.  The
instrument  underlying  the  option  may  be  a  security,  a  futures
contract  (for  example,  an  interest  rate  option),  a  commodity,  a
currency, or a cash instrument. Options may be bought or sold on
organized  exchanges  or  over  the  counter  on  a  principal-to-
principal basis or may be individually negotiated. A call option
gives  the  holder  the  right,  but  not  the  obligation,  to  buy  the
underlying instrument. A put option gives the holder the right,
but not the obligation, to sell the underlying instrument.

Overcollaterization
Overcollaterization
Overcollaterization  -  A  type  of  credit  enhancement  by  which
Overcollaterization
Overcollaterization
an  issuer  of  securities  pledged  collateral  in  excess  of  what  is
needed to adequately cover the repayment of the securities plus a
reserve. By pledging collateral with a higher face value than the
securities  being  offered  for  sale,  an  issuer  of  mortgage-backed
bonds can get a more favorable rating from a rating agency and
also  guard  against  the  possibility  that  the  bonds  may  be  called
before maturity because of mortgage prepayments.

Overhead  Ratio
Overhead  Ratio
Overhead  Ratio  -  Operating  expenses  less  non-interest  income
Overhead  Ratio
Overhead  Ratio
divided by net interest income.

Piggyback  Loan
Piggyback  Loan
Piggyback  Loan  -  is  a  home  financing  option  in  which  a
Piggyback  Loan
Piggyback  Loan
property is purchased using more than one mortgage from two
or  more  lenders.  As  compared  with  standard  home  mortgage
programs, combined rates for piggyback loans are often higher
than  standard  loans.  This  is  because  of  the  risk  amounts  that
each lender is assuming.  Also, many piggyback loans attach a
large balloon payment at the end of a loan that is substantially
larger than the standard mortgage payments.

Provision  For  Loan  Losses
Provision  For  Loan  Losses
Provision  For  Loan  Losses  -  The  periodic  expense  needed  to
Provision  For  Loan  Losses
Provision  For  Loan  Losses
maintain  the  level  of  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  at  a  level
consistent with management’s assessment of the loan portfolio in
light  of  current  economic  conditions  and  market  trends,  and
taking into account loan impairment and net charge-offs.

Return  on  Assets
Return  on  Assets
Return  on  Assets - Net income as a percentage of average total
Return  on  Assets
Return  on  Assets
assets.

Return on Equity
Return on Equity
Return on Equity - Net income applicable to common stock as
Return on Equity
Return on Equity
a percentage of average common stockholders’ equity.

2007     Annual Report        67
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Servicing  Right  -      A  contractual  agreement  to  provide  certain
Servicing  Right 
Servicing  Right 
Servicing  Right 
Servicing  Right 
billing,  bookkeeping  and  collection  services  with  respect  to  a
pool of loans.

Tangible  Equity  -      Consists  of  stockholders’  equity  less
Tangible  Equity 
Tangible  Equity 
Tangible  Equity 
Tangible  Equity 
goodwill and other intangible assets.

Tier  1  Leverage  Ratio  -      Tier  1  Risk-Based  Capital  divided  by
Tier  1  Leverage  Ratio 
Tier  1  Leverage  Ratio 
Tier  1  Leverage  Ratio 
Tier  1  Leverage  Ratio 
average adjusted quarterly total assets. Average adjusted quarterly
assets  are  adjusted  to  exclude  non-qualifying  intangible  assets
and disallowed deferred tax assets.

T i e r   1   R i s k - B a s e d   C a p i t a l
T i e r   1   R i s k - B a s e d   C a p i t a l
T i e r   1   R i s k - B a s e d   C a p i t a l   -   C o n s i s t s   o f   c o m m o n
T i e r   1   R i s k - B a s e d   C a p i t a l
T i e r   1   R i s k - B a s e d   C a p i t a l
stockholders’  equity  (including  the  related  surplus,  retained
earnings and capital reserves), qualifying noncumulative perpetual
preferred stock, qualifying trust preferred securities and minority
interest in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less
goodwill  and  other  disallowed  intangible  assets,  disallowed
portion of deferred tax assets and the deduction for nonfinancial
equity  investments.

Total  Risk-Adjusted  Assets
Total  Risk-Adjusted  Assets
Total  Risk-Adjusted  Assets  -  The  sum  of  assets  and  credit
Total  Risk-Adjusted  Assets
Total  Risk-Adjusted  Assets
equivalent  off-balance  sheet  amounts  that  have  been  adjusted
according  to  assigned  regulatory  risk  weights,  excluding  the
non-qualifying  portion  of  allowance  for  loan  and  lease  losses,
goodwill and other intangible assets.

Total  Risk-Based  Capital
Total  Risk-Based  Capital
Total  Risk-Based  Capital  -  Consists  of  Tier  1  Capital  plus
Total  Risk-Based  Capital
Total  Risk-Based  Capital
the allowance for loan losses, qualifying subordinated debt and
the allowed portion of the net unrealized gains on available-for-
sale  equity  securities.

Treasury  Stock  -      Common  stock  repurchased  and  held  by  the
Treasury  Stock 
Treasury  Stock 
Treasury  Stock 
Treasury  Stock 
issuing corporation for possible future issuance.

68
Statistical  Summary  2003-2007
Statements of Condition

(In thousands)
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments:

Federal funds sold and securities purchased

under agreements to resell
Time deposits with other banks
Bankers’ acceptances

Trading securities, at fair value
Investment securities available-for-sale,

at fair value

Investment securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
Other investment securities, at lower of cost or

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

2004

2003

As of December 31,

$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5

$950,158

$906,397

$716,459

$688,090

8 8 3 , 6 8 6
8 8 3 , 6 8 6
8 8 3 , 6 8 6
8 8 3 , 6 8 6
8 8 3 , 6 8 6
1 2 3 , 0 2 6
1 2 3 , 0 2 6
1 2 3 , 0 2 6
1 2 3 , 0 2 6
1 2 3 , 0 2 6
-----

1 , 0 0 6 , 7 1 2
1 , 0 0 6 , 7 1 2
1 , 0 0 6 , 7 1 2
1 , 0 0 6 , 7 1 2
1 , 0 0 6 , 7 1 2
7 6 7 , 9 5 5
7 6 7 , 9 5 5
7 6 7 , 9 5 5
7 6 7 , 9 5 5
7 6 7 , 9 5 5

286,531
15,177
-
301,708
382,325

740,770
8,653
-
749,423
519,338

879,321
319

-
879,640
385,139

764,780
8,046
67
772,893
605,119

8 , 5 1 5 , 1 3 5
8 , 5 1 5 , 1 3 5
8 , 5 1 5 , 1 3 5
8 , 5 1 5 , 1 3 5
8 , 5 1 5 , 1 3 5
4 8 4 , 4 6 6
4 8 4 , 4 6 6
4 8 4 , 4 6 6
4 8 4 , 4 6 6
4 8 4 , 4 6 6

9,850,862
91,340

11,716,586
153,104

11,162,145
340,850

10,051,579
186,821

realizable value

Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or market
Loans held-in-portfolio:

Less - Unearned income

       Allowance for loan losses

Premises and equipment, net
Other real estate
Accrued income receivable
Servicing Assets
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets

2 1 6 , 5 8 4
2 1 6 , 5 8 4
2 1 6 , 5 8 4
2 1 6 , 5 8 4
2 1 6 , 5 8 4
1 , 8 8 9 , 5 4 6
1 , 8 8 9 , 5 4 6
1 , 8 8 9 , 5 4 6
1 , 8 8 9 , 5 4 6
1 , 8 8 9 , 5 4 6

2 8 , 2 0 3 , 5 6 6
2 8 , 2 0 3 , 5 6 6
2 8 , 2 0 3 , 5 6 6
2 8 , 2 0 3 , 5 6 6
2 8 , 2 0 3 , 5 6 6
1 8 2 , 1 1 0
1 8 2 , 1 1 0
1 8 2 , 1 1 0
1 8 2 , 1 1 0
1 8 2 , 1 1 0
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
5 4 8 , 8 3 2
2 7 , 4 7 2 , 6 2 4
2 7 , 4 7 2 , 6 2 4
2 7 , 4 7 2 , 6 2 4
2 7 , 4 7 2 , 6 2 4
2 7 , 4 7 2 , 6 2 4
5 8 8 , 1 6 3
5 8 8 , 1 6 3
5 8 8 , 1 6 3
5 8 8 , 1 6 3
5 8 8 , 1 6 3
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0
8 1 , 4 1 0
2 1 6 , 1 1 4
2 1 6 , 1 1 4
2 1 6 , 1 1 4
2 1 6 , 1 1 4
2 1 6 , 1 1 4
1 9 6 , 6 4 5
1 9 6 , 6 4 5
1 9 6 , 6 4 5
1 9 6 , 6 4 5
1 9 6 , 6 4 5
1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
1 , 4 5 6 , 9 9 4
6 3 0 , 7 6 1
6 3 0 , 7 6 1
6 3 0 , 7 6 1
6 3 0 , 7 6 1
6 3 0 , 7 6 1
6 9 , 5 0 3
6 9 , 5 0 3
6 9 , 5 0 3
6 9 , 5 0 3
6 9 , 5 0 3
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7

297,394
719,922
32,325,364
308,347
522,232
31,494,785
595,140
84,816
248,240
164,999
1,446,891
667,853
107,554
$47,403,987

  Equity
  Equity
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
  Equity
Liabilities  and  Stockholders’’’’’  Equity
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
  Equity
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest bearing
Interest bearing

Federal funds purchased and assets

sold under agreements to repurchase

Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Subordinated notes
Other liabilities

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock
Surplus
Retained earnings
Treasury stock - at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income,

$ 4 , 5 1 0 , 7 8 9
$ 4 , 5 1 0 , 7 8 9
$ 4 , 5 1 0 , 7 8 9
$ 4 , 5 1 0 , 7 8 9
$ 4 , 5 1 0 , 7 8 9
2 3 , 8 2 3 , 6 8 9
2 3 , 8 2 3 , 6 8 9
2 3 , 8 2 3 , 6 8 9
2 3 , 8 2 3 , 6 8 9
2 3 , 8 2 3 , 6 8 9
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8
2 8 , 3 3 4 , 4 7 8

5 , 4 3 7 , 2 6 5
5 , 4 3 7 , 2 6 5
5 , 4 3 7 , 2 6 5
5 , 4 3 7 , 2 6 5
5 , 4 3 7 , 2 6 5
1 , 5 0 1 , 9 7 9
1 , 5 0 1 , 9 7 9
1 , 5 0 1 , 9 7 9
1 , 5 0 1 , 9 7 9
1 , 5 0 1 , 9 7 9
4 , 6 2 1 , 3 5 2
4 , 6 2 1 , 3 5 2
4 , 6 2 1 , 3 5 2
4 , 6 2 1 , 3 5 2
4 , 6 2 1 , 3 5 2

-----
9 3 4 , 3 7 2
9 3 4 , 3 7 2
9 3 4 , 3 7 2
9 3 4 , 3 7 2
9 3 4 , 3 7 2
4 0 , 8 2 9 , 4 4 6
4 0 , 8 2 9 , 4 4 6
4 0 , 8 2 9 , 4 4 6
4 0 , 8 2 9 , 4 4 6
4 0 , 8 2 9 , 4 4 6
1 0 91 0 91 0 91 0 91 0 9

1 8 6 , 8 7 5
1 8 6 , 8 7 5
1 8 6 , 8 7 5
1 8 6 , 8 7 5
1 8 6 , 8 7 5
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )

$4,222,133
20,216,198
24,438,331

5,762,445
4,034,125
8,737,246
-
811,424
43,783,571
110

186,875
1,753,146
526,856
1,594,144
(206,987)

319,103
699,181
31,308,639
297,613
461,707
30,549,319
596,571
79,008
245,646
141,489
1,184,311
653,984
110,208
$48,623,668

$3,958,392
18,679,613
22,638,005

8,702,461
2,700,261
9,893,577
-
1,240,002
45,174,306
115

186,875
1,736,443
452,398
1,456,612
(207,081)

302,440
750,728
28,253,923
262,390
437,081
27,554,452
545,681
59,717
207,542
57,183
989,191
411,308
39,101
$44,401,576

233,144
271,592
22,613,879
283,279
408,542
21,922,058
485,452
53,898
176,152
56,792
712,245
191,490
27,390
$36,434,715

$4,173,268
16,419,892
20,593,160

$3,726,707
14,371,121
18,097,828

6,436,853
3,139,639
10,180,710
125,000
821,491
41,296,853
102

5,835,587
1,996,624
6,992,025
125,000
633,129
33,680,193
105

186,875
186,875
837,566
1,680,096
314,638
278,840
1,129,793
1,601,851
(206,437)         (205,527)

net of tax

( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7
$ 4 4 , 4 1 1 , 4 3 7

(233,728)
3,620,306
$47,403,987

(176,000)
3,449,247
$48,623,668

35,454
3,104,621
$44,401,576

19,014
2,754,417
$36,434,715

Statistical  Summary  2003-2007
Statements  of  Operations

(In thousands, except per
  common share information)

Interest  IIIIIncome:
ncome:
ncome:
Interest 
Interest 
ncome:
Interest 
ncome:
Interest 
Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities
Trading securities

Total interest income
Less - Interest expense

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

for loan losses

Net gain on sale and valuation adjustment of

investment securities

Trading account (loss) profit
(Loss) gain on sale of loans and valuation adjustments

on loans held-for-sale
All other operating income

Operating  EEEEE xpenses:
xpenses:
xpenses:
Operating 
Operating 
xpenses:
Operating 
xpenses:
Operating 
Personnel costs
All other operating expenses

(Loss) income before tax, minority interest and

cumulative effect of accounting change

Income tax (benefit) expense
Net gain of minority interest
(Loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting

change

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax

2007     Annual Report        69
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

For the year ended December 31,

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

2004

2003

$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8

3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1

1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0

$2,486,453
29,626
516,237
32,125

3,064,441
1,636,531

1,427,910
287,760

$2,116,299
30,736
488,814
30,010

2,665,859
1,241,652

1,424,207
195,272

$1,751,150
25,660
413,492
25,963

2,216,265
840,754

1,375,511
178,657

$1,550,036
25,881
422,295
36,026

2,034,238
749,550

1,284,688
195,939

8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0

1,140,150

1,228,935

1,196,854

1,088,749

5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )

4,359
35,288

52,113
30,051

15,254
(159)

71,094
(10,214)

( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1
6 8 0 , 5 9 1

117,421
652,417

83,297
619,814

44,168
549,508

53,572
511,558

1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6

1,949,635

2,014,210

1,805,625

1,714,759

6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2
1 , 0 3 6 , 3 6 2

1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1

668,671
816,402
1,485,073

622,689
705,511
1,328,200

571,018
599,994
1,171,012

526,444
586,639
1,113,083

( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
-----

( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
-----

464,562
106,886
-

357,676
-

686,010
148,915
-

537,095
3,607

634,613
144,705
-

601,676
130,326
(435)

489,908
-

470,915
-

ncome
ncome
  (Loss)  I
NetNetNetNetNet  (Loss)  I
  (Loss)  I
ncome
  (Loss)  Income
ncome
  (Loss)  I

( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )

$357,676

$540,702

$489,908

$470,915

ommon  SSSSS tock
tock
tock
ommon 
pplicable  to  CCCCCommon 
ommon 
pplicable  to 
ncome  AAAAApplicable  to 
pplicable  to 
ncome 
ncome 
(Loss)  I
Net Net Net Net Net  (Loss)  I
(Loss)  I
tock
(Loss)  Income 
tock
ommon 
pplicable  to 
ncome 
(Loss)  I

( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )

$345,763

$528,789

$477,995

$460,996

Basic  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*

Diluted  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Diluted  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Diluted  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Diluted  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Diluted  EPS  Before  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*

Basic  EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Basic  EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*

EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Diluted 
Diluted 
EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Diluted  EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
EPS  After  Cumulative  Effect  of  Accounting  Change*
Diluted 
Diluted 

ommon  S  S  S  S  Shareharehareharehare
ommon
eclared  per  CCCCCommon
ommon
eclared  per 
ividends  DDDDDeclared  per 
eclared  per 
ividends 
DDDDDividends 
ividends 
ommon
eclared  per 
ividends 

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4

$1.24

$1.24

$1.24

$1.24

$0.64

$1.97

$1.96

$1.98

$1.97

$0.64

$1.79

$1.79

$1.79

$1.79

$0.62

$1.74

$1.74

$1.74

$1.74

$0.51

  279,494,150  for  2007;
  279,494,150  for  2007;
per  common  share  were
per  common  share  were
(losses) 
(losses) 
earnings 
earnings 
basic 
basic 
*The  average  common  shares  used  in  the  computation  of 
*The  average  common  shares  used  in  the  computation  of 
  279,494,150  for  2007;
per  common  share  were  279,494,150  for  2007;
(losses)  per  common  share  were
earnings  (losses) 
basic  earnings 
*The  average  common  shares  used  in  the  computation  of  basic 
  279,494,150  for  2007;
per  common  share  were
(losses) 
earnings 
basic 
*The  average  common  shares  used  in  the  computation  of 
*The  average  common  shares  used  in  the  computation  of 

278,468,552  for  2006;  267,334,606  for  2005;  266,302,105  for  2004  and  265,481,840  for  2003.  The  average  common  shares
278,468,552  for  2006;  267,334,606  for  2005;  266,302,105  for  2004  and  265,481,840  for  2003.  The  average  common  shares
278,468,552  for  2006;  267,334,606  for  2005;  266,302,105  for  2004  and  265,481,840  for  2003.  The  average  common  shares
278,468,552  for  2006;  267,334,606  for  2005;  266,302,105  for  2004  and  265,481,840  for  2003.  The  average  common  shares
278,468,552  for  2006;  267,334,606  for  2005;  266,302,105  for  2004  and  265,481,840  for  2003.  The  average  common  shares

used  in  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  (losses)  per  common  share  were  279,494,150  for  2007;  278,703,924  for  2006;
used  in  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  (losses)  per  common  share  were  279,494,150  for  2007;  278,703,924  for  2006;
used  in  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  (losses)  per  common  share  were  279,494,150  for  2007;  278,703,924  for  2006;
used  in  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  (losses)  per  common  share  were  279,494,150  for  2007;  278,703,924  for  2006;
used  in  the  computation  of  diluted  earnings  (losses)  per  common  share  were  279,494,150  for  2007;  278,703,924  for  2006;

267,839,018  for  2005;  266,674,856  for  2004  and  265,595,832    for  2003.
267,839,018  for  2005;  266,674,856  for  2004  and  265,595,832    for  2003.
267,839,018  for  2005;  266,674,856  for  2004  and  265,595,832    for  2003.
267,839,018  for  2005;  266,674,856  for  2004  and  265,595,832    for  2003.
267,839,018  for  2005;  266,674,856  for  2004  and  265,595,832    for  2003.

A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
B a l a n c e
B a l a n c e
B a l a n c e
B a l a n c e
B a l a n c e

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

I n t e r e s t
I n t e r e s t
I n t e r e s t
I n t e r e s t
I n t e r e s t

A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
A v e r a g e
  Rate
  Rate
  Rate
  Rate
  Rate

Average
Balance

2006

Interest

Average
Rate

$ 5 1 3 , 7 0 4
$ 5 1 3 , 7 0 4
$ 5 1 3 , 7 0 4
$ 5 1 3 , 7 0 4
$ 5 1 3 , 7 0 4
4 9 8 , 2 3 2
4 9 8 , 2 3 2
4 9 8 , 2 3 2
4 9 8 , 2 3 2
4 9 8 , 2 3 2

$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
$ 2 6 , 5 6 5
2 1 , 1 6 4
2 1 , 1 6 4
2 1 , 1 6 4
2 1 , 1 6 4
2 1 , 1 6 4

5 . 1 7 %
5 . 1 7 %
5 . 1 7 %
5 . 1 7 %
5 . 1 7 %
4 . 2 5
4 . 2 5
4 . 2 5
4 . 2 5
4 . 2 5

$564,423
521,917

$31,382
22,930

5.56%
4.39

70
Statistical  Summary  2003-2007
Average Balance Sheet and
Summary of Net Interest Income
On a Taxable Equivalent Basis*

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets
Assets
Assets
Assets
Assets
Interest earning assets:

Money market investments
U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. Government

entities

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and

political subdivisions

Collateralized mortgage obligations and

mortgage-backed securities

Other

Total investment securities

6 , 2 9 4 , 4 8 9
6 , 2 9 4 , 4 8 9
6 , 2 9 4 , 4 8 9
6 , 2 9 4 , 4 8 9
6 , 2 9 4 , 4 8 9

3 1 0 , 6 3 2
3 1 0 , 6 3 2
3 1 0 , 6 3 2
3 1 0 , 6 3 2
3 1 0 , 6 3 2

1 8 5 , 0 3 5
1 8 5 , 0 3 5
1 8 5 , 0 3 5
1 8 5 , 0 3 5
1 8 5 , 0 3 5

1 2 , 5 4 6
1 2 , 5 4 6
1 2 , 5 4 6
1 2 , 5 4 6
1 2 , 5 4 6

2 , 5 7 5 , 9 4 1
2 , 5 7 5 , 9 4 1
2 , 5 7 5 , 9 4 1
2 , 5 7 5 , 9 4 1
2 , 5 7 5 , 9 4 1
2 9 9 , 8 9 4
2 9 9 , 8 9 4
2 9 9 , 8 9 4
2 9 9 , 8 9 4
2 9 9 , 8 9 4

9 , 8 5 3 , 5 9 1
9 , 8 5 3 , 5 9 1
9 , 8 5 3 , 5 9 1
9 , 8 5 3 , 5 9 1
9 , 8 5 3 , 5 9 1

1 4 8 , 6 2 0
1 4 8 , 6 2 0
1 4 8 , 6 2 0
1 4 8 , 6 2 0
1 4 8 , 6 2 0
1 8 , 2 4 6
1 8 , 2 4 6
1 8 , 2 4 6
1 8 , 2 4 6
1 8 , 2 4 6

5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8
5 1 1 , 2 0 8

Trading account securities

6 7 2 , 4 0 5
6 7 2 , 4 0 5
6 7 2 , 4 0 5
6 7 2 , 4 0 5
6 7 2 , 4 0 5

4 3 , 3 0 7
4 3 , 3 0 7
4 3 , 3 0 7
4 3 , 3 0 7
4 3 , 3 0 7

Loans (net of unearned income)
Total interest earning assets/

Interest income

3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3
3 2 , 7 4 9 , 9 9 3

2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 4
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 4
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 4
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 4
2 , 6 3 6 , 9 5 4

          $3,218,034
          $3,218,034
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
          $3,218,034
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3          $3,218,034
          $3,218,034
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3
4 3 , 7 8 9 , 6 9 3

7 . 3 5 %
7 . 3 5 %
7 . 3 5 %
7 . 3 5 %
7 . 3 5 %

Total non-interest earning assets

3 , 3 1 5 , 2 4 2
3 , 3 1 5 , 2 4 2
3 , 3 1 5 , 2 4 2
3 , 3 1 5 , 2 4 2
3 , 3 1 5 , 2 4 2

Total assets
tockholders’ ’ ’ ’ ’  EEEEEquity
quity
quity
tockholders
Liabilities  and  SSSSStockholders
tockholders
Liabilities  and 
Liabilities  and 
quity
Liabilities  and 
quity
tockholders
Liabilities  and 
Interest bearing liabilities:

$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5

Savings, NOW, money market and other
interest bearing demand accounts

Time deposits
Short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Subordinated notes
Preferred beneficial interest in junior
subordinated deferrable interest
debentures guaranteed by the Corporation

$ 1 0 , 1 2 6 , 9 5 6
$ 1 0 , 1 2 6 , 9 5 6
$ 1 0 , 1 2 6 , 9 5 6
$ 1 0 , 1 2 6 , 9 5 6
$ 1 0 , 1 2 6 , 9 5 6
1 1 , 3 9 8 , 7 1 5
1 1 , 3 9 8 , 7 1 5
1 1 , 3 9 8 , 7 1 5
1 1 , 3 9 8 , 7 1 5
1 1 , 3 9 8 , 7 1 5
8 , 6 8 5 , 6 6 3
8 , 6 8 5 , 6 6 3
8 , 6 8 5 , 6 6 3
8 , 6 8 5 , 6 6 3
8 , 6 8 5 , 6 6 3
8 , 1 8 1 , 0 8 9
8 , 1 8 1 , 0 8 9
8 , 1 8 1 , 0 8 9
8 , 1 8 1 , 0 8 9
8 , 1 8 1 , 0 8 9

4 . 9 3
4 . 9 3
4 . 9 3
4 . 9 3
4 . 9 3

6 . 7 8
6 . 7 8
6 . 7 8
6 . 7 8
6 . 7 8

5 . 7 7
5 . 7 7
5 . 7 7
5 . 7 7
5 . 7 7
6 . 0 8
6 . 0 8
6 . 0 8
6 . 0 8
6 . 0 8

5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9
5 . 1 9

6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4
6 . 4 4

8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5
8 . 0 5

7,527,841

368,738

4.90

188,690

13,249

7.02

3,063,097
472,746

11,774,291

177,206
23,465

605,588

512,960

34,004

32,078,716

2,508,870

5.79
4.96

5.14

6.63

7.82

$3,179,844

7.08%

44,930,390
3,364,176
$48,294,566

$ 2 2 6 , 9 2 4
$ 2 2 6 , 9 2 4
$ 2 2 6 , 9 2 4
$ 2 2 6 , 9 2 4
$ 2 2 6 , 9 2 4
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
5 3 8 , 8 6 9
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6

2 . 2 4 %
2 . 2 4 %
2 . 2 4 %
2 . 2 4 %
2 . 2 4 %
4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3
4 . 7 3
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 1 6
5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8
5 . 6 8

$9,317,779
9,976,613
10,677,161
9,868,385

$157,431
422,663
518,960
537,477

1.69%
4.24
4.86
5.45

Total interest bearing liabilities/

Interest expense

3 8 , 3 9 2 , 4 2 3
3 8 , 3 9 2 , 4 2 3
3 8 , 3 9 2 , 4 2 3
3 8 , 3 9 2 , 4 2 3
3 8 , 3 9 2 , 4 2 3

1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1

4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7
4 . 3 7

39,839,938

1,636,531

4.11

Total non-interest bearing liabilities
Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Net interest income on a taxable

4 , 8 5 1 , 0 8 6
4 , 8 5 1 , 0 8 6
4 , 8 5 1 , 0 8 6
4 , 8 5 1 , 0 8 6
4 , 8 5 1 , 0 8 6
4 3 , 2 4 3 , 5 0 9
4 3 , 2 4 3 , 5 0 9
4 3 , 2 4 3 , 5 0 9
4 3 , 2 4 3 , 5 0 9
4 3 , 2 4 3 , 5 0 9
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
3 , 8 6 1 , 4 2 6
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5
$ 4 7 , 1 0 4 , 9 3 5

equivalent basis

Cost of funding earning assets
Net interest margin

$ 1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
$ 1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
$ 1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
$ 1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3
$ 1 , 5 3 9 , 2 5 3

3 . 8 3 %
3 . 8 3 %
3 . 8 3 %
3 . 8 3 %
3 . 8 3 %

3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %
3 . 5 2 %

Effect of the taxable equivalent adjustment

Net interest income per books

8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3
8 9 , 8 6 3
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
$ 1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0

4,713,355
44,553,293
3,741,273
$48,294,566

$1,543,313

115,403
$1,427,910

3.64%
3.44%

*Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of some loans and investments on their yield, using the applicable statutory income tax rates.
*Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of some loans and investments on their yield, using the applicable statutory income tax rates.
*Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of some loans and investments on their yield, using the applicable statutory income tax rates.
*Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of some loans and investments on their yield, using the applicable statutory income tax rates.
*Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of some loans and investments on their yield, using the applicable statutory income tax rates.

The  computation  considers  the  interest  expense  disallowance  required  by  the  Puerto  Rico  Internal  Revenue  Code.  This  adjustment  is
The  computation  considers  the  interest  expense  disallowance  required  by  the  Puerto  Rico  Internal  Revenue  Code.  This  adjustment  is
The  computation  considers  the  interest  expense  disallowance  required  by  the  Puerto  Rico  Internal  Revenue  Code.  This  adjustment  is
The  computation  considers  the  interest  expense  disallowance  required  by  the  Puerto  Rico  Internal  Revenue  Code.  This  adjustment  is
The  computation  considers  the  interest  expense  disallowance  required  by  the  Puerto  Rico  Internal  Revenue  Code.  This  adjustment  is

shown in order to compare the yields of the tax exempt and taxable assets on a taxable basis.
shown in order to compare the yields of the tax exempt and taxable assets on a taxable basis.
shown in order to compare the yields of the tax exempt and taxable assets on a taxable basis.
shown in order to compare the yields of the tax exempt and taxable assets on a taxable basis.
shown in order to compare the yields of the tax exempt and taxable assets on a taxable basis.

Note:  Average  loan  balances  include  the  average  balance  of  non-accruing  loans.  No  interest  income  is  recognized  for  these  loans  in
Note:  Average  loan  balances  include  the  average  balance  of  non-accruing  loans.  No  interest  income  is  recognized  for  these  loans  in
Note:  Average  loan  balances  include  the  average  balance  of  non-accruing  loans.  No  interest  income  is  recognized  for  these  loans  in
Note:  Average  loan  balances  include  the  average  balance  of  non-accruing  loans.  No  interest  income  is  recognized  for  these  loans  in
Note:  Average  loan  balances  include  the  average  balance  of  non-accruing  loans.  No  interest  income  is  recognized  for  these  loans  in

accordance  with  the  Corporation’s  policy.
accordance  with  the  Corporation’s  policy.
accordance  with  the  Corporation’s  policy.
accordance  with  the  Corporation’s  policy.
accordance  with  the  Corporation’s  policy.

2007     Annual Report        71
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Average
Balance

2005

Interest

Average
Rate

Average
Balance

2004

Interest

Average
 Rate

Average
Balance

2003

Interest

Average
Rate

$797,166
551,328

$33,319
25,613

4.18%
4.65

$835,139
550,997

$25,660
26,600

3.07%
4.83

$833,237
472,114

$25,881
24,615

3.11%
5.21

7,574,297

364,081

247,220

14,954

3,338,925
518,516

12,230,286

487,319

163,853
22,588

591,089

32,427

29,730,913

2,135,511

4.81

6.05

4.91
4.36

4.83

6.65

7.18

6,720,329

322,854

255,244

13,504

3,233,378
402,112

11,162,060

480,890

128,421
15,406

506,785

27,387

25,143,559

  1,765,290

4.80

5.29

3.97
3.83

4.54

5.70

7.02

6,451,157

356,008

201,505

13,570

3,062,564
407,105

10,594,445

623,632

118,097
16,267

528,557

37,887

20,730,041

1,562,083

5.52

6.73

3.86
4.00

4.99

6.08

7.54

$2,792,346

43,245,684
3,116,645
$46,362,329

6.46% 37,621,648
2,277,127
$39,898,775

$2,325,122

6.18%

32,781,355
1,893,406
$34,674,761

$2,154,408

6.57%

$9,408,358
8,776,314
10,327,417
9,644,925
119,178

$125,585
305,228
349,203
453,489
8,147

1.33% $8,373,541
7,117,062
3.48
8,782,042
3.38
8,047,867
4.70
125,000
6.84

$92,026
238,325
165,425
336,415
8,563

1.10%
3.35
1.88
4.18
6.85

$7,741,007
6,521,861
8,390,874
5,124,604
125,000

$102,293
240,598
147,456
234,776
8,539

194,959

15,888

38,276,192

1,241,652

3.24

32,445,512

840,754

2.59

28,098,305

749,550

4,811,329
43,087,521
3,274,808
$46,362,329

4,550,126
36,995,638
2,903,137
$39,898,775

4,031,343
32,129,648
2,545,113
$34,674,761

$1,550,694

$1,484,368

$1,404,858

2.87%
3.59%

2.23%
3.95%

126,487
$1,424,207

108,857
$1,375,511

120,170
$1,284,688

1.32%
3.69
1.76
4.58
6.83

8.15

2.67

2.29%
4.28%

72
Statistical  Summary  2006-2007
Quarterly Financial Data

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

F o u r t h
F o u r t h
F o u r t h
F o u r t h
F o u r t h
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r

Third
Third
Third
Third
Third
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r

S e c o n d
S e c o n d
First
First
S e c o n d
First
First
S e c o n d
S e c o n d
First
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r
Q u a r t e r

Fourth
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Second
Quarter

First
Quarter

$779,439
$779,439
$779,439
$779,439
$779,439
416,564
416,564
416,564
416,564
416,564
362,875
362,875
362,875
362,875
362,875
203,044
203,044
203,044
203,044
203,044

$790,226
$790,226
$790,226
$790,226
$790,226
430,110
430,110
430,110
430,110
430,110
360,116
360,116
360,116
360,116
360,116
148,093
148,093
148,093
148,093
148,093

$773,595
$773,595
$784,911
$784,911
$784,911 $773,595
$773,595
$784,911
$773,595
$784,911
418,613
418,613
413,494
413,494
418,613
413,494
418,613
413,494
418,613
413,494
354,982
354,982
371,417
371,417
354,982
371,417
354,982
371,417
354,982
371,417
96,346
96,346
115,167
115,167
96,346
115,167
96,346
96,346
115,167
115,167

$778,863
418,534
360,329
108,272

$781,331
439,293
342,038
63,445

$762,037
396,258
365,779
67,096

$742,210
382,446
359,764
48,947

(24,698)
(24,698)
(24,698)
(24,698)
(24,698)
96,458
96,458
96,458
96,458
96,458
621,197
621,197
621,197
621,197
621,197

(3,089)
(3,089)
(3,089)
(3,089)
(3,089)
170,094
170,094
170,094
170,094
170,094
346,973
346,973
346,973
346,973
346,973

1 , 1 7 5
1 , 1 7 5
1 , 1 7 5
1 , 1 7 5
1 , 1 7 5
202,200
202,200
202,200
202,200
202,200
361,053
361,053
361,053
361,053
361,053

81,771
81,771
81,771
81,771
81,771
170,405
170,405
170,405
170,405
170,405
375,328
375,328
375,328
375,328
375,328

(389,606)
(389,606)
(389,606)
(389,606)
(389,606)
(95,513)
(95,513)
(95,513)
(95,513)
(95,513)
($294,093)
($294,093)
($294,093)
($294,093)
($294,093)

32,055
32,055
32,055
32,055
32,055
(3,948)
(3,948)
(3,948)
(3,948)
(3,948)
$36,003
$36,003
$36,003
$36,003
$36,003

98,572
98,572
135,484
135,484
98,572
135,484
98,572
98,572
135,484
135,484
23,622
23,622
16,837
16,837
23,622
16,837
16,837
23,622
23,622
16,837
$118,647
$118,647
$74,950
$74,950
$118,647
$74,950 $118,647
$118,647
$74,950
$74,950

(680)
205,997
378,916

78,458
18,826
$59,632

7,123
184,226
359,923

110,019
27,859
$82,160

(14,424)
198,410
362,980

12,340
216,493
383,254

119,689
22,308
$97,381

156,396
37,893
$118,503

(In thousands, except per
common share information)
Summary  of  Operations
Summary  of  Operations
Summary  of  Operations
Summary  of  Operations
Summary  of  Operations
Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Net (loss) gain on sale and
valuation adjustment of
investment securities

Other non-interest income
Operating expenses
(Loss) income before

income tax

Income tax (benefit) expense
Net (loss) income

Net (loss) income applicable

to common stock

($297,071)
($297,071)
($297,071)
($297,071)
($297,071)

$33,024
$33,024
$33,024
$33,024
$33,024

$115,669
$115,669
$71,972
$71,972
$115,669
$71,972 $115,669
$115,669
$71,972
$71,972

$56,654

$79,181

$94,403

$115,525

Net (loss) income per common  share:

(basic and diluted)

($1.06)
($1.06)
($1.06)
($1.06)
($1.06)

$ 0 . 1 2
$ 0 . 1 2
$ 0 . 1 2
$ 0 . 1 2
$ 0 . 1 2

$ 0 . 2 6
$ 0 . 2 6
$ 0 . 2 6
$ 0 . 2 6
$ 0 . 2 6

$ 0 . 4 1
$ 0 . 4 1
$ 0 . 4 1
$ 0 . 4 1
$ 0 . 4 1

$0.20

$0.28

$0.34

$0.42

Selected  Average  Balances
Selected  Average  Balances
Selected  Average  Balances
Selected  Average  Balances
Selected  Average  Balances
(In millions)
Total assets
Loans
Interest earning assets
Deposits
Interest bearing liabilities
Selected  Ratios
Selected  Ratios
Selected  Ratios
Selected  Ratios
Selected  Ratios
Return on assets
Return on equity

$46,918
$46,918
$46,918
$46,918
$46,918
32,700
32,700
32,700
32,700
32,700
43,630
43,630
43,630
43,630
43,630
27,339
27,339
27,339
27,339
27,339
38,099
38,099
38,099
38,099
38,099

(2.49%)
(2.49%)
(2.49%)
(2.49%)
(2.49%)

(32.32)
(32.32)
(32.32)
(32.32)
(32.32)

$47,057
$47,057
$47,057
$47,057
$47,057
32,875
32,875
32,875
32,875
32,875
43,728
43,728
43,728
43,728
43,728
25,646
25,646
25,646
25,646
25,646
38,391
38,391
38,391
38,391
38,391

$47,140
$47,140
$47,140
$47,140
$47,140
32,766
32,766
32,766
32,766
32,766
43,828
43,828
43,828
43,828
43,828
24,924
24,924
24,924
24,924
24,924
38,422
38,422
38,422
38,422
38,422

$47,310
$47,310
$47,310
$47,310
$47,310
32,658
32,658
32,658
32,658
32,658
43,978
43,978
43,978
43,978
43,978
24,333
24,333
24,333
24,333
24,333
38,663
38,663
38,663
38,663
38,663

$47,299
32,171
43,992
24,204
38,732

$48,376
32,273
44,948
23,217
39,841

$48,565
31,941
45,196
22,976
40,094

$48,957
31,924
45,604
22,644
40,714

0 . 3 0 %
0 . 3 0 %
0 . 3 0 %
0 . 3 0 %
0 . 3 0 %
3 . 5 2
3 . 5 2
3 . 5 2
3 . 5 2
3 . 5 2

0 . 6 4 %
0 . 6 4 %
0 . 6 4 %
0 . 6 4 %
0 . 6 4 %
7 . 8 0
7 . 8 0
7 . 8 0
7 . 8 0
7 . 8 0

1 . 0 2 %
1 . 0 2 %
1 . 0 2 %
1 . 0 2 %
1 . 0 2 %

1 2 . 9 1
1 2 . 9 1
1 2 . 9 1
1 2 . 9 1
1 2 . 9 1

0.50%
6.20

0.67%
8.75

0.80%
10.72

1.02%
14.04

Management's Report to
Stockholders

2007     Annual Report        73
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

To Our Stockholders:

s  Assessment  of  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting
s  Assessment  of  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting
Management
Management
s  Assessment  of  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting
Management’s  Assessment  of  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting
s  Assessment  of  Internal  Control  Over  Financial  Reporting
Management
Management

The management of Popular, Inc. (the Corporation) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a - 15(f) and 15d - 15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and for our assessment
of  internal  control  over  financial  reporting.  The  Corporation’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  is  a  process  designed  to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and includes controls over the
preparation of financial statements in accordance with the instructions to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Bank Holding
Companies (Form FR Y-9C) to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 112 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Improvement Act (FDICIA). The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions

of the assets of the Corporation;

(ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the
Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Corporation; and

(iii)  provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition

of the Corporation’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections
of any evaluation of effectiveness to  future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

The management of Popular, Inc. has assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2007.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Based on our assessment, management concluded that the Corporation maintained effective internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2007 based on the criteria referred to above.

The Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, has audited the effectiveness of the
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, as stated in their report dated February 29, 2008
which appears herein.

Richard  L.  Carrión
Chairman of the Board,
President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer

Jorge A. Junquera
Senior  Executive  Vice  President
and Chief Financial Officer

 
74
Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Popular, Inc.

In  our  opinion,  the  accompanying  consolidated  statements  of  condition  and  the  related  consolidated  statements  of  operations,
comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of Popular, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America.  Also in our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee
of  Sponsoring  Organizations  of  the  Treadway  Commission  (COSO).    The  Corporation’s  management  is  responsible  for  these
financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report to Stockholders.  Our responsibility
is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
integrated audits.  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained
in  all  material  respects.    Our  audits  of  the  financial  statements  included  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting
included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists,
and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also
included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinions.

As  discussed  in  Note  1  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  the  Corporation  changed  the  manner  in  which  it  accounts  for
defined benefit pension and other postretirement pension plans in 2006.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability
of  financial  reporting  and  the  preparation  of  financial  statements  for  external  purposes  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles.    Management’s  assessment  and  our  audit  of  Popular,  Inc.’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  also
included controls over the preparation of financial statements in accordance with the instructions to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for Bank Holding Companies (Form FR Y-9C) to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 112 of the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act (FDICIA). A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those
policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions  and  dispositions  of  the  assets  of  the  company;  (ii)  provide  reasonable  assurance  that  transactions  are  recorded  as
necessary  to  permit  preparation  of  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles,  and  that
receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company;  and  (iii)  provide  reasonable  assurance  regarding  prevention  or  timely  detection  of  unauthorized  acquisition,  use,  or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

2007    Annual Report         75
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.    Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS    LLP
San Juan, Puerto Rico
February 29, 2008

CERTIFIED  PUBLIC  ACCOUNTANTS
(OF  PUERTO  RICO)
License No. 216 Expires December 1, 2010
Stamp 2287568 of the P.R.
Society  of  Certified  Public
Accountants has been affixed
to the file copy of this report.

76
Consolidated Statements of
Condition

(In thousands, except share information)
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
A s s e t s
Cash  and  due  from  banks
Money  market  investments:

Federal  funds  sold
Securities  purchased  under  agreements  to  resell
Time  deposits  with  other  banks

Trading  securities,  at  fair  value:

Pledged  securities  with  creditors’  right  to  repledge
Other  trading  securities

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

$818,825
$818,825
$818,825
$818,825
$818,825

737,815
737,815
737,815
737,815
737,815
145,871
145,871
145,871
145,871
145,871
123,026
123,026
123,026
123,026
123,026
1,006,712
1,006,712
1,006,712
1,006,712
1,006,712

673,958
673,958
673,958
673,958
673,958
93,997
93,997
93,997
93,997
93,997

Investment  securities  available-for-sale,  at  fair  value:
Pledged  securities  with  creditors’  right  to  repledge
Other  securities  available-for-sale

4,249,295
4,249,295
4,249,295
4,249,295
4,249,295
4,265,840
4,265,840
4,265,840
4,265,840
4,265,840
484,466
484,466
484,466
Investment  securities  held-to-maturity,  at  amortized  cost  (market  value  2007  -  $486,139;  2006  -  $92,764) 484,466
484,466
Other investment securities, at lower of cost or realizable value (fair value 2007 - $216,819;

216,584
216,584
216,584
216,584
216,584
1,889,546
1,889,546
1,889,546
1,889,546
1,889,546

149,610
149,610
149,610
149,610
149,610
28,053,956
28,053,956
28,053,956
28,053,956
28,053,956
182,110
182,110
182,110
182,110
182,110
548,832
548,832
548,832
548,832
548,832

27,472,624
27,472,624
27,472,624
27,472,624
27,472,624

588,163
588,163
588,163
588,163
588,163
81,410
81,410
81,410
81,410
81,410
216,114
216,114
216,114
216,114
216,114
196,645
196,645
196,645
196,645
196,645
1,456,994
1,456,994
1,456,994
1,456,994
1,456,994
630,761
630,761
630,761
630,761
630,761
69,503
69,503
69,503
69,503
69,503
$44,411,437
$44,411,437
$44,411,437
$44,411,437
$44,411,437

$4,510,789
$4,510,789
$4,510,789
$4,510,789
$4,510,789
23,823,689
23,823,689
23,823,689
23,823,689
23,823,689
28,334,478
28,334,478
28,334,478
28,334,478
28,334,478
5,437,265
5,437,265
5,437,265
5,437,265
5,437,265
1,501,979
1,501,979
1,501,979
1,501,979
1,501,979
4,621,352
4,621,352
4,621,352
4,621,352
4,621,352
934,372
934,372
934,372
934,372
934,372
40,829,446
40,829,446
40,829,446
40,829,446
40,829,446

2006 - $412,593)

Loans  held-for-sale,  at  lower  of  cost  or  market  value

Loans  held-in-portfolio:

Loans  held-in-portfolio  pledged  with  creditors’  right  to  repledge
Other  loans  held-in-portfolio
Less  - Unearned  income

Allowance  for  loan  losses

Premises  and  equipment,  net
Other  real  estate
Accrued  income  receivable
Servicing assets (2007 - $191,624 at fair value)
Other  assets
Goodwill
Other  intangible  assets

  Equity
  Equity
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
  Equity
Liabilities  and  Stockholders’’’’’  Equity
  Equity
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
Liabilities  and  Stockholders
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest  bearing
Interest  bearing

Federal  funds  purchased  and  assets  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase
Other  short-term  borrowings
Notes  payable
Other  liabilities

Commitments  and  contingencies  (See  Notes  26,  28,  30,  33,  34)

Minority  interest  in  consolidated  subsidiaries

Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, $25 liquidation value; 30,000,000 shares authorized;
7,475,000  issued  and  outstanding  in  both  periods  presented

Common  stock,  $6  par  value;  470,000,000  shares  authorized  in  both  periods

presented; 293,651,398 shares issued (2006 - 292,190,924) and 280,029,215
shares outstanding (2006 - 278,741,547)

Surplus
Retained  earnings
Treasury  stock-at  cost,  13,622,183  shares  (2006  -  13,449,377)
Accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss,
net of tax of ($15,438) (2006 - ($84,143))

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

December 31,

2006

$950,158

84,350
202,181
15,177
301,708

193,619
188,706

3,743,924
6,106,938
91,340

297,394
719,922

306,320
32,019,044
308,347
522,232
31,494,785
595,140
84,816
248,240
164,999
1,446,891
667,853
107,554
$47,403,987

$4,222,133
20,216,198
24,438,331
5,762,445
4,034,125
8,737,246
811,424
43,783,571

1 0 91 0 91 0 91 0 91 0 9

110

186,875
186,875
186,875
186,875
186,875

186,875

1,761,908
1,761,908
1,761,908
1,761,908
1,761,908
568,184
568,184
568,184
568,184
568,184
1,319,467
1,319,467
1,319,467
1,319,467
1,319,467
(207,740)
(207,740)
(207,740)
(207,740)
(207,740)

(46,812)
(46,812)
(46,812)
(46,812)
(46,812)
3,581,882
3,581,882
3,581,882
3,581,882
3,581,882
$44,411,437
$44,411,437
$44,411,437
$44,411,437
$44,411,437

1,753,146
526,856
1,594,144
(206,987)

(233,728)
3,620,306
$47,403,987

2007     Annual Report        77
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

Year ended December 31,
2006

2005

$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
$ 2 , 6 1 5 , 3 1 4
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
2 5 , 1 9 0
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 4 5 , 7 6 9
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8
4 1 , 8 9 8

3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1
3 , 1 2 8 , 1 7 1

$2,486,453
29,626
516,237
32,125
3,064,441

$2,116,299
30,736
488,814
30,010
2,665,859

Consolidated Statements of
Operations

(In thousands, except per share information)
Interest  Income:
Interest  Income:
Interest  Income:
Interest  Income:
Interest  Income:

Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities
Trading securities

Interest  Expense:
Interest  Expense:
Interest  Expense:
Interest  Expense:
Interest  Expense:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees (Note 35)
Net gain on sale and valuation adjustment of investment securities
Trading account (loss) profit
(Loss) gain on sale of loans and valuation adjustments

on loans held-for-sale
Other operating income

Operating  Expenses:
Operating  Expenses:
Operating  Expenses:
Operating  Expenses:
Operating  Expenses:

Personnel costs:

Salaries
Pension, profit sharing and other benefits

Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
Printing and supplies
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period at certain subsidiaries
Goodwill and trademark impairment losses
Amortization of intangibles

(Loss) income before income tax and cumulative effect

of accounting change

Income tax (benefit) expense
(Loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting change
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
N e t   ( L o s s )   I n c o m e
N e t   ( L o s s )   I n c o m e
N e t   ( L o s s )   I n c o m e
N e t   ( L o s s )   I n c o m e
N e t   ( L o s s )   I n c o m e

Net  (Loss)  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
Net  (Loss)  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
Net  (Loss)  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
Net  (Loss)  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock
Net  (Loss)  Income  Applicable  to  Common  Stock

B a s i c   ( L o s s )   E a r n i n g s   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e   ( E P S )
B a s i c   ( L o s s )   E a r n i n g s   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e   ( E P S )
B a s i c   ( L o s s )   E a r n i n g s   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e   ( E P S )
B a s i c   ( L o s s )   E a r n i n g s   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e   ( E P S )
B a s i c   ( L o s s )   E a r n i n g s   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e   ( E P S )

B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e

D i l u t e d   E P S   B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   B e f o r e   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e

B a s i c   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B a s i c   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B a s i c   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B a s i c   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
B a s i c   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e

D i l u t e d   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e
D i l u t e d   E P S   A f t e r   C u m u l a t i v e   E f f e c t   o f   A c c o u n t i n g   C h a n g e

7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
7 6 5 , 7 9 3
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 4 8 , 1 7 2
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6
4 6 4 , 8 1 6

1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1
1 , 6 7 8 , 7 8 1

1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
1 , 4 4 9 , 3 9 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0

8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0
8 8 6 , 7 4 0
1 9 6 , 0 7 2
1 9 6 , 0 7 2
1 9 6 , 0 7 2
1 9 6 , 0 7 2
1 9 6 , 0 7 2
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
3 6 3 , 2 5 7
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
5 5 , 1 5 9
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )
( 2 , 4 6 4 )

( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
( 3 8 , 9 7 0 )
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2
1 2 1 , 2 6 2

1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6
1 , 5 8 1 , 0 5 6

5 1 9 , 5 2 3
5 1 9 , 5 2 3
5 1 9 , 5 2 3
5 1 9 , 5 2 3
5 1 9 , 5 2 3
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
1 4 8 , 6 6 6
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
6 6 8 , 1 8 9
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 3 , 6 2 1
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
1 2 7 , 4 7 2
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
5 0 , 1 1 1
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
1 4 9 , 8 5 4
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
6 6 , 8 7 7
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 1 5 , 3 8 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 7 , 4 3 8
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 5 1 , 0 6 2
1 5 1 , 0 6 2
1 5 1 , 0 6 2
1 5 1 , 0 6 2
1 5 1 , 0 6 2
-----
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1
1 , 7 0 4 , 5 5 1

( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 1 2 3 , 4 9 5 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )
( 5 9 , 0 0 2 )

( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
-----

( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )

( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )
( $ 7 6 , 4 0 6 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )
( $ 0 . 2 7 )

D i v i d e n d s   D e c l a r e d   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e
D i v i d e n d s   D e c l a r e d   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e
D i v i d e n d s   D e c l a r e d   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e
D i v i d e n d s   D e c l a r e d   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e
D i v i d e n d s   D e c l a r e d   p e r   C o m m o n   S h a r e
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.

$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4
$ 0 . 6 4

580,094
518,960
537,477
1,636,531
1,427,910
287,760
1,140,150
190,079
320,875
4,359
35,288

117,421
141,463
1,949,635

517,178
151,493
668,671
116,742
135,877
44,543
141,534
68,283
129,965
17,741
7,232
118,128
9,741
14,239
12,377
1,485,073

464,562
106,886
357,676
-
$357,676
$345,763

$1.24
$1.24
$1.24
$1.24
$0.64

430,813
349,203
461,636
1,241,652
1,424,207
195,272
1,228,935
181,749
331,501
52,113
30,051

83,297
106,564
2,014,210

474,636
148,053
622,689
108,386
124,276
39,197
119,281
63,395
100,434
18,378
-
122,585
-
-

9,579
1,328,200

686,010
148,915
537,095
3,607
$540,702
$528,789

$1.97
$1.96
$1.98
$1.97
$0.64

78
Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows

(In thousands)

Cash  Flows  from  Operating  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Operating  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Operating  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Operating  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Operating  Activities:

Net (loss) income
Less: Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
Less: Impact of change in fiscal period of certain subsidiaries, net of tax

Net (loss) income before cumulative effect of accounting change and change in

fiscal period

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided

by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
Provision for loan losses
Goodwill and trademark impairment losses
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization and fair value adjustment of servicing assets
Net gain on sale and valuation adjustment of investment securities
Net gain on disposition of premises and equipment
Loss (gain) on sale of loans and valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale
Net amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts
   on investments
Net amortization of premiums on loans and deferred loan origination fees and costs
Earnings from investments under the equity method
Stock options expense
Net disbursements on loans held-for-sale
Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net decrease in trading securities
Net decrease (increase)  in accrued income receivable
Net (increase) decrease  in other assets
Net increase in interest payable
Deferred income taxes
Net increase in postretirement benefit obligation
Net  increase (decrease) in other liabilities

Total adjustments
Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash  Flows  from  Investing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Investing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Investing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Investing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Investing  Activities:
Net (increase) decrease  in money market investments
Purchases of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions

of investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of other investment securities
Net disbursements on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Net liabilities assumed (assets acquired), net of cash
Mortgage servicing rights purchased
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash  Flows  from  Financing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Financing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Financing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Financing  Activities:
Cash  Flows  from  Financing  Activities:

Net increase in deposits
Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased and

assets sold under agreements to repurchase

Net (decrease) increase  in other short-term borrowings
Payments of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Dividends paid
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Treasury stock acquired

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Cash effect of change in fiscal period and change in accounting principle

Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period

Cash and due from banks at end of period

Year ended December 31,

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
-----
-----

( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )

7 8 , 5 6 3
7 8 , 5 6 3
7 8 , 5 6 3
7 8 , 5 6 3
7 8 , 5 6 3
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
5 6 2 , 6 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
2 1 1 , 7 5 0
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 2 , 3 4 4
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
1 0 , 4 4 5
6 1 , 1 1 0
6 1 , 1 1 0
6 1 , 1 1 0
6 1 , 1 1 0
6 1 , 1 1 0
( 5 5 , 1 5 9 )
( 5 5 , 1 5 9 )
( 5 5 , 1 5 9 )
( 5 5 , 1 5 9 )
( 5 5 , 1 5 9 )
( 1 2 , 2 9 6 )
( 1 2 , 2 9 6 )
( 1 2 , 2 9 6 )
( 1 2 , 2 9 6 )
( 1 2 , 2 9 6 )
3 8 , 9 7 0
3 8 , 9 7 0
3 8 , 9 7 0
3 8 , 9 7 0
3 8 , 9 7 0

2 0 , 2 3 8
2 0 , 2 3 8
2 0 , 2 3 8
2 0 , 2 3 8
2 0 , 2 3 8
9 0 , 5 1 1
9 0 , 5 1 1
9 0 , 5 1 1
9 0 , 5 1 1
9 0 , 5 1 1
( 2 1 , 3 4 7 )
( 2 1 , 3 4 7 )
( 2 1 , 3 4 7 )
( 2 1 , 3 4 7 )
( 2 1 , 3 4 7 )
1 , 7 6 3
1 , 7 6 3
1 , 7 6 3
1 , 7 6 3
1 , 7 6 3
( 4 , 8 0 3 , 9 2 7 )
( 4 , 8 0 3 , 9 2 7 )
( 4 , 8 0 3 , 9 2 7 )
( 4 , 8 0 3 , 9 2 7 )
( 4 , 8 0 3 , 9 2 7 )
( 5 5 0 , 3 9 2 )
( 5 5 0 , 3 9 2 )
( 5 5 0 , 3 9 2 )
( 5 5 0 , 3 9 2 )
( 5 5 0 , 3 9 2 )

4 , 1 2 7 , 7 9 4
4 , 1 2 7 , 7 9 4
4 , 1 2 7 , 7 9 4
4 , 1 2 7 , 7 9 4
4 , 1 2 7 , 7 9 4
1 , 2 2 2 , 5 8 5
1 , 2 2 2 , 5 8 5
1 , 2 2 2 , 5 8 5
1 , 2 2 2 , 5 8 5
1 , 2 2 2 , 5 8 5
1 1 , 8 3 2
1 1 , 8 3 2
1 1 , 8 3 2
1 1 , 8 3 2
1 1 , 8 3 2
( 9 4 , 2 1 5 )
( 9 4 , 2 1 5 )
( 9 4 , 2 1 5 )
( 9 4 , 2 1 5 )
( 9 4 , 2 1 5 )
5 , 0 1 3
5 , 0 1 3
5 , 0 1 3
5 , 0 1 3
5 , 0 1 3

( 2 2 3 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 2 3 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 2 3 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 2 3 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 2 3 , 7 4 0 )

2 , 3 8 8
2 , 3 8 8
2 , 3 8 8
2 , 3 8 8
2 , 3 8 8
7 1 , 5 7 5
7 1 , 5 7 5
7 1 , 5 7 5
7 1 , 5 7 5
7 1 , 5 7 5
7 6 8 , 4 5 5
7 6 8 , 4 5 5
7 6 8 , 4 5 5
7 6 8 , 4 5 5
7 6 8 , 4 5 5
7 0 3 , 9 6 2
7 0 3 , 9 6 2
7 0 3 , 9 6 2
7 0 3 , 9 6 2
7 0 3 , 9 6 2

$357,676
-
(6,129)

363,805

84,388
287,760
14,239
7,232
12,377
62,819
(4,359)
(25,929)
(117,421)

23,918
130,091
(12,270)
3,006
(6,580,246)
(1,503,017)
6,782,081
1,368,975
(4,209)
49,708
32,477
(26,208)
4,112
(83,544)
505,980
869,785

$540,702
3,607
-

537,095

81,947
195,272
-
-
9,579
25,766
(52,113)
(29,079)
(83,297)

35,288
127,235
(10,982)
5,226
(4,321,658)
(733,536)
4,127,381
1,160,980
(30,808)
(172,879)
35,218
(3,679)
5,451
20,431
391,743
928,838

( 6 3 8 , 5 6 8 )
( 6 3 8 , 5 6 8 )
( 6 3 8 , 5 6 8 )
( 6 3 8 , 5 6 8 )
( 6 3 8 , 5 6 8 )

381,421

160,061

( 1 6 0 , 7 1 2 )
( 1 6 0 , 7 1 2 )
( 1 6 0 , 7 1 2 )
( 1 6 0 , 7 1 2 )
( 1 6 0 , 7 1 2 )
( 2 9 , 3 2 0 , 2 8 6 )
( 2 9 , 3 2 0 , 2 8 6 )
( 2 9 , 3 2 0 , 2 8 6 )
( 2 9 , 3 2 0 , 2 8 6 )
( 2 9 , 3 2 0 , 2 8 6 )
( 1 1 2 , 1 0 8 )
( 1 1 2 , 1 0 8 )
( 1 1 2 , 1 0 8 )
( 1 1 2 , 1 0 8 )
( 1 1 2 , 1 0 8 )

(254,930)
(20,863,367)
(66,026)

(4,243,162)
(33,579,802)
(77,716)

1 , 6 0 8 , 6 7 7
1 , 6 0 8 , 6 7 7
1 , 6 0 8 , 6 7 7
1 , 6 0 8 , 6 7 7
1 , 6 0 8 , 6 7 7
2 8 , 9 3 5 , 5 6 1
2 8 , 9 3 5 , 5 6 1
2 8 , 9 3 5 , 5 6 1
2 8 , 9 3 5 , 5 6 1
2 8 , 9 3 5 , 5 6 1
4 4 , 1 8 5
4 4 , 1 8 5
4 4 , 1 8 5
4 4 , 1 8 5
4 4 , 1 8 5
5 8 , 1 6 7
5 8 , 1 6 7
5 8 , 1 6 7
5 8 , 1 6 7
5 8 , 1 6 7
2 4 6 , 3 5 2
2 4 6 , 3 5 2
2 4 6 , 3 5 2
2 4 6 , 3 5 2
2 4 6 , 3 5 2
( 1 , 4 5 7 , 9 2 5 )
( 1 , 4 5 7 , 9 2 5 )
( 1 , 4 5 7 , 9 2 5 )
( 1 , 4 5 7 , 9 2 5 )
( 1 , 4 5 7 , 9 2 5 )
4 1 5 , 2 5 6
4 1 5 , 2 5 6
4 1 5 , 2 5 6
4 1 5 , 2 5 6
4 1 5 , 2 5 6
( 2 2 , 3 1 2 )
( 2 2 , 3 1 2 )
( 2 2 , 3 1 2 )
( 2 2 , 3 1 2 )
( 2 2 , 3 1 2 )
7 1 9 , 6 0 4
7 1 9 , 6 0 4
7 1 9 , 6 0 4
7 1 9 , 6 0 4
7 1 9 , 6 0 4
( 2 6 , 5 0 7 )
( 2 6 , 5 0 7 )
( 2 6 , 5 0 7 )
( 2 6 , 5 0 7 )
( 2 6 , 5 0 7 )
( 1 0 4 , 8 6 6 )
( 1 0 4 , 8 6 6 )
( 1 0 4 , 8 6 6 )
( 1 0 4 , 8 6 6 )
( 1 0 4 , 8 6 6 )
6 3 , 4 5 5
6 3 , 4 5 5
6 3 , 4 5 5
6 3 , 4 5 5
6 3 , 4 5 5
1 7 5 , 9 7 4
1 7 5 , 9 7 4
1 7 5 , 9 7 4
1 7 5 , 9 7 4
1 7 5 , 9 7 4

4 2 3 , 9 4 7
4 2 3 , 9 4 7
4 2 3 , 9 4 7
4 2 3 , 9 4 7
4 2 3 , 9 4 7

1,876,458
20,925,847
88,314
208,802
-
(1,587,326)
938,862
(448,708)
(3,034)
(23,769)
(104,593)
87,913
138,703

1,294,567

3,317,198
33,787,268
61,053
388,596
-
(343,093)
297,805
(2,650,540)
(411,782)
(5,039)
(159,166)
71,053
117,159

(3,270,107)

2 , 8 8 9 , 5 2 4
2 , 8 8 9 , 5 2 4
2 , 8 8 9 , 5 2 4
2 , 8 8 9 , 5 2 4
2 , 8 8 9 , 5 2 4

1,789,662

1,371,668

( 3 2 5 , 1 8 0 )
( 3 2 5 , 1 8 0 )
( 3 2 5 , 1 8 0 )
( 3 2 5 , 1 8 0 )
( 3 2 5 , 1 8 0 )
( 2 , 6 1 2 , 8 0 1 )
( 2 , 6 1 2 , 8 0 1 )
( 2 , 6 1 2 , 8 0 1 )
( 2 , 6 1 2 , 8 0 1 )
( 2 , 6 1 2 , 8 0 1 )
( 2 , 4 6 3 , 2 7 7 )
( 2 , 4 6 3 , 2 7 7 )
( 2 , 4 6 3 , 2 7 7 )
( 2 , 4 6 3 , 2 7 7 )
( 2 , 4 6 3 , 2 7 7 )
1 , 4 2 5 , 2 2 0
1 , 4 2 5 , 2 2 0
1 , 4 2 5 , 2 2 0
1 , 4 2 5 , 2 2 0
1 , 4 2 5 , 2 2 0

( 1 9 0 , 6 1 7 )
( 1 9 0 , 6 1 7 )
( 1 9 0 , 6 1 7 )
( 1 9 0 , 6 1 7 )
( 1 9 0 , 6 1 7 )
2 0 , 4 1 4
2 0 , 4 1 4
2 0 , 4 1 4
2 0 , 4 1 4
2 0 , 4 1 4
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )

( 1 , 2 5 9 , 2 4 2 )
( 1 , 2 5 9 , 2 4 2 )
( 1 , 2 5 9 , 2 4 2 )
( 1 , 2 5 9 , 2 4 2 )
( 1 , 2 5 9 , 2 4 2 )

-----

( 1 3 1 , 3 3 3 )
( 1 3 1 , 3 3 3 )
( 1 3 1 , 3 3 3 )
( 1 3 1 , 3 3 3 )
( 1 3 1 , 3 3 3 )
9 5 0 , 1 5 8
9 5 0 , 1 5 8
9 5 0 , 1 5 8
9 5 0 , 1 5 8
9 5 0 , 1 5 8

$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5
$ 8 1 8 , 8 2 5

(3,053,167)
1,226,973
(3,469,429)
1,506,298
(188,321)
55,846
(367)

(2,132,505)

11,914

43,761
906,397

$950,158

2,227,888
(766,277)
(2,650,972)
2,341,011
(182,751)
193,679
(1,467)

2,532,779

(1,572)

189,938
716,459

$906,397

The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements

2007     Annual Report        79
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Year ended December 31,

Consolidated Statements of
Changes in Stockholders’’’’’ Equity

(In thousands, except share information)
Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:

Balance at beginning and end of year

C o m m o n   S t o c k :
C o m m o n   S t o c k :
C o m m o n   S t o c k :
C o m m o n   S t o c k :
C o m m o n   S t o c k :

Balance at beginning of year
Common  stock  issued  under

Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan

Issuance  of  common  stock
Options  exercised

Balance at end of year

S u r p l u s :
S u r p l u s :
S u r p l u s :
S u r p l u s :
S u r p l u s :

Balance at beginning of year
Common  stock  issued  under

Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan

Issuance  of  common  stock
Issuance  cost  of  common  stock
Stock  options  expense  on  unexercised  options,

net  of  forfeitures
Options  exercised
Transfer  from  retained  earnings

Balance at end of year

Retained  Earnings:
Retained  Earnings:
Retained  Earnings:
Retained  Earnings:
Retained  Earnings:

Balance at beginning of year
Net (loss) income
Cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change

(adoption of SFAS No. 156 and EITF 06-5)
Cash  dividends  declared  on  common  stock
Cash  dividends  declared  on  preferred  stock
Transfer  to  surplus

Balance at end of year

Treasury  Stock  -  At  Cost:
Treasury  Stock  -  At  Cost:
Treasury  Stock  -  At  Cost:
Treasury  Stock  -  At  Cost:
Treasury  Stock  -  At  Cost:
Balance at beginning of year
Purchase  of  common  stock
Reissuance  of  common  stock

Balance at end of year

Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive
Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive
Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive
Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive
Accumulated  Other  Comprehensive
L o s s :
L o s s :
L o s s :
L o s s :
L o s s :

Balance at beginning of year
Other  comprehensive  income  (loss),  net  of  tax
Adoption of SFAS No. 158

Balance at end of year

Total  stockholders’  equity
Total  stockholders’  equity
Total  stockholders’  equity
Total  stockholders’  equity
Total  stockholders’  equity

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

$ 1 8 6 , 8 7 5
$ 1 8 6 , 8 7 5
$ 1 8 6 , 8 7 5
$ 1 8 6 , 8 7 5
$ 1 8 6 , 8 7 5

1 , 7 5 3 , 1 4 6
1 , 7 5 3 , 1 4 6
1 , 7 5 3 , 1 4 6
1 , 7 5 3 , 1 4 6
1 , 7 5 3 , 1 4 6

8 , 7 0 2
8 , 7 0 2
8 , 7 0 2
8 , 7 0 2
8 , 7 0 2
-----

6 06 06 06 06 0
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8
1 , 7 6 1 , 9 0 8

5 2 6 , 8 5 6
5 2 6 , 8 5 6
5 2 6 , 8 5 6
5 2 6 , 8 5 6
5 2 6 , 8 5 6

1 1 , 4 6 6
1 1 , 4 6 6
1 1 , 4 6 6
1 1 , 4 6 6
1 1 , 4 6 6
-----
-----

1 , 7 1 3
1 , 7 1 3
1 , 7 1 3
1 , 7 1 3
1 , 7 1 3
1 4 91 4 91 4 91 4 91 4 9
2 8 , 0 0 0
2 8 , 0 0 0
2 8 , 0 0 0
2 8 , 0 0 0
2 8 , 0 0 0
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4
5 6 8 , 1 8 4

1 , 5 9 4 , 1 4 4
1 , 5 9 4 , 1 4 4
1 , 5 9 4 , 1 4 4
1 , 5 9 4 , 1 4 4
1 , 5 9 4 , 1 4 4
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( 6 4 , 4 9 3 )

8 , 6 6 7
8 , 6 6 7
8 , 6 6 7
8 , 6 6 7
8 , 6 6 7
( 1 7 8 , 9 3 8 )
( 1 7 8 , 9 3 8 )
( 1 7 8 , 9 3 8 )
( 1 7 8 , 9 3 8 )
( 1 7 8 , 9 3 8 )
( 1 1 , 9 1 3 )
( 1 1 , 9 1 3 )
( 1 1 , 9 1 3 )
( 1 1 , 9 1 3 )
( 1 1 , 9 1 3 )
( 2 8 , 0 0 0 )
( 2 8 , 0 0 0 )
( 2 8 , 0 0 0 )
( 2 8 , 0 0 0 )
( 2 8 , 0 0 0 )
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7
1 , 3 1 9 , 4 6 7

( 2 0 6 , 9 8 7 )
( 2 0 6 , 9 8 7 )
( 2 0 6 , 9 8 7 )
( 2 0 6 , 9 8 7 )
( 2 0 6 , 9 8 7 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
( 2 , 5 2 5 )
1 , 7 7 2
1 , 7 7 2
1 , 7 7 2
1 , 7 7 2
1 , 7 7 2
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )
( 2 0 7 , 7 4 0 )

( 2 3 3 , 7 2 8 )
( 2 3 3 , 7 2 8 )
( 2 3 3 , 7 2 8 )
( 2 3 3 , 7 2 8 )
( 2 3 3 , 7 2 8 )
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
-----
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( 4 6 , 8 1 2 )

$ 3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
$ 3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
$ 3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
$ 3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2
$ 3 , 5 8 1 , 8 8 2

2006

$186,875

1,736,443

5,154
11,312
237
1,753,146

452,398

11,323
28,281
1,462

2,826
566
30,000
526,856

1,456,612
357,676

-
(178,231)
(11,913)
(30,000)
1,594,144

(207,081)
(367)
461
(206,987)

(176,000)
(17,877)
(39,851)
(233,728)

$3,620,306

Disclosure  of  changes  in  number  of  shares:
Disclosure  of  changes  in  number  of  shares:
Disclosure  of  changes  in  number  of  shares:
Disclosure  of  changes  in  number  of  shares:
Disclosure  of  changes  in  number  of  shares:

Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:
Preferred  Stock:

Balance at beginning and end of year

Common  Stock  -  Issued:
Common  Stock  -  Issued:
Common  Stock  -  Issued:
Common  Stock  -  Issued:
Common  Stock  -  Issued:
Balance at beginning of year
Issued  under  the  Dividend  Reinvestment  Plan
Issuance  of  common  stock
Options  exercised

Balance at end of year

Treasury stock

Common  Stock  -  Outstanding
Common  Stock  -  Outstanding
Common  Stock  -  Outstanding
Common  Stock  -  Outstanding
Common  Stock  -  Outstanding

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

7 , 4 7 5 , 0 0 0
7 , 4 7 5 , 0 0 0
7 , 4 7 5 , 0 0 0
7 , 4 7 5 , 0 0 0
7 , 4 7 5 , 0 0 0

2 9 2 , 1 9 0 , 9 2 4
2 9 2 , 1 9 0 , 9 2 4
2 9 2 , 1 9 0 , 9 2 4
2 9 2 , 1 9 0 , 9 2 4
2 9 2 , 1 9 0 , 9 2 4
1 , 4 5 0 , 4 1 0
1 , 4 5 0 , 4 1 0
1 , 4 5 0 , 4 1 0
1 , 4 5 0 , 4 1 0
1 , 4 5 0 , 4 1 0

-----
1 0 , 0 6 4
1 0 , 0 6 4
1 0 , 0 6 4
1 0 , 0 6 4
1 0 , 0 6 4
2 9 3 , 6 5 1 , 3 9 8
2 9 3 , 6 5 1 , 3 9 8
2 9 3 , 6 5 1 , 3 9 8
2 9 3 , 6 5 1 , 3 9 8
2 9 3 , 6 5 1 , 3 9 8
( 1 3 , 6 2 2 , 1 8 3 )
( 1 3 , 6 2 2 , 1 8 3 )
( 1 3 , 6 2 2 , 1 8 3 )
( 1 3 , 6 2 2 , 1 8 3 )
( 1 3 , 6 2 2 , 1 8 3 )

2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5
2 8 0 , 0 2 9 , 2 1 5

Year ended December 31,
2006

7,475,000

289,407,190
858,905
1,885,380
39,449
292,190,924
(13,449,377)

278,741,547

The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.

2005

$186,875

1,680,096

4,372
51,688
287
1,736,443

278,840

13,263
129,219
(5,636)

5,003
709
31,000
452,398

1,129,793
540,702

-
(170,970)
(11,913)
(31,000)
1,456,612

(206,437)
(1,467)
823
(207,081)

35,454
(211,454)
-
(176,000)

$3,449,247

2005

7,475,000

280,016,007
728,705
8,614,620
47,858
289,407,190
(13,451,799)

275,955,391

80
Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive  Income

(In thousands)

Net (loss) income

Other  comprehensive  income  (loss),  before  tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Adjustment  of  pension  and  postretirement  benefit  plans
Unrealized  holding  gains  (losses)  on  securities  available-for-sale

arising  during  the  period
Reclassification  adjustment  for  gains  included  in  net  income

Unrealized  net  losses  on  cash  flow  hedges

Reclassification  adjustment  for  losses  included  in  net  income

Cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change

Reclassification  adjustment  for  gains  included  in  net  income

Income  tax  (expense)  benefit
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Comprehensive  income,  net  of  tax

Year ended December 31,

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

2005

( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )
( $ 6 4 , 4 9 3 )

$357,676

$540,702

2 , 1 1 3
2 , 1 1 3
2 , 1 1 3
2 , 1 1 3
2 , 1 1 3
1 8 , 1 2 1
1 8 , 1 2 1
1 8 , 1 2 1
1 8 , 1 2 1
1 8 , 1 2 1

2 3 9 , 3 9 0
2 3 9 , 3 9 0
2 3 9 , 3 9 0
2 3 9 , 3 9 0
2 3 9 , 3 9 0
( 5 5 )
( 5 5 )
( 5 5 )
( 5 5 )
( 5 5 )
( 4 , 7 8 2 )
( 4 , 7 8 2 )
( 4 , 7 8 2 )
( 4 , 7 8 2 )
( 4 , 7 8 2 )
1 , 0 7 7
1 , 0 7 7
1 , 0 7 7
1 , 0 7 7
1 , 0 7 7
( 2 4 3 )
( 2 4 3 )
( 2 4 3 )
( 2 4 3 )
( 2 4 3 )
-----
2 5 5 , 6 2 1
2 5 5 , 6 2 1
2 5 5 , 6 2 1
2 5 5 , 6 2 1
2 5 5 , 6 2 1
( 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6
1 8 6 , 9 1 6

(386)
(1,539)

(12,194)
(4,359)
(1,573)
1,839
-
-
(18,212)
335
(17,877)

(785)
(2,354)

(222,604)
(51,591)
(3,316)
4,247
(103)
(20)
(276,526)
65,072
(211,454)

$ 1 2 2 , 4 2 3
$ 1 2 2 , 4 2 3
$ 1 2 2 , 4 2 3
$ 1 2 2 , 4 2 3
$ 1 2 2 , 4 2 3

$339,799

$329,248

Tax  effects  allocated  to  each  component  of  other  comprehensive  income:
Tax  effects  allocated  to  each  component  of  other  comprehensive  income:
Tax  effects  allocated  to  each  component  of  other  comprehensive  income:
Tax  effects  allocated  to  each  component  of  other  comprehensive  income:
Tax  effects  allocated  to  each  component  of  other  comprehensive  income:

(In thousands)

Underfunding  of  pension  and  postretirement  benefit  plans
Unrealized  holding  gains  (losses)  on  securities  available-for-sale

arising  during  the  period
Reclassification  adjustment  for  gains  included  in  net  income

Unrealized  net  losses  on  cash  flow  hedges

Reclassification  adjustment  for  losses  included  in  net  income

Income  tax  (expense)  benefit

Year ended December 31,

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

2006

( $ 6 , 9 2 6 )
( $ 6 , 9 2 6 )
( $ 6 , 9 2 6 )
( $ 6 , 9 2 6 )
( $ 6 , 9 2 6 )

( 6 3 , 1 0 4 )
( 6 3 , 1 0 4 )
( 6 3 , 1 0 4 )
( 6 3 , 1 0 4 )
( 6 3 , 1 0 4 )
88888
1 , 7 2 3
1 , 7 2 3
1 , 7 2 3
1 , 7 2 3
1 , 7 2 3
( 4 0 6 )
( 4 0 6 )
( 4 0 6 )
( 4 0 6 )
( 4 0 6 )

( $ 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( $ 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( $ 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( $ 6 8 , 7 0 5 )
( $ 6 8 , 7 0 5 )

$600

2,747
(2,898)
630
(744)
$335

2005

$918

62,225
2,270
1,916
(2,257)
$65,072

D i s c l o s u r e   o f   a c c u m u l a t e d   o t h e r   c o m p r e h e n s i v e   ( l o s s )   i n c o m e :
D i s c l o s u r e   o f   a c c u m u l a t e d   o t h e r   c o m p r e h e n s i v e   ( l o s s )   i n c o m e :
D i s c l o s u r e   o f   a c c u m u l a t e d   o t h e r   c o m p r e h e n s i v e   ( l o s s )   i n c o m e :
D i s c l o s u r e   o f   a c c u m u l a t e d   o t h e r   c o m p r e h e n s i v e   ( l o s s )   i n c o m e :
D i s c l o s u r e   o f   a c c u m u l a t e d   o t h e r   c o m p r e h e n s i v e   ( l o s s )   i n c o m e :

(In thousands)

2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7
2 0 0 7

Year ended December 31,
2006

2005

Foreign currency translation adjustment

( $ 3 4 , 5 8 8 )
( $ 3 4 , 5 8 8 )
( $ 3 4 , 5 8 8 )
( $ 3 4 , 5 8 8 )
( $ 3 4 , 5 8 8 )

($36,701)

($36,315)

Minimum pension liability adjustment
Tax  effect
Adoption of SFAS No. 158
Tax  effect

Net of tax amount

Underfunding  of  pension  and  postretirement  benefit  plans
Tax  effect

Net of tax amount

Unrealized  gains  (losses)  on  securities  available-for-sale
Tax  effect

Net of tax amount

Unrealized  (losses)  gains  on  cash  flow  hedges
Tax  effect

Net of tax amount

Cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change,  net  of  tax

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

-----

( 5 1 , 1 3 9 )
( 5 1 , 1 3 9 )
( 5 1 , 1 3 9 )
( 5 1 , 1 3 9 )
( 5 1 , 1 3 9 )
2 0 , 1 0 8
2 0 , 1 0 8
2 0 , 1 0 8
2 0 , 1 0 8
2 0 , 1 0 8
( 3 1 , 0 3 1 )
( 3 1 , 0 3 1 )
( 3 1 , 0 3 1 )
( 3 1 , 0 3 1 )
( 3 1 , 0 3 1 )

2 7 , 0 9 2
2 7 , 0 9 2
2 7 , 0 9 2
2 7 , 0 9 2
2 7 , 0 9 2
( 5 , 9 5 0 )
( 5 , 9 5 0 )
( 5 , 9 5 0 )
( 5 , 9 5 0 )
( 5 , 9 5 0 )

2 1 , 1 4 2
2 1 , 1 4 2
2 1 , 1 4 2
2 1 , 1 4 2
2 1 , 1 4 2

( 3 , 6 1 5 )
( 3 , 6 1 5 )
( 3 , 6 1 5 )
( 3 , 6 1 5 )
( 3 , 6 1 5 )
1 , 2 8 0
1 , 2 8 0
1 , 2 8 0
1 , 2 8 0
1 , 2 8 0
( 2 , 3 3 5 )
( 2 , 3 3 5 )
( 2 , 3 3 5 )
( 2 , 3 3 5 )
( 2 , 3 3 5 )

-----

(3,893)
1,518
3,893
(1,518)

-

(69,260)
27,034
(42,226)

(212,243)
57,146

(155,097)

90
(37)
53

243

(2,354)
918
-
-

(1,436)

-
-
-

(195,690)
57,297

(138,393)

(176)
77
(99)

243

Accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss

( $ 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( $ 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( $ 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( $ 4 6 , 8 1 2 )
( $ 4 6 , 8 1 2 )

($233,728)

($176,000)

The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.
The  accompanying  notes  are  an  integral  part  of  the  consolidated  financial  statements.

Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements

2007     Annual Report        81
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Note 1  - Nature of operations and summary of significant

accounting  policies ............................................... 82
Note 2  - Restructuring plans ................................................ 95
Note 3  - Subsequent events .................................................. 96
Note 4  - Restrictions on cash and due from banks and

highly  liquid  securities ......................................... 97
Note 5  - Securities purchased under agreements to resell ..... 97
Note 6  - Investment securities available-for-sale ................... 98
Note 7  - Investment securities held-to-maturity ................. 100
Note 8  - Pledged assets ...................................................... 102
Note 9  -  Loans and allowance for loan losses ...................... 102
Note 10  - Related party transactions ................................... 103
Note 11  - Premises and equipment ...................................... 104
Note 12 - Goodwill and other intangible assets ................... 104
Note 13 -Deposits ............................................................... 105
Note 14 - Federal funds purchased and assets sold

under agreements to repurchase ............................ 106
Note 15 -Other short-term borrowings ............................... 107
Note 16 - Notes payable ....................................................... 108
Note 17 - Unused lines of credit and other funding sources 108
Note 18 -Trust  preferred  securities .................................... 109
Note 19 - (Loss) earnings per common share ....................... 110
Note 20 - Stockholders’  equity ............................................ 110
Note 21 - Regulatory capital requirements ........................... 111
Note 22 - Servicing  assets ................................................... 112
Note 23 -Retained interests on transfers of financial assets 114
Note 24 - Employee benefits ................................................ 118
Note 25 -Stock-based  compensation .................................. 123
Note 26 - Rental expense and commitments ......................... 125
Note 27 - Income tax ........................................................... 125
Note 28 -Off-balance sheet activities and

concentration  of  credit  risk ................................. 127

Note 29 - Disclosures about fair value of financial

instruments .......................................................... 128
Note 30 -Derivative  instruments  and  hedging  activities .... 129
Note 31 -Supplemental disclosure on the consolidated

statements of cash flows ...................................... 133
Note 32 - Segment reporting .............................................. 133
Note  33  -  Contingent  liabilities ......................................... 137
Note 34 - Guarantees .......................................................... 137
Note 35 - Other service fees ............................................... 139
Note 36 - Popular, Inc. (Holding Company only) financial

information ........................................................... 139

Note 37 - Condensed consolidating financial information
of guarantor and issuers of registered guaranteed
securities ............................................................. 141

82

N o t e   1   -   N a t u r e   o f   O p e r a t i o n s   a n d   S u m m a r y   o f
N o t e   1   -   N a t u r e   o f   O p e r a t i o n s   a n d   S u m m a r y   o f
N o t e   1   -   N a t u r e   o f   O p e r a t i o n s   a n d   S u m m a r y   o f
N o t e   1   -   N a t u r e   o f   O p e r a t i o n s   a n d   S u m m a r y   o f
N o t e   1   -   N a t u r e   o f   O p e r a t i o n s   a n d   S u m m a r y   o f
S i g n i f i c a n t   A c c o u n t i n g   P o l i c i e s :
S i g n i f i c a n t   A c c o u n t i n g   P o l i c i e s :
S i g n i f i c a n t   A c c o u n t i n g   P o l i c i e s :
S i g n i f i c a n t   A c c o u n t i n g   P o l i c i e s :
S i g n i f i c a n t   A c c o u n t i n g   P o l i c i e s :
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Popular, Inc.
and its subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) conform with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America and
with prevailing practices within the financial services industry.
The  following  is  a  description  of  the  most  significant  of  these
policies:

Nature of operations
The Corporation is a diversified, publicly owned financial holding
company subject to the supervision and regulation of the Board
of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Corporation is a
full service financial services provider with operations in Puerto
Rico, the United States, the Caribbean and Latin America. As the
leading financial institution in Puerto Rico, the Corporation offers
retail  and  commercial  banking  services  through  its  principal
banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (“BPPR”), as
well as auto and equipment leasing and financing, mortgage loans,
consumer  lending,  investment  banking,  broker-dealer  and
insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. In the United
States,  the  Corporation  operates  Banco  Popular  North  America
(“BPNA”), including its wholly-owned subsidiary E-LOAN, and
Popular Financial Holdings (“PFH”). BPNA is a community bank
providing a broad range of financial services and products to the
communities  it  serves.  BPNA  operates  branches  in  New  York,
California,  Illinois,  New  Jersey,  Florida  and  Texas.  E-LOAN
offers  online  consumer  direct  lending  and  provides  an  online
platform to raise deposits for BPNA. As described in Note 2 to the
consolidated  financial  statements,  E-LOAN  is  currently  in  a
restructuring  process  of  its  operations.  PFH,  after  certain
restructuring  events  discussed  in  Note  2  to  the  consolidated
financial  statements,  is  in  the  process  of  exiting  the  loan
origination  business,  but  continues  to  carry  a  maturing  loan
portfolio  and  operates  a  mortgage  loan  servicing  unit.  The
Corporation,  through  its  transaction  processing  company,
EVERTEC,  continues  to  use  its  expertise  in  technology  as  a
competitive  advantage  in  its  expansion  throughout  the  United
States,  the  Caribbean  and  Latin  America,  as  well  as  internally
servicing  many  of  its  subsidiaries’  system  infrastructures  and
transactional processing businesses. Note 32 to the consolidated
financial  statements  presents  further  information  about  the
Corporation’s  business  segments.

Business combinations
During  the  fourth  quarter  of  2007,  the  Corporation  acquired
Citibank’s retail banking operations in Puerto Rico, which added
17  branches  to  BPPR’s  retail  branch  network  prior  to  branch
closings  due  to  synergies,  and  contributed  with  approximately

$997,000,000 in deposits and $220,000,000 in loans. The purchase
price  paid  was  approximately  $123,540,000.  Also,  Popular
Securities, a subsidiary within the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
reportable  segment,  strengthened  its  brokerage  sales  force  and
increased  its  assets  under  management  by  acquiring  Smith
Barney’s  retail  brokerage  operations  in  Puerto  Rico.  This
acquisition added approximately $1,200,000,000 in assets under
its  management  (thus,  are  not  included  in  the  Corporation’s
consolidated financial statements). As part of these acquisitions,
which were accounted as business combinations, the Corporation
recorded  approximately  $125,893,000  in  goodwill  and
$21,325,000  in  other  intangibles  assets.  The  later  consisted
primarily of core deposit intangibles.

Business combinations are accounted for under the purchase
method  of  accounting.  Under  the  purchase  method,  assets  and
liabilities of the business acquired are recorded at their estimated
fair values as of the date of acquisition with any excess of the cost
of  the  acquisition  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  tangible  and
intangible  assets  acquired  recorded  as  goodwill.  Results  of
operations of the acquired business are included in the income
statement from the date of acquisition.

Principles of consolidation
The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of
Popular,  Inc.  and  its  subsidiaries.  Intercompany  accounts  and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In accordance
w i t h   F i n a n c i a l   A c c o u n t i n g   S t a n d a r d s   B o a r d   ( “ F A S B ” )
Interpretation  (“FIN”)  No.  46(R),  “Consolidation  of  Variable
Interest Entities (revised December 2003) - an interpretation of
ARB No. 51” (“FIN No. 46(R)”), the Corporation also consolidates
any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which it is the primary
beneficiary and therefore will absorb the majority of the entity’s
expected losses, receive a majority of the entity’s expected returns,
or both. Assets held in a fiduciary capacity are not assets of the
Corporation and, accordingly, are not included in the consolidated
statements of condition.

Unconsolidated  investments,  in  which  there  is  at  least  20%
ownership,  are  generally  accounted  for  by  the  equity  method,
with earnings recorded in other operating income; those in which
there is less than 20% ownership, are generally carried under the
cost  method  of  accounting,  unless  significant  influence  is
exercised.  Under  the  cost  method,  the  Corporation  recognizes
income when dividends are received.

Limited partnerships are accounted for by the equity method
as  required  by  EITF  D-46  “Accounting  for  Limited  Partnership
Investments” (“EITF D-46”). EITF D-46 requires that all limited
partnerships are accounted for by the equity method pursuant to
paragraph 8 of AICPA Statement of Position 78-9 “Accounting for
Investments in Real Estate Ventures”, which requires the use of
the equity method unless the investor’s interest is so “minor” that

the limited partner may have virtually no influence over partnership
operating  and  financial  policies.

Statutory  business  trusts  that  are  wholly-owned  by  the
Corporation and are issuers of trust preferred securities are not
consolidated  in  the  Corporation’s  consolidated  financial
statements in accordance with the provisions of FIN No. 46(R).
In the normal course of business, except for the Corporation’s
banks and the parent holding company, the Corporation utilized
a one-month lag in the consolidation of the financial results of its
other  subsidiaries  (the  “non-banking  subsidiaries”),  mainly  to
facilitate timely reporting. In 2005, the Corporation commenced
a two-year plan to change the reporting period of its non-banking
subsidiaries  to  a  December  31st  calendar  period,  primarily  as
part of a strategic plan to put in place an integrated corporate-
wide financial system and to facilitate the consolidation process.
The  impact  of  this  change  in  net  income  was  included  as  a
cumulative  effect  of  accounting  change  in  the  Corporation’s
consolidated  financial  results  for  the  quarter  ended  March  31,
2005, and corresponds to the financial results for the month of
December  2004  of  the  non-banking  subsidiaries  which
implemented the change in the first reporting period of 2005. In
the first quarter of 2006, the Corporation completed the second
phase of the two-year plan, and as such, the financial results for
the month of December 2005 of PFH (excluding E-LOAN which
already had a December 31st year-end closing), Popular FS, Popular
Securities  and  Popular  North  America  (holding  company  only)
were included in a separate line within operating expenses (before
tax) in the consolidated statement of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2006. The financial impact amounted to a loss of
$9,741,000 (before tax). After tax, this change resulted in a net
loss of $6,129,000. As of the end of the first quarter of 2006, all
subsidiaries of the Corporation had aligned their year-end closings
to December 31st, similar to the parent holding company. There
are  no  unadjusted  significant  intervening  events  resulting  from
the difference in fiscal periods which management believes may
materially affect the financial position or results of operations of
the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2006.

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

2007     Annual Report        83
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Investment securities
Investment  securities  are  classified  in  four  categories  and
accounted for as follows:

•  Debt  securities  that  the  Corporation  has  the  intent  and
ability to hold to maturity are classified as securities held-
to-maturity and reported at amortized cost. The Corporation
may not sell or transfer held-to-maturity securities without
calling into question its intent to hold other debt securities
to  maturity,  unless  a  nonrecurring  or  unusual  event  that
could not have been reasonably anticipated has occurred.
•  Debt and equity securities classified as trading securities
are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses
included in earnings.

• Debt and equity securities not classified as either securities
held-to-maturity  or  trading  securities,  and  which  have  a
readily  available  fair  value,  are  classified  as  securities
available-for-sale and reported at fair value, with unrealized
gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported, net
of taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income. The
specific identification method is used to determine realized
gains and losses on securities available-for-sale, which are
included in net gain (loss) on sale and valuation adjustment
of investment securities in the consolidated statements of
operations.

•  Investments in equity or other securities that do not have
readily available fair values are classified as other investment
securities in the consolidated statements of condition. These
securities are stated at the lower of cost or realizable value.
The source of this value varies according to the nature of
the  investment,  and  is  primarily  obtained  by  the
Corporation  from  valuation  analyses  prepared  by  third-
parties or from information derived from financial statements
available for the corresponding venture capital and mutual
funds. Stock that is owned by the Corporation to comply
with regulatory requirements, such as Federal Reserve Bank
and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, is included
in this category. Their realizable value equals their cost.
The amortization of premiums is deducted and the accretion
of discounts is added to net interest income based on the interest
method  over  the  outstanding  period  of  the  related  securities,
except  for  a  small  portfolio  of  mortgage-backed  securities  for
which the Corporation utilizes a method which approximates the
interest  method,  but  which  incorporates  factors  such  as  actual
prepayments. The results of the alternative method do not differ
materially  from  those  obtained  using  the  interest  method.  The
cost  of  securities  sold  is  determined  by  specific  identification.
Net realized gains or losses on sales of investment securities and
unrealized  loss  valuation  adjustments  considered  other  than
temporary, if any, on securities available-for-sale, held-to-maturity

84

and other investment securities are determined using the specific
identification  method  and  are  reported  separately  in  the
consolidated  statements  of  operations.  Purchases  and  sales  of
securities are recognized on a trade-date basis.

Derivative financial instruments
The Corporation uses derivative financial instruments as part of
its  overall  interest  rate  risk  management  strategy  to  minimize
significant  unplanned  fluctuations  in  earnings  and  cash  flows
caused by interest rate volatility.

All derivatives are recognized on the statement of condition at
fair value. When the Corporation enters into a derivative contract,
the derivative instrument is designated as either a fair value hedge,
cash flow hedge or as a free-standing derivative instrument. For a
fair  value  hedge,  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  derivative
instrument and changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or
liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment attributable to
the  hedged  risk  are  recorded  in  current  period  earnings.  For  a
cash  flow  hedge,  changes  in  the  fair  value  of  the  derivative
instrument, to the extent that it is effective, are recorded net of
taxes  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  and
subsequently reclassified to net income in the same period(s) that
the hedged transaction impacts earnings. The ineffective portions
of  cash  flow  hedges  are  immediately  recognized  in  current
earnings.  For  free-standing  derivative  instruments,  changes  in
the fair values are reported in current period earnings.

Prior to entering a hedge transaction, the Corporation formally
documents  the  relationship  between  hedging  instruments  and
hedged  items,  as  well  as  the  risk  management  objective  and
strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process
includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as
fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on
the statement of condition or to specific forecasted transactions
or  firm  commitments  along  with  a  formal  assessment,  at  both
inception  of  the  hedge  and  on  an  ongoing  basis,  as  to  the
effectiveness  of  the  derivative  instrument  in  offsetting  changes
in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item. If it is determined
that the derivative instrument is not highly effective as a hedge,
hedge accounting is discontinued and the adjustment to fair value
of the derivative instrument is recorded in current period earnings.
In  January  2007,  the  Corporation  adopted  SFAS  No.  155,
“Accounting  for  Certain  Hybrid  Financial  Instruments  -  an
Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140.” SFAS No. 155
permits companies to elect, on a transaction-by-transaction basis,
to apply a fair value measurement to hybrid financial instruments
that contain an embedded derivative that would otherwise require
bifurcation  under  SFAS  No.  133.  The  statement  also  clarifies
which interest-only strips and principal-only strips are not subject
to the requirements of SFAS No. 133; establishes a requirement
to  evaluate  interests  in  securitized  financial  assets  to  identify

interests  that  are  freestanding  derivatives  or  that  are  hybrid
financial  instruments  that  contain  an  embedded  derivative
requiring bifurcation; clarifies that concentrations of credit risk
in the form of subordination are not embedded derivatives; and
amends SFAS No. 140 to eliminate the prohibition on a qualifying
special-purpose  entity  from  holding  a  derivative  financial
instrument that pertains to a beneficial interest other than another
derivative  financial  instrument.  The  adoption  of  SFAS  No.  155
did not  have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated
financial statements during 2007.

Loans
Loans are classified as loans held-in-portfolio when management
has the intent and ability to hold the loan for the foreseeable future,
or until maturity or payoff. The foreseeable future is a management
judgment which is determined based upon the type of loan, business
strategies, current market conditions, balance sheet management
and liquidity needs. Management’s view of the foreseeable future
may  change  based  on  changes  in  these  conditions.  When  a
decision is made to sell or securitize a loan that was not originated
or initially acquired with the intent to sell or securitize, the loan
is  reclassified  from  held-in-portfolio  into  held-for-sale.  Due  to
changing  market  conditions  or  other  strategic  initiatives,
management’s intent with respect to the disposition of the loan
may change, and accordingly, loans previously classified as held-
for-sale may be reclassified into held-in-portfolio. Loans transferred
between loans held-for-sale and held-in-portfolio classifications
are recorded at the lower of cost or market at the date of transfer.
Loans  held-for-sale  include  residential  mortgages,  and  to  a
lesser extent consumer and commercial loans. Loans held-for-sale
are stated at the lower of cost or market, cost being determined
based on the outstanding loan balance less unearned income, and
fair  value  determined,  generally  in  the  aggregate.  Fair  value  is
measured  based  on  current  market  prices  for  similar  loans,
outstanding investor commitments, bids received from potential
purchasers, prices of recent sales or securitizations or discounted
cash flow analyses which utilizes inputs and assumptions which
are  believed  to  be  consistent  with  market  participants’  views.
The cost basis also includes consideration of deferred origination
fees  and  costs,  which  are  recognized  in  earnings  at  the  time  of
sale. The amount, by which cost exceeds market value, if any, is
accounted  for  as  a  valuation  allowance  with  changes  therein
included in the determination of net income (loss) for the period
in which the change occurs. At December 31, 2007, the lower of
cost  or  market  valuation  allowance  for  outstanding  loans  held-
for-sale amounted to  $652,000. As of December 31, 2006, the fair
value of loans held-for-sale substantially exceeded their cost.

Loans  held-in-portfolio  are  reported  at  their  outstanding
principal  balances  net  of  any  unearned  income,  charge-offs,
unamortized  deferred  fees  and  costs  on  originated  loans,  and

2007     Annual Report        85
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Fees collected and
costs incurred in the origination of new loans are deferred and
amortized  using  the  interest  method  or  a  method  which
approximates the interest method over the term of the loan as an
adjustment to interest yield.

Nonaccrual  loans  are  those  loans  on  which  the  accrual  of
interest is discontinued. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual
status,  any  interest  previously  recognized  and  not  collected  is
generally reversed from current earnings.

Recognition  of  interest  income  on  commercial  loans,
construction loans, lease financing, conventional mortgage loans
and closed-end consumer loans is discontinued when the loans are
90 days or more in arrears on payments of principal or interest or
when other factors indicate that the collection of principal and
interest is doubtful. Income is generally recognized on open-end
(revolving credit) consumer loans until the loans are charged-off.
Closed–end consumer loans and leases are charged-off when they
are 120 days in arrears. In the case of the Corporation’s non-bank
consumer  and  mortgage  lending  subsidiaries,  however,  closed-
end consumer loans, including second mortgages, are charged-off
when  payments  are  180  days  delinquent.  Open-end  (revolving
credit) consumer loans are charged-off when 180 days in arrears.

Lease financing
The Corporation leases passenger and commercial vehicles and
equipment  to  individual  and  corporate  customers.  The  finance
method  of  accounting  is  used  to  recognize  revenue  on  lease
contracts  that  meet  the  criteria  specified  in  SFAS  No.  13,
“Accounting for Leases,” as amended. Aggregate rentals due over
the term of the leases less unearned income are included in finance
lease contracts receivable. Unearned income is amortized using a
method which results in approximate level rates of return on the
principal  amounts  outstanding.  Finance  lease  origination  fees
and costs are deferred and amortized over the average life of the
loans as an adjustment to the interest yield.

Revenue for other leases is recognized as it becomes due under

the terms of the agreement.

Allowance for loan losses
The  Corporation  follows  a  systematic  methodology  to  establish
and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to provide
for inherent losses in the loan portfolio. This methodology includes
the consideration of factors such as current economic conditions,
portfolio risk characteristics, prior loss experience and results of
periodic  credit  reviews  of  individual  loans.  The  provision  for
loan  losses  charged  to  current  operations  is  based  on  such
methodology. Loan losses are charged and recoveries are credited
to the allowance for loan losses.

The methodology used to establish the allowance for loan losses
is  based  on  SFAS  No.  114  “Accounting  by  Creditors  for

Impairment of a Loan” (as amended by SFAS No. 118) and SFAS
No.  5  “Accounting  for  Contingencies.”  Under  SFAS  No.  114,
commercial  loans  over  a  predefined  amount  are  identified  for
impairment evaluation on an individual basis. The Corporation
has defined as impaired loans those commercial loans that amount
to $250,000 or more and with interest and /or principal 90 days or
more past due.  Also, specific commercial loans over $500,000
are  deemed  impaired  when,  based  on  current  information  and
events, management considers that it is probable that the debtor
will be unable to pay all amounts due according to the contractual
terms  of  the  loan  agreement.  A  specific  allowance  for  loan
impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of
an  impaired  commercial  loan  exceeds  the  present  value  of  the
expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective rate;
the observable market price of the loan; or the fair value of the
collateral  if  the  loan  is  collateral  dependent.  The  allowance  for
impaired  commercial  loans  is  part  of  the  Corporation’s  overall
allowance for loan losses. Meanwhile, SFAS No. 5 provides for the
recognition of a loss allowance for groups of homogeneous loans.
To determine the allowance for loan losses under SFAS No. 5, the
Corporation applies a historic loss and volatility factor to specific
loan balances segregated by loan type and legal entity.

Cash  payments  received  on  impaired  loans  are  recorded  in
accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. The principal
portion of the payment is used to reduce the principal balance of
the  loan,  whereas  the  interest  portion  is  recognized  as  interest
income.  However,  when  management  believes  the  ultimate
collectibility of principal is in doubt, the interest portion is applied
to  principal.

Transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of
liabilities
The transfer of financial assets in which the Corporation surrenders
control over the assets is accounted for as a sale to the extent that
consideration  other  than  beneficial  interests  is  received  in
exchange. SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing
of  Financial  Assets  and  Extinguishments  of  Liabilities  -  a
Replacement of SFAS No. 125” sets forth the criteria that must be
met for control over transferred assets to be considered to have
been surrendered, which includes, amongst others: (1) the assets
must be isolated from creditors of the transferor, (2) the transferee
must  obtain  the  right  (free  of  conditions  that  constrain  it  from
taking  advantage  of  that  right)  to  pledge  or  exchange  the
transferred assets, and (3) the transferor cannot maintain effective
control  over  the  transferred  assets  through  an  agreement  to
repurchase  them  before  their  maturity.  When  the  Corporation
transfers financial assets and the transfer fails any one of the SFAS
No. 140 criteria, the Corporation is prevented from derecognizing
the transferred financial assets and the transaction is accounted
for as a secured borrowing. For federal and Puerto Rico income

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tax purposes, the Corporation treats the transfers of loans which
do  not  qualify  as  “true  sales”  under  SFAS  No.  140,  as  sales,
recognizing a deferred tax asset or liability on the transaction.

Upon completion of a transfer of financial assets that satisfies
the  conditions  to  be  accounted  for  as  a  sale,  the  Corporation
derecognizes  all  assets  sold;  recognizes  all  assets  obtained  and
liabilities  incurred  in  consideration  as  proceeds  of  the  sale,
including servicing assets and servicing liabilities, if applicable;
initially  measures  at  fair  value  assets  obtained  and  liabilities
incurred in a sale; and recognizes in earnings any gain or loss on
the sale.

SFAS No. 140 requires a true sale analysis of the treatment of
the  transfer  under  state  law  as  if  the  Corporation  was  a  debtor
under  the  bankruptcy  code.  A  true  sale  legal  analysis  includes
several  legally  relevant  factors,  such  as  the  nature  and  level  of
recourse to the transferor, and the nature of retained interests in
the loans sold. The analytical conclusion as to a true sale is never
absolute and unconditional, but contains qualifications based on
the inherent equitable powers of a bankruptcy court, as well as the
unsettled state of the common law. Once the legal isolation test
has been met under SFAS 140, other factors concerning the nature
and extent of the transferor’s control over the transferred assets
are taken into account in order to determine whether derecognition
of  assets  is  warranted,  including  whether  the  special  purpose
entity  (“SPE”)  has  complied  with  rules  concerning  qualifying
special-purpose  entities  (“QSPEs”).

Paragraphs 35-55 of SFAS No. 140, as interpreted by the FASB
Staff  Implementation  Guide:  A  Guide  to  Implementation  of
Statement  140  on  Accounting  for  Transfers  and  Servicing  of
Financial  Assets  and  Extinguishments  of  Liabilities  (“Statement
140 Guide”), provides numerous conditions that must be met for
a  transferee  to  meet  the  QSPE  exception  in  paragraph  9(b)  of
SFAS No. 140. The basic underlying principle in this guidance is
that assets transferred to a securitization trust should be accounted
for  as  a  sale,  and  recorded  off-balance  sheet,  only  when  the
transferor  has  given  up  control,  including  decision-making
ability, over those assets. If the servicer maintains effective control
over the transferred financial assets, off-balance sheet accounting
by the transferor is not appropriate. Paragraphs 35(b) and 35(d)
of SFAS No. 140 and the related interpretative guidance in SFAS
No.  140  and  the  Statement  140  Guide  discuss  the  permitted
activities  of  a  QSPE.  The  objective  is  to  significantly  limit  the
permitted activities so that it is clear that the transferor does not
maintain effective control over the transferred financial assets.

The Corporation, through its subsidiary PFH, conducted asset
securitizations  that  involved  the  transfer  of  mortgage  loans  to
QSPEs, which in turn transferred these assets and their titles to
different trusts, thus isolating those loans from the Corporation’s
assets. These off-balance sheet securitizations completed by PFH
consisted  primarily  of  subprime  mortgage  loans,  which  PFH

continues  to  service.  The  Corporation’s  defines  subprime  loans
as  those  loans  with  a  current  FICO  score  of  660  or  below.  A
uniform industry definition of what constitutes a subprime loan
does  not  exist.

As  part  of  the  initiatives  taken  by  the  government  and  the
mortgage  industry,  in  late  2007,  the  American  Securitization
Forum  (“ASF”)  issued  the  “Streamlined  Foreclosure  and  Loss
Avoidance Framework for Securitized Subprime Adjustable Rate
Mortgage Loans” (the “ASF Framework”). This ASF Framework
provides  recommended  guidance  for  servicers  to  streamline
borrower evaluation procedures and to facilitate the effective use
of all forms of foreclosure and loss prevention efforts for securitized
subprime  ARMs.  Segment  2  includes  current  loans  where  the
borrower  is  unlikely  to  be  able  to  refinance  into  any  readily
available  mortgage  industry  product.  The  ASF  Framework
indicates  that  for  Segment  2  subprime  ARM  loans,  the  servicer
can presume that the borrower would be unable to pay pursuant to
the original terms of the loan after the interest rate reset, and thus,
the  loan  is  “reasonable  foreseeable”  of  default  in  absence  of  a
modification.

The  PFH  off-balance  sheet  QSPE’s  have  limitations  on
permitted  activities.  The  permitted  activities  include  the  ability
of  the  servicer  to  modify  subprime  mortgages  when  default  is
“reasonably foreseeable.” The Corporation adopted the screening
criteria  in  Segment  2  of  the  ASF  Framework  for  purposes  of
determining the subprime adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”) loans
where default is “reasonably foreseeable”.

The  Corporation  sells  mortgage  loans  to  the  Government
National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) in the normal course
of business and retains the servicing rights. The GNMA programs
under which the loans are sold allow the Corporation to repurchase
individual  delinquent  loans  that  meet  certain  criteria.  At  the
Corporation’s option, and without GNMA’s prior authorization,
the Corporation may repurchase the delinquent loan for an amount
equal  to  100%  of  the  remaining  principal  balance  of  the  loan.
Under SFAS No. 140, once the Corporation has the unconditional
ability  to  repurchase  the  delinquent  loan,  the  Corporation  is
deemed  to  have  regained  effective  control  over  the  loan  and
recognizes the loan on its balance sheet as well as an offsetting
liability, regardless of the Corporation’s intent to repurchase the
loan.

Servicing assets
The  Corporation  periodically  sells  or  securitizes  loans  while
retaining the obligation to perform the servicing of such loans. In
addition, the Corporation may purchase or assume the right to
service  loans  originated  by  others.  Whenever  the  Corporation
undertakes an obligation to service a loan, management assesses
whether  a  servicing  asset  or  liability  should  be  recognized.  A
servicing  asset  is  recognized  whenever  the  compensation  for

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servicing  is  expected  to  more  than  adequately  compensate  the
servicer  for  performing  the  servicing.  Likewise,  a  servicing
liability would be recognized in the event that servicing fees to
be  received  are  not  expected  to  adequately  compensate  the
Corporation for its expected cost. Servicing assets are separately
presented  on  the  consolidated  statement  of  condition.  Upon
adoption of SFAS No. 156 “Accounting for Servicing of Financial
Assets - an Amendment of FASB No. 140” in January 2007, the
Corporation  no  longer  records  mortgage  servicing  rights  on
securitizations accounted for as secured borrowings.

Commencing  in  January  2007,  all  separately  recognized
servicing  assets  are  initially  recognized  at  fair  value.  For
subsequent  measurement  of  servicing  rights,  the  Corporation
has  elected  the  fair  value  method  for  mortgage  servicing  rights
(“MSRs”) while all other servicing assets, particularly related to
Small Business Administration (“SBA”) commercial loans, follow
the amortization method. Under the fair value measurement method,
MSRs are recorded at fair value each reporting period, and changes
in fair value are reported in other service fees in the consolidated
statement of operations. Under the amortization method, servicing
assets  are  amortized  in  proportion  to,  and  over  the  period  of,
estimated  servicing  income  and  assessed  for  impairment  based
on fair value at each reporting period. Contractual servicing fees
including  ancillary  income  and  late  fees,  as  well  as  fair  value
adjustments, and impairment losses, if any, are reported in other
service  fees  in  the  consolidated  statement  of  operations.  Loan
servicing fees, which are based on a percentage of the principal
balances  of  the  loans  serviced,  are  credited  to  income  as  loan
payments are collected.

The fair value of servicing rights is estimated by using a cash
flow valuation model which calculates the present value of estimated
future net servicing cash flows, taking into consideration actual
and  expected  loan  prepayment  rates,  discount  rates,  servicing
costs, and other economic factors, which are determined based
on current market conditions.

For  purposes  of  evaluating  and  measuring  impairment  of
capitalized  servicing  assets  that  are  accounted  under  the
amortization  method,  the  amount  of  impairment  recognized,  if
any, is the amount by which the capitalized servicing assets per
stratum exceed their estimated fair value. Temporary impairment
is  recognized  through  a  valuation  allowance  with  changes
included in net income for the period in which the change occurs.
If  it  is  later  determined  that  all  or  a  portion  of  the  temporary
impairment no longer exists for a particular stratum, the valuation
allowance  is  reduced  through  a  recovery  in  earnings.  Any  fair
value in excess of the cost basis of the servicing asset for a given
stratum  is  not  recognized.  Servicing  rights  subsequently
accounted under the amortization method are also reviewed for
other-than-temporary impairment. When the recoverability of an
impaired servicing asset accounted under the amortization method

is  determined  to  be  remote,  the  unrecoverable  portion  of  the
valuation  allowance  is  applied  as  a  direct  write-down  to  the
carrying  value  of  the  servicing  rights,  precluding  subsequent
recoveries.

Refer to Note 22 to the consolidated financial statements for
information  on  the  classes  of  servicing  assets  defined  by  the
Corporation and the impact of adopting SFAS No. 156 in January
2007.

Residual interests
The Corporation sells residential mortgage loans to QSPEs, which
in turn issue asset-backed securities to investors. The Corporation
retains  an  interest  in  the  loans  sold  in  the  form  of  mortgage
servicing  rights  and  residual  interests.  The  residual  interest
represents the present value of future excess cash flows resulting
from the difference between the interest received from the obligors
on the loans and the interest paid to the investors on the asset-
backed  securities,  net  of  credit  losses,  servicing  fees  and  other
expenses. The assets and liabilities of the QSPEs are not included
in the Corporation’s consolidated statements of condition, except
for  the  retained  interests  previously  described.  The  residual
interests related with securitizations performed prior to 2006 are
classified as available-for-sale securities and are measured at fair
value. The residual interests derived from securitizations performed
in 2006 and thereafter, including those residual interests derived
from the recharacterization transaction that is described in Note
23  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  are  accounted  as
trading  securities  and  are  also  measured  at  fair  value.  Refer  to
Note  23  for  additional  information  on  the  residual  interests
classifications.  The  classification  of  the  residual  interests  as
trading  securities  was  driven  by  accounting  considerations  as
permitted under SFAS No. 115 and the interpretative guidance. It
is  not  management’s  intention  to  actively  trade  these  residual
interests.

Fair value estimates of the residual interests are based on the
present value of the expected cash flows of each residual interest.
Factors considered in the valuation model for calculating the fair
value  of  these  subordinated  interests  include  market  discount
rates, anticipated prepayment, delinquency and loss rates on the
underlying assets. The residual interests are valued using forward
yield  curves  for  interest  rate  projections.  The  valuations  are
performed by using a third-party model with assumptions provided
by the Corporation.

The Corporation recognizes the excess of cash flows related
to  the  residual  interests  at  the  acquisition  date  over  the  initial
investment (accretable yield) as interest income over the life of
the residual using the effective yield method. The yield accreted
becomes a component of the residuals basis. On a regular basis,
estimated  cash  flows  are  updated  based  on  revised  fair  value
estimates  of  the  residual,  and  as  such  accretable  yields  are

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recalculated  to  reflect  the  change  in  the  underlying  cash  flow.
Adjustments  to  the  yield  are  accounted  for  prospectively  as  a
change in estimate, with the amount of periodic accretion adjusted
over the remaining life of the beneficial interest.

investment less cash received to date less other-than-temporary
impairments recognized to date plus the yield accreted to date.
This  is  based  on  the  accounting  guidance  prescribed  by  EITF
99-20.

On a quarterly basis, management performs a fair value analysis
of the residual interests that are classified as available-for-sale and
evaluates whether any unfavorable change in fair value is other-
than-temporary as required under SFAS No 115 “Accounting for
Certain  Investments  in  Debt  and  Equity  Securities”.    The
Corporation  follows  the  accounting  guidance  in  EITF  99-20,
“Recognition  of  Interest  Income  and  Impairment  on  Purchased
and Retained Interests in Securitized Financial Assets” to evaluate
when  a  decline  in  fair  value  of  a  beneficial  interest  that  results
from  an  adverse  change  in  estimated  cash  flows  should  be
considered an other-than-temporary impairment. Whenever the
current fair value of the residual interest classified as available-
for-sale  is  lower  than  its  current  amortized  cost,  management
evaluates  to  see  if  an  impairment  charge  for  the  deficiency  is
required to be taken through earnings. If there has been an adverse
change in estimated cash flows (considering both the timing and
amount of flows), then the residual interest is written-down to fair
value, which becomes the new amortized cost basis. To determine
whether a change is adverse, the present value of the remaining
estimated cash flows as estimated on the last revision are compared
against the present value of the estimated cash flows at the current
reporting date. If the present value of the cash flows estimated at
the last revision is greater than the present value of the current
estimated  cash  flows,  the  change  is  considered  other-than-
temporary.  During 2006 and 2007, all declines in fair value in
residual interests classified as available-for-sale were considered
other-than-temporary.

For residual interests classified as trading securities, the fair
value determinations are also performed on a quarterly basis. SFAS
No. 115 provides that changes in fair value in those securities are
reflected in earnings as they occur. For residual interests held in
the trading category, there is no need to evaluate them for other-
than-temporary impairments.

The  methodology  for  determining  other-than-temporary
impairment is different from the periodic adjustment of accretable
yield because the periodic adjustment of accretable yield is used
to determine the appropriate interest income to be recognized in
the residual interest and the other-than-temporary assessment is
used to determine whether the recorded value of the residual interest
is  impaired.  For  both,  the  estimate  of  cash  flows  is  a  critical
component. For the adjustment to accretable yield when there is a
favorable or an adverse change in estimated cash flows from the
cash flows previously projected, the amount of accretable yield
should be recalculated as the excess of the estimated cash flows
over  a  reference  amount.  The  reference  amount  is  the  initial

Premises and equipment
Premises  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated
depreciation  and  amortization.  Depreciation  is  computed  on  a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each type of
asset. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed over
the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of
the  improvements,  whichever  is  shorter.  Costs  of  maintenance
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 disposed of, their cost and related
accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any
gain  or  loss  is  reflected  in  earnings  as  realized  or  incurred,
respectively.

The  Corporation  capitalizes  interest  cost  incurred  in  the
construction  of  significant  real  estate  projects,  which  consist
primarily of facilities for its own use or intended for lease. The
amount  of  interest  cost  capitalized  is  to  be  an  allocation  of  the
interest cost incurred during the period required to substantially
complete the asset.  The interest rate for capitalization purposes
is  to  be  based  on  a  weighted  average  rate  on  the  Corporation’s
outstanding borrowings, unless there is a specific new borrowing
associated  with  the  asset.  Interest  cost  capitalized  for  the  years
ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 was not significant.
The Corporation has operating lease arrangements primarily
associated  with  the  rental  of  premises  to  support  the  branch
network or for general office space. Certain of these arrangements
are non-cancelable and provide for rent escalations and renewal
options.  Rent  expense  on  non-cancelable  operating  leases  with
scheduled rent increases are recognized on a straight-line basis
over the lease term.

Impairment on long-lived assets
The Corporation evaluates for impairment its long-lived assets to
be held and used, and long-lived assets to be disposed of, whenever
events  or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying
amount of an asset may not be recoverable under the provision of
SFAS  No.  144  “Accounting  for  the  Impairment  of  Disposal  of
Long-Lived  Assets”.  In  the  event  of  an  asset  retirement,  the
Corporation  recognizes  a  liability  for  an  asset  retirement
obligation  in  the  period  in  which  it  is  incurred  if  a  reasonable
estimate of fair value of such liability can be made. The associated
asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount
of the long-lived asset.

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this  intangible;  the  after-tax  royalty  savings  derived  from  the
ownership of the intangible; and the discount rate to apply to the
projected  benefits  to  arrive  at  the  present  value  of  this
intangible.Since estimates are an integral part of this trademark
impairment  analysis,  changes  in  these  estimates  could  have  a
significant  impact  on  the  calculated  fair  value.    Trademark
impairment losses are recorded as part of operating expenses in
the consolidated statements of operations.

Other  identifiable  intangible  assets  with  a  finite  useful  life,
mainly core deposits, are amortized using various methods over
the  periods  benefited,  which  range  from  3  to  11  years.  These
intangibles are evaluated periodically for impairment when events
or  changes  in  circumstances  indicate  that  the  carrying  amount
may not be recoverable. Impairments on intangible assets with a
finite  useful  life  are  evaluated  as  long-lived  assets  under  the
guidance of SFAS No. 144 and are included as part of “impairments
on long-lived assets” in the category of operating expenses in the
consolidated statements of operations.

For  further  disclosures  required  by  SFAS  No.  142,  refer  to

Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance
Bank-owned life insurance represents life insurance on the lives of
certain employees who have provided positive consent allowing
the Corporation to be the beneficiary of the policy. Bank-owned
life insurance policies are carried at their cash surrender value.
The Corporation recognizes income from the periodic increases
in  the  cash  surrender  value  of  the  policy,  as  well  as  insurance
proceeds received, which are recorded as other operating income,
and are not subject to income taxes.

The cash surrender value and any additional amounts provided
by the contractual terms of the bank-owned insurance policy that
are realizable at the balance sheet date are considered in determining
the amount that could be realized, and any amounts that are not
immediately payable to the policyholder in cash are discounted to
their  present  value.  In  determining  “the  amount  that  could  be
realized,”  it  is  assumed  that  policies  will  be  surrendered  on  an
individual-by-individual  basis.  This  accounting  policy  follows
the guidance in EITF Issue No. 06-5 “Accounting for Purchases
of Life Insurance – Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized
in  Accordance  with  FASB  Technical  Bulletin  No.  85-4,
Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance” (“EITF 06-5”), which
became effective in 2007. The Corporation adopted the EITF 06-
5 guidance in the first quarter of 2007 and as a result recorded a
$907,000  cumulative  effect  adjustment  to  beginning  retained
earnings (reduction of capital) for the existing bank-owned life
insurance arrangement.

Other real estate
Other real estate, received in satisfaction of debt, is recorded at
the lower of cost (carrying value of the loan) or the appraised value
less  estimated  costs  of  disposal  of  the  real  estate  acquired,  by
charging the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent to foreclosure,
any losses in the carrying value arising from periodic reevaluations
of  the  properties,  and  any  gains  or  losses  on  the  sale  of  these
properties are credited or charged to expense in the period incurred
and are included as a component of other operating expenses. The
cost of maintaining and operating such properties is expensed as
incurred.

Goodwill and other intangible assets
The Corporation accounts for goodwill and identifiable intangible
assets under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other
Intangible  Assets.”  Goodwill  is  recognized  when  the  purchase
price is higher than the fair value of net assets acquired in business
combinations under the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill
is not amortized, but is tested for impairment at least annually or
more  frequently  if  events  or  circumstances  indicate  possible
impairment using a two-step process at each reporting unit level.
The  first  step  of  the  goodwill  impairment  test,  used  to  identify
potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit
with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of
a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of the
reporting unit is not considered impaired and the second step of
the  impairment  test  is  unnecessary.  If  needed,  the  second  step
consists of comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit
goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. In determining
the fair value of a reporting unit, the Corporation generally uses a
combination of methods, which include market price multiples of
comparable  companies  and  the  discounted  cash  flow  analysis.
Goodwill  impairment  losses  are  recorded  as  part  of  operating
expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Other intangible assets deemed to have an indefinite life are
not  amortized,  but  are  tested  for  impairment  using  a  one-step
process which compares the fair value with the carrying amount
of  the  asset.  In  determining  that  an  intangible  asset  has  an
indefinite life, the Corporation considers expected cash inflows
and  legal,  regulatory,  contractual,  competitive,  economic  and
other factors, which could limit the intangible asset’s useful life.
The  evaluation  of  E-LOAN’s  trademark,  an  indefinite  life
intangible asset, was performed using a valuation approach called
the  “relief-from-royalty”  method.  The  basis  of  the  “relief-from-
royalty”  method  is  that,  by  virtue  of  having  ownership  of  the
trademark, the Corporation is relieved from having to pay a royalty,
usually expressed as a percentage of revenue, for the use of the
trademark. The main estimates involved in the valuation of this
intangible  asset  included  the  determination  of  an  appropriate
royalty rate; the revenue projections that benefit from the use of

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Assets sold/purchased under agreements to repurchase/resell
Repurchase  and  resell  agreements  are  treated  as  collateralized
financing  transactions  and  are  carried  at  the  amounts  at  which
the assets will be subsequently reacquired or resold as specified in
the  respective  agreements.

It is the Corporation’s policy to take possession of securities
purchased under resell agreements. However, the counterparties
to such agreements maintain effective control over such securities,
and  accordingly  those  are  not  reflected  in  the  Corporation’s
consolidated statements of condition. The Corporation monitors
the market value of the underlying securities as compared to the
related  receivable,  including  accrued  interest,  and  requests
additional collateral if deemed appropriate.

It  is  the  Corporation’s  policy  to  maintain  effective  control
over  assets  sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase;  accordingly,
such  securities  continue  to  be  carried  on  the  consolidated
statements of condition.

Guarantees, including indirect guarantees of indebtedness of
others
The Corporation, as a guarantor, recognizes at the inception of a
guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken
in  issuing  the  guarantee.  Refer  to  Note  34  to  the  consolidated
financial statements for further disclosures.

Treasury stock
Treasury stock is recorded at cost and is carried as a reduction of
stockholders’ equity in the consolidated statements of condition.
At the date of retirement or subsequent reissue, the treasury stock
account  is  reduced  by  the  cost  of  such  stock.  The  difference
between the consideration received upon issuance and the specific
cost is charged or credited to surplus.

Income and expense recognition – Processing business
Revenue  from  information  processing  and  other  services  is
recognized  at  the  time  services  are  rendered.  Rental  and
maintenance  service  revenue  is  recognized  ratably  over  the
corresponding  contractual  periods.  Revenue  from  software  and
hardware sales and related costs is recognized at the time software
and  equipment  is  installed  or  delivered  depending  on  the
contractual  terms.  Revenue  from  contracts  to  create  data
processing centers and the related cost is recognized as project
phases  are  completed  and  accepted.  Operating  expenses  are
recognized  as  incurred.  Project  expenses  are  deferred  and
recognized when the related income is earned. The Corporation
applies  Statement  of  Position  (SOP)  81-1  “Accounting  for
Performance of Construction-Type and Certain Production-Type
Contracts”  as  the  guidance  to  determine  what  project  expenses
must  be  deferred  until  the  related  income  is  earned  on  certain

long-term projects that involve the outsourcing of technological
services.

Income Recognition – Insurance agency business
Commissions and fees are recognized when related policies are
effective. Additional premiums and rate adjustments are recorded
as they occur. Contingent commissions are recorded on the accrual
basis when the amount to be received is notified by the insurance
company. Commission income from advance business is deferred.
An allowance is created for expected adjustments to commissions
earned relating to policy cancellations.

Income Recognition – Investment banking revenues
Investment banking revenue is recorded as follows: underwriting
fees  at  the  time  the  underwriting  is  completed  and  income  is
reasonably determinable; corporate finance advisory fees as earned,
according  to  the  terms  of  the  specific  contracts  and  sales
commissions on a trade-date basis.

Foreign exchange
Assets  and  liabilities  denominated  in  foreign  currencies  are
translated to U.S. dollars using prevailing rates of exchange at the
end  of  the  period.  Revenues,  expenses,  gains  and  losses  are
translated  using  weighted  average  rates  for  the  period.  The
resulting foreign currency translation adjustment from operations
for which the functional currency is other than the U.S. dollar is
reported  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  (loss),
except for highly inflationary environments in which the effects
are included in other operating income.

The Corporation conducts business in certain Latin American
markets  through  several  of  its  processing  and  information
technology  services  and  products  subsidiaries.  Also,  it  holds
interests  in  Consorcio  de  Tarjetas  Dominicanas,  S.A.
(“CONTADO”) and Centro Financiero BHD, S.A. (“BHD”) in the
Dominican  Republic.  Although  not  significant,  some  of  these
businesses are conducted in the country’s foreign currency.

The  Corporation  monitors  the  inflation  levels  in  the  foreign
countries  where  it  operates  to  evaluate  whether  they  meet  the
“highly  inflationary  economy”  test  prescribed  by  SFAS  No.  52,
“Foreign  Currency  Translation.”  Such  statement  defines  highly
inflationary as a “cumulative inflation of approximately 100 percent
or more over a 3-year period.” In accordance with the provisions
of SFAS No. 52, the financial statements of a foreign entity in a
highly inflationary economy are remeasured as if the functional
currency were the reporting currency.

During 2007, the foreign currency translation adjustment from
operations in the Dominican Republic were reported in accumulated
other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  Since  June  2004  through
December 31, 2006, the Corporation’s interests in the Dominican
Republic were remeasured into the U.S. dollar because the economy

was considered highly inflationary under the test prescribed by
SFAS  No.  52.  During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2006,
approximately  $765,000  in  net  remeasurement  gains  on  the
investments held by the Corporation in the Dominican Republic
were reflected in other operating income instead of accumulated
other comprehensive (loss) income (2005 - $568,000). These net
gains  relate  to  improvement  in  the  Dominican  peso’s  exchange
rate to the U.S. dollar from $45.50 at June 30, 2004, when the
economy reached the “highly inflationary” threshold, to $33.35
at  the  end  of  2006.  The  unfavorable  cumulative  translation
adjustment associated with these interests at the reporting date
in which the economy became highly inflationary approximated
$31,787,000.

Refer to the disclosure of accumulated comprehensive income
included  in  the  accompanying  consolidated  statements  of
comprehensive  income  (loss)  for  the  outstanding  balances  of
unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments at December
31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

Income taxes
The Corporation recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for
the  expected  future  tax  consequences  of  events  that  have  been
recognized in the Corporation’s financial statements or tax returns.
Deferred  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  determined  for
differences  between  financial  statement  and  tax  bases  of  assets
and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in
the  future.  The  computation  is  based  on  enacted  tax  laws  and
rates applicable to periods in which the temporary differences are
expected  to  be  recovered  or  settled.  A  deferred  tax  valuation
allowance is established if it is considered more likely than not
that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Positions taken in the Corporation’s tax returns may be subject
to  challenge  by  the  taxing  authorities  upon  examination.
Uncertain  tax  positions  are  initially  recognized  in  the  financial
statements  when  it  is  more  likely  than  not  the  position  will  be
sustained  upon  examination  by  the  tax  authorities.  Such  tax
positions  are  both  initially  and  subsequently  measured  as  the
largest  amount  of  tax  benefit  that  is  greater  than  50%  likely  of
being realized upon settlement with the tax authority, assuming
full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts. Interest on
income tax uncertainties is classified within income tax expense
in  the  statement  of  operations;  while  the  penalties,  if  any,  are
accounted for as other operating expenses.

The  Corporation  accounts  for  the  taxes  collected  from
customers and remitted to governmental authorities on a net basis
(excluded from revenues).

During the first quarter of 2007, the Corporation adopted FASB
Interpretation  No.  48,  “Accounting  for  Uncertainty  in  Income
Taxes  -  an  Interpretation  of  FASB  Statement  109”  (“FIN  48”).
FIN  48  prescribes  a  recognition  threshold  and  measurement

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attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement
of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Based  on  management’s  assessment,  there  was  no  impact  on
retained earnings as of January 1, 2007 due to the initial application
of the provisions of FIN 48. Also, as a result of the implementation,
the Corporation did not recognize any change in the liability for
unrecognized tax benefits. Refer to Note 27 to the consolidated
financial statements for further information on the impact of FIN
48.

Employees’ retirement and other postretirement benefit plans
Pension  costs  are  computed  on  the  basis  of  accepted  actuarial
methods and are charged to current operations. Net pension costs
are  based  on  various  actuarial  assumptions  regarding  future
experience  under  the  plan,  which  include  costs  for  services
rendered during the period, interest costs and return on plan assets,
as  well  as  deferral  and  amortization  of  certain  items  such  as
actuarial gains or losses. The funding policy is to contribute to
the plan as necessary to provide for services to date and for those
expected  to  be  earned  in  the  future.  To  the  extent  that  these
requirements are fully covered by assets in the plan, a contribution
may not be made in a particular year.

The cost of postretirement benefits, which is determined based
on actuarial assumptions and estimates of the costs of providing
these benefits in the future, is accrued during the years that the
employee renders the required service.

SFAS  No.  158,  “Employers’  Accounting  for  Defined  Benefit
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” requires the recognition
of the funded status of each defined pension benefit plan, retiree
health care and other postretirement benefit plans on the statement
of  condition.  The  Corporation  adopted  SFAS  No.  158  as  of
December 31, 2006. See Note 24 for disclosures on the impact of
this accounting pronouncement.

Stock-based compensation
In 2002, the Corporation opted to use the fair value method of
recording  stock-based  compensation  as  described  in  SFAS  No.
123  “Accounting  for  Stock  Based  Compensation”.  The
Corporation adopted SFAS No. 123-R “Share-Based Payment” on
January 1, 2006 using the modified prospective transition method.

Comprehensive income
Comprehensive  income  is  defined  as  the  change  in  equity  of  a
business enterprise during a period from transactions and other
events and circumstances, except those resulting from investments
by  owners  and  distributions  to  owners.  The  presentation  of
comprehensive  income  is  included  in  separate  consolidated
statements of comprehensive income (loss).

92

Earnings (losses) per common share
Basic  earnings  (losses)  per  common  share  are  computed  by
dividing  net  income,  reduced  by  dividends  on  preferred  stock,
by  the  weighted  average  number  of  common  shares  of  the
Corporation  outstanding  during  the  year.  Diluted  earnings  per
common  share  take  into  consideration  the  weighted  average
common  shares  adjusted  for  the  effect  of  stock  options  and
restricted  stock,  using  the  treasury  stock  method.

Statement of cash flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash on hand
and amounts due from banks.

Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 and 2005
consolidated  financial  statements  to  conform  with  the  2007
presentation.

Recently  issued  accounting  pronouncements  and
interpretations

SFAS No. 157 “Fair Value Measurements”
SFAS  No.  157,  issued  in  September  2006,  defines  fair  value,
establishes  a  framework  of  measuring  fair  value  and  requires
enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No.
157 requires companies to disclose the fair value of its financial
instruments  according  to  a  fair  value  hierarchy.  The  fair  value
hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used
to determine fair values. Financial assets carried at fair value will
be  classified  and  disclosed  in  one  of  the  three  categories  in
accordance with the hierarchy. The three levels of the fair value
hierarchy  are  (1)  quoted  market  prices  for  identical  assets  or
liabilities in active markets, (2) observable market-based inputs
or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data, and
(3) unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal
years  beginning  after  November  15,  2007,  and  interim  periods
within those fiscal years. In February 2008, the FASB decided to
issue a final staff position that defers for one year the effective date
for  nonfinancial  assets  and  nonfinancial  liabilities  that  are
recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The
staff position also amends SFAS No. 157 to exclude SFAS No. 13
“Accounting  for  Leases”  and  its  related  interpretive  accounting
pronouncements  that  address  leasing  transactions.  The
Corporation adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 that were
not  deferred,  commencing  in  the  first  quarter  of  2008. The
provisions  of  SFAS  157  are  to  be  applied  prospectively.  The
Corporation  is  currently  assessing  the  impact  of  SFAS  No.  157
on  its  consolidated  financial  statements,  including  disclosures.

SFAS No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Liabilities - Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115”
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, which provides
companies with an option to report selected financial assets and
liabilities at fair value. The election to measure a financial asset
or liability at fair value can be made on an instrument-by-instrument
basis  and  is  irrevocable.  The  difference  between  the  carrying
amount  and  the  fair  value  at  the  election  date  is  recorded  as  a
transition adjustment to opening retained earnings. Subsequent
changes in fair value are recognized in earnings. The statement
also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed
to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different
measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities.
It also requires entities to display the fair value of those assets and
liabilities for which the company has chosen to use fair value on
the face of the balance sheet. The new statement does not eliminate
disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards,
including  requirements  for  disclosures  about  fair  value
measurements  included  in  SFAS  No.  157,  “Fair  Value
Measurements,” and SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value
of  Financial  Instruments.” The  Corporation  adopted  the
provisions of SFAS No. 159 in January 2008.

Management adopted the fair value option for approximately
$287  million  of  loans  and  $287  million  of  bond  certificates
associated  to  PFH’s  on-balance  sheet  securitizations  that  were
outstanding at December 31, 2007 (transactions excluded from
the  recharacterization  transaction  described  in  Note  23  to  the
consolidated financial statements). These loans serve as collateral
for  the  bond  certificates.  Due  to  accounting  constraints,  the
Corporation is unable to recharacterize these loan securitizations
as sales. Additionally, the Corporation plans to elect the fair value
option  for  approximately  $1.2  billion  of  whole  loans  held-in-
portfolio  by  PFH.  These  whole  loans  consist  principally  of
mortgage  loans  and  second-liens  that  were  originated  through
the exited business of PFH and home equity lines of credit that
had  been  originated  by  E-LOAN  prior  to  the  2007  U.S.
Reorganization, which is described in Note 2 to the consolidated
financial  statements.  Due  to  their  subprime  characteristics  and
current market disruptions, these loans are being held-in-portfolio
as  potential  buyers  have  withdrawn  from  the  market,  given
heightened concerns over credit quality of borrowers and continued
deterioration in the housing markets.  Management understands
that accounting for these loans at fair value provides a more relevant
and transparent measurement of the realizable value of the assets
and differentiates the PFH portfolio from that loan portfolio that
the Corporation will continue to originate through other channels
outside  PFH.  The  measurement  of  the  bond  certificates  at  fair
value  reflects  the  actual  liability  of  the  Corporation,  after
considering the credit risk to be borne by the certificateholders
on the on-balance sheet securitization. Management understands

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that the adoption of the fair value option for the financial assets
and liabilities selected better reflects the inherent risks of these
instruments  and  reflects  the  intention  of  the  Corporation  to
discontinue most of the businesses previously conducted at PFH.
The  Corporation  expects  to  recognize  a  negative  pre-tax
adjustment that could range between $280 million and $300 million
($158 million and $169 million after tax) due to the transitional
adjustment  for  electing  the  fair  value  option  on  the  previously
described  financial    instruments.  That  amount  represents  the
difference  between  the  fair  value  and  the  carrying  value  of  the
loans  at  date  of  adoption.  This  negative  adjustment  would  not
impact  earnings  but  instead  be  reflected  as  a  reduction  of
beginning  retained  earnings  as  of  January  1,  2008.  Subsequent
increases or decreases in the fair value of the assets and liabilities
accounted  under  SFAS  No.  159  provisions  will  be  recorded  as
valuation  adjustments  through  earnings  in  the  consolidated
statement of income. The fair value adjustments from the adoption
of SFAS No. 159 disclosed here are only estimates as management
is  in  the  process  of  validating  the  methodologies  used  to  value
the assets and liabilities and the results of such valuations. Also,
management continues to evaluate the impact that SFAS No. 159
will  have  on  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  including
disclosures.

FSP FIN No. 39-1 “Amendment of FASB Interpretation No. 39”
In April 2007, the FASB issued Staff Position FSP FIN No. 39-1,
which defines “right of setoff” and specifies what conditions must
be met for a derivative contract to qualify for this right of setoff.
It also addresses the applicability of a right of setoff to derivative
instruments  and  clarifies  the  circumstances  in  which  it  is
appropriate to offset amounts recognized for those instruments in
the statement of financial position. In addition, this FSP permits
the  offsetting  of  fair  value  amounts  recognized  for  multiple
derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under
a master netting arrangement and fair value amounts recognized
for  the  right  to  reclaim  cash  collateral  (a  receivable)  or  the
obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) arising from the
same master netting arrangement as the derivative instruments.
This  interpretation  is  effective  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after
November  15,  2007,  with  early  application  permitted.  The
adoption of FSP FIN No. 39-1 in 2008 did not have a material
impact  on  the  Corporation’s  consolidated  financial  statements
and disclosures.

SOP 07-01“Clarification of the Scope of the Audit and Accounting
Guide Investment Companies and Accounting by Parent Companies
and Equity Method Investors for Investments in Investment
Companies”
The  Statement  of  Position  07-1  (“SOP  07-01”),  issued  in  June
2007,  provides  guidance  for  determining  whether  an  entity  is

within  the  scope  of  the  American  Institute  of  Certified  Public
Accountants  (“AICPA”)  Audit  and  Accounting  Guide  for
Investment  Companies  (“the  AICPA  Guide”).  Additionally,  it
provides guidance as to whether a parent company or an equity
method  investor  can  apply  the  specialized  industry  accounting
principles of the AICPA Guide. SOP 07-01 was to be effective for
fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2007. On February
of  2008,  the  FASB  issued  a  final  staff  position  that  indefinitely
defers the effective dates of SOP 07-01 and, for entities that meet
the definition of an “investment company” in SOP 07-01, of FSP
FIN  46(R)-7,  “Application  of  FASB  Interpretation  No.  46(R)  to
Investment Companies.” The FASB decision was in response to
several implementation issues that arose after SOP 07-1 was issued.
Nevertheless, management is evaluating the impact, if any, that
the adoption of SOP 07-01 may have on its consolidated financial
statements and disclosures.

FSP FIN No. 46(R) – 7 “Application of FASB Interpretation No.
46(R) to Investment Companies”
In May 2007, the FASB issued Staff Position FSP FIN No.46(R) -
7, which amends the scope of the exception on FIN No.46(R) to
indicate that investments accounted for at fair value, in accordance
with  the  specialized  accounting  guidance  in  the  AICPA  Guide,
are not subject to consolidation under FIN No. 46(R). Management
is  evaluating  the  impact,  if  any,  that  the  adoption  of  this
interpretation may have on its consolidated financial statements
and disclosures. As indicated under the guidance of SOP 07-01,
which was previously described, the implementation of FSP FIN
No. 46(R) - 7 is indefinitely delayed until further notification by
the FASB.

SFAS No. 141-R “Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
141(R), Business Combinations (a revision of SFAS No. 141)”
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R) “Business
Combinations.” SFAS No. 141(R) will significantly change how
entities apply the acquisition method to business combinations.
The most significant changes affecting how the Corporation will
account for business combinations under this statement include
the following: the acquisition date will be the date the acquirer
obtains  control;  all  (and  only)  identifiable  assets  acquired,
liabilities assumed, and noncontrolling interests in the acquiree
will  be  stated  at  fair  value  on  the  acquisition  date;  assets  or
liabilities  arising  from  noncontractual  contingencies  will  be
measured at their acquisition date at fair value only if it is more
likely than not that they meet the definition of an asset or liability
on  the  acquisition  date;  adjustments  subsequently  made  to  the
provisional amounts recorded on the acquisition date will be made
retroactively  during  a  measurement  period  not  to  exceed  one
year; acquisition-related restructuring costs that do not meet the
criteria in SFAS No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with

94

Exit  or  Disposal  Activities”  will  be  expensed  as  incurred;
transaction costs will be expensed as incurred; reversals of deferred
income  tax  valuation  allowances  and  income  tax  contingencies
will  be  recognized  in  earnings  subsequent  to  the  measurement
period; and the allowance for loan losses of an acquiree will not be
permitted to be recognized by the acquirer. Additionally, SFAS
141(R)  will  require  new  and  modified  disclosures  surrounding
subsequent  changes  to  acquisition-related  contingencies,
contingent  consideration,  noncontrolling  interests,  acquisition-
related transaction costs, fair values and cash flows not expected
to  be  collected  for  acquired  loans,  and  an  enhanced  goodwill
rollforward.  The  Corporation  will  be  required  to  prospectively
apply SFAS 141(R) to all business combinations completed on or
after January 1, 2009. Early adoption is not permitted. For business
combinations in which the acquisition date was before the effective
date, the provisions of SFAS 141(R) will apply to the subsequent
accounting  for  deferred  income  tax  valuation  allowances  and
income tax contingencies and will require any changes in those
amounts to be recorded in earnings. Management will be evaluating
the effects that SFAS 141(R) will have on the financial condition,
results of operations, liquidity, and the disclosures that will be
presented on the consolidated financial statements.

 SFAS No. 160 “Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
160, Noncontrolling Interest in Consolidated Financial Statements,
an amendment of ARB No. 51”
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, which amends
ARB No. 51, to establish accounting and reporting standards for
the  noncontrolling  interest  in  a  subsidiary  and  for  the
deconsolidation of a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 will require entities
to  classify  noncontrolling  interests  as  a  component  of
stockholders’ equity on the consolidated financial statements and
will  require  subsequent  changes  in  ownership  interests  in  a
subsidiary  to  be  accounted  for  as  an  equity  transaction.
Additionally,  SFAS  No.  160  will  require  entities  to  recognize  a
gain or loss upon the loss of control of a subsidiary and to remeasure
any  ownership  interest  retained  at  fair  value  on  that  date.  This
statement also requires expanded disclosures that clearly identify
and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests
of  the  noncontrolling  owners.  SFAS  160  is  effective  on  a
prospective  basis  for  fiscal  years,  and  interim  periods  within
those  fiscal  years,  beginning  on  or  after  December  15,  2008,
except for the presentation and disclosure requirements, which
are required to be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is not
permitted. Management will be evaluating the effects, if any, that
the  adoption  of  this  statement  will  have  on  its  consolidated
financial  statements.

Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 109 (“SAB 109”) “Written Loan
Commitments Recorded at Fair Value through Earnings”
On November 5, 2007, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin
No. 109 (SAB 109), which requires that the fair value of a written
loan commitment that is marked to market through earnings should
include the future cash flows related to the loan’s servicing rights.
However, the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment
still must exclude the expected net cash flows related to internally
developed  intangible  assets  (such  as  customer  relationship
intangible  assets).

SAB 109 applies to two types of loan commitments: (1) written
mortgage loan commitments for loans that will be held-for-sale
when funded that are marked to market as derivatives under FAS
133  (derivative  loan  commitments);  and  (2)  other  written  loan
commitments that are accounted for at fair value through earnings
under Statement 159’s fair-value election.

SAB 109 supersedes SAB 105, which applied only to derivative
loan  commitments  and  allowed  the  expected  future  cash  flows
related  to  the  associated  servicing  of  the  loan  to  be  recognized
only  after  the  servicing  asset  had  been  contractually  separated
from the underlying loan by sale or securitization of the loan with
servicing  retained.  SAB  109  will  be  applied  prospectively  to
derivative loan commitments issued or modified in fiscal quarters
beginning after December 15, 2007.

The Corporation is currently evaluating the potential impact

of adopting this SAB 109.

Staff Position (FSP) FAS 140-d, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial
Assets and Repurchase Financing Transactions” (“FSP FAS 140-d”)
In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS
140-d,  “Accounting  for  Transfers  of  Financial  Assets  and
Repurchase  Financing  Transactions.”  The  objective  of  this  FSP
is to provide implementation guidance on whether the security
transfer and contemporaneous repurchase financing involving the
transferred  financial  asset  must  be  evaluated  as  one  linked
transaction or two separate de-linked transactions.

Current practice records the transfer as a sale and the repurchase
agreement as a financing. The FSP requires the recognition of the
transfer and the repurchase agreement as one linked transaction,
unless all of the following criteria are met: (1) the initial transfer
and the repurchase financing are not contractually contingent on
one another; (2) the initial transferor has full recourse upon default,
and the repurchase agreement’s price is fixed and not at fair value;
(3) the financial asset is readily obtainable in the marketplace and
the transfer and repurchase financing are executed at market rates;
and  (4)  the  maturity  of  the  repurchase  financing  is  before  the
maturity of the financial asset. The scope of this FSP is limited to
transfers and subsequent repurchase financings that are entered
into contemporaneously or in contemplation of one another.

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The  FSP  will  be  effective  for  the  Corporation  on  January  1,
2009.  Early  adoption  is  prohibited.  The  Corporation  will  be
evaluating the potential impact of adopting this FSP.

The PFH Restructuring Plan resulted in charges between the
fourth quarter of 2006 and the year ended December 31, 2007 as
follows:

Note  2  -  Restructuring  plans:
Note  2  -  Restructuring  plans:
Note  2  -  Restructuring  plans:
Note  2  -  Restructuring  plans:
Note  2  -  Restructuring  plans:
PFH Restructuring Plan
In January 2007, the Corporation     announced the adoption of a
Restructuring  and  Integration  Plan  for  PFH,  including  PFH’s
Internet  financial  services  subsidiary  E-LOAN  (the  “PFH
Restructuring  Plan”).  Based  on  a  comprehensive  strategic  and
financial  assessment  of  all  the  PFH  operations  by  Popular’s
management, the Plan called for PFH to exit the wholesale nonprime
mortgage  origination  business,  focus  on  existing  profitable
businesses  at  the  time,  and  consolidate  support  functions  with
its sister U.S. banking entity BPNA, creating a single integrated
North  American  financial  services  unit.  The  PFH  Restructuring
Plan for 2007 included among the principal milestones:

•  Exiting  the  wholesale  nonprime  mortgage  origination
business at PFH during early first quarter 2007 and shutting
down the wholesale broker, retail and call center business
divisions;

•  Consolidating  support  activities  at  PFH  (Finance,  Credit
Risk,  Compliance,  Human  Resources,  Facilities)  within
BPNA;

•  Integrating PFH’s existing commercial lending businesses

into  BPNA’s  business  lending  groups;

•  Focusing  on  the  core  Equity  One  (subsidiary  of  PFH)

network of consumer finance branches;

•  Growing  the  third  party  mortgage  servicing  business
operated by Popular Mortgage Servicing Inc., a subsidiary
of PFH (“PMSI”); and

•  Leveraging  the  E-LOAN  brand,  technology  and  Internet
financial  services  platform  over  the  next  several  years  to
complement BPNA’s community banking growth strategy.
Refer to the PFH Branch Network Restructuring Plan section
presented in this Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements
for information on additional actions at PFH in January 2008.

SFAS  No.  146,  “Accounting  for  Costs  Associated  with  Exit
or  Disposal  Activities,”  requires  that  a  liability  for  a  cost
associated  with  an  exit  or  disposal  activity  shall  be  recognized
and measured initially at its fair value in the period in which the
liability is incurred, except for a liability for one-time termination
benefits that is incurred over time.

(In millions)
Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Professional fees
Other operating expenses
Total restructuring charges
Impairment of long-lived assets
Impairment of goodwill

Total

December 31, December 31,

  2007
 $7.8 (a)
4.5 (b)
0.3
1.8  (c)
0.3
$14.7
-
-

$14.7

2006
-
-
-
-
-
-

$7.2 (d)
14.2  (e)

$21.4

(a) Severance, stay bonuses, related taxes, and other employee benefits
(b) Lease terminations
(c) Outplacement and professional services contract terminations
(d) Consists mostly of software and leasehold improvements
(e) Attributable to businesses exited at PFH

Of the above restructuring costs, approximately $3.2 million

was recognized as a liability as of December 31, 2007.

The  Corporation  does  not  expect  to  incur  additional
significant  restructuring  costs  related  to  the  PFH  Restructuring
Plan.

As part of the PFH Restructuring Plan, during early 2007, the
Corporation  actively  worked  in  an  internal  corporate
reorganization  of  its  U.S.  subsidiaries  (the  “Reorganization”).
After  notifying  the  Board  of  Governors  of  the  Federal  Reserve
System  and  obtaining  approval  of  the  Corporation’s  Board  of
Directors in January 2007, E-LOAN, as well as all of its direct
and  indirect  subsidiaries,  with  the  exception  of  E-LOAN
Insurance Services, Inc. and E-LOAN International, Inc., became
operating subsidiaries of BPNA. Prior to the consummation of
this  U.S.  Reorganization,  E-LOAN  was  a  direct  wholly-owned
subsidiary of PFH.

E-LOAN Restructuring Plan
In  November  2007,  the  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Corporation
adopted  a  restructuring  plan  for  its  Internet  financial  services
subsidiary  E-LOAN  (the  “E-LOAN  Restructuring  Plan”).
Considering E-LOAN’s operating losses in light of current market
conditions and other factors, the Board of Directors approved a
substantial reduction of marketing and personnel costs at E-LOAN
and changes in E-LOAN’s business model to align it with revenue
expectations.  The  changes  include  concentrating  marketing
investment toward the Internet and the origination of first mortgage
loans  that  qualify  for  sale  to  government  sponsored  entities
(“GSEs”). Also, as a result of escalating credit costs in the current
economic  environment  and  lower  liquidity  in  the  secondary
markets  for  mortgage  related  products,  the  Corporation

96

determined  to  hold  back  the  origination  by  E-LOAN  of  home
equity lines of credit, closed-end second lien mortgage loans and
auto loans. The E-LOAN Restructuring Plan continues to promote
the  Internet  deposit  gathering  initiative  with  BPNA.  As  part  of
the E-LOAN Restructuring Plan, the Corporation evaluated the
value  of  E-LOAN’s  recorded  goodwill  and  trademark  by
considering  the  changes  in  E-LOAN’s  business  model  and  the
unprecedented conditions in the mortgage loan business.
The E-LOAN Restructuring Plan costs were as follows:

functions.  The  individuals  whose  jobs  will  be  eliminated  will
receive  from  Equity  One  a  transitional  severance  package,
professional  counseling,  outplacement  and  support  during  this
process.

This strategic initiative resulted in the adoption of an additional
restructuring plan at PFH (the “PFH Branch Network Restructuring
Plan”) during the first quarter of 2008.  It is anticipated that this
restructuring plan (the “PFH Branch Network Restructuring Plan”)
will  result  in  estimated  combined  charges  for  the  Corporation
broken down as follows:

(In millions)
Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Professional fees
Total restructuring charges
Impairment of long-lived assets
Impairment of goodwill and trademark

Total

Year ended
December 31,
2007
$4.6 (a)
4.2 (b)
0.4  (c)
0.4  (c)
$9.6
10.5  (d)
211.8  (e)

$231.9

(a) Severance, stay bonuses, related taxes, and other employee benefits
(b) Lease terminations
(c) Service contract terminations
(d) Consists mostly of leasehold improvements, equipment and intangible assets with definitive
lives
(e) Goodwill impairment of $164.4 million and trademark impairment of $47.4 million

The  above  restructuring  costs  were  recognized  as  a  liability

as of December 31, 2007.

PFH Branch Network Restructuring Plan
Given the unforeseen disruption in the capital markets since the
summer of 2007 and its impact on funding, management of the
Corporation concluded during the fourth quarter of 2007 that it
would be difficult to generate an adequate return on the capital
invested at Equity One’s consumer service branches.

In January 2008, the Corporation announced the signing of
an  Asset  Purchase  Agreement  (the  “Agreement”)  to  sell  certain
assets of Equity One to American General Finance, Inc., a member
of American International Group. The closing of the Agreement
with  effective  date  of  March  1,  2008  resulted  in  the  sale  of  a
significant portion of Equity One’s mortgage loan and consumer
loan  portfolio  approximating  $1.4  billion.  This  portfolio  was
reclassified  by  the  Corporation  from  loans  held-in-portfolio  to
loans held-for-sale in December 2007. American General Finance,
Inc. will hire certain Equity One’s consumer services employees
and will retain certain branch locations. Equity One will close all
remaining consumer branches not purchased by American General.
Workforce  reductions  at  Equity  One  will  result  in  the  loss  of
employment for those employees at the consumer services branches
not hired by American General, as well as for other related support

(In millions)

Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Other
Total restructuring charges
Impairment of long-lived assets
Other costs
Total combined estimated costs

Fourth
Quarter
2007

-
-
-
-
$1.9
-
$1.9

Total

$8.1  (a)
5.6 (b)
2.1  (c)
15.8
1.9  (d)
1.8  (e)

$19.5

2008

$8.1
5.6
2.1
15.8
-
1.8
$17.6

(a) Severance, retention bonuses and other benefits
(b) Lease terminations
(c) Contract cancellations and branch closing costs
(d) Leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment
(e) Bonuses and other benefits for retained employees

These  estimates  are  preliminary  and  may  vary  as  Popular’s
management implements the PFH Branch Network Restructuring
Plan. The estimates do not incorporate the final outcome of the
number of employees and branches retained by American General
under the final agreement.

Note  3  -  Subsequent  events:
Note  3  -  Subsequent  events:
Note  3  -  Subsequent  events:
Note  3  -  Subsequent  events:
Note  3  -  Subsequent  events:
In  January  2008,  the  Corporation  signed  the  Agreement  to  sell
certain  assets  of  Equity  One  to  American  General  Finance,  Inc.
Refer  to  Note  2  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for
additional information.

On January 10, 2008, the Corporation completed the sale of
six  Houston  branches  of  BPNA  to  Prosperity  Bank.  Prosperity
Bank paid a premium of 10.10% for approximately $125,340,000
in deposits, as well as purchased certain loans and other assets
attributable  to  the  branches.  The  purchase  price  approximated
$104,287,000.  Prosperity  retained  all  branch-based  employees.
BPNA  will  continue  to  operate  its  mortgage  business  based  in
Houston,  as  well  as  its  franchise  and  small  business  lending
activities in Texas. BPNA will also continue to maintain a retail
branch  in  Arlington,  Texas.

2007     Annual Report        97
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

N o t e   5   -   S e c u r i t i e s   p u r c h a s e d   u n d e r   a g r e e m e n t s
N o t e   5   -   S e c u r i t i e s   p u r c h a s e d   u n d e r   a g r e e m e n t s
N o t e   5   -   S e c u r i t i e s   p u r c h a s e d   u n d e r   a g r e e m e n t s
N o t e   5   -   S e c u r i t i e s   p u r c h a s e d   u n d e r   a g r e e m e n t s
N o t e   5   -   S e c u r i t i e s   p u r c h a s e d   u n d e r   a g r e e m e n t s
to  resell:
to  resell:
to  resell:
to  resell:
to  resell:
The securities purchased underlying the agreements to resell were
delivered to, and are held by, the Corporation. The counterparties
to such agreements maintain effective control over such securities.
The  Corporation  is  permitted  by  contract  to  repledge  the
securities, and has agreed to resell to the counterparties the same
or substantially similar securities at the maturity of the agreements.
The fair value of the collateral securities held by the Corporation

on these transactions at December 31, was as follows:

(In thousands)

Repledged
Not  repledged

Total

2007

2006

$146,712
14,193

$160,905

$179,303
103,124

$282,427

The  repledged  securities  were  used  as  underlying  securities

for repurchase agreement transactions.

Note  4  -  Restrictions  on  cash  and  due  from  banks
Note  4  -  Restrictions  on  cash  and  due  from  banks
Note  4  -  Restrictions  on  cash  and  due  from  banks
Note  4  -  Restrictions  on  cash  and  due  from  banks
Note  4  -  Restrictions  on  cash  and  due  from  banks
and  highly  liquid  securities:
and  highly  liquid  securities:
and  highly  liquid  securities:
and  highly  liquid  securities:
and  highly  liquid  securities:
The Corporation’s subsidiary banks are required by federal and
state  regulatory  agencies  to  maintain  average  reserve  balances
with  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank  or  with  a  correspondent  bank.
Those  required  average  reserve  balances  were  approximately
$678,473,000  at  December  31,  2007  (2006  -  $621,387,000).
Cash  and  due  from  banks,  as  well  as  other  short-term,  highly
liquid securities, are used to cover the required average reserve
balances.

In compliance with rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission, at December 31, 2007, the Corporation
had securities with a market value of $273,000 (2006 - $445,000)
segregated  in  a  special  reserve  bank  account  for  the  benefit  of
brokerage  customers  of  its  broker-dealer  subsidiary.  These
securities are classified in the consolidated statement of condition
within  the  other  trading  securities  category.

As required by the Puerto Rico International Banking Center
Law, at December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Corporation maintained
separately  for  its  two  international  banking  entities  (“IBEs”),
$600,000 in time deposits, equally split for the two IBEs, which
were considered restricted assets.

As part of a line of credit facility with a financial institution,
at  December  31,  2007  and  2006,  the  Corporation  maintained
restricted cash of $1,860,000 as collateral for the line of credit.
The cash is being held in certificates of deposit, which mature in
less than 90 days. The line of credit is used to support letters of
credit.

At December 31, 2007, the Corporation had restricted cash of
$3,500,000  to  support  a  letter  of  credit  related  to  a  service
settlement agreement.

98

Note  6  -  Investment  securities  available-for-sale:
Note  6  -  Investment  securities  available-for-sale:
Note  6  -  Investment  securities  available-for-sale:
Note  6  -  Investment  securities  available-for-sale:
Note  6  -  Investment  securities  available-for-sale:
The  amortized  cost,  gross  unrealized  gains  and  losses,
approximate  market  value  (or  fair  value  for  certain  investment
securities  where  no  market  quotations  are  available),  weighted
average yield and contractual maturities of investment securities
available-for-sale at December 31, 2007 and 2006 (2005 - only
market value is presented) were as follows:

U.S. Treasury securities

Within 1 year
After 5 to 10 years

Obligations  of
U.S. government
sponsored  entities
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Obligations of Puerto Rico,
 States and political
subdivisions
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Collateralized mortgage
obligations
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Mortgage-backed
securities
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Equity securities
(without  contractual
maturity)

Other

After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Amortized
cost

2007

Gross
unrealized
gains
(Dollars in thousands)

Gross
unrealized
losses

Weighted
average
yield

Market
value

$9,993
466,111
476,104

$3
-
3

-
$5,011
5,011

$9,996
461,100
471,096

3.57%
3.83
3.82

1,315,128
3,593,239
470,357
71,304
5,450,028

113
49,022
2,669
1,167
52,971

12,429
7,889
23,947
58,941

103,206

190
7,491
127,490
1,268,121

1,403,292

27,318
94,119
69,223
826,642

56
96
255
63

470

-
3
370
3,381

3,754

1
104
206
4,379

4,642
487
756

-
5,885

54
25
88
2,017

2,184

-

34
609
9,863

1,310,599
3,641,774
472,270
72,471
5,497,114

12,431
7,960
24,114
56,987

101,492

190
7,460
127,251
1,261,639

10,506

1,396,540

203
872
523
10,266

27,116
93,351
68,906
820,755

3.75
4.45
4.24
5.96
4.28

4.94
5.69
4.44
4.98

4.90

6.06
5.25
5.00
5.15

5.14

2.97
3.94
4.60
5.33

1,017,302

4,690

11,864

1,010,128

5.08

33,299

690

36

33,953

4.53

23
68
4,721

4,812

-
-
-

-

-
-
-

-

23
68
4,721

4,812

13.27

$8,488,043

$62,578

$35,486

$8,515,135

4.51%

2006

Gross

Gross

Amortized unrealized unrealized Market
value
(Dollars in thousands)

losses

gains

cost

Weighted
average
yield

-

$271
29,547
-
29,818

-
$29,072
445,763
-
474,835

-
3.99%
3.82
-
3.83

2005

M a r k e t
value

$14,792
29,108
-
460,425
504,325

U.S. Treasury securities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Obligations of
U.S. government
sponsored  entities
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

-
$29,343
475,310
-
504,653

902,898
2,234,285
3,393,190
72,879
6,603,252

Obligations of Puerto Rico,
States and political
subdivisions
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

6,695
19,688
18,227
73,604

118,214

-
-
-
-
-

-
$57
-
-
57

18
105
20
122

265

10,040
134,487
1,513,086
1,657,613

150,884
74,668
836,298
1,061,850

-
343
4,561
4,904

54
46
1,358
1,458

Collateralized mortgage
obligations
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Mortgage-backed
securities
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Equity securities
 (without contractual
maturity)

Other

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

5,711

897,187
43,896 2,190,446
96,794 3,296,396
71,756
1,123
147,524 6,455,785

3.63
4.03
4.45
5.93
4.21

1,194,359
2,929,326
3,513,737
73,254
7,710,676

10
179
164
3,184

3,537

6,703
19,614
18,083
70,542

114,942

105
1,890
15,196
17,191

9,935
132,940
1,502,451
1,645,326

5.44
5.32
5.10
5.04

5.12

5.75
5.01
5.34
5.32

147,277
3,661
72,426
2,288
20,543
817,113
26,492 1,036,816

4.37
4.43
5.35
5.15

451
26,971
12,793
66,439

106,654

12,707
41,236
1,794,820
1,848,763

209,991
109,688
1,054,063
1,373,742

70,954

6,692

3,901

73,745

1.85

82,534

-
121
307
45,898

46,326

-
27
329
2,731

3,087

-
-
-
-

-

-

148
636
48,629

49,413 14.06

6,655
11,892
1,265
70,080

89,892

$10,062,862

$16,463 $228,463 $9,850,862

4.51% $11,716,586

The weighted average yield on investment securities available-
for-sale  is  based  on  amortized  cost;  therefore,  it  does  not  give
effect to changes in fair value.

Securities not due on a single contractual maturity date, such
as  mortgage-backed  securities  and  collateralized  mortgage
obligations,  are  classified  in  the  period  of  final  contractual
maturity.  The  expected  maturities  of  collateralized  mortgage
obligations,  mortgage-backed  securities  and  certain  other
securities  may  differ  from  their  contractual  maturities  because
they may be subject to prepayments or may be called by the issuer.

The  “other”  category  is  composed  substantially  of  residual
interests  derived  from  off-balance  sheet  mortgage  loan
securitizations  by  PFH.

The aggregate amortized cost and approximate market value
of investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2007,
by contractual maturity, are shown below:

(In thousands)

Within  1  year
After  1  to  5  years
After 5 to 10  years
After  10  years

Total
Equity  securities

Total  investment  securities
  available-for-sale

 Amortized cost

Market value

$1,365,058
3,702,761
1,157,196
2,229,729

$8,454,744
33,299

$1,360,332
3,750,568
1,153,709
2,216,573

$8,481,182
33,953

$8,488,043

$8,515,135

Proceeds from the sale of investment securities available-for-
sale during 2007 were $58,167,000 (2006 - $208,802,000; 2005
-  $388,596,000).  Gross  realized  gains  and  losses  on  securities
available-for-sale during 2007 were $8,036,000 and $4,299,000,
respectively  (2006  -  $22,924,000  and  $691,000;  2005  -
$68,946,000  and  $1,529,000).

The following table shows the Corporation’s gross unrealized
losses  and  fair  value  of  investment  securities  available-for-sale,
aggregated  by  investment  category  and  length  of  time  that
individual  securities  have  been  in  a  continuous  unrealized  loss
position, at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

December 31, 2007

(In thousands)

Obligations of  U.S. government
sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Equity securities

(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. government
  sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Equity securities

Less than 12 months

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$67,107

$185

$66,922

2,600
349,084
99,328
28

2
2,453
667
10

2,598
346,631
98,661
18

$518,147

$3,317

$514,830

 12 months or more

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$466,111

$5,011

$461,100

1,807,457

5,700

1,801,757

65,642
430,034
656,879
300

2,182
8,053
11,197
26

63,460
421,981
645,682
274

$3,426,423

$32,169

$3,394,254

2007     Annual Report        99
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

                                                                                                             Total

(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. government
sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Equity securities

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$466,111

$5,011

$461,100

1,874,564

5,885

1,868,679

68,242
779,118
756,207
328

2,184
10,506
11,864
36

66,058
768,612
744,343
292

$3,944,570

$35,486

$3,909,084

December 31, 2006

(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of  U.S. government
sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Equity securities

(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. government
  sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Equity securities

Less than 12 months

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$19,421

$134

$19,287

425,076

4,345

420,731

21,426
501,705
28,958
11,180

259
4,299
484
3,699

21,167
497,406
28,474
7,481

$1,007,766

$13,220

$994,546

 12 months or more

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$485,232

$29,684

$455,548

6,097,274

143,179

5,954,095

55,238
564,217
954,293
300

3,278
12,892
26,008
202

51,960
551,325
928,285
98

$8,156,554

$215,243

$7,941,311

                                                                                                             Total

(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. government
sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Equity securities

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$504,653

$29,818

$474,835

6,522,350

147,524

6,374,826

76,664
1,065,922
983,251
11,480

3,537
17,191
26,492
3,901

73,127
1,048,731
956,759
7,579

$9,164,320

$228,463

$8,935,857

At  December  31,  2007,  “Obligations  of  Puerto  Rico,  States
and  political  subdivisions”  include  approximately  $55  million
in  Commonwealth  of  Puerto  Rico  Appropriation  Bonds
(“Appropriation Bonds”). The rating on these bonds by Moody’s
Investors Service (“Moody’s”) is Ba1, one notch below investment
grade, while Standard & Poor's (“S&P”) rates them as investment
grade.  As  of  December  31,  2007,  the  Appropriation  Bonds
indicated  above  represented  approximately  $1.8  million  in

Investment  securities  held-to-maturity:
Investment  securities  held-to-maturity:
Note  7  - 
Note  7  - 
Investment  securities  held-to-maturity:
Note  7  -  Investment  securities  held-to-maturity:
Investment  securities  held-to-maturity:
Note  7  - 
Note  7  - 
The  amortized  cost,  gross  unrealized  gains  and  losses,
approximate  market  value  (or  fair  value  for  certain  investment
securities  where  no  market  quotations  are  available),  weighted
average yield and contractual maturities of investment securities
held-to-maturity at December 31, 2007 and 2006 (2005 - only
amortized cost is presented) were as follows:

2007

Amortized unrealized

cost

 gains

Gross

Gross
 unrealized
 losses
(Dollars in thousands)

 Market
 value

Weighted
 average
 yield

Obligations of
U.S. goverment
sponsored  entities
Within 1 year

$395,974

$15

$1,497

$394,492

4.11%

Obligations of Puerto Rico,
States and political
subdivisions
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

1,785
11,745
12,754
50,180
76,464

2
197
690
2,219
3,108

1
-
25
-
26

1,786
11,942
13,419
52,399
79,546

5.59
4.84
5.92
6.00
5.80

Collateralized
mortgage  obliga-
tions
After 10 years

Other

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years

310

-

17

293

5.45

6,228
5,490
11,718
$484,466

25
69
94
$3,217

2
2
4
$1,544

6,251
5,557
11,808
$486,139

6.47
5.71
6.12
4.43%

100

unrealized losses in the Corporation’s available-for-sale investment
securities  portfolio.  The  Corporation  is  closely  monitoring  the
political  and  economic  situation  of  the  Island  and  evaluates  its
available-for-sale  portfolio  for  any  declines  in  value  that
management  may  consider  being  other-than-temporary.
Management has the intent and ability to hold these investments
for a reasonable period of time for a forecasted recovery of fair
value up to (or beyond) the cost of these investments.

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation
recognized through earnings approximately $65,169,000 in losses
in  the  investment  securities  available-for-sale  portfolio  that
management considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
These  realized  losses  were  associated  with  interest-only  strips
and  equity  securities.

The unrealized loss positions of available-for-sale securities at
December  31,  2007  are  primarily  associated  with  U.S.  agency-
issued  collateralized  mortgage  obligations,  mortgage-backed
securities,  and  to  a  lesser  extent,  U.S.  Government-sponsored
entities  and  Treasury  obligations.  The  vast  majority  of  these
securities  are  rated  the  equivalent  of  AAA  by  the  major  rating
agencies.  The  investment  portfolio  is  structured  primarily  with
highly  liquid  securities,  which  possess  a  large  and  efficient
secondary market. Valuations are performed at least on a quarterly
basis using third party providers and dealer quotes. Management
believes that the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio
at December 31, 2007 are temporary and are substantially related
to market interest rate fluctuations and not to deterioration in the
creditworthiness of the issuers. Also, management has the intent
and ability to hold these investments for a reasonable period of
time for a forecasted recovery of fair value up to (or beyond) the
cost of these investments.

The following table states the name of issuers, and the aggregate
amortized cost and market value of the securities of such issuer
(includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities), when
the  aggregate  amortized  cost  of  such  securities  exceeds  10%  of
stockholders’ equity. This information excludes securities of the
U.S.  Government  agencies  and  corporations.  Investments  in
obligations  issued  by  a  state  of  the  U.S.  and  its  political
subdivisions and agencies, which are payable and secured by the
same source of revenue or taxing authority, other than the U.S.
Government, are considered securities of a single issuer.

(In thousands)

FNMA
FHLB
Freddie  Mac

2007

 2006

Amortized Market
Value

cost

Amortized Market
Value

cost

$1,132,834
5,649,729
918,976

$1,128,544
5,693,170
913,609

$1,539,651
6,230,841
1,149,185

$1,517,525
6,086,885
1,134,853

Gross

2006
Gross

2005

Weighted

Amortized unrealized  unrealized  Market  average Amortized

cost

 gains

 losses

 value
(Dollars in thousands)

 yield

cost

2007     Annual Report        101
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

The following table shows the Corporation’s gross unrealized
losses  and  fair  value  of  investment  securities  held-to-maturity,
aggregated  by  investment  category  and  length  of  time  that
individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss
position, at December 31, 2007 and 2006:

$3,017

-

-

$3,017

5.19% $42,011

December 31, 2007

Obligations of
U.S. goverment
sponsored  entities
Within 1 year

Obligations of Puerto Rico,
States and political
subdivisions
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

1,360
7,002
10,515
53,275

Collateralized
mortgage  obliga-
tions
After 10 years

Other

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years

72,152

381

6,570
9,220
-
15,790

-
$28
213
1,318

1,559

-

16
44
-
60

-
$53
3
105

161

21

-
13
-
13

(In thousands)

1,360
6,977
10,725
54,488

73,550

4.94
5.47
5.93
6.06

5.96

5,270
6,918
9,870
56,190

78,248

Obligations of  U.S. government
sponsored entities

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Other

360

5.45

497

6,586
9,251
-
15,837

5.52
5.65
-
5.59

29,928
1,420
1,000
32,348

(In thousands)

Collateralized mortgage obligations
Other

Less than 12 months

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$196,129

$1,497

$194,632

1,883
1,250
$199,262

26
1
$1,524

1,857
1,249
$197,738

12 months or more

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$293
1,247
$1,540

$310
1,250
$1,560

$17
3
$20

Total

Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$196,129

$1,497

$194,632

1,883
310
2,500
$200,822

26
17
4
$1,544

1,857
293
2,496
$199,278

(In thousands)

Obligations of  U.S. government
sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Other

December 31, 2006

(In thousands)
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions
Collaterized mortgage obligations
Other

 12 months or more and Total
Amortized Unrealized Market
Value
Losses

Cost

$26,623
381
1,250
$28,254

$161
21
13
$195

$26,462
360
1,237
$28,059

Management believes that the unrealized losses in the held-to-
maturity portfolio at December 31, 2007 are temporary and are
substantially related to market interest rate fluctuations and not
to  deterioration  in  the  creditworthiness  of  the  issuers.  Also,
management has the intent and ability to hold these investments
until maturity.

$91,340

$1,619

$195

$92,764

5.87% $153,104

Securities not due on a single contractual maturity date, such
as collateralized mortgage obligations, are classified in the period
of  final  contractual  maturity.  The  expected  maturities  of
collateralized  mortgage  obligations  and  certain  other  securities
may differ from their contractual maturities because they may be
subjet to prepayments or may be called by the issuer.

The aggregate amortized cost and approximate market value
of investment securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2007,
by contractual maturity, are shown below:

(In thousands)
Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years
Total investment securities

held-to-maturity

Amortized  cost Market value
$402,529
17,499
13,419
52,692

$403,987
17,235
12,754
50,490

$484,466

$486,139

102

Note  8  -  Pledged  assets:
Note  8  -  Pledged  assets:
Note  8  -  Pledged  assets:
Note  8  -  Pledged  assets:
Note  8  -  Pledged  assets:
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, certain securities and loans were
pledged  to  secure  public  and  trust  deposits,  assets  sold  under
agreements to repurchase, other borrowings and credit facilities
available.  The  classification  and  carrying  amount  of  pledged
assets,  which  the  secured  parties  are  not  permitted  to  sell  or
repledge the collateral, at December 31, were as follows:

2007  include  $49,090,000  (2006  -  $48,074,000;  2005  -
$39,316,000) in consumer loans.

The  commercial  loans  that  were  considered  impaired  at

December 31, and the related disclosures follow:

(In thousands)
Impaired loans with a related allowance
Impaired loans that do not require allowance

 December 31,
2007
$174,029
147,653
$321,682

2006
$125,728
82,462
$208,190

$53,959

$36,998

$288,374

$156,951

$9,484

$3,858

(In thousands)
Investment  securities  available-for-sale
Investment securities held-to-maturity
Loans  held-for-sale
Loans  held-in-portfolio

       2007

        2006

Total impaired loans

$2,944,643
339
42,428
8,489,814
$11,477,224

$2,644,027
658
332,058
10,260,198
$13,236,941

Allowance for impaired loans

Average balance of impaired
loans during the year

Interest income recognized on

impaired loans during the year

Pledged securities and loans that the creditor has the right by
custom  or  contract  to  repledge  are  presented  separately  on  the
consolidated statements of condition.

Note  9  -  Loans  and  allowance  for  loan  losses:
Note  9  -  Loans  and  allowance  for  loan  losses:
Note  9  -  Loans  and  allowance  for  loan  losses:
Note  9  -  Loans  and  allowance  for  loan  losses:
Note  9  -  Loans  and  allowance  for  loan  losses:
The composition of loans held-in-portfolio at December 31, was
as follows:

(In thousands)
Loans secured by real estate:

Insured or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government or its agencies

Guaranteed by the Commonwealth

of Puerto Rico

Commercial loans secured by real estate
Residential conventional mortgages
Construction and land development
Consumer loans secured by real estate

Depository institutions
Commercial, industrial and agricultural
Lease financing
Consumer for household, credit cards
and other consumer expenditures

3,820,457
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 582,310
447,073
Other
$28,203,566

2007

2006

$134,116

$94,125

138,823
7,497,731
5,731,809
2,301,254
1,426,800
17,230,533
10,209
4,842,500
1,270,484

125,600
7,185,965
10,739,777
1,664,592
701,934
20,511,993
11,267
4,741,862
1,410,728

4,636,398
510,844
502,272
$32,325,364

As of December 31, 2007, loans on which the accrual of interest
income had been discontinued amounted to $770,672,000 (2006
- $717,588,000; 2005 - $547,509,000). If these loans had been
accruing interest, the additional interest income realized would
have  been  approximately  $71,037,000  (2006  -  $58,223,000;
2005  -  $46,198,000).  Non-accruing  loans  as  of  December  31,

Note  1  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements,  under  the
heading  of  “Allowance  for  Loan  Losses,”  describes  the
characteristics  of  those  loans  that  the  Corporation  considers
impaired loans for evaluation under the SFAS No. 114 accounting
framework.  As  prescribed  by  SFAS  No.  114,  when  a  loan  is
impaired, the measurement of the impairment may be based on (1)
the present value of the expected future cash flows of the impaired
loan discounted at the loan’s original effective interest rate, (2)
the observable market price of the impaired loan, or (3) the fair
value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A loan is
collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan is expected to be
provided solely by the underlying collateral. The loans classified
as “Impaired loans that do not require an allowance” in the previous
table were collateral dependent commercial loans. The Corporation
performed  a  detailed  analysis  based  on  the  fair  value  of  the
individual  loans’  collateral  less  estimated  costs  to  sell  and
determined  it  to  be  adequate  to  cover  any  losses.  Management
monitors on a quarterly basis if there have been any significant
changes (increases or decreases) in the fair value of the collateral
of a collateral dependent impaired loan and adjusts their specific
credit reserves to the extent necessary.

The changes in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended

December 31, were as follows:

(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Net allowances acquired
Provision for loan losses
Impact of change in
reporting  period

Recoveries
Charge-offs
Write-downs related to loans

2007
$522,232
7,290
562,650

-
65,976
(489,073)

2006
$461,707
-
287,760

2,510
59,775
(289,520)

2005
$437,081
6,291
195,272

1,586
62,926
(241,449)

transferred  to  loans  held-for-sale

Balance at end of year

(120,243)
$548,832

-
$522,232

-

$461,707

2007     Annual Report        103
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

From time to time, the Corporation, in the ordinary course of
business,  obtains  services  from  related  parties  or  makes
contributions  to  non-profit  organizations  that  have  some
association with the Corporation. Management believes the terms
of such arrangements are consistent with arrangements entered
into with independent third parties.

During 2007, the Corporation engaged, in the ordinary course
of business, the legal services of certain law firms in Puerto Rico,
in which the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Popular, Inc.
and  immediate  family  members  of  an  executive  officer  of  the
Corporation acted as Senior Counsel or as partners. The fees paid
to these law firms for fiscal year 2007 amounted to approximately
$2,004,000 (2006 - $1,622,000). These fees included $507,000
(2006 - $93,000) paid by the Corporation’s clients in connection
with commercial loan transactions and $50,000 (2006 - $23,000)
paid by mutual funds managed by the Bank. In addition, one of
these  law  firms  leases  office  space  in  the  Corporation’s
headquarters building, which is owned by BPPR. During 2007,
this law firm made lease payments of approximately $889,000. It
also  engages  BPPR  as  trustee  of  its  retirement  plan  and  paid
approximately $50,000 for these services.

During  2006,  the  Corporation  paid  to  an  insurance  broker,
who was considered a related party, approximately $1,642,000 in
commissions  for  the  institutional  insurance  business  of  the
Corporation  and  its  subsidiaries.

During 2006, the Corporation made payments of approximately
$1,163,000  under  construction  contracts  granted  to  a  special
partnership whose officer and partner is considered a related party.
These contracts were granted on the basis of competitive bids or
approved by the Audit Committee, as required by the Corporation’s
policy.

For the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation made
contributions  of  approximately  $2,097,000  to  non-profit
organizations, principally Banco Popular Foundations dedicated
to philanthropic work (2006 - $2,508,000).

  The  components  of  the  net  financing  leases  receivable  at

December 31, were:

(In thousands)
Total minimum lease payments
Estimated residual value of leased property
Deferred origination costs, net of fees
Less - Unearned financing income

Net minimum lease payments

Less - Allowance for loan losses

2007
$1,050,011
211,473
9,000
172,680
1,097,804
25,648
$1,072,156

2006

$1,168,685
237,235
4,808
184,238
1,226,490
24,842
$1,201,648

At December 31, 2007, future minimum lease payments are

expected to be received as follows:

(In thousands)
   2008
2009
2010
2011
2012 and thereafter

$334,803
277,753
217,003
136,983
83,469
$1,050,011

Note  10  -  Related  party  transactions:
Note  10  -  Related  party  transactions:
Note  10  -  Related  party  transactions:
Note  10  -  Related  party  transactions:
Note  10  -  Related  party  transactions:
The Corporation grants loans to its directors, executive officers
and certain related individuals or organizations in the ordinary
course of business. The movement and balance of these loans were
as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2005
New loans
Payments
Other  changes

Balance at December 31, 2006
New loans
Payments
Other  changes

Balance at December 31, 2007

Executive
Officers Directors

$5,263
2,084
(1,535)
(1,851)

$3,961
2,781
(2,199)
54

$4,597

$29,439
26,705
(23,903)
(7,138)

$25,103
34,897
(25,886)
(1,295)

$32,819

Total

$34,702
28,789
(25,438)
(8,989)

$29,064
37,678
(28,085)
(1,241)

$37,416

The amounts reported as “other changes” include changes in

the status of those who are considered related parties.

Management believes these loans have been consummated on
terms no less favorable to the Corporation than those that would
have been obtained if the transactions had been with unrelated
parties and do not involve more than the normal risk of collection.
At December 31, 2007, the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries
held  deposits  from  related  parties  amounting  to  $38,149,000
(2006 - $32,760,000).

104

Note  11  -  Premises  and  equipment:
Note  11  -  Premises  and  equipment:
Note  11  -  Premises  and  equipment:
Note  11  -  Premises  and  equipment:
Note  11  -  Premises  and  equipment:
Premises  and  equipment  are  stated  at  cost  less  accumulated
depreciation and amortization as follows:

Useful  life
in years

2007

2006

(In thousands)

Land

Buildings
Equipment
Leasehold  improvements

10-50
3-10
2-10

Less  -  Accumulated  depreciation

and amortization

Construction in progress

$80,254

400,808
579,842
107,497
1,088,147

624,959
463,188
44,721
$588,163

$84,753

397,863
586,001
111,794
1,095,658

610,267
485,391
24,996
$595,140

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment for
the  year  2007  was  $78,563,000  (2006  -  $84,388,000;  2005  -
$81,947,000), of which $26,913,000 (2006 - $26,398,000; 2005
-  $23,979,000)  was  charged  to  occupancy  expense  and
$51,650,000  (2006  -  $57,990,000;  2005  -  $57,968,000)  was
charged  to  equipment,  communications  and  other  operating
expenses.  Occupancy  expense  is  net  of  rental  income  of
$29,521,000 (2006 - $28,374,000; 2005 - $23,100,000).

Note  12  -  Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets:
Note  12  -  Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets:
Note  12  -  Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets:
Note  12  -  Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets:
Note  12  -  Goodwill  and  other  intangible  assets:
The  changes  in  the  carrying  amount  of  goodwill  for  the  years
ended  December  31,  2007  and  2006,  allocated  by  reportable
segment, and in the case of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, as an
additional disclosure, by business area, were as follows (refer to
Note 32 for a discussion of the Corporation’s reportable segments):

2007

Balance at
  January 1, Goodwill
acquired

2007

Purchase
accounting
adjustments Other

Balance at
December 31,
2007

(In thousands)
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico:

Commercial Banking
Consumer  and Retail Banking
Other Financial Services
Banco Popular North America:

Banco Popular North America
E-LOAN

Popular Financial Holdings
EVERTEC

$14,674
34,999
4,391

404,237
164,410
-
45,142

$20,697
101,408
3,788

-
-
$442

-
-
-

$35,371
136,407
8,621

-

-

-
-                  -      ($164,410)          -
-
-
46,125

-
(183)

-
329

404,237

837

Total Popular, Inc.

$667,853

$126,730      $771

($164,593)

$630,761

2006

Balance at
  January 1, Goodwill

Purchase
accounting
acquired  adjustments

 Balance at
December 31,
2006

Other

(In thousands)
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico:

2006

Commercial Banking
Consumer  and Retail Banking
Other Financial Services
Banco Popular North America:

$14,674
34,999
4,110

-
-
-

Banco Popular North America 404,447
138,387
E-LOAN
14,236
43,131

Popular Financial Holdings
EVERTEC

-
-
-
$1,511

-
-
$281

-
26,023
3
500

-
-
-

($210)
-
(14,239)
-

$14,674
34,999
4,391

404,237
164,410
-
45,142

Total Popular, Inc.

$653,984

$1,511

$26,807     ($14,449)    $667,853

In 2007, the goodwill acquired was related to the acquisitions
of  Citibank’s  retail  branch  network  in  Puerto  Rico  and  Smith
Barney’s  retail  brokerage  operations  in  Puerto  Rico.  These
acquisitions were described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements.  The  amount  included  in  the  “other”  category  was
related mostly to goodwill impairment losses of $164,410,000 in
the Banco Popular North America reportable segment that were
associated with the write-off of E-LOAN’s goodwill as a result of
E-LOAN’s  Restructuring  Plan  described  in  Note  2  to  the
consolidated financial statements. In determining the fair value of
a reporting unit, the Corporation generally uses a combination of
methods,  including  market  price  multiples  of  comparable
companies and the discounted cash flow analysis. The valuation
technique used to evaluate E-LOAN at the time of the goodwill
impairment determination considered both of these approaches.
Refer to Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for the
Corporation’s  accounting  policy  with  respect  to  goodwill  and
other  intangible  assets.

In  2006,  the  amount  included  in  the  “other”  category  was
mainly related to goodwill impairment losses of $14,239,000 in
the Popular Financial Holdings reportable segment. These losses
were  associated with the updated goodwill impairment evaluation
during the fourth quarter of 2006 due to the exited operations of
PFH as part of the PFH Restructuring Plan. Refer to Note 2 to the
consolidated  financial  statements  for  information  on  this  plan.
The Banco Popular North America reportable segment also included
an  amount  in  the  “other”  category  related  to  the  sale  of  the
remaining retail outlets of Popular Cash Express (“PCE”) to PLS
Financial during the first quarter of 2006.

Purchase  accounting  adjustments  consist  of  adjustments  to
the value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed resulting
from the completion of appraisals or other valuations, adjustments
to  initial  estimates  recorded  for  transaction  costs,  if  any,  and
contingent consideration paid during a contractual contingency
period.  The  purchase  accounting  adjustments  for  2006  at  the
Banco  Popular  North  America  reportable  segment  were  mostly
related  to  E-LOAN’s  acquisition.

2007     Annual Report        105
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

At December 31, 2007, other than goodwill, the Corporation
had $17,270,000 of identifiable intangibles with indefinite useful
lives,  mostly  associated  with  E-LOAN’s  trademark  (2006  -
$64,555,000; 2005 - $58,919,000). During the fourth quarter of
2007,  the  Corporation  recognized  impairment  losses  of
$47,341,000 related to E-LOAN’s trademark, as a result of the E-
LOAN’s Restructuring Plan described in Note 2 to the consolidated
financial statements. There were no impairment losses recognized
in  2006  and  2005  related  to  other  intangible  assets  with
indefinitive  lives.

The valuation of the E-LOAN trademark was performed using
a valuation approach called the “relief-from-royalty” method. The
basis of the “relief-from-royalty” method is that, by virtue of having
ownership  of  the  trademark,  the  Corporation  is  relieved  from
having  to  pay  a  royalty,  usually  expressed  as  a  percentage  of
revenue, for the use of trademark. The main attributes involved in
the  valuation  of  this  intangible  asset  include  the  royalty  rate,
revenue projections that benefit from the use of this intangible,
after-tax  royalty  savings  derived  from  the  ownership  of  the
intangible, and the discount rate to apply to the projected benefits
to arrive at the present value of this intangible.

The following table reflects the components of other intangible

assets subject to amortization at December 31:

(In thousands)

Core  deposits
Other  customer
relationships
Other intangibles

 2007

 2006

Gross Accumulated Gross Accumulated
Amount Amortization Amount Amortization

$66,381

$23,171

$76,708

$48,367

10,375
8,164

4,131
5,385

11,156
9,099

2,171
3,426

Total

$84,920

$32,687

$96,963

$53,964

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation
recognized $10,445,000 in amortization expense related to other
intangible assets with definite lives (2006 - $12,377,000; 2005 -
$9,579,000).  During  the  fourth  quater  of  2007,  core  deposits
intangibles with a gross amount of $21,068,000 were acquired as
a  result  of  the  acquisition  of  the  retail  branches  of  Citibank  in
Puerto  Rico  based  on  a  preliminary  estimate  prepared  by
management.  On  the  other  hand,  certain  core  deposits  with  a
gross amount of $31,395,000 became fully amortized during 2007
and, as such, their gross amount and accumulated amortization
were eliminated from the tabular disclosure presented above. Also
in December 2007, the Corporation recorded impairment losses
of  $846,000  and  $725,000  associated  with  the  write-off  of  a
customer  relationship  and  other  intangibles,  respectively,  as  a
result of the E-LOAN Restructuring Plan. The other intangibles
were  principally  related  to  lease  contracts  and  proprietary
technology  intangibles  that  were  recorded  when  E-LOAN  was

acquired  in  2005.  This  amount  is  included  in  the  caption  of
impairment  losses  on  long-lived  assets  on  the  consolidated
statement  of  operations.  In  December  2006,  the  Corporation
recorded  an  impairment  loss  of  $654,000  associated  with  the
write-off  of  a  customer  relationship  intangible  asset  due  to  the
exited  operations  at  PFH,  also  included  in  the  caption  of
impairment losses on long-lived assets.

The  following  table  presents  the  estimated  aggregate
amortization expense of the intangible assets with definite lives
that the Corporation has at December 31, 2007, for each of the
next five years:

(In thousands)

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012

$9,728
8,370
7,518
6,163
5,154

Note  13  -  Deposits:
Note  13  -  Deposits:
Note  13  -  Deposits:
Note  13  -  Deposits:
Note  13  -  Deposits:
Total interest bearing deposits at December 31, consisted of:

(In thousands)

Savings accounts

NOW, money market and

other interest bearing demand

Certificates of deposit:

Under $100,000

$100,000 and over

2007

2006

$5,638,862

$5,811,192

4,770,829

10,409,691

8,136,308

5,277,690

4,078,255

9,889,447

5,774,438

4,552,313

13,413,998

10,326,751

$23,823,689

$20,216,198

A summary of certificates of deposit by maturity at December

31, 2007, follows:

(In thousands)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013 and thereafter

$9,911,475
1,645,847
887,574
359,820
494,256
115,026

$13,413,998

At  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  had  brokered
certificates  of  deposit  amounting  to  $3,116,274,000  (2006  -
$865,685,000).  Brokered  certificates  of  deposit  amounting  to
$2,992,897,000  acquired  in  denominations  of  $1,000  under  a

106

master  certificate  of  deposit  have  been  classified  in  the  “under
$100,000” category at December 31, 2007 (2006 - $740,746,000).
The aggregate amount of overdrafts in demand deposit accounts
that were reclassified to loans was $144,000,000 as of December
31, 2007 (2006 - $135,764,000).

Note  14  -  Federal  funds  purchased  and  assets  sold
Note  14  -  Federal  funds  purchased  and  assets  sold
Note  14  -  Federal  funds  purchased  and  assets  sold
Note  14  -  Federal  funds  purchased  and  assets  sold
Note  14  -  Federal  funds  purchased  and  assets  sold
under  agreements  to  repurchase:
under  agreements  to  repurchase:
under  agreements  to  repurchase:
under  agreements  to  repurchase:
under  agreements  to  repurchase:
The  following  table  summarizes  certain  information  on  federal
funds purchased and assets sold under agreements to repurchase
at December 31:

(Dollars in thousands)

2007

2006

2005

Federal funds purchased
Assets sold under

agreements to repurchase
Total amount outstanding

Maximum aggregate balance

outstanding at any month-end

Average monthly aggregate

balance outstanding

Weighted average interest rate:

For the year
At December 31

$303,492

$1,276,818

$1,500,575

5,133,773
$5,437,265

4,485,627
$5,762,445

7,201,886
$8,702,461

$6,942,722

$8,963,244

$8,883,733

$5,644,863

$7,290,853

$7,430,174

5.24%
4.40

5.03%
5.12

3.61%
4.22

The following table presents the liability associated with the
repurchase  transactions  (including  accrued  interest),  their
maturities and weighted average interest rates. Also, it includes
the carrying value and approximate market value of the collateral
(including accrued interest) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The  information  excludes  repurchase  agreement  transactions
which were collateralized with securities or other assets held-for-
trading purposes or which have been obtained under agreements
to resell:

2007

Repurchase
liability

Carrying value
of collateral

Market value
of collateral

(Dollars in thousands)

Weighted
average
interest rate

$173,924
173,924

$173,826
173,826

$173,826
173,826

4.31%
4.31

79
844,189
716,972
632,460

558
866,577
736,239
717,494

558
866,577
736,239
717,494

2,193,700

2,320,868

2,320,868

17,257
51,225
60,069
538,440

666,991

57,747
611,385
304,416
175,099

15,568
54,844
43,442
523,265

637,119

61,080
641,017
305,086
200,535

15,568
54,844
43,442
523,265

637,119

61,080
641,017
305,086
200,535

1,148,647

1,207,718

1,207,718

216,311

216,311

331,131

331,131

331,131

331,131

3.84
4.69
4.58
4.34

4.55

3.84
4.97
2.75
4.19

4.11

3.84
4.99
5.33
4.37

4.93

5.54

5.54

$4,399,573

$4,670,662

$4,670,662

4.62%

U.S. Treasury
securities
After 30  to 90 days

Obligations of
U.S. government
sponsored entities
Overnight
Within 30 days
After 30 to 90 days
After 90 days

Mortgage-backed
securities
Overnight
Within 30 days
After 30 to 90 days
After 90 days

Collateralized mortgage
obligations
Overnight
Within 30 days
After 30 to 90 days
After 90 days

Loans
Within 30 days

2006

Repurchase
liability

Carrying value
of collateral

Market value
of collateral

(Dollars in thousands)

$182,721                  $179,717                   $179,717
239,623
239,623
245,169
419,340
419,340
427,890

310,970
824,313
704,362
383,639

316,302
834,329
715,041
421,510

316,302
834,329
715,041
421,510

2,223,284

2,287,182

2,287,182

45,319
31,903
50,045
465,447

592,714

53,201
281,146
232,083

566,430

110,087
147,513

257,600

51,601
34,449
44,699
435,756

566,505

61,755
288,715
244,418

594,888

183,038
150,724

333,762

51,601
34,449
44,699
435,756

566,505

61,755
288,715
244,418

594,888

183,038
150,724

333,762

U.S. Treasury
securities
Within 30 days
After 30  to 90 days

Obligations of
U.S. government
sponsored entities
Overnight
Within 30 days
After 30 to 90 days
After 90 days

Mortgage-backed
securities
Overnight
Within 30 days
After 30 to 90 days
After 90 days

Collateralized mortgage
obligations
Overnight
Within 30 days
After 90 days

Loans
Overnight
Within 30 days

Weighted
average
interest rate

              5.21%

5.22
5.21

5.28
5.30
5.26
4.50

5.15

3.16
5.32
2.32
4.22

4.03

3.16
5.33
4.66

4.85

5.90
5.80

5.84

$4,067,918

$4,201,677

$4,201,677

4.99%

2007     Annual Report        107
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Note  15  -  Other  short-term  borrowings:
Note  15  -  Other  short-term  borrowings:
Note  15  -  Other  short-term  borrowings:
Note  15  -  Other  short-term  borrowings:
Note  15  -  Other  short-term  borrowings:
Other short-term borrowings as of December 31, consisted of:

                        2007                     2006

(Dollars in thousands)
Advances with FHLB paying interest monthly

at a fixed rate of 4.63%  (2006 - 5.39% to 5.40%)
Advances with FHLB paying interest at maturity
at fixed rates ranging from 4.38% to 4.58%

Advances under credit facilities with other

institutions at:
- fixed rates ranging from 4.59% to 5.50%
(2006 - 5.38% to 5.65%)
- floating rates ranging from 0.45% to 0.75% over
the 1-month LIBOR rate (1-month LIBOR rate at
December 31, 2006 was 5.32%)
- a floating rate of 0.20% over
the 3-month LIBOR rate (3-month LIBOR rate at
December 31, 2006 was 5.36%)

Commercial paper at rates ranging from 4.25% to 5.00%

(2006 - 4.80% to 5.44%)
Term funds purchased at:

- fixed rates of 4.92% (2006 - 5.30% to 5.38%)
- floating rates ranging from 0.06% to 0.08% over the fed funds rate
(Fed funds rate at December 31, 2006 was 5.38%)

Others

$72,000

$230,000

570,000

-

487,000

386,000

-

-

481,062

10,000

7,329

193,383

280,000

2,140,900

-
85,650

500,000
92,780

$1,501,979

$4,034,125

The  weighted  average  interest  rate  of  other  short-term
borrowings  at  December  31,  2007  was  4.74%  (2006  -  5.36%;
2005 - 4.31%). The maximum aggregate balance outstanding at
any  month-end  was  approximately  $3,797,270,000  (2006  -
$4,034,125,000;  2005  -  $3,370,943,000).  The  average
aggregate balance outstanding during the year was approximately
$3,040,801,000 (2006-$3,386,308,000;2005-$2,897,243,000).
The  weighted  average  interest  rate  during  the  year  was  5.00%
(2006 - 4.50%; 2005 - 2.89%).

Note  17  presents  additional  information  with  respect  to

available  credit  facilities.

108

Note  16  -  Notes  payable:
Note  16  -  Notes  payable:
Note  16  -  Notes  payable:
Note  16  -  Notes  payable:
Note  16  -  Notes  payable:
Notes  payable  outstanding  at  December  31,  consisted  of  the
following:

The  aggregate  amounts  of  maturities  of  notes  payable  at

December 31, 2007 were as follows:

2007

2006

Year

(In thousands)

 (Dollars in thousands)

Advances with FHLB:

- with maturities ranging from 2008 through 2018 paying
interest at fixed rates ranging from 2.51% to 6.98%
  (2006 - 2.44% to 6.98%)
- maturing in 2007 paying interest quarterly at the
3-month LIBOR rate less 0.04%
(3-month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2006 was 5.36%)
- maturing in 2007 paying interest monthly at the
1-month LIBOR rate plus 0.02%
(1-month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2006 was 5.32%)
- maturing in 2008 paying interest monthly at a floating rate
of 0.0075% over the 1-month LIBOR rate (1-month LIBOR
rate at December 31, 2007 was 4.60%; 2006 - 5.32%)
 Advances under revolving lines of credit maturing in 2007

paying interest monthly at a floating rate of 0.90%
over the 1-month LIBOR rate  (1-month LIBOR rate at
December 31, 2006 was 5.32%)

Advances under revolving lines of credit with maturities

ranging form 2008 through 2009 paying interest quarterly at
florating rates ranging from of 0.20% to 0.35% (0.35% -
December 31, 2006) over the 3-month LIBOR rate (3-month
LIBOR rate at December 31, 2007 was 4.70%; 2006 - 5.36%)

Term notes with maturities ranging from 2008

through 2012 paying interest semiannually at
fixed rates ranging from 3.60% to 6.85%
(2006 - 3.25% to 5.65%)

Term notes maturing in 2030 paying interest monthly

$813,958

$289,881

-

-

6,000

5,000

250,000

250,000

-

426,687

110,000

69,994

2,038,259

2,014,928

at fixed rates ranging from 3.00% to 6.00%

3,100

3,100

Term notes with maturities ranging from 2008 through

2013 paying interest monthly at floating rates of 3.00%
over the 10-year U.S. treasury notes rate (10-year
U.S. treasury notes rate at December 31, 2007
was 4.03%; 2006 - 4.70%)

Term notes with maturities until 2009 paying
interest quarterly at a floating rate of 0.40%
(2006 - 0.35% to 0.40%) over the 3-month
LIBOR rate (3-month LIBOR rate at December 31, 2007
was 4.70%; 2006 - 5.36%)

Secured borrowings with maturities ranging from 2009
through 2032 paying interest monthly at fixed rates
ranging from 6.04% to 7.04% (2006 - 3.52% to 7.12%)
Secured borrowings with maturities ranging from 2008

through 2046 paying interest monthly at rates ranging
from 0.32% to 3.12% (2006 - 0.10% to 3.50%) over the
1-month LIBOR rate(1-month LIBOR rate at
December 31, 2007 was 4.60%;  2006 - 5.32%)

Notes linked to the S&P 500 Index maturing in 2008
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures

with maturities ranging from  2027 through 2034 with
 fixed interest rates ranging from 6.13% to 8.33%
(Refer to Note 18)

Other

6,805

10,428

199,706

349,295

59,241

2,695,916

227,743
36,498

1,708,650
36,112

849,672
26,370

849,672
21,583

$4,621,352

$8,737,246

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Later years

Total

Notes
Payable

$1,490,227
1,037,361
264,748
154,197
500,249
1,174,570

$4,621,352

Note  17  -  Unused  lines  of  credit  and  other  funding
Note  17  -  Unused  lines  of  credit  and  other  funding
Note  17  -  Unused  lines  of  credit  and  other  funding
Note  17  -  Unused  lines  of  credit  and  other  funding
Note  17  -  Unused  lines  of  credit  and  other  funding
s o u r c e s :
s o u r c e s :
s o u r c e s :
s o u r c e s :
s o u r c e s :
At December 31, 2007, the Corporation had borrowing facilities
available with the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLB) whereby the
Corporation could borrow up to approximately $2,569,498,000
based on the assets pledged with the FHLB at that date (2006 -
$897,269,000). Refer to Notes 15 and 16 for the amounts of FHLB
advances outstanding under these facilities at December 31, 2007
and 2006.

The  FHLB  advances  are  collateralized  with  investment
securities and mortgage loans, do not have restrictive covenants
and  do  not  have  callable  features.  The  maximum  borrowing
potential  with  the  FHLB  is  dependent  on  certain  restrictive
computations determined by the FHLB and which are dependent
on the amount and type of assets available for collateral, among
the principal factors. The available lines of credit with the FHLB
included in this note are based on the assets pledged as collateral
with the FHLB as of the end of the years presented. At December
31, 2007 and 2006, the FHLB advances had no callable features.
Also, at December 31, 2007, there were $35,000,000 in putable
advances  with  fixed  rates  ranging  from  5.34%  to  6.55%  and
maturities extending up to 2010 (2006 - $35,000,000). The FHLB
has the option to convert the putable advances before maturity on
any  given  conversion  date  to  an  adjustable  rate  advance  of
predetermined index for the remaining term to maturity, at the
FHLB’s  discretion.

At  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  maintained  a
committed line of credit with an unaffiliated bank under formal
agreement  that  provides  for  financing  of  consumer  loans.  The
maximum committed amount under this credit facility amounted
to $86,500,000 at December 31, 2007. The full amount was drawn
under the credit facility at December 31, 2007 and is included in
Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements in the category
of  repurchase  agreements.  The  interest  rate  charged  on  these
borrowings is based on LIBOR plus a spread. This credit facility
requires  compliance  with  certain  financial  and  non-financial

2007     Annual Report        109
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

commercial paper program. As of December 31, 2007, this short-
term credit facility had been terminated.

Note  18  –  Trust  preferred  securities:
Note  18  –  Trust  preferred  securities:
Note  18  –  Trust  preferred  securities:
Note  18  –  Trust  preferred  securities:
Note  18  –  Trust  preferred  securities:
At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Corporation had established
four  trusts  for  the  purpose  of  issuing  trust  preferred  securities
(the “capital securities”) to the public. The proceeds from such
issuances, together with the proceeds of the related issuances of
common securities of the trusts (the “common securities”), were
used by the trusts to purchase junior subordinated deferrable interest
debentures (the “junior subordinated debentures”) issued by the
Corporation. The sole assets of the trusts consisted of the junior
subordinated debentures of the Corporation and the related accrued
interest  receivable.  These  trusts  are  not  consolidated  by  the
Corporation under FIN No. 46 (R).

The  junior  subordinated  debentures  are  included  by  the
Corporation  as  notes  payable  in  the  consolidated  statements  of
condition. The Corporation also recorded in the caption of other
investment securities in the consolidated statements of condition,
the common securities issued by the issuer trusts. The common
securities of each trust are wholly-owned, or indirectly wholly-
owned, by the Corporation.

covenants.  As  of  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  was  in
breach of a tangible net worth covenant, but received a written
waiver for the covenant violation. This collateralized credit facility
was paid in full in early 2008.

In  2007,  the  Corporation  entered  into  a  master  repurchase
agreement to finance the loan portfolio of PFH. This agreement
provides a maximum committed amount of $500,000,000 as of
December 31, 2007. The full amount, subject to collateralization
requirements under the credit line, was available for use as of such
date.  The  Corporation  paid  a  commitment  fee  of  $5,000,000
during 2007, which is being amortized to interest expense during
the term of the agreement. This agreement has a termination date
in November 2008. The interest rate charged is based on LIBOR
plus a spread. This credit facility requires compliance with certain
financial and non-financial covenants. As of December 31, 2007,
the Corporation was in compliance with all financial covenants.
Popular, Inc. and Popular North America holding companies serve
as guarantors under the agreement.

As  of  December  31,  2006,  the  Corporation  maintained
committed lines of credit under formal agreements for the financing
of  auto,  mortgage  and  consumer  loans.  As  of  such  date,  the
maximum committed amount available under these lines of credit
approximated  $1,810,000,000,  of  which  $1,022,847,000  was
outstanding. At December 31, 2006, the amount outstanding was
distributed in the statement of condition within the categories of
repurchase agreements (Note 14), advances under credit facilities
with other institutions (Note 15) and advances under revolving
lines  of  credit  (Note  16).  Borrowings  under  these  facilities  are
collateralized  by  the  related  mortgage,  consumer  or  auto  loans
being financed or their security interests. These committed lines
of credit expired or had renewal dates in 2007.

The  Corporation  has  established  a  borrowing  facility  at  the
discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. At
December  31,  2007,  the  borrowing  capacity  at  the  discount
window approximated $3,004,752,000, which remained unused
at December 31, 2007 (2006 - $2,935,472,000). The facility  is a
collateralized source of credit that is highly reliable even under
difficult market conditions. The amount available under this line
is dependent upon the balance of loans and securities pledged as
collateral.

At  December  31,  2006,  the  Corporation  and  its  subsidiary
Popular North America had obtained a committed credit facility
from a syndicate of institutions (the lenders). Under this credit
facility,  which  required  the  payment  of  facility  and  utilization
fees, the Corporation could have requested the lenders to extend
credit  in  the  form  of  revolving  loans,  in  an  aggregate  principal
amount at any time outstanding not in excess of $555,000,000.
This facility could had been used for general corporate purposes
and  also  served  as  a  backup  facility  to  the  Corporation’s

110

Financial data pertaining to the trusts follows:

(Dollars in thousands, including reference notes)

BanPonce
Trust I

Popular North
Popular Capital America Capital Popular Capital
Trust I                       Trust I                     Trust II

February 1997 October 2003
$300,000
6.700%
$9,279

$144,000
8.327%
$4,640

September 2004 November 2004
$130,000
6.125%
$4,021

$250,000
6.564%
$7,732

Issuer

Issuance date
Capital securities
Distribution rate
Common securities
Junior subordinated

debentures aggregate
liquidation amount

$148,640

$309,279

$257,732

$134,021

Stated maturity

date

February 2027    November 2033      September 2034       December 2034

Reference notes          (a),(c),(e),(f),(g)               (b),(d),(f)                  (a),(c),(f)                  (b),(d),(f)

(a) Statutory business trust that is wholly-owned by Popular North America (PNA)

and indirectly wholly-owned by the Corporation.

(b) Statutory business trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation.

(c) The obligations of PNA under the junior subordinated debentures and its

guarantees of the capital securities under the trust are fully and unconditionally

guaranteed on a subordinated basis by the Corporation to the extent set forth in the

applicable guarantee agreement.

(d)  These  capital  securities  are  fully  and  unconditionally  guaranteed  on  a

subordinated basis by the Corporation to the extent set forth in the applicable

guarantee agreement.

(e) The original issuance was for $150,000. The Corporation had reacquired $6,000 of

the 8.327% capital securities.

(f) The Corporation has the right, subject to any required prior approval from the

Federal Reserve, to redeem after certain dates or upon the occurrence of certain

events mentioned below, the junior subordinated debentures at a redemption price

equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date

of redemption. The maturity of the junior subordinated debentures may be

shortened at the option of the Corporation prior to their stated maturity dates (i) on

or after the stated optional redemption dates stipulated in the agreements, in whole

at any time or in part from time to time, or (ii) in whole, but not in part, at any time

within 90 days following the occurrence and during the continuation of a tax event,

an investment company event or a capital treatment event as set forth in the indentures

relating to the capital securities, in each case subject to regulatory approval. A capital

treatment event would include a change in the regulatory capital treatment of the

capital securities as a result of the recent accounting changes affecting the criteria for

consolidation of variable interest entities such as the trust under FIN 46(R).

(g) Same as (f) above, except that the investment company event does not apply for

early redemption.

_______________________________________________________________________

The Capital Securities of Popular Capital Trust I and Popular
Capital Trust II are traded on the NASDAQ under the symbols
“BPOPN” and “BPOPM”, respectively.

Note  19  -  (Loss)  earnings  per  common  share:
Note  19  -  (Loss)  earnings  per  common  share:
Note  19  -  (Loss)  earnings  per  common  share:
Note  19  -  (Loss)  earnings  per  common  share:
Note  19  -  (Loss)  earnings  per  common  share:
The following table sets forth the computation of (loss) earnings
per common share (“EPS”), basic and diluted, for the years ended
December 31:

(In thousands, except share information)

Net (loss) income
Less: Preferred stock dividends

2007

($64,493)
11,913

2006

$357,676
11,913

2005

$540,702
11,913

Net (loss) income applicable to common stock
after cumulative effect of accounting change

Net (loss) income applicable to common stock

($76,406)

$345,763

$528,789

before cumulative effect of accounting change ($76,406)

$345,763

$525,182

Average common shares outstanding
Average potential common shares
Average common shares outstanding -

assuming dilution

Basic EPS before cumulative effect of

accounting change

Diluted EPS before cumulative effect of

accounting change

Basic EPS after cumulative effect of

accounting change

Diluted EPS after cumulative effect of

accounting change

279,494,150
-

278,468,552
235,372

267,334,606
504,412

279,494,150

278,703,924

267,839,018

($0.27)

($0.27)

($0.27)

($0.27)

$1.24

$1.24

$1.24

$1.24

$1.97

$1.96

$1.98

$1.97

Potential  common  shares  consist  of  common  stock  issuable
under the assumed exercise of stock options and under restricted
stock  awards,  using  the  treasury  stock  method.  This  method
assumes  that  the  potential  common  shares  are  issued  and  the
proceeds from exercise, in addition to the amount of compensation
cost attributed to future services, are used to purchase common
stock at the exercise date. The difference between the number of
potential  shares  issued  and  the  shares  purchased  is  added  as
incremental shares to the actual number of shares outstanding to
compute diluted earnings per share. Stock options that result in
lower  potential  shares  issued  than  shares  purchased  under  the
treasury  stock  method  are  not  included  in  the  computation  of
dilutive earnings per share since their inclusion would have an
antidilutive effect in earnings per share.

For  year  2007,  there  were  2,431,830  weighted  average
antidilutive stock options outstanding (2006 - 1,896,057; 2005
-  1,511,877).

Note  20  -  Stockholders’’’’’  equity:
  equity:
  equity:
Note  20  -  Stockholders
Note  20  -  Stockholders
  equity:
Note  20  -  Stockholders
  equity:
Note  20  -  Stockholders
During the fourth quarter of 2005, existing shareholders of record
of  the  Corporation's  common  stock  at  November  7,  2005  fully
subscribed to an offering of 10,500,000 newly issued shares of
Popular, Inc.’s common stock at a price of $21.00 per share under
a  subscription  rights  offering.  This  offering  resulted  in
$216,326,000  in  additional  capital,  of  which  $175,271,000
impacted  stockholders’  equity  at  December  31,  2005  and  the
remainder impacted the Corporation’s financial condition in the

2007     Annual Report        111
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Note  21  -  Regulatory  capital  requirements:
Note  21  -  Regulatory  capital  requirements:
Note  21  -  Regulatory  capital  requirements:
Note  21  -  Regulatory  capital  requirements:
Note  21  -  Regulatory  capital  requirements:
The  Corporation  and  its  banking  subsidiaries  are  subject  to
various  regulatory  capital  requirements  imposed  by  the  federal
banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements
can  initiate  certain  mandatory  and  possibly  additional
discretionary  actions  by  regulators  that,  if  undertaken,  could
have  a  direct  material  effect  on  the  Corporation’s  consolidated
financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the
regulatory framework for prompt corrective action,  the Federal
Reserve  Bank  and  the  other  bank  regulators  have  adopted
quantitative  measures  which  assign  risk  weightings  to  assets
and  off-balance  sheet  items  and  also  define  and  set  minimum
regulatory  capital  requirements.  The  regulations  define  well-
capitalized levels of Tier I, total capital and Tier I leverage of 6%,
10% and 5%, respectively. Management has determined that as of
December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Corporation exceeded all capital
adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

At  December  31,  2007  and  2006,  BPPR,  BPNA  and  Banco
Popular,  National  Association  (BP,  N.A.)  were  well-capitalized
under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, and
there are no conditions or events since December 31, 2007 that
management  believes  have  changed  the  institutions’  category.

The adjustment to capital as a result of the adoption of SFAS
No.  158  on  December  31,  2006  did  not  impact  the  regulatory
capital ratios of the Corporation or any of its banking subsidiaries.
In  December  2006,  regulatory  agencies  announced  an  interim
decision that SFAS No. 158 would not affect regulatory capital of
banking  organizations.  This  is  the  position  taken  by  the
Corporation until the agencies issue the final rules.

The Corporation has been designated by the Federal Reserve
Board  as  a  Financial  Holding  Company  (“FHC”)  and  is  eligible
to  engage  in  certain  financial  activities  permitted  under  the
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999. FHC status is subject to certain
requirements including maintenance of the Corporation’s banking
subsidiaries’  status  as  being  well-capitalized  and  well  managed
and  maintaining  satisfactory  CRA  (“Community  Reinvestment
Act”) ratings. There are no conditions or events since December
31, 2006 that management believes have changed the Corporation’s
FHC  status.

first quarter of 2006. As of December 31, 2005, this subscription
rights  offering  resulted  in  8,614,620  newly  issued  shares  of
common stock; the remaining 1,885,380 were issued during the
first quarter of 2006.

The  Corporation  has  a  dividend  reinvestment  and  stock
purchase  plan  under  which  stockholders  may  reinvest  their
quarterly dividends in shares of common stock at a 5% discount
from the average market price at the time of issuance, as well as
purchase shares of common stock directly from the Corporation
by making optional cash payments at prevailing market prices.
The Corporation’s authorized preferred stock may be issued
in one or more 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.  The
Corporation’s  only  outstanding  class  of  preferred  stock  is  its
6.375%  noncumulative  monthly  income  preferred  stock,  2003
Series  A.  These  shares  of  preferred  stock  are  perpetual,
nonconvertible  and  are  redeemable  solely  at  the  option  of  the
Corporation beginning on March 31, 2008. The redemption price
per  share  is  $25.50  from  March  31,  2008  through  March  30,
2009, $25.25 from March 31, 2009 through March 30, 2010 and
$25.00 from March 31, 2010 and thereafter.

During the year 2007, cash dividends of $0.64 (2006 - $0.64;
2005  -  $0.64)  per  common  share  outstanding  amounting  to
$178,938,000 (2006 - $178,231,000; 2005 - $170,970,000) were
declared.  In  addition,  dividends  declared  on  preferred  stock
amounted  to  $11,913,000  (2006  -  $11,913,000;  2005  -
$11,913,000). Dividends payable to shareholders of common stock
at  December  31,  2007  was  $44,849,000  (2006  -  $44,614,000;
2005 - $42,791,000).

The Banking Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico requires
that  a  minimum  of  10%  of  BPPR’s  net  income  for  the  year  be
transferred  to  a  statutory  reserve  account  until  such  statutory
reserve equals the total of paid-in capital on common and preferred
stock.  Any  losses  incurred  by  a  bank  must  first  be  charged  to
retained earnings and then to the reserve fund. Amounts credited
to the reserve fund may not be used to pay dividends without the
prior  consent  of  the  Puerto  Rico  Commissioner  of  Financial
Institutions. The failure to maintain sufficient statutory reserves
would  preclude  BPPR  from  paying  dividends.  BPPR’s  statutory
reserve fund totaled $374,192,000 at December 31, 2007 (2006 -
$346,192,000; 2005 - $316,192,000). During 2007, $28,000,000
(2006 - $30,000,000; 2005 - $31,000,000) was transferred to the
statutory reserve account. At December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005,
BPPR was in compliance with the statutory reserve requirement.

112

The  Corporation’s  risk-based  capital  and  leverage  ratios  at

December 31, were as follows:

The following table also presents the minimum amounts and
ratios  for  the  Corporation’s  banks  to  be  categorized  as  well-
capitalized under prompt corrective action:

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

                                                2007

Actual

Capital adequacy minimum
requirement

Total Capital
(to Risk-Weighted Assets):
Corporation
BPPR
BPNA

Tier I  Capital
(to Risk-Weighted Assets):
Corporation
BPPR
BPNA

Tier I  Capital
(to Average Assets):
Corporation

BPPR

BPNA

$3,778,264
2,173,648
1,103,117

11.38%
11.15
10.32

$2,656,781
1,559,039
855,338

$3,361,132
1,498,030
976,878

10.12%
7.69
9.14

$1,328,391
779,519
427,669

$3,361,132

7.33%

1,498,030

5.82

976,878

7.55

$1,375,270
1,833,694
772,414
1,029,886
388,233
517,644

8%
8
8

4%
4
4

3%
4
3
4
3
4

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

                                                2006

Actual

Capital adequacy minimum
requirement

Total Capital
(to Risk-Weighted Assets):
Corporation
BPPR
BPNA

Tier I  Capital
(to Risk-Weighted Assets):
Corporation
BPPR
BPNA

Tier I  Capital
(to Average Assets):
Corporation

BPPR

BPNA

$4,169,451
2,362,713
1,032,555

11.86%
12.81
11.04

$2,811,418
1,475,460
748,329

$3,727,860
1,700,583
944,506

10.61%
9.22
10.10

$1,405,709
737,730
374,165

$3,727,860

8.05%

1,700,583

6.90

944,506

7.91

$1,389,915
1,853,220
739,850
986,467
358,115
477,486

8%
8
8

4%
4
4

3%
4
3
4
3
4

(Dollars in thousands)

2007

2006

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Total Capital
(to Risk-Weighted Assets):
BPPR
BPNA

Tier I  Capital
(to Risk-Weighted Assets):
BPPR
BPNA

Tier I  Capital
(to Average Assets):
BPPR
BPNA

$1,948,798
1,069,173

10%
10

$1,844,325
935,412

10%
10

$1,169,279
641,504

$1,287,357
647,055

6%
6

5%
5

$1,106,595
561,247

$1,233,083
596,858

6%
6

5%
5

Note  22  -  Servicing  assets:
Note  22  -  Servicing  assets:
Note  22  -  Servicing  assets:
Note  22  -  Servicing  assets:
Note  22  -  Servicing  assets:
The Corporation recognizes as assets the rights to service loans
for others, whether these rights are purchased or result from asset
transfers (sales and securitizations). Commencing in 2007 and in
accordance with SFAS No. 156, the Corporation no longer records
servicing  rights  in  connection  with  on-balance  sheet  mortgage
loan  securitizations.

Effective January 1, 2007, under SFAS No. 156, the Corporation
identified  servicing  rights  related  to  residential  mortgage  loans
as  a  class  of  servicing  rights  and  elected  to  apply  fair  value
accounting  to  these  mortgage  servicing  rights  (“MSRs”).  These
MSRs are segregated between loans serviced by PFH and by the
Corporation’s  banking  subsidiaries.  Fair  value  determination  is
performed  on  a  subsidiary  basis,  with  assumptions  varying  in
accordance with the types of assets or markets served (i.e. PFH -
primarily  subprime  mortgage  loans  vs.  banking  subsidiaries  –
primarily conforming loans).

Classes  of  servicing  rights  were  determined  based  on  the
different  markets  or  types  of  assets  served.  Management  also
considered  trends  in  the  markets  and  elections  by  other  major
participants in the industries served in determining the accounting
methodology  to  be  followed  for  the  different  types  of  servicing
rights.

Under  the  fair  value  accounting  method  of  SFAS  No.  156,
purchased  MSRs  and  MSRs  resulting  from  asset  transfers  are
capitalized and carried at fair value. Prior to the adoption of SFAS
No. 156, the Corporation capitalized purchased residential MSRs
at cost, and MSRs from asset transfers based on the relative fair
value of the servicing right and the residential mortgage loan at

2007     Annual Report        113
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

the time of sale. Prior to SFAS No. 156, both purchased MSRs and
MSRs from asset transfers were accounted for at quarter-end at the
lower of cost or market value.

Residential  mortgage  loans  serviced  for  others  were
$20,509,655,000  at  December  31,  2007  (2006  -
$13,267,700,000;  2005  -  $9,164,361,000).

The changes in amortized MSR's for the years ended December

31, 2006 and 2005 were as follows:

(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Rights originated
Rights purchased
Amortization
Balance at end of year
Less: Valuation allowance
Balance at end of year, net of valuation allowance
Fair value at end of year

2006
$137,701
62,877
23,769
(63,202)
161,145
1,006
$160,139
$175,469

2005
$54,326
103,092
5,039
(24,756)
137,701
951
$136,750
$150,627

Included  in  the  table  above  were  $11,207,000  in  rights
originated and $2,796,000 in amortization corresponding to the
activity for the month of December 2005 for PFH, which changed
its fiscal year in the first quarter of 2006, as described in Note 1
to the consolidated financial statements.

The  activity  in  the  valuation  allowance  for  impairment  of
recognized  servicing  assets  for  the  years  ended  December  31,
2006 and 2005 was as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year
Additions  charged  to  operations
Reductions  credited  to  operations

Balance at end of year

2006

2005

$951
536
(481)

$1,006

$920
362
(331)

$951

Net  mortgage  servicing  fees,  a  component  of  other  service
fees in the consolidated statement of income, include the changes
from period to period in fair value of the MSRs, which may result
from  changes  in  the  valuation  model  inputs  or  assumptions
(principally reflecting changes in discount rates and prepayment
speed assumptions) and other changes, representing changes due
to  collection  /  realization  of  expected  cash  flow.  Prior  to  the
adoption  of  SFAS  No.  156,  the  Corporation  carried  residential
MSRs at the lower cost of market, with amortization of MSRs and
changes  in  the  MSRs  valuation  allowance  recognized  in  net
mortgage  servicing  fees.

Effective January 1, 2007, upon the remeasurement of the MSRs
at fair value in accordance with SFAS No. 156, the Corporation
recorded  a  cumulative  effect  adjustment  to  increase  the  2007
beginning balance of MSRs by $15,330,000, which resulted in a
$9,574,000, net of tax, increase in the retained earnings account
of stockholders’ equity. The table below reconciles the balance of
MSRs as of December 31, 2006 and January 1, 2007.

(In thousands)

Residential MSRs Residential MSRs Total

Banking subsidiaries

PFH

Balance at December 31, 2006
Remeasurement upon adoption of

$77,801

$82,338

$160,139

SFAS No. 156 (a)

15,330
Balance at January 1, 2007
$175,469
(a) The remeasurement effect, net of deferred taxes, amounted to $9.6 million
on a consolidated basis.

13,630
$91,431

1,700
$84,038

At the end of each quarter, the Corporation uses a discounted
cash  flow  model  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of  MSRs,  which  is
benchmarked  against  third  party  opinions  of  fair  value.  The
discounted cash flow model incorporates assumptions that market
participants would use in estimating future net servicing income,
including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate, cost to
service,  escrow  account  earnings,  contractural  servicing  fee
income, prepayment and late fees, among other considerations.
The Corporation uses assumptions in the model that it believes
are comparable to those used by brokers or other service providers.
Refer  to  Note  23  to  the  consolidated  financial  statements  for
information on assumptions used in the valuation model of MSRs
as of December 31, 2007.

The changes in mortgage servicing assets for the year ended

December 31, 2007 were as follows:

Banking subsidiaries

PFH

(In thousands)
Fair value at January 1, 2007
Purchases
Servicing from securitizations or

asset transfers

Changes due to payments on

loans (1)

Changes in fair value due to

Residential MSRs Residential MSRs Total

$91,431
4,256

$84,038
22,251

$175,469
26,507

22,817

26,048

48,865

(9,117)

(35,516)

(44,633)

changes in valuation model inputs
or assumptions

(14,530)
(54)
Other changes
Fair value at December 31, 2007
$191,624
(1) Represents changes due to collection / realization of expected cash flows over
time.

1,213
12
$110,612

(15,743)
(66)
$81,012

114

The changes in servicing rights associated with Small Business
Administration  (“SBA”)  commercial  loans,  the  other  class  of
servicing  assets  held  by  the  Corporation,  will  continue  to  be
accounted for at the lower of cost or market method as follows:

(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year
Rights originated
Rights purchased
Amortization
Balance at end of year
Less: Valuation allowance
Balance at end of year, net of valuation allowance $5,021
$7,324
Fair value at end of year

2007
$4,860
2,051
3
(1,893)
$5,021
-

2006
$4,739
2,534
-
(2,413)
$4,860
-
$4,860
$7,705

2005
$3,777
1,972
-
(1,010)
$4,739
-
$4,739
$7,200

SBA loans serviced for others were $527,241,000 at December

31, 2007 (2006 - $477,869,000; 2005 - $367,352,000).

N o t e   2 3   -   R e t a i n e d   i n t e r e s t s   o n   t r a n s f e r s   o f
N o t e   2 3   -   R e t a i n e d   i n t e r e s t s   o n   t r a n s f e r s   o f
N o t e   2 3   -   R e t a i n e d   i n t e r e s t s   o n   t r a n s f e r s   o f
N o t e   2 3   -   R e t a i n e d   i n t e r e s t s   o n   t r a n s f e r s   o f
N o t e   2 3   -   R e t a i n e d   i n t e r e s t s   o n   t r a n s f e r s   o f
f i n a n c i a l   a s s e t s :
f i n a n c i a l   a s s e t s :
f i n a n c i a l   a s s e t s :
f i n a n c i a l   a s s e t s :
f i n a n c i a l   a s s e t s :
During  the  years  ended  December  31,  2007  and  2006,  the
Corporation retained servicing responsibilities and other residual
interests  on  various  securitization  transactions  and  whole  loan
sales of residential mortgage and commercial loans performed by
various subsidiaries. Valuation methodologies used in determining
the fair value of the retained interests, including servicing assets
and residual assets, are disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated
financial  statements.

Popular Financial Holdings
During 2007 and 2006, the Corporation, through its subsidiary
PFH,  retained  mortgage  servicing  rights  (“MSRs”)  and  residual
interests  on  mortgage  loan  securitizations.

During 2007, the Corporation conducted one off-balance sheet
asset securitization that involved the transfer of mortgage loans
to  a  qualifying  special  purpose  entity  (“QSPE”),  which  in  turn
transferred  these  assets  and  their  titles  to  different  trusts,  thus
isolating those loans from the Corporation’s assets. Approximately
$460,767,000  in  adjustable  (“ARM”)  and  fixed-rate  loans  were
securitized and sold by PFH during 2007 as part of this off-balance
sheet  asset  securitization  and  PFH  realized  a  gain  on  sale  of
approximately  $13,466,000.  As  part  of  this  transaction,  the
Corporation initially recognized MSRs of $8,040,000 and residual
interests of $4,667,000. Also, in December 2007, the Corporation
completed  the  recharacterization  of  certain  on-balance  sheet
securitizations  that  allowed  the  Corporation  to  recognize  the
transactions as sales under SFAS No. 140.

From  2001  through  2006,  the  Corporation  conducted  21
mortgage loan securitizations that were sales for legal purposes
but did not qualify for sale accounting treatment at the time of

inception  because  the  securitization  trusts  did  not  meet  the
criteria  for  QSPEs  contained  in  SFAS  No.  140.  As  a  result,  the
transfers of the mortgage loans pursuant to these securitizations
were  initially  accounted  for  as  secured  borrowings  with  the
mortgage  loans  continuing  to  be  reflected  as  assets  on  the
Corporation’s consolidated statement of financial condition with
appropriate footnote disclosure indicating that the mortgage loans
were, for legal purposes, sold to the securitization trusts.

As part of the Corporation’s strategy of exiting the subprime
business at PFH and improving the Corporation’s capital ratios,
on December 19, 2007, PFH and the trustee for each of the related
securitization trusts amended the provisions of the related pooling
and  servicing  agreements  to  delete  the  discretionary  provisions
that prevented the Corporation from removing the loans from its
accounting  books.  These  changes  in  the  primary  discretionary
provisions  included:

•  deleting  the  provision  that  grants  the  servicer  “sole
discretion” to have the right to purchase for its own account
or for resale from the trust fund any loan which is 91 days or
more delinquent;

• deleting the provision that grants the servicer (PFH) “sole
discretion” to sell loans with respect to which it believes
default is imminent;

• deleting  the  provision  that  grants  the  servicer  “sole
discretion”  to  determine  whether  an  immediate  sale  of  a
real  estate  owned  (“REO”)  property  or  continued
management of such REO property is in the best interest of
the certificateholders; and

•  deleting the provision that grants the residual holder (PFH)
to  direct  the  trustee  to  acquire  derivatives  post  closing.
The Corporation obtained a legal opinion which among other
considerations indicated that each amendment (a) is authorized
or permitted under the pooling and servicing agreement related
to such amendment, and (b) will not adversely affect in any material
respect the interests of any certificateholders covered by the related
pooling  and  servicing  agreement.

The amendments to the provisions of the pooling and servicing
agreement allowed the Corporation to recognize 16 out of the 21
transactions as sales under SFAS No. 140. When accounting for
the transfers as sales, the Corporation (i) reclassified the loans as
held-for-sale  with  the  corresponding  lower  of  cost  or  market
adjustment as of the date of the transfer, (ii) removed from the
Corporation’s books approximately $3,221,003,000 in mortgage
loans  and  $3,083,259,000  in  related  liabilities  representing
secured borrowings, (iii) recognized assets referred to as residual
interests,  which  represent  the  fair  value  of  residual  interest
certificates  that  were  issued  by  the  securitization  trusts  and
retained by PFH, and (iv) recognized mortgage servicing rights,
which represent the fair value of PFH’s right to continue to service

2007     Annual Report        115
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

been an adverse change in estimated cash flows (considering both
the timing and amount of flows), then residual interest security is
written down to fair value, which becomes the new amortized cost
basis.  The  Corporation  recognized  other-than-temporary
impairment losses on these residual interests of $45,379,000 for
the year ended December 31, 2007 (2006 - $17,761,000) and are
classified as part of net gain (loss) on sale and valuation adjustment
of investment securities in the consolidated statement of income.
During  2007,  all  declines  in  fair  value  in  residual  interests
classified as available-for-sale have been considered other-than-
temporary.

Commencing in January 2006 and as permitted by accounting
guidance, the residual interests derived from newly-issued PFH’s
off-balance sheet securitizations and from the recharacterization
previously  described,  were  accounted  as  trading  securities.
Management’s determination to prospectively classify the residual
interests  as  trading  securities  was  driven  by  accounting
considerations  and  not  by  intent  to  actively  trade  these  assets.
Trading  securities  are  marked-to-market  through  earnings
(favorable and unfavorable value changes) as opposed to available-
for-sale securities in which the changes in value are recorded as
unrealized  gains  (losses)  through  equity,  unless  unfavorable
changes  are  considered  other-than-temporary.  The  fair  value
determinations for residual interests classified as trading securities
are also performed on a quarterly basis. Any valuation adjustment
related to these particular residual interests is reflected in earnings
as it occurs and is recorded as part of trading account profit (loss)
in  the  consolidated  statements  of  operations.  Residual  interests
from PFH’s securitizations and recharacterization accounted for
as trading securities amounted to $40,197,000 at December 31,
2007 (2006 - $36,552,000). The Corporation recognized trading
losses  on  these  residual  interests  of  $39,661,000  for  the  year
ended December 31, 2007 (2006 - $970,000).

PFH  receives  average  annual  servicing  fees  based  on  a
percentage of the outstanding loan balance. In 2007, those average
fees were 0.50% for mortgage loans (2006 – 0.50%).

the  mortgage  loans  transferred  to  the  securitization  trusts.  As
part of the recharacterization, the Corporation recognized residual
interests  of  $38,308,000  and  MSRs  of  $18,008,000.  The
Corporation  had  previously  recorded  MSRs  in  several  of  these
securitization  transactions  and  their  outstanding  fair  value
approximated $17,505,000 at December 31, 2007. The impact of
the  recharacterization  transaction  was  a  pre-tax  loss  of
$90,143,000,  which  is  included  in  the  caption  “(Loss)  gain  on
sale of loans and valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale” in
the consolidated statement of income.

During  2006,  the  Corporation  conducted  three  off-balance
sheet asset securitizations that involved the transfer of mortgage
loans to QSPEs. Approximately $1,024,633,000 in ARM and fixed-
rate loans were securitized and sold by PFH during 2006, with a
gain  on  sale  of  approximately  $18,849,000.  As  part  of  these
transactions,  the  Corporation  initially  recognized  MSRs  of
$18,542,000 and residual interests of $36,927,000.

When the Corporation transfers financial assets and the transfer
fails any one of the SFAS No. 140 criteria, the Corporation is not
permitted to derecognize the transferred financial assets and the
transaction is accounted for as a secured borrowing (“on-balance
sheet securitization”). The loans are included in Note 8 as pledged
loans held-in-portfolio.

The  Corporation  did  not  execute  any  on-balance  sheet
securitization  during  2007.  During  2006,  the  Corporation
completed  three  on-balance  sheet  securitizations  consisting  of
approximately  $1,163,619,000  in  adjustable  and  fixed-rate
nonprime  mortgage  loans.  As  part  of  these  transactions,  the
Corporation recognized MSRs of $16,521,000.

Under  SFAS  No.  140,  interest-only  strips,  retained  interests
in securitizations or other financial assets that can contractually
be prepaid or otherwise settled in such a way that the holder would
not recover substantially all of its investment shall be subsequently
measured like investments in debt securities classified as available-
for-sale or trading under SFAS No. 115.

Residual  interests  retained  as  part  of  off-balance  sheet
securitizations  of  subprime  mortgage  loans  prior  to  2006  had
been classified as investment securities available-for-sale and are
presented at fair value in the consolidated statements of condition.
PFH’s  residual  interests  classified  as  available-for-sale  as  of
December  31,  2007  amounted  to  $4,812,000  (2006  -
$49,413,000). The Corporation reviews the residual interests for
potential impairment on a quarterly basis and records impairment
in accordance with SFAS No. 115 and EITF 99-20. Management’s
basis in determining when these securities must be written down
to fair value due to other-than-temporary impairment is based on
EITF 99-20. Whenever the current fair value of the residual interests
classified as available-for-sale is lower than its current amortized
cost, management evaluates to see if an impairment charge for the
deficiency is required to be taken through earnings. If there has

116

Key  economic  assumptions  used  in  measuring  the  retained
interests at the date of the securitization and recharacterization
transactions completed during the year ended December 31, 2007
were:

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, key economic assumptions
used to estimate the fair value of the residual interests and MSRs
derived from PFH’s securitizations and the sensitivity of residual
cash  flows  to  immediate  changes  in  those  assumptions  were  as
follows:

MSRs

Residual
interests

Fixed-rate
loans

ARM
loans

Average prepayment

speed

20.7% to 28% 20.7% to 28% 30% to 35%

(Fixed-rate loans)
30% to 35%
(ARM loans)

Weighted  average  life

of collateral (in years)

6.8 years

4.2 years

2.6 years

Cumulative  credit

losses

Discount rate
(annual rate)

4.21% to 13.13%

-

-

25% to 40%

17%

17%

In connection with the securitizations, PFH’s retained interests
are subordinated to investors’ interests. Their value is subject to
credit,  prepayment  and  interest  rate  risks  on  the  transferred
financial assets. The securitization related assets recorded in the
statements of condition at year-end were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying amount of retained interests
Fair value of retained interests

December 31, 2007

Residual
interests
$45,009
$45,009

MSRs

Fixed-rate
loans
$47,243
$47,243

ARM
loans
$11,335
$11,335

Weighted average collateral life (in years)

7.6 years

4.3 years

2.6 years

Weighted average prepayment speed
(annual rate)

20.7% (Fixed-rate
loans)
30% (ARM loans)

20.7%

30.0%

Impact on fair value of 10%

adverse change

Impact on fair value of 20%

adverse change

$5,031

($192)

$6,766

($886)

$272

$688

Weighted average discount rate (annual rate)

40.0%

17.0%

17.0%

Impact on fair value of 10%

adverse change

Impact on fair value of 20%

adverse change

($2,884)

($1,466)

($225)

($5,427)

($2,846)

($441)

(In thousands)

Residual  interests

MSRs

Servicing advances

2007

$45,009

58,578

167,610

2006

$85,965

67,855

42,617

Impact on fair value of 10%

adverse change

Impact on fair value of 20%

adverse change

($8,829)

($15,950)

December 31, 2006

Cumulative credit losses

3.35% to 11.03%

-

-

-

-

-

-

(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying amount of retained interests
Fair value of retained interests
Weighted average collateral life (in years)

Residual
interests
$85,965
$85,965
3.2 years

MSRs

Fixed-rate
loans
$38,017
$37,815
3.1 years

ARM
loans
$29,838
$32,212
2.1 years

Weighted average prepayment speed
(annual rate)

28% (Fixed-rate loans)
35% (ARM loans)

Impact on fair value of 10%

adverse change

Impact on fair value of 20%

adverse change

($5,543)

($9,284)

Weighted average discount rate (annual rate)

17%

28%

35%

$210

$234

16%

($149)

($200)

16%

Impact on fair value of 10%

adverse change

Impact on fair value of 20%

adverse change

($4,172)

($901)

($542)

($8,081)

($1,761)

($1,060)

Cumulative credit losses

1.28% to 3.19%

Impact on fair value of 10%

adverse change

Impact on fair value of 20%

adverse change

($4,792)

($9,558)

-

-

-

-

-

-

2007     Annual Report        117
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

PFH, as servicer, collects prepayment penalties on a substantial
portion  of  the  underlying  serviced  loans.  As  such,  an  adverse
change in the prepayment assumptions with respect to the MSRs
could be partially offset by the benefit derived from the prepayment
penalties estimated to be collected.

The  amounts  included  in  the  tables  above  exclude  any
purchased  MSRs  since  these  assets  were  not  derived  from
securitizations or loan sales executed by the Corporation.

Certain  cash  flows  received  from  and  paid  to  securitization
trusts for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, included:

 (In thousands)
Servicing  fees  received
Servicing advances, net of

repayments

Other  cash  flows  received

on  retained  interests

2007

$18,115

124,993

19,899

2006

$20,440

8,726

25,250

Banking subsidiaries
In  addition,  the  Corporation’s  banking  subsidiaries  retain
servicing responsibilities on the sale of wholesale mortgage loans
and  loans  guaranteed  by  the  Small  Business  Administration
(“SBA”). Also, servicing responsibilities are retained under pooling
/  selling  arrangements  of  mortgage  loans  into  mortgage-backed
securities, primarily GNMA and FNMA securities. Substantially
all mortgage loans securitized by the banking subsidiaries have
fixed  rates.  Under  these  servicing  agreements,  the  banking
subsidiaries do not earn significant prepayment penalties on the
underlying loans serviced.

Gains of $21,092,000 and $42,672,000 were realized by the
banking subsidiaries on the securitization transactions that met
the  sale  criteria  under  SFAS  No.  140  and  the  whole  loan  sales
involving retained interests, which took place in 2007 and 2006,
respectively.

The  banking  subsidiaries  receive  average  annual  servicing
fees  based  on  a  percentage  of  the  outstanding  loan  balance.  In
2007, those weighted average fees were 0.26% for mortgage loans
(2006 - 0.27%) and 1.07% for SBA loans (2006 - 1.10%).

Key  economic  assumptions  used  in  measuring  the  servicing
rights retained at the date of the securitizations and whole loan
sales by the banking subsidiaries were:

Residential Mortgage
 Loans

SBA
Loans

2007

2006

2007

2006

Prepayment speed
Weighted average life (in years)
Discount rate (annual rate)

9.5%
10.6 years
10.7%

13.9%
8.3 years
10.2%

18.3%
17.0%
3.0 years 3.3 years
13.0%
13.0%

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, key economic assumptions
used  to  estimate  the  fair  value  of  servicing  rights  derived  from
transactions  performed  by  the  banking  subsidiaries  and  the
sensitivity of residual cash flows to immediate changes in those
assumptions were as follows:

December 31, 2007

(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying amount of retained interests
Fair value of retained interests
Weighted average life (in years)
Weighted average prepayment speed (annual rate)
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
Weighted average discount rate (annual rate)
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

Residential
Mortgage Loans
$86,453
$86,453
12.5  years
8.0%
($1,983)
($3,902)

10.83%

($2,980)

($5,795)

December 31, 2006

(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying amount of retained interests
Fair value of retained interests
Weighted average life (in years)
Weighted average prepayment speed (annual rate)
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change
Weighted average discount rate (annual rate)
Impact on fair value of 10% adverse change
Impact on fair value of 20% adverse change

Residential
Mortgage Loans
$62,784
$73,332
9.2 years
14.0%
($1,868)
($4,151)
10.3%
($2,142)
($4,200)

SBA Loans
$5,021
$7,324
3.0 years
18.3%

($348)
($706)

13.00%

($209)

($427)

SBA Loans
$4,860
$7,705
3.3 years
17.0%

($355)
($724)
13.0%
($235)
($479)

The  amounts  of  MSRs  presented  in  the  table  above  exclude

purchased MSRs.

The expected credit losses for the residential mortgage loans
securitized / sold are minimal. Also, no credit losses are anticipated
on the retained servicing assets derived from the sale of SBA loans
since the participation sold is substantially guaranteed by SBA.
The  sensitivity  analyses  presented  in  the  tables  above  for
residual  interests  and  servicing  rights  of  PFH  and  the  banking
subsidiaries are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As
the figures indicate, changes in fair value based on a 10 and 20
percent variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated
because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change
in  fair  value  may  not  be  linear.  Also,  in  the  sensitivity  tables
included herein, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption
on  the  fair  value  of  the  retained  interest  is  calculated  without
changing any other assumption; in reality, changes in one factor
may result in changes in another (for example, increases in market
interest rates may result in lower prepayments and increased credit
losses),  which  might  magnify  or  counteract  the  sensitivities.

118

Quantitative  information  about  delinquencies,  net  credit
losses, and components of securitized financial assets and other
assets  managed  together  with  them  by  the  Corporation  for  the
years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, were as follows:

2007

Total principal Principal amount
amount of loans,
net of unearned

past due

60 days or more Net credit

(In thousands)
Loans (owned and managed):
Commercial
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer
Less:

Loans securitized / sold
Loans held-for-sale
Loans held-in-portfolio

(In thousands)
Loans (owned and managed):
Commercial
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer
Less:

Loans securitized / sold
Loans held-for-sale
Loans held-in-portfolio

losses

$78,557
15,027
160,319
186,173

losses

$38,322
13,883
67,478
118,906

$15,746,646
1,164,439
16,026,827
5,684,600

$478,067
18,653
1,325,228
141,142

(8,711,510)
(1,889,546)
$28,021,456

(760,931)
-

$1,202,159

(16,979)
-
$423,097

2006

Total principal Principal amount
amount of loans,
net of unearned

past due

60 days or more Net credit

$14,599,245
1,226,490
17,083,839
5,278,456

$186,257
35,083
927,036
117,976

(5,451,091)
(719,922)
$32,017,017

(204,701)
-

$1,061,651

(8,844)
-
$229,745

Under the GNMA securitizations, the Corporation, as servicer,
has  the  right  to  repurchase,  at  its  option  and  without  GNMA’s
prior  authorization,  any  loan  that  is  collateral  for  a  GNMA
guaranteed mortgage-backed security when certain delinquency
criteria are met. At the time that individual loans meet GNMA’s
specified delinquency criteria and are eligible for repurchase, the
Corporation  is  deemed  to  have  regained  effective  control  over
these loans. At December 31, 2007, the Corporation had recorded
$41,564,000  in  mortgage  loans  under  this  buy-back  option
program (2006 - $24,822,000).

Note  24  -  Employee  benefits:
Note  24  -  Employee  benefits:
Note  24  -  Employee  benefits:
Note  24  -  Employee  benefits:
Note  24  -  Employee  benefits:
Pension and benefit restoration plans
Certain  employees  of  BPPR  and  BPNA  are  covered  by  non-
contributory defined benefit pension plans. Pension benefits are
based  on  age,  years  of  credited  service,  and  final  average
compensation.

BPPR’s  non-contributory,  defined  benefit  retirement  plan  is
currently  closed  to  new  hires  and  to  employees  who  as  of
December 31, 2005 were under 30 years of age or were credited
with less than 10 years of benefit service. The retirement plan’s

benefit  formula  is  based  on  a  percentage  of  average  final
compensation and years of service. Normal retirement age under
the  retirement  plans  is  age  65  with  5  years  of  service.  Pension
costs are funded in accordance with minimum funding standards
under  the  Employee  Retirement  Income  Security  Act  of  1974
(“ERISA”). Benefits under the BPPR retirement plan are subject to
the U.S. Internal Revenue Code limits on compensation and benefits.
Benefits  under  restoration  plans  restore  benefits  to  selected
employees that are limited under the retirement plan due to U.S.
Internal Revenue Code limits and a compensation definition that
excludes amounts deferred pursuant to nonqualified arrangements.
Effective  April  1,  2007,  the  Corporation  froze  its  non-
contributory,  defined  benefit  retirement  plan,  which  covered
substantially all salaried employees of BPNA hired before June 30,
2004. This plan was in the process of termination on December
31, 2007. These actions were also applicable to the related plan
that restored benefits to select employees that were limited under
the retirement plan.

The  Corporation’s  funding  policy  is  to  make  annual
contributions to the plans in amounts which fully provide for all
benefits as they become due under the plans.

 The Corporation’s pension fund investment strategy is to invest
in a prudent manner for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits
to  participants.  A  well  defined  internal  structure  has  been
established to develop and implement a risk-controlled investment
strategy  that  is  targeted  to  produce  a  total  return  that,  when
combined with the bank’s contributions to the fund, will maintain
the fund’s ability to meet all required benefit obligations. Risk is
controlled  through  diversification  of  asset  types,  such  as
investments  in  domestic  and  international  equities  and  fixed
income.

Equity investments include various types of stock and index
funds. Also, this category includes Popular, Inc.’s common stock.
Fixed  income  investments  include  U.S.  Government  securities
and other U.S. agencies’ obligations, corporate bonds, mortgage
loans, mortgage-backed securities and index funds, among others.
A  designated  committee,  with  the  assistance  of  an  external
consultant, periodically reviews the performance of the pension
plans’  investments  and  assets  allocation.  The  Trustee  and  the
money  managers  are  allowed  to  exercise  investment  discretion,
subject to limitations established  by the pension plans’ investment
policies. The plans forbid money managers to enter into derivative
transactions, unless approved by the Trustee.

The  overall  expected  long-term  rate-of-return-on-assets
assumption reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the
funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included
in the benefit obligation. The assumption has been determined by
reflecting  expectations  regarding  future  rates  of  return  for  the
plan  assets,  with  consideration  given  to  the  distribution  of  the
investments by asset class and historical rates of return for each

2007     Annual Report        119
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

individual asset class. This process is reevaluated at least on an
annual  basis  and  if  market,  actuarial  and  economic  conditions
change, adjustments to the rate of return may come into place.

The  plans’  weighted-average  asset  allocations  at  December

31, by asset category were as follows:

Equity  securities
Fixed  income  securities
Other

2007

69%
31
-

100%

2006

67%
31
2

100%

The  plans’  target  allocation  for  2007  and  2006,  by  asset
category,  approximated  70%  in  equity  securities  and  30%  in
debt  securities.

At December 31, 2007, these plans included 2,745,720 shares
(2006  -  2,745,720)  of  the  Corporation’s  common  stock  with  a
market  value  of  approximately  $29,105,000  (2006  -
$49,286,000).  Dividends  paid  on  shares  of  the  Corporation’s
common  stock  held  by  the  plan  during  2007  amounted  to
$1,757,000  (2006  -  $1,757,000).

As  indicated  in  Note  1,  the  Corporation  adopted  SFAS  No.
158  as  of  December  31,  2006.  Under  SFAS  No.  158  each
overfunded plan is recognized as an asset and each underfunded
plan is recognized as a liability. The initial impact of the standard
due to unrecognized prior service costs or credits and net actuarial
gains or losses as well as subsequent changes in the funded status
was recognized as a component of accumulated comprehensive
loss  in  stockholders’  equity.  Additional  minimum  pension
liabilities  (“AMPL”)  and  related  intangible  assets  were  also
derecognized upon adoption of the new standard. The following
table summarizes the effect of required changes in the AMPL as of
December 31, 2006 prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 158 as well
as the impact of the initial adoption of SFAS No. 158.

Pension  Plans:

December  31,
2006 prior
AMPL  and

December  31,
2006 Post
AMPL  and

SFAS

Benefit  Restoration  Plans:

December  31,
2006 prior to
AMPL  and

December  31,
2006 Post
AMPL  and

SFAS

(In  thousands)

SFAS No. 158 AMPL
No. 158 SFAS No. 158
AdjustmentsAdjustment Adjustment Adjustment

Prepaid  pension  costs
Benefit  liabilities
Accumulated other

$2,057
(5,634)

-
-

($2,057)
(6,507)

-
($12,141)

comprehensive  loss

2,354

$1,539

8,564

12,457

The following table sets forth the aggregate status of the plans
and  the  amounts  recognized  in  the  consolidated  financial
statements at December 31:

(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation

at beginning of year

Service cost
Interest cost
Curtailment gain
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
Benefit obligations
at end of year

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets
at beginning of year

Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at

Pension Plans

 Benefit

Restoration Plans
2007

Total

$569,457
11,023
31,850
(1,291)
(30,314)
(25,392)

$29,619
898
1,677
(334)
(2,511)
(284)

$599,076
11,921
33,527
(1,625)
(32,825)
(25,676)

$555,333

$29,065

$584,398

$536,856
13,624
1,002
(25,392)

$17,477
2,053
1,154
(284)

$554,333
15,677
2,156
(25,676)

end of year

$526,090

$20,400

$546,490

Amounts recognized in
accumulated other
comprehensive loss
under SFAS No. 158:
Net prior service cost
Net loss
Accumulated other

$1,130
44,879

($356)
8,709

$774
53,588

comprehensive loss (AOCL)

$46,009

$8,353

$54,362

(In  thousands)

SFAS No. 158 AMPL
No. 158 SFAS No. 158
AdjustmentsAdjustment Adjustment Adjustment

Reconciliation of  net (liability) / asset:
Net (liability) / asset at beginning

Prepaid  pension  costs
Benefit  liabilities
Accumulated other

comprehensive  loss

$21,071
(4,595)

-

-
-

-

($21,071)
(28,007)

-
($32,602)

49,078

49,078

of year

($32,602)

($12,141)

($44,743)

Amount recognized in AOCL at

beginning of year, pre-tax

49,078

12,457

61,535

(Accrual) / prepaid at beginning

of year

Net periodic benefit (cost) / income
Additional benefit (cost) / income
Contributions
(Accrual) / prepaid at end of year
Amount recognized in AOCL
Net (liability) / asset at end of year
Accumulated benefit obligation

16,476
(959)
247
1,002
16,766
(46,009)
($29,243)
$512,238

316
(2,040)
258
1,154
(312)
(8,353)
($8,665)
$24,438

16,792
(2,999)
505
2,156
16,454
(54,362)
($37,908)
$536,676

Pension Plans

 Benefit

Restoration Plans
2006

The  change  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss

Total

(“AOCL”), pre-tax for the plans was as follows:

120

(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation

at beginning of year

Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gain) loss
Benefits paid
Transfer of obligation*
Benefit obligations
at end of year

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets
at beginning of year

Actual return on plan assets
Employer contributions
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at

$567,154
12,509
30,558
(18,265)
(23,561)
1,062

$29,316
1,047
1,601
(983)
(300)
(1,062)

$596,470
13,556
32,159
(19,248)
(23,861)
-

$569,457

$29,619

$599,076

$509,457
49,037
1,923
(23,561)

$12,259
(20)
5,538
(300)

$521,716
49,017
7,461
(23,861)

end of year

$536,856

$17,477

$554,333

Amounts recognized in
accumulated other
comprehensive loss
under SFAS No. 158:
Net prior service cost
Net loss
Accumulated other

comprehensive loss

$1,340
47,738

($412)
12,869

$928
60,607

$49,078

$12,457

$61,535

Reconciliation of net (liability) asset:
Net (liability) asset at
beginning of year
Net periodic benefit cost
Contributions
Amount recognized in AOCL
Transfer of unrecognized amounts*
Net (liability) asset at end of year
Accumulated benefit obligation

$20,485
(5,289)
1,923
(49,078)
(643)
($32,602)
$504,976

($3,228)
(2,637)
5,538
(12,457)
643
($12,141)
$20,801

$17,257
(7,926)
7,461
(61,535)
-
($44,743)
$525,777

* Benefit obligations were transferred from the benefit restoration plans to the qualified retirement
plan due to removal of the compensation limit "sunset provisions" under the Pension Protection Act
of 2006. Pro-rata amounts of the unrecognized prior service costs and losses were also transferred.

(In thousands)

Pension Plans

Restoration Plans

Total

Accumulated other comprehensive

loss at January 1, 2007

$49,078

$12,457

$61,535

Benefit

Increase (decrease) in AOCL:
Recognized during the year:
Prior service (cost) / credit
Actuarial (losses) / gains
Ocurring during the year:

Net actuarial losses / (gains)

Total decrease in AOCL
Accumulated other comprehensive

(210)
250

(3,109)
(3,069)

56
(736)

(3,424)
(4,104)

(154)
(486)

(6,533)
(7,173)

loss at December 31,  2007

$46,009

$8,353

$54,362

The  amounts  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  that
are  expected  to  be  recognized  as  components  of  net  periodic
benefit cost (credit) during 2008 are as follows:

(In thousands)
Net prior service cost (credit)
Net loss

Pension Plans Benefit Restoration Plans

$266
(250)

($53)
686

Information for plans with an accumulated benefit obligation
in excess of plan assets for the years ended December 31, follows:

(In thousands)

Pension Plans
2006
2007

Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

$13,075
13,075
9,616

$13,721
9,318
8,075

Benefit
Restoration Plans
2006
2007

$29,065
24,438
20,400

$29,619
20,801
17,477

Information  for  plans  with  plan  assets  in  excess  of  the
accumulated benefit obligation for the years ended December 31,
follows:

Of  the  total  liabilities  of  the  pension  plans  and  benefit
restoration  plans  as  of  December  31,  2007,  approximately
$3,459,000 and $294,000, respectively, were considered current
liabilities.

(In thousands)
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets

Pension Plans

2007
$542,258
499,163
516,474

2006
$555,736
495,658
528,781

The  actuarial  assumptions  used  to  determine  benefit

obligations for the years ended December 31, were as follows:

Discount rate

Rate of compensation

2007

6.40% (P.R. Plan)
4.50% (U.S. Plan)*

     2006

5.75%

increase - weighted average

4.20%
* A discount rate of 4.50% was used to remeasure liabilities under the U.S. retirement plan as of
January 31, 2007 to reflect plan freeze as of April 1, 2007 and pending plan termination.

4.60%

2007     Annual Report        121
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

The actuarial assumptions used to determine the components
of  net  periodic  pension  cost  for  the  years  ended  December  31,
were as follows:

The  following  benefit  payments,  attributable  to  past  and
estimated future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:

(In thousands)
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013 - 2017

Pension
$39,854
28,075
29,436
30,847
32,336
185,002

Benefit
Restoration Plans
$842
781
1,019
1,253
1,467
10,749

Postretirement health care benefits
In addition to providing pension benefits, BPPR provides certain
health care benefits for retired employees. Regular employees of
BPPR,  except  for  employees  hired  after  February  1,  2000,  may
become  eligible  for  health  care  benefits,  provided  they  reach
retirement age while working for BPPR.

The adoption of SFAS No. 158 also impacted the accounting
for  the  postretirement  health  care  benefits  plan.  The  following
table summarizes the impact of the initial adoption of SFAS No.
158 on December 31, 2006.

(In thousands)

Postretirement liabilities
Accumulated other

comprehensive  loss

December 31,
2006 prior
SFAS No. 158
adjustments

December 31,
2006 Post

SFAS No 158. SFAS No. 158
adjustment Adjustment

($126,881)

($7,725)

($134,606)

-

$7,725

$7,725

The  amounts  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  that
are  expected  to  be  recognized  as  components  of  net  periodic
benefit cost for the postretirement health care benefit plan during
2008 are as follows:

(In thousands)
Net prior service cost (credit)

($1,046)

Pension Plans
2006

2005

   2007

Benefit
Restoration Plans
2005
2007 2006

Discount rate

5.75% (P.R. Plan) 5.50% 5.75%

5.75% 5.50% 5.75%

4.50% (U.S. Plan)

Expected return on

plan assets

Rate of compensation

8.00% 8.00% 8.00%

8.00% 8.00% 8.00%

increase - weighted average

4.80% 4.20% 5.10%

4.80% 4.20% 5.10%

The  components  of  net  periodic  pension  cost  for  the  years

ended December 31, were as follows:

Pension Plans

Benefit
Restoration Plans

(In thousands)

2007

2006

2005

2007

2006

2005

Components of net

periodic pension cost:

Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return
on plan assets
Amortization of

asset obligation

Amortization of

prior service cost

Amortization of

net loss
Net periodic

cost (benefit)

Curtailment loss (gain)
Total cost

$11,023
31,850

$12,509
30,558

$15,274
29,873

$898
1,677

$1,047
1,601

$967
1,330

(42,121)

(39,901)

(40,674)

(1,473)

(1,056)

(843)

-

207

-

959
(247)
$712

-

177

1,946

5,289
-
$5,289

(862)

-

-

-

345

271

4,227
1,982
$6,209

(53)

(55)

(93)

991

1,100

719

2,040
(258)
$1,782

2,637
-
$2,637

2,080
(338)
$1,742

In October 2005, the Board of Directors of BPPR adopted an
amendment  for  the  Puerto  Rico  Retirement  and  Tax  Qualified
Retirement Restoration Plans to freeze benefits for all employees
under age 30 or who have less than 10 years of credited service
effective  January  1,  2006.  As  part  of  the  amendment,  these
employees  were  100%  vested  in  their  accrued  benefit  as  of
December 31, 2005. The expense for these plans was remeasured
as of September 30, 2005 to consider this change using a discount
rate of 5.50%. Curtailment costs were considered for these plans
and are included as part of the December 31, 2005 disclosures. In
connection  with  the  plan's  change,  these  employees  received  a
base salary increase according to their age and years of service,
effective January 1, 2006.

During  2008,  the  Corporation  expects  to  contribute
$3,359,000 to the pension plans and $2,302,000 to the benefit
restoration plans.

122

The status of the Corporation’s unfunded postretirement benefit

plan at December 31, was as follows:

(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning

 of the year
Service cost
Interest cost
Benefits paid
Actuarial gain
Benefit obligation at end of year

Funded status at end of year:

Benefit obligation at end of year
Fair value of plan assets
Funded status at end of year

Amounts recognized in
accumulated other
comprehensive loss
under SFAS No. 158:

Net prior service cost
Net loss
Accumulated other

2007

2006

$134,606
2,312
7,556
(6,434)
(11,994)
$126,046

$143,183
2,797
7,707
(6,304)
(12,777)
$134,606

($126,046)
-
($126,046)

($134,606)
-
($134,606)

($4,299)
1,076

($5,345)
13,070

comprehensive (income) loss

($3,223)

$7,725

Reconciliation of net (liability) / asset:
Net (liability) / asset at beginning of year
Amount recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive loss at beginning of year,
pre-tax

(Accrual) / prepaid at beginning of year
Net periodic benefit (cost) / income
Contributions
(Accrual) / prepaid at end of year
Amount recognized in accumulated other

comprehensive  income (loss)
Net (liability) / asset at end of year

($134,606)

($122,769)

7,725
(126,881)
(8,822)
6,434
(129,269)

-
(122,769)
(10,416)
6,304
(126,881)

3,223
($126,046)

(7,725)
($134,606)

Of the total postretirement liabilities as of December 31, 2007,

approximately $6,284,000 were considered current liabilities.

The change in accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-

tax for the postretirement plan was as follows:

The  weighted  average  discount  rate  used  to  determine  the
components  of  net  periodic  postretirement  benefit  cost  for  the
year ended December 31, 2007 was 5.75% (2006 - 5.50%; 2005
-  5.75%).

The  components  of  net  periodic  postretirement  benefit  cost

for the year ended December 31, were as follows:

(In thousands)

Service cost
Interest cost
Amortization of prior service benefit
Amortization of net loss
Total net periodic benefit cost

   2007

2006

2005

$2,312
7,556
(1,046)
-
$8,822

$2,797
7,707
(1,046)
958
$10,416

$2,713
8,267
(1,046)
1,691
$11,625

The assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31, were

as follows:

To  determine  postretirement  benefit  obligation:

Initial health care cost trend rate
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
Year that the ultimate trend

rate is reached

To  determine  net  periodic  benefit  cost:

Initial health care cost trend rate
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
Year that the ultimate trend

rate is reached

2007

8.00%
5.00%

2011

2007

9.00%
5.00%

2011

2006

9.00%
5.00%

2011

2006

10.00%
5.00%

2011

The Plan provides that the cost will be capped to 3% of the
annual health care cost increase affecting only those employees
retiring after February 1, 2001.

Assumed health care trend rates generally have a significant
effect  on  the  amounts  reported  for  a  health  care  plan.  A  one-
percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates
would have the following effects:

(In thousands)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at January 1, 2007
Increase (decrease) in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
Recognized during the year:
Prior service (cost) / credit

Ocurring during the year:

Net actuarial losses (gains)

Total decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2007

$7,725

(In thousands)

Effect  on  total  service  cost  and

interest  cost  components

1,046

Effect  on  postretirement

benefit  obligation

1-Percentage
Point Increase

1-Percentage
Point Decrease

$436

6,100

($379)

(5,300)

(11,994)
($10,948)
($3,223)

The  Corporation  expects  to  contribute  $6,284,000  to  the
postretirement benefit plan in 2008 to fund current benefit payment
requirements.

The weighted average discount rate used in determining the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31,
2007 was 6.40% (2006 - 5.75%).

2007     Annual Report        123
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

The Corporation’s policy has been to use authorized but unissued
shares  of  common  stock  to  cover  each  grant.  The  maximum
option term is ten years from the date of grant. Unless an option
agreement  provides  otherwise,  all  options  granted  are  20%
exercisable after the first year and an additional 20% is exercisable
after  each  subsequent  year,  subject  to  an  acceleration  clause  at
termination of employment due to retirement.

The following table presents information on stock options as

of December 31, 2007:

Exercise
Price
Range
per Share
$14.39  -  $18.50
$19.25  -  $27.20

Options
Outstanding
1,511,613
1,580,579

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price of
Options
Outstanding
$15.81
$25.27

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Life of Options
Outstanding
 in Years
4.73
6.50

Options
Exercisable
(fully vested)
1,394,068
1,008,413

Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price of
Options
Exercisable
$15.73
$25.02

$14.39  -  $27.20

3,092,192

$20.64

5.63

2,402,481

$19.63

The  aggregate  intrinsic  value  of  options  outstanding  as  of
December 31, 2007 was $7,311,000 (2006 - $24,097,000). There
was no intrinsic value of options exercisable as of December 31,
2007 (2006 - $2,642,000).

The following table summarizes the stock option activity and

related information:

Outstanding at January 1, 2005
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2005
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired

Options
Outstanding
2,584,620
707,342
(47,858)
(20,401)
3,223,703
-
(39,449)
(37,818)
(1,637)
3,144,799
-
(10,064)
(19,063)
(23,480)

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
$18.76
27.20
16.14
22.18
$20.63
-
15.78
23.75
24.05
$20.65
-
15.83
25.50
20.08

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

3,092,192

$20.64

The stock options exercisable at December 31, 2007 totaled
2,402,481  (2006  -  1,949,522;  2005  -  1,501,447).  The  cash
received from the stock options exercised during the year ended
December  31,  2007  amounted  to  $159,000.  The  total  intrinsic
value of options exercised during the year ended December 31,
2007 was $28,000 (2006 - $86,000; 2005 - $247,000).

The  following  benefit  payments,  attributable  to  past  and
estimated future service, as appropiate, are expected to be paid:

(In thousands)

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013 - 2017

$6,284
6,628
6,939
7,223
7,458
41,915

Savings plans
The  Corporation  also  provides  contributory  savings  plans
pursuant to Section 1165(e) of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue
Code and Section 401(k) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, as
applicable, for substantially all the employees of the Corporation.
Investments in the plans are participant-directed, and employer
matching  contributions  are  determined  based  on  the  specific
provisions of each plan. Employees are fully vested in the employer’s
contribution  after  five  years  of  service.  The  cost  of  providing
these  benefits  in  2007  was  $17,383,000  (2006  -  $27,306,000;
2005  -  $32,975,000).

The  plans  held  14,972,919  (2006  -  14,483,925;  2005  -
15,950,027) shares of common stock of the Corporation with a
market  value  of  approximately  $158,713,000  at  December  31,
2007 (2006 - $259,986,000; 2005 - $337,343,000).

Note  25  -  Stock-based  compensation:
Note  25  -  Stock-based  compensation:
Note  25  -  Stock-based  compensation:
Note  25  -  Stock-based  compensation:
Note  25  -  Stock-based  compensation:
The  Corporation  maintained  a  Stock  Option  Plan  (the  “Stock
Option Plan”), which permitted the granting of incentive awards
in  the  form  of  qualified  stock  options,  incentive  stock  options,
or non-statutory stock options of the Corporation. In April 2004,
the  Corporation’s  shareholders  adopted  the  Popular,  Inc.  2004
Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (the  “Incentive  Plan”),  which  replaced
and  superseded  the  Stock  Option  Plan.  Nevertheless,  all
outstanding award grants under the Stock Option Plan continue
to remain in effect at December 31, 2007 under the original terms
of the Stock Option Plan.

Stock Option Plan
Employees  and  directors  of  the  Corporation  or  any  of  its
subsidiaries were eligible to participate in the Stock Option Plan.
The  Board  of  Directors  or  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the
Board  had  the  absolute  discretion  to  determine  the  individuals
that  were  eligible  to  participate  in  the  Stock  Option  Plan.  This
plan provides for the issuance of Popular, Inc.’s common stock at
a price equal to its fair market value at the grant date, subject to
certain plan provisions. The shares are to be made available from
authorized but unissued shares of common stock or treasury stock.

124

The fair value of these options was estimated on the date of the
grants  using  the  Black-Scholes  Option  Pricing  Model.  The
weighted average assumptions used for the grant issued during
2005 was:

Expected  dividend  yield
Expected  life  of  options
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Weighted average fair value
of  options  granted  (per  option)

2005

2.56%
10 years
17.54%
4.16%

$5.95

There  were  no  new  stock  option  grants  issued  by  the
Corporation under the Stock Option Plan during 2007 and 2006.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation
recognized  $1,763,000  in  stock  options  expense,  with  a  tax
benefit  of  $700,000  (2006  -  $3,006,000,  with  a  tax  benefit  of
$1,221,000; 2005 - $5,226,000, with a tax benefit of $2,095,000).
The total unrecognized compensation cost at December 31, 2007
related to non-vested stock option awards was $1,674,000 and is
expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3
years.

Incentive Plan
The  Incentive  Plan  permits  the  granting  of  incentive  awards  in
the form of Annual Incentive Awards, Long-term Performance Unit
Awards,  Options,  Stock  Appreciation  Rights,  Restricted  Stock,
Restricted  Units,  or  Performance  Shares.  Participants  in  the
Incentive Plan are designated by the Compensation Committee of
the Board of Directors (or its delegate as determined by the Board).
Employees and directors of the Corporation and / or any of its
subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the Incentive Plan. The
shares may be made available from common stock purchased by
the Corporation for such purpose, authorized but unissued shares
of  common  stock  or  treasury  stock.  The  Corporation’s  policy
with respect to the shares of restricted stock has been to purchase
such shares in the open market to cover each grant.

Under  the  Incentive  Plan,  the  Corporation  has  issued  only
restricted shares, which become vested based on the employees’
continued service with Popular. The compensation cost associated
with the shares of restricted stock is estimated based on a two-
prong vesting schedule, unless otherwise stated in an agreement.
The first part is vested ratably over five years commencing at the
date  of  grant  and  the  second  part  is  vested  at  termination  of
employment after attainment of 55 years of age and 10 years of
service.  The  five-year  vesting  part  is  accelerated  at  termination
of  employment  after  attaining  55  years  of  age  and  10  years  of
service.

Beginning in 2007, the Corporation authorized the issuance
of performance shares, in addition to restricted shares, under a

long-term incentive plan. The perfomance shares award consists
of  the  opportunity  to  receive  shares  of  Popular  Inc.’s  common
stock provided the Corporation achieves certain perfomance goals
during  a  3-year  perfomance  cycle.  The  compensation  cost
associated  with  the  perfomance  shares  will  be  recorded  ratably
over a three-year perfomance period. The performance shares will
be granted at the end of the three-year period and will be vested at
grant date. As of December 31, 2007, no shares have been granted
under this plan.

The  following  table  summarizes  the  restricted  stock  activity
under the Incentive Plan and related information to members of
management:

Nonvested at January 1, 2005
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at January 1, 2006
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2006
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2007

Restricted
Stock
-
172,622
-
-
172,622
444,036
-
(5,188)
611,470
-
(304,003)
(3,781)
303,686

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
-
$27.65
-
-
$27.65
20.54
-
19.95
$22.55
-
22.76
19.95
$22.37

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2007,  no  shares  of
restricted stock were awarded to management under the Incentive
Plan (2006 - 444,036; 2005 - 172,622).

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation
recognized  $2,432,000  of  restricted  stock  expense  related  to
management  incentive  awards,  with  an  income  tax  benefit  of
$944,000  (2006  -  $2,296,000,  with  a  tax  benefit  of  $898,000;
2005  -  $3,998,000,  with  a  tax  benefit  of  $1,524,000).  The  fair
market  value  of  the  restricted  stock  was  $1,538,000  at  grant
date  and  $1,286,000  at  vesting  date.  This  difference  triggers  a
shortfall of $252,000 that was recorded as an additional income
tax  expense  since  the  Corporation  does  not  have  any  pool  of
windfall  tax  benefit.  The  fair  market  value  at  grant  date  of  the
restricted stocks earned was $5,383,000. The total unrecognized
compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards
was $3,984,000 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-
average period of 2.8 years.

2007     Annual Report        125
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

The  following  table  summarizes  the  restricted  stock  activity
under the Incentive Plan and related information to members of
the Board of Directors:

Note  27  -  Income  tax:
Note  27  -  Income  tax:
Note  27  -  Income  tax:
Note  27  -  Income  tax:
Note  27  -  Income  tax:
The  components  of  income  tax  expense  for  the  years  ended
December 31, are summarized below.

(In thousands)

2007

2006

2005

Current income tax expense:
Puerto Rico
Federal and States
Subtotal

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense:
Puerto Rico
Federal and States
Subtotal

Total income tax (benefit) expense

$157,436
7,302
164,738

(11,982)
(211,758)
(223,740)

($59,002)

$131,687
2,848
134,535

(6,596)
(21,053)
(27,649)

$113,888
38,162
152,050

(10,986)
7,851
(3,135)

$106,886

$148,915

The reasons for the difference between the income tax expense
applicable to income before provision for income taxes and the
amount  computed  by  applying  the  statutory  tax  rate  in  Puerto
Rico, were as follows:

2007

2006

2005

% of
pre-tax
 loss

% of
 pre-tax
 income Amount

% of
pre-tax
income

Amount

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount

Computed income tax at

statutory rates

($48,163)

39% $202,084

43.5% $284,694

41.5%

Benefits of net tax exempt

interest income

Effect of income subject to

capital gain tax rate
Non deductible goodwill

(60,304)

(24,555)

49

20

(70,250)

(15)

(78,216)

(11)

(2,426)

(1)

(24,612)

(4)

impairment

57,544

(47)

Difference in tax rates due to

multiple jurisdictions

27,038

(22)

(12,549)

 States taxes
and other

(10,562)

9

(9,973)

(3)

(2)

(14,886)

(2)

(18,065)

(3)

Income tax (benefit) expense ($59,002)

48% $106,886

22.5% $148,915

21.5%

Nonvested at January 1, 2005
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at January 1, 2006
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2006
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Nonvested at December 31, 2007

Restricted
Stock
20,802
29,208
(3,062)
-
46,948
32,267
(2,601)
-
76,614
38,427
(115,041)
-
-

Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair Value
$23.51
23.71
23.87
-
$23.61
19.82
23.54
-
$22.02
15.89
19.97
-
-

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation
granted 38,427 (2006 - 32,267; 2005 - 29,208) shares of restricted
stock to members of the Board of Directors of Popular, Inc. and
BPPR, which became vested at grant date. During this period, the
Corporation  recognized  $538,000  of  restricted  stock  expense
related  to  these  restricted  stock  grants,  with  a  tax  benefit  of
$210,000  (2006  -  $570,000,  with  a  tax  benefit  of  $222,000;
2005 - $635,000, with a tax benefit of $247,000). The fair value
of all restricted stocks outstanding as of December 31, 2007 was
$2,196,000.

Note  26  -  Rental  expense  and  commitments:
Note  26  -  Rental  expense  and  commitments:
Note  26  -  Rental  expense  and  commitments:
Note  26  -  Rental  expense  and  commitments:
Note  26  -  Rental  expense  and  commitments:
At  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  was  obligated  under  a
number of noncancelable leases for land, buildings, and equipment
which require rentals (net of related sublease rentals) as follows:

           Year

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Later years

Minimum
payments

Sublease
rentals

  Net

(In thousands)

$49,018
40,231
33,957
28,785
26,205
202,742
$380,938

$2,169
1,842
1,331
1,260
997
4,452
$12,051

$46,849
38,389
32,626
27,525
25,208
198,290
$368,887

Total rental expense for the year ended December 31, 2007
was  $84,515,000  (2006  -  $70,562,000;  2005  -  $62,395,000),
w h i c h   i s   i n c l u d e d   i n   n e t   o c c u p a n c y ,   e q u i p m e n t   a n d
communication expenses, according to their nature.

126

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities
for financial reporting purposes and their tax bases. Significant
components of the Corporation’s deferred tax assets and liabilities
at December 31, were as follows:

likelihood of its realization. Based on the information available,
the Corporation expects to fully realize all other items comprising
the net deferred tax asset as of December 31, 2007.

The net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) outstanding at

December 31, 2007 expire as follows:

2007

2006

(In thousands)

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:
Tax credits available for carryforward
Net operating loss and donation

 carryforward available

Deferred compensation
Postretirement and pension benefits
Unrealized net loss on trading and
available-for-sale securities
Deferred loan origination fees
Allowance for loan losses
Amortization of intangibles
Unearned income
Deferred gains
Unrealized  loss on derivatives
Basis difference related to securitizations
treated as sales for tax and borrowings
for books

Intercompany deferred gains
Other temporary differences

Total gross deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
Differences between the assigned

values and the tax bases of assets
and liabilities recognized in purchase
business combinations

Unrealized net gain on trading and
available for sale securities
Deferred loan origination costs
Accelerated depreciation
Amortization of intangibles
Unrealized gain on derivatives
Other temporary differences

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax asset

The net deferred tax asset shown in the table above at December
31, 2007 is reflected in the consolidated statements of condition
as  $525,369,000  in  deferred  tax  assets  (in  the  “other  assets”
caption) (2006 - $359,433,000) and $5,398,000 in deferred tax
liabilities  (in  the  “other  liabilities”  caption)  (2006  -  $23,000),
reflecting  the  aggregate  deferred  tax  assets  or  liabilities  of
individual  tax-paying  subsidiaries  of  the  Corporation.

At December 31, 2007, the Corporation had total credits of
$20,132,000 that will reduce the regular income tax liability in
future years expiring in annual installments through the year 2016.
A  valuation  allowance  of  $39,000  is  reflected  in  2007  and
2006,  related  to  deferred  tax  assets  arising  from  temporary
differences  for  which  the  Corporation  could  not  determine  the

$20,132

$23,568

175,349
4,993
62,548

-
8,333
214,544
-
1,488
16,355
932

66,105
17,017
14,204

602,000

17,254

19,367
9,938
10,346
8,819
-
16,266

81,990

39

35,327
4,452
71,277

51,417
5,766
200,155
168
1,218
-
-

7,588
16,369
19,725

437,030

38,546

-
24,112
12,037
-
258
2,628

77,581

39

$519,971

$359,410

2013
2014
2016
2017
2018
2019
2021
2022
2023
2026
2027

$1,573
1,832
7,263
8,542
14,640
1
76
971
1,248
495
138,708
$175,349

Under the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, the Corporation
and its subsidiaries are treated as separate taxable entities and are
not entitled to file consolidated tax returns. The Code provides a
dividend received deduction of 100% on dividends received from
“controlled”  subsidiaries  subject  to  taxation  in  Puerto  Rico  and
85%  on  dividends  received  from  other  taxable  domestic
corporations.

The  Corporation  has  never  received  any  dividend  payments
from  its  U.S.  subsidiaries.  Any  such  dividend  paid  from  a  U.S.
subsidiary  to  the  Corporation  would  be  subject  to  a  10%
withholding  tax  based  on  the  provisions  of  the  U.S.  Internal
Revenue  Code.  The  Corporation’s  U.S.  subsidiaries  (which  are
considered foreign under Puerto Rico income tax law) have never
remitted  retained  earnings.  The  Corporation  considers  the
reinvestment  of  such  earnings  permanent.  The  Corporation’s
subsidiaries in the United States file a consolidated return. As of
December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  had  no  current  or
accumulated  earnings  and  profits  on  its  combined  U.S.
subsidiaries’  operations  and,  accordingly,  the  recognition  of  a
deferred tax liability was not considered necessary.

The  Corporation’s  subsidiaries  in  the  United  States  file  a
consolidated federal income tax return. The Corporation’s federal
income tax (benefit) provision for 2007 was ($196,462,000) (2006
-  $26,994,000;  2005  -  $34,571,000).  The  intercompany
settlement of taxes paid is based on tax sharing agreements which
generally allocate taxes to each entity based on a separate return
basis.

The transitory provision approved by the Government of Puerto
Rico which increased the statutory tax rate for corporations expired
in year 2007, accordingly, the maximum rate is 39%.

2007     Annual Report        127
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

 The Corporation adopted FIN 48 effective January 1, 2007.
The initial adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on the Corporation’s
financial statements since management determined that there was
no  need  to  recognize  changes  in  the  liability  for  unrecognized
tax  benefits.

The  reconciliation  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits,  including

accrued interest, was as follows:

(In millions)
Balance as of January 1, 2007
Additions for tax positions related

to the current year

Additions  for  tax  positions  of

prior years

Reductions  for  tax  positions  of

prior years

Balance as of December 31, 2007

Total
$20.4

5.9

0.2

(4.3)
$22.2

As  of  December  31,  2007,  the  related  accrued  interest
approximated  $2,900,000.  Management  determined  that  as  of
December 31, 2007 there was no need to accrue for the payment of
penalties. The Corporation’s policy is to report interest related to
unrecognized  tax  benefits  in  income  tax  expense,  while  the
penalties, if any, are reported in other operating expenses in the
consolidated statements of operations.

After  consideration  of  the  effect  on  U.S.  federal  tax  of
unrecognized  U.S.  state  tax  benefits,  the  total  amount  of
unrecognized tax benefits, including U.S. and Puerto Rico that,
if  recognized,  would  affect  the  Corporation’s  effective  tax  rate,
was approximately $20,900,000 as of December 31, 2007.

The  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  may  increase  or
decrease in the future for various reasons including adding amounts
for  current  tax  year  positions,  expiration  of  open  income  tax
returns due to the statutes of limitation, changes in management’s
judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examinations,
litigation and legislative activity, and the addition or elimination
of  uncertain  tax  positions.

The Corporation and its subsidiaries file income tax returns
in Puerto Rico, the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various U.S. states
and  political  subdivisions,  and  foreign  jurisdictions.  As  of
December  31,  2007,  the  following  years  remain  subject  to
examination: U.S. Federal jurisdiction – 2005 and 2006 and Puerto
Rico  –  2003  through  2006.  The  U.S.  Internal  Revenue  Service
(“IRS”)  commenced  an  examination  of  the  Corporation’s  U.S.
operations tax return for 2005 that is anticipated to be finished
by the first quarter of 2008. As of December 31, 2007, the IRS has
not proposed any adjustment as a result of the audit. Although the
outcome of tax audits is uncertain, the Corporation believes that
adequate amounts of tax, interest, and penalties have been provided
for any adjustments that are expected to result from open years.
The Corporation does not anticipate a significant change to the

total  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  within  the  next  12
months.

-   O f f - b a l a n c e   s h e e t   a c t i v i t i e s   a n d
-   O f f - b a l a n c e   s h e e t   a c t i v i t i e s   a n d
-   O f f - b a l a n c e   s h e e t   a c t i v i t i e s   a n d
-   O f f - b a l a n c e   s h e e t   a c t i v i t i e s   a n d
-   O f f - b a l a n c e   s h e e t   a c t i v i t i e s   a n d

N o t e   2 8  
N o t e   2 8  
N o t e   2 8  
N o t e   2 8  
N o t e   2 8  
concentration  of  credit  risk:
concentration  of  credit  risk:
concentration  of  credit  risk:
concentration  of  credit  risk:
concentration  of  credit  risk:
Off-balance sheet risk
The  Corporation  is  a  party  to  financial  instruments  with  off-
balance sheet credit risk in the normal course of business to meet
the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments
include loan commitments, letters of credit, and standby letters
of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements
of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized
in the consolidated statements of condition.

The  Corporation’s  exposure  to  credit  loss  in  the  event  of
nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for
commitments  to  extend  credit,  standby  letters  of  credit  and
financial  guarantees  written  is  represented  by  the  contractual
notional amounts of those instruments. The Corporation uses the
same credit policies in making these commitments and conditional
obligations  as  it  does  for  those  reflected  on  the  consolidated
statements of condition.

Financial  instruments  with  off-balance  sheet  credit  risk  at
December 31, whose contract amounts represent potential credit
risk were as follows:

(In thousands)
Commitments to extend credit:

2007

2006

Credit card lines
Commercial  lines  of  credit
Other unused  credit  commitments

Commercial letters of credit
Standby letters of credit
Commitments to originate mortgage loans

$3,143,717
4,259,851
506,680
25,584
174,080
112,704

$2,896,090
4,329,664
508,815
20,689
180,869
547,695

Commitments to extend credit
Contractual  commitments  to  extend  credit  are  legally  binding
agreements to lend money to customers for a specified period of
time. To extend credit, the Corporation evaluates each customer’s
creditworthiness.  The  amount  of  collateral  obtained,  if  deemed
necessary,  is  based  on  management’s  credit  evaluation  of  the
counterparty. Collateral held varies but may include cash, accounts
receivable,  inventory,  property,  plant  and  equipment  and
investment  securities,  among  others.  Since  many  of  the  loan
commitments  may  expire  without  being  drawn  upon,  the  total
commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash
requirements.

Letters of credit
There are two principal types of letters of credit: commercial and
standby  letters  of  credit.  The  credit  risk  involved  in  issuing

128

letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending
loan  facilities  to  customers.

value of derivative instruments refer to Note 30 to the consolidated
financial  statements.

In  general,  commercial  letters  of  credit  are  short-term
instruments  used  to  finance  a  commercial  contract  for  the
shipment of goods from a seller to a buyer. This type of letter of
credit ensures prompt payment to the seller in accordance with
the terms of the contract. Although the commercial letter of credit
is  contingent  upon  the  satisfaction  of  specified  conditions,  it
represents a credit exposure if the buyer defaults on the underlying
transaction.

Standby  letters  of  credit  are  issued  by  the  Corporation  to
disburse  funds  to  a  third  party  beneficiary  if  the  Corporation’s
customer fails to perform under the terms of an agreement with the
beneficiary. These letters of credit are used by the customer as a
credit  enhancement  and  typically  expire  without  being  drawn
upon.

Other commitments
At  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  also  maintained  other
non-credit  commitments  for  $38,750,000,  primarily  for  the
acquisition of other investments (2006 - $43,378,000).

Geographic concentration
As  of  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  had  no  significant
concentrations of credit risk and no significant exposure to highly
leveraged  transactions  in  its  loan  portfolio.  Note  32  provides
further information on the asset composition of the Corporation
by geographical area as of December 31, 2007 and 2006.

Included  in  total  assets  of  Puerto  Rico  are  investments  in
obligations of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government agencies
amounting to $5,397,104,000 and $5,439,152,000 in 2007 and
2006,  respectively.

Note  29  -  Disclosures  about  fair  value  of  financial
Note  29  -  Disclosures  about  fair  value  of  financial
Note  29  -  Disclosures  about  fair  value  of  financial
Note  29  -  Disclosures  about  fair  value  of  financial
Note  29  -  Disclosures  about  fair  value  of  financial
i n s t r u m e n t s :
i n s t r u m e n t s :
i n s t r u m e n t s :
i n s t r u m e n t s :
i n s t r u m e n t s :
The fair value of financial instruments is the amount at which an
asset or obligation could be exchanged in a current transaction
between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on
the type of financial instrument and relevant market information.
Many  of  these  estimates  involve  various  assumptions  and  may
vary significantly from amounts that could be realized in actual
transactions.

The  information  about  the  estimated  fair  values  of  financial
instruments  presented  hereunder  excludes  all  nonfinancial
instruments and certain other specific items.

Derivatives  are  considered  financial  instruments  and  their
carrying  value  equals  fair  value.  For  disclosures  about  the  fair

For those financial instruments with no quoted market prices
available,  fair  values  have  been  estimated  using  present  value
calculations  or  other  valuation  techniques,  as  well  as
management’s  best  judgment  with  respect  to  current  economic
conditions,  including  discount  rates,  estimates  of  future  cash
flows, and prepayment assumptions.

The fair values reflected herein have been determined based on
the prevailing interest rate environment as of December 31, 2007
and  2006,  respectively.  In  different  interest  rate  environments,
fair value estimates can differ significantly, especially for certain
fixed  rate  financial  instruments.  In  addition,  the  fair  values
presented do not attempt to estimate the value of the Corporation’s
fee  generating  businesses  and  anticipated  future  business
activities, that is, they do not represent the Corporation’s value
as a going concern. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts
presented do not represent the underlying value of the Corporation.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate
the  fair  values  of  significant  financial  instruments  at  December
31, 2007 and 2006:

Short-term financial assets and liabilities have relatively short
maturities, or no defined maturities, and little or no credit risk.
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated statements of
condition approximate fair value. Included in this category are:
cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased
under  agreements  to  resell,  time  deposits  with  other  banks,
bankers  acceptances,  customers’  liabilities  on  acceptances,
accrued  interest  receivable,  federal  funds  purchased  and  assets
sold  under  agreements  to  repurchase,  short-term  borrowings,
acceptances outstanding and accrued interest payable. Resell and
repurchase agreements with long-term maturities are valued using
discounted cash flows based on market rates currently available
for agreements with similar terms and remaining maturities.

  Trading  and  investment  securities,  except  for  investments
classified  as  other  investment  securities  in  the  consolidated
statement  of  condition,  are  financial  instruments  that  regularly
trade  on  secondary  markets.  The  estimated  fair  value  of  these
securities  was  determined  using  either  market  prices  or  dealer
quotes,  where  available,  or  quoted  market  prices  of  financial
instruments  with  similar  characteristics.  Trading  account
securities  and  securities  available-for-sale  are  reported  at  their
respective fair values in the consolidated statements of condition
since they are marked-to-market for accounting purposes. These
instruments are detailed in the consolidated statements of condition
and in Notes 4, 5 and 30.

The  estimated  fair  value  for  loans  held-for-sale  is  based  on
secondary  market  prices.  The  fair  values  of  the  loan  portfolios
have been determined for groups of loans with similar characteristics.
Loans were segregated by type such as commercial, construction,

residential  mortgage,  consumer,  and  credit  cards.  Each  loan
category  was  further  segmented  based  on  loan  characteristics,
including  repricing  term  and  pricing.  The  fair  value  of  most
fixed-rate  loans  was  estimated  by  discounting  scheduled  cash
flows using interest rates currently being offered on loans with
similar terms. For variable rate loans with frequent repricing terms,
fair values were based on carrying values. Prepayment assumptions
have been applied to the mortgage and installment loan portfolio.
The  fair  value  of  the  loans  was  also  reduced  by  an  estimate  of
credit  losses  in  the  portfolio.  Generally  accepted  accounting
principles do not require, and the Corporation has not performed
a  fair  valuation  of  its  lease  financing  portfolio,  therefore  it  is
included in the loans total at its carrying amount.

The  fair  value  of  deposits  with  no  stated  maturity,  such  as
non-interest bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW, and money
market accounts is, for purposes of this disclosure, equal to the
amount payable on demand as of the respective dates. The fair
value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of
contractual cash flows, using interest rates currently being offered
on  certificates  with  similar  maturities.

Long-term  borrowings  were  valued  using  discounted  cash
flows,  based  on  market  rates  currently  available  for  debt  with
similar terms and remaining maturities and in certain instances
using  quoted  market  rates  for  similar  instruments  at  December
31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Commitments  to  extend  credit  were  valued  using  the  fees
currently  charged  to  enter  into  similar  agreements.  For  those
commitments where a  future stream of fees is charged, the fair
value was estimated by discounting the projected cash flows of
fees on commitments, which are expected to be disbursed, based
on historical experience. The fair value of letters of credit is based
on fees currently charged on similar agreements.

2007     Annual Report        129
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Carrying  or  notional  amounts,  as  applicable,  and  estimated

fair values for financial instruments at December 31, were:

2007

2006

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

Carrying
amount

Fair
value

$1,825,537
767,955

$1,825,537
767,955

$1,251,866
382,325

$1,251,866
382,325

8,515,135

8,515,135

9,850,862

9,850,862

484,466

486,139

91,340

92,764

216,585
1,889,546
27,472,624

216,819
1,983,502
27,511,573

297,394
719,922
31,494,785

412,593
737,439
31,448,328

$28,334,478
303,492

$28,432,009
303,492

$24,438,331
1,276,818

$24,416,523
1,276,818

5,133,773
1,501,979
4,621,352

Notional
amount

5,149,571
1,501,979
4,536,434

4,485,627
4,034,125
8,737,246

Fair
value

Notional
amount

4,474,171
4,034,125
8,647,942

Fair
value

(In thousands)

Financial Assets:
Cash and money market
investments
Trading securities
Investment securities
available-for-sale
Investment securities
held-to-maturity
Other investment
securities
Loans held-for-sale
Loans held-in-porfolio, net
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits
Federal funds purchased
Assets sold under
agreements to repurchase
Short-term borrowings
Notes payable

(In thousands)

Commitments to extend
credit and letters
of credit:
Commitments to extend
credit

Letters of credit

199,664

1,960

201,558

$7,910,248

$17,199

$7,734,569

$19,110

1,935

N o t e   3 0   -   D e r i v a t i v e   i n s t r u m e n t s   a n d   h e d g i n g
N o t e   3 0   -   D e r i v a t i v e   i n s t r u m e n t s   a n d   h e d g i n g
N o t e   3 0   -   D e r i v a t i v e   i n s t r u m e n t s   a n d   h e d g i n g
N o t e   3 0   -   D e r i v a t i v e   i n s t r u m e n t s   a n d   h e d g i n g
N o t e   3 0   -   D e r i v a t i v e   i n s t r u m e n t s   a n d   h e d g i n g
a c t i v i t i e s :
a c t i v i t i e s :
a c t i v i t i e s :
a c t i v i t i e s :
a c t i v i t i e s :
The  discussion  and  tables  below  provide  a  description  of  the
derivative instruments used as part of the Corporation’s interest
rate  risk  management  strategies.  The  Corporation  incorporates
the use of derivative instruments as part of the overall interest rate
risk  management  strategy  to  minimize  significant  unplanned
fluctuations in earnings and cash flows that are caused by interest
rate volatility. The Corporation’s goal is to manage interest rate
sensitivity by modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics
of certain balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest
income is not, on a material basis, adversely affected by movements
in interest rates. The Corporation uses derivatives in its trading
activities to facilitate customer transactions, to take proprietary
positions and as means of risk management. As a result of interest
rate  fluctuations,  hedged  fixed  and  variable  interest  rate  assets
and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in market value. The
effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation is expected
to be substantially offset by the Corporation’s gains or losses on

2 0 0 6

N o t i o n a l D e r i v a t i v e D e r i v a t i v e E q u i t y

Amount

Assets

Liabilities

OCI

Ineffectiveness

(In thousands)

Asset Hedges

Forward commitments

$190,000

$175

$2

$106

Liability Hedges

Interest rate swaps

Total

$390,000
$580,000

$887
$1,062

$523
$525

$237
$343

-

-

The Corporation utilizes forward contracts to hedge the sale
of  mortgage-backed  securities  with  duration  terms  over  one
month. Interest rate forwards are contracts for the delayed delivery
of  securities,  which  the  seller  agrees  to  deliver  on  a  specified
future  date  at  a  specified  price  or  yield.  These  securities  are
hedging a forecasted transaction and thus qualify for cash flow
hedge accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 133, as amended.
Changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recorded in other
comprehensive income. The amount included in accumulated other
comprehensive income corresponding to these forward contracts
is expected to be reclassified to earnings in the next twelve months.
These contracts have a maximum remaining maturity of 78 days.
During 2006, the Corporation entered into interest rate swap
contracts to convert floating rate debt to fixed rate debt with the
objective  of  minimizing  the  exposure  to  changes  in  cash  flows
due to changes in interest rates. These interest rate swaps have a
maximum remaining maturity of 1.3 years.

For cash flow hedges, gains and losses on derivative contracts
that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
to current period earnings are included in the line item in which
the hedged item is recorded and in the same period in which the
forecasted  transaction  affects  earnings.

Fair Value Hedges
At  December  31,  2007  and  2006,  there  were  no  derivatives
designated as fair value hedges.

130

the derivative instruments that are linked to these hedged assets
and liabilities. As a matter of policy, the Corporation does not use
highly  leveraged  derivative  instruments  for  interest  rate  risk
management.

By  using  derivative  instruments,  the  Corporation  exposes
itself to credit and market risk. If a counterparty fails to fulfill its
performance  obligations  under  a  derivative  contract,  the
Corporation’s  credit  risk  will  equal  the  fair  value  gain  in  a
derivative. Generally, when the fair value of a derivative contract
is  positive,  this  indicates  that  the  counterparty  owes  the
Corporation, thus creating a repayment risk for the Corporation.
When  the  fair  value  of  a  derivative  contract  is  negative,  the
Corporation  owes  the  counterparty  and,  therefore,  assumes  no
repayment risk. To manage the level of credit risk, the Corporation
deals  with  counterparties  of  good  credit  standing,  enters  into
master  netting  agreements  whenever  possible  and,  when
appropriate, obtains collateral. Credit risk related to derivatives
was  not  significant  at  December  31,  2007  and  2006.  The
Corporation  has  not  incurred  any  losses  from  counterparty
nonperformance on derivatives.

Market  risk  is  the  adverse  effect  that  a  change  in  interest
rates, currency exchange rates, or implied volatility rates might
have  on  the  value  of  a  financial  instrument.  The  Corporation
manages the market risk associated with interest rates, and to a
limited  extent,  with  fluctuations  in  foreign  currency  exchange
rates,  by  establishing  and  monitoring  limits  for  the  types  and
degree of risk that may be undertaken. The Corporation regularly
measures this risk by using static gap analysis, simulations and
duration  analysis.

 The Corporation’s treasurers and senior finance officers at the
subsidiaries  are  responsible  for  evaluating  and  implementing
hedging  strategies  that  are  developed  through  analysis  of  data
derived from financial simulation models and other internal and
industry  sources.  The  resulting  hedging  strategies  are  then
incorporated  into  the  Corporation’s  overall  interest  rate  risk
management  and  trading  strategies.  The  resulting  derivative
activities are monitored by the Corporate Treasury and Corporate
Comptroller’s areas within the Corporation.

Cash Flow Hedges
Derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges
for the years ended December 31, 2007, and 2006 are presented
below:

2007

Notional
Amount

Derivative
Assets

Derivative
Liabilities

Equity
OCI

Ineffectiveness

(In thousands)

Asset Hedges

Forward commitments

$142,700

$169

$509

($207)

Liability Hedges

Interest rate swaps

Total

$200,000
$342,700

-
$169

$3,179
$3,688

($2,066)
($2,273)

-

-
-

Trading and Non-Hedging Activities
The fair value and notional amounts of non-hedging derivatives
at December 31, 2007, and 2006 were:

December 31,  2007

Fair Values

Notional Amount Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities

$693,096

$74

$3,232

(In thousands)
Forward contracts
Interest rate swaps
associated with:
- short-term borrowings
- bond certificates offered
in an on-balance sheet
securitization
- swaps with corporate
clients
- swaps offsetting position
of corporate client swaps

Credit default swap
Foreign currency and

exchange rate commitments
w/clients

Foreign currency and

exchange rate commitments
w/counterparty

Interest rate caps
Interest rate caps for benefit

of corporate clients
Index options on deposits
Index options on S&P notes
Bifurcated embedded options
Mortgage rate lock
commitments

Total

200,000

185,315

802,008

802,008
33,463

146

146
150,000

50,000
211,267
31,152
218,327

148,501

$3,525,429

-

-

-

24,593
-

-

2
27

-
45,954
5,962
-

258

$76,870

1,129

2,918

24,593

-
-

-
-

1

18
-
-
50,227

386

$82,504

2007     Annual Report        131
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

December 31,  2006

Fair Values

Notional Amount Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities
$1,277
83

$400,572
37,500

$125
46

400,000

2,153

-

(In thousands)
Forward contracts
Call options and put options
Interest rate swaps
associated with:
- short-term borrowings
- bond certificates offered
in an on-balance sheet
securitization
- financing of auto loans
 held-in-portfolio
- auto loans approvals
 locked interest rates
- swaps with corporate
clients
- swaps offsetting position
of corporate client swaps
- investment securities
- mortgage loans prior to
securitization
Credit default swap
Foreign currency and

516,495

470,146

17,442

410,533

410,533
89,385

75,000
33,463

90

728

22

-

2,146
-

302
-

exchange rate commitments
w/clients

Foreign currency and

exchange rate commitments
w/counterparty

Interest rate caps
Interest rate caps for benefit

of corporate clients
Index options on deposits
Index options on S&P notes
Bifurcated embedded options
Mortgage rate lock
commitments

Total

103

-

103
889,417

50,000
204,946
31,152
229,455

215,676

$4,481,921

2
4,099

-
38,323
5,648
-

13

$54,886

1,168

-

-

2,146

-
1,645

-
-

-
-

2

90
-
-
43,844

635

$49,701

Forward Contracts
The Corporation has forward contracts to sell mortgage-backed
securities  with  terms  lasting  less  than  a  month,  which  were
accounted  for  as  trading  derivatives.  Also,  the  Corporation  has
loan sale commitments to economically hedge the changes in fair
value  of  mortgage  loans  held-for-sale  and  mortgage  pipeline
associated  with  interest  rate  lock  commitments  through  both
mandatory  and  best  efforts  forward  sale  agreements.  These
contracts  are  recognized  at  fair  value  with  changes  directly
reported in income. These contracts are entered into in order to
optimize  the  gain  on  sales  of  loans  and  /  or  mortgage-backed
securities,  given  levels  of  interest  rate  risk  consistent  with  the
Corporation’s  business  strategies.

Call Options and Put Options
The  Corporation  has  option  contracts  that  grant  the  purchaser
the right to buy or sell the underlying asset by a certain date at a
specified  price.

132

Interest Rates Swaps and Foreign Currency and Exchange
Rate Commitments
The  Corporation  has  outstanding  interest  rate  swap  derivative
contracts  to  economically  hedge  the  cost  of  certain  short-term
borrowings. Changes in their fair value are recognized in interest
expense.

The Corporation also has an interest rate swap to economically
hedge the payments of bond certificates offered as part of an on-
b a l a n c e   s h e e t   s e c u r i t i z a t i o n .   T h e   s w a p   c o n t r a c t   i s
marked-to-market and the resulting impact is recognized as part
of interest expense.

At the end of 2007, the Corporation canceled certain amortizing
swap  contracts  that  economically  converted  to  a  fixed  rate  the
cost of funds associated with certain auto loans held-in-portfolio
as a result of selling most of the auto loan portfolio. In 2006 and
most of 2007, these amortizing swaps economically hedged the
interest rate changes in auto loan approvals. Changes in fair value
were recognized as part of interest expense.

In  addition  to  using  derivative  instruments  as  part  of  its
interest  rate  risk  management  strategy,  the  Corporation  also
utilizes  derivatives,  such  as  interest  rate  swaps  and  foreign
exchange contracts in its capacity as an intermediary on behalf of
its  customers.  The  Corporation  minimizes  its  market  risk  and
credit  risk  by  taking  offsetting  positions  under  the  same  terms
and  conditions  with  credit  limit  approvals  and  monitoring
procedures.  Market  value  changes  on  these  swaps  and  other
derivatives are recognized in income in the period of change.

Credit Default Swaps
The credit default swap (“CDS”) allows one party to transfer the
credit  risk  to  another  for  a  fee  in  case  of  a  credit  default.  The
credit default relates to the failure to make payment obligations
due  to  bankruptcy  or  insolvency.  It  is  not  foreseen  that  the
Corporation will have to make any payments associated with the
CDS.

The CDS outstanding at December 31, 2006 and 2007 to which
the Corporation is a party is associated to net settlement payments
on interest rate swaps, not principal bond payments. The payment
obligation is the net spread between two rates. A number of firms
participated  in  the  economics  of  the  CDS  transaction  and  the
Corporation was allocated a percentage of the total notional amount
of  the  underlying  interest  rate  swaps.  Under  the  CDS,  the
Corporation guarantees the third-party entity’s (“the third-party
entity”) performance under a series of interest rate swaps that the
third-party  entity  has  with  the  counterparty  to  the  CDS  (“the
counterparty”). The nature of the specific credit default event that
will trigger a payment obligation by the Corporation under the
CDS consists of the failure by the third-party entity to pay any
one of the periodic payments due under the underlying swaps or a

termination payment with the counterparty. Also, although not a
third-party entity credit event under the terms of the CDS, the
interest rate swaps agreement between the third-party entity and
the counterparty has an additional termination event which is the
withdrawal, suspension or ratings downgrade of the third-party
entity to a rating below BBB- by any of the three major agencies.
The  termination  event  will  only  trigger  the  Corporation’s
performance  if  the  third-party  entity  fails  to  pay  its  obligation
under the interest rate swaps. Neither of these events is expected
to occur because of the third-party entity’s credit standing. The
underlying interest rate swaps are in the money in favor of the
third-party  entity.  The  CDS  matures  in  April  2008,  which  also
reduces the Corporation’s exposure to losses. Under the CDS, the
counterparty  has  no  obligation  to  the  Corporation  other  than
having made the initial premium payment, which amounted to
$104,000. As a result, the Corporation is not subject to the credit
risk of the counterparty.

Interest Rate Caps
During  2007,  the  Corporation  entered  into  a  $100,000,000
interest  rate  cap  to  mitigate  its  exposure  to  rising  interest  rates
on  short-term  borrowings.  The  Corporation  also  entered  into
interest rate caps as an intermediary on behalf of its customers
and simultaneously took offseting positions under the same terms
and conditions thus minimizing its market and credit risks.

As a result of the recharacterization transactions in 2007, the
interest rate caps that the Corporation had in conjunction with a
series  of  mortgage  loans  under  securitization  were  no  longer
required to be consolidated under the Corporation's statement of
condition. Changes in fair value of these caps were recognized in
the  consolidated  statement  of  operations  as  part  of  interest
expense, while the derivative contract value was included as other
assets.

Index and Embedded Options
 In connection with customers’ deposits offered by the Corporation
whose  returns  are  tied  to  the  performance  of  the  Standard  and
Poor’s 500 (S&P 500) stock market indexes, other deposits whose
returns  are  tied  to  other  stock  market  indexes,  certain  equity
securities  performance  or  a  commodity  index,  the  Corporation
bifurcated  the  related  options  embedded  within  the  customers’
deposits from the host contract which does not qualify for hedge
accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 133. In order to limit
the  Corporation’s  exposure  to  changes  in  these  indexes,  the
Corporation purchases index options from major broker dealer
companies  which  returns  are  tied  to  the  same  indexes.
Accordingly, the embedded options and the related index options
are marked-to-market through earnings. These options are traded
in  the  over  the  counter  (“OTC”)  market.  OTC  options  are  not

listed on an options exchange and do not have standardized terms.
OTC  contracts  are  executed  between  two  counterparties  that
negotiate  specific  agreement  terms,  including  the  underlying
instrument,  amount,  exercise  price  and  expiration  date.  The
Corporation also had bifurcated and accounted for separately the
option related to the issuance of notes payable whose return is
linked to the S&P 500 Index. In order to limit its exposure, the
Corporation  has  a  related  S&P  500  index  option  intended  to
produce the same cash outflows that the notes could produce.

Mortgage Rate Lock Commitments
Mortgage  rate  lock  commitments  to  fund  mortgage  loans  at
interest rates previously agreed for a specified period of time are
accounted for as derivatives as per SFAS No. 133, as amended.
Forward sale commitments are utilized to economically hedge the
interest rate risk associated with the time lag between when fixed
rate mortgage loans are rate-locked and when they are committed
for sale or exchange in the secondary market.

t h e
t h e
t h e
t h e
t h e

-   S u p p l e m e n t a l   d i s c l o s u r e   o n  
-   S u p p l e m e n t a l   d i s c l o s u r e   o n  
-   S u p p l e m e n t a l   d i s c l o s u r e   o n  
-   S u p p l e m e n t a l   d i s c l o s u r e   o n  
-   S u p p l e m e n t a l   d i s c l o s u r e   o n  

N o t e   3 1  
N o t e   3 1  
N o t e   3 1  
N o t e   3 1  
N o t e   3 1  
consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows:
consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows:
consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows:
consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows:
consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows:
As  previously  mentioned  in  Note  1  in  2005,  the  Corporation
commenced a two-year plan to change the reporting period of its
non-banking  subsidiaries  to  a  December  31st  calendar  period.
The impact of this change corresponded to the financial results
for the month of December 2004 of those non-banking subsidiaries
which  implemented  the  change  in  the  first  reporting  period  of
2005 and the month of December 2005 for those which implemented
the change in the first reporting period of 2006 .

The  following  table  reflects  the  effect  in  the  Consolidated
Statements  of  Cash  Flows  of  the  change  in  reporting  period
mentioned above for the year ended December 31:

(In thousands)

Net cash used in operating activities

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks

2006

($80,906)

(104,732)

197,552

$11,914

2005

($26,648)

19,503

5,573

($1,572)

Also, related to the difference in the reporting period of certain
non-banking subsidiaries, as a result of the one-month lag, certain
intercompany transactions between subsidiaries having different
year-end periods remained outstanding at December 31, 2005. In
balancing the consolidated statement of condition, management
reversed an intercompany elimination in order to reinstall loans
outstanding to third parties. The impact of this reversal resulted
in an increase of $429,000,000 in the caption of other liabilities
at December 31, 2005. For the cash flow statement presentation,
for the year ended December 31, 2005, this amount was reflected

2007     Annual Report        133
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

as cash provided by financing activities, while the reinstallment
of loan disbursements was presented as cash flows used in investing
activities. As of December 31, 2006, all subsidiaries have aligned
their year-end closing to that of the Corporation’s calendar year.
Additional  disclosures  on  cash  flow  information  as  well  as

non-cash activities are listed in the following table:

(In thousands)

Income taxes paid

Interest paid

2007

$160,271

1,673,768

2006

$194,423

1,604,054

2005

$196,028

1,206,434

Non-cash activities:
Loans transferred to other real estate

Loans transferred to other property

203,965

36,337

Total loans transferred to foreclosed assets

240,302

Assets and liabilities removed as part of the

recharacterization of on-balance sheet

116,250

34,340

150,590

113,840

24,395

138,235

securitizations:

Mortgage loans

Secured borrowings

Other assets

Other liabilities

3,221,003

(3,083,259)

111,446

(13,513)

-

-

-

-

Transfers from loans held-in-portfolio

to loans held-for-sale (a)

1,580,821

23,634

Transfers from loans held-for-sale to

-

-

-

-

-

loans held-in-portfolio

244,675

Loans securitized into trading securities (b)

1,321,655

591,365

1,398,342

668,591

1,304,749

Available-for-sale securities transferred to

loans held-in-portfolio

-

-

42,174

Recognition of mortgage servicing rights on

securitizations or asset transfers

48,865

62,877

103,092

Recognition of residual interests on

securitizations

Business acquisitions:

42,975

36,927

61,126

Fair value of loans and other assets acquired

225,972

Goodwill and other intangible assets acquired 149,123

Deposits and other liabilities assumed

(1,094,699)

-

4,005

(971)

1,491,521

337,180

(1,416,919)

(a) In 2007 it excludes the $3.2 billion in mortgage loans from the recharacterization that were classified

to loans held-for-sale and immediately removed from the Corporation's books. In 2006 it excludes $589

million in individual mortgage loans transferred to held-for-sale and sold as well as $613 million (2005

- $552 million) securitized into trading securities and immediately sold.

(b) Includes loans securitized into trading securities and subsequently sold before year end.

Note  32  -  Segment  reporting:
Note  32  -  Segment  reporting:
Note  32  -  Segment  reporting:
Note  32  -  Segment  reporting:
Note  32  -  Segment  reporting:
The Corporation’s corporate structure consists of four reportable
segments – Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Banco Popular North
America,  Popular  Financial  Holdings  and  EVERTEC.  Also,  a
corporate  group  has  been  defined  to  support  the  reportable
segments.

In early 2007, the Corporation changed its basis of presentation
by combining the operations of Banco Popular North America and

134

Popular  Financial  Holdings  segments  into  a  single  reportable
segment named Popular North America. This was the result of a
restructuring plan of the Popular Financial Holdings operations
and the Corporation’s U.S. Reorganization described in Note 2 to
the  consolidated  financial  statements.  At  that  time,  the
Corporation  decided  to  continue  the  operations  of  Equity  One
and  its  subsidiaries  (“Equity  One”),  which  are  principally
dedicated to direct subprime loan origination, consumer finance
and  mortgage  servicing.  However,  given  the  unforeseen
disruption in the capital markets since the summer of 2007 and
its impact on funding, management now believes that it will be
difficult to generate an adequate return on the capital invested at
Equity One. As such, commencing in late fourth quarter of 2007,
the Corporation redefined its Popular North America reportable
segment  by  segregating  it  in  two  separate  reportable  segments:
Banco Popular North America and Popular Financial Holdings.

Management re-defined its plans and allocation of resources
with  respect  to  the  Corporation’s  U.S.  operations  and  is  taking
steps to exit the PFH business, except for its mortgage servicing
unit.  Part  of  these  steps  included  the  recharacterization  of  a
substantial  portion  of  PFH’s  on-balance  sheet  mortgage  loan
securitization  as  sales,  the  signing  in  early  2008  of  an  Asset
Purchase Agreement to sell certain assets of Equity One and the
expected  closure  of  its  remaining  consumer  branch  network
during  2008.  The  remaining  loan  portfolio  that  will  remain  in
PFH’s  books  will  decline  as  it  runs  off.  Due  to  the  expected
discontinuance of the business, management has redefined how
to  allocate  resources  for  future  growth  potential  in  the  U.S.
operations.

Management determined the reportable segments based on the
internal reporting used to evaluate performance and to assess where
to allocate resources. The segments were determined based on the
organizational structure, which focuses primarily on the markets
the segments serve, as well as on the products and services offered
by the segments.

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico:
Given that Banco Popular de Puerto Rico constitutes a significant
portion of the Corporation’s results of operations and total assets
as of December 31, 2007, additional disclosures are provided for
the business areas included in this reportable segment, as described
below:

• Commercial  banking  represents  the  Corporation’s  banking
operations conducted at BPPR, which are targeted mainly to
corporate,  small  and  middle  size  businesses.  It  includes
aspects of the lending and depository businesses, as well as
other  finance  and  advisory  services.  BPPR  allocates  funds
across segments based on duration matched transfer pricing

at market rates. This area also incorporates income related
with the investment of excess funds, as well as a proportionate
share of the investment function of BPPR.

• Consumer and retail banking represents the branch banking
operations of BPPR which focus on retail clients. It includes
the consumer lending business operations of BPPR, as well as
the lending operations of Popular Auto, Popular Finance, and
Popular Mortgage. These three subsidiaries focus respectively
on auto and lease financing, small personal loans and mortgage
loan originations. This area also incorporates income related
with the investment of excess funds from the branch network,
as well as a proportionate share of the investment function of
BPPR.

• Other  financial  services  include  the  trust  and  asset
management  service  units  of  BPPR,  the  brokerage  and
investment  banking  operations  of  Popular  Securities,  and
the insurance agency and reinsurance businesses of Popular
Insurance, Popular Insurance V.I. and Popular Life Re. Most of
the services that are provided by these subsidiaries generate
profits based on fee income.

Banco Popular North America:
Banco  Popular  North  America’s  reportable  segment  consists  of
the  banking  operations  of  BPNA,  E-LOAN,  Popular  Equipment
Finance, Inc. and Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A. BPNA operates
through  a  branch  network  with  presence  in  6  states,  while  E-
LOAN  provides  online  consumer  direct  lending  and  supports
BPNA’s  deposit  gathering  through  its  online  platform.  As
indicated in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, E-
LOAN  is  in  the  process  of  restructuring  its  operations,  which
include refocusing its loan origination efforts toward a reduced
mix of loan product offerings. Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A.
offers investment and insurance services across the BPNA branch
network. Popular Equipment Finance, Inc. provides mainly small
to mid-ticket commercial and medical equipment financing. The
U.S. operations also include the mortgage business unit of Banco
Popular,  National  Association.

Due  to  the  significant  losses  in  the  E-LOAN  operations,
impacted  in  part  by  the  restructuring  charges  and  impairment
losses  as  described  in  Note  2  to  the  consolidated  financial
statements, management has determined to provide as additional
disclosure  the  results  of  E-LOAN  apart  from  the  other  BPNA
subsidiaries.

2007     Annual Report        135
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

                                                                         Popular, Inc.

2007
At December 31, 2007

(In thousands)

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income (loss)
Goodwill  and  trademark
impairment  losses

Amortization  of  intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Segment assets

(In thousands)

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Goodwill  and  trademark
impairment  losses

Amortization  of  intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax benefit

Net (loss) income
Segment assets

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico North America

Banco Popular Popular Financial

$957,822
243,727
485,548

1,909
41,684
714,457
114,311

$370,605
95,486
185,962

211,750
7,602
16,069
450,576
(29,477)

Holdings

$140,670
221,431
(179,379)

Intersegment
EVERTEC Eliminations

($823)

$3,301

241,627

(150,390)

2,352
157,476
(150,520)

934
16,162
174,877
17,547

(72)
(137,688)
(2,086)

$327,282

($195,439)

($269,448)

$31,284

($7,243)

$27,102,493

$13,364,306

$3,905,279

$228,746

($417,828)

At December 31, 2007

Total

Reportable
Segments

$1,471,575
560,644
583,368

211,750
10,445
76,195
1,359,698
(50,225)

Corporate

Eliminations

($23,382)
2,006
117,981

$1,197

(7,033)

2,368
55,205
(9,215)

(11,110)
438

Total
Popular, Inc.

$1,449,390
562,650
694,316

211,750
10,445
78,563
1,403,793
(59,002)

($113,564)
$44,182,996

$44,235
$6,550,752

$4,836
($6,322,311)

($64,493)
$44,411,437

                                                                         Popular, Inc.

2006
At December 31, 2006

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico North America

Banco Popular Popular Financial

(In thousands)

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Goodwill  and  trademark
impairment  losses

Amortization  of  intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Segment assets

$914,907
141,083
431,940

$379,977
46,472
218,590

2,540
43,556
679,892
(2,072)
125,985

$355,863

8,881
15,811
422,640

37,280

$67,483

Holdings

$173,532
100,205
38,977

14,239
357
6,159
179,907
6,181
(32,809)

Intersegment
EVERTEC Eliminations

($1,894)

229,237

($141,096)

599
16,599
169,117

15,052

(72)
(140,392)

(367)

($265)

$25,501,522

$13,565,992

$8,396,926

$223,384

($588,707)

($61,730)

$25,976

Popular Financial Holdings:
PFH’s clientele is primarily subprime borrowers. After considering
the restructuring events discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated
financial  statements,  PFH  continues  to  carry  a  maturing  loan
portfolio that approximated $3.3 billion at December 31, 2007,
of  which  $1.4  billion  was  classified  as  held-for-sale.  Also,  PFH
continues  to  provide  mortgage  loan  services  for  others.  As
previously  indicated,  PFH  is  in  the  process  of  exiting  the
mortgage loan and consumer loan origination business.

EVERTEC:
This  reportable  segment  includes  the  financial  transaction
processing  and  technology  functions  of  the  Corporation,
including  EVERTEC,  with  offices  in  Puerto  Rico,  Florida,  the
Dominican  Republic  and  Venezuela;  EVERTEC  USA,  Inc.
incorporated  in  the  United  States;  and  ATH  Costa  Rica,  S.A.,
EVERTEC LATINOAMERICA, SOCIEDAD ANONIMA and T.I.I.
Smart  Solutions  Inc.  located  in  Costa  Rica.  In  addition,  this
reportable segment includes the equity investments in Consorcio
de Tarjetas Dominicanas, S.A. and Servicios Financieros, S.A. de
C.V. (“Serfinsa”), which operate in the Dominican Republic and
El Salvador, respectively. This segment provides processing and
technology services to other units of the Corporation as well as to
third  parties,  principally  other  financial  institutions  in  Puerto
Rico, the Caribbean and Central America.

The  Corporate  group  consists  primarily  of  the  holding
companies:  Popular,  Inc.,  Popular  North  America  and  Popular
International  Bank,  excluding  the  equity  investments  in
CONTADO  and  Serfinsa,  which  due  to  the  nature  of  their
operations, are included as part of the EVERTEC segment. The
holding companies obtain funding in the capital markets to finance
the Corporation’s growth, including acquisitions. The Corporate
group  also  includes  the  expenses  of  the  four  administrative
corporate areas that are identified as critical for the organization:
Finance, Risk Management, Legal and People, Communications
and  Planning.  These  corporate  administrative  areas  have  the
responsibility  of  establishing  policy,  setting  up  controls  and
coordinating the activities of their corresponding groups in each
of the reportable segments.

The  Corporation  may  periodically  reclassify  reportable
segment  results  based  on  modifications  to  its  management
reporting  and  profitability  measurement  methodologies  and
changes  in  organizational  alignment.

The accounting policies of the individual operating segments
are  the  same  as  those  of  the  Corporation  described  in  Note  1.
Transactions between reportable segments are primarily conducted
at market rates, resulting in profits that are eliminated for reporting
consolidated results of operations.

136

At December 31, 2006

Additional disclosures with respect to the Banco Popular de

(In thousands)

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Goodwill  and  trademark
impairment  losses

Amortization  of  intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)
Segment assets

Total

Reportable
Segments

$1,466,522
287,760
777,648

14,239
12,377
82,053
1,311,164
4,109
145,141

Corporate

Eliminations

($39,741)

$1,129

36,642

(4,805)

2,335
57,342
3,495
(37,515)

(4,178)
2,137
(740)

Total
Popular, Inc.

$1,427,910
287,760
809,485

14,239
12,377
84,388
1,364,328
9,741
106,886

$387,327
$47,099,117

($28,756)
$6,376,487

($895)
($6,071,617)

$357,676
$47,403,987

                                                                         Popular, Inc.

2005
At December 31, 2005

(In thousands)

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense

Net income before cumulative
effect of accounting change

Cumulative effect of
accounting change

Net income after cumulative

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico North America

Banco Popular Popular Financial

$897,007
98,732
428,249
2,522
42,508
681,133
104,907

$359,836
23,238
149,604
6,783
15,678
309,151
56,796

Holdings

$201,349
73,288
52,664
30
4,916
159,087
6,205

Intersegment
EVERTEC Eliminations

($404)

221,369
244
17,405
166,929
12,149

($139,633)

(71)
(139,502)
(57)

$395,454

$97,794

$10,487

$24,238

($3)

3,221

(209)

412

(247)

effect of accounting change

$398,675

$97,585

$10,487

$24,650

($250)

Puerto Rico reportable segment are as follows:

                                                               Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

2007
At December 31, 2007

(In thousands)

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period
Income tax expense

Net income

Segment assets

Commercial
Banking

$379,673
79,810
91,596
565
14,457
178,193

Consumer

and Retail
Banking

$566,635
163,917
303,945
860
26,001
470,184

Other Financial
Services

Eliminations

$10,909

$605

90,969
484
1,226
66,466

Total

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico

$957,822
243,727
485,548
1,909
41,684
714,457

114,311

$327,282

(962)

(386)

26

$3

56,613

46,812

$141,631

$162,806

10,860

$22,842

$11,601,186

$19,407,327

$478,252 ($4,384,272)

$27,102,493

                                                               Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

2006
At December 31, 2006

(In thousands)

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period
Income tax expense

Commercial
Banking

$342,419
43,952
94,517
881
14,192
174,427

Consumer

and Retail
Banking

$561,788
97,131
248,117
1,338
28,214
444,024

60,476

51,351

Other Financial
Services

Eliminations

$10,229

$471

91,303
321
1,150
62,175
(2,072)
14,491

(1,997)

(734)

(333)

($459)

Total

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico

$914,907
141,083
431,940
2,540
43,556
679,892
(2,072)
125,985

$355,863

Segment assets

$26,522,983

$12,593,434

$9,411,263

$250,749

($509,764)

Net income

$143,008

$187,847

$25,467

At December 31, 2005

Total

Reportable
Segments

$1,457,788
195,258
712,253
9,579
80,436
1,176,798
180,000

Corporate

Eliminations

($34,959)
14
73,612

1,511
59,988
(31,417)

$1,378

(590)

(112)
332

Total
Popular, Inc.

$1,424,207
195,272
785,275
9,579
81,947
1,236,674
148,915

$527,970

$8,557

$568

$537,095

3,177

430

3,607

Segment assets

$11,283,178

$17,935,610

$581,981 ($4,299,247)

$25,501,522

                                                               Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

2005
At December 31, 2005

(In thousands)

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense

Net income before cumulative

Commercial
Banking

$304,142
26,600
144,008
881
14,296
199,670
47,706

Consumer

and Retail
Banking

$579,852
72,132
208,567
1,332
26,903
424,783
47,309

Other Financial
Services

Eliminations

$12,970

$43

77,351
309
1,309
58,112
9,988

(1,677)

(1,432)
(96)

Total

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico

$897,007
98,732
428,249
2,522
42,508
681,133
104,907

$531,147

$8,987

$568

$540,702

effect of accounting change $158,997

$215,960

$20,603

($106)

$395,454

(In thousands)

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income before cumulative
effect of accounting change

Cumulative effect of
accounting change

Net income after cumulative
effect of accounting change

Segment assets

$48,268,665

$6,333,610

($5,978,607)

$48,623,668

During the year ended December 31, 2007, the Corporation’s
holding companies realized net gains on sale of securities, mainly
marketable  equity  securities,  of  approximately  $114,944,000
(2006  -  $14,000,000;  2005  -  $59,706,000).  These  gains  are
included as part of “non-interest income” within the Corporate
group.

Cumulative effect of
accounting change

Net income after cumulative

3,797

755

(1,331)

3,221

effect of accounting change

$158,997

$219,757

$21,358

($1,437)

$398,675

Segment assets

$10,404,721

$18,537,688

$1,043,096

($3,462,522)

$26,522,983

Additional disclosures with respect to the Banco Popular North

America reportable segment are as follows:

                                                              Banco Popular North America

2007
At December 31, 2007

(In thousands)

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Goodwill and trademark

impairment losses
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Segment assets

Banco Popular
North America

$348,728
77,832
112,954

4,810
12,835
287,831

27,863

$50,511

E-LOAN

Eliminations

$20,925
17,654
74,270

211,750
2,792
3,234
162,706

(57,218)

($245,723)

$952

(1,262)

39

(122)

($227)

Total

Banco Popular
North America

$370,605
95,486
185,962

211,750
7,602
16,069
450,576

(29,477)

($195,439)

$13,965,898

$1,178,438

($1,780,030)

$13,364,306

                                                              Banco Popular North America

2006
At December 31, 2006

E-LOAN

Eliminations

(In thousands)

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss)

Segment assets

Banco Popular
North America

$363,249
37,834
127,697
6,041
12,917
272,158
60,707

$101,289

$12,259,704

$16,601
8,638
92,188
2,840
2,894
150,482
(23,018)

($33,047)

$1,308,263

Total

Banco Popular
North America

$379,977
46,472
218,590
8,881
15,811
422,640
37,280

$67,483

$127

(1,295)

(409)

($759)

($1,975)

$13,565,992

                                                              Banco Popular North America

2005
At December 31, 2005

(In thousands)

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income (loss) before cumulative

Banco Popular
North America

$357,256
22,871
130,538
6,368
15,156
286,374
57,617

Total

Banco Popular
North America

$359,836
23,238
149,604
6,783
15,678
309,151
56,796

E-LOAN

$2,580
367
19,066
415
522
22,777
(821)

effect of accounting change

99,408

(1,614)

97,794

Cumulative effect of

accounting change

Net income (loss) after cumulative

(209)

(209)

effect of accounting change

$99,199

($1,614)

$97,585

Segment assets

$12,037,377

$556,057

$12,593,434

2007     Annual Report        137
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Intersegment revenues*
(In thousands)
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico:
P.R. Commercial Banking
P.R. Consumer and Retail Banking
P.R. Other Financial Services

EVERTEC
Banco Popular North America:

Banco Popular North America
E-LOAN

Popular Financial Holdings
Total intersegment revenues

 2007

$1,519
3,311
(449)
(140,949)

(8,597)
(8,220)
6,296
($147,089)

2006

2005

($619)
(1,409)
(326)
(138,172)

(1,212)
(608)
1,250
($141,096)

($2,437)
(5,743)
(399)
(139,100)

1,563
(24)
6,507
($139,633)

* For purposes of the intersegment revenues disclosure, revenues include interest income (expense)
related to internal funding and other non-interest income derived from intercompany transactions,
mainly related to gain on sales of loans and processing / information technology services.

Geographic Information
(In thousands)                                                                  2007                     2006
Revenues*:

Puerto Rico
United States
Other

Total consolidated revenues

$1,567,276
488,038
88,392

$2,143,706

$1,396,714
762,313
78,368

$2,237,395

2005

$1,252,906
891,820
64,756

$2,209,482

* Total revenues include net interest income, service charges on deposit accounts, other service fees, net
gain on sale and valuation adjustment of investment securities, trading account (loss) profit, (loss) gain
on sale of loans and valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale and other operating income.

Selected Balance Sheet Information:
(In thousands)
Puerto Rico

Total assets
Loans
Deposits
United States
Total assets
Loans
Deposits

Other

Total assets
Loans
Deposits

   2007

2006

2005

$26,017,716
15,679,181
17,341,601

$24,621,684
14,735,092
13,504,860

$25,759,437
14,130,645
13,093,540

$17,093,929
13,517,728
9,737,996

$21,570,276
17,363,382
9,735,264

$21,780,226
17,023,443
8,370,150

$1,299,792
714,093
1,254,881

$1,212,027
638,465
1,198,207

$1,084,005
556,119
1,174,315

Note  33  -  Contingent  liabilities:
Note  33  -  Contingent  liabilities:
Note  33  -  Contingent  liabilities:
Note  33  -  Contingent  liabilities:
Note  33  -  Contingent  liabilities:
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  34  -  Guarantees:
Note  34  -  Guarantees:
Note  34  -  Guarantees:
Note  34  -  Guarantees:
Note  34  -  Guarantees:
The Corporation has obligations upon the occurrence of certain
events under financial guarantees provided in certain contractual
agreements. These various arrangements are summarized below.
The Corporation issues financial standby letters of credit and
has risk participation in standby letters of credit issued by other
financial institutions, in each case to guarantee the performance

138

of various customers to third parties. If the customer fails to meet
its financial or performance obligation to the third party under
the  terms  of  the  contract,  then,  upon  their  request,  the
Corporation  would  be  obligated  to  make  the  payment  to  the
guaranteed party. In accordance with the provisions of FIN No.
45, at December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Corporation recorded a
liability  of  $636,000  and  $658,000,  respectively,  which
represents the fair value of the obligations undertaken in issuing
the guarantees under the standby letters of credit issued or modified
after  December  31,  2002.  The  fair  value  approximates  the  fee
received from the customer for issuing such commitments. These
fees are deferred and are recognized over the commitment period.
The contract amounts in standby letters of credit outstanding at
December 31, 2007 and 2006, shown in Note 28, represent the
maximum potential amount of future payments the Corporation
could be required to make under the guarantees in the event of
nonperformance by the customers. These standby letters of credit
are used by the customer as a credit enhancement and typically
expire  without  being  drawn  upon.  The  Corporation’s  standby
letters  of  credit  are  generally  secured,  and  in  the  event  of
nonperformance by the customers, the Corporation has rights to
the underlying collateral provided, which normally includes cash
and  marketable  securities,  real  estate,  receivables  and  others.
Management  does  not  anticipate  any  material  losses  related  to
these instruments.

The  Corporation  securitizes  mortgage  loans  into  guaranteed
mortgage-backed  securities  subject  to  limited,  and  in  certain
instances,  lifetime  credit  recourse  on  the  loans  that  serve  as
collateral for the mortgage-backed securities. Also, from time to
time, the Corporation may sell in bulk sale transactions, residential
mortgage  loans  and  SBA  commercial  loans  subject  to  credit
recourse  or  to  certain  representations  and  warranties  from  the
Corporation to the purchaser. These representations and warranties
may  relate  to  borrower  creditworthiness,  loan  documentation,
collateral, prepayment and early payment defaults. The Corporation
may be required to repurchase the loans under the credit recourse
agreements  or  representation  and  warranties.  Generally,  the
Corporation retains the right to service the loans when securitized
or sold with credit recourse.

At  December  31,  2007,  the  Corporation  serviced
$3,386,885,000  (2006  -  $3,054,325,000)  in  residential
mortgage  loans  with  credit  recourse  or  other  servicer-provided
credit enhancement. In the event of any customer default, pursuant
to  the  credit  recourse  provided,  the  Corporation  is  required  to
reimburse the third party investor. The maximum potential amount
of  future  payments  that  the  Corporation  would  be  required  to
make under the agreement in the event of nonperformance by the
borrowers  is  equivalent  to  the  total  outstanding  balance  of  the
r e s i d e n t i a l   m o r t g a g e   l o a n s   s e r v i c e d .   I n   t h e   e v e n t   o f
nonperformance,  the  Corporation  has  rights  to  the  underlying

collateral securing the mortgage loan, thus, historically the losses
associated  to  these  guarantees  had  not  been  significant.  At
December 31, 2007, the Corporation had reserves of approximately
$4,731,000  (2006  -  $3,066,000)  to  cover  the  estimated  credit
loss exposure. At December 31, 2007, the Corporation also serviced
$17,122,770,000  (2006  -  $10,213,375,000)  in  mortgage  loans
without recourse or other servicer-provided credit enhancement.
Although the Corporation may, from time to time, be required to
make advances to maintain a regular flow of scheduled interest
and  principal  payments  to  investors,  including  special  purpose
entities, this does not represent an insurance against losses. These
loans serviced are mostly insured by FHA, VA, and others, or the
certificates arising in securitization transactions may be covered
by a funds guaranty insurance policy.

Also, in the ordinary course of business, the Corporation sold
SBA  loans  with  recourse,  in  which  servicing  was  retained.  At
December 31, 2007, SBA loans serviced with recourse amounted
to  $119,483,000  (2006  -  $62,408,000).  Due  to  the  guaranteed
nature of the SBA loans sold, the Corporation’s exposure to loss
under these agreements should not be significant.

Popular,  Inc.  Holding  Company  (“PIHC”)  fully  and
unconditionally guarantees certain borrowing obligations issued
by certain of its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries totaling
$2,877,794,000 at December 31, 2007 (2006 - $3,278,827,000).
In  addition,  at  December  31,  2007  and  2006,  PIHC  fully  and
unconditionally  guaranteed  $824,000,000  of  Capital  Securities
issued by four wholly-owned issuing trust entities that have been
deconsolidated based on FIN No. 46R. Refer to Note 18 to the
consolidated financial statements for further information.

A  number  of  the  acquisition  agreements  to  which  the
Corporation is a party and under which it has purchased various
types of assets, including the purchase of entire businesses, require
the Corporation to make additional payments in future years if
certain predetermined goals, such as revenue targets, are achieved
or  certain  specific  events  occur  within  a  specified  time.
Management’s estimated maximum future payments at December
31, 2007 approximated $5,829,000 (2006 -$4,606,000). Due to
the nature and size of the operations acquired, management does
not anticipate that these additional payments will have a material
impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of future
operations.

The Corporation is a member of the Visa USA network through
its subsidiary BPNA. On October 3, 2007, the Visa organization
completed  a  series  of  restructuring  transactions  to  combine  its
affiliated operating companies, including Visa USA, under a single
holding  company,  Visa,  Inc.  As  a  result  of  Visa’s  restructuring,
the Corporation’s membership interest in Visa USA was exchanged
for an approximately 0.00874% equity interest in Visa Inc. Class
USA stock. On November 11, 2007, Visa Inc. filed a registration
statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the

2007     Annual Report        139
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

N o t e   3 6   -   P o p u l a r ,   I n c .   ( H o l d i n g   C o m p a n y   o n l y )
N o t e   3 6   -   P o p u l a r ,   I n c .   ( H o l d i n g   C o m p a n y   o n l y )
N o t e   3 6   -   P o p u l a r ,   I n c .   ( H o l d i n g   C o m p a n y   o n l y )
N o t e   3 6   -   P o p u l a r ,   I n c .   ( H o l d i n g   C o m p a n y   o n l y )
N o t e   3 6   -   P o p u l a r ,   I n c .   ( H o l d i n g   C o m p a n y   o n l y )
f i n a n c i a l   i n f o r m a t i o n :
f i n a n c i a l   i n f o r m a t i o n :
f i n a n c i a l   i n f o r m a t i o n :
f i n a n c i a l   i n f o r m a t i o n :
f i n a n c i a l   i n f o r m a t i o n :
The  following  condensed  financial  information  presents  the
financial position of Holding Company only as of December 31,
2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007.

Statements of Condition

(In thousands)

ASSETS

Cash
Money market investments
Investments securities held-to-maturity, at

amortized cost

Other investment securities, at lower of cost

 or realizable value

Investment in BPPR and subsidiaries, at equity
Investment in Popular International Bank

and subsidiaries, at equity

Investment in other subsidiaries, at equity
Advances to subsidiaries
Loans to affiliates
Loans

Less - Allowance for loan losses

Premises and equipment
Other assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Stockholders’ equity

December 31,

2007

$1,391
46,400

2006

$2
8,700

626,129

430,000

14,425
1,817,354

767,608
232,972
712,500
10,000
2,926
60
23,772
42,969

143,469
1,690,968

1,257,748
228,655
452,400
10,000
5,249
40
25,628
62,042

$4,298,386

$4,314,821

$165,000
480,117
71,387
3,581,882

$150,787
484,406
59,322
3,620,306

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$4,298,386

$4,314,821

offer and sale of its common stock to the public. Visa has disclosed
that it plans to use the proceeds from its initial public offering to
partially redeem Visa USA members’ equity interests and to fund
the settlement of certain Visa USA related litigation.

Pursuant  to  the  Visa  USA  bylaws,  BPNA  is  obligated  to
indemnify  Visa,  Inc.  for  certain  losses.  On  October  3,  2007,  a
Loss Sharing Agreement (“LSA”) became effective which reaffirmed
the Corporation’s obligation to indemnify Visa, Inc. for potential
future  settlement  of  certain  litigation.  The  Corporation’s
indemnification  obligation  is  limited  to  its  0.00874%
proportionate  equity  interest  in  Visa  USA.  The  Corporation
recorded an estimated liability related to its obligation to indemnify
Visa for covered litigation of $223,000 as of December 31, 2007.
If  the  Visa  initial  public  offering  is  successfully  completed,
the Corporation is expected to receive cash in partial redemption
of  its  equity  interest  currently  carried  at  zero  value.  Further,
management expects that the indemnification obligation to Visa
will be reduced when Visa either disburses funds for negotiated
settlements, or funds an escrow account designated for settlement
of  covered  litigation.  Management  expects  that  the  gain  to  be
realized from redemption of Visa shares will more than exceed the
indemnification obligations recorded to date.

Note  35  -  Other  service  fees:
Note  35  -  Other  service  fees:
Note  35  -  Other  service  fees:
Note  35  -  Other  service  fees:
Note  35  -  Other  service  fees:
The caption of other service fees in the consolidated statements
of  income  consists  of  the  following  major  categories  as  of
December 31,

(In thousands)

Credit card fees and discounts
Debit card fees
Insurance fees
Processing fees
Mortgage servicing fees, net of

amortization and fair value adjustments

Other

Total

2007

$102,176
76,573
55,824
47,476

11,708
69,500

2006

$89,827
61,643
53,889
44,050

(2,750)
74,216

2005

$82,062
52,675
50,734
42,773

6,226
97,031

$363,257

$320,875

$331,501

140

Statements  of  Operations

Statements  of  Cash  Flows

(In thousands)

Income:

Dividends from subsidiaries
Interest on money market and
 investment securities
Other operating income
Gain on sale and valuation
adjustment of investment securities
Interest on advances to
 subsidiaries
Interest on loans to affiliates
Interest on loans

Total income

Expenses:

Interest expense
Provision for loan losses
Operating expenses

Total expenses

Income before income taxes

and equity in undistributed
earnings of subsidiaries

Income taxes
Income before equity in

undistributed earnings of
subsidiaries

Equity in undistributed (losses) earnings

of subsidiaries

Net (loss) income

Year ended December 31,
2006

2005

2007

$383,100

$247,899

$171,000

38,555
9,862

115,567

19,114
1,144
382

567,724

37,095
2,007
2,226

41,328

526,396
30,288

39,286
17,518

290

6,069
1,256
457

34,259
11,771

50,469

416
1,176
530

312,775

269,621

36,154

1,057

37,211

43,850
14
1,380

45,244

275,564
1,648

224,377
3,155

496,108

273,916

221,222

(560,601)

($64,493)

83,760

$357,676

319,480

$540,702

accretion of discounts on investments

(8,244)

(In  thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:

Net (loss) income

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income

to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Equity in undistributed losses (earnings)
of subsidiaries and dividends from
subsidiaries

Provision for loan losses
Net gain on sale and valuation adjustment

of investment securities

Net amortization of premiums and

Net amortization of premiums and

deferred loan origination fees and costs

Earnings from investments under

the equity method
Stock options expense
Net decrease (increase) in other assets
Deferred income taxes
Net increase  in  interest payable
Net increase in other liabilities

Total adjustments

Net cash provided by operating

activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Net (increase) decrease in money

market investments

Purchases of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other

Proceeds from maturities and

redemptions of  investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other

Proceeds from sales of investment

securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of other

investment securities

Year ended December 31,
2006

2005

2007

($64,493)

$357,676

$540,702

177,501
2,007

(115,567)

(4,612)
568
28,340
1,156
1,508
4,354

87,011

22,518

(331,659)

(290)

(427)

(54)

(2,507)
684
(9,192)
(569)
647
10,158

(490,480)
14

(50,469)

(546)

(99)

(3,097)
305
6,941
(182)
1,349
5,722

(333,209)

(530,542)

24,467

10,160

(37,700)

221,300

(181,500)

(6,808)
(4,087,972)

(269,683)

3,900,087

5,783

245,484

269,683
2,646

17,781

(127,628)

(445)

110,432
150,000
500

57,458

Capital contribution to subsidiaries
Net change in advances to subsidiaries

and affiliates

Net repayments on loans
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of premises and equpment
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
Dividends received from subsidiaries

Net cash provided by investing activities

(260,100)
337
(522)
11

383,100

141,700

Cash flows from financing activities:

Net decrease in assets sold under

agreements to repurchase

Net decrease in commercial paper
Net increase in other

short-term borrowings
Payments of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Cash dividends paid
Proceeds from issuance of

common stock

Treasury stock acquired

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash
Cash at beginning of year

Cash at end of year

14,213
(5,000)
397
(190,617)

20,414
(2,236)

(162,829)

1,389
2

$1,391

(36,000)

(75,000)

(442,400)
459
(4,939)

99
247,899

6,845

150,787
(50,450)
393
(188,321)

55,678
(93)

15,569
216
(3)

297
171,000

120,896

(6,690)
(4,501)

(135,763)
5,383
(182,751)

193,679

(32,006)

(130,643)

(694)
696

$2

413
283

$696

The  principal  source  of  income  for  the  Holding  Company
consists  of  dividends  from  BPPR.  As  members  subject  to  the

2007     Annual Report        141
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

regulations of the Federal Reserve System, BPPR and BPNA must
obtain the approval of the Federal Reserve Board for any dividend
if  the  total  of  all  dividends  declared  by  each  entity  during  the
calendar  year  would  exceed  the  total  of  its  net  income  for  that
year, as defined by the Federal Reserve Board, combined with its
retained net income for the preceding two years, less any required
transfers to surplus or to a fund for the retirement of any preferred
stock. The payment of dividends by BPPR may also be affected by
other  regulatory  requirements  and  policies,  such  as  the
maintenance of certain minimum capital levels described in Note
21. At December 31, 2007, BPPR could have declared a dividend
of  approximately  $44,954,000  (2006  -  $208,109,000;  2005  -
$230,685,000) without the approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
At December 31, 2007, BPNA was required to obtain the approval
of the Federal Reserve Board to declare a dividend. The Corporation
has never received dividend payments from its U.S. subsidiaries.

PNA  is  an  operating  subsidiary  of  PIBI  and  is  the  holding

company of its wholly-owned subsidiaries:

•  PFH, including its wholly-owned subsidiaries Equity One,
Inc., Popular Financial Management, LLC, Popular Housing
Services,  Inc.,  and  Popular  Mortgage  Servicing,  Inc.;
• BPNA,  including  its  wholly-owned  subsidiaries  Popular
Equipment  Finance,  Inc.  (formerly  Popular  Leasing,
U.S.A.), Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A., Popular FS, LLC,
and  E-LOAN;

• BP, N.A., including its wholly-owned subsidiary Popular

Insurance, Inc.; and
•    EVERTEC  USA,  Inc.
PIHC fully and unconditionally guarantees all registered debt
securities and preferred stock issued by PIBI and PNA. As described
in Note 36 to the consolidated financial statements, the principal
source of income for PIHC consists of dividends from BPPR.

N o t e   3 7   -   C o n d e n s e d   c o n s o l i d a t i n g   f i n a n c i a l
N o t e   3 7   -   C o n d e n s e d   c o n s o l i d a t i n g   f i n a n c i a l
N o t e   3 7   -   C o n d e n s e d   c o n s o l i d a t i n g   f i n a n c i a l
N o t e   3 7   -   C o n d e n s e d   c o n s o l i d a t i n g   f i n a n c i a l
N o t e   3 7   -   C o n d e n s e d   c o n s o l i d a t i n g   f i n a n c i a l
information  of  guarantor  and  issuers  of  registered
information  of  guarantor  and  issuers  of  registered
information  of  guarantor  and  issuers  of  registered
information  of  guarantor  and  issuers  of  registered
information  of  guarantor  and  issuers  of  registered
g u a r a n t e e d   s e c u r i t i e s :
g u a r a n t e e d   s e c u r i t i e s :
g u a r a n t e e d   s e c u r i t i e s :
g u a r a n t e e d   s e c u r i t i e s :
g u a r a n t e e d   s e c u r i t i e s :
The  following  condensed  consolidating  financial  information
presents the financial position of Popular, Inc. Holding Company
(“PIHC”) (parent only), Popular International Bank, Inc. (“PIBI”),
Popular North America, Inc. (“PNA”) and all other subsidiaries of
the Corporation as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results
of  their  operations  and  cash  flows  for  each  of  the  years  ended
December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

In 2005, the Corporation commenced a two-year plan to change
its non-banking subsidiaries to a calendar reporting year-end. As
of  December  31,  2005,  Popular  Securities,  Inc.,  Popular  North
America  (holding  company),  Popular  FS,  LLC  and  Popular
Financial  Holdings,  Inc.  (“PFH”),  including  its  wholly-owned
subsidiaries, except E-LOAN, which already had a December 31st
year-end  since  its  acquisition,  continued  to  have  a  fiscal  year
that  ended  on  November  30.  Accordingly,  their  financial
information as of November 30, 2005 corresponds to their financial
information included in the consolidated financial statements of
Popular, Inc. as of December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2006,
all subsidiaries have aligned their year-end closing to that of the
Corporation’s calendar year.

PIHC, PIBI and PNA are authorized issuers of debt securities
and preferred stock under a shelf registration statement filed with
the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission.

PIBI  is  an  operating  subsidiary  of  PIHC  and  is  the  holding
company of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: ATH Costa Rica S.A.,
EVERTEC LATINOAMERICA, SOCIEDAD ANONIMA (formerly
named  EVERTEC,  Centroamérica  Sociedad  Anónima),  T.I.I.
Smart Solutions Inc., Popular Insurance V.I., Inc. and PNA.

142

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Condition

At December 31, 2007

(In thousands)

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

All other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments
Trading account securities, at fair value
Investment securities
available-for-sale, at fair value
Investment securities
held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
Other investment securities, at lower of cost or
realizable value
Investment in subsidiaries
Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or market value
Loans held-in-portfolio
Less - Unearned income

Allowance for loan losses

Premises and equipment, net
Other real estate
Accrued income receivable
Servicing assets
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest bearing
Interest bearing

Federal funds purchased and assets sold under

agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Subordinated notes

Other liabilities

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock
Surplus
Retained earnings (deficit)
Treasury stock, at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive loss,

net of tax

$1,391
46,400

626,129

14,425
2,817,934

725,426

60
725,366

23,772

1,675

40,740

554
$4,298,386

$165,000
480,117

71,387
716,504

186,875
1,761,908
563,183
1,324,468
(207,740)

(46,812)
3,581,882
$4,298,386

($93,645)
(321,345)
(1,743)

$910,303
1,281,206
769,698

8,483,430

287,087

(430,000)

189,766
413,566
1,889,546
32,737,346
182,110
548,772
32,006,464

564,393
81,410
233,010
196,645
1,349,916
630,761
68,949
$49,356,150

$4,604,376
24,015,437
28,619,813

5,391,273
2,494,090
7,303,782
430,000

884,859
45,123,817
109

(5,598,043)

(8,262,884)

(8,262,884)

(133)

(32,904)

(41,686)

($14,782,383)

($93,587)
(191,748)
(285,335)

(122,900)
(2,312,884)
(5,916,886)
(430,000)

(84,049)
(9,152,054)

70,421
3,404,586
770,339
(664)

(74,384)
(4,985,742)
(628,637)
664

$376
300

31,705

1,250

1
648,720

$400
151

12,392
1,717,823

25,150

2,978,528

25,150

62

60,814

2,978,528

131

14,271

47,210

$768,378

$4,770,906

$168,892
1,155,773
2,754,339

62,059
4,141,063

2
734,964
(99,806)

$116
116

3,961
851,193
(46,897)

(39,995)
768,262
$768,378

(5,317)
629,843
$4,770,906

(12,458)
4,232,224
$49,356,150

57,770
(5,630,329)
($14,782,383)

$818,825
1,006,712
767,955

8,515,135

484,466

216,584

1,889,546
28,203,566
182,110
548,832
27,472,624

588,163
81,410
216,114
196,645
1,456,994
630,761
69,503
$44,411,437

$4,510,789
23,823,689
28,334,478

5,437,265
1,501,979
4,621,352

934,372
40,829,446
109

186,875
1,761,908
568,184
1,319,467
(207,740)

(46,812)
3,581,882
$44,411,437

2007     Annual Report        143
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Condition

At December 31, 2006

(In thousands)

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

All other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments
Trading account securities, at fair value
Investment securities
available-for-sale, at fair value
Investment securities
held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
Other investment securities, at lower of cost or
realizable value
Investment in subsidiaries
Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or market value
Loans held-in-portfolio
Less - Unearned income

Allowance for loan losses

Premises and equipment, net
Other real estate
Accrued income receivable
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest bearing
Interest bearing

Federal funds purchased and assets sold under

agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Subordinated notes

Other liabilities

Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock
Surplus
Retained earnings
Treasury stock, at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive loss,

net of tax

$2
8,700

430,000

143,469
3,177,371

467,649

40
467,609

25,628

1,058
60,430

554
$4,314,821

$150,787
484,406

59,322
694,515

186,875
1,753,146
521,855
1,599,145
(206,987)

(233,728)
3,620,306
$4,314,821

$157
1,075

71,262

2,157

5,001
1,135,808

12
42,883

26,152
2,062,710

2,958,559

2,958,559

134

11,581
28,125

$1,258,355

$5,090,136

$159,829
894,959
2,835,595

78,988
3,969,371

2
734,964
406,811

$60
60

3,961
851,193
458,922

$322
2,553

$1,015,470
508,424
382,325

($65,793)
(219,044)

$950,158
301,708
382,325

9,782,815

(3,215)

9,850,862

89,183

(430,000)

122,772
816,684
719,922
35,467,096
308,347
522,192
34,636,557

569,545
84,816
264,089
1,528,398
667,853
107,000
$51,295,853

$4,287,868
20,283,441
24,571,309

5,739,416
5,297,595
9,651,217
430,000

758,613
46,448,150
110

(7,192,573)

(6,567,940)

(6,567,940)

(167)

(28,500)
(47,946)

($14,555,178)

($65,735)
(67,243)
(132,978)

(136,800)
(2,309,216)
(4,233,972)
(430,000)

(85,559)
(7,328,525)

70,421
3,182,285
1,804,476
(2,146)

(74,384)
(4,763,441)
(2,675,210)
2,146

91,340

297,394

719,922
32,325,364
308,347
522,232
31,494,785

595,140
84,816
248,240
1,611,890
667,853
107,554
$47,403,987

$4,222,133
20,216,198
24,438,331

5,762,445
4,034,125
8,737,246

811,424
43,783,571
110

186,875
1,753,146
526,856
1,594,144
(206,987)

(233,728)
3,620,306
$47,403,987

(55,781)
1,258,295
$1,258,355

(21,012)
1,120,765
$5,090,136

(207,443)
4,847,593
$51,295,853

284,236
(7,226,653)
($14,555,178)

144

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Operations

Year ended December 31, 2007

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

(In thousands)

INTEREST INCOME:

Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities
Trading securities

INTEREST EXPENSE:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Net interest income (loss) after provision
for loan losses
Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees
Net gain (loss) on sale and valuation adjustment
of investment securities
Trading account loss
Loss on sale of  loans and valuation adjustments
on loans held-for-sale
Other operating income (loss)

OPERATING EXPENSES:
Personnel costs:
Salaries
Pension, profit sharing and other benefits

Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
Printing and supplies
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period at certain subsidiaries
Goodwill and trademark impairment losses
Amortization of intangibles

$20,640
1,147
37,408

59,195

3,644
33,451
37,095
22,100
2,007

20,093

$343
370
1,800

2,513

2,513

$158,510
52
894

159,456

59,801
149,461
209,262
(49,806)

2,513

(49,806)

115,567

(20,083)

9,862
145,522

15,410
(2,160)

(1,592)
(51,398)

389
69
458
29

20

21,062
5,878
26,940
2,327
1,755
1,557
12,103
518
2,768
75

(45,817)

(400)

3
3

47

1

446

500

(51,898)
(18,164)

(33,734)
(473,478)

($507,212)

$2,803,356
36,833
434,406
41,898
3,316,493

774,840
502,115
577,406
1,854,361
1,462,132
560,643

901,489
196,072
475,510

(40,325)
(2,343)

(30,823)
137,025
1,636,605

500,709
143,464
644,173
121,262
125,914
48,554
281,537
66,517
113,319
17,362
12,344
198,038

211,750
10,445
1,851,215

(214,610)
(71,315)

(143,295)
(499,018)

($367,535)
(13,212)
(28,739)

(409,486)

(9,047)
(117,388)
(295,502)
(421,937)
12,451

12,451

(112,253)

(121)

(8,147)
(39,443)
(147,513)

(2,637)
(745)
(3,382)

(200)

(143,853)
(158)
(699)

(1,205)

(149,497)

1,984
189

1,795
1,654,143

$2,615,314
25,190
445,769
41,898
3,128,171

765,793
448,172
464,816
1,678,781
1,449,390
562,650

886,740
196,072
363,257

55,159
(2,464)

(38,970)
121,262
1,581,056

519,523
148,666
668,189
123,621
127,472
50,111
149,854
66,877
115,388
17,438
12,344
151,062

211,750
10,445
1,704,551

(123,495)
(59,002)

(64,493)

($642,313)

$1,655,938

($64,493)

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings
(losses) of subsidiaries
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses)
of subsidiaries
Equity in (losses) earnings of subsidiaries

NET (LOSS) INCOME

2,226

143,296
30,288

113,008
(177,501)

($64,493)

107

(2,267)

(2,267)
(504,146)

($506,413)

2007     Annual Report        145
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Operations

Year ended December 31, 2006

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

(In thousands)

INTEREST INCOME:

Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities
Trading securities

INTEREST EXPENSE:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

$7,782
2,199
37,087

47,068

537
35,617
36,154
10,914

$143
1,397

1,540

1,238

1,238
302

$149,166
520
1,403

151,089

26,806
177,061
203,867
(52,778)

10,914

302

(52,778)

290

13,598

7,006
20,906

(271)
(53,049)

Net interest income (loss)
Provision for loan losses
Net interest income (loss) after provision
for loan losses
Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees
Net gain (loss) on sale and valuation adjustment
of investment securities
Trading account profit
Gain on sale of loans and valuation adjustments
on loans held-for-sale
Other operating income (loss)

OPERATING EXPENSES:
Personnel costs:
Salaries
Pension, profit sharing and other benefits

Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
Printing and supplies
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Other operating expenses
Impact of change in fiscal period at certain subsidiaries
Goodwill impairment losses
Amortization of intangibles

17,518
28,722

19,812
5,487
25,299
2,341
1,820
1,218
14,631
621
4,590
70

379
66
445
14
8

46

(49,533)

(399)

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings
(losses) of subsidiaries
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income (loss) before equity in earnings (losses)
of subsidiaries
Equity in earnings (losses) of subsidiaries

NET INCOME (LOSS)

1,057

27,665
1,648

26,017
331,659

$357,676

114

20,792

20,792
(42,410)

($21,618)

2
12

225

1

436
3,495

4,171

(57,220)
(15,363)

(41,857)
(2,602)

($44,459)

$2,615,635
38,785
504,376
32,125
3,190,921

($286,130)
(12,021)
(28,026)

(326,177)

$2,486,453
29,626
516,237
32,125
3,064,441

583,850
559,750
585,618
1,729,218
1,461,703
287,760

1,173,943
190,079
429,805

(16,253)
18,346

122,853
157,896
2,076,669

500,209
146,832
647,041
114,385
134,150
43,325
264,672
67,764
126,604
17,670
7,232
169,125
4,109
14,239
12,377
1,622,693

453,976
116,867

337,109
(46,768)

$290,341

(3,756)
(69,371)
(260,819)
(333,946)
7,769

7,769

(108,930)

6,724
16,942

(5,432)
(40,686)
(123,613)

(3,222)
(892)
(4,114)

(113)

(138,040)
(102)
(1,229)

(1,501)
2,137

(142,962)

19,349
3,734

15,615
(239,879)

($224,264)

580,094
518,960
537,477
1,636,531
1,427,910
287,760

1,140,150
190,079
320,875

4,359
35,288

117,421
141,463
1,949,635

517,178
151,493
668,671
116,742
135,877
44,543
141,534
68,283
129,965
17,741
7,232
118,128
9,741
14,239
12,377
1,485,073

464,562
106,886

357,676

$357,676

146

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Operations

Year ended December 31, 2005

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

(In thousands)

INTEREST INCOME:

Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities
Trading securities

INTEREST EXPENSE:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

Net interest (loss) income
Provision for loan losses
Net interest (loss) income after provision
for loan losses
Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees
Net gain (loss) on sale and valuation adjustment
of investment securities
Trading account profit
Gain on sale of  loans and valuation adjustment
on loans held-for-sale
Other operating income

OPERATING EXPENSES:
Personnel costs:
Salaries
Pension, profit sharing and other benefits

Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
Printing and supplies
Other operating expenses
Amortization of intangibles

Income (loss) before income tax, cumulative effect
of accounting change and equity in earnings
of subsidiaries
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting
change and equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

NET INCOME

$2,122
3,955
30,304

36,381

256
43,594
43,850

(7,469)
14

(7,483)

$8
598

606

988

988

$142,050
90
1,264

143,404

17,488
154,508
171,996

(382)

(28,592)

(382)

(28,592)

50,469

9,236

11,771
54,757

5,971
14,825

(28,592)

367
58
425
14
2

16

32

489

14,336

14,336
691
15,027
84,018

$99,045

31
1,021
4,536
56
6,292

(10,556)

1,380

53,377
3,155

50,222

50,222
490,480

$540,702

10

80

486

576

(29,168)
(10,266)

(18,902)

(18,902)
101,512

$82,610

$2,207,183
45,350
484,345
30,010
2,766,888

439,269
387,362
488,839
1,315,470

1,451,418
195,258

1,256,160
181,749
435,505

(6,694)
16,625

106,598
127,680
2,117,623

478,118
149,092
627,210
108,372
124,294
38,176
249,558
63,412
94,142
18,378
134,136
9,579
1,467,257

650,366
156,797

493,569
4,494
498,063
62,055

($235,056)
(18,667)
(27,697)

(281,420)

(8,456)
(56,891)
(225,305)
(290,652)

9,232

9,232

(104,004)

(898)
13,426

(23,301)
(38,858)
(144,403)

(3,849)
(1,097)
(4,946)

(61)

(134,909)
(73)

(1,513)

(141,502)

(2,901)
(771)

(2,130)
(1,578)
(3,708)
(738,065)

$2,116,299
30,736
488,814
30,010
2,665,859

430,813
349,203
461,636
1,241,652

1,424,207
195,272

1,228,935
181,749
331,501

52,113
30,051

83,297
106,564
2,014,210

474,636
148,053
622,689
108,386
124,276
39,197
119,281
63,395
100,434
18,378
122,585
9,579
1,328,200

686,010
148,915

537,095
3,607
540,702

$560,118

($741,773)

$540,702

2007     Annual Report        147
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Cash  Flows

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

Year ended December 31, 2007

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed losses of subsidiaries
Depreciation and amortization of
premises and equipment
Provision for loan losses
Goodwill and trademark impairment losses
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization and fair value adjustment of servicing assets
Net (gain) loss on sale and valuation
adjustment of  investment securities
Net loss (gain) on disposition of premises and equipment
Loss on sale of loans and valuation adjustments on loans
held-for-sale
Net amortization of premiums and accretion
of discounts on investments
Net amortization of premiums on loans and deferred loan
origination fees and costs
Earnings from investments under the equity method
Stock options expense
Net disbursements on  loans held-for-sale
Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net decrease in trading securities
Net (increase) decrease  in accrued income receivable
Net decrease (increase) in other assets
Net increase (decrease) in interest payable
Deferred income taxes
Net increase in postretirement benefit obligation
Net increase in other liabilities
Total adjustments
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net (increase) decrease in money market investments
Purchases of investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other
Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and
redemptions of investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other
Proceeds from sales of  investment securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of other investment securities
Net disbursements on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Capital contribution to subsidiary
Net liabilities assumed, net of cash
Mortgage servicing rights purchased
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
Dividends received from subsidiary
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and
assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings
Payments of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Dividends paid to parent company
Dividends paid
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Treasury stock acquired
Capital contribution from parent
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks at end of period

($64,493)

($506,413)

($507,212)

($642,313)

$1,655,938

($64,493)

177,501

2,365
2,007

(115,567)
1

(8,244)

(4,612)
568

(617)
26,591
1,508
1,156

4,354
87,011
22,518

(37,700)

(6,808)
(4,087,972)

3,900,087

5,783
245,484
(259,763)

(522)
11

383,100
141,700

14,213
(5,000)
397

(190,617)
20,414
(2,236)

(162,829)
1,389
2
$1,391

504,146

473,478

3

20,083

7

(15,410)

1,592

(2,690)
(8,339)
(7,762)
(18,164)

8,180
446,298
(60,914)

2,402

(928)

865
(129,969)

(51)
4,005

55
512,835
6,422

775

(2)

900

17,572
2
(25,150)

(300)

499,018

76,271
560,643
211,750
12,344
10,445
61,110

40,325
(12,297)

30,823

28,508

100,153
(1,293)
1,195
(4,803,927)
(550,392)
4,127,794
1,220,842
10,786
(123,355)
15,617
(237,455)
2,388
95,369
1,376,662
734,349

(706,347)

(886,267)
(25,232,314)
(111,180)

2,344,225
25,034,574
44,185
34,812
1
(2,904,713)
415,256
(22,312)
(111,025)
719,604
(26,507)
(104,386)
63,444
175,974

(6,203)

(127,630)

(1,272,976)

(1,654,143)

(76)

8,147

(33)

(9,642)
(1,624)

1,743
4,404
6,883
(4,350)
30,723

(36,383)
(1,654,351)
1,587

102,302

732,365

(735,548)

1,861,670

111,325

42

(383,100)
1,689,056

78,563
562,650
211,750
12,344
10,445
61,110

(55,159)
(12,296)

38,970

20,238

90,511
(21,347)
1,763
(4,803,927)
(550,392)
4,127,794
1,222,585
11,832
(94,215)
5,013
(223,740)
2,388
71,575
768,455
703,962

(638,568)

(160,712)
(29,320,286)
(112,108)

1,608,677
28,935,561
44,185
58,167
246,352
(1,457,925)
415,256
(22,312)

719,604
(26,507)
(104,866)
63,455
175,974

423,947

9,063
260,815
(444,583)
363,327

188,622
78
322
$400

3,041,881

(152,357)

2,889,524

(348,143)
(2,292,160)
(3,913,642)
4,217,588
(383,100)

(289)
111,325
433,460
(105,167)
1,015,470
$910,303

13,900
(595,669)
1,899,948
(3,156,092)
383,100

(111,325)
(1,718,495)
(27,852)
(65,793)
($93,645)

(325,180)
(2,612,801)
(2,463,277)
1,425,220

(190,617)
20,414
(2,525)

(1,259,242)
(131,333)
950,158
$818,825

219
157
$376

148

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Cash  Flows

(290)
4

(427)

(54)
(2,507)
684

(527)
(11,002)
647
(569)

10,158
(333,209)
24,467

221,300

(269,683)

269,683
2,646
17,781
(441,941)

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Less: Impact of change in fiscal period of certain
subsidiaries, net of tax
Net income (loss) before impact of change in fiscal period
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed (earnings) losses of subsidiaries
Depreciation and amortization of
premises and equipment
Provision for loan losses
Goodwill and trademark impairment losses
Amortization of intangibles
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Amortization of servicing assets
Net (gain) loss on sale and valuation
adjustment of  investment securities
Net loss (gain) on disposition of premises and equipment
Net gain on sale of loans
Net amortization of premiums and accretion
of discounts on investments
Net amortization of premiums on loans and deferred loan
origination fees and costs
Earnings from investments under the equity method
Stock options expense
Net disbursements on  loans held-for-sale
Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net decrease in trading securities
Net (increase) decrease  in accrued income receivable
Net (increase) decrease in other assets
Net increase (decrease) in interest payable
Deferred income taxes
Net increase in postretirement benefit obligation
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
Total adjustments
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net decrease (increase) in money market investments
Purchases of investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other
Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and
redemptions of investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other
Proceeds from sales of  investment securities available-for-sale
Net disbursements on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Capital contribution to subsidiary
Assets acquired, net of cash
Mortgage servicing rights purchased
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
Dividends received from subsidiary
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and
assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Net increase (decrease) in other short-term borrowings
Payments of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Dividends paid to parent company
Dividends paid
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Treasury stock acquired
Capital contribution from parent
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Cash effect of change in fiscal period
Net (decrease) increase  in cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks at end of period

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

Year ended December 31, 2006

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

$357,676

($21,618)

($44,459)

$290,341

($224,264)

$357,676

357,676

(21,618)

(2,271)
(42,188)

(2,638)
292,979

(1,220)
(223,044)

(6,129)
363,805

(331,659)

2,333

42,410

2,602

2

(13,598)

14

(118)

24,648

(6,995)

21
4,636
(23)

6
26,471
4,853

(775)

(20,574)

963
24,566
2,828
(15,471)

30,341
45,713
3,525

(2,407)

(13,010)

10,360

28,662

(127,083)

46,768

82,126
287,760
14,239
12,377
7,232
62,849

16,253
(25,933)
(122,853)

135,974
(1,286)
2,322
(6,580,246)
(1,547,800)
6,826,864
1,369,462
(11,612)
25,715
35,984
(48,800)
4,112
(86,169)
529,986
822,965

239,879

(73)

(30)

(6,724)

5,432

(199)

(5,829)
(1,482)

44,783
(44,783)
(487)
6,946
5,793
(6,959)
38,632

(37,880)
237,019
13,975

84,388
287,760
14,239
12,377
7,232
62,819

(4,359)
(25,929)
(117,421)

23,918

130,091
(12,270)
3,006
(6,580,246)
(1,503,017)
6,782,081
1,368,975
(4,209)
49,708
32,477
(26,208)
4,112
(83,544)
505,980
869,785

485,269

(321,966)

381,421

(708,142)
(20,593,684)
(53,016)

473,786

(254,930)
(20,863,367)
(66,026)

2,338,309
20,656,164
85,668
154,426
(1,881,055)
938,862
(448,708)
(30,084)
(3,034)
(23,769)
(102,971)
91,230
138,604
60,763
1,104,832

1,724,205

(3,328,993)
1,128,136
(3,464,344)
2,318,236
(308,662)

3,300
(274)
34,104
(1,894,292)
19,570
53,075
962,395
$1,015,470

(472,211)

7,933
862,753

74,211

3,317
(3,317)

(308,662)
315,844

1,876,458
20,925,847
88,314
208,802
(1,587,326)
938,862
(448,708)

(3,034)
(23,769)
(104,593)
87,913
138,703

1,294,567

65,457

1,789,662

257,697
(541,695)
952,427
(1,297,945)
308,662

(3,132)

(70,104)
(328,633)
(7,734)
(6,548)
(59,245)
($65,793)

(3,053,167)
1,226,973
(3,469,429)
1,506,298

(188,321)
55,846
(367)

(2,132,505)
11,914
43,761
906,397
$950,158

(36,000)

(4,000)

(4,127)

(4,939)

99
247,899
6,845

150,787
(50,450)
393

(188,321)
55,678
(93)

(32,006)

(694)
696
$2

3,313

(136,267)

(46,112)

36,000
(10,112)

(1,946)
2,103
$157

18,129
535,857
(907,062)
485,614

132,538
78
(126)
448
$322

2007    Annual Report         149
2007
2007
Popular, Inc.     2007
2007

Condensed  Consolidating  Statement  of  Cash  Flows

Year ended December 31, 2005

PIBI
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Other
Subsidiaries

Elimination
Entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

$99,045
691
98,354

$82,610

82,610

$560,118
4,494
555,624

($741,773)
(1,578)
(740,195)

$540,702
3,607
537,095

(84,018)

(101,512)

(62,055)

738,065

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

(490,480)

$540,702

1,511
14

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Less: Cumulative effect of accounting change, net of tax
Net income before cumulative effect of accounting change 540,702
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
Depreciation and amortization of
premises and equipment
Provision for loan losses
Amortization of intangibles
Amortization of servicing assets
Net (gain) loss on sale and valuation
adjustment of  investment securities
Net gain on disposition of premises and equipment
Net gain on sale of loans
Net amortization of premiums and accretion
of discounts on investments
Net amortization of premiums on loans and deferred loan
origination fees and costs
Earnings from investments under the equity method
Stock options expense
Net disbursements on loans held-for-sale
Acquisitions of  loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net decrease in trading securities
Net increase  in accrued income receivable
Net decrease (increase) in other assets
Net increase in interest payable
Deferred income taxes
Net increase in postretirement benefit obligation
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities

5,722

(347)
5,777
1,349
(182)

(99)
(3,097)
305

(50,469)

(546)

(530,542)
10,160

(181,500)

(127,628)

(445)

110,432
150,000
500
57,458
15,785

Total adjustments
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net ( increase) decrease in money market investments
Purchases of investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other
Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and
redemptions of investment securities:
Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity
Other
Proceeds from sales of  investment securities available-for-sale
Net repayments (disbursements) on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Capital contribution to subsidiary
Assets acquired, net of cash
Mortgage servicing rights purchased
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed assets
Dividends received from subsidiary
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits
Net (decrease) increase in federal funds purchased and
assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Net (decrease) increase in other short-term borrowings
Payments of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Dividends paid to parent company
Dividends paid
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Treasury stock acquired
Capital contribution from parent
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Cash effect of change in accounting principle
Net increase  in cash and due from banks
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks at end of period

(9,236)

10

(5,518)

(33)
2,613
3

(21)

(96,200)
2,154

(71,293)
(2,431)

250

32,111

(1,146)
2,856
323
(10,266)

7,010

(102,735)
(20,125)

(31)

(770)

4,978

(156,327)

(75,000)

(75,000)

(478,510)

(3)

297
171,000
120,896

(6,690)
(4,501)
(135,763)
5,383

(182,751)
193,679

(130,643)

413
283
$696

(116,363)

41,286

75,000
116,286
(28)
2,049
54
$2,103

150,000
(480,660)

45,926
382,213
(15,808)
13,518

75,000
500,849

64
384
$448

80,508
195,258
9,579
25,813

6,694
(29,079)
(106,598)

36,518

134,452
(790)
4,887
(4,321,658)
(733,536)
4,127,381
1,161,956
(32,159)
(159,492)
36,421
7,097
5,451
7,627

394,275
949,899

209,122

(4,954,363)
(33,577,371)
(76,501)

4,115,508
33,637,018
60,553
299,027
(568,155)
297,805
(2,650,540)
(306,868)
(411,782)
(5,039)
(159,163)
71,053
116,862
52,500
(3,850,334)

(72)

(47)

898

23,301

(694)

(7,118)
(1,577)
34

(976)
2,877
(24,633)
(2,878)
(328)

93

726,945
(13,250)

132,470

910,122

(913,720)

365,604

935,378

(373,500)
1,056,354

81,947
195,272
9,579
25,766

(52,113)
(29,079)
(83,297)

35,288

127,235
(10,982)
5,226
(4,321,658)
(733,536)
4,127,381
1,160,980
(30,808)
(172,879)
35,218
(3,679)
5,451
20,431

391,743
928,838

160,061

(4,243,162)
(33,579,802)
(77,716)

3,317,198
33,787,268
61,053
388,596
(343,093)
297,805
(2,650,540)

(411,782)
(5,039)
(159,166)
71,053
117,159

(3,270,107)

1,261,945

109,723

1,371,668

2,438,448
(817,323)
(3,558,141)
3,362,405
(373,500)

(1,467)
784,915
3,097,282
(1,544)
195,303
767,092
$962,395

(249,796)
(367,952)
1,058,740
(1,040,295)
373,500

(934,915)
(1,050,995)

(7,891)
(51,354)
($59,245)

2,227,888
(766,277)
(2,650,972)
2,341,011

(182,751)
193,679
(1,467)

2,532,779
(1,572)
189,938
716,459
$906,397

P.O. Box 362708
San Juan, Puerto Rico
00936-2708