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Popular Inc

bpop · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2019 Annual Report · Popular Inc
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CONTENTS
ÍNDICE

Letter from the President & Chief Executive Officer.................................. 3

25-Year Historical Financial Summary...............................................................6

Management & Board of Directors....................................................................8

Carta del Presidente y Principal Oficial Ejecutivo...................................... 9

Resumen Financiero Histórico (25 años).......................................................12

Gerencia y Junta de Directores.........................................................................14

Popular,  Inc.  (NASDAQ:  BPOP)  is  the  leading 
financial  institution  by  both  assets  and  deposits 
in  Puerto  Rico  and  ranks  among  the  top  50  U.S.
bank  holding  companies  by  assets.  Founded  in 
1893,  Banco  Popular  de  Puerto  Rico,  Popular’s 
principal  subsidiary,  provides  retail,  mortgage 
and  commercial  banking  services  in  Puerto  Rico 
and  the  U.S.  Virgin  Islands.  Popular  also  offers 
in  Puerto  Rico  auto  and  equipment  leasing  and 
financing,  investment  banking,  broker-dealer  and 
insurance services through specialized subsidiaries. 
In  the  mainland  United  States,  Popular  provides 
retail,  mortgage  and  commercial  banking  services
through its New York-chartered banking subsidiary, 
Popular  Bank,  which  has  branches  located  in  New 
York, New Jersey and Florida.

Popular,  Inc.  (NASDAQ:  BPOP)  es  la  institución 
bancaria  líder  en  depósitos  y  activos  en  Puerto 
Rico y se encuentra entre las primeras 50 entidades 
tenedoras  de  instituciones  bancarias  por  número 
de  activos.  Fundado  en  1893,  Banco  Popular  de
Puerto  Rico,  la  principal  subsidiaria  de  Popular, 
brinda  servicios  de  banca  individual,  hipotecas  y
banca  comercial  en  Puerto  Rico  e  Islas  Vírgenes 
estadounidenses. Popular también ofrece en Puerto 
Rico servicios de financiamiento de autos y equipo,
inversiones  y  seguros  a  través  de  subsidiarias
especializadas.  En  Estados  Unidos,  Popular  provee 
servicios  de  banca  individual,  hipotecas  y  banca 
comercial  a  través  de  su  filial  bancaria  en  Nueva 
York,  Popular  Bank,  la  cual  cuenta  con  sucursales 
localizadas en Nueva York, Nueva Jersey y Florida. 

CORPORATE INFORMATION

INFORMACIÓN CORPORATIVA

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm:
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
The company’s Form 10-K, proxy statement and 
any other financial information is available on
popular.com/en/investor-relations/annual-reports/

Firma registrada de Contabilidad Pública
Independiente: PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
El Formulario 10-K, el proxy y otra información
financiera están disponibles en
popular.com/accionistas/informe-anual/

ANNUAL MEETING

REUNIÓN ANUAL

The 2020 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Popular, 
Inc. will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at 9:00 a.m. at
the penthouse of the Popular Center Building,
San Juan, Puerto Rico.

La Reunión Anual de Accionistas 2020
de Popular, Inc., se llevará a cabo el martes,
12 de mayo, a las 9:00 a.m. en el piso PH
de Popular Center, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

2   |  POPULAR, INC.

POPULAR, INC.
YEAR IN REVIEW 

DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:

2019  was  an  outstanding  year  for  Popular.  We  achieved  record  core
earnings,  positive  credit  quality  results,  deposit  and  loan  growth,  in 
our Puerto Rico and United States operations, and maintained a robust 
capital position.

Net income for 2019 was $671 million, compared to $618 million in the
previous  year.  Our  2018  results  included  the  benefit  of  $159  million,
related to the early termination of the FDIC shared-loss agreements, and 
a $28 million expense related to the impact of the Puerto Rico tax reform
on  our  deferred  tax  asset.  After  excluding  the  effects  of  these  items,
adjusted net income in 2018 was $487 million. 

The adjusted increase of $184 million in net income this year was driven 
primarily  by  higher  net  interest  income  and  a  lower  provision  for  loan 
losses. During 2019 we benefitted from the full-year impact of the Reliable 
acquisition,  loan  growth  in  both  markets  and  continued  increases  in
deposit balances in Puerto Rico that, in turn, allowed us to increase the 
contribution from our investment portfolio. Additionally, during 2019 we 
recognized a $26 million income tax benefit related to exempt interest
income from loans earned in prior years. 

We continued to experience stable credit quality metrics. Non-performing 
assets  declined  by  13%,  when  compared  to  the  previous  year,  and  the 
net charge-off ratio was 0.96%, compared to 1.13% in 2018. These results 
reflect positive performance both in Puerto Rico and the United States.
While net-charge offs increased in the United States as we continued to 
work through the taxi medallion portfolio, this exposure was reduced to
$19 million.

Capital  levels  remained  strong  with  year-end  Tier  1  Capital  and  Tier  1 
Common  ratios  of  17.8%.  In  2019  we  increased  the  quarterly  common 
stock dividend,  from  $0.25  to  $0.30 per share, and  repurchased $250 
million in common stock. We also announced several capital actions we 
will execute in 2020, including an increase in the quarterly common stock 
dividend from $0.30 to $0.40 per share and a common stock repurchase 
program of up to $500 million.

Popular’s  shares  closed  2019  at  $58.75,  24%  higher  than  in  2018.  This 
performance  compares  favorably  against  our  U.S.  peers  and  the  KBW 
Nasdaq Regional Banking Index, both of which increased 20% in the year.

2019 WAS AN OUTSTANDING 
YEAR FOR POPULAR. WE 
ACHIEVED RECORD CORE 
EARNINGS, POSITIVE CREDIT 
QUALITY RESULTS, DEPOSIT 
AND LOAN GROWTH, IN OUR 
PUERTO RICO AND UNITED 
STATES OPERATIONS, AND 
MAINTAINED A ROBUST 
CAPITAL POSITION. 

2019 ANNUAL REPORT |  3  

WE CONTINUED TO EXECUTE OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY, STRUCTURED AROUND
FOUR PILLARS.

SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE GROWTH: 

In Puerto Rico, we added 45,000 customers to reach 1.8 million, 915,000 of which actively 
used our digital channels. We grew loans and deposits by 1.5% and 10%, respectively. Our 
auto loan portfolio increased by 12%, evidencing the successful integration of the Reliable
acquisition.  At  year-end,  we  acquired  a  $74  million  credit  card  portfolio  in  Puerto  Rico
and, in a separate transaction, acquired the rights to issue credit cards under the JetBlue
co-branded loyalty program in Puerto Rico. In the United States, we grew loans and deposits 
each  by  9%.  We  continued  expanding  our  niche  businesses,  mainly  condo  association 
banking and health care lending.

SIMPLICITY: 

We continued to leverage technology and process optimization to streamline our operations 
to achieve efficiencies, improve both the customer and employee experience and position the 
Corporation for future growth. Progress in 2019 included an acceleration in the deployment
of  robotic  process  automation  technology  and  the  expansion  of  our  process  efficiency
program, which is based on the LEAN methodology.

CUSTOMER FOCUS: 

We dedicated significant resources to reinforce our service culture, offering new tools and
development opportunities to all our employees. We also continued the transformation of
our branch network in Puerto Rico and the United States, increasingly integrating technology 
to enhance our customers’ experience regardless of how they choose to interact with us.
For example, in Puerto Rico we launched a new branch model focused on providing banking 
services via digital channels and self-service technology. We sought additional opportunities 
to serve the underserved. We opened a branch in Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, 
and we are proud to serve this community as the only bank branch on the island.

FIT FOR THE FUTURE: 

We continued to invest in our talent and risk management infrastructures. Regarding our 
people, we implemented initiatives related to development, compensation, leadership and 
recognition.  While  ensuring  we  have  the  necessary  talent  today,  we  are  anticipating  and 
preparing for future needs. In the area of internal controls, we focused on our compliance
program,  particularly  on  strengthening  the  first  line  of  defense,  and  on  bolstering  our
cybersecurity program.

Popular’s  steadfast  commitment  to  our  customers,  our  people  and  our  communities  is  an  intrinsic  part 
of  how  we  conduct  our  business.  That  commitment  inspired  the  founding  of  Popular  126  years  ago,  has
manifested itself throughout our history and today is stronger than ever. We are proud of our tradition as
a responsible corporate citizen, yet aware that local and global challenges facing our communities require 
more deliberate action from everyone, including the private sector. To this end, in 2019 we embarked on
a  process  to  formalize  our  priorities  regarding  environmental,  social  and  governance  (or  ESG)  practices. 
As part of this process, we will establish specific targets, track our progress and communicate our results
regularly. We are convinced that continuous improvement in these areas provides the foundation for the
long-term success of our company and our ability to deliver value to all our stakeholders.

4   |  POPULAR, INC.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of over 8,000 colleagues in Puerto Rico, the United States and 
the Virgin Islands, which made possible our accomplishments in 2019. In recognition of our strong financial 
results and achievements during the year, our Board of Directors approved the maximum possible award
under our Profit Sharing Plan for the second consecutive year. 

Early in 2020, our team demonstrated once again its resiliency and solidarity after a series of seismic events,
including a magnitude 6.4 earthquake, impacted the southwestern region of Puerto Rico. Our employees 
in affected areas responded admirably, going above and beyond the call of duty to assist our clients and 
communities, with overwhelming support of their colleagues in other parts of the island and beyond. We
also swiftly responded through our foundation, Fundación Banco Popular, to deliver immediate aid as well 
as longer-term support to communities in need.

I  take  this  opportunity  to  express,  on  behalf  of  everyone  at  Popular,  our  heartfelt  appreciation
to Richard L. Carrión, who in 2019 transitioned from his role of Executive Chairman to non-executive Chairman
of the Board of Directors. Richard’s exemplary service in Popular spanned over four decades, including 26
years as CEO. Richard has been a truly iconic leader and a great source of support in my transition as CEO. 
We are fortunate to have his continued guidance as Chairman of the Board.

I also wish to express my gratitude to William J. Teuber, Jr., who retired from the Board of Directors to devote
greater time to other professional responsibilities. Bill was a valuable member of the Board for the past 15
years  and  played  an  important  role  as  lead  director  for  the  last  eight  years.  His  significant  contributions
made Popular a better organization, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Finally, I would like to thank you, our shareholders, for your confidence in us. We began this year energized
and positive about our prospects. Our franchise in Puerto Rico is unrivaled, with an extensive branch network, 
innovative digital solutions and an unmatched array of retail and commercial products and services. Puerto 
Rico’s economic recovery from the impact of the 2017 hurricanes and recent seismic events represent both a 
tremendous responsibility and opportunity. We are uniquely poised to foster the island’s economic recovery.
Our operation in the mainland United States, while more focused, provides geographic diversification and
potential for growth, particularly in selected niches where we have proved we can compete effectively. 

We look forward to 2020 with optimism, ready to face the challenges we will undoubtedly encounter and to
take advantage of the opportunities that will also arise. 

IGNACIO ALVAREZ
President and Chief Executive Officer
Popular, Inc.

Popular, Inc., Senior Management Team: (seated left to right) Beatriz Castellví Armas, Luis Cestero, Juan O. Guerrero, Camille Burckhart, Lidio V. Soriano, 
(standing left to right) Gilberto Monzón, Eduardo J. Negrón, Carlos J. Vázquez, Ignacio Alvarez, Manuel A. Chinea, Javier D. Ferrer, Eli S. Sepúlveda.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT |  5  

25-YEAR
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL SUMMARY

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Selected Financial Information

Net Income (Loss)

 $146.4 

 $185.2

 $209.6 

 $232.3 

 $257.6 

 $276.1 

 $304.5 

 $351.9

 $470.9

 $489.9

 $540.7

Assets

Gross Loans 

Deposits

Stockholders’ Equity

Market Capitalization

 15,675.5 

16,764.1 

 19,300.5

 23,160.4

 25,460.5 

 28,057.1

 30,744.7

 33,660.4

 36,434.7

 44,401.6

 48,623.7

 8,677.5 

 9,779.0 

 11,376.6

 13,078.8 

 14,907.8

 16,057.1 

 18,168.6

 19,582.1 

 22,602.2

 28,742.3 

 31,710.2

 9,876.7

 10,763.3

 11,749.6

 13,672.2

 14,173.7 

 14,804.9 

 16,370.0 

 17,614.7

 18,097.8 

 20,593.2

 22,638.0 

 1,141.7 

 1,262.5

 1,503.1 

 1,709.1 

1,661.0 

 1,993.6

 2,272.8 

 2,410.9

 2,754.4

 3,104.6 

 3,449.2

 $1,276.8 

 $2,230.5 

 $3,350.3 

 $4,611.7

 $3,790.2

 $3,578.1 

 $3,965.4 

 $4,476.4

 $5,960.2 

 $7,685.6 

 $5,836.5 

Return on Average Assets (ROAA)

1.04%

1.14%

1.14%

1.14%

1.08%

1.04%

1.09%

1.11%

1.36%

1.23%

1.17%

Return on Average Common Equity 
(ROACE)

Per Common Share1

Net Income (Loss) - Basic

Net Income (Loss) - Diluted

Dividends (Declared)

Book Value

Market Price

Assets by Geographical Area

Puerto Rico

United States

Caribbean and Latin America

14.22%

 16.17%

15.83%

15.41%

15.45%

15.00%

14.84%

16.29%

19.30%

17.60%

17.12%

 $5.24

 5.24

 1.54 

 39.52 

 48.44 

75%

21%

4%

 $6.69 

 6.69 

 1.83

 43.98

 84.38 

74%

22%

4%

 $7.51

 7.51 

 2.00 

 51.83 

 $8.26

 8.26

 2.50 

 59.32 

 $9.19

 9.19

 3.00 

 57.54

 123.75

 170.00

 139.69

74%

23%

3%

71%

25%

4%

71%

25%

4%

 $9.85

 $10.87

 $13.05

 $17.36

 $17.95

 $19.78 

 9.85

 3.20

 69.62

 131.56 

72%

26%

2%

 10.87

 3.80 

 79.67

 13.05

 4.00 

 91.02

 17.36 

 5.05

 17.92

 6.20

 96.60

 109.45

 145.40

 169.00

 224.25 

 288.30 

68%

30%

2%

66%

32%

2%

62%

36%

2%

55%

43%

2%

 19.74 

 6.40

 118.22 

 211.50

53%

45%

2%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Traditional Delivery System

Banking Branches

Puerto Rico

Virgin Islands

United States2

Subtotal

Non-Banking Offices

Popular Financial Holdings

Popular Cash Express

Popular Finance

Popular Auto (including Reliable)

Popular Leasing, U.S.A.

Popular Mortgage

Popular Securities

Popular One
Popular Insurance and 

Popular Risk Services

Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A.

Popular Insurance V.I.

E-LOAN

EVERTEC

Subtotal

Total

Electronic Delivery System

 ATMs Owned

Puerto Rico

Virgin Islands

United States

Total

166

8

40

214

91

31

9

3

134

348

281

8

38

327

178

8

44

230

102

39

8

3

1

153

383

327

9

53

389

201

8

63

272

117

44

10

7

3

2

183

455

391

17

71

479

198

8

89

295

128

51

48

10

8

11

2

258

553

421

59

94

574

199

8

91

298

137

102

47

12

10

13

2

4

327

625

442

68

99

609

199

8

95

302

136

132

61

12

11

21

3

2

4

382

684

478

37

109

624

196

8

96

300

149

154

55

20

13

25

4

2

1

4

427

727

524

39

118

681

195

8

96

299

153

195

36

18

13

29

7

2

1

1

5

460

759

539

53

131

723

193

8

97

298

181

129

43

18

11

32

8

2

1

1

5

431

729

557

57

129

743

192

8

128

328

183

114

43

18

15

30

9

2

1

1

5

421

749

568

59

163

790

 194 

 8 

 136 

 338 

 212

 4 

 49 

 17

 14

 33

 12 

 2

 1

 1 

 1 

 5 

 351

 689 

 583

 61 

 181 

825

Employees (full-time equivalent)

 7,815 

 7,996 

 8,854 

 10,549 

 11,501 

 10,651 

 11,334 

 11,037 

 11,474 

 12,139 

 13,210 

6   |  POPULAR, INC.

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

$357.7

 $(64.5)

$(1,243.9)

 $(573.9)

 $137.4

 $151.3 

 $245.3 

 $599.3

$(313.5)

 $895.3 

 $216.7 

 $107.7 

 $618.2

 $671.1

 47,404.0 

 44,411.4 

 38,882.8 

 34,736.3

 38,815.0 

 37,348.4 

 36,506.9 

 35,748.8 

 33,086.8 

 35,761.7 

 38,661.6 

 44,277.3 

 47,604.6 

 52,115.3 

 32,736.9

 29,911.0 

 26,268.9 

 23,803.9 

 26,458.9

 25,314.4

 25,093.6

 24,706.7

 22,053.2

 23,129.2 

 23,435.4

 24,942.5 

 26,559.3 

 27,466.1 

 24,438.3

 28,334.4 

 27,550.2 

 25,924.9

 26,762.2

 27,942.1 

 27,000.6

 26,711.1 

 24,807.5

 27,209.7 

 30,496.2 

 35,453.5 

 39,710.0 

 43,758.6 

3,620.3

 3,581.9 

 3,268.4

 2,538.8 

 3,800.5 

 3,918.8 

 4,110.0 

 4,626.2 

 4,267.4

 5,105.3

 5,198.0 

 5,103.9 

 5,435.1 

 6,016.8

 $5,003.4 

 $2,968.3

 $1,455.1 

 $1,445.4

 $3,21 1.4

 $1,426.0 

 $2,144.9 

 $2,970.6

 $3,523.4

 $2,936.6

 $4,548.1 

 $3,622.4 

 $4,719.3 

 $5,615.9 

0.74%

-0.14%

-3.04%

-1.57%

0.36%

0.40%

0.68%

1.65%

-0.89%

2.54%

0.58%

0.26%

1.33%

1.33%

9.73%

-2.08%

-44.47%

-32.95%

4.37%

4.01%

6.37%

14.43%

-7.04%

19.16%

4.07%

1.96%

11.39%

11.78%

 $12.41 

 12.41 

 6.40 

123.18 

$(2.73)

 (2.73)

6.40 

 121.24

 179.50 

 106.00 

 $(45.51)

 (45.51)

 4.80 

 63.29 

 51.60 

52%

45%

3%

59%

38%

3%

64%

33%

3%

 $2.39 

 $(0.62)

 2.39 

 0.20

 38.91 

 22.60 

65%

32%

3%

 (0.62)

 - 

 36.67 

 31.40 

74%

23%

3%

 $1.44 

 1.44 

 - 

 37.71 

 13.90 

74%

23%

3%

 $2.36 

 2.35 

 - 

 39.35 

 20.79 

73%

24%

3%

 $5.80 

 $(3.08)

 $8.66 

 $2.06 

 $1.02

 $6.07 

 $6.89

 5.78 

 (3.08)

 - 

 44.26

 28.73

72%

25%

3%

 - 

 40.76

 34.05 

80%

17%

3%

 8.65 

 0.30 

 48.79 

 28.34 

75%

22%

3%

 2.06 

 0.60 

 49.60 

 43.82 

75%

23%

2%

1.02 

 1.00 

 49.51 

 35.49 

76%

22%

2%

 6.06 

 1.00 

 53.88 

 47.22 

77%

21%

2%

 6.88 

 1.20 

 62.42

 58.75 

78%

20%

2%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 191 

 8 

 142

341 

196

8

147

 351 

 158 

134

 52

 15 

 11 

32 

 12 

2 

 1 

 1 

 1 

 7 

51

12

24

32

13

2

1

1

1

9

179

8

139

326 

2

9

12

22

32

7

1

1

1

1

9

 292 

633 

 280 

 631 

 97 

 423

 605 

 65 

 192 

862

615

69

187

871

605

74

176

855

173

8

101

 282 

10

33

6

1

1

1

9

61 

 343 

571

77

136

784

185

8

96

289 

183

9

94

175

9

92

 286 

 276 

10

36

6

1

1

1

10

37

4

4

1

1

1

10

37

4

5

1

1

1

171

9

90

270

9

38

3

6

1

1

1

168

9

47

 224

9

25

3

6

1

1

1

173

9

50

 232

9

24

3

6

2

1

1

171

9

51

 231 

168

9

51

228 

9

17

2

5

2

1

1

9

14

2

5

2

1

1

 55 

 344 

 58 

 344 

 59 

 335 

59 

 329

 46 

 270

 46 

 278 

 37

 268

34 

 262

624

17

138

779

613

20

135

768

597

20

134

751

599

22

132

753

602

21

83

706

622

21

87

730

635

20

101

756

633

22

110

765

163

9

51

 223

12

14

2

5

2

1

36

259

619

22

115

756

164

10

51

 225 

12

14

2

5

2

1

36

261

622

23

119

764

 12,508 

 12,303 

 10,587 

 9,407 

 8,277 

 8,329 

 8,072 

 8,059 

 7,752 

 7,810 

 7,828 

 7,784 

8,474

8,560

1 Per common share data adjusted for stock splits and reverse stock split executed in May 2012.
2 Excludes a Banco Popular de Puerto Rico branch operating in New York.

2019 ANNUAL REPORT |  7  

POPULAR, INC. 
MANAGEMENT & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM 

IGNACIO
ALVAREZ
President & 
Chief Executive Officer
Popular, Inc.

CAMILLE
BURCKHART
Executive Vice President, 
Chief Information & Digital Strategy Officer
Innovation, Technology &
Operations Group,
Popular, Inc.

BEATRIZ
CASTELLVÍ ARMAS
Executive Vice President &
Chief Security Officer
Corporate Security Group
Popular, Inc.

LUIS
CESTERO
Executive Vice President
Retail Banking Group
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

MANUEL A. 
CHINEA
Executive Vice President
Popular, Inc.
Chief Operating Officer
Popular Bank

JAVIER D.
FERRER
Executive Vice President,
Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary
General Counsel & Corporate Matters Group
Popular, Inc.

JUAN O. 
GUERRERO
Executive Vice President
Financial & Insurance
Services Group
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

GILBERTO
MONZÓN
Executive Vice President
Individual Credit Group
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

EDUARDO J. 
NEGRÓN
Executive Vice President
Administration Group
Popular, Inc.

ELI  S. 
SEPÚLVEDA
Executive Vice President
Commercial Credit Group
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

LIDIO V. 
SORIANO
Executive Vice President &
Chief Risk Officer 
Corporate Risk Management Group
Popular, Inc.

CARLOS J. 
VÁZQUEZ
Executive Vice President &
Chief Financial Officer
Corporate Finance Group
Popular, Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

RICHARD L.
CARRIÓN
Chairman 
Popular, Inc.

IGNACIO
ALVAREZ
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Popular, Inc.

JOAQUÍN E. 
BACARDÍ, III
Chairman
Edmundo B. Fernández, Inc.

ALEJANDRO M. 
BALLESTER
President
Ballester Hermanos, Inc.

ROBERT
CARRADY
President
Caribbean Cinemas

JOHN W.
DIERCKSEN
Principal
Greycrest, LLC

MARÍA LUISA
FERRÉ
President & Chief Executive Officer
FRG, Inc.

C. KIM
GOODWIN
Private Investor

MYRNA M. 
SOTO 
Chief Operating Officer 
Digital Hands, LLC

CARLOS A.
UNANUE
President
Goya de Puerto Rico

8   |  POPULAR, INC.

POPULAR, INC.
RESUMEN DEL AÑO

ESTIMADOS ACCIONISTAS:

El año 2019 fue excepcional para Popular. Logramos ganancias récord, 
resultados positivos de calidad de crédito, crecimiento de depósitos y 
préstamos, en nuestras operaciones en Puerto Rico y Estados Unidos, y 
mantuvimos una posición sólida de capital. 

El ingreso neto para 2019 fue de $671 millones, en comparación con $618
millones en el año anterior. Nuestros resultados en el 2018 incluyeron el
beneficio de $159 millones, relacionados con la terminación anticipada 
de los acuerdos de participación en pérdidas con la FDIC, y un gasto
de  $28  millones  relacionado  al  impacto  de  la  reforma  contributiva  en 
Puerto Rico en nuestro activo de contribuciones diferidas. Después de 
excluir los efectos de estas partidas, el ingreso neto ajustado en 2018
fue de $487 millones. 

El  aumento  ajustado  de  $184  millones  en  ingreso  neto  este  año  fue
impulsado  principalmente  por  mayor  ingreso  neto  por  intereses 
y  una  menor  provisión  para  pérdidas  en  préstamos.  Durante  2019 
nos  beneficiamos  del  impacto  anual  completo  de  la  adquisición  de 
Reliable, crecimiento en préstamos en ambos mercados y el aumento 
en  depósitos  en  Puerto  Rico  que,  a  su  vez,  nos  permitió  aumentar  la 
contribución de nuestra cartera de inversiones. Además, durante 2019
reconocimos un beneficio contributivo de $26 millones relacionado con 
ingreso exento de préstamos obtenido en años anteriores. 

Las  métricas  de  calidad  de  crédito  se  mantuvieron  estables.  Los
activos no acumulativos disminuyeron un 13%, en comparación con el
año  anterior,  y  la  tasa  de  pérdidas  netas  en  préstamos  fue  de  0.96%,
comparada con 1.13% en el 2018. Estos resultados reflejan un desempeño 
positivo tanto en Puerto Rico como en los Estados Unidos. Si bien las
pérdidas en préstamos en los Estados Unidos aumentaron por la cartera 
de licencias de taxi, esta exposición se redujo a $19 millones.

Los  niveles  de  capital  se  mantuvieron  sólidos  con  relaciones  de 
capital “Tier  1”  y  “Tier  1  Common”  de  17.8%  a  fin  de  año.  En  el  2019 
aumentamos  el  dividendo  trimestral,  de  $0.25  a  $0.30  por  acción 
común, y recompramos $250 millones en acciones comunes. También
anunciamos  varias  acciones  de  capital  que  ejecutaremos  en  2020,
incluyendo un aumento en el dividendo trimestral de $0.30 a $0.40 por 
acción  común  y  un  programa  de  recompra  de  acciones  comunes  de
hasta $500 millones.

Las acciones de Popular cerraron el 2019 en $58.75, 24% más alto que
en  el  2018.  Este  desempeño  compara  favorablemente  con  nuestros 
bancos pares en los Estados Unidos y el Índice Regional de Bancos de
KBW Nasdaq, los cuales aumentaron 20% en el año.

EL AÑO 2019 FUE 
EXCEPCIONAL PARA 
POPULAR. LOGRAMOS 
GANANCIAS RÉCORD, 
RESULTADOS POSITIVOS 
DE CALIDAD DE CRÉDITO, 
CRECIMIENTO DE DEPÓSITOS 
Y PRÉSTAMOS, EN NUESTRAS 
OPERACIONES EN PUERTO 
RICO Y ESTADOS UNIDOS, Y 
MANTUVIMOS UNA POSICIÓN 
SÓLIDA DE CAPITAL.

INFORME ANUAL 2019 |  9  

CONTINUAMOS  EJECUTANDO  NUESTRA  ESTRATEGIA  DE  NEGOCIO,  ESTRUCTURADA 
ALREDEDOR DE CUATRO PILARES.

CRECIMIENTO SOSTENIBLE Y RENTABLE: 
En Puerto Rico, añadimos 45,000 clientes para alcanzar 1.8 millones, de los cuales 915,000
utilizaron  activamente  nuestros  canales  digitales.  Crecimos  los  préstamos  y  depósitos  en 
un  1.5%  y  un  10%,  respectivamente.  Nuestra  cartera  de  préstamos  de  autos  aumentó  un 
12%,  lo  que  demuestra  la  integración  exitosa  de  la  adquisición  de  Reliable.  A  finales  del 
año,  adquirimos  una  cartera  de  tarjetas  de  crédito  de  $74  millones  en  Puerto  Rico  y,  en 
una transacción separada, adquirimos los derechos para emitir tarjetas de crédito bajo el 
programa  de  lealtad  de  JetBlue  en  Puerto  Rico.  En  los  Estados  Unidos,  aumentamos  los 
préstamos  y  depósitos,  ambos  en  un  9%.  Continuamos  expandiendo  nuestro  negocio  en 
nichos específicos, principalmente en servicios bancarios a asociaciones de condominios y
préstamos en el área de salud.

SENCILLEZ: 
Continuamos aprovechando la tecnología y la optimización de procesos para agilizar nuestras 
operaciones y lograr eficiencias, mejorar la experiencia de los clientes y empleados y posicionar
a la corporación para crecimiento futuro. El progreso en 2019 incluyó una aceleración en el 
despliegue de la tecnología de automatización robótica de procesos y la expansión de nuestro 
programa de eficiencia de procesos, fundamentado en la metodología LEAN.

ENFOQUE EN EL CLIENTE: 
Dedicamos recursos significativos para reforzar nuestra cultura de servicio, ofreciendo nuevas
herramientas y oportunidades de desarrollo a todos nuestros empleados. También continuamos 
la transformación de nuestra red de sucursales en Puerto Rico y los Estados Unidos, integrando
cada vez más la tecnología para mejorar la experiencia de los clientes, independientemente de 
cómo escojan interactuar con nosotros. Por ejemplo, en Puerto Rico lanzamos un nuevo modelo 
de sucursal enfocado en los servicios bancarios a través de canales digitales y tecnología de 
autoservicio.  Buscamos  oportunidades  adicionales  para  servir  a  segmentos  desatendidos. 
Abrimos una sucursal en Virgen Gorda en las Islas Vírgenes Británicas, y estamos orgullosos de 
servir a esta comunidad como la única sucursal bancaria en la isla.

PREPARADOS PARA EL FUTURO: 
Continuamos  invirtiendo  en  nuestras  infraestructuras  de  manejo  de  talento  y  de  riesgo. 
En  cuanto  a  nuestra  gente,  implementamos  iniciativas  relacionadas  al  desarrollo,  la 
compensación,  el  liderazgo  y  el  reconocimiento.  Al  mismo  tiempo  que  nos  aseguramos 
de  tener  el  talento  necesario  hoy  en  día,  estamos  anticipando  y  preparándonos  para
las  necesidades  futuras.  En  el  área  de  los  controles  internos,  nos  enfocamos  en  nuestro
programa  de  cumplimiento,  particularmente  en  el  fortalecimiento  de  la  primera  línea  de 
defensa, y en reforzar nuestro programa de seguridad cibernética. 

El compromiso firme de Popular con nuestros clientes, nuestra gente y nuestras comunidades es una parte 
intrínseca  de  cómo  llevamos  a  cabo  nuestro  negocio.  Ese  compromiso  inspiró  la  fundación  de  Popular
hace 126 años, se ha manifestado a lo largo de nuestra historia y hoy es más fuerte que nunca. Estamos
orgullosos  de  nuestra  tradición  como  ciudadano  corporativo  responsable,  pero  conscientes  de  que
los  desafíos  locales  y  globales  a  los  que  se  enfrentan  nuestras  comunidades  requieren  una  acción  más
deliberada de parte de todos, incluyendo el sector privado. Para ello, en el 2019 iniciamos un proceso para
formalizar nuestras prioridades en temas de prácticas ambientales, sociales y de gobernanza (ESG). Como
parte de este proceso, estableceremos objetivos específicos, daremos seguimiento a nuestro progreso y
comunicaremos  nuestros  resultados  regularmente.  Estamos  convencidos  de  que  avances  continuos  en
estas áreas apoyarán el éxito a largo plazo de nuestra organización y nuestra capacidad de añadir valor a
todos los grupos con los cuales tenemos una responsabilidad.

10   |  POPULAR, INC.

Me gustaría reconocer el trabajo de más de 8,000 compañeros en Puerto Rico, los Estados Unidos y las
Islas Vírgenes, que hicieron posible nuestros logros en el 2019. En reconocimiento a nuestros resultados
financieros y logros durante  el año,  nuestra  Junta  de  Directores aprobó  el  incentivo  mayor  posible bajo 
nuestro Plan de Participación en Ganancias por segundo año consecutivo.

A principios del 2020, nuestro equipo demostró una vez más su resiliencia y solidaridad después de que
una serie de eventos sísmicos, incluyendo un terremoto de magnitud 6.4, impactaran la región suroeste de
Puerto Rico. Nuestros empleados en las zonas afectadas respondieron admirablemente, dando el máximo 
para  ayudar  a  nuestros  clientes  y  comunidades,  recibiendo  apoyo  de  sus  colegas  en  otras  partes  de  la
isla y en otras geografías. También respondimos rápidamente a través de Fundación Banco Popular para
entregar ayuda inmediata, así como apoyo a más largo plazo a las comunidades necesitadas.

Aprovecho esta oportunidad para expresar, en nombre de todos en Popular, nuestro sincero agradecimiento 
a Richard L. Carrión, quien en 2019 pasó de su cargo de Presidente Ejecutivo de la Junta de Directores a
Presidente  de  la  Junta  de  Directores.  El  servicio  ejemplar  de  Richard  en  Popular  abarcó  más  de  cuatro
décadas,  incluyendo  26  años  como  Principal  Oficial  Ejecutivo.  Richard  ha  sido  un  líder  verdaderamente
icónico y una gran fuente de apoyo en mi transición como Principal Oficial Ejecutivo. Tenemos la suerte de
continuar con su apoyo como Presidente de la Junta de Directores. 

También deseo expresar mi gratitud a William J. Teuber, Jr., quien se retiró de la Junta de Directores para
dedicar más tiempo a otras responsabilidades profesionales. Bill fue un miembro valioso de la Junta durante
los últimos 15 años y desempeñó un papel importante como director principal durante los últimos ocho 
años. Sus contribuciones significativas hicieron de Popular una mejor organización, y le deseamos lo mejor
en sus futuros proyectos.

Por último, me gustaría darles las gracias a ustedes, nuestros accionistas, por su confianza en nosotros.
Comenzamos este año con energía y positivos sobre lo que podemos lograr. Nuestra franquicia en Puerto 
Rico  es  inigualable,  con  una  extensa  red  de  sucursales,  soluciones  digitales  innovadoras  y  una  gama
incomparable de productos y servicios para comercios e individuos. La recuperación económica de Puerto
Rico  del  impacto  de  los  huracanes  del  2017  y  los  recientes  eventos  sísmicos  representan  una  enorme
responsabilidad y oportunidad. Estamos preparados para fomentar la recuperación económica de la isla. 
Nuestra operación en los Estados Unidos continentales, aunque más enfocada, proporciona diversificación 
geográfica y potencial de crecimiento, particularmente en nichos específicos donde hemos demostrado
que podemos competir efectivamente.

Nos sentimos optimistas sobre el 2020. Estamos listos para enfrentar los desafíos que sin duda encontraremos 
y aprovechar las oportunidades que también surgirán.

IGNACIO ÁLVAREZ
Presidente y Principal Oficial Ejecutivo
Popular, Inc.

Gerencia Popular, Inc.: (sentados de izquierda a derecha) Beatriz Castellví Armas, Luis Cestero, Juan O. Guerrero, Camille Burckhart, Lidio V. Soriano; (de pie
de izquierda a derecha) Gilberto Monzón, Eduardo J. Negrón, Carlos J. Vázquez, Ignacio Álvarez, Manuel A. Chinea, Javier D. Ferrer, Eli S. Sepúlveda.

INFORME ANUAL 2019 |  11 

25 AÑOS
RESUMEN FINANCIERO HISTÓRICO

(Dólares en millones, excepto información 
por acción)

Información Financiera Seleccionada

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

Ingreso neto (Pérdida Neta)

 $146.4 

 $185.2 

 $209.6 

 $232.3 

 $257.6 

 $276.1 

 $304.5 

 $351.9

 $470.9

 $489.9

 $540.7

Activos

Préstamos Brutos 

Depósitos

 15,675.5 

16,764.1 

 19,300.5

 23,160.4 

 25,460.5 

28,057.1 

30,744.7 

 33,660.4 

36,434.7 

44,401.6 

 48,623.7

 8,677.5 

 9,779.0 

 11,376.6

 13,078.8 

 14,907.8 

 16,057.1 

 18,168.6 

 19,582.1 

 22,602.2

 28,742.3 

 31,710.2

 9,876.7

 10,763.3

 11,749.6

 13,672.2

 14,173.7

 14,804.9 

 16,370.0 

 17,614.7 

 18,097.8 

 20,593.2 

 22,638.0

Capital de Accionistas

 1,141.7 

 1,262.5 

 1,503.1

 1,709.1

1,661.0 

 1,993.6

 2,272.8

 2,410.9

 2,754.4 

 3,104.6 

 3,449.2 

Valor agregado en el mercado
Rendimiento de Activos Promedio 
(ROAA)
Rendimiento de Capital Común 
Promedio (ROACE)

Por Acción Común1

Ingreso neto (Pérdida Neta) - Básico

Ingreso neto (Pérdida Neta) - Diluido

Dividendos (Declarados)

Valor en los Libros

Precio en el Mercado

Activos por Área Geográfica

Puerto Rico

Estados Unidos

Caribe y Latinoamérica

 $1,276.8

 $2,230.5 

 $3,350.3

 $4,611.7

 $3,790.2

 $3,578.1 

 $3,965.4

 $4,476.4 

 $5,960.2 

 $7,685.6

 $5,836.5

1.04%

1.14%

1.14%

1.14%

1.08%

1.04%

1.09%

1.11%

1.36%

1.23%

1.17%

14.22%

 16.17%

15.83%

15.41%

15.45%

15.00%

14.84%

16.29%

19.30%

17.60%

17.12%

 $5.24

 5.24

 1.54 

 39.52 

 48.44 

75%

21%

4%

 $6.69 

 6.69 

 1.83

 43.98

 84.38 

74%

22%

4%

 $7.51

 7.51 

 2.00 

 51.83 

 $8.26 

 8.26

 2.50 

 59.32 

 $9.19

 9.19

 3.00 

 57.54

 123.75

 170.00

 139.69

74%

23%

3%

71%

25%

4%

71%

25%

4%

 $9.85

 $10.87

 $13.05

 $17.36

 $17.95

 9.85

 3.20

 69.62

 131.56 

72%

26%

2%

 10.87

 3.80 

 79.67

 13.05

 4.00 

 91.02 

 17.36 

 5.05

 17.92

 6.20

 96.60 

 109.45

 145.40

 169.00

 224.25 

 288.30 

68%

30%

2%

66%

32%

2%

62%

36%

2%

55%

43%

2%

$19.78 

 19.74 

 6.40

 118.22 

 211.50 

53%

45%

2%

Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Sistema de Distribución Tradicional

Sucursales Bancarias

Puerto Rico

Islas Vírgenes

Estados Unidos2

Subtotal

Oficinas No Bancarias

Popular Financial Holdings

Popular Cash Express

Popular Finance

Popular Auto (incluyendo Reliable)

Popular Leasing, U.S.A.

Popular Mortgage

Popular Securities

Popular One
Popular Insurance y 

Popular Risk Services

Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A.

Popular Insurance V.I.

E-LOAN

EVERTEC

Subtotal

Total

Sistema Electrónico de Distribución
Cajeros Automáticos
Propios y Administrados

Puerto Rico

Islas Vírgenes

Estados Unidos

Total

Empleados
(equivalente a tiempo completo)

12   |  POPULAR, INC.

166

8

40

214

91

31

9

3

134

348

281

8

38

327

178

8

44

230

102

39

8

3

1

153

383

327

9

53

389

201

8

63

272

117

44

10

7

3

2

183

455

391

17

71

479

198

8

89

295

128

51

48

10

8

11

2

258

553

421

59

94

574

199

8

91

298

137

102

47

12

10

13

2

4

327

625

442

68

99

609

199

8

95

302

136

132

61

12

11

21

3

2

4

382

684

478

37

109

624

196

8

96

300

149

154

55

20

13

25

4

2

1

4

427

727

524

39

118

681

195

8

96

299

153

195

36

18

13

29

7

2

1

1

5

460

759

539

53

131

723

193

8

97

298

181

129

43

18

11

32

8

2

1

1

5

431

729

557

57

129

743

192

8

128

328

183

114

43

18

15

30

9

2

1

1

5

421

749

568

59

163

790

 194

 8 

 136 

 338 

 212

 4 

 49 

 17 

 14 

 33 

 12

 2 

 1

 1 

 1

 5

 351 

 689 

 583 

 61 

 181 

825

 7,815 

 7,996 

 8,854 

 10,549 

 11,501 

 10,651 

 11,334 

 11,037 

 11,474 

 12,139 

 13,210 

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

$357.7

 $(64.5)

$(1,243.9)

 $(573.9)

 $137.4

 $151.3 

 $245.3 

 $599.3

$(313.5)

 $895.3 

 $216.7 

 $107.7 

 $618.2

 $671.1

 47,404.0 

 44,411.4 

 38,882.8 

 34,736.3

 38,815.0 

 37,348.4 

 36,506.9 

 35,748.8 

 33,086.8 

 35,761.7 

 38,661.6 

 44,277.3 

 47,604.6 

 52,115.3 

 32,736.9

 29,911.0 

 26,268.9 

 23,803.9 

 26,458.9

 25,314.4

 25,093.6

 24,706.7

 22,053.2

 23,129.2 

 23,435.4

 24,942.5 

 26,559.3 

 27,466.1 

 24,438.3

 28,334.4 

 27,550.2 

 25,924.9

 26,762.2

 27,942.1 

 27,000.6

 26,711.1 

 24,807.5

 27,209.7 

 30,496.2 

 35,453.5 

 39,710.0 

 43,758.6 

3,620.3

 3,581.9 

 3,268.4

 2,538.8 

 3,800.5 

 3,918.8 

 4,110.0 

 4,626.2 

 4,267.4

 5,105.3

 5,198.0 

 5,103.9 

 5,435.1 

 6,016.8

 $5,003.4 

 $2,968.3

 $1,455.1 

 $1,445.4

 $3,21 1.4

 $1,426.0 

 $2,144.9 

 $2,970.6

 $3,523.4

 $2,936.6

 $4,548.1 

 $3,622.4 

 $4,719.3 

 $5,615.9 

0.74%

-0.14%

-3.04%

-1.57%

0.36%

0.40%

0.68%

1.65%

-0.89%

2.54%

0.58%

0.26%

1.33%

1.33%

9.73%

-2.08%

-44.47%

-32.95%

4.37%

4.01%

6.37%

14.43%

-7.04%

19.16%

4.07%

1.96%

11.39%

11.78%

 $12.41 

 12.41 

 6.40 

123.18 

$(2.73)

 (2.73)

6.40 

 121.24

 179.50 

 106.00 

 $(45.51)

 (45.51)

 4.80 

 63.29 

 51.60 

52%

45%

3%

59%

38%

3%

64%

33%

3%

 $2.39 

 $(0.62)

 2.39 

 0.20

 38.91 

 22.60 

65%

32%

3%

 (0.62)

 - 

 36.67 

 31.40 

74%

23%

3%

 $1.44 

 1.44 

 - 

 37.71 

 13.90 

74%

23%

3%

 $2.36 

 2.35 

 - 

 39.35 

 20.79 

73%

24%

3%

 $5.80 

 $(3.08)

 $8.66 

 $2.06 

 $1.02

 $6.07 

 $6.89

 5.78 

 (3.08)

 - 

 44.26

 28.73

72%

25%

3%

 - 

 40.76

 34.05 

80%

17%

3%

 8.65 

 0.30 

 48.79 

 28.34 

75%

22%

3%

 2.06 

 0.60 

 49.60 

 43.82 

75%

23%

2%

1.02 

 1.00 

 49.51 

 35.49 

76%

22%

2%

 6.06 

 1.00 

 53.88 

 47.22 

77%

21%

2%

 6.88 

 1.20 

 62.42

 58.75 

78%

20%

2%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 191 

 8 

 142

341 

196

8

147

 351 

 158 

134

 52

 15 

 11 

32 

 12 

2 

 1 

 1 

 1 

 7 

51

12

24

32

13

2

1

1

1

9

179

8

139

326 

2

9

12

22

32

7

1

1

1

1

9

 292 

633 

 280 

 631 

 97 

 423

 605 

 65 

 192 

862

615

69

187

871

605

74

176

855

173

8

101

 282 

10

33

6

1

1

1

9

61 

 343 

571

77

136

784

185

8

96

289 

183

9

94

175

9

92

 286 

 276 

10

36

6

1

1

1

10

37

4

4

1

1

1

10

37

4

5

1

1

1

171

9

90

270

9

38

3

6

1

1

1

168

9

47

 224

9

25

3

6

1

1

1

173

9

50

 232

9

24

3

6

2

1

1

171

9

51

 231 

168

9

51

228 

9

17

2

5

2

1

1

9

14

2

5

2

1

1

 55 

 344 

 58 

 344 

 59 

 335 

59 

 329

 46 

 270

 46 

 278 

 37

 268

34 

 262

624

17

138

779

613

20

135

768

597

20

134

751

599

22

132

753

602

21

83

706

622

21

87

730

635

20

101

756

633

22

110

765

163

9

51

 223

12

14

2

5

2

1

36

259

619

22

115

756

164

10

51

 225 

12

14

2

5

2

1

36

261

622

23

119

764

 12,508 

 12,303 

 10,587 

 9,407 

 8,277 

 8,329 

 8,072 

 8,059 

 7,752 

 7,810 

 7,828 

 7,784 

8,474

8,560

1Los datos de las acciones comunes han sido ajustados por las divisiones en acciones y la división de acciones a la inversa realizada en mayo 2012.
2Excluye una sucursal de Banco Popular de Puerto Rico en Nueva York.

INFORME ANUAL 2019 |  13  

POPULAR, INC. 
GERENCIA Y JUNTA DE DIRECTORES

GERENCIA

IGNACIO
ÁLVAREZ
Presidente y 
Principal Oficial Ejecutivo
Popular, Inc.

CAMILLE
BURCKHART
Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva, Principal
Oficial de Informática y Estrategia Digital
Grupo de Innovación,
Tecnología y Operaciones
Popular, Inc.

BEATRIZ
CASTELLVÍ ARMAS
Vicepresidenta Ejecutiva y
Principal Oficial de Seguridad
Grupo de Seguridad Corporativa
Popular, Inc.

LUIS
CESTERO
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo
Grupo de Banca Individual
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

MANUEL A. 
CHINEA
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo
Popular, Inc.
Principal Oficial de Operaciones
Popular Bank

JAVIER D.
FERRER
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo, Principal Oficial
Legal y Secretario Corporativo
Grupo de Consejería General y 
Asuntos Corporativos
Popular, Inc.

JUAN O. 
GUERRERO
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo
Grupo de Servicios Financieros y 
Seguros
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

GILBERTO
MONZÓN
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo
Grupo de Crédito a Individuo 
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

EDUARDO J. 
NEGRÓN
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo
Grupo de Administración
Popular, Inc.

ELI  S. 
SEPÚLVEDA
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo
Grupo de Crédito Comercial
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

LIDIO V. 
SORIANO
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo y
Principal Oficial de Riesgo
Grupo Corporativo de
Manejo de Riesgo
Popular, Inc.

CARLOS J. 
VÁZQUEZ
Vicepresidente Ejecutivo y
Principal Oficial Financiero
Grupo de Finanzas Corporativas
Popular, Inc.

JUNTA DE DIRECTORES

RICHARD L.
CARRIÓN
Presidente de la 
Junta de Directores 
Popular, Inc.

IGNACIO
ÁLVAREZ
Presidente y
Principal Oficial Ejecutivo
Popular, Inc.

JOAQUÍN E. 
BACARDÍ, III
Presidente
Edmundo B. Fernández, Inc.

ALEJANDRO M. 
BALLESTER
Presidente
Ballester Hermanos, Inc.

ROBERT
CARRADY
Presidente
Caribbean Cinemas

JOHN W.
DIERCKSEN
Principal
Greycrest, LLC

MARÍA LUISA
FERRÉ
Presidenta y
Principal Oficial Ejecutiva
FRG, Inc.

C. KIM
GOODWIN
Inversionista Privada

MYRNA M. 
SOTO 
Principal Oficial de Operaciones
Digital Hands, LLC

CARLOS A.
UNANUE
Presidente
Goya de Puerto Rico

14   |  POPULAR, INC.

Financial Review and
Supplementary Information

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

Statistical Summaries

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2

47-51

52

53

55

56

57

58

59

60

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

1

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

Forward-Looking Statements

Overview

Critical Accounting Policies / Estimates

Statement of Operations Analysis

Net Interest Income

Provision for Loan Losses

Non-Interest Income

Operating Expenses

Income Taxes

Fourth Quarter Results

Reportable Segment Result

Statement of Financial Condition Analysis

Assets

Liabilities

Stockholders’ Equity

Regulatory Capital

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other Commitments

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

Risk Management

Market / Interest Rate Risk

Liquidity

Enterprise Risk and Operational Risk Management

Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Issued but Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards

Adjusted net income – Non-GAAP Financial Measure

Statistical Summaries

Statements of Financial Condition

Statements of Operations

Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income

Quarterly Financial Data

2

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

3

4

7

13

13

15

15

16

17

17

18

19

19

20

21

21

23

23

24

24

30

45

46

46

47

48

49

51

including, without

financial condition,

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information included in this report contains certain forward-
looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995,
limitation,
statements about Popular Inc.’s (the “Corporation,” “Popular,”
“we,” “us,” “our”) business,
results of
operations, plans, objectives and future performance. These
statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on
management’s current expectations and, by their nature, involve
risks, uncertainties, estimates and assumptions. Potential factors,
some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or
implied by,
and
uncertainties include without limitation the effect of competitive
and economic factors, and our reaction to those factors, the
adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, delinquency trends,
market risk and the impact of interest rate changes, capital markets
conditions, capital adequacy and liquidity, and the effect of legal
and regulatory proceedings and new accounting standards on the
Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. All
statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature
are forward-looking, and the words
“believe,”
“continues,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “project” and similar
expressions and future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,”
“should,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “may” or similar expressions are
generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

such forward-looking

statements. Risks

“anticipate,”

Various factors, some of which are beyond Popular’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 or decline in the economy and
employment levels, as well as general business and economic
conditions in the geographic areas we serve and, in particular,
in Puerto Rico, where a significant portion of our business is
concentrated; the impact of the current fiscal and economic
challenges of Puerto Rico and the measures taken and to be
taken by the Puerto Rico Government and the Federally-
appointed oversight board on the economy, our customers and
our business; the impact of the pending debt restructuring
the Puerto Rico Oversight,
proceedings under Title III of
Management and Economic Stability Act and of other actions
taken or to be taken to address Puerto Rico’s fiscal challenges
on the value of our portfolio of Puerto Rico government
securities and loans to governmental entities and of our
commercial, mortgage and consumer loan portfolios where
private borrowers could be directly affected by governmental
action;; changes in interest rates and market liquidity, which
may reduce interest margins, impact funding sources and affect
our ability to originate and distribute financial products in the
primary and secondary markets;
the fiscal and monetary
policies of the federal government and its agencies; changes in
including
federal bank regulatory and supervisory policies,
required levels of capital and the impact of proposed capital

in which borrowers are located;

standards on our capital ratios; additional Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation assessments; regulatory approvals that
may be necessary to undertake certain actions or consummate
strategic transactions such as acquisitions and dispositions;
unforeseen or catastrophic events, including extreme weather
events, other natural disasters, man-made disasters or the
emergence of pandemics, which could cause a disruption in our
operations or other adverse consequences for our business; the
relative strength or weakness of the consumer and commercial
credit sectors and of the real estate markets in Puerto Rico and
the
the other markets
performance of the stock and bond markets; competition in the
financial services industry; possible legislative, tax or regulatory
changes; and a failure in or breach of our operational or
security systems or infrastructure or those of EVERTEC, Inc.,
our provider of core financial
transaction processing and
information technology services, or of other third parties
providing services to us, including as a result of cyberattacks,
e-fraud, denial-of-services and computer intrusion, that might
result in loss or breach of customer data, disruption of services,
reputational damage or additional costs to Popular. Other
possible
results or
performance to differ materially from those expressed in these
forward-looking statements include the following: negative
economic conditions that adversely affect housing prices, the
job market, consumer confidence and spending habits which
may affect, among other things, the level of non-performing
assets, charge-offs and provision expense; changes in market
rates and prices which may adversely impact the value of
financial assets and liabilities; liabilities resulting from litigation
and regulatory investigations; changes in accounting standards,
rules and interpretations; our ability to grow our core
businesses; decisions to downsize, sell or close units or
otherwise change our business mix; and management’s ability
to identify and manage these and other risks. Moreover, the
outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings, as discussed in
“Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” of the Corporation’s Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,
is inherently
uncertain and depends on judicial interpretations of law and
the findings of regulators, judges and/or juries.

could cause

events or

factors

that

All forward-looking statements included in this report are
based upon information available to the Corporation as of the
date of this report, and other than as required by law, including
the requirements of applicable securities laws, we assume 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.

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, 2019 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.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

3

stock, net of a discount, during the term of the ASR, which
amounted to $53.58. The Corporation accounted for the ASR as
a treasury stock transaction.

Increase in quarterly common stock dividend
As part of its capital plan for 2019, on January 23, 2019, the
Corporation announced an increase in its quarterly common
stock dividend from $0.25 per share to $0.30 per share, payable
commencing in the second quarter of 2019. On February 15,
2019, the Corporation’s Board of Directors approved the first
quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share on its outstanding
common stock, which was paid on April 1, 2019 to
shareholders of record at the close of business on March 8,
2019.

Planned Capital Actions for 2020
On January 9, 2020, the Corporation announced the following
actions as part of its capital plan for 2020: (i) an increase in the
Corporation’s quarterly common stock dividend from $0.30 per
share to $0.40 per share, commencing with the dividend
payable in the second quarter of 2020, subject to the approval
of the Corporation’s Board of Directors; and (ii) common stock
repurchases of up to $500 million.

On February 24, 2020,

the Corporation redeemed all
outstanding shares of
its 8.25% Non-Cumulative Monthly
Income Preferred Stock, Series B (“Series B Preferred Stock”).
The redemption price of the Series B Preferred Stock was
$25.00 per
share, plus $0.1375 in accrued and unpaid
dividends on each share, for a total payment per share in the
amount of $25.1375.

On January 30, 2020,

the Corporation entered into a
$500 million ASR with respect to its common stock, which was
accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. As a result of the
receipt of the initial shares, the Corporation recognized in
shareholders’ equity approximately $400 million in treasury
stock and $100 million as a reduction in capital surplus. The
Corporation expects to further adjust its treasury stock and
capital surplus to reflect the delivery or receipt of cash or shares
upon the termination of the ASR agreement, which will depend
on the average price of the Corporation’s shares during the term
of the ASR.

Refer to Table 1 for selected financial data for the past five

years.

OVERVIEW
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 has operations in Puerto Rico, the United States
(“U.S.”) mainland, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. In
Puerto Rico, the Corporation provides retail, mortgage, and
commercial banking services through its principal banking
subsidiary, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (“BPPR”), as well as
investment banking, broker-dealer, auto and equipment leasing
and financing, and insurance services through specialized
subsidiaries. In the U.S. mainland, the Corporation provides
retail, mortgage and commercial banking services through its
New York-chartered banking subsidiary, Popular Bank (“PB”),
which has branches located in New York, New Jersey and
Florida. Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
presents
business
segments.

information about

the Corporation’s

The Corporation has several investments which it accounts
for under the equity method. These include the 16.19% interest
in EVERTEC, a 15.84% interest in Centro Financiero BHD
Leon, S.A. (“BHD Leon”), among other investments in limited
and investment
partnerships which mainly hold loans
securities. EVERTEC provides transaction processing services
throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and also provides
to the Corporation core banking and transaction processing and
other services. BHD León is a diversified financial services
institution operating in the Dominican Republic. For the year
ended December
the Corporation recorded
approximately $42.9 million in earnings from these investments
on an aggregate basis. The carrying amounts of
these
investments as of December 31, 2019 were $237.1 million.
Refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for
additional information of the Corporation’s investments under
the equity method.

31, 2019,

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Accelerated share repurchase transaction
On December 12, 2019,
the Corporation completed a
$250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction (“ASR”)
with respect to its common stock, a component of its 2019
capital plan. In connection therewith, the Corporation received
an initial delivery of 3,500,000 shares of common stock during
the first quarter of 2019 and received 1,165,607 additional
shares of common stock on December 12, 2019. The final
number of shares delivered at settlement was based on the
average daily volume weighted average price of its common

4

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Table 1 - Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands, except per common share data)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

2019

Years ended December 31,
2017

2016

2018

2015

Interest income
Interest expense
Net interest income
Provision (reversal) for loan losses:

Non-covered loans
Covered loans
Non-interest income
Operating expenses
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income
Net income applicable to common stock

PER COMMON SHARE DATA
Net income:
Basic:

From continuing operations
From discontinued operations
Total
Diluted:

From continuing operations
From discontinued operations
Total

Dividends declared
Common equity per share
Market value per common share
Outstanding shares:
Average - basic
Average - assuming dilution
End of period
AVERAGE BALANCES

Net loans [1]
Earning assets
Total assets
Deposits
Borrowings
Total stockholders’ equity
PERIOD END BALANCE

Net loans [1]
Allowance for loan losses
Earning assets
Total assets
Deposits
Borrowings
Total stockholders’ equity

SELECTED RATIOS

$ 2,260,793 $ 2,021,848 $ 1,725,944 $ 1,634,573 $ 1,603,014
194,031
1,408,983

286,971
1,734,877

223,980
1,501,964

212,518
1,422,055

369,099
1,891,694

165,779
–
569,883
1,477,482
147,181
671,135
–

226,342
1,730
652,494
1,421,562
119,579
618,158
–

319,682
5,742
419,167
1,257,196
230,830
107,681
–

671,135 $
667,412 $

618,158 $
614,435 $

107,681 $
103,958 $

171,126
(1,110)
297,936
1,255,635
78,784
215,556
1,135
216,691 $
212,968 $

217,458
24,020
519,541
1,288,221
(495,172)
893,997
1,347
895,344
891,621

6.89 $
–
6.89 $

6.88 $
–
6.88 $
1.20 $
62.42
58.75

6.07 $
–
6.07 $

6.06 $
–
6.06 $
1.00 $
53.88
47.22

1.02 $
–
1.02 $

1.02 $
–
1.02 $
1.00 $
49.51
35.49

2.05 $
0.01
2.06 $

2.05 $
0.01
2.06 $
0.60 $
49.60
43.82

8.65
0.01
8.66

8.64
0.01
8.65
0.30
48.79
28.34

96,848,835
96,997,800
95,589,629

101,142,258
101,308,643
99,942,845

101,966,429
102,045,336
102,068,981

103,275,264
103,377,283
103,790,932

102,967,186
103,124,309
103,618,976

$
$

$

$

$

$
$

$26,806,368 $ 25,062,730 $ 23,511,293 $ 23,062,242 $ 23,045,308
31,451,081
37,668,573
44,944,793
35,186,305
41,404,139
50,341,827
26,778,582
33,182,522
42,218,796
2,757,334
2,000,840
1,404,459
4,704,862
5,345,244
5,713,517

33,713,158
37,613,742
29,066,010
2,339,399
5,278,477

43,275,366
46,639,858
38,487,422
1,879,229
5,444,152

$27,466,076 $ 26,559,311 $ 24,942,463 $ 23,435,446 $ 23,129,230
537,111
31,717,124
35,761,733
27,209,723
2,425,853
5,105,324

540,651
34,861,193
38,661,609
30,496,224
2,055,477
5,197,957

569,348
44,325,489
47,604,577
39,710,039
1,537,673
5,435,057

477,708
48,674,705
52,115,324
43,758,606
1,294,986
6,016,779

623,426
40,680,553
44,277,337
35,453,508
2,023,485
5,103,905

Net interest margin (non-taxable equivalent basis)
Net interest margin (taxable equivalent basis) -Non-GAAP
Return on average total assets
Return on average common stockholders’ equity
Tier I Capital to risk-adjusted assets
Total Capital to risk-adjusted assets

[1]

Includes loans held-for-sale and covered loans.

4.03%
4.43
1.33
11.78
17.76
20.31

4.01%
4.34
1.33
11.39
16.90
19.54

3.99%
4.28
0.26
1.96
16.30
19.22

4.22%
4.48
0.58
4.07
16.48
19.48

4.48%
4.74
2.54
19.16
16.21
18.78

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

5

prepares

its Consolidated

Adjusted results of operations – Non-GAAP financial measure
Adjusted net income
The Corporation
Financial
Statements using accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or the “reported basis”). In
addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported
basis, management monitors “Adjusted net income” of the
Corporation and excludes the impact of certain transactions on
income is a
the results of
its operations. Adjusted net
non-GAAP financial measure. Management believes
that
Adjusted net income provides meaningful information about
the underlying performance of
the Corporation’s ongoing
operations. No adjustments to net income are reflected for the
year ended December 31, 2019. Refer to Table 35 for a
reconciliation of net income to Adjusted net income for the
year ended December 31, 2018.

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis
Net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis, is presented
with its different components on Table 3 for the year ended
December 31, 2019 as compared with the same period in 2018,
segregated by major categories of interest earning assets and
interest-bearing liabilities.

The 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
certain investments in obligations of the U.S. Government, its
agencies and sponsored entities, and certain obligations of the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its agencies and assets held
by the Corporation’s international banking entities. To facilitate
the comparison of all interest related to these assets, the interest
income has been converted to a taxable equivalent basis, using
the applicable statutory income tax rates for each period. The
taxable equivalent computation considers the interest expense
and other related expense disallowances required by the Puerto

Rico tax law. Under Puerto Rico tax law, the exempt interest
can be deducted up to the amount of taxable income. Net
interest income on a taxable equivalent basis is a non-GAAP
financial measure. Management believes that this presentation
provides meaningful
the
comparison of revenues arising from taxable and exempt
sources.

information since

facilitates

it

Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Corporation may
not be comparable to similarly named Non-GAAP financial
measures used by other companies.

Financial highlights for the year ended December 31, 2019
The Corporation’s net income for the year ended December 31,
2019 amounted to $671.1 million, compared to a net income of
$618.2 million for 2018. The results for the year ended
December 31, 2018 include a pre-tax gain of $94.6 million
resulting from the Termination Agreement with the FDIC
previously disclosed; a net income tax benefit of $63.9 million
resulting from the impact of the Termination Agreement and
the related Tax Closing Agreement and $27.7 million non-cash
income tax expense as a result of a reduction in the
Corporation’s net deferred tax asset related to the Puerto Rico
operations due to the reduction in tax rates as a result of an
amendment
to the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code.
Excluding the impact of the above-mentioned transactions,
detailed in Table 35 the Adjusted net income for the year ended
December 31, 2018 was $487.3 million.

the year

The discussion that

results of operations

follows provides highlights of
for

the
Corporation’s
ended
December 31, 2019 compared to the results of operations of
2018. It also provides some highlights with respect to the
Corporation’s financial condition, credit quality, capital and
liquidity. Table 2 presents a five-year
the
components of net income (loss) as a percentage of average
total assets.

summary of

Table 2 - Components of Net Income as a Percentage of Average Total Assets

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses
Mortgage banking activities
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities
Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale
Net (loss) trading account on debt securities
Indemnity reserve on loans sold expense
FDIC loss share income (expense)
Other non-interest income

Total net interest income and non-interest income, net of provision for loan losses
Operating expenses

Income before income tax
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income

6

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

3.76% 3.72% 3.63% 3.78% 4.00%
(0.79)
(0.33)
0.06
0.06
(0.02)
–
–
–
–
–
(0.05)
–
(0.02)
–
1.05
1.07

(0.69)
0.23
(0.04)
–
(0.01)
(0.05)
0.06
1.29

(0.45)
0.15
–
0.02
–
(0.05)
(0.55)
1.22

(0.49)
0.11
–
–
–
(0.03)
0.20
1.12

4.56
(2.94)

4.63
(3.05)

3.86
(3.04)

4.12
(3.34)

1.62
0.29

1.58
0.26

0.82
0.56

0.78
0.20

4.79
(3.66)

1.13
(1.41)

1.33% 1.32% 0.26% 0.58% 2.54%

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019
was $1.9 billion, an increase of $156.8 million when compared
to 2018. The increase in net interest income was mainly driven
by higher interest income from loans and securities, partially
offset by lower interest income from money market investments
and higher interest expense on deposits. Refer to the Net
additional
Interest
information.

this MD&A for

section of

Income

reserves for

The Corporation’s total provision for loan losses totaled
$165.8 million for
the year ended December 31, 2019,
compared with $228.1 million for 2018. The decrease was
mainly related to revisions to certain loss estimates and to
incremental
two large commercial borrowers
during 2018, coupled with credit quality improvements in the
mortgage portfolio during 2019. Non-performing assets totaled
$650 million at December 31, 2019, reflecting a decrease of
$98 million when compared to December 31, 2018. Refer to the
Provision for Loan Losses and Credit Risk sections of this
MD&A for information on the allowance for loan losses,
non-performing assets,
restructurings, net
charge-offs and credit quality metrics.

troubled debt

Non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019
amounted to $569.9 million, a decrease of $82.6 million, when
compared with 2018. Excluding the unfavorable variance in
FDIC loss share income (expense) of $94.7 million as a result
of the Termination Agreement, non-interest income increased
by $12.1 million primarily driven by higher service charges on
deposit accounts, higher other service fees and a favorable
variance in adjustments to indemnity reserves, partially offset
by lower income from mortgage banking activities and lower
other operating income. Refer to the Non-Interest Income
section of this MD&A for additional information on the major
variances of the different categories of non-interest income.

Total operating expenses amounted to $1.5 billion for the
year 2019, compared with $1.4 billion at December 31, 2018,
an increase of $55.9 million. Operating expenses for 2019 were
impacted by higher personnel costs by $27.6 million and higher
professional
fees of $34.6 million. Refer to the Operating
Expenses section of this MD&A for additional information.

Income tax expense amounted to $147.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2019, compared with an income tax
expense of $119.6 million for the previous year. The income tax
expense for the year 2019 includes an income tax benefit of
approximately $26 million related to a revision of the amount
of exempt income earned in prior years and certain adjustments
pertaining to tax periods for which the statute of limitations
had expired. During 2018, the Corporation recorded a net
income tax benefit of $63.9 million related to the impact of the
FDIC Termination Agreement, and a non-cash income tax
expense of $27.7 million due to a reduction in the Puerto Rico
corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. Refer to the Income
Taxes section in this MD&A and Note 38 to the consolidated
financial statements for additional information on income taxes.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s total assets were
$52.1 billion, compared with $47.6 billion at December 31,
2018, an increase of $4.5 billion, mainly driven by an increase
in the Corporation’s debt securities available-for-sale portfolio
by $4.3 billion and $0.9 billion in the loans held-in-portfolio.
Refer to the Statement of Condition Analysis section of this
MD&A for additional information.

Deposits amounted to $43.8 billion at December 31, 2019,
compared with $39.7 billion at December 31, 2018. Table 7
presents a breakdown of deposits by major categories. The
increase in deposits was mainly due to higher Puerto Rico
public sector deposits at BPPR by $2.9 billion and an increase of
$0.9 billion at Popular Bank, mainly from retail deposits
gathered through its online platform. The Corporation’s
totaled $1.3 billion at December 31, 2019,
borrowings
compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2018, reflecting a
decrease of $0.2 billion mostly due to the maturity of Federal
Home Loan Bank advances and repurchase agreements. Refer to
Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed
information on the Corporation’s borrowings.

Refer to Table 6 in the Statement of Financial Condition
Analysis section of this MD&A for the percentage allocation of
the composition of the Corporation’s financing to total assets.

Stockholders’ equity totaled $6.0 billion at December 31,
2019, compared with $5.4 billion at December 31, 2018. The
increase was mainly due to net income of $671.1 million for the
year 2019 and higher unrealized gains on debt securities
available-for-sale by $266 million, partially offset by the impact
of the $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction
and declared dividends of $116 million on common stock
(quarterly dividends of $0.30 per share) and $3.7 million in
dividends on preferred stock. The Corporation and its banking
subsidiaries continue to be well-capitalized at December 31,
2019. The Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio at December 31,
2019 was 17.76%, compared to 16.90% at December 31, 2018.
financial
further discussion of operating results,
condition and business risks refer to the narrative and tables
included herein.

For

The shares of the Corporation’s common stock are traded on

the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol BPOP.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES / ESTIMATES
followed by the
The accounting and reporting policies
subsidiaries conform with generally
Corporation and its
accepted accounting principles in the United States of America
(“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial services
industry. The Corporation’s significant accounting policies are
described in detail in Note 2 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

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

7

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 and estimates.

its

debt

debt

trading

securities,

Fair Value Measurement of Financial Instruments
The Corporation currently measures at fair value on a recurring
basis
securities
available-for-sale, certain equity securities, derivatives and
mortgage servicing rights. Occasionally, the Corporation may
be required to record at
fair value other assets on a
nonrecurring basis, such as loans held-for-sale, impaired loans
held-in-portfolio that are collateral dependent and certain other
assets. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically
result
lower of cost or fair value
accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
assets

and liabilities
measured at fair value under the three-level hierarchy. The level
within the hierarchy is based on whether the inputs to the
valuation methodology used for fair value measurement are
observable.

The Corporation categorizes

from the application of

its

The Corporation requires the use of observable inputs when
available, in order to minimize the use of unobservable inputs
to determine fair value. The inputs or methodologies used for
valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk
associated with investing in those securities. The amount of
judgment involved in estimating the fair value of a financial
instrument depends upon the availability of quoted market
prices or observable market parameters. In addition, it may be
affected by other factors such as the type of instrument, the
liquidity of the market for the instrument, transparency around
the inputs
the contractual
characteristics of the instrument.

to the valuation, as well as

Broker quotes used for fair value measurements inherently
reflect any lack of liquidity in the market since they represent
an exit price from the perspective of the market participants.
Financial assets that were fair valued using broker quotes
amounted to $ 8 million at December 31, 2019, of which
$ 1 million were Level 3 assets and $ 7 million were Level 2
assets. Level 3 assets consisted principally of tax-exempt GNMA
mortgage-backed securities. Fair value for these securities was
based on an internally-prepared matrix derived from local
broker quotes. The main input used in the matrix pricing was
non-binding local broker quotes obtained from limited trade
activity. Therefore, these securities were classified as Level 3.

Trading Debt Securities and Debt Securities
Available-for-Sale
The majority of the values for trading debt securities and debt
securities available-for-sale are obtained from third-party
pricing services and are validated with alternate pricing sources
when available. Securities not priced by a secondary pricing

8

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

source are documented and validated internally according to
their significance to the Corporation’s financial statements.
Management has established materiality thresholds according to
the investment class to monitor and investigate material
deviations in prices obtained from the primary pricing service
provider and the secondary pricing source used as support for
the valuation results. During the year ended December 31,
2019, the Corporation did not adjust any prices obtained from
pricing service providers or broker dealers.

including the relative liquidity of

Inputs are evaluated to ascertain that they consider current
the
market conditions,
market. When a market quote for a specific security is not
available, the pricing service provider generally uses observable
data to derive an exit price for the instrument, such as
benchmark yield curves and trade data for similar products. To
the extent trading data is not available, the pricing service
provider relies on specific information including dialogue with
brokers, buy side clients, credit ratings, spreads to established
benchmarks and transactions on similar securities, to draw
correlations based on the characteristics of
the evaluated
instrument. If
for any reason the pricing service provider
cannot observe data required to feed its model, it discontinues
pricing the instrument. During the year ended December 31,
2019, none of the Corporation’s debt securities were subject to
pricing discontinuance by the pricing service providers. The
pricing methodology and approach of our primary pricing
service providers is concluded to be consistent with the fair
value measurement guidance.

Furthermore, management assesses the fair value of
its
portfolio of investment securities at least on a quarterly basis,
which includes analyzing changes in fair value that have
resulted in losses that may be considered other-than-temporary.
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.

Securities are classified in the fair value hierarchy according
to product type, characteristics and market liquidity. At the end
of each period, management assesses the valuation hierarchy for
each asset or liability measured. The fair value measurement
analysis performed by the Corporation includes validation
procedures
pricing
review of market
methodology, assumption and level hierarchy changes, and
evaluation of distressed transactions.

changes,

and

Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for a description of the Corporation’s valuation methodologies
used for the assets and liabilities measured at fair value.

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

Non-accrual loans are those loans on which the accrual of
interest is discontinued. When a loan is placed on non-accrual

status, all previously accrued and unpaid interest is charged
against income and the loan is accounted for either on a cash-
basis method or on the cost-recovery method. Loans designated
as non-accruing are returned to accrual status when the
Corporation expects repayment of the remaining contractual
principal and interest. The determination as to the ultimate
collectability of the loan’s balance may involve management’s
judgment in the evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition
and prospects for repayment.

Refer to the MD&A section titled Credit Risk, particularly
a detailed
the Non-performing
description of the Corporation’s non-accruing and charge-off
policies by major loan categories.

sub-section,

assets

for

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 Corporation’s
assessment of the allowance for loan losses is determined in
accordance with accounting guidance, specifically guidance of
loss
in ASC Subtopic 450-20 and loan
impairment guidance in ASC Section 310-10-35.

contingencies

For a detailed description of the principal factors used to
determine the general reserves of the allowance for loan losses
and for the principal enhancements Management made to its
methodology, refer to Note 9.

terms of

According to the loan impairment accounting guidance in
ASC Section 310-10-35, a loan is impaired when, based on
current information and events, it is probable that the principal
and/or interest are not going to be collected according to the
original contractual
the loan agreement. Current
information and events include “environmental” factors, e.g.
existing industry, geographical, economic and political factors.
Probable means the future event or events which will confirm
the loss or impairment of the loan is likely to occur. The
collateral dependent method is generally used for
the
impairment determination on commercial and construction
loans since the expected realizable value of the loan is based
upon the proceeds received from the liquidation of
the
collateral property. For commercial properties, the “as is” value
or the “income approach” value is used depending on the
financial condition of the subject borrower and/or the nature of
the subject collateral. In most cases, impaired commercial loans
do not have reliable or sustainable cash flow to use the
discounted cash flow valuation method. As a general rule, the
appraisal valuation used by the Corporation for impaired
construction loans is based on discounted value to a single
purchaser, discounted sell out or “as is” depending on the
condition and status of the project and the performance of the
same. Appraisals may be adjusted due to their age, property
conditions, geographical area or general market conditions. The
adjustments applied are based upon internal information, like
other appraisals and/or loss severity information that can

provide historical trends in the real estate market. Discount
to time based on
rates used may change
management’s estimates.

from time

For additional information on the Corporation’s policy of its
impaired loans, refer to Note 2. In addition, refer to the Credit
Risk section of this MD&A for detailed information on the
Corporation’s collateral value estimation for other real estate.

risks

or markets. Other

in the loan portfolio.

The Corporation’s management evaluates the adequacy of
the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis following a
systematic methodology in order to provide for known and
In developing its
inherent
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
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
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.

accounting

standards

factors

loan

that

and

A restructuring constitutes a TDR when the Corporation
separately concludes
a
the
concession and the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties.
For information on the Corporation’s TDR policy, refer to Note 2.

restructuring constitutes

that

Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality Accounted
for Under ASC 310-30
ASC Subtopic 310-30 provides two specific criteria that have to
be met in order for a loan to be within its scope: (1) credit
deterioration on the loan from its
the
acquisition date and (2) that it is probable that not all of the
contractual cash flows will be collected on the loan. Once in the
scope of ASC Subtopic 310-30, the credit portion of the fair
value discount on an acquired loan cannot be accreted into
income until the acquirer has assessed that it expects to receive
more cash flows on the loan than initially anticipated.

inception until

include a significant amount of

Generally, acquired loans that meet

the definition for
nonaccrual status fall within the Corporation’s definition of
for
impaired loans under ASC Subtopic 310-30. Also,
acquisitions that
impaired
loans, an election can be made for non-impaired loans included
in such transactions to apply the accretable yield method
(expected cash flow model of ASC Subtopic 310-30), by
analogy, to those loans. Those loans are disclosed as a loan that
was acquired with credit deterioration and impairment.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

9

that have

based on loans

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, impaired loans are aggregated
common risk
into pools
characteristics. Each loan pool is accounted for as a single asset
with a single composite interest
rate and an aggregate
expectation of cash flows. Characteristics considered in pooling
loans include loan type,
interest rate type, accruing status,
amortization type, rate index and source type. Once the pools
are defined, the Corporation maintains the integrity of the pool
of multiple loans accounted for as a single asset.

the pool

reasonably

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the difference between the
undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the fair
value of the loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as
interest
income using the effective yield method over the
estimated life of the loan if the timing and amount of the future
estimable. The
is
cash flows of
non-accretable difference represents the difference between
contractually required principal and interest and the cash flows
expected to be collected. Subsequent to the acquisition date,
increases in cash flows over those expected at the acquisition
date are recognized as interest income prospectively as an
adjustment to accretable yield over the pool’s remaining life.
Decreases in expected cash flows after the acquisition date are
generally recognized by recording an allowance for loan losses.
Over the life of the acquired loans that are accounted under
ASC Subtopic 310-30, the Corporation continues to estimate
cash flows expected to be collected on individual loans or on
loans sharing common risk characteristics. The
pools of
Corporation evaluates at each balance sheet date whether the
present value of its loans determined using the effective interest
rates has decreased based on revised estimated cash flows and if
so, recognizes a provision for loan loss in its Consolidated
Statement of Operations and an allowance for loan losses in its
Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition. For any
increases in cash flows expected to be collected from borrowers,
the Corporation adjusts
the amount of accretable yield
recognized on the loans on a prospective basis over the pool’s
remaining life.

future

recognized based on the

Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability
method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities
are
tax consequences
attributable to temporary differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
their respective tax basis, and attributable to operating loss and
tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years
in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered
or paid. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in earnings in the period when
the changes are enacted.

has recorded two accruals for income taxes: (i) the net
estimated amount currently due or to be received from taxing
jurisdictions, including any reserve for potential examination
issues, and (ii) a deferred income tax that represents the
estimated impact of temporary differences between how the
Corporation recognizes assets and liabilities under accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States (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.

A deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation
allowance if based on the weight of all available evidence, it is
more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some
portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The
valuation allowance should be sufficient to reduce the deferred
tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be
realized. The determination of whether a deferred tax asset is
realizable is based on weighting all available evidence,
including both positive and negative evidence. The realization
of deferred tax assets, including carryforwards and deductible
temporary differences, depends upon the existence of sufficient
taxable income of the same character during the carryback or
carryforward period. The realization of deferred tax assets
requires the consideration of all sources of taxable income
available to realize the deferred tax asset, including the future
reversal of existing temporary differences,
future taxable
reversing temporary differences and
income exclusive of
and
taxable
carryforwards,
tax-planning strategies.

in carryback years

income

Management evaluates the realization of the deferred tax
asset by taxing jurisdiction. The U.S. mainland operations are
evaluated as a whole since a consolidated income tax return is
filed; on the other hand, the deferred tax asset related to the
Puerto Rico operations is evaluated on an entity by entity basis,
since no consolidation is allowed in the income tax filing.
three major
this evaluation is composed of
Accordingly,
components: U.S. mainland operations, Puerto Rico banking
operations and Holding Company.

For the evaluation of the realization of the deferred tax asset

by taxing jurisdiction, refer to Note 38.

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 dividends-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 calculation of periodic income taxes is complex and
requires the use of estimates and judgments. The Corporation

Changes in the Corporation’s estimates can occur due to
changes in tax rates, new business strategies, newly enacted

10

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

guidance, and resolution of
issues with taxing authorities
regarding previously taken tax positions. Such changes could
affect the amount of accrued taxes. The Corporation has made
tax payments in accordance with estimated tax payments rules.
Any remaining payment will not have any significant impact on
liquidity and capital resources.

profitability. The

The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment in
assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have
been recognized in the financial statements or tax returns and
future
tax
consequences represents management’s best estimate of those
future events. Changes in management’s current estimates, due
to unanticipated events, could have a material impact on the
Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

accounting

deferred

for

tax law,

In evaluating a tax position,

the position. The Corporation’s estimate of

The Corporation establishes tax liabilities or reduces tax
assets for uncertain tax positions when, despite its assessment
that its tax return positions are appropriate and supportable
under local
the Corporation believes it may not
succeed in realizing the tax benefit of certain positions if
challenged.
the Corporation
determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that the position
will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any
related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical
merits of
the
ultimate tax liability contains assumptions based on past
experiences, and judgments about potential actions by taxing
jurisdictions as well as judgments about the likely outcome of
issues that have been raised by taxing jurisdictions. The tax
position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is
greater
than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate
settlement. The Corporation evaluates these uncertain tax
positions each quarter and adjusts the related tax liabilities or
assets in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the
progress of a tax audit or the expiration of a statute of
limitations. The Corporation believes
the estimates and
assumptions used to support its evaluation of uncertain tax
positions are reasonable.

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 $10.5 million at December 31, 2019 and
$9.0 million at December 31, 2018. Refer to Note 38 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on
this subject matter. The Corporation anticipates a reduction in
the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next
12 months, which could amount to approximately $2.1 million.
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. From time to time, the Corporation is audited by
various federal, state and local authorities regarding income tax
its approach in
matters. Although management believes
determining the appropriate tax treatment is supportable and in
accordance with the accounting standards, it is possible that the
final tax authority will take a tax position that is different than
the tax position reflected in the Corporation’s income tax
provision and other tax reserves. As each audit is conducted,
adjustments,
appropriately recorded in the
consolidated financial statement in the period determined. Such
differences could have an adverse effect on the Corporation’s
income tax provision or benefit, or other tax reserves, in the
reporting period in which such determination is made and,
consequently, on the Corporation’s results of operations,
financial position and / or cash flows for such period.

any,

are

if

Under

applicable

standards,

Goodwill
The Corporation’s goodwill and other identifiable intangible
assets having an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment.
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.
goodwill
accounting
impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step of the
goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of
the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.
If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying
is not considered
amount, goodwill of
impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit
exceeds its fair value, the second step must be performed. The
second step involves calculating an implied fair value of
for which the first step
goodwill
indicated possible impairment. The implied fair value of
goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of
goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the
excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in
the first step, over the aggregate fair values of the individual
assets,
liabilities and identifiable intangibles (including any
unrecognized intangible assets, such as unrecognized core
deposits and trademark) as if the reporting unit was being
acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the
reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.
The Corporation estimates the fair values of the assets and
liabilities of a reporting unit, consistent with the requirements
of the fair value measurements accounting standard, which

for each reporting unit

the reporting unit

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

11

the impairment

defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an
asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. The fair
value of the assets and liabilities reflects market conditions,
thus volatility in prices could have a material impact on the
determination of the implied fair value of the reporting unit
test date. The adjustments to
goodwill at
measure the assets, liabilities and intangibles at fair value are
for the purpose of measuring the implied fair value of goodwill
and such adjustments are not reflected in the Consolidated
Statement of Condition. If the implied fair value of goodwill
exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no
impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds
the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is
recorded for the excess. An impairment loss recognized cannot
exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and
the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent
reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted under
applicable accounting standards. BPPR and PB passed Step 1 in
the annual test as of July 31, 2019. For a detailed description of
the annual goodwill impairment evaluation performed by the
Corporation during the third quarter of 2019, refer to Note 17.

At December 31, 2019, goodwill amounted to $671 million.
Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provides the
assignment of goodwill by reportable segment.

Refer to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements,
for
changes on the annual goodwill impairment test in accordance
with ASU 2017-04.

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 non-contributory defined pension and benefit
restoration plans (“the Pension Plans”) are frozen with regards
to all future benefit accruals.

recorded amounts,

The estimated benefit costs and obligations of the Pension
Plans and Postretirement Health Care Benefit Plan (“OPEB
Plan”) are impacted by the use of subjective assumptions,
including
which can materially affect
expected returns on plan assets, discount rates, termination
rates, retirement rates and health care trend rates. Management
applies judgment in the determination of these factors, which
normally undergo evaluation against current industry practice
and the actual experience of the Corporation. The Corporation
uses an independent actuarial
firm for assistance in the
determination of the Pension Plans and OPEB Plan costs and
obligations. Detailed information on the Plans and related
valuation assumptions are included in Note 32 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Corporation periodically reviews its assumption for the
long-term expected return on Pension Plans assets. The Pension
Plans’ assets fair value at December 31, 2019 was $800 million.

12

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

including a total

expected return on plan assets

is determined by
The
fund return
considering various factors,
estimate based on a weighted-average of estimated returns for
each asset class in each 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 each plan’s expected asset allocation for the year 2020
using the Willis Towers Watson US Expected Return Estimator.
This analysis is reviewed by the Corporation and used as a tool
to develop expected rates of return, together with other data.
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, 8.5% for large cap stocks, 8.8% for small
cap stocks, 8.9% for international stocks, 3.2% for aggregate
fixed-income securities and 3.6% for long government/credit at
January 1, 2020. A range of expected investment returns is
developed, and this range relies both on forecasts and on broad-
market
returns,
correlations, and volatilities for each asset class.

benchmarks

historical

expected

for

reviews,

As a consequence of

the Corporation
recent
decreased its expected return on plan assets for year 2020 to
5.0% and 5.8% for the Pension Plans. Expected rates of return
of 5.3% and 6.0% had been used for 2019 and 5.5% and 6.0%
had been used for 2018 for the Pension Plans. Since the
expected return assumption is on a long-term basis, it is not
materially impacted by the yearly fluctuations (either positive
or negative) in the actual return on assets. The expected return
can be materially impacted by a change in the plan’s asset
allocation.

Net Periodic Benefit Cost (“pension expense”) for the
Pension Plans amounted to $19.6 million in 2019. The total
pension expense included a benefit of $32.4 million for 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 2019 from 5.00% to 4.75% would increase the
projected 2020 pension expense for the Banco Popular de
Puerto Rico Retirement Plan, the Corporation’s largest plan, by
approximately $1.9 million.

If the projected benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of
plan assets, the Corporation shall recognize a liability equal to
the unfunded projected benefit obligation and vice versa, if the
fair value of plan assets exceeds
the projected benefit
obligation, the Corporation recognizes an asset equal to the
overfunded projected benefit obligation. This asset or liability
may result in a taxable or deductible temporary difference and
its tax effect shall be recognized as an income tax expense or
benefit which shall be allocated to various components of the
financial statements, including 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. Management believes that the fair value estimates of
the Pension Plans assets are reasonable given the valuation
methodologies used to measure the investments at fair value as
described in Note 30. Also, the compositions of the plan assets
are primarily in equity and debt securities, which have readily
determinable quoted market prices. The Corporation had
recorded a liability for
the underfunded pension benefit
obligation of $52.6 million at December 31, 2019.

The Corporation uses the spot rate yield curve from the
Willis Towers Watson RATE: Link (10/90) Model to discount
the expected projected cash flows of the plans. The Corporation
used an equivalent single weighted average discount rate which
ranged from 3.22% to 3.27% for the Pension Plans and 3.38%
for the OPEB Plan to determine the benefit obligations at
December 31, 2019.

A 50 basis point decrease to each of the rates in the
December 31, 2019 Willis Towers Watson RATE: Link (10/90)
Model as of the beginning of 2020 would increase the projected
2020 expense for the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement
Plan by approximately $2.2 million. The change would not
affect the minimum required contribution to the Pension Plans.
The OPEB Plan was unfunded (no assets were held by the
plan) at December 31, 2019. The Corporation had recorded a
liability for the underfunded postretirement benefit obligation
of $168.7 million at December 31, 2019.

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS ANALYSIS
Pursuant
to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
(“FAST”) Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation
S-K, discussions related to the changes in results of operations
from fiscal year 2018 to 2017 have been omitted. Such omitted
discussion can be found under Item 7 of our annual Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC.

interest

influence net

including loan fees,

Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the difference between the revenue
generated from earning assets,
less the
interest cost of deposits and borrowed money. Several risk
factors might
income including the
economic environment in which we operate, market driven
events, changes in volumes, repricing characteristics, loans fees
collected, moratoriums granted on loan payments and delay
charges,
loans, as well as
strategic decisions made by the Corporation’s management. Net
interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was
$1.9 billion compared to $1.7 billion in 2018. Net interest
income, on a taxable equivalent basis,
for the year ended
December 31, 2019 was $2.1 billion compared to $1.9 billion in
2018.

interest collected on nonaccrual

The average key index rates for the years 2019 and 2018

were as follows:

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

2019

2018

5.28% 4.91%
2.15
2.33
2.09
2.14
2.85

1.82
2.31
1.96
2.91
3.60

Average outstanding securities balances are based upon
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. Prepayment penalties, late fees collected and the
amortization of premiums / discounts on purchased loans are also
included as part of the loan yield. Interest income for the period
ended December 31, 2019 included a favorable impact, excluding
the discount accretion on covered loans accounted for under ASC
Subtopic 310-30, of $55.5 million, related to those items,
compared to $47.2 million for the same period in 2018. The
increase of $8.2 million is mainly due to a full year of amortization
of the fair value discount related to the Reliable portfolio, acquired
in the third quarter of 2018.
Table 3 presents

the
the different
Corporation’s net interest income, on a taxable equivalent basis,
for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared with the
same period in 2018, segregated by major categories of interest
interest
earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Net
margin increased by 2 basis points to 4.03% in 2019, compared
to 4.01% in 2018. The increase in net interest margin is mainly
driven by the loan portfolio acquired from Wells Fargo in 2018
(the “Reliable Transaction”) and the increase in the investments
and commercial portfolio. These positive drivers were partially
offset by a decrease in market interest rates,
lower money
market investments and higher volume and cost of interest-
bearing liabilities. On a taxable equivalent basis, net interest
margin was 4.43% in 2019, compared to 4.34% in 2018. Net
interest income increased by $156.8 million year over year. On
a taxable equivalent basis, net interest income increased by
$202.5 million. The increase of $45.7 million in the taxable
equivalent adjustment is directly related to a higher volume of
tax-exempt investments in Puerto Rico. The main variances in
net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis were:

components of

Positive variances:

• Higher interest income from investment securities due to
higher volume of U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed
securities related to recent purchases to deploy liquidity and
benefit from the Puerto Rico tax exemption of these assets
and higher yield driven by the increase in market rates; and

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

13

• Higher interest income from loans:

• Commercial loans, driven by higher volume in
the U.S. and loans acquired in the Reliable
transaction; and

• Auto and lease portfolios in P.R. due to both the
full year of the Reliable portfolio versus five-
month in 2018 and the organic growth at
Popular Auto.

Negative variances:

• Lower interest income from money market investments
due to the use of excess liquidity to acquire the Reliable
portfolio and investment securities; and

• Higher interest expense on deposits mainly due to higher
volumes in most categories, predominantly the increase in
deposits from the Puerto Rico government, retail and
corporate deposits and higher deposit volumes in the U.S.
to fund loan growth.

Due to the Corporation’s current asset sensitive position, the
recent reductions of 0.25% of the Fed Funds Rate by the
Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) on July 31, 2019,
September 18, 2019 and October 30, 2019, and further
expectation of lower interest rates will negatively impact our
future results. See the Risk Management: Market / Interest Rate
Risk section of this MD&A for additional information related to
the Corporation’s interest rate risk.

Table 3 - Analysis of Levels & Yields on a Taxable Equivalent Basis from Continuing Operations (Non-GAAP)

Years ended December 31,

Interest

2018

2019

Variance
(In thousands)

Variance
Attributable to

Rate

Volume

Average Volume

Average Yields / Costs

2019

2018 Variance

2019

2018 Variance

(In millions)

$ 4,166
15,905
68

$ 5,943 $(1,777)
3,712
12,193
(8)
76

2.16% 1.87% 0.29% Money market investments
3.15
7.55

Investment securities
Trading securities

0.16
–

2.99
7.55

$

89,824 $ 111,289 $ (21,465) $ 15,157 $ (36,622)
115,758
137,419
501,781
(669)
(669)
5,103

364,362
5,772

21,661
–

20,139

18,212

1,927

2.96

2.64

0.32

trading securities

596,708

481,423

115,285

36,818

78,467

Total money market, investment and

12,171
801
989
7,121
2,885
2,839

26,806

11,698
915
867
7,119
2,847
1,617

473
(114)
122
2
38
1,222

6.11
6.59
6.06
5.36
11.81
9.59

6.03
6.37
5.98
5.30
11.53
9.95

25,063

1,743

6.90

6.71

0.08
0.22
0.08
0.06
0.29
(0.36)

0.19

Loans:

Commercial
Construction
Leasing
Mortgage
Consumer
Auto

Total loans

743,682
52,767
59,935
381,493
340,848
272,169

705,190
58,270
51,868
377,139
328,165
160,908

38,492
(5,503)
8,067
4,354
12,683
111,261

28,843
9,649
(7,490)
1,987
7,403
664
104
4,250
7,298
5,385
(6,123) 117,384

1,850,894

1,681,540

169,354

17,725

151,629

$46,945

$43,275 $ 3,670

5.21% 5.00% 0.21% Total earning assets

$2,447,602 $2,162,963 $284,639

$ 54,543 $230,096

$15,327
10,249
7,770

$12,688 $ 2,639
810
200

9,439
7,570

33,346

29,697

3,649

231
1,194

358
1,521

(127)
(327)

34,771

31,576

3,195

8,873
3,301

8,790
2,909

83
392

0.96% 0.64% 0.32%
0.44
1.45

0.10
0.24

0.34
1.21

Interest bearing deposits:

NOW and money market [1]
Savings
Time deposits

$ 146,684 $
45,516
112,658

80,665 $ 66,019
13,638
31,878
20,936
91,722

$ 44,662 $ 21,357
4,496
1,946

9,142
18,990

0.91

2.64
4.77

1.06

0.69

2.01
4.96

0.91

0.22

0.63
(0.19)

0.15

Total deposits

304,858

204,265

100,593

72,794

27,799

Short-term borrowings
Other medium and long-term debt

6,099
58,142

7,210
75,496

(1,111)
(17,354)

1,864
(3,424)

(2,975)
(13,930)

Total interest bearing liabilities

369,099

286,971

82,128

71,234

10,894

Demand deposits
Other sources of funds

$46,945

$43,275 $ 3,670

0.78% 0.66% 0.12% Total source of funds

369,099

286,971

82,128

71,234

10,894

4.43% 4.34% 0.09%

equivalent basis (Non-GAAP)

2,078,503

1,875,992

202,511

$(16,691) $219,202

Net interest margin/ income on a taxable

4.15% 4.09% 0.06% Net interest spread

Taxable equivalent adjustment

186,809

141,116

45,693

4.03% 4.01% 0.02%

equivalent basis (GAAP)

$1,891,694 $1,734,876 $156,818

Net interest margin/ income non-taxable

Note: 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.

[1]

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

14

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Provision for Loan Losses
The Corporation’s provision for loan losses was $165.8 million
for
ended December 31, 2019, compared to
$228.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, a
decrease of $62.3 million.

the year

The provision for loan losses for Puerto Rico segment was
$135.8 million, compared to $196.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2018, a decrease of $60.7 million. The decrease
in the provision for the year ended December 31, 2019 was
mainly related to revisions to certain loss estimates and to
two large impaired commercial
incremental
borrowers during the same period in 2018, coupled with the
continued credit quality improvements
in the mortgage
portfolio during 2019. These positive variances were in part
offset by higher reserves for the auto loans portfolio.

reserves

for

The Popular U.S. segment continued to reflect strong
growth and favorable credit quality metrics. The provision for
loan losses for this segment amounted to $30.0 million, flat
when compared to $29.9 million for the same period in 2018.

Refer to the Credit Risk section of this MD&A for a detailed
the

analysis of net
assets,
allowance for loan losses and selected loan losses statistics.

charge-offs, non-performing

Non-Interest Income
For the year ended December 31, 2019, non-interest income
decreased by $82.6 million, when compared with the previous
year. Excluding the unfavorable variance in FDIC loss share
income (expense) of $94.7 million as a result of
the
Termination Agreement, non-interest
income increased by
$12.1 million primarily driven by:

• Higher

service

charges

by
$10.3 million, mainly at BPPR, due to higher fees on
transactional cash management services;

accounts

deposit

on

• Higher other service fees by $27.2 million mainly due to
higher credit card fees by $9.2 million as a result of higher
interchange income resulting from higher transactional
volumes, higher insurance fees by $8.2 million in part due
to
by
$6.0 million and higher other fees by $6.9 million in part
due to retail auto loan servicing fee income;

commissions

contingent

insurance

higher

• Higher net unrealized gains on equity securities by

$4.6 million; and

• Favorable variance in adjustments to indemnity reserves
of $12.6 million mainly due to a lower provision related
to loans previously sold with credit recourse and a release
of a $4.4 million reserve previously established in
connection with a 2013 transaction at BPPR.

These favorable variances were partially offset by:

• Lower

on mortgage

income from mortgage banking activities by
$20.7 million mainly due to higher unfavorable fair value
by
adjustments
$19.0 million, net of portfolio amortization, and higher
realized losses on closed derivatives positions by
$8.8 million; partially offset by higher gains on
securitization transactions by $8.3 million; and

servicing

rights

• Lower other operating income by $23.0 million mainly
resulting from $19.0 million in insurance recoveries
related to Hurricane Maria received during 2018 and
the successful
lower modification fees
completion
by
loss mitigation
$11.2 million, partially offset by higher aggregated net
earnings from investments under the equity method by
$4.9 million.

received for

alternatives

of

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

15

Operating Expenses
Table 4 provides a breakdown of operating expenses by major categories.

Table 4 - Operating Expenses

(In thousands)
Personnel costs:

Salaries
Commissions, incentives and other bonuses
Pension, postretirement and medical insurance
Other personnel costs, including payroll taxes

Total personnel costs

Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees:

Collections, appraisals and other credit related fees
Programming, processing and other technology services
Legal fees, excluding collections
Other professional fees

Total professional fees

Communications
Business promotion
FDIC deposit insurance
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses
Other operating expenses:

Credit and debit card processing, volume, interchange and other

expenses

Operational losses
All other

Total other operating expenses

Amortization of intangibles
Goodwill and trademark impairment losses
Restructuring costs

Total operating expenses

Personnel costs to average assets
Operating expenses to average assets
Employees (full-time equivalent)
Average assets per employee (in millions)

Years ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$ 351,788
97,764
41,804
99,269

$ 326,509
90,000
39,660
106,819

$ 313,394
70,099
40,065
53,204

$ 308,135
73,684
41,203
54,373

$ 304,618
79,305
36,743
49,537

590,625

562,988

476,762

477,395

470,203

96,339
84,215
51,653

16,300
247,332
12,877
107,902

384,411

23,450
75,372
18,179
–
4,298

88,329
71,788
46,284

14,700
216,128
19,072
99,944

349,844

23,107
65,918
27,757
12,522
23,338

89,194
65,142
43,382

14,415
199,873
11,763
66,437

292,488

22,466
58,445
26,392
–
48,540

85,653
62,225
42,304

14,607
205,466
42,393
60,577

323,043

23,897
53,014
24,512
–
47,119

86,888
60,110
39,797

23,098
191,895
26,122
67,870

308,985

25,146
52,076
27,626
–
85,568

38,059
21,414
80,097

27,979
35,798
76,584

26,201
39,612
59,194

20,796
35,995
43,737

22,854
20,663
58,874

139,570

140,361

125,007

100,528

102,391

9,370
–
–

9,326
–
–

9,378
–
–

12,144
3,801
–

11,019
–
18,412

$1,477,482

$1,421,562

$1,257,196

$1,255,635

$1,288,221

1.17%
2.93
8,560
5.88

$

1.21%
3.05
8,474
5.50

$

1.15%
3.04
7,784
5.32

$

1.27%
3.34
7,828
4.81

$

1.34%
3.66
7,810
4.51

$

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019
increased by $55.9 million, when compared with the previous
year, mostly due to:

• Higher net occupancy expense by $8.0 million due to
insurance claim reimbursement received during 2018 and
higher insurance cost and electricity expense;

• Higher personnel cost by $27.6 million, including higher
salaries by $25.3 million due to an increase in headcount,
reflecting the integration of Reliable personnel during
August 2018; higher commissions, incentives and other
bonuses by $7.8 million and an increase of $3.2 million
related to annual
incentives tied to the Corporation’s
financial performance, partially offset by a decrease of
$7.6 million in other personnel cost mainly related with
the implementation of the voluntary retirement program
during prior year;

• Higher equipment expense by $12.4 million due to higher
purchases of furniture and equipment and higher software
and maintenance expenses;

• Higher professional fees by $34.6 million mainly due to
higher programming, processing and other technology
expenses by $31.2 million in part related to the Reliable
system conversion; and higher advisory expense by
$5.0 million related to Corporate initiatives; and

16

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

• Higher business promotions by $9.5 million mainly due to
higher customer reward program expense and higher
advertising cost.

These negative variances were partially offset by:
• Lower FDIC deposit insurance by $9.6 million mainly
driven by the termination of the surcharge period in 2018;
• A loss of $12.5 million during the year 2018, resulting
from the early extinguishment of its outstanding 7.00%
Senior Notes due 2019 (the “2019 Notes”); and

• Lower OREO expenses by $19.0 million due to higher
gain on sales by $9.6 million and lower write-downs on
valuation of mortgage, commercial and construction
properties by $7.5 million.

INCOME TAXES
For the year ended December 31, 2019,
the Corporation
recorded income tax expense of $147.2 million, compared to
$119.6 million for the previous year. The income tax expense
for
the year 2019 includes an income tax benefit of
approximately $26 million related to a revision of the amount
of exempt income for prior years and certain adjustments
pertaining to tax periods for which the statute of limitations
had expired.

On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed
into law Act No. 257 of 2018, which amended the Puerto Rico
Internal Revenue Code to, among other things, reduce the
Puerto Rico corporate income tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. The
Corporation recognized a $27.7 million non-cash income tax
expense as a result of a reduction in the Corporation’s net
deferred tax asset (“DTA”) related to its Puerto Rico operations,
due to the aforementioned reduction in tax rates at which it
expects to realize the benefit of the DTA. During 2018, the
Corporation also recorded a tax benefit of $108.9 million
related to the Tax Closing Agreement entered into in
connection with the FDIC Transaction, net of an income tax
expense of $45.0 million from the gain resulting from the
Termination Agreement with the FDIC recognized during 2018.
At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had a deferred tax
asset amounting to $0.9 billion, net of a valuation allowance of
$0.5 billion. The deferred tax asset
related to the U.S.
operations was $0.3 billion, net of a valuation allowance of
$0.4 billion.

Refer to Note 38 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
for a reconciliation of the statutory income tax rate to the
effective tax rate and additional information on deferred tax
asset balances.

Fourth Quarter Results
The Corporation recognized net income of $166.8 million for
the quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared with a net
income of $106.4 million for the same quarter of 2018. The
results for the fourth quarter of 2019 include an income tax

benefit of approximately $18 million related to the revision of
the amount of exempt income for prior years, while the results
for the fourth quarter of 2018 include $27.7 million of income
tax expense due to a reduction in the Corporation’s DTA, as
further discussed below.

Net interest income for the fourth quarter of 2019 amounted
to $467.4 million, compared with $476.2 million for the fourth
quarter of 2018. The decrease in net interest income was mainly
due to higher interest expense on deposits driven by higher
average balance; lower interest income from the commercial
rates in the
resulting from lower market
loan portfolio,
adjustable rate portfolio and originations in a declining interest
rate environment; partially offset by higher income from money
market, trading and investment securities as a result of higher
volume of earning assets.

The provision for loan losses amounted to $47.2 million for
the quarter
compared to
ended December 31, 2019,
$42.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2018. The increase of
$4.6 million is reflected at PB by $7.2 million, partially offset by
a decrease in BPPR of $2.6 million.

2019,

ended December

Non-interest income amounted to $152.4 million for the
quarter
compared with
31,
$153.2 million for the same quarter in 2018. The decrease was
mainly due to lower other operating income by $12.9 million
which included $9.5 million in recoveries from hurricane
related claims during the fourth quarter of 2018,
lower
mortgage banking activities by $5.9 million mainly due to
unfavorable fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing
rights; partially offset by a favorable variance in adjustments to
indemnity reserves on loans sold by $7.8 million, higher other
service fees by $5.3 million mainly due to higher insurance fees,
higher service charges on deposits accounts by $2.7 million and
higher net gain on equity securities by $2.4 million.

Operating expenses totaled $390.6 million for the quarter
ended December 31, 2019, compared with $396.5 million for
the same quarter in the previous year. The decrease is mainly
related to lower personnel costs by $14.7 million due to the
impact of the voluntary retirement program which was effective
for employees who confirmed their election to participate
incentive
before the end of
compensation; and the expense of $12.5 million related to the
early redemption of the 2019 Notes during the fourth quarter of
2018; partially
by
$14.0 million due to higher advisory expenses related to
Corporate
card
and debit
processing, volume, interchange expenses by $5.7 million.

the year 2018 and lower

by higher professional

and higher

initiatives

credit

offset

fees

Income tax expense amounted to $15.3 million for the
quarter ended December 31, 2019, compared with income tax
expense of $84.0 million for the same quarter of 2018. During
the fourth quarter of 2019, the Corporation recorded a tax
benefit of approximately $18 million related to the revision of
the amount of exempt income for prior years. During the fourth
quarter of 2018 the Corporation recognized a $27.7 million

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

17

non-cash income tax expense as a result of a reduction in the
Corporation’s DTA related to its Puerto Rico operations, due to
the reduction in Corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%.

REPORTABLE SEGMENT RESULTS
The Corporation’s reportable segments for managerial reporting
purposes consist of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and Popular
U.S. A Corporate group has been defined to support
the
reportable segments.

For a description of the Corporation’s reportable segments,
including additional financial information and the underlying
management accounting process, refer to Note 40 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

the Corporation had reversed the effect of

As discussed in Note 40, effective on January 1, 2019, the
Corporation’s management changed the measurement basis for
its reportable segments. Historically, for management reporting
purposes,
the
intercompany billings from itself, as holding company, to its
subsidiaries for certain services or expenses incurred on their
behalf. In addition, the Corporation used to reflect an income
tax expense allocation for several of its subsidiaries which are
Limited Liability Companies (“LLCs”) and had made an
election to be treated as pass through entities for income tax
purposes. The Corporation’s management has determined to
discontinue making these adjustments, effective on January 1,
2019, for purposes of its management and reportable segment
reporting. The Corporation reflected these changes in the
measurement of the reportable segments’ results prospectively
beginning on January 1, 2019.

The Corporate group reported a net income of $6.1 million
for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to a net loss
of $89.7 million for the previous year. The increase in the net
income was attributed to lower operating expenses by
$107.0 million as a result of the change in the measurement
basis of the intercompany billings from Popular Inc., holding
company to its subsidiaries, as discussed above, and the early
extinguishment of debt of $12.5 million related to the
redemption of the 2019 Notes during 2018.

Highlights on the earnings

results

for

the reportable

segments are discussed below:

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
The Banco Popular de Puerto Rico reportable segment’s net
the year ended
income amounted to $609.9 million for
December 31, 2019, compared with $630.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 2018. The principal
that
contributed to the variance in the financial results included the
following:

factors

interest

• Higher net interest income by $151.8 million due to
higher
loans by $140.4 million,
reflecting growth in the auto portfolio and higher interest
income on debt securities by $106.1 million; partially
interest expense from deposits by
offset by higher

income of

18

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

$71.8 million due to higher volumes predominantly the
increase of deposits from the Puerto Rico government.
The BPPR segment’s net interest margin was 4.30% for
2019 compared with 4.27% for the same period in 2018;

• Lower provision for loans losses by $62.9 million driven
by revisions to certain loss estimates and to incremental
reserves for two large impaired commercial borrowers in
2018,
continued credit quality
improvements in the mortgage portfolio during 2019.
These positive variances were in part offset by higher
reserves for the auto loans portfolio;

coupled with the

• Lower non-interest income by $86.2 million mainly due

to:

• Lower mortgage

banking

activities

by
$20.7 million due to unfavorable fair value
adjustments on mortgage servicing rights, and
higher
realized losses on closed derivatives
position; and

• Unfavorable

variance

in FDIC loss

share
(expense) income by $94.7 million driven by the
impact of the Termination Agreement with the
FDIC discussed in Note 10 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements; and

• Lower other operating income by $22.3 million
mainly
recoveries
related to Hurricane Maria of $19.0 million
received during 2018.

from insurance

resulting

Partially offset by:

• Higher service charges on deposit accounts by
$9.3 million due to higher fees on transactional
cash management services;

• Higher other service fees by $27.5 million due
debit and credit card fees resulting from higher
transactional volumes; higher retail auto loan
servicing fee income; and

• Favorable variance in adjustments to indemnity
reserves of $12.6 million related to loans
previously sold with credit recourse and a release
of $4.4 million reserve established in connection
with a 2013 transaction.

• Higher operating expenses by $141.0 million, mainly due

to:

• Higher personnel

costs by $15.3 million,
including higher salaries by $9.9 million due to
an increase in headcount, this increase includes
the integration of Reliable personnel during
August 2018 and an increase of $2.5 million
related to the incentive compensation tied to the
Corporation’s financial performance;

• Higher equipment expense by $11.0 million due
to higher purchases of furniture and equipment
and higher software and maintenance expenses;

• Higher professional fees by $28.1 million due to
higher programming, processing
and other
technology expenses by $29.7 million in part
related to Reliable system conversion;

• Higher business promotions by $9.7 million
mainly due to higher customer reward program
expense and higher advertising cost; and

• Higher other operating expenses by $93.4 million
mainly to the change in the measurement basis of
the intercompany billings from Popular Inc.,
holding company to its subsidiaries, mentioned
above.

Partially offset by:

• Lower OREO expense by $18.7 million due
higher gain on sales by $11.1 million and lower
write-downs
of mortgage,
commercial
and construction properties by
$7.5 million.

valuation

on

• Non-interest income of $23.2 million was relatively flat

when compared to $20.0 million the previous year;

• Higher operating expenses by $22.3 million driven by
higher personnel costs by $8.9 million mainly due to
higher
salaries and commissions and higher other
operating expenses by $9.3 million mainly due to the
change in the measurement basis of the intercompany
billings from Popular
Inc., holding company to its
subsidiaries, mentioned above.

• Income taxes favorable variance of $6.1 million mainly

due to the decrease in pretax income.

total

assets were

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ANALYSIS
Assets
The Corporation’s
billion at
December 31, 2019, compared to $47.6 billion at December 31,
2018. Refer to the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition at December 31, 2019 and 2018 included
in this 2019 Annual Report. Also, refer to the Statistical
Summary 2015-2019 in this MD&A for Condensed Statements
of Financial Condition for the past five years.

$52.1

• Higher income tax expense by $7.9 million mainly due to
a net tax benefit of $27.7 million recorded in 2018 in
connection with the FDIC Termination Agreement, refer
to table 35 and higher tax rate; partially offset by a tax
benefit of approximately $26 million related to the
revision of the amount of exempt income earned in prior
years and certain adjustments pertaining to tax periods for
which the statue of limitations had expired. Refer to Note
38, Income Taxes for additional information.

Popular U.S.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the reportable segment
of Popular U.S. reported net income of $55.3 million, compared
with a net
income of $77.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2018. The principal factors that contributed to
the variance in the financial results included the following:

• Lower net interest income by $9.1 million mainly due to
higher interest expense from deposits by $27.5 million
driven by higher volumes to fund loan growth, partially
offset by higher interest income of loans by $16.6 million
driven by higher volume. The Popular U.S. reportable
segment’s net
interest margin was 3.32% for 2019
compared with 3.54% for the same period in 2018;

• Provision for loan losses remained flat at $30 million for

both years;

Money market, trading and investment securities
Money market investments totaled $3.3 billion at December 31,
2019 compared to $4.2 billion at December 31, 2018. The
decrease was mainly due to purchases of debt securities
available-for-sale.

Debt securities available-for-sale increased by $4.3 billion to
$17.6 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase was mainly
due to purchases of U.S. Treasury securities and mortgage-
backed securities at BPPR, partially offset by maturities and
paydowns. Refer to Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional
to the
Corporation’s debt securities available-for-sale.

information with respect

Loans
Refer to Table 5 for a breakdown of the Corporation’s loan
portfolio, the principal category of earning assets. Also, refer to
Note 8 in the Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed
information about the Corporation’s loan portfolio composition
and loan purchases and sales.

Loans held-in-portfolio increased by $0.9 billion to
$27.4 billion at December 31, 2019 mainly driven by growth of
auto loans and leases and credit cards at the BPPR segment,
coupled with an increase at PB across its commercial and
mortgage loan portfolios.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

19

Table 5 - Loans Ending Balances

(in thousands)

Loans not covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements:

Commercial
Construction
Legacy [1]
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer

2019

2018

At December 31,
2017

2016

2015

$12,312,751
831,092
22,105
1,059,507
7,183,532
5,997,886

$12,043,019
779,449
25,949
934,773
7,235,258
5,489,441

$11,488,861
880,029
32,980
809,990
7,270,407
3,810,527

$10,798,507
776,300
45,293
702,893
6,696,361
3,754,393

$10,099,163
681,106
64,436
627,650
7,036,081
3,837,679

Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio

27,406,873

26,507,889

24,292,794

22,773,747

22,346,115

Loans covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements:

Mortgage
Consumer

Loans covered under FDIC loss sharing agreements

–
–

–

–
–

–

502,930
14,344

517,274

556,570
16,308

572,878

627,102
19,013

646,115

Total loans held-in-portfolio

27,406,873

26,507,889

24,810,068

23,346,625

22,992,230

Loans held-for-sale:
Commercial
Construction
Mortgage

Total loans held-for-sale

Total loans

–
–
59,203

59,203

–
–
51,422

51,422

–
–
132,395

132,395

–
–
88,821

88,821

45,074
95
91,831

137,000

$27,466,076

$26,559,311

$24,942,463

$23,435,446

$23,129,230

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part

of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

a

assets

result of

right-of-use

Other assets
Other assets increased by $0.1 billion mainly due to the
recognition of
the
as
implementation of
the new lease accounting standard, as
discussed in Note 35, which required balance sheet recognition
of operating lease contracts, an increase in mortgage loan
claims as a result of higher inflows impacted by the end of the
foreclosure moratorium on FHA-insured mortgages and an
increase in prepaid taxes, partially offset by a decrease in net
deferred tax assets. Refer to Note 15 for a breakdown of the
principal categories that comprise the caption of “Other Assets”
in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at
December 31, 2019 and 2018.

total

Liabilities
The Corporation’s
liabilities were $46.1 billion at
December 31, 2019, an increase of $3.9 billion compared to
$42.2 billion at December 31, 2018, mainly due to deposits as
to the Corporation’s Consolidated
discussed below. Refer
Statements of Financial Condition included in this Form 10-K.

Deposits and Borrowings
The composition of the Corporation’s financing to total assets at
December 31, 2019 and 2018 is included in Table 6.

Table 6 - Financing to Total Assets

(In millions)

Non-interest bearing deposits
Interest-bearing core deposits
Other interest-bearing deposits
Repurchase agreements
Notes payable
Other liabilities
Stockholders’ equity

20

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, December 31, % increase (decrease) % of total assets
2018

from 2018 to 2019

2018

2019

2019

$ 9,160
29,610
4,988
193
1,102
1,045
6,017

$ 9,149
25,714
4,847
282
1,256
922
5,435

0.1%
15.2
2.9
(31.6)
(12.3)
13.3
10.7

17.6% 19.2%
56.8
9.6
0.4
2.1
2.0
11.5

54.0
10.2
0.6
2.7
1.9
11.4

Deposits
at
The Corporation’s
December 31, 2019, compared to $39.7 billion at December 31,
2018. The deposits increase of $4.1 billion was mainly due to
an increase of $2.9 billion in Puerto Rico public sector deposits

deposits

totaled

billion

$43.8

Table 7 - Deposits Ending Balances

(In thousands)

Demand deposits [1]
Savings, NOW and money market deposits (non-brokered)
Savings, NOW and money market deposits (brokered)
Time deposits (non-brokered)
Time deposits (brokered CDs)

Total deposits

[1]

Includes interest and non-interest bearing demand deposits.

Borrowings
The Corporation’s borrowings amounted to $1.3 billion at
December 31, 2019, a decrease of $0.2 billion when compared
to December 31, 2018, mainly due to maturities of Federal
Home Loan Bank advances and repurchase agreements at PB.
Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
detailed information on the Corporation’s borrowings. Also,
refer
to the Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Other
Commitments section in this MD&A for additional information
on the Corporation’s contractual obligations.

Other liabilities
The Corporation’s other liabilities amounted to $1.0 billion at
December 31, 2019, an increase of $0.1 billion when compared
to December 31, 2018, mainly due to the recognition of
operating lease liabilities, as discussed above, partially offset by
a decrease in the liability for rebooked GNMA loans sold with
an option to repurchase and credit recourse liability.

Stockholders’ Equity
Stockholders’ equity totaled $6.0 billion at December 31, 2019,
compared to $5.4 billion at December 31, 2018. The increase of
$0.6 billion was mainly due to net income of $671.1 million for
the year ended December 31, 2019 and higher unrealized gains
on debt securities available-for-sale by $266.0 million, partially
offset by the impact of the $250 million accelerated share
of
and
repurchase
$116.0 million on common stock and $3.7 million in dividends
on preferred stock.

transaction

dividends

declared

and an increase of $0.9 billion in retail deposits at Popular Bank
mainly from deposits gathered through its online platform.
Refer to Table 7 for a breakdown of the Corporation’s deposits
at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

$16,566,145
19,169,899
347,765
7,546,621
128,176

$16,077,023
15,616,247
400,004
7,500,544
116,221

$12,460,081
15,054,242
424,307
7,411,140
103,738

$ 9,053,897
13,327,298
405,487
7,486,717
222,825

$ 7,221,238
11,440,693
382,424
7,274,157
891,211

$43,758,606

$39,710,039

$35,453,508

$30,496,224

$27,209,723

Refer to the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition,
Comprehensive Income and of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
for information on the composition of stockholders’ equity.
Also, refer to Note 24 for a detail of accumulated other
comprehensive loss, an integral component of stockholders’
equity.

REGULATORY CAPITAL
The Corporation and its bank subsidiaries are subject to capital
adequacy standards established by the Federal Reserve. The
current risk-based capital standards applicable to Popular, Inc.
and the Banks, BPPR and PB, are based on the final capital
framework of Basel III. The capital rules of Basel III which
became effective on January 1, 2015, established a “Common
Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”) capital measure and specified that Tier
1 capital consist of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 Capital”
instruments meeting specified requirements. Table 8 presents
the Corporation’s capital adequacy information for the years
2015 through 2019 under the regulatory guidance applicable
during those years. Note 23 to the consolidated financial
statements presents further information on the Corporation’s
regulatory capital requirements, including the regulatory capital
its depository institutions, BPPR and PB. The
ratios of
Corporation continues to exceed the well-capitalized guidelines
under the federal banking regulations.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

21

Table 8 - Capital Adequacy Data

(Dollars in thousands)

Risk-based capital:

Common Equity Tier 1 capital

Tier 1 capital
Supplementary (Tier 2) capital

Total capital

Total risk-weighted assets

Adjusted average quarterly assets

Ratios:

Common Equity Tier 1 capital
Tier 1 capital
Total capital
Leverage ratio
Average equity to assets
Average tangible equity to assets
Average equity to loans

The increase in the CET1 capital ratio, Tier 1 capital ratio,
total capital ratio and leverage ratio as of December 31, 2019
compared to December 31, 2018 was mostly due to the year’s
earnings, partially offset by the accelerated common stock
repurchase of $250 million, the increase in risk weighted assets
driven by the growth in auto loans and leases, higher
available-for-sale securities and the recognition of right-of-use
assets.

An institution is considered “well-capitalized” if it maintains
a total capital ratio of 10%, a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8%, a CET1
ratio of 6.5% and a leverage ratio of 5%. The
capital
Corporation’s ratios presented in Table 8 show that
the
Corporation was “well capitalized” for regulatory purposes, the
highest classification, under Basel III for years 2015 through
2019. BPPR and PB were also well-capitalized for all years
presented.

The Basel III Capital Rules also introduce a new 2.5%
“capital conservation buffer”, composed entirely of CET1, on
top of the three minimum risk-weighted asset ratios. The
capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during
periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of
CET1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below
face constraints on
the capital conservation buffer will
dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the
amount of the shortfall. As of January 1, 2019, Popular, BPPR
and PB are required to maintain an additional capital
conservation buffer of 2.5% of CET1, effectively resulting in
minimum ratios of (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least
7%, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.5%,
and (iii) Total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 10.5%.

Table 9 reconciles

total
stockholders’ equity to common equity Tier 1 capital.

the Corporation’s

common

22

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

2019

2018

At December 31,
2017

2016

2015

$ 5,121,240

$ 4,631,511

$ 4,226,519

$ 4,121,208

4,049,576

$ 5,121,240
737,375

$ 4,631,511
722,688

$ 4,226,519
758,746

$ 4,121,208
748,007

$ 4,049,576
642,833

$ 5,858,615

$ 5,354,199

$ 4,985,265

$ 4,869,215

$ 4,692,409

$28,840,368

$27,403,718

$25,935,696

$25,001,334

$24,987,144

$51,057,484

$46,876,424

$42,185,805

$37,785,070

$34,253,625

17.76%
17.76
20.31
10.03
11.35
10.11
21.31

16.90%
16.90
19.54
9.88
11.67
10.37
21.72

16.30%
16.30
19.22
10.02
12.91
11.48
22.73

16.48%
16.48
19.48
10.91
14.03
12.45
22.89

16.21%
16.21
18.78
11.82
13.37
11.95
20.42

Table 9 - Reconciliation Common Equity Tier 1 Capital

(In thousands)

At December 31,
2018
2019

Common stockholders’ equity

$5,966,619

$5,384,897

AOCI related adjustments due to

opt-out election

Goodwill, net of associated deferred

113,155

378,038

tax liability (DTL)

(596,994)

(596,695)

Intangible assets, net of associated

DTLs

Deferred tax assets and other

deductions

(28,780)

(26,833)

(332,763)

(507,896)

Common equity tier 1 capital

$5,121,237

$4,631,511

Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-

weighted assets

17.76%

16.90%

Non-GAAP financial measures
The tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value per
common share, which are presented in the table that follows,
are non-GAAP measures. Management and many stock analysts
use the tangible common equity ratio and tangible book value
per common share in conjunction with more traditional bank
capital ratios to compare the capital adequacy of banking
organizations with significant amounts of goodwill or other
intangible assets,
the
purchase accounting method of accounting for mergers and
acquisitions. Neither tangible common equity nor tangible
assets or related measures should be considered in isolation or
as a substitute for stockholders’ equity, total assets or any other
measure calculated in accordance with generally accepted
in the United States of America
accounting principles

typically stemming from the use of

(“GAAP”). Moreover, the manner in which the Corporation
calculates its tangible common equity, tangible assets and any
other related measures may differ from that of other companies
reporting measures with similar names.

Table 10 provides a reconciliation of total stockholders’
equity to tangible common equity and total assets to tangible
assets at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Table 10 - Reconciliation Tangible Common Equity and
Assets

(In thousands, except share or per
share information)

Total stockholders’ equity
Less: Preferred stock
Less: Goodwill
Less: Other intangibles

At December 31,

2019

2018

$ 6,016,779
(50,160)
(671,122)
(28,780)

$ 5,435,057
(50,160)
(671,122)
(26,833)

Total tangible common equity

$ 5,266,717

$ 4,686,942

Total assets
Less: Goodwill
Less: Other intangibles

Total tangible assets

Tangible common equity to tangible

assets at end of period

Common shares outstanding at end of

$52,115,324
(671,122)
(28,780)

$47,604,577
(671,122)
(26,833)

$51,415,422

$46,906,622

10.24%

9.99%

period

95,589,629

99,942,845

Tangible book value per common

share

$

55.10

$

46.90

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS AND OTHER
COMMITMENTS
In the ordinary course of business, the Corporation engages in
financial transactions that are not recorded on the balance
sheet, or may be recorded on the balance sheet in amounts that

Table 11 - Contractual Obligations

(In thousands)

Certificates of deposits
Assets sold under agreement to repurchase
Long-term debt
Operating leases
Finance leases

Total contractual cash obligations

its

the

financial needs of

are different than the full contract or notional amount of the
transaction. As a provider of financial services, the Corporation
routinely enters into commitments with off-balance sheet risk
to meet
customers. These
commitments may include loan commitments and standby
letters of credit. These commitments are subject to the same
credit policies and approval process used for on-balance sheet
instruments. These instruments involve, to varying degrees,
elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount
recognized in the statement of financial position. Other types of
off-balance sheet arrangements that the Corporation enters in
the ordinary course of business include derivatives, operating
leases and provision of guarantees,
indemnifications, and
representation and warranties. Refer to Note 25 for a detailed
discussion related to the Corporation’s obligations under credit
recourse and representation and warranties arrangements.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
The Corporation has various financial obligations, including
contractual obligations and commercial commitments, which
require future cash payments on debt and lease agreements.

As previously indicated, the Corporation also enters into
derivative contracts under which it is required either to receive
or pay cash, depending on changes in interest rates. These
fair value on the consolidated
contracts are carried at
statements of
value
condition with the
financial
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. The Corporation may
also be required to post additional collateral on margin calls on
the derivatives and repurchase transactions.

fair

At December 31, 2019,

the aggregate contractual cash
obligations, including purchase obligations and borrowings, by
maturities, are presented in Table 11.

Less than
1 year

$4,612,460
193,378
139,920
29,872
3,068

Payments Due by Period
3 to 5
years

1 to 3
years

After 5
years

$1,883,329
–
153,188
50,985
6,411

$1,118,447
–
346,941
41,433
6,797

$ 60,561
–
461,559
70,842
8,220

Total

$7,674,797
193,378
1,101,608
193,132
24,496

$4,978,698

$2,093,913

$1,513,618

$601,182

$9,187,411

Under the Corporation’s repurchase agreements, Popular is
required to deposit cash or qualifying securities to meet margin
requirements. To the extent
the value of securities
previously pledged as collateral declines because of changes in

that

interest rates,
the Corporation will be required to deposit
additional cash or securities to meet its margin requirements,
thereby adversely affecting its liquidity.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

23

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s liability on its
pension, restoration and postretirement benefit plans amounted
to approximately $221 million, compared with $222 million at
December 31, 2018. The Corporation’s expected contributions
to the pension and benefit restoration plans are minimal, while
the expected contributions to the postretirement benefit plan to
fund current benefit payment requirements are estimated at
$6.5 million for 2020. 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 32 to the consolidated financial statements for
further information on these plans. Management believes that
the effect of the pension and postretirement plans on liquidity
is not
financial
condition. The BPPR’s non-contributory defined pension and
benefit restoration plans are frozen with regards to all future
benefit accruals.

to the Corporation’s overall

significant

At December 31, 2019,

the liability for uncertain tax
positions was $16.3 million, compared with $7.2 million as of
the end of 2018. 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 timing of any
future cash settlements cannot be predicted with reasonable
limitations, the liability for
certainty. Under the statute of

Table 12 - Off-Balance Sheet Lending and Other Activities

uncertain tax positions expires as follows: 2020 - $1.5 million,
2021 - $11.3 million, 2022 - $1.1 million and 2023 -
$1.1 million. Additionally, $1.4 million is not subject to the
statute of
the
Corporation anticipates a reduction in the total amount of
unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months, which
including
could amount
interests.

limitations. As a result of examinations,

to approximately $2.1 million,

The Corporation also utilizes

lending-related financial
instruments in the normal course of business to accommodate
its customers. The Corporation’s
the financial needs of
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
and conditional
obligations as it does in extending loans to customers. Since
many of the commitments expire without being drawn upon or
a default occurring, the total contractual amounts are not
representative of
credit
the Corporation’s
exposure or liquidity requirements for these commitments.

in making those

commitments

future

actual

The following table presents the contractual amounts related
lending and other

to the Corporation’s off-balance sheet
activities at December 31, 2019:

(In thousands)

Commitments to extend credit
Commercial letters of credit
Standby letters of credit
Commitments to originate or fund mortgage loans

2020

$7,406,856
2,629
34,514
95,321

$736,833
–
40,672
1,332

Total

$7,539,320

$778,837

$119,180
–
–
–

$119,180

$94,647
–
–
–

$94,647

Total

$8,357,516
2,629
75,186
96,653

$8,531,984

Amount of commitment - Expiration Period
Years 2025 -
Years 2023 -
Years 2021 -
thereafter
2024
2022

Refer to Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
and

information on credit

commitments

for
additional
contingencies.

RISK MANAGEMENT
Market / Interest Rate Risk
The financial results and capital levels of the Corporation are
constantly exposed to market, interest rate and liquidity risks.

Market risk refers to the risk of a reduction in the
Corporation’s capital due to changes in the market valuation of
its assets and/or liabilities.

Most of the assets subject to market valuation risk are debt
securities classified as available-for-sale. Refer to Notes 6 and 7
for further information on the debt securities available-for-sale
and held-to-maturity portfolios. Debt securities classified as

24

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

available-for-sale amounted to $17.6 billion as of December 31,
2019. Other assets subject
risk include loans
held-for-sale, which amounted to $59 million, mortgage
servicing rights (“MSRs”) which amounted to $151 million and
securities
to
$40 million, as of December 31, 2019.

“trading”, which amounted

to market

classified

as

Interest Rate Risk (“IRR”)
The Corporation’s net interest income is subject to various
categories of interest rate risk, including repricing, basis, yield
rate risk,
curve and option risks.
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.

In managing interest

Interest rate risk management is an active process that
encompasses monitoring loan and deposit flows complemented
by investment and funding activities. Effective management of
interest rate risk begins with understanding the dynamic
characteristics of assets and liabilities and determining the
appropriate rate risk position given line of business forecasts,
and policy
management objectives, market
constraints.

expectations

Management utilizes various tools to assess IRR, including
Net Interest Income (“NII”) simulation modeling, static gap
analysis, and Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”). The three
methodologies complement each other and are used jointly in
the evaluation of
simulation
modeling is prepared for a five-year period, which in
conjunction with the EVE analysis, provides management a
better view of long-term IRR.

the Corporation’s

IRR. NII

Net interest income simulation analysis performed by legal
entity and on a consolidated basis is a tool used by the
Corporation in estimating the potential change in net interest
income resulting from hypothetical changes in interest rates.
Sensitivity analysis is calculated using a simulation model
which incorporates actual balance sheet figures detailed by
maturity and interest yields or costs.

Management assesses interest rate risk by comparing various
NII simulations under different interest rate scenarios that
differ in direction of interest rate changes, the degree of change
and the projected shape of the yield curve. For example, the
types of rate scenarios processed during the quarter include flat

rates, implied forwards, parallel and non-parallel rate shocks.
Management also performs analyses to isolate and measure
basis and prepayment risk exposures.

The

asset

and liability management group performs
validation procedures on various assumptions used as part of
the simulation analyses as well as validations of results on a
monthly basis. In addition, the model and processes used to
assess IRR are subject to independent validations according to
the guidelines established in the Model Governance and
Validation policy.

The Corporation processes NII simulations under interest
rate scenarios in which the yield curve is assumed to rise and
decline by the same amount (parallel shifts). The rate scenarios
considered in these market risk simulations reflect parallel
changes of -100, -200, +100, +200 and +400 basis points during
the succeeding twelve-month period. Simulation analyses are
based on many assumptions, including relative levels of market
interest rates across all yield curve points and indexes, interest
rate spreads, loan prepayments and deposit elasticity. Thus,
they should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.
Further,
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. The following table presents the results of the
simulations at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018,
assuming a static balance sheet and parallel changes over flat
spot rates over a one-year time horizon:

the estimates do not contemplate actions

Table 13 - Net Interest Income Sensitivity (One Year Projection)

(Dollars in thousands)

Change in interest rate
+400 basis points
+200 basis points
+100 basis points
-100 basis points
-200 basis points

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Amount Change Percent Change Amount Change Percent Change

$ 64,351
32,766
16,379
(35,213)
(131,874)

3.37%
1.72
0.86
(1.84)
(6.91)

$ 151,871
76,479
39,234
(26,305)
(145,819)

8.12%
4.09
2.10
(1.41)
(7.80)

At December 31, 2019, the simulations showed that the
Corporation maintains an asset-sensitive position. This is
primarily due to (i) a high level of money market and short-
term investments that are highly sensitive to changes in interest
rates, (ii) approximately 31% of the Corporation’s loan portfolio
was comprised of variable rate loans, and (iii) low elasticity of
the Corporation’s core deposit base. The asset sensitive position
is more asymmetric in the more extreme -200 basis point
scenario, as the Company does not expect it could lower
deposit costs below zero. The Corporation’s current asset
sensitive position as detailed above and further expectation of

interest

rates will negatively impact our

lower
future
results. However, other factors like balance sheet size, asset mix
and the shape of the yield curve will also impact these results.

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. Prepayment
risk also could have a significant impact on the duration of
collateralized mortgage
mortgage-backed
obligations,
lower
prepayments could extend) the weighted average life of these
portfolios.

securities
since prepayments

could shorten (or

and

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

25

Table 14 - Interest Rate Sensitivity

(Dollars in thousands)

0-30 days

After three
months but
within six
months

Within 31 -
90 days

At December 31, 2019
By repricing dates
After nine
months but
within one
year

After one
year but
within two
years

After six
months but
within nine
months

After two
years

Non-interest
bearing
funds

Total

Assets:
Money market
investments

Investment and trading

securities

Loans
Other assets

Total

Liabilities and

stockholders’ equity:
Savings, NOW and money

market and other
interest bearing demand
deposits

Certificates of deposit
Federal funds purchased
and assets sold under
agreements to
repurchase
Notes payable
Non-interest bearing

deposits

Other non-interest bearing

liabilities

Stockholders’ equity

$ 3,262,286 $

– $

– $

– $

– $

– $

– $

– $ 3,262,286

1,537,514
5,645,766
–

2,379,485 1,184,436
1,791,917 1,219,030
–

–

584,367
1,135,534
–

581,292

9,136,846
2,410,182
1,117,627 4,070,829 12,746,646
–

–

–

132,221 17,946,343
(261,273) 27,466,076
3,440,619
3,440,619

10,445,566

4,171,402 2,403,466

1,719,901

1,698,919 6,481,011 21,883,492

3,311,567 52,115,324

12,425,665
1,982,057

650,725
650,883

908,212
713,261

833,417
711,511

765,596
673,910

2,498,080
1,217,131

8,841,941
1,726,044

– 26,923,636
7,674,797
–

90,780
31,000

78,061
12,771

19,537
23,218

–
61,000

5,000
11,930

–
50,040

–
911,649

–
–

193,378
1,101,608

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–

9,160,173

9,160,173

1,044,953
6,016,779

1,044,953
6,016,779

Total

$14,529,502 $ 1,392,440 $1,664,228 $1,605,928 $1,456,436 $3,765,251 $11,479,634 $ 16,221,905 $52,115,324

Interest rate sensitive gap
Cumulative interest rate

(4,083,936) 2,778,962

739,238

113,973

242,483

2,715,760 10,403,858 (12,910,338)

sensitive gap

(4,083,936) (1,304,974)

(565,736)

(451,763)

(209,280) 2,506,480 12,910,338

Cumulative interest rate

sensitive gap to earning
assets

(8.37)%

(2.67)% (1.16)%

(0.93)%

(0.43)%

5.14%

26.45%

–

–

–

–

–

26

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Table 15, which presents the maturity distribution of earning assets, takes into consideration prepayment assumptions.

Table 15 - Maturity Distribution of Earning Assets

As of December 31, 2019
Maturities

After one year
through five years
Fixed
interest
rates

Variable
interest
rates

After five years

Fixed
interest
rates

Variable
interest
rates

Total

One year or
less

$ 3,262,286
6,240,531

–
$ 8,325,318

$

–
23,726

–
$3,183,906

$

–
12,975

$ 3,262,286
17,786,456

3,122,399
646,413
328,530
1,849,765
707,355

3,342,064
10,007
726,511
2,902,771
2,369,596

2,899,260
170,131
–
352,175
168,432

1,485,724
3,337
4,466
121,971
3,951,106

1,485,409
1,204
–
771,204
46,246

12,334,856
831,092
1,059,507
5,997,886
7,242,735

6,654,462

9,350,949

3,589,998

5,566,604

2,304,063

27,466,076

$16,157,279

$17,676,267

$3,613,724

$8,750,510

$2,317,038

$48,514,818

(In thousands)

Money market securities
Investment and trading securities
Loans:

Commercial
Construction
Lease financing
Consumer
Mortgage

Subtotal loans

Total earning assets

Note: 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.

trading

activities

to meet

Securities’

Trading
The Corporation engages in trading activities in the ordinary
its subsidiaries, BPPR and Popular
course of business at
Securities. Popular
consist
primarily of market-making activities
expected
customers’ needs related to its retail brokerage business, and
purchases and sales of U.S. Government and government
sponsored securities with the objective of realizing gains from
expected short-term price movements. BPPR’s trading activities
consist primarily of holding U.S. Government
sponsored
mortgage-backed securities classified as “trading” and hedging
the related market risk with “TBA” (to-be-announced) market
transactions. The objective is to derive spread income from the
portfolio and not
from short-term market
movements. In addition, BPPR uses forward contracts or TBAs
to hedge its securitization pipeline. Risks related to variations
in interest rates and market volatility are hedged with TBAs that
have characteristics similar to that of the forecasted security
and its conversion timeline.

to benefit

At December 31, 2019,

the Corporation held trading
securities with a fair value of $40 million,
representing
approximately 0.1% of the Corporation’s total assets, compared
with $38 million and 0.1%, respectively, at December 31, 2018.
As shown in Table 16, the trading portfolio consists principally
of mortgage-backed securities which at December 31, 2019
were investment grade securities. As of December 31, 2019, the
trading portfolio also included $7 million in U.S. Treasury
securities and $0.6 million in Puerto Rico government
obligations ($6 million and $0.1 million as of December 31,
2018, respectively). Trading instruments are recognized at fair
value, with changes resulting from fluctuations in market
prices,
interest rates or exchange rates reported in current
period earnings. The Corporation recognized a net trading
ended
account gain of $ 994 thousand for
loss of
trading account
December 31, 2019 and a net
$208 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2018.

the year

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

27

Table 16 - Trading Portfolio

(Dollars in thousands)

Mortgage-backed securities
U.S. Treasury securities
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Puerto Rico government obligations
Interest-only strips
Other

Total

[1] Not on a taxable equivalent basis.

The Corporation’s trading activities are limited by internal
policies. For each of the two subsidiaries, the market risk
assumed under trading activities is measured by the 5-day net
value-at-risk (“VAR”), with a confidence level of 99%. The VAR
measures the maximum estimated loss that may occur over a
5-day holding period, given a 99% probability.

are numerous

The Corporation’s trading portfolio had a 5-day VAR of
approximately $0.2 million for the last week in December 31,
2019. There
and estimates
associated with VAR modeling, and actual results could differ
from these assumptions and estimates. Backtesting is performed
to compare actual results against maximum estimated losses, in
order to evaluate model and assumptions accuracy.

assumptions

In the opinion of management, the size and composition of
the trading portfolio does not represent a significant source of
market risk for the Corporation.

Derivatives
Derivatives may be used by the Corporation as part of its
overall
interest rate risk management strategy to minimize
significant unexpected fluctuations in earnings and cash flows
that are caused by fluctuations in interest rates. Derivative
instruments that the Corporation may use include, among
others, interest rate swaps, caps, floors, indexed options, and
forward contracts. The Corporation does not use highly
leveraged derivative instruments
rate risk
management strategy. The Corporation enters into interest rate
swaps, interest rate caps and foreign exchange contracts for the
benefit of commercial customers. Credit risk embedded in these
transactions is reduced by requiring appropriate collateral from
counterparties and entering into netting agreements whenever
possible. All outstanding derivatives are recognized in the
Corporation’s consolidated statement of condition at their fair
value. Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements
for further information on the Corporation’s involvement in
derivative instruments and hedging activities.

interest

in its

The Corporation’s derivative 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

28

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2019
Weighted

Average Yield [1] Amount

December 31, 2018
Weighted
Average Yield [1]

Amount

$28,556
7,083
606
633
440
3,003

$40,321

5.28%
1.22
5.72
2.60
12.05
2.79

4.42%

$27,257
6,278
659
134
484
2,975

$37,787

5.49%
2.13
5.62
0.26
12.05
3.54

4.85%

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. Derivative transactions are
generally executed with instruments with a high correlation to
liability. The underlying index or
the hedged asset 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, fixed and
variable interest rate hedged 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
that are linked to these hedged assets and
instruments
liabilities. Management will assess if circumstances warrant
liquidating or
replacing the derivatives position in the
hypothetical event that high correlation is reduced. Based on
at
the Corporation’s derivative
December 31, 2019, it is not anticipated that such a scenario
would have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial
condition or results of operations.

instruments outstanding

Certain derivative contracts also present credit risk and
liquidity risk because the counterparties may not comply with
the terms of the contract, or the collateral obtained might be
illiquid or become so. The Corporation controls credit risk
through approvals,
limits and monitoring procedures, and
through master netting and collateral agreements whenever
possible. Further, as applicable under the terms of the master
agreements,
the Corporation may obtain collateral, where
appropriate, to reduce credit risk. The credit risk attributed to
the counterparty’s nonperformance risk is incorporated in the
fair value of the derivatives. Additionally, as required by the fair
value measurements
the
Corporation’s own credit standing is considered in the fair
value of the derivative liabilities. For information on the gain
(loss) resulting from the inclusion of the credit risk in the fair
value of the derivatives, refer to Note 28 to the consolidated
financial statements.

guidance,

value

fair

the

of

the

financial

The Corporation performs appropriate due diligence and
that
condition of
monitors
represent a significant volume of credit exposure. Additionally,
the Corporation has exposure limits to prevent any undue
funding exposure.

counterparties

Cash Flow Hedges
The Corporation manages the variability of cash payments due
to interest rate fluctuations by the effective use of derivatives
designated as cash flow hedges and that are linked to specified
hedged assets and liabilities. The cash flow hedges relate to
forward contracts or TBA mortgage-backed securities that are
sold and bought for future settlement to hedge mortgage-
backed securities and loans prior to securitization. The seller
agrees to deliver on a specified future date a specified
instrument at a specified price or yield. These securities are
hedging a forecasted transaction and are designated for cash
flow hedge accounting. The notional amount of derivatives
designated as cash flow hedges at December 31, 2019 amounted
to $ 98 million (2018 - $ 90 million).

Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for
information on these derivative

quantitative

additional
contracts.

Fair Value Hedges
The Corporation did not have any derivatives designated as fair
value hedges during the years ended December 31, 2019 and
2018.

Trading and Non-Hedging Derivative Activities
The Corporation enters into derivative positions based on
from price differentials
market expectations or to benefit
between financial
to
economically hedge a related asset or liability. The Corporation
also enters into various derivatives to provide these types of
free-standing
derivative
derivatives are carried at fair value with changes in fair value
recorded as part of the results of operations for the period.

and markets mostly

customers. These

instruments

products

to

Following is a description of the most significant of the
Corporation’s derivative activities that are not designated for
hedge accounting. Refer
to Note 28 to the consolidated
financial statements for additional quantitative and qualitative
information on these derivative instruments.

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 offers certificates of deposit with returns linked to
these indexes to its retail customers, principally in connection
with individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and certificates of
deposit. At December 31, 2019, these deposits amounted to $
67 million (2018 - $ 63 million), or less than 1% (2018 – less
In these
than 1%) of

the Corporation’s

total deposits.

the customer’s principal

certificates,
is guaranteed by the
Corporation 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
invested but allows the customer the potential to earn a return
based on the performance of the indexes.

is

indexes

applicable

The risk of issuing certificates of deposit with returns tied to
the
economically hedged by the
Corporation. Indexed options are purchased 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 these deposits is fixed. The contracts have a maturity
and an index equal to the terms of the pool of retail deposits
that 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
quarterly basis with changes in fair value charged to earnings.
The deposits are hybrid instruments containing embedded
options that must be bifurcated in accordance with the
derivatives and hedging activities guidance. 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
is
marked-to-market with changes in fair value charged to
earnings.

bifurcated

expense

option

while

the

The purchased indexed options are used to economically
hedge the bifurcated embedded option. These option contracts
do not qualify for hedge accounting, and therefore, cannot be
designated as accounting hedges. At December 31, 2019, the
notional
indexed options on deposits
approximated $ 69 million (2018 - $ 69 million) with a fair
value of $ 18 million (asset) (2018 - $ 13 million) while the
embedded options had a notional value of $ 67 million (2018 -
$ 63 million) with a fair value of $ 16 million (liability) (2018 -
$ 11 million).

amount of

the

Refer to Note 28 to the consolidated financial statements for
a description of other non-hedging derivative activities utilized
by the Corporation during 2019 and 2018.

Foreign Exchange
The Corporation holds an interest
in BHD León in the
Dominican Republic, which is an investment accounted for
under the equity method. The Corporation’s carrying value of
the equity interest in BHD León approximated $151.6 million at
December 31, 2019. This business is conducted in the country’s

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

29

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
would be included in the consolidated statements of operations.
At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had approximately
$ 57 million in an unfavorable foreign currency translation
adjustment as part of accumulated other comprehensive loss,
compared with an unfavorable adjustment of $ 50 million at
December 31, 2018 and $ 43 million at December 31, 2017.

Liquidity
The objective of effective liquidity management is to ensure
that the Corporation has sufficient liquidity to meet all of its
financial obligations,
finance expected future growth and
maintain a reasonable safety margin for cash commitments
under both normal and stressed market conditions. The Board
of Directors is responsible for establishing the Corporation’s
tolerance for liquidity risk, including approving relevant risk
limits and policies. The Board of Directors has delegated the
monitoring of these risks to the Risk Management Committee
the Asset/Liability Management Committee. The
and
management of liquidity risk, on a long-term and day-to-day
basis, is the responsibility of the Corporate Treasury Division.
The Corporation’s Corporate Treasurer
is responsible for
implementing the policies and procedures approved by the
Board of Directors and for monitoring the Corporation’s
liquidity position on an ongoing basis. Also, the Corporate
Treasury Division coordinates
liquidity
management
strategies and activities with the reportable
segments, oversees policy breaches and manages the escalation
process. The Financial and Operational Risk Management
Division is responsible for the independent monitoring and
reporting of adherence with established policies.

corporate wide

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.
Factors that the Corporation does not control, such as the
economic outlook, adverse ratings of its principal markets and
regulatory changes, could also affect
its ability to obtain
funding.

Liquidity is managed by the Corporation at the level of the
holding companies that own the banking and non-banking
subsidiaries. It is also managed at the level of the banking and
non-banking subsidiaries. The Corporation has adopted policies
and limits to monitor more effectively the Corporation’s
liquidity position and that of
the banking subsidiaries.
Additionally, contingency funding plans are used to model
various stress events of different magnitudes and affecting
different time horizons that assist management in evaluating
the size of the liquidity buffers needed if those stress events

30

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

occur. However, such models may not predict accurately how
the market and customers might react to every event, and are
dependent on many assumptions.

Deposits,

funds for the Corporation,

including customer deposits, brokered deposits
and public funds deposits, continue to be the most significant
source of
funding 84% of the
Corporation’s total assets at December 31, 2019 and 83% at
December 31, 2018. The ratio of total ending loans to deposits
was 63% at December 31, 2019, compared to 67% at
December 31, 2018. In addition to traditional deposits, the
arrangements, which
borrowing
Corporation maintains
amounted to approximately $1.3 billion at December 31, 2019
(December 31, 2018 - $1.5 billion). A detailed description of
the Corporation’s borrowings, including their terms, is included
in Note 19 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.

As previously mentioned, during 2019 the Corporation
executed actions corresponding to its capital and liquidity
strategic plans. These included the $250 million accelerated
share repurchase transaction with respect to its common stock
and an increase in quarterly common stock dividend from
$0.25 per share to $0.30 per share. Refer to additional details of
these transactions in the Overview section of this MD&A and
Notes 22 - Stockholders Equity and Note 33 - Net Income Per
Common Share.

The following sections provide further information on the
Corporation’s major funding activities and needs, as well as the
risks involved in these activities. Note 42 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements provides consolidating statements of
condition, of operations and of cash flows which separately
presents the Corporation’s bank holding companies and its
subsidiaries as part of
subsidiaries and
eliminations” column.

the “All other

Banking Subsidiaries
Primary sources of
funding for the Corporation’s banking
subsidiaries (BPPR and PB or “the banking subsidiaries”)
include retail and commercial deposits, brokered deposits,
unpledged investment securities, mortgage loan securitization,
and, to a lesser extent, loan sales. In addition, the Corporation
maintains borrowing facilities with the FHLB and at
the
discount window of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (the
“FRB”), and has a considerable amount of collateral pledged
that can be used to raise funds under these facilities.

Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
the Corporation’s borrowing

for additional
facilities available through its banking subsidiaries.

information of

The principal uses of funds for the banking subsidiaries
include loan originations, investment portfolio purchases, loan
outstanding
purchases
obligations (including deposits), advances on certain serviced

repurchases,

repayment

and

of

commitments,

expenses. Also,

and operational

recourse provisions,

portfolios,
the banking
subsidiaries assume liquidity risk related to collateral posting
requirements for certain activities mainly in connection with
contractual
servicing
advances, derivatives, credit card licensing agreements and
support to several mutual funds administered by BPPR.
The banking subsidiaries maintain sufficient

funding
capacity to address large increases in funding requirements
such as deposit outflows. The Corporation has established
liquidity guidelines that require the banking subsidiaries to
have sufficient liquidity to cover all short-term borrowings and
a portion of deposits.

The Corporation’s ability to compete successfully in the
marketplace for deposits, excluding brokered deposits, depends
on various factors, including pricing, service, convenience and
financial stability as reflected by operating results, credit ratings
(by nationally
and
importantly, FDIC deposit insurance. Although a downgrade in
the credit ratings of the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries may
impact their ability to raise retail and commercial deposits or
the rate that it is required to pay on such deposits, management
does not believe that the impact should be material. Deposits at

recognized credit

agencies),

rating

all of
the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries are federally
insured (subject to FDIC limits) and this is expected to mitigate
the potential effect of a downgrade in the credit ratings.

$100,000,

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. Refer to Table 7 for a
breakdown of deposits by major types. Core deposits are
generated from a large base of consumer, corporate and
institutional customers. Core deposits include all non-interest
bearing deposits, savings deposits and certificates of deposit
deposits with
under
denominations under $100,000. Core deposits have historically
provided the Corporation with a sizable source of relatively
stable and low-cost funds. Core deposits totaled $ 38.8 billion,
or 89% of total deposits, at December 31, 2019, compared with
$34.9 billion, or 88% of total deposits, at December 31, 2018.
Core deposits financed 80% of the Corporation’s earning assets
at December 31, 2019, compared with 79% at December 31,
2018.

excluding

brokered

The distribution by maturity of certificates of deposits with
denominations of $100,000 and over at December 31, 2019 is
presented in the table that follows:

Table 17 - Distribution by Maturity of Certificate of Deposits of $100,000 and Over

(In thousands)

3 months or less
3 to 6 months
6 to 12 months
Over 12 months

Total

$2,113,896
289,296
783,862
1,353,903

$4,540,957

Average deposits, including brokered deposits, for the year ended December 31, 2019 represented 94% of average earning

assets, compared with 89% for the year ended December 31, 2018. Table 18 summarizes average deposits for the past five years.

Table 18 - Average Total Deposits

(In thousands)

2019

For the years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018

2015

Non-interest bearing demand deposits

$ 8,872,897

$ 8,790,314

$ 7,338,455

$ 6,607,639

$ 6,146,504

Savings accounts

10,425,345

9,621,162

8,268,969

7,528,057

7,027,238

NOW, money market and other interest bearing demand accounts

15,159,364

12,516,921

9,958,772

7,024,810

5,446,933

Certificates of deposit:
Under $100,000
$100,000 and over

Certificates of deposit

Other time deposits

Total interest bearing deposits

Total average deposits

1,444,078
4,563,811

6,007,889
1,753,301

1,924,723
4,371,151

6,295,874
1,263,150

2,455,073
4,127,668

6,582,741
1,033,585

2,525,448
4,240,008

6,765,456
1,140,048

3,537,307
3,755,412

7,292,719
865,189

33,345,899

29,697,107

25,844,067

22,458,371

20,632,079

$42,218,796

$38,487,421

$33,182,522

$29,066,010

$26,778,583

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

31

The Corporation had $ 0.5 billion in brokered deposits at
December 31, 2019 and 2018, which financed approximately 1%
of its total assets. In the event that any of the Corporation’s
banking subsidiaries’ regulatory capital ratios fall below those
required by a well-capitalized institution or are subject to capital
restrictions by the regulators, that banking subsidiary faces the
risk of not being able to raise or maintain brokered deposits and
faces limitations on the rate paid on deposits, which may hinder
the Corporation’s ability to effectively compete in its retail
markets and could affect its deposit raising efforts.

the
At December 31, 2019, management believes that
banking subsidiaries had sufficient current and projected
liquidity sources to meet their anticipated cash flow obligations,
as well as special needs and off-balance sheet commitments, in
the ordinary course of business and have sufficient liquidity
resources to address a stress event. Although the banking
subsidiaries have historically been able to replace maturing
deposits and advances, no assurance can be given that they
would be able to replace those funds in the future if the
Corporation’s financial condition or general market conditions
were to deteriorate. The Corporation’s financial flexibility will
be severely constrained if its banking subsidiaries are unable to
maintain access to funding or if adequate financing is not
available to accommodate future financing needs at acceptable
interest rates. The banking subsidiaries also are required to
to meet margin
deposit
cash or qualifying
the value of securities
requirements. To the extent
previously pledged as collateral declines because of market
changes, the Corporation will be required to deposit additional
cash or securities to meet its margin requirements, thereby
adversely affecting its liquidity. Finally,
is
required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding
sources to meet its future growth, revenues may not increase
proportionately to cover costs. In this case, profitability would
be adversely affected.

securities
that

if management

sources of

funding for

Bank Holding Companies
The principal
the bank holding
companies (the “BHCs”), which are Popular, Inc. (holding
company only) and PNA, include cash on hand, investment
securities, dividends received from banking and non-banking
subsidiaries (subject to regulatory limits and authorizations)
asset sales, credit
facilities available from affiliate banking
subsidiaries and proceeds from potential securities offerings.

The principal use of these funds includes the repayment of
debt, and interest payments to holders of senior debt and junior
subordinated deferrable interest (related to trust preferred
securities) and capitalizing its banking subsidiaries.

The BHCs have in the past borrowed in the money markets
and in the corporate debt market primarily to finance their
non-banking subsidiaries, however,
the
Corporation’s non-banking subsidiaries other than to repay
indebtedness and interest are now minimal. These sources of

the cash needs of

32

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

funding have become more costly due to the reductions in the
Corporation’s credit ratings. The Corporation’s principal credit
ratings are below “investment grade”, which affects
the
Corporation’s ability to raise funds in the capital markets. The
Corporation has an automatic shelf registration statement filed
and effective with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
which permits the Corporation to issue an unspecified amount
of debt or equity securities.

The outstanding balance of notes payable at the BHCs
amounted to $680 million at December 31, 2019 and
$679 million at December 31, 2018.

The contractual maturities of the BHCs notes payable at

December 31, 2019 are presented in Table 19.

Table 19 - Distribution of BHC’s Notes Payable by
Contractual Maturity

Year

2023
Later years

Total

(In thousands)

295,307
384,902

$680,209

The BHCs liquidity position continues to be adequate with
sufficient cash on hand,
investments and other sources of
liquidity which are expected to be enough to meet all BHCs
obligations during the foreseeable future.

sources of

funding for

Non-banking subsidiaries
The principal
the non-banking
subsidiaries include internally generated cash flows from
operations, loan sales, repurchase agreements, capital injections
and borrowed funds from their direct parent companies or the
holding companies. The principal uses of
the
non-banking subsidiaries include repayment of maturing debt,
operational expenses and payment of dividends to the BHCs.
The liquidity needs of the non-banking subsidiaries are minimal
since most of them are funded internally from operating cash
flows or from intercompany borrowings or capital contributions
from their holding companies. On July 1, 2019, Popular
contribution amounting to
Securities
$4 million from Popular, Inc.

received a

funds for

capital

Dividends
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
declared quarterly dividends on its outstanding common stock
of $0.30 per share, for a year-to-date total of $ 116.0 million.
The dividends for the Corporation’s Series A and Series B
preferred stock amounted to $3.7 million. During the year
ended December 31, 2019,
the BHC’s received dividends
amounting to $400 million from BPPR, $8 million in dividends
from its non-banking subsidiaries, $2 million in dividends from
EVERTEC’s parent company and $13 million in dividends from
its investments in BHD Leon.

Other Funding Sources and Capital
The debt securities portfolio provides an additional source of
liquidity, which may be realized through either securities sales
or repurchase agreements. The Corporation’s debt securities
portfolio consists primarily of liquid U.S. government debt
securities, U.S. government sponsored agency debt securities,
U.S. government sponsored agency mortgage-backed securities,
and U.S. government sponsored agency collateralized mortgage
obligations that can be used to raise funds in the repo markets.
The availability of the repurchase agreement would be subject
to having sufficient unpledged collateral available at the time
the transactions are to be consummated, in addition to overall
liquidity and risk appetite of the various counterparties. The
Corporation’s
to
debt
$5.4 billion at December 31, 2019 and $4.3 billion at
December 31, 2018. A substantial portion of
these debt
securities could be used to raise financing in the U.S. money
markets or from secured lending sources.

unpledged

amounted

securities

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 could use.

leverage

Risks to Liquidity
Total lines of credit outstanding are not necessarily a measure
of the total credit available on a continuing basis. Some of these
lines could be subject to collateral requirements, standards of
creditworthiness,
regulatory
requirements, among other factors. Derivatives, such as those
embedded in long-term repurchase transactions or interest rate
swaps, and off-balance sheet exposures, such as recourse,
performance bonds or credit card arrangements, are subject to
collateral
the
collateral requirements may increase,
thereby reducing the
balance of unpledged securities.

requirements. As their fair value increases,

ratios

other

and

for

The importance of

the Puerto Rico market

the
Corporation is an additional risk factor that could affect its
financing activities. In the case of a deterioration in economic
and fiscal conditions in Puerto Rico, the credit quality of the
Corporation could be affected and result in higher credit costs.
The Puerto Rico economy continues to face various challenges,
including significant pressures in some sectors of the residential
real estate market. Refer to the Geographic and Government
Risk section of this MD&A for some highlights on the current
status of the Puerto Rico economy and the ongoing fiscal crisis.
Factors that the Corporation does not control, such as the
economic outlook and credit ratings of its principal markets
and regulatory changes, could also affect its ability to obtain
funding. In order to prepare for the possibility of such scenario,
management has
raising
financing under stress scenarios when important sources of
temporarily
fully
funds

adopted contingency plans

are usually

available

that

are

for

unavailable. These plans call
for using alternate funding
mechanisms, such as the pledging of certain asset classes and
accessing secured credit lines and loan facilities put in place
with the FHLB and the FRB.

The credit ratings of Popular’s debt obligations are a relevant
factor for liquidity because they impact the Corporation’s ability
to borrow in the capital markets, its cost and access to funding
sources. 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, geographic concentration in Puerto Rico, the
liquidity of the balance sheet, the availability of a significant
base of
and the
Corporation’s ability to access a broad array of wholesale
funding sources, among other factors.

and commercial deposits,

retail

core

The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries have historically not
used unsecured capital market borrowings to finance its
operations, and therefore are less sensitive to the level and
changes in the Corporation’s overall credit ratings.

Obligations Subject to Rating Triggers or Collateral
Requirements
The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries currently do not use
borrowings that are rated by the major rating agencies, as these
banking subsidiaries are funded primarily with deposits and
secured borrowings. The banking subsidiaries had $9 million in
to rating
deposits at December 31, 2019 that are subject
triggers.

In addition, certain mortgage servicing and custodial
agreements that BPPR has with third parties include rating
covenants. In the event of a credit rating downgrade, the third
parties have the right to require the institution to engage a
substitute cash custodian for escrow deposits and/or increase
collateral
levels securing the recourse obligations. Also, as
discussed in Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements,
the Corporation services residential mortgage loans subject to
credit recourse provisions. Certain contractual agreements
require the Corporation to post collateral
to secure such
recourse obligations if the institution’s required credit ratings
are not maintained. Collateral pledged by the Corporation to
secure
amounted to approximately
$66 million at December 31, 2019. The Corporation could be
required to post additional collateral under the agreements.
Management expects that it would be able to meet additional
collateral requirements if and when needed. The requirements
to post collateral under certain agreements or the loss of escrow
deposits could reduce the Corporation’s liquidity resources and
impact its operating results.

recourse obligations

Credit Risk
Geographic and Government Risk
The Corporation is exposed to geographic and government risk.
composition by
The Corporation’s

and revenue

assets

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

33

geographical area and by business segment reporting are
presented in Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
A significant portion of our financial activities and credit
exposure is concentrated in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
(the “Commonwealth” or “Puerto Rico”), which faces severe
economic and fiscal challenges.

Economic Performance
The Commonwealth’s economy entered a recession in the
fourth quarter of fiscal year 2006 and its gross national product
(“GNP”) has contracted (in real
terms) every fiscal year
between 2007 and 2018, with the exception of fiscal year 2012.
to the latest Puerto Rico Planning Board (the
Pursuant
“Planning Board”) estimates, published in July 2019,
the
Commonwealth’s real GNP for fiscal years 2017 and 2018
decreased by 3% and 4.7%, respectively. The Planning Board’s
report also projected an increase in real GNP of approximately
2% and 3.6% in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, respectively, in part
due to the influx of
funds and private insurance
payments to repair damage caused by Hurricanes Irma and
María. The Planning Board’s projections do not account for the
the recent seismic activity, discussed
economic impact of
below. For information regarding the economic projections of
the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan,
see Fiscal Plans,
Commonwealth Fiscal Plan, below.

federal

Fiscal Crisis
The Commonwealth remains in the midst of a profound fiscal
crisis affecting the central government and many of
its
instrumentalities, public corporations and municipalities. This
fiscal crisis has been primarily the result of economic
contraction, persistent and significant budget deficits, a high
debt burden, unfunded legacy obligations, and lack of access to
the capital markets, among other factors. As a result of the
crisis, the Commonwealth and certain of its instrumentalities
have been unable to make debt service payments on their
outstanding bonds and notes since 2016. The escalating fiscal
and economic
and imminent widespread defaults
prompted the U.S. Congress to enact the Puerto Rico Oversight,
Management, and Economic Stability Act (“PROMESA”) in
June
its
instrumentalities are currently in the process of restructuring
restructuring mechanisms
their debts
provided by PROMESA.

2016. The Commonwealth

through the debt

several

crisis

and

of

Recent Seismic Activity
On January 7, 2020, Puerto Rico was stuck by a magnitude 6.4
earthquake, which caused island-wide power outages and
significant damage to infrastructure and property in the
southwest region of
the island. The 6.4 earthquake was
preceded by foreshocks and followed by aftershocks. The extent
of the damages caused by the recent seismic activity is still

34

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

unknown and loss estimates vary, but
the United States
Geological Survey has preliminarily estimated the losses at
approximately $100 million. It is still too early to fully assess
the impact of the recent seismic activity on the Puerto Rico
economy.

for

and established two mechanisms

PROMESA
PROMESA, among other
things, created a seven-member
federally-appointed oversight board (the “Oversight Board”)
with ample powers over the fiscal and economic affairs of the
Commonwealth, its public corporations, instrumentalities and
municipalities
the
restructuring of the obligations of such entities. Pursuant to
PROMESA, the Oversight Board will remain in place until
market access is restored and balanced budgets, in accordance
with modified accrual accounting, are produced for at least four
consecutive years. In August 2016, President Obama appointed
the seven voting members of the Oversight Board through the
process established in PROMESA, which authorized the
President to select the members from several lists required to be
leaders. The constitutionality of
submitted by congressional
such appointments, however,
is currently being challenged
before the U.S. Supreme Court.

its public

corporations

In October 2016,

the Oversight Board designated the
Commonwealth and all of
and
instrumentalities as “covered entities” under PROMESA. The
only Commonwealth government entities that were not subject
to such initial designation were
the Commonwealth’s
municipalities. In May 2019, however, the Oversight Board
designated all of the Commonwealth’s municipalities as covered
entities. At the Oversight Board’s request, covered entities are
required to submit fiscal plans and annual budgets to the
Oversight Board for its review and approval. They are also
required to seek Oversight Board approval to issue, guarantee
or modify their debts and to enter into contracts with an
aggregate value of $10 million or more. Finally, covered entities
are potentially eligible to avail
the debt
restructuring processes provided by PROMESA.

themselves of

Fiscal Plans
Commonwealth Fiscal Plan. The Oversight Board has certified
several versions of fiscal plans for the Commonwealth since
2017. The most recent
fiscal plan for the Commonwealth
certified by the Oversight Board is dated as of May 9, 2019 (the
“2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan”). The 2019 Commonwealth
Fiscal Plan estimates a 4.7% contraction in real GNP in fiscal
year 2018, after accounting for the impact of disaster relief
funding and the measures and structural reforms contemplated
by the plan. It also projects that disaster relief spending will
have a short-term stimulative effect on the economy, which,
combined with the estimated effects of the proposed fiscal
measures and structural reforms, will result in real GNP growth
of approximately 4% and 1.5% in fiscal years 2019 and 2020,

respectively. Pursuant to the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan,
the Commonwealth’s population is estimated to steadily decline
at rates of approximately 1% to 2% annually through fiscal year
2024. The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan’s projections do not
account for the impact of the recent seismic activity, discussed
below.

reforms

therein,

Before accounting for the impact of

the measures and
structural
2019
the
contemplated
Commonwealth Fiscal Plan projects a pre-contractual debt
service surplus in fiscal years 2018 through 2020. This surplus
is not projected to continue after fiscal year 2020, as federal
disaster relief funding slows down. The 2019 Commonwealth
Fiscal Plan projects that, without major Government action, the
Commonwealth would suffer an annual primary deficit starting
in fiscal year 2021. The Oversight Board estimates that the fiscal
measures contemplated by the 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan
will drive approximately $13.6 billion in savings and extra
revenue through fiscal year 2024. However, even after
accounting for the impact of the fiscal measures and structural
reforms and before contractual debt service, the projections
reflect an annual deficit starting in fiscal year 2038. After
contractual debt service, the surplus projected in fiscal years
2019 to 2024 drops significantly and annual deficits begin in
fiscal year 2027. Based on such long-term projections, the 2019
Commonwealth Fiscal Plan concludes that the Commonwealth
cannot afford to meet all of its contractual debt obligations,
even with aggressive implementation of the structural reforms
and measures contemplated by the plan.

the debt of

restructuring of

The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan does not contemplate
the Commonwealth’s
the
municipalities.
It does, however, contemplate the gradual
reduction and the ultimate elimination of budgetary subsidies
provided by the Commonwealth to municipalities, which
constitute a material portion of the operating revenues of
certain municipalities. Since fiscal year 2017, Commonwealth
to municipalities have been reduced by
appropriations
approximately 64% (from approximately $370 million in fiscal
year 2017 to approximately $132 million in fiscal year 2020).
The 2019 Commonwealth Fiscal Plan provides for additional
reductions in appropriations to municipalities every fiscal year,
holding appropriations constant at $112 million starting in
fiscal
all
2022,
appropriations in fiscal year 2024.

ultimately

phasing

before

year

out

Other Fiscal Plans. Pursuant to PROMESA, the Oversight
Board has also requested and certified fiscal plans for several
public corporations and instrumentalities. Such plans conclude
that such entities cannot afford to meet all of their contractual
obligations as currently scheduled. The certified fiscal plan for
the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (“PREPA”), Puerto
Rico’s electric power utility, contemplates the transformation of
Puerto Rico’s electric system through, among other things, the
establishment of a public-private partnership with respect to
PREPA’s transmission and distribution system, and calls for

structural

reforms at PREPA. The plan also
significant
the municipal
contemplates changes to the treatment of
contribution in lieu of taxes, which could result in increased
electricity expenses for municipalities.

the Oversight Board, on behalf of

Pending Title III Proceedings
the
On May 3, 2017,
Commonwealth, filed a petition in the U.S. District Court to
restructure the Commonwealth’s liabilities under Title III of
PROMESA. The Oversight Board has
subsequently filed
analogous petitions with respect to the Puerto Rico Sales Tax
Financing Corporation (“COFINA”), the Employees Retirement
System of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto
Rico (“ERS”), the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation
Authority, PREPA and the Puerto Rico Public Buildings
Authority (“PBA”). On February 12, 2019, the government
completed a restructuring of COFINA’s debts pursuant to a
plan of adjustment confirmed by the U.S. District Court. On
the Oversight Board filed a plan of
September 27, 2019,
adjustment
for the Commonwealth, ERS and PBA in the
pending debt restructuring proceedings under Title III of
PROMESA. On February 9, 2020,
the Oversight Board
announced that it had reached a new agreement with certain
bondholders on a new framework for a plan of adjustment. The
Oversight Board stated that it intends to file an amended plan of
adjustment on or before February 28, 2020. The agreement,
is not
which has not yet been confirmed by the court,
supported by the Governor of Puerto Rico in its current form,
and may suffer
significant changes before confirmation,
provides a preliminary framework for the Commonwealth to
exit bankruptcy.

to

address

a process

Exposure of the Corporation
The credit quality of BPPR’s loan portfolio reflects, among other
things, the general economic conditions in Puerto Rico and
other adverse conditions affecting Puerto Rico consumers and
businesses. The effects of the prolonged recession have been
reflected in limited loan demand, an increase in the rate of
foreclosures and delinquencies on loans granted in Puerto Rico.
the
While PROMESA provides
Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis, the length and complexity of the
Title III proceedings for the Commonwealth and various of its
instrumentalities and the adjustment measures required by the
fiscal plans present significant economic risks. In addition, the
measures taken to address the fiscal crisis and those that will
have to be taken in the near future will likely affect many of our
individual customers and customers’ businesses, which could
cause credit losses that adversely affect us and may negatively
affect consumer confidence. This,
in
reductions in consumer spending that may also adversely
impact our interest and non-interest revenues. If global or local
economic conditions worsen or the Government of Puerto Rico
and the Oversight Board are unable to adequately manage the

in turn, could result

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

35

Commonwealth’s fiscal and economic challenges, including by
consummating an orderly restructuring of its debt obligations
while continuing to provide essential services, these adverse
effects could continue or worsen in ways that we are not able to
predict.

the

obligations

to us. Of

2019 were

At December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018,
the
Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico government
and its instrumentalities and municipalities totaled $432 million
and $458 million, respectively, which amounts were fully
outstanding on such dates. Further deterioration of
the
Commonwealth’s fiscal and economic situation could adversely
affect the value of our Puerto Rico government obligations,
resulting in losses
amount outstanding,
$391 million consists of loans and $41 million are securities
($413 million and $45 million, respectively, at December 31,
2018). Substantially all of the amount outstanding at December
31,
from various Puerto Rico
municipalities. In most cases, these were “general obligations” of
a municipality, to which the applicable municipality has pledged
its good faith, credit and unlimited taxing power, or “special
obligations” of a municipality,
to which the applicable
municipality has pledged other revenues. On July 1, 2019, the
to
Corporation received principal payments
amounting
$22 million from various obligations
from Puerto Rico
municipalities. At December 31, 2019, 75% of the Corporation’s
exposure to municipal loans and securities was concentrated in
the municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo, Carolina and
Bayamón. For additional discussion of the Corporation’s direct
exposure
its
the
and
instrumentalities and municipalities,
to Note 26 –
Commitments and Contingencies.

government
refer

Puerto

Rico

to

a governmental

In addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had
$350 million in loans insured or securities issued by Puerto Rico
governmental entities, but for which the principal source of
repayment is non-governmental ($368 million at December 31,
2018). These included $276 million in residential mortgage
loans insured by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority
(“HFA”),
instrumentality that has been
designated as a covered entity under PROMESA (December 31,
2018 - $293 million). These mortgage loans are secured by first
mortgages on Puerto Rico residential properties and the HFA
insurance covers losses in the event of a borrower default and
upon the
conditions. The
Corporation also had, at December 31, 2019, $46 million in
bonds issued by HFA which are secured by second mortgage
loans on Puerto Rico residential properties, and for which HFA
also provides insurance to cover losses in the event of a
borrower default, and upon the satisfaction of certain other
conditions (December 31, 2018 - $45 million). In the event that
the mortgage loans insured by HFA and held by the Corporation
directly or those serving as collateral for the HFA bonds default
to satisfy the outstanding
and the collateral
balance of this loans, HFA’s ability to honor its insurance will

satisfaction of

certain other

is insufficient

36

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

depend, among other factors, on the financial condition of HFA
at the time such obligations become due and payable. Although
the Governor is currently authorized by local
legislation to
impose a temporary moratorium on the financial obligations of
the HFA, she has not exercised this power as of the date hereof.
In addition, at December 31, 2019,
the Corporation had
$7 million in securities issued by HFA that have been
economically defeased and refunded and for which securities
consisting of U.S. agencies and Treasury obligations have been
escrowed (December 31, 2018 - $7 million), and $21 million of
commercial real estate notes issued by government entities, but
that are payable from rent paid by non-governmental parties
(December 31, 2018 - $23 million).

BPPR’s commercial

loan portfolio also includes loans to
private borrowers who are service providers, lessors, suppliers or
have other relationships with the government. These borrowers
could be negatively affected by the fiscal measures to be
implemented to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis and
the ongoing Title III proceedings under PROMESA described
above. Similarly, BPPR’s mortgage and consumer loan portfolios
include loans to current and former government employees
which could also be negatively affected by fiscal measures such
as employee layoffs or furloughs or reductions in pension
benefits.

BPPR also has a significant amount of deposits from the
Commonwealth, its instrumentalities, and municipalities. The
amount of such deposits may fluctuate depending on the
financial condition and liquidity of such entities, as well as on
the ability of BPPR to maintain these customer relationships.

The Corporation may also have direct exposure with regards
to avoidance and other causes of action initiated by the
Oversight Board on behalf of the Commonwealth or other Title
III debtors. For
such
exposure, refer to Note 26 of
the Consolidated Financial
Statements.

information regarding

additional

United States Virgin Islands
The Corporation has operations in the United States Virgin
Islands
(the “USVI”) and has credit exposure to USVI
government entities.

The USVI has been experiencing a number of fiscal and
economic challenges that could adversely affect the ability of its
public corporations and instrumentalities to service their
outstanding debt obligations. PROMESA does not apply to the
USVI and, as such, there is currently no federal legislation
permitting the restructuring of the debts of the USVI and its
public corporations and instrumentalities.

To the extent that the fiscal condition of the USVI continues
to deteriorate, the U.S. Congress or the Government of the
USVI may enact legislation allowing for the restructuring of the
financial obligations of USVI government entities or imposing a
including by making PROMESA
stay on creditor remedies,
applicable to the USVI.

31,

the

amount

2018). Of

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s direct exposure to
USVI instrumentalities and public corporations amounted to
approximately $71 million, of which $67 million is outstanding
(compared to $76 million and $68 million, respectively, at
December
outstanding,
approximately (i) $42 million represents loans to the West
Indian Company LTD, a government-owned company that
owns and operates a cruise ship pier and shopping mall
complex in St. Thomas, (ii) $17 million represents loans to the
Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, a public corporation
of the USVI that operates USVI’s water production and electric
generation plants, and (iii) $8 million represents loans to the
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority, a public corporation of
the USVI created for the purpose of raising capital for public
(compared to $42 million, $14 million and
projects
$12 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018).

represented exposure

U.S. Government
As further detailed in Notes 6 and 7 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements, a substantial portion of the Corporation’s
securities
investment
to the U.S.
Government
in the form of U.S. Government sponsored
entities, as well as agency mortgage-backed and U.S. Treasury
securities. In addition, $1.1 billion of residential mortgages and
$66 million commercial loans were insured or guaranteed by
the U.S. Government or its agencies at December 31, 2019
(compared to $1.2 billion and $74 million, respectively, at
December 31, 2018).

Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets (“NPAs”) include primarily past-due loans
that are no longer accruing interest, renegotiated loans, and real
estate property acquired through foreclosure. A summary,
including certain credit quality metrics, is presented in Table 20.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s credit quality
metrics continued to show favorable trends. The credit metrics
of our BPPR operations reflected lower non-performing loans
(“NPLs”),
lower NPL inflows, and lower net charge-offs
(“NCO’s”). The U.S. operations continued to reflect solid
growth and strong credit quality results. Net charge-offs
increase was related to the taxi medallion portfolio, which
carrying value was reduced to $19 million at December 31,
2019. The Corporation continues to be attentive to the

performance of its portfolios and related credit metrics. The
following presents credit quality results for the year ended
December 31, 2019.

Total NPAs decreased by $98 million when compared with
December 31, 2018. This decrease was primarily driven by
lower NPLs in the BPPR segment by $69 million, combined
with lower other real estate owned loans (“OREOs”) by
$14 million. The decrease in the BPPR’s NPLs was mostly due
to lower mortgage and commercial NPLs by $40 million and
$36 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2019, NPLs secured by real estate
amounted to $406 million in the Puerto Rico operations and
$26 million in Popular U.S. These figures were $459 million
and $49 million, respectively, at December 31, 2018.

The Corporation’s commercial loan portfolio secured by real
estate (“CRE”) amounted to $7.7 billion at December 31, 2019,
of which $1.9 billion was secured with owner occupied
properties, compared with $7.8 billion and $2.0 billion,
respectively, at December 31, 2018. CRE NPLs amounted to
$113 million at December 31, 2019,
compared with
$129 million at December 31, 2018. The CRE NPL ratios for
the BPPR and Popular U.S. segments were 2.88% and 0.07%,
respectively, at December 31, 2019, compared with 3.05% and
0.02%, respectively, at December 31, 2018.

In addition to the NPLs

included in Table 20, at
December 31, 2019, there were $207 million of performing
loans, which in management’s
loans, mostly commercial
opinion, are currently subject to potential future classification
as non-performing and are considered impaired (December 31,
2018 - $153 million).

For the year ended December 31, 2019, total inflows of
NPLs held-in-portfolio, excluding consumer loans, decreased
by $169 million, or 36%, when compared to the inflows for the
same period in 2018. Inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio at the
BPPR segment decreased by $152 million, or 36%, compared to
the year ended 2018, mostly driven by lower mortgage and
commercial
inflows by $99 million and $48 million,
respectively.

Inflows of NPLs held-in-portfolio at

the Popular U.S.
segment decreased by $17 million, or 46%, from the same
period in 2018.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

37

Table 20 - Non-Performing Assets

(Dollars in thousands)

Non-accrual loans:
Commercial
Construction
Legacy [1]
Leasing
Mortgage
Consumer

Total non-performing loans

held-in-portfolio, excluding
covered loans

Other real estate owned

(“OREO”), excluding covered
OREO

Total non-performing assets,
excluding covered assets
Covered loans and OREO [3]

December 31, 2019
Popular
U.S.

Popular,
Inc.

BPPR

December 31, 2018
Popular
U.S.

Popular,
Inc.

BPPR

December 31, 2017
Popular
U.S.

Popular,
Inc.

BPPR

$147,255
119
–
3,657
283,708
64,461

$ 3,505
26
1,999
–
11,091
12,020

$150,760
145
1,999
3,657
294,799
76,481

$182,950
1,788
–
3,313
323,565
56,482

$ 1,076
12,060
2,627
–
11,033
16,193

$184,026
13,848
2,627
3,313
334,598
72,675

$ 161,226
–
–
2,974
306,697
40,543

$ 3,839
–
3,039
–
14,852
17,787

$ 165,065
–
3,039
2,974
321,549
58,330

499,200

28,641

527,841

568,098

42,989

611,087

511,440

39,517

550,957

120,011

2,061

122,072

134,063

2,642

136,705

167,253

2,007

169,260

$619,211
–

$30,702
–

$649,913
–

$702,161
–

$45,631
–

$747,792
–

$ 678,693
22,948

$41,524
–

$ 720,217
22,948

Total non-performing assets [2]

$619,211

$30,702

$649,913

$702,161

$45,631

$747,792

$ 701,641

$41,524

$ 743,165

Accruing loans past-due 90 days

or more [4] [5]

$460,133

$

–

$460,133

$612,543

$

–

$612,543

$1,225,149

$

–

$1,225,149

Excluding covered loans: [6]
Non-performing loans to loans

held-in-portfolio

Including covered loans:
Non-performing loans to loans

held-in-portfolio

Interest lost

1.93%

2.31%

2.27%

1.93%

$ 29,469

2.31%

$ 35,170

2.23%

$

29,920

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part

of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.
[2] There were no non-performing loans held-for-sale as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
[3] The amount consists of $3 million in non-performing loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-20 and $20 million in covered OREO at December 31, 2017. It
excludes covered loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as they are considered to be performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which
these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analyses.

[5]

[4] The carrying value of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 that are contractually 90 days or more past due was $153 million at December 31, 2019
(December 31, 2018 - $216 million; December 31, 2017 - $272 million). This amount is excluded from the above table as the loans’ accretable yield interest
recognition is independent from the underlying contractual loan delinquency status.
It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more
as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured. The balance of these loans includes $103 million at December 31, 2019 related to the
rebooking of loans previously pooled into GNMA securities, in which the Corporation had a buy-back option as further described below (December 31, 2018 -
$134 million; December 31, 2017 - $840 million). These balances include $213 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA that
are no longer accruing interest as of December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $283 million; December 31, 2017 - $178 million). Furthermore, the Corporation
has approximately $65 million in reverse mortgage loans which are guaranteed by FHA, but which are currently not accruing interest. Due to the guaranteed
nature of the loans, it is the Corporation’s policy to exclude these balances from non-performing assets (December 31, 2018 - $69 million; December 31, 2017 -
$58 million).

[6] These asset quality ratios have been adjusted to remove the impact of covered loans. Appropriate adjustments to the numerator and denominator have been
reflected in the calculation of these ratios. Management believes the inclusion of acquired loans in certain asset quality ratios that include non-performing assets,
past due loans or net charge-offs in the numerator and denominator results in distortions of these ratios and they may not be comparable to other periods
presented or to other portfolios that were not impacted by purchase accounting.

38

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Table 20 (continued) - Non-Performing Assets

(Dollars in thousands)

Non-accrual loans:
Commercial
Construction
Legacy [1]
Leasing
Mortgage
Consumer

Total non-performing loans held-in-portfolio, excluding covered loans
Non-performing loans held-for-sale [2]
Other real estate owned (“OREO”), excluding covered OREO

Total non-performing assets, excluding covered assets
Covered loans and OREO [3]

Total non-performing assets

Accruing loans past-due 90 days or more [4] [5]

Excluding covered loans: [6]
Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio

Including covered loans:
Non-performing loans to loans held-in-portfolio
Interest lost

December 31, 2016
Popular
U.S.

Popular,
Inc.

BPPR

December 31, 2015
Popular
U.S.

Popular,
Inc.

BPPR

$159,655
–
–
3,062
318,194
51,597

532,508
–
177,412

$ 3,693
–
3,337
–
11,713
6,664

25,407
–
3,033

$163,348
–
3,337
3,062
329,907
58,261

557,915
–
180,445

$177,902
3,550
–
3,009
337,933
52,440

574,834
44,696
151,439

$ 3,914
–
3,649
–
13,538
5,864

26,965
473
3,792

$181,816
3,550
3,649
3,009
351,471
58,304

601,799
45,169
155,231

$709,920
36,044

$28,440
–

$738,360
36,044

$770,969
40,571

$31,230
–

$802,199
40,571

$745,964

$28,440

$774,404

$811,540

$31,230

$842,770

$426,652

$

–

$426,652

$446,725

$

–

$446,725

2.45%

2.41%

$ 29,385

2.69%

2.63%

$ 27,644

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part

of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

[2] There were no non-performing loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2016. Non-performing loans held-for-sale at December 31, 2015 consist of $45 million in

commercial loans and $95 thousand in construction loans.

[3] The amount consists of $4 million in non-performing loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-20 and $32 million in covered OREO at December 31, 2016
(December 31, 2015 - $4 million and $37 million, respectively). It excludes covered loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 as they are considered to be
performing due to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated
cash flow analyses.

[5]

[4] The carrying value of loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 that are contractually 90 days or more past due was $282 million at December 31, 2016
(December 31, 2015 - $349 million). This amount is excluded from the above table as the loans’ accretable yield interest recognition is independent from the
underlying contractual loan delinquency status.
It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more
as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured. These balances include $181 million of residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or
guaranteed by the VA that are no longer accruing interest as of December 31, 2016 (December 31, 2015 - $164 million). Furthermore, the Corporation has
approximately $68 million in reverse mortgage loans which are guaranteed by FHA, but which are currently not accruing interest. Due to the guaranteed nature of
the loans, it is the Corporation’s policy to exclude these balances from non-performing assets (December 31, 2015 - $70 million).

[6] These asset quality ratios have been adjusted to remove the impact of covered loans. Appropriate adjustments to the numerator and denominator have been
reflected in the calculation of these ratios. Management believes the inclusion of acquired loans in certain asset quality ratios that include non-performing assets,
past due loans or net charge-offs in the numerator and denominator results in distortions of these ratios and they may not be comparable to other periods
presented or to other portfolios that were not impacted by purchase accounting.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

39

Table 21 - Activity in Non-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer Loans)

(In thousands)

Beginning balance
Plus:

New non-performing loans
Advances on existing non-performing loans

Less:

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
Non-performing loans sold

Ending balance NPLs [1]

[1]

Includes $2.0 million of NPLs related to the legacy portfolio.

For the year ended December 31,
2019

BPPR

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$ 508,303

$ 26,796

$ 535,099

274,135
–

(32,481)
(59,191)
(254,847)
(4,837)

19,651
501

(601)
(4,825)
(14,867)
(10,034)

293,786
501

(33,082)
(64,016)
(269,714)
(14,871)

$ 431,082

$ 16,621

$ 447,703

Table 22 - Activity in Non-Performing Loans Held-in-Portfolio (Excluding Consumer Loans)

(In thousands)

Beginning balance
Plus:

New non-performing loans
Advances on existing non-performing loans
Reclassification from construction loans to commercial loans

Less:

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

Ending balance NPLs [1]

[1]

Includes $2.6 million of NPLs related to the legacy portfolio.

Table 23 - Activity in Non-Performing Commercial Loans Held-In-Portfolio

(In thousands)

Beginning balance - NPLs
Plus:

New non-performing loans
Advances on existing non-performing loans

Less:

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
Non-performing loans sold

Ending balance - NPLs

40

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended December 31,
2018

BPPR

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$ 467,923

$ 21,730

$ 489,653

424,969
763
3,413

(30,613)
(71,283)
(286,869)

37,197
178
–

(686)
(6,211)
(25,412)

462,166
941
3,413

(31,299)
(77,494)
(312,281)

$ 508,303

$ 26,796

$ 535,099

For the year ended December 31,
2019

BPPR

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$182,950

$ 1,076

$184,026

71,063
–

(7,692)
(33,562)
(60,667)
(4,837)

7,564
80

–
(2,074)
(3,141)
–

78,627
80

(7,692)
(35,636)
(63,808)
(4,837)

$147,255

$ 3,505

$150,760

Table 24 - Activity in Non-Performing Commercial Loans Held-in-Portfolio

(In thousands)
Beginning balance - NPLs
Plus:

New non-performing loans
Advances on existing non-performing loans

Less:

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

Ending balance - NPLs

Table 25 - Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-In-Portfolio

(In thousands)
Beginning balance - NPLs
Plus:

Advances on existing non-performing loans

Less:

Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections
Non-performing loans sold

Ending balance - NPLs

Table 26 - Activity in Non-Performing Construction Loans Held-in-Portfolio

(In thousands)
Beginning balance - NPLs
Plus:

New non-performing loans
Advances on existing non-performing loans

Less:

Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

Ending balance - NPLs

Table 27 - Activity in Non-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio

(In thousands)
Beginning balance - NPLs
Plus:

New non-performing loans
Advances on existing non-performing loans

Less:

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

Ending balance - NPLs

For the year ended December 31,
2018

BPPR
$161,226

118,233
647

(7,060)
(23,208)
(66,888)
$182,950

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$ 3,839

$165,065

4,795
–

–
(266)
(7,292)
$ 1,076

123,028
647

(7,060)
(23,474)
(74,180)
$184,026

For the year ended December 31,
2019

BPPR
$ 1,788

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$ 12,060

$ 13,848

–

215

215

–
(1,669)
–
119

$

(2,215)
–
(10,034)
26

$

(2,215)
(1,669)
(10,034)
145

$

For the year ended December 31,
2018

BPPR
–
$

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$

–

$

–

4,177
116

17,901
–

–
(2,505)
$ 1,788

(5,806)
(35)
$12,060

22,078
116

(5,806)
(2,540)
$13,848

For the year ended December 31,
2019

BPPR
$ 323,565

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$ 11,033

$ 334,598

203,072
–

11,877
158

214,949
158

(24,789)
(25,629)
(192,511)
$ 283,708

(601)
(539)
(10,837)
$ 11,091

(25,390)
(26,168)
(203,348)
$ 294,799

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

41

Table 28 - Activity in Non-Performing Mortgage Loans Held-in-Portfolio

(In thousands)

Beginning balance - NPLs
Plus:

New non-performing loans
Advances on existing non-performing loans
Reclassification from covered loans

Less:

Non-performing loans transferred to OREO
Non-performing loans charged-off
Loans returned to accrual status / loan collections

Ending balance - NPLs

For the year ended December 31,
2018

BPPR

Popular U.S. Popular, Inc.

$ 306,697

$ 14,852

$ 321,549

302,559
–
3,413

(23,553)
(48,075)
(217,476)

13,371
150
–

(686)
(152)
(16,502)

315,930
150
3,413

(24,239)
(48,227)
(233,978)

$ 323,565

$ 11,033

$ 334,598

Loan Delinquencies
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, 2019 and 2018, are presented below.

Table 29 - Loan Delinquencies

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

2018

Loans delinquent
30 days or more
$ 231,692
1,700
2,056
18,724
1,299,443
249,987
–
$1,803,602

Total loans
$12,312,751
831,092
22,105
1,059,507
7,183,532
5,997,886
59,203
$27,466,076

Total
delinquencies as a
percentage of total
loans
1.88%
0.20
9.30
1.77
18.09
4.17
–
6.57%

Loans delinquent
30 days or more
$ 406,442
13,848
3,267
12,803
1,474,923
196,325
173
$2,107,781

Total loans
$12,043,019
779,449
25,949
934,773
7,235,258
5,489,441
51,422
$26,559,311

Total
delinquencies as a
percentage of total
loans
3.37%
1.78
12.59
1.37
20.39
3.58
0.34
7.94%

Commercial
Construction
Legacy
Leasing
Mortgage
Consumer
Loans held-for-sale

Total

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”)
The allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), which
represents management’s estimate of credit losses inherent in
the loan portfolio, is maintained at a sufficient level to provide
for estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans as
well as estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the
loan portfolio. The Corporation’s management evaluates the
adequacy of the ALLL on a quarterly basis. In this evaluation,
management considers current economic conditions and the
the
resulting impact on Popular
composition of
and risk
loan type
characteristics, historical
loss experience, results of periodic
credit reviews of individual loans, regulatory requirements and
loan impairment measurement, among other factors.

the portfolio by

loan portfolio,

Inc.’s

The Corporation must

rely on estimates and exercise
judgment regarding matters where the ultimate outcome is
unknown, such as economic developments affecting specific

42

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

customers, industries or markets. Other factors that can affect
management’s estimates are the years of historical data when
estimating losses, changes in underwriting standards, financial
accounting standards and loan impairment measurements,
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 also 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. Refer
to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included in this Form 10-K for a description of the
Corporation’s allowance for loans losses methodology.

At December 31, 2019, the ALLL amounted to $478 million,
a decrease of $92 million, when compared with December 31,
2018. The BPPR ALLL decreased by $75 million, mostly due to
commercial charge-offs taken during the year on previously

reserved loans, continued improvements in the credit
loss
trends of the mortgage portfolio, and a $8.2 million reserve
release from a $40 million loan relationship, in the ASC 310-30
portfolio, sold during the third quarter of 2019. These positive
variances were partially offset by higher reserves for the auto
loans portfolio. The Popular U.S.
segment decreased by
$17 million to $45 million, when compared to December 31,
2018, mostly related to charge-offs from the taxi medallion
portfolio, which carrying value amounted to $19 million at
December 31, 2019. The provision for loan losses for the year
ended December 31, 2019 amounted to $165.8 million,
decreasing by $62.3 million from the same period in the prior
year. Refer to the Provision for Loan Losses section of this
MD&A for additional information.

Preliminary impact estimate of the adoption of FASB
Accounting Standards Updates (“ASUs”), Financial
Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)
Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
included in this Form 10-K for an update on the Corporation’s
implementation efforts for the current expected credit loss
model (“CECL”), pursuant to FASB ASU Financial Instruments
– Credit Losses (Topic 326).

The following table presents net charge-offs to average loans
held-in-portfolio (“HIP”) ratios by loan category for the years
ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

Table 30 - Net Charge-Offs (Recoveries) to Average Loans HIP (Non-covered loans)

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

BPPR

Popular
U.S.

Popular
Inc.

BPPR

Popular
U.S.

Popular
Inc.

BPPR

Popular
U.S.

Popular
Inc.

Commercial
Construction
Leasing
Legacy
Mortgage
Consumer

Total

0.48% 0.65% 0.54% 0.91% 0.44% 0.73% 0.31% 0.88% 0.51%
(2.82)
0.94
–
0.67
2.42

0.71
–
(6.89)
(0.05)
3.68

(0.32)
0.91
(4.30)
1.15
2.82

(0.11)
0.94
(5.85)
0.59
2.49

(1.54)
0.70
–
1.05
2.64

(2.88)
0.91
–
1.30
2.77

0.49
0.70
(6.89)
0.93
2.74

–
–
(4.30)
0.03
3.17

0.32
–
(5.85)
0.05
3.27

1.06% 0.68% 0.96% 1.31% 0.61% 1.13% 1.13% 0.82% 1.05%

NCOs for the year ended December 31, 2019 amounted to
$257.4 million, decreasing by $24.7 million when compared to
the same period in 2018. The BPPR segment decreased by
$32.1 million mainly driven by lower commercial and mortgage
NCOs by $31.2 million and $24.8 million, respectively. This

decrease was offset by higher consumer NCOs by $22.4 million,
mostly related to auto loans mainly due the seasoning of the
Reliable acquired portfolio and revisions to the auto loans
charge-off policy.

Table 31 - Composition of ALLL

December 31, 2019

(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial Construction Legacy [1]

Leasing

Mortgage

Consumer

Total

Specific ALLL
Impaired loans
Specific ALLL to impaired loans

General ALLL
Loans held-in-portfolio, excluding

impaired loans

General ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio,

$
$

$

20,533
399,549

$
$

5.14%

6
119
5.04%

126,519

$ 4,772

$
$

$

–
–
–%

630

$
$

$

61
507
12.03%

$
42,804
$ 531,855

$
21,822
$ 100,791

$
85,226
$ 1,032,821

8.05%

21.65%

8.25%

10,707

$

78,304

$ 171,550

$

392,482

$11,913,202

$830,973

$22,105

$1,059,000

$6,651,677

$5,897,095

$26,374,052

excluding impaired loans

1.06%

0.57%

2.85%

1.01%

1.18%

2.91%

1.49%

Total ALLL
Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio
ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio

$
147,052
$12,312,751

$ 4,778
$831,092

$
630
$22,105

$
10,768
$1,059,507

$ 121,108
$7,183,532

$ 193,372
$5,997,886

$
477,708
$27,406,873

1.19%

0.57%

2.85%

1.02%

1.69%

3.22%

1.74%

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part

of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

43

Table 32 - Composition of ALLL

December 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

Commercial Construction Legacy [1] Leasing Mortgage

Consumer

Total

Specific ALLL
Impaired loans
Specific ALLL to impaired loans

General ALLL
Loans held-in-portfolio, excluding impaired

$
$

$

52,190
398,518

$
56
$ 13,848

13.10%

0.40%

186,925

$ 7,368

$
$

$

–
–
–%

$
320
$ 1,099

$
41,211
$ 518,888

$
25,893
$ 112,742

$
119,670
$ 1,045,095

29.12%

7.94%

22.97%

11.45%

969

$ 11,166

$ 106,201

$ 137,049

$

449,678

loans

$11,644,501

$765,601

$25,949

$933,674

$6,716,370

$5,376,699

$25,462,794

General ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio,

excluding impaired loans

Total ALLL
Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio
ALLL to loans held-in-portfolio

1.61%

0.96%

3.73%

1.20%

1.58%

2.55%

1.77%

$
239,115
$12,043,019

$ 7,424
$779,449

$
969
$25,949

$ 11,486
$934,773

$ 147,412
$7,235,258

$ 162,942
$5,489,441

$
569,348
$26,507,889

1.99%

0.95%

3.73%

1.23%

2.04%

2.97%

2.15%

[1] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part

of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. reportable segment.

Table 33 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.

Table 33 - Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

2019

2018

At December 31,
2017

2016

2015

% of loans
in each
category to
total loans ALLL

% of loans
in each
category to
total loans ALLL

% of loans
in each
category to
total loans ALLL

% of loans
in each
category to
total loans ALLL

% of loans
in each
category to
total loans

44.9% $239.1
7.4
3.0
1.0
0.1
11.5
3.9
147.4
26.2
162.9
21.9

45.5% $215.7
8.4
2.9
0.8
0.1
12.0
3.5
163.6
27.3
189.7
20.7

47.3% $202.7
9.5
3.6
1.3
0.2
7.7
3.3
147.9
29.9
141.2
15.7

47.4% $196.8
8.9
3.4
2.7
0.2
11.0
3.1
133.3
29.4
150.2
16.5

45.2%
3.0
0.3
2.8
31.5
17.2

100.0% $569.3

100.0% $590.2

100.0% $510.3

100.0% $502.9

100.0%

(Dollars in millions)

Commercial
Construction
Legacy
Leasing
Mortgage
Consumer

Total[1]

ALLL

$147.0
4.8
0.6
10.8
121.1
193.4

$477.7

[1] Note: For purposes of this table the term loans refers to loans held-in-portfolio excluding covered loans and held-for-sale.

Troubled debt restructurings
The Corporation’s troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) loans
amounted to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2019, increasing by
$72 million, or approximately 4.74%, from December 31, 2018,
mainly driven by higher TDRs in the BPPR segment by
$70 million. The increase in BPPR was mostly related to higher
mortgage TDRs by $97 million, of which $82 million were
government guaranteed loans, partially offset by decreases of
$13 million and $11 million in the BPPR consumer and
commercial TDRs,
in accruing status
respectively. TDRs
increased by $103 million from December 31, 2018, mostly
related to BPPR mortgage TDRs, while non-accruing TDRs
decreased by $31 million.

Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
additional information on modifications considered troubled

44

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

restructurings,

debt
and
quantitative data about troubled debt restructurings performed
in the past twelve months.

qualitative

including

certain

The following tables present the approximate amount and
percentage of commercial
for which the
Corporation relied on appraisals dated more than one year old
for purposes of impairment requirements at December 31, 2019
and December 31, 2018.

impaired loans

Appraisals may be adjusted due to their age and the type,
location and condition of the property, area or general market
conditions to reflect the expected change in value between the
effective date of the appraisal and the impairment measurement
date. Refer to the Allowance for Loan Losses section of Note 2,
“Summary of significant accounting policies” for additional
information.

Table 34 - Impaired Loans With Appraisals Dated 1 Year Or Older

(In thousands)

Commercial

[1]

Based on outstanding balance of total impaired loans.

(In thousands)

Commercial
Construction

[1]

Based on outstanding balance of total impaired loans.

December 31, 2019

Total Impaired Loans – Held-in-portfolio (HIP)

Count

131

Outstanding Principal
Balance

Impaired Loans with
Appraisals Over One-
Year Old [1]

$340,762

15%

December 31, 2018

Total Impaired Loans – Held-in-portfolio (HIP)

Count

110
1

Outstanding Principal
Balance

Impaired Loans with
Appraisals Over One-
Year Old [1]

$335,044
1,788

3%
–

the

implementation of

Enterprise Risk and Operational Risk Management
The ERM & Market Risk Unit within the Financial and
Operational Risk Management Division (the “FORM Division”)
is responsible, in coordination with the Chief Risk Officer, for
overseeing
the Enterprise Risk
Management (ERM) framework, as well as developing and
overseeing the implementation of risk programs and reporting
that facilitate a broad integrated view of risks. The ERM &
Market Risk Unit also leads the ongoing development of a
strong risk management culture and the framework that
support effective risk governance. For new products and
services, the unit has put in place processes to ensure that an
appropriate standard readiness assessment is performed before
launching a new product or initiative. Similar procedures are
followed with the Treasury Division for transactions involving
the purchase and sale of assets, and by the Mergers and
Acquisitions Division for acquisition transactions.

itself

Operational

risk can manifest

in various ways,
including errors, fraud, cyber attacks, 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
to a diversified
financial services company like Popular because of the nature,
volume and complexity of its various businesses.

risk is particularly important

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) and the Cyber Security Committee which
are composed of senior level representatives from the business
lines and corporate functions, provide 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 FORM
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 Auditing Division
provides oversight about policy compliance and ensures
adequate attention is paid to correct the identified issues.

Effective May 2018, the Corporation created the Corporate
Security Group (“CSG”), under the direction of the Chief
Security Officer (“CSO”). The CSG now leads all efforts
pertaining to cybersecurity, enterprise fraud, and data privacy;
including developing strategies and oversight processes with
policies and programs that mitigate compliance, operational,
strategic, financial and reputational risks associated with the
safeguarding of the Corporation’s and our customers’ data and
assets. The CSG also leads the Cyber Security Committee.

segment

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 for
ensuring that appropriate risk containment measures, including
corporate-wide or business
specific policies and
procedures, controls and monitoring tools, are in place to
minimize risk occurrence and loss exposures. Examples of
these
data
personnel management
reconciliation processes, transaction processing monitoring and
analysis and contingency plans for systems interruptions. To
manage corporate-wide risks, specialized functions, such as
Legal, Cyber Security, Business Continuity, Outsourcing Risk
Management, Finance and Compliance, among others, assist
the business units in the development and implementation of
the
risk management practices
individual businesses.

specific to the needs of

practices,

include

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

45

Operational risk management plays a different role in each
category. For business specific risks, the FORM Division works
with the segments to ensure consistency in policies, processes,
and assessments. With respect to corporate-wide risks, such as
cyber and information security, business continuity and
outsourcing risk management, legal and compliance, the risks
are assessed, and a consolidated corporate view is developed
and communicated to the business level. Procedures exist that
are designed to ensure that policies relating to conduct, ethics,
and business practices are followed. We continually monitor
the system of internal controls, data processing systems, and
corporate-wide processes and procedures to manage operational
risk at appropriate, cost-effective levels. An additional level of
review is applied to current and potential regulation and its
to ensure that appropriate
impact on business processes,
controls are put in place to address regulatory requirements.

Today’s threats to customer information and information
systems are complex, more wide spread, continually emerging,
and increasing at a rapid pace. The Corporation continuously
monitors these threats and, to date, we have not experienced
any material losses as a result of cyber attacks.

ADOPTION OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND
ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE ACCOUNTING
STANDARDS
Refer to Note 3, “New Accounting Pronouncements” to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.

prepares

its Consolidated

Adjusted net income – Non-GAAP Financial Measure
The Corporation
Financial
Statements using accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States (“U.S. GAAP” or the “reported basis”). In
addition to analyzing the Corporation’s results on a reported
basis, management monitors the “Adjusted net income” of the
Corporation and excludes from such calculation the impact of
certain transactions on the
its operations.
Management believes that the “Adjusted net income” provides
the underlying
information to investors about
meaningful
performance
operations.
the Corporation’s
“Adjusted net income” is a non-GAAP financial measure.

results of

ongoing

of

No

adjustments

ended
December 31, 2019. The following table describes adjustments
to net income for the year ended 2018.

reflected for

year

the

are

Table 35 - Adjusted Net Income for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 (Non-GAAP)

(In thousands)

U.S. GAAP Net income
Non-GAAP Adjustments:
Termination of FDIC Shared-Loss Agreements [1]
Tax Closing Agreement [2]
Impact of Law Act No.257 [3]

Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP)

Pre-tax

Income tax
effect

Impact on net
income

$(94,633)
–
–

$ 45,059
(108,946)
27,686

$ 618,158

(49,574)
(108,946)
27,686

$ 487,324

[1] On May 22, 2018, BPPR entered into a Termination Agreement with the FDIC to terminate all Shared-Loss Agreements in connection with the acquisition of
certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of Westernbank Puerto Rico in 2010. As a result, BPPR recognized a pre-tax gain of $94.6 million, net of the
related professional and advisory fees of $8.1 million associated with the Termination Agreement. Refer to Note 10 - FDIC Loss-Share Asset and True Up Payment
Obligation for additional information.

[2] Represents the impact of the Termination Agreement on income taxes. In June 2012, the Corporation entered into a Tax Closing Agreement with the Puerto Rico
Department of the Treasury to clarify the tax treatment related to the loans acquired in the FDIC Transaction in accordance with the provisions of the Puerto Rico
Tax Code. Based on the provisions of this Tax Closing Agreement, the Corporation recognized a net income tax benefit of $108.9 million during the second
quarter of 2018. Refer to Note 38- Income Taxes for additional information.

[3] On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed into law Act No.257 of 2018, which amended the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code, to among other
things, reduce the Puerto Rico corporate tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. The resulting adjustments reduced the DTA related to the Corporation’s P.R. operations as a
result of a lower realizable benefit at the lower tax rate. Refer to Note 38- Income Taxes for additional information.

46

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Statistical Summary 2015-2019
Statements of Financial Condition

(In thousands)
Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments:

Securities purchased under agreements to resell
Time deposits with other banks
Total money market investments
Trading account debt securities, at fair value
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value
Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
Equity securities
Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value
Loans held-in-portfolio:

Loans not covered under loss-sharing agreements with the

FDIC

Loans covered under loss-sharing agreements with the FDIC
Less – Unearned income

Allowance for loan losses
Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

FDIC loss-share asset
Premises and equipment, net
Other real estate not covered under loss-sharing agreements with

2019

2018

At December 31,
2017

2016

2015

$

388,311

$

394,035

$

402,857

$

362,394

$

363,674

–
3,262,286
3,262,286
40,321
17,648,473
97,662
159,887
59,203

27,587,856
–
180,983
477,708
26,929,165
–
556,650

–
4,171,048
4,171,048
37,787
13,300,184
101,575
155,584
51,422

26,663,713
–
155,824
569,348
25,938,541
–
569,808

–
5,255,119
5,255,119
33,926
10,176,923
107,019
165,103
132,395

24,423,427
517,274
130,633
623,426
24,186,642
45,192
547,142

23,637
2,866,580
2,890,217
52,034
8,207,684
111,299
164,513
88,821

96,338
2,083,754
2,180,092
64,527
6,060,594
114,101
168,580
137,000

22,895,172
572,878
121,425
540,651
22,805,974
69,334
543,981

22,453,813
646,115
107,698
537,111
22,455,119
310,221
502,611

the FDIC

122,072

136,705

169,260

180,445

155,231

Other real estate covered under loss-sharing agreements with the

FDIC

Accrued income receivable
Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest bearing
Interest bearing
Total deposits

Federal funds purchased and assets sold under agreements to

repurchase

Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Other liabilities
Liabilities from discontinued operations

Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock
Surplus
Retained earnings
Treasury stock – at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

–
180,871
150,906
1,819,615
671,122
28,780
$52,115,324

–
166,022
169,777
1,714,134
671,122
26,833
$47,604,577

19,595
213,844
168,031
1,991,323
627,294
35,672
$44,277,337

32,128
138,042
196,889
2,145,510
627,294
45,050
$38,661,609

36,685
124,234
211,405
2,193,162
626,388
58,109
$35,761,733

$ 9,160,173
34,598,433
43,758,606

$ 9,149,036
30,561,003
39,710,039

$ 8,490,945
26,962,563
35,453,508

$ 6,980,443
23,515,781
30,496,224

$ 6,401,515
20,808,208
27,209,723

193,378
–
1,101,608
1,044,953

46,098,545

281,529
42
1,256,102
921,808
–
42,169,520

390,921
96,208
1,536,356
1,696,439
–
39,173,432

479,425
1,200
1,574,852
911,951
–
33,463,652

762,145
1,200
1,662,508
1,019,018
1,815
30,656,409

50,160
1,044
4,447,412
2,147,915
(459,814)
(169,938)
6,016,779
$52,115,324

50,160
1,043
4,365,606
1,651,731
(205,509)
(427,974)
5,435,057
$47,604,577

50,160
1,042
4,298,503
1,194,994
(90,142)
(350,652)
5,103,905
$44,277,337

50,160
1,040
4,255,022
1,220,307
(8,286)
(320,286)
5,197,957
$38,661,609

50,160
1,038
4,229,156
1,087,957
(6,101)
(256,886)
5,105,324
$35,761,733

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

47

Statistical Summary 2015-2019
Statements of Operations

(In thousands)

Interest income:
Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities

Total interest income
Less - Interest expense

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses - non-covered loans
Provision (reversal) for loan losses - covered loans

2019

For the years ended December 31,
2016
2017
2018

2015

$1,802,968
89,823
368,002

$1,645,736
111,288
264,824

$1,478,765
51,495
195,684

$1,459,720
16,428
158,425

$1,458,706
7,243
137,065

2,260,793
369,099

1,891,694
165,779
–

2,021,848
286,971

1,734,877
226,342
1,730

1,725,944
223,980

1,501,964
319,682
5,742

1,634,573
212,518

1,422,055
171,126
(1,110)

1,603,014
194,031

1,408,983
217,458
24,020

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

1,725,915

1,506,805

1,176,540

1,252,039

1,167,505

Mortgage banking activities
Net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities
Net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities
Trading profit (loss) on trading account debt securities
Net gain (loss) on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans

held-for-sale

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense
FDIC loss-share income (expense)
Other non-interest income

Total non-interest income

Operating expenses:
Personnel costs
All other operating expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from continuing operations, before income tax
Income tax expense (benefit)

Income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax

Net Income

32,093
(20)
–
2,506
994

–
(343)
–
534,653

569,883

52,802
–
–
(2,081)
(208)

33
(12,959)
94,725
520,182

652,494

25,496
83
(8,299)
251
(817)

(420)
(22,377)
(10,066)
435,316

419,167

56,538
38
(209)
1,924
(785)

8,245
(17,285)
(207,779)
457,249

297,936

81,802
141
(14,445)
–
(4,723)

542
(18,628)
20,062
454,790

519,541

590,625
886,857

562,988
858,574

476,762
780,434

477,395
778,240

470,203
818,018

1,477,482

1,421,562

1,257,196

1,255,635

1,288,221

818,316
147,181

737,737
119,579

338,511
230,830

294,340
78,784

398,825
(495,172)

$ 671,135
–

$ 618,158
–

$ 107,681
–

$ 215,556
1,135

$ 893,997
1,347

$ 671,135

$ 618,158

$ 107,681

$ 216,691

$ 895,344

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock

$ 667,412

$ 614,435

$ 103,958

$ 212,968

$ 891,621

48

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Statistical Summary 2015-2019
Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income
On a Taxable Equivalent Basis*

(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
Interest earning assets:
Money market investments
U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. Government

sponsored entities

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and

political subdivisions

Collateralized mortgage obligations
and mortgage-backed securities

Other

Total investment securities

Trading account securities
Loans (net of unearned income)
Total interest earning assets/

Interest income

Total non-interest earning assets
Total assets from continuing

operations

Total assets from discontinued

operations

Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
Savings, NOW, money market and
other interest bearing demand
accounts
Time deposits
Short-term borrowings
Notes payable

Total interest bearing liabilities/

Interest expense

Total non-interest bearing liabilities
Total liabilities from continuing

operations

Total liabilities from discontinued

operations
Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders’

equity

2019

2018

2017

Average
Balance

Interest

Average
Rate

Average
Balance

Interest

Average
Rate

Average
Balance

Interest

Average
Rate

$ 4,166,293 $
9,823,518

89,824 2.16% $ 5,943,442 $ 111,289 1.87% $ 4,480,651 $
302,025 3.07

168,885 2.73

2,969,635

6,189,239

51,496 1.15%
49,916 1.68

234,553

5,911 2.52

515,870

10,664 2.07

667,140

13,593 2.04

93,313

6,394 6.85

96,801

6,816 7.04

111,455

7,409 6.65

5,582,051
171,223
15,904,658
67,596

178,964 3.21
8,487 4.96
501,781 3.15
5,103 7.55
26,806,368 1,850,894 6.90

5,216,728
174,095
12,192,733
76,461

168,565 3.23
9,432 5.42
364,362 2.99
5,772 7.55
25,062,730 1,681,540 6.71

5,667,586
185,672
9,601,488
75,111

182,485 3.22
9,290 5.00
262,693 2.74
5,728 7.63
23,511,293 1,515,092 6.44

$46,944,915 $2,447,602 5.21% $43,275,366 $2,162,963 5.00% $37,668,543 $1,835,009 4.87%

3,396,912

$50,341,827

–
$50,341,827

3,364,492

$46,639,858

–
$46,639,858

–

–

3,735,596

$41,404,139

–
$41,404,139

–

–

$25,575,455 $ 192,200 0.75% $22,127,223 $ 112,543 0.51% $18,218,583 $
7,569,884
358,418
1,520,812

112,658 1.45
6,099 2.64
58,142 4.77

91,722 1.21
7,210 2.01
75,496 4.96

7,625,484
452,205
1,548,635

7,770,430
231,268
1,194,119

369,099 1.06

–

–

34,771,272
9,857,038

44,628,310

–
44,628,310
5,713,517

286,971 0.91

–

–

31,576,337
9,621,378

41,197,715

–
41,197,715
5,442,143

27,844,907
8,214,703

36,059,610

–
36,059,610
5,344,529

$50,341,827

$46,639,858

$41,404,139

–

–

57,714 0.32%
84,150 1.10
5,725 1.27
76,392 4.93

223,981 0.80

–

–

Net interest income on a taxable

equivalent basis

Cost of funding earning assets
Net interest margin
Effect of the taxable equivalent

adjustment

Net interest income per books

$2,078,503

$1,875,992

$1,611,028

0.78%
4.43%

0.66%
4.34%

0.59%
4.28%

186,809
$1,891,694

141,116
$1,734,876

109,065
$1,501,963

*

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 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 accordance with the Corporation’s

policy.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

49

Statistical Summary 2015-2019
Average Balance Sheet and Summary of Net Interest Income
On a Taxable Equivalent Basis

(Dollars in thousands)

Assets
Interest earning assets:
Money market investments

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political

subdivisions

Collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed

securities

Other

Total investment securities

Trading account securities

Loans (net of unearned income)

Average
Balance

2016

Interest

Average
Rate

Average
Balance

2015

Interest

Average
Rate

$

3,103,390

$

1,567,364
810,568

16,428

21,835
15,743

0.53% $

2,382,045

$

7,243

0.30%

1.39
1.94

921,249
1,278,469

13,559
21,962

1.47
1.72

127,694

8,496

6.65

159,110

11,776

7.40

4,735,418
188,145

7,429,189

118,341

147,097
8,944

202,115

8,083

23,062,242

1,495,639

3.11
4.75

2.72

6.83

6.49

3,275,702
188,849

5,823,379

200,349

105,562
9,758

162,617

13,067

23,045,308

1,503,493

3.22
5.17

2.79

6.52

6.52

Total interest earning assets/Interest income

$ 33,713,162

$ 1,722,265

5.11% $ 31,451,081

$ 1,686,420

5.36%

Total non-interest earning assets

Total assets from continuing operations

Total assets

3,900,580

$ 37,613,742

$ 37,613,742

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Interest bearing liabilities:
Savings, NOW, money market and other interest bearing

3,735,224

$ 35,186,305

$ 35,186,305

demand accounts

Time deposits
Short-term borrowings
Notes payable

$

$ 14,548,307
7,910,063
763,496
1,575,903

45,550
82,027
7,812
77,129

$

0.31% $ 12,474,170
8,157,908
1.04
1,028,406
1.02
1,728,928
4.89

36,290
71,243
7,512
78,986

0.29%
0.87
0.73
4.57

Total interest bearing liabilities/Interest expense

24,797,769

212,518

0.86

23,389,412

194,031

0.83

Total non-interest bearing liabilities

Total liabilities from continuing operations

Total liabilities from discontinued operations

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity

7,535,742

32,333,511

1,754

32,335,265

5,278,477

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$ 37,613,742

–

–

7,089,940

30,479,352

2,091

30,481,443

4,704,862

$ 35,186,305

–

–

Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis

$ 1,509,747

$ 1,492,389

Cost of funding earning assets

Net interest margin

Effect of the taxable equivalent adjustment

Net interest income per books

0.63%

4.48%

0.62%

4.74%

87,692

$ 1,422,055

83,406

$ 1,408,983

*

Shows the effect of the tax exempt status of 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 shown in order to compare the yield 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 accordance with the Corporation’s

policy.

50

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Statistical Summary 2018-2019
Quarterly Financial Data

(In thousands, except per common share information)

Fourth
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Second
Quarter

First
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Second
Quarter

First
Quarter

2019

2018

Summary of Operations
Interest income
Interest expense

$559,869 $571,976 $570,979 $557,969 $559,555 $528,365 $480,850 $453,078
60,031

66,714

94,663

92,445

87,006

94,985

83,330

76,896

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses - non-covered loans
Provision for loan losses - covered loans
Mortgage banking activities
Net loss on sale of debt securities
Net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities
Net profit (loss) on trading account debt securities
Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments

467,424
47,224
–
13,448
–
332
17

476,991
36,539
–
10,492
(20)
213
295

476,316
40,191
–
(1,773)
–
528
422

470,963
41,825
–
9,926
–
1,433
260

476,225
42,568
–
19,394
–
(2,039)
91

451,469
54,387
–
11,269
–
370
(122)

414,136
60,054
–
10,071
–
234
21

393,047
69,333
1,730
12,068
–
(646)
(198)

on loans held-for-sale

–

–

–

–

33

–

–

–

Adjustments (expense) to indemnity reserves on loans

sold

FDIC loss-share income (expense)
Other non-interest income
Operating expenses

Income before income tax
Income tax expense (benefit)

Net income

1,321
–
137,297
390,572

182,043
15,258

(3,411)
–
135,143
376,475

206,689
41,370

1,840
–
137,309
363,015

211,436
40,330

(93)
–
124,904
347,420

(6,477)
–
142,165
396,455

(3,029)
–
142,533
365,437

(527)
102,752
122,258
337,668

(2,926)
(8,027)
113,226
322,002

218,148
50,223

190,369
83,966

182,666
42,018

251,223
(28,560)

113,479
22,155

$166,785 $165,319 $171,106 $167,925 $106,403 $140,648 $279,783 $ 91,324

Net income applicable to common stock

$165,854 $164,389 $170,175 $166,994 $105,472 $139,718 $278,852 $ 90,393

Net income per common share - basic

Net income per common share - diluted

Dividends declared per common share

Selected Average Balances
(In millions)

Total assets
Loans
Interest earning assets
Deposits
Interest bearing liabilities
Selected Ratios

Return on average assets
Return on average common equity

$

$

$

1.72 $

1.71 $

1.77 $

1.69 $

1.06 $

1.38 $

2.74 $

1.72 $

1.70 $

1.76 $

1.69 $

1.05 $

1.38 $

2.73 $

0.30 $

0.30 $

0.30 $

0.30 $

0.25 $

0.25 $

0.25 $

0.89

0.89

0.25

$ 51,974 $ 50,941 $ 49,775 $ 48,627 $ 47,920 $ 47,490 $ 46,851 $ 44,250
24,073
40,821
36,068
29,663

26,892
47,506
42,822
35,438

25,591
44,138
39,277
32,267

27,081
48,546
43,785
36,236

26,492
45,265
40,527
33,043

26,733
46,397
41,715
34,295

24,219
43,477
38,663
31,650

26,337
44,615
39,890
32,642

1.27% 1.29% 1.38% 1.40% 0.88% 1.17% 2.40% 0.84%
11.27

11.44

12.31

20.84

12.17

10.10

7.06

7.57

Note: Because each reporting period stands on its own the sum of the net income (loss) per common share for the quarters may not equal to the net income (loss) per

common share for the year.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

51

Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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, 2019. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control-Integrated
Framework (2013) 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, 2019 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, 2019, as stated in their report dated March 2, 2020
which appears herein.

Ignacio Alvarez
President and
Chief Executive Officer

Carlos J. Vázquez
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

52

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Popular, Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Popular, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the
“Corporation”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income,
changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, including the
related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Corporation’s internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Corporation as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 2019 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, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions
The Corporation’s management is responsible for these consolidated 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 Report of Management on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on
the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements and on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our
audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB)
and are required to be independent with respect to the Corporation in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the
applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether
due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement
of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.
Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. 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.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
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

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

53

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.

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.

Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate
opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses
(“ALLL”) –Qualitative Judgmental Reserves Related to the Puerto Rico Loan Portfolio

As described in Notes 9 and 26 to the consolidated financial statements, the Corporation’s ALLL related to the Puerto Rico loan
portfolio was $433 million as of December 31, 2019. Management follows a systematic methodology to establish and evaluate the
adequacy of the ALLL to provide for inherent losses in the loan portfolio. As disclosed by management, since the Corporation’s
business activities are concentrated primarily in Puerto Rico, its results of operations and financial condition are dependent upon
the general trends of the Puerto Rico economy, which remains in the midst of a fiscal and economic crisis. Management’s ALLL
methodology includes qualitative judgmental reserves based on stressed credit quality assumptions to provide for probable losses
in the loan portfolios, including the Puerto Rico loan portfolio, not embedded in the historical loss rates.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the qualitative judgmental reserves
related to the Puerto Rico loan portfolio is a critical audit matter are (i) there was a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity
involved in applying procedures relating to the qualitative judgmental reserves due to the significant amount of judgment and
estimation necessary by management when determining the ALLL, including the qualitative judgmental reserves; (ii) significant
audit effort and significant auditor judgment were necessary to evaluate the audit evidence obtained relating to the reasonableness of
the stressed credit quality assumptions used to determine the qualitative judgmental reserves; and (iii) the audit effort involved the
use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in evaluating the audit evidence obtained from these procedures.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to
management’s ALLL estimation process, which included controls over management’s determination of the qualitative judgmental
reserves related to the Puerto Rico loan portfolio. These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for
estimating the qualitative judgmental reserves, including testing the completeness and accuracy of data used in the estimate and
involvement of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of the methodology
and the reasonableness of the stressed credit quality assumptions used to determine the qualitative judgmental reserves.

San Juan, Puerto Rico
March 2, 2020

We have served as the Corporation’s auditor since 1971, which includes periods before the Corporation became subject to SEC
reporting requirements.

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
(OF PUERTO RICO)
License No. LLP-216 Expires Dec. 1, 2022
Stamp E392792 of the P.R. Society of
Certified Public Accountants has been
affixed to the file copy of this report

54

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

POPULAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
December 31,
2019

(In thousands, except share information)

December 31,
2018

Assets:
Cash and due from banks

Money market investments:

Time deposits with other banks

Total money market investments

Trading account debt securities, at fair value:

Pledged securities with creditors’ right to repledge
Other trading account debt securities
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value:

Pledged securities with creditors’ right to repledge
Other debt securities available-for-sale

Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value 2019 - $105,110; 2018 - $102,653)
Equity securities (realizable value 2019 -$165,952); (2018 - $159,821)
Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value

Loans held-in-portfolio

Less – Unearned income

Allowance for loan losses

Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

Premises and equipment, net
Other real estate
Accrued income receivable
Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest bearing
Interest bearing

Total deposits

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (Refer to Note 26)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, 30,000,000 shares authorized; 2,006,391 shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 170,000,000 shares authorized; 104,392,222 shares issued (2018 - 104,320,303) and

95,589,629 shares outstanding (2018 - 99,942,845)

Surplus
Retained earnings
Treasury stock - at cost, 8,802,593 shares (2018 - 4,377,458)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Total stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

$

388,311

$

394,035

3,262,286

3,262,286

4,171,048

4,171,048

598
39,723

598
37,189

202,585
17,445,888
97,662
159,887
59,203

27,587,856
180,983
477,708

280,502
13,019,682
101,575
155,584
51,422

26,663,713
155,824
569,348

26,929,165

25,938,541

556,650
122,072
180,871
150,906
1,819,615
671,122
28,780

569,808
136,705
166,022
169,777
1,714,134
671,122
26,833

$52,115,324

$47,604,577

$ 9,160,173
34,598,433

$ 9,149,036
30,561,003

43,758,606

39,710,039

193,378
–
1,101,608
1,044,953

281,529
42
1,256,102
921,808

46,098,545

42,169,520

50,160

50,160

1,044
4,447,412
2,147,915
(459,814)
(169,938)

6,016,779

1,043
4,365,606
1,651,731
(205,509)
(427,974)

5,435,057

$52,115,324

$47,604,577

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

55

POPULAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share information)
Interest income:

Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities

Total interest income

Interest expense:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

Total interest expense

Net interest income
Provision for loan losses - non-covered loans
Provision for loan losses - covered loans

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees
Mortgage banking activities (Refer to Note 11)
Net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities
Net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities
Net profit (loss) on trading account debt securities
Net gain (loss) on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale
Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense
FDIC loss-share income (expense) (Refer to Note 36)
Other operating income

Total non-interest income

Operating expenses:
Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
FDIC deposit insurance
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses
Other operating expenses
Amortization of intangibles

Total operating expenses

Income before income tax
Income tax expense

Net Income

Net Income Applicable to Common Stock

Net Income per Common Share – Basic

Net Income per Common Share – Diluted

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

56

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Years ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

$1,802,968
89,823
368,002

$1,645,736
111,288
264,824

$1,478,765
51,495
195,684

2,260,793

2,021,848

1,725,944

304,858
6,100
58,141

369,099

1,891,694
165,779
–

204,265
7,210
75,496

286,971

1,734,877
226,342
1,730

141,864
5,724
76,392

223,980

1,501,964
319,682
5,742

1,725,915

1,506,805

1,176,540

160,933
285,206
32,093
(20)
–
2,506
994
–
(343)
–
88,514

569,883

590,625
96,339
84,215
51,653
384,411
23,450
75,372
18,179
–
4,298
139,570
9,370

150,677
258,020
52,802
–
–
(2,081)
(208)
33
(12,959)
94,725
111,485

652,494

562,988
88,329
71,788
46,284
349,844
23,107
65,918
27,757
12,522
23,338
140,361
9,326

153,709
217,267
25,496
83
(8,299)
251
(817)
(420)
(22,377)
(10,066)
64,340

419,167

476,762
89,194
65,142
43,382
292,488
22,466
58,445
26,392
–
48,540
125,007
9,378

1,477,482

1,421,562

1,257,196

818,316
147,181

737,737
119,579

338,511
230,830

$ 671,135

$ 618,158

$ 107,681

$ 667,412

$ 614,435

$ 103,958

$

$

6.89

6.88

$

$

6.07

6.06

$

$

1.02

1.02

POPULAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31,
2018

(In thousands)

2019

2017

Net income

Reclassification to retained earnings due to cumulative effect of accounting change
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans

Amortization of net losses
Amortization of prior service credit

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities arising during the period

Other-than-temporary impairment included in net income
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
Unrealized holding gains on equity securities arising during the period

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

Unrealized net (losses) gains on cash flow hedges

Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
Income tax expense

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

Comprehensive income, net of tax

Tax effect allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss):

$671,135

$618,158

$107,681

(50)

(605)

–

(6,847)
(21,874)
23,508
–
286,063
–
20
–
–
(5,741)
3,882

278,961
(20,925)

258,036

(6,902)
(15,497)
21,542
(3,470)
(71,255)
–
–
–
–
536
(1,110)

(76,761)
(561)

(77,322)

(3,078)
(8,465)
22,428
(3,800)
(45,307)
8,299
(83)
151
(251)
(1,295)
1,888

(29,513)
(853)

(30,366)

$929,171

$540,836

$ 77,315

(In thousands)

Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans

Amortization of net losses
Amortization of prior service credit

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities arising during the period

Other-than-temporary impairment included in net income
Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income
Unrealized holding gains on equity securities arising during the period

Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

Unrealized net (losses) gains on cash flow hedges

Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income

Income tax expense

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Years ended December 31,
2018

2019

2017

$ 8,203
(8,817)
–
(20,113)
–
(4)
–
–
1,302
(1,496)

$(20,925)

$ 6,044
(8,401)
1,354
219
–
–
–
–
(210)
433

$ (561)

$ 3,301
(8,744)
1,482
4,861
(1,559)
17
(30)
50
505
(736)

$ (853)

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

57

POPULAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’
EQUITY

(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016
Net income
Issuance of stock
Dividends declared:
Common stock[1]
Preferred stock

Common stock purchases
Common stock reissuance
Stock based compensation
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Transfer to statutory reserve

Balance at December 31, 2017

Cumulative effect of accounting change
Net income
Issuance of stock
Dividends declared:
Common stock[1]
Preferred stock

Common stock purchases[2]
Common stock reissuance
Stock based compensation
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Transfer to statutory reserve

Balance at December 31, 2018

Cumulative effect of accounting change
Net income
Issuance of stock
Dividends declared:
Common stock[1]
Preferred stock

Common stock purchases[3]
Common stock reissuance
Stock based compensation
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Transfer to statutory reserve

Balance at December 31, 2019

Common
stock

Preferred
stock

Surplus

Retained
earnings

Treasury
stock

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

$1,040

$50,160

$4,255,022 $1,220,307 $

(8,286)

$(320,286)

2

6,945

107,681

(102,136)
(3,723)

4,518
(13)
4,896

(81,938)
82

27,135

(27,135)

(30,366)

Total

5,197,957
107,681
6,947

(102,136)
(3,723)
(77,420)
69
4,896
(30,366)
–

$1,042

$50,160

$4,298,503 $1,194,994 $ (90,142)

$(350,652)

5,103,905

1

3,340

1,935
618,158

(101,293)
(3,723)

(86)
351
5,158

(127,379)
3,576
8,436

58,340

(58,340)

(77,322)

1,935
618,158
3,341

(101,293)
(3,723)
(127,465)
3,927
13,594
(77,322)
–

$1,043

$50,160

$4,365,606 $1,651,731 $(205,509)

$(427,974)

5,435,057

1

3,496

4,905
671,135

(116,022)
(3,723)

15,740
374
2,085

(271,752)
4,848
12,599

60,111

(60,111)

258,036

4,905
671,135
3,497

(116,022)
(3,723)
(256,012)
5,222
14,684
258,036
–

$1,044

$50,160

$4,447,412 $2,147,915 $(459,814)

$(169,938)

6,016,779

[1] Dividends declared per common share during the year ended December 31, 2019 - $1.20 (2018 - $1.00; 2017 - $1.00).
[2] During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Corporation completed a $125 million accelerated share repurchase transaction with respect to its common

stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. Refer to Note 22 for additional information.

[3] During the quarter ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation completed a $250 million accelerated share repurchase transaction with respect to its common

stock, which was accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. Refer to Note 22 for additional information.

Disclosure of changes in number of shares:
Preferred Stock:

Balance at beginning and end of year

Common Stock:

Balance at beginning of year
Issuance of stock

Balance at end of year
Treasury stock

Common Stock – Outstanding

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

58

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
2019

2,006,391

2,006,391

2,006,391

104,320,303
71,919

104,238,159
82,144

104,058,684
179,475

104,392,222
(8,802,593)

104,320,303
(4,377,458)

104,238,159
(2,169,178)

95,589,629

99,942,845

102,068,981

POPULAR, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

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

Provision for loan losses
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees
Share-based compensation
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities
Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights
FDIC loss-share (income) expense
Adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold
Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(Gain) loss on:

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets
Proceeds from insurance claims
Early extinguishment of debt
Sale and valuation adjustments of debt securities
Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale and mortgage banking activities
Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net originations on loans held-for-sale
Net decrease (increase) in:
Trading debt securities
Equity securities
Accrued income receivable
Other assets

Net (decrease) increase in:

Interest payable
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligation
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
Equity

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Equity

Net disbursements on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Payments to acquire other intangibles
Net payments (to) from FDIC under loss sharing agreements
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired
Return of capital from equity method investments
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from insurance claims
Proceeds from sale of:

Premises and equipment and other productive assets
Foreclosed assets

Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:

Net increase (decrease) in:

Deposits
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings

Payments of notes payable
Principal payments of finance leases
Payments for debt extinguishment
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Dividends paid
Net payments for repurchase of common stock
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

Net cash provided by financing activities
Net decrease in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Years ended December 31,

2019

2018

2017

$

671,135

$

618,158

$

107,681

165,779
9,370
58,067
(158,070)
12,303
2,591
–
27,771
–
343
(28,011)
141,332

(6,666)
(1,205)
–
20
(15,888)
(21,982)
(223,939)
71,075
(289,430)

460,969
(8,032)
(8,369)
(37,847)

(284)
778
(116,443)
34,232
705,367

228,072
9,326
53,300
(87,154)
10,521
272
–
8,477
(94,725)
12,959
(24,217)
(12,320)

15,984
(20,147)
12,522
–
(9,681)
6,833
(232,264)
66,687
(254,582)

458,447
(1,622)
49,288
264,841

(9,786)
4,558
(226,244)
229,345
847,503

325,424
9,378
48,364
(22,310)
–
4,784
8,299
36,519
10,066
22,377
(18,247)
207,428

4,281
–
–
(83)
(16,670)
21,715
(244,385)
69,464
(315,522)

503,108
(1,269)
(75,802)
(65,844)

2,549
(13,100)
28,279
528,803
636,484

905,558

1,083,515

(2,366,932)

(18,733,295)
(16,300)

(10,050,165)
(13,068)

(4,139,650)
(29,672)

14,650,440
5,913

6,946,209
7,280

2,023,295
6,232

99,445
20,030
(641,029)
110,534
(619,737)
(10,382)
–
–
6,942
(75,665)
1,205

18,608
107,881
(4,169,852)

4,043,955
(88,151)
(41)
(210,377)
(1,726)
–
75,000
8,719
(115,810)
(250,581)
(5,431)
3,455,557
(8,928)
403,251
394,323

$

–
24,209
(6,665)
29,669
(601,550)
–
(25,012)
(1,843,333)
4,090
(80,549)
20,147

9,185
105,371
(4,390,667)

4,259,651
(109,391)
(96,167)
(755,966)
–
(12,522)
473,819
7,268
(105,441)
(125,264)
(2,201)
3,533,786
(9,378)
412,629
403,251

$

14,423
30,250
(398,676)
415
(535,534)
–
(7,679)
–
8,194
(62,697)
–

9,753
96,540
(5,351,738)

4,954,105
(88,505)
95,008
(95,607)
–
–
55,000
7,016
(95,910)
(75,664)
(1,756)
4,753,687
38,433
374,196
412,629

$

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

59

Note 1 - Nature of Operations
Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 3 - New Accounting Pronouncements
Note 4 - Business Combination
Note 5 - Restrictions on Cash and Due from Banks and Certain Securities
Note 6 - Debt Securities Available-For-Sale
Note 7 - Debt Securities Held-to-Maturity
Note 8 - Loans
Note 9 - Allowance for Loan Losses
Note 10 - FDIC Loss Share Asset and True-Up Payment Obligation
Note 11 - Mortgage Banking Activities
Note 12 - Transfers of Financial Assets and Mortgage Servicing Assets
Note 13 - Premises and Equipment
Note 14 - Other Real Estate Owned
Note 15 - Other Assets
Note 16 - Investment in Equity Investees
Note 17 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Note 18 - Deposits
Note 19 - Borrowings
Note 20 - Trust Preferred Securities
Note 21 - Other Liabilities
Note 22 - Stockholders’ Equity
Note 23 - Regulatory Capital Requirements
Note 24 - Other comprehensive Loss
Note 25 - Guarantees
Note 26 - Commitments and Contingencies
Note 27 - Non-consolidated Variable Interest Entities
Note 28 - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Note 29 - Related Party Transactions
Note 30 - Fair value Measurement
Note 31 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Note 32 - Employee Benefits
Note 33 - Net Income per Common Share
Note 34 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Note 35 - Leases
Note 36 - FDIC Loss Share Income (Expense)
Note 37 - Stock-Based Compensation
Note 38 - Income Taxes
Note 39 - Supplemental Disclosure on the Consolidated Statements of Cash

Flows

Note 40 - Segment Reporting
Note 41 - Popular, Inc. (Holding company only) Financial Information
Note 42 - Condensed Consolidating Financial Information of Guarantor and

Issuers of Registered Guaranteed Securities

Note 43 - Subsequent Events

61
61
70
74
76
77
80
82
87
102
103
103
106
107
108
108
108
111
111
114
115
115
116
118
119
121
127
128
131
135
142
145
150
151
152
153
153
155

159
160
163

167
176

Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements

60

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Note 1 - Nature of operations
Popular, Inc. (the “Corporation or “Popular”) 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 has operations in
Puerto Rico, the mainland United States (“U.S.”) and the U.S.
and British Virgin Islands. In Puerto Rico, the Corporation
provides retail, mortgage and commercial banking services,
through its principal banking subsidiary, Banco Popular de
Puerto Rico (“BPPR”), as well as investment banking, broker-
leasing and financing, and
dealer, auto and equipment
insurance services through specialized subsidiaries.
In the
mainland U.S., the Corporation provides retail, mortgage and
commercial banking services through its New York-chartered
banking subsidiary, Popular Bank (“PB”), which has branches
located in New York, New Jersey and Florida.

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies
The accounting and financial reporting policies of Popular, Inc.
and its
conform with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America and with prevailing practices within the financial
services industry.

“Corporation”)

subsidiaries

(the

The following is a description of the most significant of

these policies:

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 with the consolidation guidance for variable interest
entities, the Corporation would also consolidate any variable
interest entities (“VIEs”) for which it has a controlling financial
interest; and therefore, it is the primary beneficiary. Assets held
in a fiduciary capacity are not assets of the Corporation and,
accordingly, are not included in the Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition.

Unconsolidated investments, in which there is at least 20%
ownership and the Corporation exercises significant influence,
are generally accounted for by the equity method with earnings
recorded in other operating income. These investments are
included in other assets and the Corporation’s proportionate
share of income or loss is included in other operating income.
Those investments in which there is less than 20% ownership,
are generally carried under the cost method of accounting,
unless
the cost
method, the Corporation recognizes income when dividends
are received. Limited partnerships are accounted for by 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.

influence is exercised. Under

significant

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.

liabilities

control. Also,

in the acquiree at

Business combinations
Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition
method. Under this method, assets acquired, liabilities assumed
and any noncontrolling interest
the
acquisition date are measured at their fair values as of the
acquisition date. The acquisition date is the date the acquirer
obtains
arising from
assets or
noncontractual contingencies are measured at their acquisition
date at fair value only if it is more likely than not that they meet
liability. Acquisition-related
the definition of an asset or
restructuring costs that do not meet certain criteria of exit or
disposal activities are expensed as incurred. Transaction costs
are expensed as incurred. Changes in income tax valuation
allowances for acquired deferred tax assets are recognized in
earnings
to the measurement period as an
adjustment to income tax expense. Contingent consideration
classified as an asset or a liability is remeasured to fair value at
each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. The
changes in fair value of
the contingent consideration are
recognized in earnings unless the arrangement is a hedging
instrument for which changes are initially recognized in other
comprehensive income.

subsequent

On August 1, 2018, Popular, Inc., through its subsidiary
Popular Auto, LLC, acquired and assumed from Reliable
Financial Services,
Inc. and Reliable Finance Holding Co.
(“Reliable”), subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company, certain
assets and liabilities related to their auto finance business in
Puerto Rico (the “Reliable Transaction” or “Transaction”). The
Corporation determined that
this acquisition constituted a
business combination as defined by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board (“FASB”) Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805
“Business Combinations”. Refer
Business
combination, for further details on the Reliable Transaction.

to Note

4,

There were no significant business combinations during

2019.

requires management

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
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.

to make

estimates

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

61

Fair value measurements
The Corporation determines the fair values of its financial
instruments based on the fair value framework established in
the guidance for Fair Value Measurements in ASC Subtopic
820-10, which requires an entity to maximize the use of
observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs
when measuring fair value. Fair value is defined as the
exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to
transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most
advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly
transaction between market participants on the measurement
date. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be
used to measure fair value which are (1) quoted market prices
for
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. The fair value
hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information
used to determine fair values.

liabilities

identical

assets

or

in

The guidance in ASC Subtopic 820-10 also addresses
measuring fair value in situations where markets are inactive
and transactions are not orderly. Transactions or quoted prices
for assets and liabilities may not be determinative of fair value
when transactions are not orderly, and thus, may require
adjustments to estimate fair value. Price quotes based on
transactions that are not orderly should be given little, if any,
in measuring fair value. Price quotes based on
weight
transactions that are orderly shall be considered in determining
fair value, and the weight given is based on facts and
circumstances. If sufficient
information is not available to
determine if price quotes are based on orderly transactions, less
weight should be given to the price quote relative to other
transactions that are known to be orderly.

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 debt 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
that could not have been reasonably
unusual event
anticipated has occurred. An investment in debt securities
is considered impaired if the fair value of the investment
is less than its amortized cost. For other-than-temporary
impairments, the Corporation assesses if it has both the
intent and the ability to hold the security for a period of
time sufficient to allow for an anticipated recovery in its
fair value to its amortized cost. An other-than-temporary
impairment not related to a credit loss (defined as the

62

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

difference between the present value of the cash flows
expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis) for
a held-to-maturity security is recognized in accumulated
other
the
remaining life of the debt security. The amortized cost
basis for a debt security is adjusted by the credit loss
amount of other-than-temporary impairments.

and amortized over

comprehensive

loss

• Debt securities classified as trading securities are reported
at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in
non-interest income.

is

loss. The

income or

comprehensive

recorded in non-interest

• Debt securities not classified as either held-to-maturity or
trading, and which have a readily available fair value, are
classified as debt 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
specific
identification method is used to determine realized gains
and losses on debt securities available-for-sale, which are
included in net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Declines in the
value of debt securities that are considered other-than-
temporary reduce the value of the asset, and the estimated
income. For debt
loss
securities, the Corporation assesses whether (a) it has the
intent to sell the debt security, or (b) it is more likely than
not that it will be required to sell the debt security before
its anticipated recovery. If either of these conditions is
met, an other-than-temporary impairment on the security
is recognized. In instances in which a determination is
made that a credit loss (defined as the difference between
the cash flows expected to be
the present value of
collected and the amortized cost basis) exists but the
entity does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not
more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell
the debt security before the anticipated recovery of its
remaining amortized cost basis (i.e., the amortized cost
basis less any current-period credit loss), the impairment
is separated into (a) the amount of the total impairment
related to the credit loss, and (b) the amount of the total
impairment related to all other factors. The amount of the
total impairment related to the credit loss is recognized in
the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The amount
impairment related to all other factors is
of the total
recognized in other comprehensive loss. The other-than-
temporary impairment analyses for debt securities are
performed on a quarterly basis.

• Equity securities that have readily available fair values are
reported at fair value. Equity securities that do not have
readily available fair values are measured at cost, less any
impairment, plus or minus changes
resulting from
observable price changes in orderly transactions for the
identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. 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, and their realizable value equals their
cost. Unrealized gains and losses of equity securities are
included in net gain (loss),
including impairment on
in the Consolidated Statements of
equity securities
Operations.

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. Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a
trade date basis.

Derivative financial instruments
All derivatives are recognized on the Statements of Financial
Condition at fair value. The Corporation’s policy is not to offset
the fair value amounts recognized for multiple derivative
instruments executed with the same counterparty under a
master netting arrangement nor to offset the 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.

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/(loss) and subsequently reclassified to net income (loss)
in the same period(s) that the hedged transaction impacts
earnings. The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges is
immediately recognized in current earnings. For free-standing
derivative instruments, changes in fair values are reported in
current period earnings.

the

includes

documents

relationship

and strategy

for undertaking

Prior to entering a hedge transaction,

the Corporation
formally
between hedging
instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk management
objective
various hedge
transactions. This process
linking all derivative
instruments to specific assets and liabilities on the Statements
of Financial 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
the hedged item. Hedge
in fair values or cash flows of
accounting is discontinued when the derivative instrument is
not highly effective as a hedge, a derivative expires, is sold,
terminated, when it is unlikely that a forecasted transaction will
occur or when it is determined that it is no longer appropriate.
When hedge
accounting is discontinued the derivative
continues to be carried at fair value with changes in fair value
included in earnings.

For non-exchange traded contracts, fair value is based on
flow

pricing models,

discounted

quotes,

cash

dealer

or

methodologies
the
determination of fair value may require significant management
judgment or estimation.

for which

techniques

similar

The fair value of derivative instruments considers the risk of
non-performance by the counterparty or the Corporation, as
applicable.

The Corporation obtains or pledges collateral in connection
with its derivative activities when applicable under the agreement.

as

are

loans

classified

Loans
held-in-portfolio when
Loans
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
loan, business strategies, current market
upon the type of
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 fair value at the date of transfer.
value upon
acquisition. Credit discounts are included in the determination
of fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not
recorded at the acquisition date.

Purchased loans

accounted at

fair

are

Loans held-for-sale are stated at the lower of cost or fair
value, 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, prices of recent sales or discounted cash flow
analyses which utilize 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. Upon reclassification to held-for-sale, credit related fair
value adjustments are recorded as a reduction in the allowance
for loan losses (“ALLL”). To the extent that the loan’s reduction
in value has not already been provided for in the allowance for
loan losses, an additional
loan loss provision is recorded.
Subsequent to reclassification to held-for-sale, the amount, by
which cost exceeds fair 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.

Loans held-in-portfolio are reported at their outstanding
principal balances net of any unearned income, charge-offs,

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

63

unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans, and
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.

The past due status of a loan is determined in accordance
with its contractual repayment terms. Furthermore, loans are
reported as past due when either interest or principal remains
unpaid for 30 days or more in accordance with its contractual
repayment terms.

interest

impairment,

income on commercial

Non-accrual loans are those loans on which the accrual of
interest is discontinued. When a loan is placed on non-accrual
status, all previously accrued and unpaid interest is charged
against income and the loan is accounted for either on a cash-
basis method or on the cost-recovery method. Loans designated
as non-accruing are returned to accrual status when the
Corporation expects repayment of the remaining contractual
principal and interest.
Recognition of

in the case of a collateral dependent
the excess of

and
construction 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. The impaired portion of secured loan past due as to
principal and interest is charged-off not later than 365 days past
loan
due. However,
the
individually evaluated for
recorded investment over the fair value of the collateral (portion
deemed uncollectible) is generally promptly charged-off, but in
any event, not later than the quarter following the quarter in
which such excess was first recognized. Commercial unsecured
than 180 days past due.
loans are charged-off no later
Recognition of interest income on mortgage loans is generally
discontinued when loans are 90 days or more in arrears on
payments of principal or interest. The impaired portion of a
mortgage loan is charged-off when the loan is 180 days past due.
The Corporation discontinues the recognition of interest on
residential mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing
Administration (“FHA”) or guaranteed by the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) when 15-months delinquent as to
principal or interest. The principal repayment on these loans is
insured. Recognition of interest income on closed-end consumer
loans and home equity lines of credit is discontinued when the
loans are 90 days or more in arrears on payments of principal or
interest. Income is generally recognized on open-end consumer
loans, except for home equity lines of credit, until the loans are
charged-off. Recognition of interest income for lease financing is
ceased when loans are 90 days or more in arrears. Closed-end
consumer loans and leases are charged-off when they are 120
days in arrears. Open-end (revolving credit) consumer loans are
charged-off when 180 days
in arrears. Commercial and
consumer overdrafts are generally charged-off no later than 60
days past their due date.

64

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

A loan classified as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) is
typically in non-accrual status at the time of the modification.
The TDR loan continues in non-accrual status until
the
borrower has demonstrated a willingness and ability to make
the restructured loan payments (at least six months of sustained
performance after the modification (or one year for loans
and
providing for quarterly or
management has concluded that
the
borrower would not be in payment default in the foreseeable
future.

semi-annual payments))
is probable that

it

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 the guidance for
leases in ASC Topic 842. 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 lease as an adjustment to the interest yield.

Revenue for other leases is recognized as it becomes due

under the terms of the agreement.

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality accounted for
under ASC 310-30
Loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 represent
loans showing evidence of credit deterioration and that it is
probable, at the date of acquisition, that the Corporation would
not collect all contractually required principal and interest
payments. Generally, acquired loans that meet the definition for
nonaccrual status fall within the Corporation’s definition of
impaired loans under ASC Subtopic 310-30. Also,
for
impaired
acquisitions that
loans, an election can be made for non-impaired loans included
in such transactions to apply the accretable yield method
(expected cash flow model of ASC Subtopic 310-30), by
analogy, to those loans. Those loans are disclosed as a loan that
was acquired with credit deterioration and impairment.

include a significant amount of

that have

based on loans

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, impaired loans are aggregated
into pools
common risk
characteristics. Each loan pool is accounted for as a single asset
with a single composite interest
rate and an aggregate
expectation of cash flows. Characteristics considered in pooling
loans include loan type,
interest rate type, accruing status,
amortization type, rate index and source type. Once the pools
are defined, the Corporation maintains the integrity of the pool
of multiple loans accounted for as a single asset.

Under ASC Subtopic 310-30, the difference between the
undiscounted cash flows expected at acquisition and the fair
value in the loans, or the “accretable yield,” is recognized as

interest
income using the effective yield method over the
estimated life of the loan if the timing and amount of the future
cash flows of the pool is reasonably estimable. Therefore, these
loans are not considered non-performing. The non-accretable
difference represents
the difference between contractually
required principal and interest and the cash flows expected to
be collected. Subsequent to the acquisition date, increases in
cash flows over those expected at the acquisition date are
recognized as a reduction of any allowance for loan losses
established after the acquisition and then as an increase in the
accretable yield for the loans prospectively. Decreases in
expected cash flows after the acquisition date are recognized by
recording an allowance for loan losses. Loans charged-off
against the non-accretable difference established in purchase
accounting are not reported as charge-offs. Charge-offs on loans
accounted under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are recorded only to the
extent
exceed the non-accretable difference
established with purchase accounting.

losses

that

Refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
information with respect to loans acquired with

additional
deteriorated credit quality under ASC 310-30.

losses

inherent

Allowance for loan losses
The Corporation follows a systematic methodology to establish
and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to
in the loan portfolio. This
provide for
factors such as
methodology includes the consideration of
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 this methodology. Loan losses
are charged and recoveries are credited to the allowance for
loan losses.

The Corporation’s assessment of the allowance for loan
losses is determined in accordance with the guidance of loss
contingencies in ASC Subtopic 450-20 and loan impairment
guidance in ASC Section 310-10-35. Also, the Corporation
determines the allowance for loan losses on purchased impaired
loans and purchased loans accounted for under ASC Subtopic
310-30, by evaluating decreases in expected cash flows after the
acquisition date.

For a detailed description of the principal factors used to
determine the general reserves of the allowance for loan losses
and for the principal enhancements Management made to its
methodology, refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements.

According to the loan impairment accounting guidance in
ASC Section 310-10-35, a loan is impaired when, based on
current information and events, it is probable that the principal
and/or interest are not going to be collected according to the
original contractual
the loan agreement. Current
information and events include “environmental” factors, e.g.
existing industry, geographical, economic and political factors.

terms of

Probable means the future event or events which will confirm
the loss or impairment of the loan is likely to occur.

for

thus

loans

evaluated

impairment

impairment. Commercial

smaller balance homogeneous

The Corporation defines commercial and construction
impaired loans as borrowers with total debt greater than or
equal to $1 million with 90 days or more past due, as well as all
loans whose terms have been modified in a troubled debt
larger commercial and
restructuring (“TDRs”). In addition,
construction loans ($1 million and over) that exhibit probable
or observed credit weaknesses are subject to individual review
and
and
the Corporation’s
that originally met
construction loans
threshold for impairment identification in a prior period, but
due to charge-offs or payments are currently below the
$1 million threshold and are still 90 days past due, except for
TDRs, are accounted for under the Corporation’s general
reserve methodology. Although the accounting codification
guidance for specific impairment of a loan excludes large
groups of
that are
(e.g. mortgage and
collectively evaluated for
consumer loans), it specifically requires that loan modifications
considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) be analyzed
under its provisions. An allowance for loan impairment is
recognized to the extent that the carrying value of an impaired
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 fair value of the collateral
is generally based on appraisals. Appraisals may be adjusted due
to their age, and the type,
location, and condition of the
property or area or general market conditions to reflect the
expected change in value between the effective date of the
impairment measurement date. The
appraisal
Corporation
from
pre-approved appraisers for loans that are considered impaired
following the Corporation’s reappraisals policy. This policy
requires updated appraisals for loans secured by real estate
(including construction loans) either annually or every two
years depending on the total exposure of the borrower. As a
general
reviews
the Corporation
appraisals as part of the underwriting and approval process and
also for credits considered impaired.

procedure,

internally

and the

appraisal

requests

updated

reports

Troubled debt restructurings
A restructuring constitutes a TDR when the Corporation
separately concludes that both of the following conditions exist:
1) the restructuring constitute a concession and 2) the debtor is
experiencing financial difficulties. The concessions stem from
an agreement between the Corporation and the debtor or are
imposed by law or a court. These concessions could include a
reduction in the interest rate on the loan, payment extensions,
forgiveness of principal, forbearance or other actions intended
to maximize collection. A concession has been granted when, as
a result of the restructuring, the Corporation does not expect to

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

65

including interest accrued at

collect all amounts due,
the
original contract rate. If the payment of principal is dependent
on the value of collateral, the current value of the collateral is
taken into consideration in determining the amount of principal
to be collected; therefore, all factors that changed are considered
to determine if a concession was granted, including the change
in the fair value of the underlying collateral that may be used to
repay the loan. Classification of loan modifications as TDRs
involves a degree of judgment. Indicators that the debtor is
experiencing financial difficulties which are considered include:
(i) the borrower is currently in default on any of its debt or it is
probable that the borrower would be in payment default on any
of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification;
(ii) the borrower has declared or is in the process of declaring
bankruptcy; (iii) there is significant doubt as to whether the
borrower will continue to be a going concern; (iv) the borrower
has securities that have been delisted, are in the process of being
delisted, or are under threat of being delisted from an exchange;
(v) based on estimates and projections that only encompass the
borrower’s current business capabilities, it is forecasted that the
entity-specific cash flows will be insufficient to service the debt
(both interest and principal) in accordance with the contractual
through maturity; and
terms of
(vi) absent the current modification, the borrower cannot obtain
funds from sources other than the existing creditors at an
effective interest rate equal to the current market interest rate for
similar debt for a non-troubled debtor. The identification of
TDRs is critical in the determination of the adequacy of the
allowance for loan losses. Loans classified as TDRs may be
excluded from TDR status if performance under the restructured
terms exists for a reasonable period (at least twelve months of
sustained performance) and the loan yields a market rate.

the existing agreement

A loan may be restructured in a troubled debt restructuring
into two (or more) loan agreements, for example, Note A and
Note B. Note A represents the portion of the original loan
principal amount that is expected to be fully collected along
with contractual interest. Note B represents the portion of the
original
loan that may be considered uncollectible and
charged-off, but the obligation is not forgiven to the borrower.
Note A may be returned to accrual status provided all of the
conditions for a TDR to be returned to accrual status are met.
The modified loans are considered TDRs and thus, are
evaluated under the framework of ASC Section 310-10-35 as
long as the loans are not part of a pool of loans accounted for
under ASC Subtopic 310-30.

Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for
the

additional
Corporation’s determination of the allowance for loan losses.

information

on TDRs

qualitative

and

Reserve for unfunded commitments
The reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained at a level
believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated
probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities and is

66

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition. The determination of the adequacy of the
reserve is based upon an evaluation of the unfunded credit
facilities. Net adjustments
to the reserve for unfunded
commitments are included in other operating expenses in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Transfers and servicing of financial assets
The transfer of an entire financial asset, a group of entire
financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial
asset in which the Corporation surrenders control over the
assets is accounted for as a sale if all of the following conditions
set forth in ASC Topic 860 are met: (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 these 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 tax
purposes, the Corporation treats the transfers of loans which do
not qualify as “true sales” under the applicable accounting
guidance, as sales, recognizing a deferred tax asset or liability
on the transaction.

sold;

For transfers of financial assets that satisfy the conditions to
be accounted for as sales, the Corporation derecognizes all
assets
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.

The guidance on transfer of financial assets 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,
other
the
factors concerning the nature and extent of
transferor’s control over the transferred assets are taken into
account in order to determine whether derecognition of assets
is warranted.

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

the

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
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.

the Corporation has

loan. Once

the

servicer

loans originated by others. Whenever

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
the
to service
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 servicing is expected to more than
adequately compensate
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.
Mortgage servicing assets recorded at fair value are separately
presented on the Consolidated Statements of Financial
Condition.
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 loans servicing rights (“MSRs”). Under
the fair value measurement method, MSRs are recorded at fair
value each reporting period, and changes in fair value are
reported in mortgage banking activities in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations. Contractual servicing fees including
ancillary income and late fees, as well as fair value adjustments,
and impairment losses, if any, are reported in mortgage banking
activities 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
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.

servicing cash flows,

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.

incurred during

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
the period required to
interest
cost
substantially complete
for
interest
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, 2019, 2018
and 2017 was not significant.

asset. The

rate

the

The Corporation has operating lease arrangements primarily
associated with the rental of premises to support its branch
these
network or
rent
arrangements
on
escalations
non-cancellable operating leases with scheduled rent increases
are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

space. Certain of
for
and provide
expense
Rent

for general office
are non-cancellable

options.

renewal

and

Impairment of 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.

Other real estate
Other real estate, received in satisfaction of a loan, is recorded
at fair value less estimated costs of disposal. The difference
between the carrying amount of the loan and the fair value less
cost to sell is recorded as an adjustment to the allowance for
to foreclosure, any losses in the
loan losses. Subsequent
the
carrying value arising from periodic re-evaluations of
these
properties, and any gains or losses on the sale of
properties are credited or charged to expense in the period
incurred and are included as OREO expenses. The cost of
maintaining and operating such properties is expensed as
incurred.

Updated appraisals are obtained to adjust the value of the
other real estate assets. The frequency depends on the loan type
and total credit exposure. The appraisal for a commercial or
construction other real estate property with a book value equal
to or greater than $1 million is updated annually and if lower
than $1 million it is updated every two years. For residential
mortgage properties,
the Corporation requests appraisals
annually.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

67

to age,

adjusted due

Appraisals may be

collateral
inspections, property profiles, or general market conditions.
The adjustments applied are based upon internal information
such as other appraisals for the type of properties and/or loss
severity information that can provide historical trends in the
real estate market, and may change from time to time based on
market conditions.

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. Refer to Note 3, New
Accounting Pronouncements,
for changes on the annual
goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASU 2017-04.

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
competitive,
inflows
economic and other factors, which could limit the intangible
asset’s useful life.

contractual,

and legal,

regulatory,

Other identifiable intangible assets with a finite useful life,
mainly core deposits, are amortized using various methods over
the periods benefited, which range from 5 to 10 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 under the guidance
for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.

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.

68

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

to

agreements

resell. However,

It is the Corporation’s policy to take possession of securities
the
purchased under
counterparties to such agreements maintain effective control
over such securities, and accordingly those securities are not
reflected in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition. The Corporation monitors the fair value of
the underlying securities as compared to the related receivable,
including accrued interest.

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 Financial Condition.

The Corporation may require counterparties to deposit
return collateral pledged, when

collateral or

additional
appropriate.

stated at cost,

Software
Capitalized software is
less accumulated
amortization. Capitalized software includes purchased software
and capitalizable application development costs associated with
internally-developed software. Amortization, computed on a
straight-line method,
the
estimated useful life of the software. Capitalized software is
included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Statement of
Financial Condition.

is charged to operations over

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 25 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for further disclosures on
guarantees.

Treasury stock
Treasury stock is recorded at cost and is carried as a reduction
of stockholders’ equity in the Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition. At the date of retirement or subsequent
reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of
such stock. At retirement, the excess of the cost of the treasury
stock over its par value is recorded entirely to surplus. At
reissuance, the difference between the consideration received
upon issuance and the specific cost is charged or credited to
surplus.

Revenues from contract with customers
Refer to Note 34 for a detailed description of the Corporation’s
policies on the recognition and presentation of revenues from
contract with customers.

Foreign exchange
Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are
translated to U.S. dollars using prevailing rates of exchange at

foreign currency

the end of the period. Revenues, expenses, gains and losses are
translated using weighted average rates for the period. The
resulting
from
operations for which the functional currency is other than the
U.S. dollar is reported in accumulated other comprehensive
loss, except for highly inflationary environments in which the
effects are included in other operating expenses.

translation adjustment

The Corporation holds interests in Centro Financiero BHD
León, S.A. (“BHD León”) in the Dominican Republic. The
business of BHD León is mainly conducted in their country’s
foreign currency. The resulting foreign currency translation
adjustment from these operations is reported in accumulated
other comprehensive loss.

Refer to the disclosure of accumulated other comprehensive

loss included in Note 24.

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
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.

and liabilities

tax assets

The guidance for income taxes requires a reduction of the
carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation
allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely
than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that
such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to
establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed
periodically by the Corporation based on the more likely than
not realization threshold criterion. In the assessment for a
valuation allowance, appropriate consideration is given to all
positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the
deferred tax assets. This assessment considers, among other
matters, all sources of taxable income available to realize the
deferred tax asset,
including the future reversal of existing
temporary differences, the future taxable income exclusive of
taxable
reversing temporary differences and carryforwards,
income in carryback years and tax-planning strategies.
In
making such assessments,
is given to
evidence that can be objectively verified.

significant weight

The valuation of deferred tax assets requires judgment in
assessing the likely future tax consequences of events that have
been recognized in the Corporation’s financial statements or tax
returns and future profitability. The Corporation’s accounting
for deferred tax consequences represents management’s best
estimate of those future events.

Positions taken in the Corporation’s tax returns may be
authorities upon
the
subject
examination. Uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in

challenge

taxing

by

to

are both initially

Such tax positions

the financial statements when it is more likely than not the
position will be sustained upon examination by the tax
authorities.
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).

Income tax expense or benefit for the year is allocated
among continuing operations, discontinued operations, and
other comprehensive income, as applicable. The amount
allocated to continuing operations is the tax effect of the pre-tax
income or loss from continuing operations that occurred during
the year, plus or minus income tax effects of (a) changes in
circumstances that cause a change in judgment about the
realization of deferred tax assets in future years, (b) changes in
tax
and
(d) tax-deductible dividends paid to shareholders, subject to
certain exceptions.

changes

in tax

status,

rates,

laws

(c)

or

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.

The guidance for compensation retirement benefits of ASC
Topic 715 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 Financial
Condition.

Stock-based compensation
The Corporation opted to use the fair value method of
recording stock-based compensation as described in the
guidance for employee share plans in ASC Subtopic 718-50.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

69

Comprehensive income
Comprehensive income (loss) 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 (loss) is included in
separate Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

credits related to the extinguishment of preferred stock or
induced conversions of preferred stock, by the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted income per common share takes into consideration the
weighted average common shares adjusted for the effect of
stock options,
shares and
restricted stock, performance
warrants, if any, using the treasury stock method.

Net income per common share
Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net
including
income adjusted for preferred stock dividends,
undeclared or unpaid dividends if cumulative, and charges or

Statement of cash flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash includes cash on
hand and amounts due from banks, including restricted cash.

Note 3 - New accounting pronouncements
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Updates

Standard

FASB Accounting
Standards Update
(“ASU”) 2018-14,
Compensation –
Retirement Benefits –
Defined Benefit Plans
– General (Subtopic
715-20): Disclosure
Framework – Changes
to the Disclosure
Requirements for
Defined Benefit Plans

FASB ASU 2019-01,
Leases (Topic 842):
Codification
Improvements

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

December 31, 2019 The Corporation early

fiscal

adopted ASU
ended
2018-14 during the
December
31, 2019 and was mainly
impacted by the simplified disclosures of
this ASU. Refer to amended disclosures on
Note 32, Employee benefits.

year

the

The FASB issued ASU 2018-14 in August
disclosure
2018, which modifies
requirements for employers that sponsor
defined benefit pension or postretirement
plans. The most significant changes include
the removal of the amounts in accumulated
other comprehensive income expected to be
recognized as components of net periodic
benefit cost over the next fiscal year and the
effects of a one-percentage point change in
assumed health care cost trend rates on the
aggregate of the service and interest cost
components of net periodic benefit costs
and benefit obligation for postretirement
health care benefits. In addition, certain
disclosure requirements were added which
include, but
an
explanation of the reasons for significant
gains and losses related to changes in the
benefit obligation for the period.

limited to,

are not

January 1, 2019

The Corporation early
adopted ASU
2019-01 during the first quarter of 2019, but
was not impacted by the adoption of this
ASU.

for

840

that

The FASB issued ASU 2019-01 in March
2019 which, among other things, reinstates
the specific fair value guidance in ASC
are not
lessors
Topic
manufacturers or dealers to continue to
measure the fair value of an underlying asset
at its cost and clarifies that lessors that are
depository or lending institutions in the
scope of ASC Topic 942 are required to
present
lessee
the principal portion of
payments received from sales-type or direct
financing leases as cash flows from investing
activities.

70

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Standard

FASB ASUs, Leases
(Topic 842)

FASB ASU 2018-16,
Derivatives and
Hedging (Topic 815):
Inclusion of the Secured
Overnight Financing
Rate (SOFR) Overnight
Index Swap (OIS) Rate
as a Benchmark
Interest Rate for Hedge
Accounting Purposes

FASB ASU 2018-02,
Income Statement –
Reporting
Comprehensive Income
(Topic 220):
Reclassification of
Certain Tax Effects
from Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

either

leases

The FASB has issued a series of ASUs which
supersede ASC Topic 840 and set out the
principles for the recognition, measurement,
presentation and disclosure of leases for both
lessors
and lessees. The new guidance
requires lessees to apply a dual approach,
classifying
finance or
as
operating leases. A lessee is also required to
record a right-of-use asset (“ROU asset”) and
a lease liability for all
leases with a term
greater than 12 months regardless of their
classification. The new standard requires
lessors
leases using an
approach that is substantially equivalent to
previous guidance for sales-type leases, direct
financing leases and operating leases. In
addition, the new leases standard requires
lessors, among other things, to present lessor
costs paid by the lessee to the lessor on a
gross basis.

to account

for

January 1, 2019

the

to not reassess at

The Corporation adopted the new leases
standard during the first quarter of 2019
using the modified retrospective approach.
The Corporation made
following
elections:
the date of
adoption whether any existing contracts were
or contained leases, their lease classification,
and initial direct costs; applied the transition
provisions of the new leases standard at the
adoption date; used hindsight in evaluating
lessee options to extend or terminate a lease;
and to not apply ASC Topic 842 to short-
term leases.

January 1, 2019,

the Corporation
As of
recognized ROU assets of $139 million, net
of deferred rent liability of $15 million, and
lease
liabilities of $154 million on its
operating leases. In addition, the Corporation
effect
recorded
adjustment of $4.8 million to retained
earnings as a result of the reclassification of
previously deferred gains on sale
and
operating lease back transactions.

cumulative

positive

a

The FASB issued ASU 2018-16 in October
2018 which permits use of the OIS rate based
on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate
for hedge accounting purposes under Topic
815 in addition to other permissible U.S.
benchmark rates.

January 1, 2019

The Corporation adopted ASU 2018-16
during the first quarter of 2019. As such, the
Corporation will consider this guidance for
qualifying new hedging relationships entered
into on or after the effective date.

stranded tax effects

The FASB issued ASU 2018-02 in February
2018, which allows a reclassification from
accumulated other comprehensive income to
retained earnings for stranded tax effects
resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
These
from
recognizing in income the impact of changes
in tax rates even when the related tax effects
were
recognized in accumulated other
comprehensive income. The amendments
also
about
require
stranded tax effects.

disclosures

certain

result

January 1, 2019

31,

The Corporation adopted ASU 2018-02
during the first quarter of 2019. As of
December
the Corporation
2018,
maintained a full valuation allowance on the
deferred tax assets that were recognized in
accumulated other comprehensive income
related to its U.S. operations. As such, the
Corporation was not
the
adoption of this accounting pronouncement.

impacted by

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

71

Standard

FASB ASU 2017-12,
Derivatives and
Hedging (Topic 815):
Targeted Improvements
to Accounting for
Hedging Activities

and

changes

financial

accounting

Description
The FASB issued ASU 2017-12 in August
and
2017, which makes more
nonfinancial hedging strategies eligible for
hedge
how
companies assess effectiveness by, among
other things, eliminating the requirement for
entities to recognize hedge ineffectiveness
each reporting period for cash flow hedges
and requiring presentation of the changes in
fair value of cash flow hedges in the same
income statement line item(s) as the earnings
effect of the hedged items when the hedged
item affects earnings.

Date of adoption
January 1, 2019

Effect on the financial statements
The Corporation adopted ASU 2017-12
first quarter of 2019. The
during the
recorded to
cumulative effect adjustment
retained earnings
the hedge
to reverse
ineffectiveness as of December 31, 2018 was
not significant. There were no changes in
presentation since the earnings effect of the
hedges and the hedged items are already
presented in the same income statement line
item. In addition, the Corporation elected to
continue to perform subsequent assessments
of hedge effectiveness quantitatively.

Additionally, adoption of the following standards during 2019 did not have a significant impact on the Corporation’s

Consolidated Financial Statements:

• FASB ASUs 2019-07, Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and

Simplification and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization, and Miscellaneous Updates

• FASB ASU 2018-09, Codification Improvements

• FASB ASU 2018-07, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting

• FASB ASU 2017-11, Earnings per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging
(Topic 815): Part I: Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Down Round Features; Part II: Replacement of the Indefinite
Deferral for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable
Noncontrolling Interests with a Scope Exception

• FASB ASU 2017-08, Receivables– Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased

Callable Debt Securities

Accounting Standards Updates Not Yet Adopted

Standard

FASB ASU 2020-01,
Investments – Equity
Securities (Topic 321),
Investments – Equity
Method and Joint
Ventures (Topic 323),
and Derivatives and
Hedging (Topic 815):
Clarifying the
Interactions between
Topic 321, Topic 323
and Topic 815

FASB ASU 2019-12,
Income Taxes (Topic
740): Simplifying the
Accounting for Income
Taxes

Description
The FASB issued ASU 2020-01 in January
2020, which clarifies that an entity should
consider observable transactions that require it
to either apply or discontinue the equity method
of accounting for the purposes of applying the
measurement alternative in accordance with
Topic 321 and includes scope considerations
for entities that hold certain non-derivative
forward contracts and purchased options to
acquire equity securities that, upon settlement of
the forward contract or exercise of the purchase
option, would be accounted for under the
equity method of accounting.

The FASB issued ASU 2019-12 in December
2019, which simplifies the accounting for
income taxes by removing certain exceptions
such as the incremental approach for intra-
period tax allocation and interim period
income tax accounting for year-to-date losses
that exceed anticipated losses. In addition, the
ASU simplifies GAAP in a number of areas
such as when separate financial statements of
legal entities are not subject to tax and enacted
changes in tax laws in interim periods.

72

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Date of adoption
January 1, 2021

Effect on the financial statements

The Corporation does not expect
materially impacted by these amendments.

to be

January 1, 2021

The Corporation does not anticipate that the
adoption of this accounting pronouncement
will have a material effect on its Consolidated
Statements of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.

Standard

FASB ASU 2019-08,
Compensation – Stock
Compensation (Topic
718) and Revenue from
Contracts with
Customers (Topic 606):
Codification
Improvements –
Share-Based
Consideration Payable
to a Customer

FASB ASU 2018-18,
Collaborative
Arrangements (Topic
808): Clarifying the
Interaction between
Topic 808 and Topic
606

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

The FASB issued ASU 2019-08 in November
2019, which requires that an entity measure
and classify share-based payment awards
granted to a customer in accordance with
Topic 718. Therefore,
the grant-date fair
value of the share-based payment awards will
be the basis
the
transaction price.

the reduction of

for

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect
to be
impacted by these amendments since it does
not grant share-based payment awards to its
customers.

The FASB issued ASU 2018-18 in November
2018 which, among other things, provides
guidance on how to assess whether certain
collaborative
transactions
arrangement
should be accounted for under Topic 606.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect
to be
impacted by these amendments since it does
not have collaborative arrangements.

FASB ASU 2018-17,
Consolidation
(Topic 810): Targeted
Improvements to
Related Party Guidance
for Variable Interest
Entities

The FASB issued ASU 2018-17 in October
2018, which requires entities to consider
indirect interests held through related parties
under common control on a proportional
basis rather than as the equivalent of a direct
interest
in its entirety when determining
whether a decision-making fee is a variable
interest.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect
materially impacted by these amendments.

to be

FASB ASU 2018-15,
Intangibles – Goodwill
and Other –
Internal-Use Software
(Subtopic 350-40):
Customer’s Accounting
for Implementation
Costs Incurred in a
Cloud Computing
Arrangement That Is a
Service Contract

FASB ASU 2017-04,
Intangibles – Goodwill
and Other (Topic 350):
Simplifying the
Accounting for
Goodwill Impairment

January 1, 2020

The Corporation does not expect
to be
significantly impacted by these amendments.

The FASB issued ASU 2018-15 in August
2018 which, among other things, aligns the
requirements for capitalizing implementation
costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that
is a service contract with the requirements for
capitalizing implementation costs incurred to
develop or obtain internal-use software, and
clarifies the term over which such capitalized
implementation costs should be amortized.

January 1, 2020

The FASB issued ASU 2017-04 in January
2017, which simplifies the accounting for
goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of
the two-step goodwill impairment test under
the current guidance. Goodwill
impairment
will now be the amount by which a reporting
unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not
to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.
Entities will be required to disclose the
amount of goodwill at reporting units with
zero or negative carrying amounts.

if

this

standard,

Upon adoption of
the
carrying amount of any of the reporting units
exceeds its fair value, the Corporation would
be required to record an impairment charge
for the difference up to the amount of the
goodwill.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

73

Description

Date of adoption

Effect on the financial statements

into

which

incorporates

The FASB issued ASU 2017-03 in January
the
2017,
Accounting Standards Codification recent
SEC guidance about certain investments in
qualified affordable housing and disclosing
under SEC SAB Topic 11.M the effect on
financial statements of adopting the revenue,
leases and credit losses standards.

January 1, 2020

The Corporation has considered the guidance
in this Update in its disclosures on the effect
in its consolidated financial statements of
adoption on the new Credit Loss Standard,
discussed below.

Standard

FASB ASU 2017-03,
Accounting Changes
and Error Corrections
(Topic 250) and
Investments-Equity
Method and Joint
Ventures (Topic 323):
Amendments to SEC
Paragraphs Pursuant to
Staff Announcements at
the September 22, 2016
and November 17,
2016 EITF Meetings
(SEC Update)

sheet

CECL

exposures.

establishes

FASB ASUs Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)
Since June 2016, the FASB has issued a series of ASUs mainly
related to credit losses (Topic 326), which replace the incurred
loss model with a current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model.
The CECL model applies to financial assets measured at
amortized cost that are subject to credit losses and certain
a
off-balance
forward-looking methodology that reflects the expected credit
losses over the lives of financial assets, starting when such
assets are first acquired. Under the revised methodology, credit
losses will be measured based on past events, current
conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect
the collectability of financial assets. CECL also revises the
approach to recognizing credit
losses for available-for-sale
securities by replacing the direct write-down approach with the
allowance approach and limiting the allowance to the amount
at which the security’s fair value is less than the amortized cost.
In addition, CECL provides that the initial allowance for credit
losses on purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) financial assets
will be recorded as an increase to the purchase price, with
subsequent changes to the allowance recorded as a credit loss
expense. The amendments to Topic 326 include the areas of
accrued interest
loans and debt
securities between classifications and the inclusion of expected
recoveries in the allowance for credit losses including PCD
assets. The standards also expand credit quality disclosures.
These
effective on
January 1, 2020.

standards updates were

transfers of

accounting

receivable,

The Corporation expects that its allowance for loan and
lease losses would increase by a range from $298 million to
$326 million, or 62% to 68%. This increase is driven mainly by
the Puerto Rico retail loan portfolios, including mortgage, auto
and credit cards loans. In addition, the Corporation expects to
recognize an allowance for credit
losses of approximately
$12 million related to its held-to-maturity debt securities
portfolio. The increase in the allowance for the loans and

74

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

securities portfolios will be reflected as a decrease to the
opening balance of retained earnings, net of income taxes,
except for approximately $10 million related to loans currently
accounted under ASC Subtopic 310-30, which would result in a
reclassification between certain contra loan balance accounts to
the allowance for credit losses.

loan basis under

As part of the adoption of CECL, the Corporation has made
the election to break the existing pools of purchased credit
impaired (“PCI”) loans previously accounted for under the ASC
Subtopic 310-30 guidance. These loans will be accounted for on
the PCD accounting
an individual
methodology under CECL. Following existing accounting
guidance, PCI loans have been excluded from non-performing
status. Upon transition to the individual loan measurement,
these loans will no longer be excluded from non-performing
status, resulting in an increase of $283 million in reported NPLs
during the first quarter of 2020. This increase includes
$156 million in loans currently over 90 days past due and
$127 million in loans that are not delinquent in their payment
terms but would be reported as non-performing due to other
credit quality considerations.

The Corporation expects to continue to be well capitalized
under the Basel III regulatory framework after the adoption of
this standard. The Corporation will avail itself of the option to
phase in over a period of three years the day-one effects on
regulatory capital
adoption of CECL.
Considering the phase-in period provided by the regulatory
framework, the estimated decrease of the Common Equity Tier
One and Total Capital ratios would be of approximately 23 bps.

arising from the

Note 4 - Business combination
through its subsidiary
On August 1, 2018, Popular,
Popular Auto, LLC (“Popular Auto”), acquired and assumed
from Reliable Financial Services, Inc. and Reliable Finance
Holding Co. (“Reliable”), subsidiaries of Wells Fargo &
Company, certain assets and liabilities related to their auto

Inc.,

Popular

acquired

finance business in Puerto Rico (the “Reliable Transaction” or
approximately
Auto
“Transaction”).
$1.6 billion in retail auto loans and $341 million in primarily
auto-related commercial loans. The Corporation completed the
integration of these operations during the third quarter of 2019
and continues to operate this business under the name of
Popular Auto.

Wells Fargo retained approximately $398 million in retail
auto loans as part of the Transaction and subsequently sold the
same to a third party. Popular Auto has entered into a separate
servicing agreement with respect to such loans.

Popular entered into the Transaction as part of its growth
strategy to increase its market share in the auto finance
business in Puerto Rico.

the fair values of

The following table presents

the
consideration and major classes of identifiable assets acquired
and liabilities assumed by the Corporation as of August 1, 2018,
net of cumulative measurement period adjustments as of period
end.

(In thousands)

Cash consideration

Assets:
Loans
Premises and equipment
Accrued income receivable
Other assets
Trademark

Total assets

Liabilities:
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets acquired

Goodwill on acquisition

Book value prior to
purchase accounting
adjustments

Fair value
adjustments

Measurement
period adjustments

As recorded by
Popular, Inc.

$1,843,256

$

–

$

–

$1,843,256

$1,912,866
1,246
1,466
5,020
–

$1,920,598

$

$

11,164

11,164

$1,909,434

$(126,908)[1]

$16,505 [1]

–
–
–
488

–
–
(91)
–

$(126,420)

$16,414

$

$

–

–

$

$

–

–

$(126,420)

$16,414

$1,802,463
1,246
1,466
4,929
488

$1,810,592

$

$

11,164

11,164

$1,799,428

$

43,828

[1] The fair value discount is comprised of $106 million related to the retail auto loans portfolio and $4 million related to the commercial loans portfolio.

During the fourth quarter of 2018, measurement period
adjustments amounting to $16.5 million, were made to the
estimated fair values of the loans acquired as part of the
Transaction to reflect new information obtained about facts and
circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. The
increase in the fair value of retail auto loans and commercial
loans by $12.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively, was
mainly attributed to decreases in credit loss expectations. The
related cumulative adjustment to the amortization of the fair
value discounts for the retail and commercial portfolios offset
each other,
to the
Corporation’s results.

resulting in an immaterial

impact

Following is a description of the methods used to determine
the fair values of significant assets acquired on the Reliable
Transaction:

Loans

prepayment rates and credit loss expectations. The discount
rates were developed based on the relative risk of the cash flows
as of the valuation date, taking into account the expected life of
the loans. Retail auto loans were accounted for under ASC
Subtopic 310-20. As of August 1, 2018, contractual cash flows
amounted to $1.8 billion, from which $105 million are not
expected to be collected.

Commercial Loans
Fair values for commercial loans were based on a probability of
default/loss given default (“PD/LGD”) methodology. The PD
was determined based on characteristics such as payment
terms, remaining terms, and credit quality. Commercial loans
were accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-20. As of
August 1, 2018,
amounted to
$348 million, from which $3 million are not expected to be
collected.

cash flows

contractual

Retail Auto Loans
Fair values for retail auto loans were based on a discounted
cash flow methodology. Aggregation into pools considered
characteristics such as payment terms, remaining terms, and
credit quality. Principal and interest projections considered

Goodwill
The amount of goodwill is the residual difference between the
consideration transferred to Wells Fargo and the fair value of
the assets acquired, net of the liabilities assumed. The goodwill
is deductible for income tax purposes.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

75

Trademark
The fair value of the Reliable trademark was calculated using
the relief-from-royalty method. The Reliable trademark is
subject
to amortization, since Popular intends to use the
trademark for a limited period of time.

The operating results of the Corporation for the year ended
December 31, 2018 include the operating results produced by
the acquired assets and liabilities assumed for the period of
includes
August 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. This
approximately $84.5 million in gross revenues,
including
$28.1 million in accretion of the fair value discount, and
approximately $20.3 million in operating expenses, including
$3.8 million of transaction-related expenses. The Corporation
believes that given the amount of assets and liabilities assumed
and the size of the operations acquired in relation to Popular’s
operations, the historical results of Reliable are not significant
to Popular’s results, and thus no pro forma information is
presented.

Note 5 - Restrictions on cash and due from banks and
certain securities
The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries, BPPR and PB, are
required by federal and state regulatory agencies to maintain
average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York (the “Fed”) or other banks. Those required average
reserve balances amounted to $ 1.6 billion at December 31,
2019 (December 31, 2018 - $ 1.6 billion). Cash and due from
banks, as well as other highly liquid securities, are used to
cover the required average reserve balances.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation held $52 million in
restricted assets in the form of
funds deposited in money
market accounts, debt securities available for sale and equity
securities (December 31, 2018 - $ 62 million). The restricted
assets held in debt securities available for sale and equity
securities consist primarily of assets held for the Corporation’s
non-qualified retirement plans and fund deposits guaranteeing
possible liens or encumbrances over the title of
insured
properties.

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POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Note 6 - Debt securities available-for-sale
The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, approximate fair value, weighted average yield
and contractual maturities of debt securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years

Total U.S. Treasury securities

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years

Total obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Within 1 year

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

Mortgage-backed securities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total mortgage-backed securities

Other

After 1 to 5 years

Total other

At December 31, 2019
Gross
unrealized
losses

Gross
unrealized
gains

Fair
value

Weighted
average
yield

Amortized
cost

$ 5,071,201
5,137,804
1,778,568

$ 3,262
75,597
429

$

567
3,435
6,604

$ 5,073,896
5,209,966
1,772,393

1.58%
2.19
1.70

11,987,573

79,288

10,606

12,056,255

1.86

62,492
60,021

122,513

6,975

6,975

236
350
85,079
504,391

590,056

16
36,717
350,373
4,447,561

4,834,667

341

341

2
–

2

–

–

–
1
31
3,640

3,672

–
852
1,958
60,384

63,194

9

9

21
90

111

–

–

–
–
1,180
6,373

7,553

–
1
1,303
20,243

21,547

–

–

62,473
59,931

122,404

6,975

6,975

236
351
83,930
501,658

586,175

16
37,568
351,028
4,487,702

4,876,314

350

350

1.45
1.48

1.47

–

–

1.83
2.16
1.63
2.08

2.02

2.13
3.38
2.02
2.60

2.57

3.62

3.62

Total debt securities available-for-sale [1]

$17,542,125

$146,165

$39,817

$17,648,473

2.05%

[1]

Includes $12.2 billion pledged to secure public and trust deposits, assets sold under agreements to repurchase, credit facilities and loan servicing agreements that
the secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which $10.9 billion serve as collateral for public funds.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

77

(In thousands)

U.S. Treasury securities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years

Total U.S. Treasury securities

Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years

Total obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

After 1 to 5 years

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

Mortgage-backed securities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total mortgage-backed securities

Other

After 5 to 10 years

Total other

At December 31, 2018
Gross
unrealized
losses

Gross
unrealized
gains

Fair
value

Weighted
average
yield

Amortized
cost

$ 3,565,571
4,483,741
245,891

$

108
13,647
3,770

$ 5,319
35,213
–

$ 3,560,360
4,462,175
249,661

2.10%
2.25
2.84

8,295,203

17,525

40,532

8,272,196

2.21

212,951
123,857

336,808

6,926

6,926

749
115,744
638,995

755,488

431
6,762
365,727
3,710,731

4,083,651

486

486

–
1

1

–

–

–
1
1,584

1,585

4
43
1,090
10,679

11,816

2

2

1,406
2,094

3,500

184

184

7
4,715
23,680

28,402

–
1
8,499
128,189

136,689

211,545
121,764

333,309

6,742

6,742

742
111,030
616,899

728,671

435
6,804
358,318
3,593,221

3,958,778

–

–

488

488

1.44
1.51

1.47

0.70

0.70

1.92
1.71
2.10

2.04

4.30
2.74
2.19
2.45

2.43

3.62

3.62

Total debt securities available-for-sale [1]

$13,478,562

$30,929

$209,307

$13,300,184

2.25%

[1]

Includes $8.9 billion pledged to secure public and trust deposits, assets sold under agreements to repurchase, credit facilities and loan servicing agreements that the
secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which $7.9 billion serve as collateral for public funds.

The weighted

securities
available-for-sale is based on amortized cost; therefore, it does
not give effect to changes in fair value.

average

yield

debt

on

The following table presents the aggregate amortized cost
at

available-for-sale

value of debt

and fair
December 31, 2019 by contractual maturity.

securities

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.

(In thousands)

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total debt securities
available-for-sale

Amortized cost

Fair value

$ 5,140,920
5,235,233
2,214,020
4,951,952

$ 5,143,596
5,308,166
2,207,351
4,989,360

$17,542,125

$17,648,473

78

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
sold U.S. Treasury Bills. The proceeds from these sales were
$99 million. There were no debt securities available-for-sale sold
during year ended December 31, 2018. Gross realized gains and
losses on the sale of debt securities available-for-sale for the
years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

(In thousands)

Gross realized gains
Gross realized losses

Net realized gains (losses) on sale of
debt securities available-for-sale

2019

$ –
(20)

$(20)

2018

$–
–

$–

2017

$ 95
(12)

$ 83

The following tables present the Corporation’s fair value and gross unrealized losses of debt 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, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Less than 12 months
Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair
value

At December 31, 2019
12 months or more
Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair
value

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities
Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies
Mortgage-backed securities

$2,439,114
9,973
114,603
179,312

$ 9,798
4
537
693

$ 452,784
99,846
310,315
1,784,414

$

808
107
7,016
20,854

Total

Fair
value

$2,891,898
109,819
424,918
1,963,726

Gross
unrealized
losses

$10,606
111
7,553
21,547

Total debt securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss

position

$2,743,002

$11,032

$2,647,359

$28,785

$5,390,361

$39,817

(In thousands)

Less than 12 months
Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair
value

At December 31, 2018
12 months or more
Gross
unrealized
losses

Fair
value

Fair
value

Total

U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies
Mortgage-backed securities

$3,189,007
14,847
–
66,652
125,872

$4,188
46
–
489
2,280

$2,607,276
318,271
6,742
587,869
3,478,635

$ 36,343
3,454
184
27,913
134,410

$ 5,796,283
333,118
6,742
654,521
3,604,507

Gross
unrealized
losses

$ 40,531
3,500
184
28,402
136,690

Total debt securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss

position

$3,396,378

$7,003

$6,998,793

$202,304

$10,395,171

$209,307

As of December 31, 2019, the portfolio of available-for-sale
debt securities reflects gross unrealized losses of approximately
$40 million, driven mainly by mortgage-backed securities, U.S.
Treasury securities and collateralized mortgage obligations.

securities

Management

evaluates debt

for other-than-
temporary (“OTTI”) declines in fair value on a quarterly basis.
Once a decline in value is determined to be other-than-
the value of a debt security is reduced and a
temporary,
corresponding charge to earnings is recognized for anticipated
credit
to
consider various factors, which include, but are not limited to:
(1) the length of time and the extent to which fair value has
been less than the amortized cost basis, (2) the financial
(3) actual collateral
condition of

losses. The OTTI analysis requires management

the issuer or

issuers,

attributes, (4) the payment structure of the debt security and
the likelihood of the issuer being able to make payments,
(5) any rating changes by a rating agency, (6) adverse
conditions specifically related to the security, industry, or a
geographic area, and (7) management’s intent to sell the debt
security or whether it
the
Corporation would be required to sell the debt security before a
forecasted recovery occurs.

is more likely than not

that

At December 31, 2019, management performed its quarterly
analysis of all debt securities in an unrealized loss position.
Based on the analysis performed, management concluded that
security was other-than-temporarily
no individual debt
impaired as of
the
Corporation did not have the intent to sell debt securities in an

such date. At December 31, 2019,

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

79

unrealized loss position and it was not more likely than not that
the Corporation would have to sell the debt securities prior to
recovery of their amortized cost basis.

The following table states the name of issuers, and the
aggregate amortized cost and fair value of the debt securities of
such issuer (includes available-for-sale and held-to-maturity
debt securities), in which the aggregate amortized cost of such
securities
equity. This
information excludes debt securities backed by the full faith
and credit of the U.S. Government. Investments in obligations

stockholders’

10% of

exceeds

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.

2019

2018

(In thousands)

FNMA
Freddie Mac

Amortized
cost

$3,113,373
1,623,116

Fair value

$3,129,538
1,638,796

Amortized
cost

$2,999,110
1,095,855

Fair value

$2,901,904
1,058,013

Note 7 - Debt securities held-to-maturity
The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses, approximate fair value, weighted average yield
and contractual maturities of debt securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

After 1 to 5 years

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

After 10 years

Total securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

Other

Within 1 year

Total other

Amortized
cost

$ 3,745
17,580
18,195
46,036

85,556

45

45

11,561

11,561

500

500

At December 31, 2019
Gross
unrealized
losses

Gross
unrealized
gains

Fair
value

Weighted
average
yield

$

–
–
–
9,384

9,384

$

11
320
1,607
–

1,938

$ 3,734
17,260
16,588
55,420

6.01%
6.11
3.11
1.67

93,002

3.08

2

2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

47

47

11,561

11,561

500

500

6.44

6.44

6.51

6.51

2.97

2.97

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

$97,662

$9,386

$1,938

$105,110

3.49%

80

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

(In thousands)

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

After 5 to 10 years

Total collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies

Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

After 10 years

Total securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts

Other

After 1 to 5 years

Total other

Amortized
cost

$ 3,510
16,505
23,885
45,559

89,459

55

55

11,561

11,561

500

500

At December 31, 2018
Gross
unrealized
losses

Gross
unrealized
gains

Fair
value

Weighted
average
yield

$

–
–
–
3,943

3,943

$

36
1,081
1,704
47

2,868

$ 3,474
15,424
22,181
49,455

5.99%
6.07
3.61
1.79

90,534

3.23

3

3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

58

58

11,561

11,561

500

500

5.45

5.45

6.51

6.51

2.97

2.97

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

$101,575

$3,946

$2,868

$102,653

3.60%

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 subject to prepayments or may be called by the issuer.

The following table presents the aggregate amortized cost and fair value of debt securities held-to-maturity at December 31,

2019 by contractual maturity.

(In thousands)

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

Amortized cost Fair value

$ 4,245
17,625
18,195
57,597

$97,662

$ 4,234
17,307
16,588
66,981

$105,110

The following tables present the Corporation’s fair value and gross unrealized losses of debt 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, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Total debt securities held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position

(In thousands)

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions

Total debt securities held-to-maturity in an unrealized loss position

Less than 12 months

Fair
value

$17,544

$17,544

Gross
unrealized
losses

$291

$291

Less than 12 months

Fair
value

$27,471

$27,471

Gross
unrealized
losses

$1,165

$1,165

At December 31, 2019
12 months or more

Fair
value

$12,673

$12,673

Gross
unrealized
losses

$1,647

$1,647

At December 31, 2018
12 months or more

Fair
value

$13,307

$13,307

Gross
unrealized
losses

$1,703

$1,703

Total

Fair
value

$30,217

$30,217

Gross
unrealized
losses

$1,938

$1,938

Total

Fair
value

$40,778

$40,778

Gross
unrealized
losses

$2,868

$2,868

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

81

compared

$141 million,

of
(including
repurchases) of mortgage loans of $624 million and consumer
loans of $205 million, during the year ended December 31,
2018.

purchases

to

The Corporation performed whole-loan sales involving
approximately $64 million of residential mortgage loans and
$114 million of commercial and construction loans during the
year ended December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 -
$59 million of
residential mortgage and $30 million of
commercial loans). Also, during the year ended December 31,
2019, the Corporation securitized approximately $347 million
into Government National Mortgage
of mortgage
Association
and
$111 million of mortgage loans into Federal National Mortgage
Association (“FNMA”) mortgage-backed securities, compared
to $ 413 million and $ 94 million, respectively, during the year
ended December 31, 2018.

(“GNMA”) mortgage-backed

securities

loans

the composition of

following table presents

Delinquency status
The
loans
held-in-portfolio (“HIP”), net of unearned income, by past due
status, and by loan class
including those that are in
non-performing status or that are accruing interest but are past
due 90 days or more at December 31, 2019 and December 31,
2018.

As indicated in Note 6 to these Consolidated Financial
Statements, management evaluates debt securities for OTTI
declines in fair value on a quarterly basis.

The “Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political
subdivisions” classified as held-to-maturity at December 31,
2019 includes securities issued by municipalities of Puerto Rico
that are generally not rated by a credit rating agency. This
includes $40 million of general and special obligation bonds
issued by three municipalities of Puerto Rico, which are payable
primarily from certain property taxes imposed by the issuing
they also
municipality. In the case of general obligations,
benefit from a pledge of the full faith, credit and unlimited
taxing power of the issuing municipality, which is required by
law to levy property taxes in an amount sufficient for the
payment of debt service on such general obligation bonds.

in Puerto Rico

residential properties

in which a government

The portfolio also includes $46 million in securities for
which the underlying source of payment is second mortgage
loans
the
(not
instrumentality
government), but
provides a guarantee in the event of default and upon the
satisfaction of certain other conditions. The Corporation
performs periodic credit quality reviews on these issuers. Based
on the quarterly analysis performed, management concluded
that no individual debt security held-to-maturity was other-
than-temporarily
2019. A
deterioration of the Puerto Rico economy or of the fiscal health
of the Government of Puerto Rico and/or its instrumentalities
(including if any of the issuing municipalities become subject
to a debt restructuring proceeding under PROMESA) could
further affect the value of these securities, resulting in losses to
the Corporation.

at December

impaired

31,

The Corporation does not have the intent to sell debt
securities held-to-maturity and it is more likely than not that
the Corporation will not have to sell these debt securities prior
to recovery of their amortized cost basis.
to Note 26 for additional

information on the

Refer

Corporation’s exposure to the Puerto Rico Government.

Note 8 - Loans
For a summary of the accounting policies related to loans,
interest recognition and allowance for loan losses refer to
Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of this
Form 10-K.

As previously disclosed in Note 4, as a result of the Reliable
Transaction completed on August 1, 2018, Popular Auto, LLC,
acquired approximately $1.6 billion in retail auto loans and
$341 million in primarily auto-related commercial loans. These
loans are included in the information presented in this note.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
recorded purchases (including repurchases) of mortgage loans
amounting to $423 million, consumer loans of $359 million
including the acquisition of a credit card portfolio with an
unpaid principal balance of $74 million, and commercial loans

82

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico

Past due

30-59
days

60-89
days

90 days
or more

Total
past due

Current

Loans HIP

Past due 90 days or more
Accruing
Non-accrual
loans [1]
loans

$ 2,941

$

129

$

1,512

$

4,582

$

143,267

$

147,849

$ 1,473

$

–

10,439
5,704
8,780
1,555
285,006
12,014

11,358
–
13,481
81,169
358

5,244
3,978
1,646
–
146,197
3,053

7,928
85
9,352
23,182
1,418

43,664
84,537
37,156
119
837,651
3,657

19,461
–
20,296
31,148
14,189

59,347
94,219
47,582
1,674
1,268,854
18,724

38,747
85
43,129
135,499
15,965

2,048,871
1,492,110
3,371,152
135,796
4,897,894
1,040,783

1,085,053
4,953
1,325,021
2,782,023
124,902

2,108,218
1,586,329
3,418,734
137,470
6,166,748
1,059,507

1,123,800
5,038
1,368,150
2,917,522
140,867

39,968
69,276
36,538
119
283,708
3,657

–
–
19,529
31,148
13,784

–
–
544
–
439,662
–

19,461
–
61
–
405

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate:
Non-owner occupied
Owner occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
Home equity lines of credit
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

$432,805

$202,212

$1,093,390

$1,728,407

$18,451,825

$20,180,232

$499,200

$460,133

[1]

Loans HIP of $134 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the
application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis. Refer
to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for a description of the impact of CECL on the classification of non-performing loans.

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate:
Non-owner occupied
Owner occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Legacy
Consumer:

Credit cards
Home equity lines of credit
Personal
Other

December 31, 2019
Popular U.S.

Past due

30-59
days

60-89
days

90 days
or more

Total
past due

Current

Loans
HIP

Past due 90 days or more
Accruing
Non-accrual
loans [1]
loans

$

9

$

–

$ 2,097

$ 2,106

$1,645,204

$1,647,310

$ 2,097

$–

1,047
1,750
454
–
15,474
49

–
404
2,286
3

–
–
128
–
4,024
8

–
267
1,582
–

281
251
19,945
26
11,091
1,999

–
9,954
2,066
–

1,328
2,001
20,527
26
30,589
2,056

–
10,625
5,934
3

1,868,968
337,134
1,174,353
693,596
986,195
20,049

36
106,718
318,506
687

1,870,296
339,135
1,194,880
693,622
1,016,784
22,105

36
117,343
324,440
690

281
251
876
26
11,091
1,999

–
9,954
2,066
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

Total

$21,476

$6,009

$47,710

$75,195

$7,151,446

$7,226,641

$28,641

$–

[1]

Loans HIP of $19 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the
application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis. Refer
to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for a description of the impact of CECL on the classification of non-performing loans.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

83

December 31, 2019
Popular, Inc.

Past due

30-59
days

60-89
days

90 days or
more

Total past
due

Current

Loans
HIP [3] [4]

Past due 90 days or more
Accruing
Non-accrual
loans [5]
loans

$ 2,950

$

129

$

3,609

$

6,688

$ 1,788,471

$ 1,795,159

$ 3,570

$

–

11,486
7,454
9,234
1,555
300,480
12,014
49

11,358
404
15,767
81,169
361

5,244
3,978
1,774
–
150,221
3,053
8

7,928
352
10,934
23,182
1,418

43,945
84,788
57,101
145
848,742
3,657
1,999

19,461
9,954
22,362
31,148
14,189

60,675
96,220
68,109
1,700
1,299,443
18,724
2,056

38,747
10,710
49,063
135,499
15,968

3,917,839
1,829,244
4,545,505
829,392
5,884,089
1,040,783
20,049

1,085,089
111,671
1,643,527
2,782,023
125,589

3,978,514
1,925,464
4,613,614
831,092
7,183,532
1,059,507
22,105

1,123,836
122,381
1,692,590
2,917,522
141,557

40,249
69,527
37,414
145
294,799
3,657
1,999

–
9,954
21,595
31,148
13,784

–
–
544
–
439,662
–
–

19,461
–
61
–
405

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate:
Non-owner occupied
Owner occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage [1]
Leasing
Legacy [2]
Consumer:

Credit cards
Home equity lines of credit
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

$454,281

$208,221

$1,141,100

$1,803,602

$25,603,271

$27,406,873

$527,841

$460,133

[1]

It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more
as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured.

[2] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part

[3]
[4]

[5]

of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. segment.
Loans held-in-portfolio are net of $181 million in unearned income and exclude $59 million in loans held-for-sale.
Includes $6.7 billion pledged to secure credit facilities and public funds that the secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which
$4.6 billion were pledged at the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) as collateral for borrowings and $2.1 billion at the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) for discount
window borrowings.
Loans HIP of $153 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to the
application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis. Refer
to Note 3, New Accounting Pronouncements, for a description of the impact of CECL on the classification of non-performing loans.

December 31, 2018
Puerto Rico

Past due

30-59
days

60-89
days

90 days
or more

Total
past due

Current

Loans HIP

Past due 90 days or more
Accruing
Non-accrual
loans [1]
loans

$ 1,441

$

112

$

598

$

2,151

$

143,477

$

145,628

$

546

$

–

92,075
6,681
4,137
–
275,367
7,663

9,504
–
13,069
52,204
566

839
10,839
641
–
128,104
1,827

7,391
97
7,907
9,862
288

45,691
99,235
55,321
1,788
1,043,607
3,313

138,605
116,755
60,099
1,788
1,447,078
12,803

16,035
165
18,515
24,177
14,958

32,930
262
39,491
86,243
15,812

2,183,996
1,605,498
3,122,062
84,167
4,986,245
921,970

1,014,343
5,089
1,211,134
2,522,542
128,932

2,322,601
1,722,253
3,182,161
85,955
6,433,323
934,773

1,047,273
5,351
1,250,625
2,608,785
144,744

39,257
88,069
55,078
1,788
323,565
3,313

–
11
17,887
24,050
14,534

–
–
243
–
595,525
–

16,035
154
35
127
424

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate:
Non-owner occupied
Owner occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
Home equity lines of credit
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

$462,707

$167,907

$1,323,403

$1,954,017

$17,929,455

$19,883,472

$568,098

$612,543

[1] Non-covered loans HIP of $143 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due
to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis.

84

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate:
Non-owner occupied
Owner occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Legacy
Consumer:

Credit cards
Home equity lines of credit
Personal
Other

December 31, 2018
Popular U.S.

Past due

30-59
days

60-89
days

90 days
or more

Total
past due

Current

Loans
HIP

Past due 90 days or more
Accruing
Non-accrual
loans [1]
loans

$ 3,163

$

–

$

–

$ 3,163

$1,398,377

$1,401,540

$

–

$–

707
5,125
2,354
–
13,615
195

2
886
2,319
–

288
1,728
995
–
3,197
445

–
464
1,723
–

365
381
73,726
12,060
11,033
2,627

–
13,579
2,610
4

1,360
7,234
77,075
12,060
27,845
3,267

2
14,929
6,652
4

1,880,384
291,705
1,011,078
681,434
774,090
22,682

36
128,123
282,697
220

1,881,744
298,939
1,088,153
693,494
801,935
25,949

38
143,052
289,349
224

365
381
330
12,060
11,033
2,627

–
13,579
2,610
4

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

Total

$28,366

$8,840

$116,385

$153,591

$6,470,826

$6,624,417

$42,989

$–

[1] Non-covered loans HIP of $73 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due to

the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis.

December 31, 2018
Popular, Inc.

Past due

30-59
days

60-89
days

90 days or
more

Total
past due

Current

Loans
HIP [3] [4]

Past due 90 days or more
Accruing
Non-accrual
loans [5]
loans

$ 4,604

$

112

$

598

$

5,314

$ 1,541,854

$ 1,547,168

$

546

$

–

92,782
11,806
6,491
–
288,982
7,663
195

9,506
886
15,388
52,204
566

1,127
12,567
1,636
–
131,301
1,827
445

7,391
561
9,630
9,862
288

46,056
99,616
129,047
13,848
1,054,640
3,313
2,627

16,035
13,744
21,125
24,177
14,962

139,965
123,989
137,174
13,848
1,474,923
12,803
3,267

32,932
15,191
46,143
86,243
15,816

4,064,380
1,897,203
4,133,140
765,601
5,760,335
921,970
22,682

1,014,379
133,212
1,493,831
2,522,542
129,152

4,204,345
2,021,192
4,270,314
779,449
7,235,258
934,773
25,949

1,047,311
148,403
1,539,974
2,608,785
144,968

39,622
88,450
55,408
13,848
334,598
3,313
2,627

–
13,590
20,497
24,050
14,538

–
–
243
–
595,525
–
–

16,035
154
35
127
424

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate:
Non-owner occupied
Owner occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage [1]
Leasing
Legacy [2]
Consumer:

Credit cards
Home equity lines of credit
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

$491,073

$176,747

$1,439,788

$2,107,608

$24,400,281

$26,507,889

$611,087

$612,543

[1]

It is the Corporation’s policy to report delinquent residential mortgage loans insured by FHA or guaranteed by the VA as accruing loans past due 90 days or more
as opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is insured.

[2] The legacy portfolio is comprised of commercial loans, construction loans and lease financings related to certain lending products exited by the Corporation as part

[3]
[4]

of restructuring efforts carried out in prior years at the Popular U.S. segment.
Loans held-in-portfolio are net of $156 million in unearned income and exclude $51 million in loans held-for-sale.
Includes $6.9 billion pledged to secure credit facilities and public funds that the secured parties are not permitted to sell or repledge the collateral, of which
$4.8 billion were pledged at the FHLB as collateral for borrowings and $2.1 billion at the FRB for discount window borrowings.

[5] Non-covered loans HIP of $216 million accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 are excluded from the above table as they are considered to be performing due
to the application of the accretion method, in which these loans will accrete interest income over the remaining life of the loans using estimated cash flow analysis.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

85

At December 31, 2019, mortgage loans held-in-portfolio
include $1.4 billion of loans insured by the Federal Housing
Administration (“FHA”), or guaranteed by the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) of which $441 million are 90 days or
more past due, including $103 million of loans rebooked under
the GNMA buyback option, discussed below (December 31,
2018 - $1.4 billion, $598 million and $134 million,
respectively). Within this portfolio,
loans in a delinquency
status of 90 days or more are reported as accruing loans as
opposed to non-performing since the principal repayment is
insured. These balances include $213 million of residential
mortgage loans in Puerto Rico that are no longer accruing
interest as of December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $283
million). Additionally,
the Corporation has approximately
$65 million in reverse mortgage loans in Puerto Rico which are
guaranteed by FHA, but which are currently not accruing
interest at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $69
million).

Loans with a delinquency status of 90 days past due as of
December 31, 2019 include $103 million in loans previously
pooled into GNMA securities (December 31, 2018 - $134
million). Under the GNMA program, issuers such as BPPR have
the option but not the obligation to repurchase loans that are
90 days or more past due. For accounting purposes, these loans
subject to the repurchase option are required to be reflected on
the financial statements of BPPR with an offsetting liability.

The components of the net financing leases receivable at

December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

At December 31, 2019, future minimum lease payments are

expected to be received as follows:

(In thousands)

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024 and thereafter

Total

$ 48,511
90,049
147,742
205,834
371,619

$863,755

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality accounted for
under ASC 310-30
The following provides information of loans acquired with
evidence of credit deterioration as of the acquisition date,
accounted for under the guidance of ASC 310-30.

The outstanding principal balance of acquired loans
accounted pursuant to ASC Subtopic 310-30, amounted to
$1.9 billion at December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $2.2
billion). The carrying amount of these loans consisted of loans
determined to be impaired at the time of acquisition, which are
accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30 (“credit
impaired loans”), and loans that were considered to be
performing at the acquisition date, accounted for by analogy to
ASC Subtopic 310-30 (“non-credit impaired loans”).

The following table provides

the carrying amount of
acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 by portfolio at
December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

2019

2018

Carrying amount

Total minimum lease payments
Estimated residual value of leased property

(unguaranteed)

Deferred origination costs, net of fees
Less - Unearned financing income

Net minimum lease payments

Less - Allowance for loan losses

Net minimum lease payments, net of

allowance for loan losses

$ 863,755

$781,060

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

356,560
15,422
176,121

1,059,616
10,768

293,495
12,261
151,881

934,935
11,487

Commercial real estate
Commercial and
industrial

Mortgage
Consumer

Carrying amount
Allowance for loan

$ 670,566

$ 801,774

104,756
856,618
11,778

1,643,718

84,465
982,821
14,496

1,883,556

$1,048,848

$923,448

losses

(74,039)

(122,135)

Carrying amount, net of

allowance

$1,569,679

$1,761,421

86

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

At December 31, 2019, none of

the acquired loans
accounted for under ASC Subtopic 310-30 were considered
non-performing loans. Therefore,
through
accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the
loans and the expected cash flows, was recognized on all
acquired loans.

income,

interest

Changes in the carrying amount and the accretable yield for
the loans accounted pursuant to the ASC Subtopic 310-30, for
the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:

Carrying amount of acquired loans accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30

(In thousands)
Beginning balance
Additions
Accretion
Collections / loan sales / charge-offs

Ending balance [1]
Allowance for loan losses

Ending balance, net of ALLL

For the years ended
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$1,883,556
39,492
144,976
(424,306)

$1,643,718
(74,039)

$1,569,679

$2,108,993
16,645
166,272
(408,354)

$1,883,556
(122,135)

$1,761,421

[1] At December 31, 2019, includes $1.2 billion of loans considered non-credit impaired at the acquisition date (December 31, 2018 - $1.4 billion).

Activity in the accretable yield of acquired loans accounted for pursuant to ASC 310-30

(In thousands)
Beginning balance
Additions
Accretion
Change in expected cash flows

Ending balance [1]

For the years ended
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$1,092,504
23,556
(144,976)
30,258

$1,001,342

$1,214,488
6,535
(166,272)
37,753

$1,092,504

[1] At December 31, 2019, includes $0.7 billion for loans considered non-credit impaired at the acquisition date (December 31, 2018 - $0.8 billion).

Note 9 - Allowance for loan losses
The Corporation follows a systematic methodology to establish
and evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses
(“ALLL”) 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 this methodology. Loan losses
are charged and recoveries are credited to the ALLL.

The Corporation’s assessment of the ALLL is determined in
accordance with the guidance of loss contingencies in ASC
Subtopic 450-20 and loan impairment guidance in ASC
Section 310-10-35. Also, the Corporation determines the ALLL
on purchased impaired loans and purchased loans accounted
for under ASC Subtopic 310-30, by evaluating decreases in
expected cash flows after the acquisition date.

The accounting guidance provides for the recognition of a
loans. The
for groups of homogeneous
the general ALLL includes the following

allowance

loss
determination of
principal factors:

• Base net

loss rates, which are based on the moving
average of annualized net loss rates computed over a

5-year historical
loss period for the commercial and
construction loan portfolios, and an 18-month period for
the consumer and mortgage loan portfolios. The base net
loss rates are applied by loan type and by legal entity.

• Recent loss trend adjustment, which replaces the base loss
rate with a 12-month average loss rate, when these trends
are higher than the respective base loss rates. The
objective of this adjustment is to allow for a more recent
loss trend to be captured and reflected in the ALLL
estimation process.

• For

the period ended December 31, 2019, 25%
(December 31, 2018 - 26%) of the ALLL for the BPPR
segment loan portfolios utilized the recent loss trend
adjustment instead of the base loss. The effect of replacing
the base loss with the recent loss trend adjustment was
mainly concentrated in the leasing, auto and commercial
real estate non-owner occupied portfolios for 2019 and in
consumer
the
portfolios for 2018.

commercial, mortgage,

and overall

• For

the period ended December 31, 2019, 21%
(December 31, 2018 - 28 %) of the Popular U.S. segment
loan portfolios utilized the recent loss trend adjustment

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

87

recent

instead of the base loss. The effect of replacing the base
trend adjustment was
loss
loss with the
concentrated in the commercial multi-family,
legacy,
commercial real estate owner occupied and construction
portfolios for 2019 and in the consumer portfolio for
2018.

• Environmental

credit

factors, which include

and
macroeconomic indicators such as unemployment rate,
economic activity index and delinquency rates, adopted to
account for current market conditions that are likely to
cause estimated credit losses to differ from historical
these
losses. The Corporation reflects
environmental
an
adjustment that, as appropriate, increases the historical
loss rate applied to each group. Environmental factors
provide updated perspective on credit and economic
conditions. Regression analysis is used to select these
indicators and quantify the effect on the general ALLL.
The Corporation’s methodology also includes qualitative
judgmental reserves based on stressed credit quality

factors on each loan group as

the effect of

assumptions to provide for probable losses in the loan
portfolios not embedded in the historical loss rates.

the

environmental

environmental

recalibration analysis of

During the third quarter of 2019, management completed
factors
the
adjustments. The
are
developed by performing regression analyses on selected credit
and economic indicators for each applicable loan segment. The
environmental factor models used to account for changes in
current credit and macroeconomic conditions were reviewed
and recalibrated based on the latest applicable trends.

adjustments

factors

The effect of the recalibration resulted in an increase of
$4.6 million to the environmental factors adjustments reserve at
the Popular U.S. segment.

The following tables present the changes in the allowance
for loan losses, loan ending balances and whether such loans
and the allowance pertain to loans individually or collectively
evaluated for impairment for the years ended December 31,
2019 and 2018.

For the year ended December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico

(In thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance

Provision (reversal of provision)
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Ending balance

Specific ALLL

General ALLL
Loans held-in-portfolio:
Impaired loans
Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

Total loans held-in-portfolio

Commercial Construction Mortgage

Leasing

Consumer

Total

$ 207,214
(41,440)
(53,852)
19,141

$ 131,063

$

20,533

$ 110,530

$ 397,452
6,863,678

$7,261,130

$

$

$

$

886
(3,417)
(109)
3,214

574

6

568

$

119
137,351

$137,470

$ 142,978
14,658
(47,577)
6,222

$ 116,281

$

$

40,596

75,685

$

$

$

$

11,486
8,619
(11,834)
2,497

$ 144,594
157,331
(167,983)
40,023

10,768

$ 173,965

61

$

20,259

10,707

$ 153,706

$

$

$

$

507,158
135,751
(281,355)
71,097

432,651

81,455

351,196

$ 522,469
5,644,279

$

507
1,059,000

$

91,157
5,464,220

$ 1,011,704
19,168,528

$6,166,748

$1,059,507

$5,555,377

$20,180,232

(In thousands)
Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance

Provision (reversal of provision)
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Ending balance

Specific ALLL

General ALLL
Loans held-in-portfolio:
Impaired loans
Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

Total loans held-in-portfolio

88

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

For the year ended December 31, 2019
Popular U.S.

Commercial Construction Mortgage

Legacy

Consumer

Total

$

$

$

$

31,901
15,496
(40,329)
8,921

15,989

$ 6,538
(127)
(2,215)
8

$ 4,204

–

$

–

15,989

$ 4,204

$

$

$

$

4,434
828
(605)
170

4,827

2,208

2,619

$

2,097
5,049,524

$5,051,621

$

–
693,622

$693,622

$

9,386
1,007,398

$1,016,784

$

$

$

$

$

$

969
(1,738)
105
1,294

630

–

630

–
22,105

$

$

$

$

$

18,348
15,569
(21,280)
6,770

19,407

1,563

17,844

9,634
432,875

$

$

$

$

$

62,190
30,028
(64,324)
17,163

45,057

3,771

41,286

21,117
7,205,524

22,105

$ 442,509

$ 7,226,641

(In thousands)

Commercial Construction Mortgage

Legacy

Leasing

Consumer

Total

For the year ended December 31, 2019
Popular, Inc.

Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance

Provision (reversal of provision)
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Ending balance

Specific ALLL

General ALLL

Loans held-in-portfolio:
Impaired loans
Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired

$

$

$

$

$

239,115
(25,944)
(94,181)
28,062

$ 7,424
(3,544)
(2,324)
3,222

$ 147,412
15,486
(48,182)
6,392

147,052

$ 4,778

$ 121,108

20,533

$

6

126,519

$ 4,772

$

$

42,804

78,304

399,549

$

119

$ 531,855

$

$

$

$

$

969
(1,738)
105
1,294

630

–

630

–

$

$

$

$

$

11,486
8,619
(11,834)
2,497

$ 162,942
172,900
(189,263)
46,793

10,768

$ 193,372

61

$

21,822

10,707

$ 171,550

$

$

$

$

569,348
165,779
(345,679)
88,260

477,708

85,226

392,482

507

$ 100,791

$ 1,032,821

loans

11,913,202

830,973

6,651,677

22,105

1,059,000

5,897,095

26,374,052

Total loans held-in-portfolio

$12,312,751

$831,092

$7,183,532

$22,105

$1,059,507

$5,997,886

$27,406,873

(In thousands)

Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance

Provision (reversal of provision)
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Allowance transferred from covered loans

Ending balance

Specific ALLL

General ALLL

Loans held-in-portfolio:
Impaired non-covered loans
Non-covered loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired

For the year ended December 31, 2018
Puerto Rico - Non-covered loans

Commercial Construction Mortgage

Leasing

Consumer

Total

$ 171,531
101,614
(82,352)
16,421
–

$ 207,214

$

52,190

$ 155,024

$ 1,286
(1,754)
(9)
1,363
–

$

$

$

886

56

830

$ 159,081
15,297
(69,393)
4,571
33,422

$ 11,991
5,525
(8,297)
2,267
–

$ 174,215
75,779
(138,161)
32,573
188

$ 142,978

$ 11,486

$ 144,594

$

38,760

$

320

$

24,083

$ 104,218

$ 11,166

$ 120,511

$

$

$

$

518,104
196,461
(298,212)
57,195
33,610

507,158

115,409

391,749

$ 398,518

$ 1,788

$ 509,468

$ 1,099

$ 104,235

$ 1,015,108

loans

Total non-covered loans held-in-portfolio

6,974,125

$7,372,643

84,167

$85,955

5,923,855

933,674

4,952,543

18,868,364

$6,433,323

$934,773

$5,056,778

$19,883,472

For the year ended December 31, 2018
Puerto Rico - Covered Loans

(In thousands)

Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance

Provision (reversal of provision)
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Allowance transferred to non-covered loans

Ending balance

Specific ALLL

General ALLL

Loans held-in-portfolio:
Impaired covered loans
Covered loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

Total covered loans held-in-portfolio

Commercial Construction Mortgage Leasing Consumer

Total

$–
–
–
–
–

$–

$–

$–

$–
–

$–

$–
–
–
–
–

$–

$–

$–

$–
–

$–

$ 32,521
2,265
(1,446)
82
(33,422)

$

$

$

$

$

–

–

–

–
–

–

$–
–
–
–
–

$–

$–

$–

$–
–

$–

$ 723
(535)
(2)
2
(188)

$ 33,244
1,730
(1,448)
84
(33,610)

$

$

$

$

$

–

–

–

–
–

–

$

$

$

$

$

–

–

–

–
–

–

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

89

(In thousands)

Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance

Provision (reversal of provision)
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Ending balance

Specific ALLL

General ALLL

Loans held-in-portfolio:
Impaired loans
Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired loans

Total loans held-in-portfolio

For the year ended December 31, 2018
Popular U.S.
Commercial Construction Mortgage

Legacy

Consumer

Total

$

$

$

$

44,134
7,551
(24,920)
5,136

$ 7,076
5,268
(5,806)
–

$ 4,541
(478)
(232)
603

31,901

$ 6,538

$ 4,434

–

$

–

31,901

$ 6,538

$ 2,451

$ 1,983

$

$

$

$

798
(1,861)
114
1,918

$ 15,529
19,401
(22,118)
5,536

969

$ 18,348

–

$ 1,810

969

$ 16,538

$

$

$

$

72,078
29,881
(52,962)
13,193

62,190

4,261

57,929

$

–
4,670,376

$4,670,376

$ 12,060
681,434

$693,494

$ 9,420
792,515

$

–
25,949

$ 8,507
424,156

$

29,987
6,594,430

$801,935

$25,949

$432,663

$6,624,417

(In thousands)

Commercial Construction Mortgage

Legacy

Leasing

Consumer

Total

For the year ended December 31, 2018
Popular, Inc.

Allowance for credit losses:
Beginning balance

Provision (reversal of provision)
Charge-offs
Recoveries

Ending balance

Specific ALLL

General ALLL

Loans held-in-portfolio:
Impaired loans
Loans held-in-portfolio excluding impaired

$

$

$

$

$

215,665
109,165
(107,272)
21,557

$ 8,362
3,514
(5,815)
1,363

$ 196,143
17,084
(71,071)
5,256

239,115

$ 7,424

$ 147,412

52,190

$

56

$

41,211

186,925

$ 7,368

$ 106,201

398,518

$ 13,848

$ 518,888

$

$

$

$

$

798
(1,861)
114
1,918

$ 11,991
5,525
(8,297)
2,267

$ 190,467
94,645
(160,281)
38,111

969

$ 11,486

$ 162,942

–

$

320

$

25,893

969

$ 11,166

$ 137,049

$

$

$

$

623,426
228,072
(352,622)
70,472

569,348

119,670

449,678

–

$ 1,099

$ 112,742

$ 1,045,095

loans

11,644,501

765,601

6,716,370

25,949

933,674

5,376,699

25,462,794

Total loans held-in-portfolio

$12,043,019

$779,449

$7,235,258

$25,949

$934,773

$5,489,441

$26,507,889

The following table provides the activity in the allowance for loan losses related to loans accounted for pursuant to ASC

Subtopic 310-30.

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of period
Provision
Net charge-offs

Balance at end of period

90

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

ASC 310-30

For the years ended

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$122,135
1,119
(49,215)

$ 74,039

$119,505
61,270
(58,640)

$122,135

Impaired loans
The following tables present loans individually evaluated for impairment at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

December 31, 2019
Puerto Rico

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
Personal
Auto
Other

Impaired Loans - With an
Allowance
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

Impaired Loans With
No Allowance

Recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

Impaired Loans - Total
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$ 1,196

$ 1,229

$

4

$ 1,017

$ 1,247

$

2,213

$

2,476

$

4

44,975

45,803

12,281

149,587

173,124

194,562

218,927

12,281

105,841
43,640
119
420,949
507

24,475
65,521
310
851

122,814
47,611
119
479,936
507

24,475
65,521
310
851

5,077
3,171
6
40,596
61

2,957
17,142
51
109

26,365
24,831
–
101,520
–

58,540
44,255
–
134,331
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

132,206
68,471
119
522,469
507

24,475
65,521
310
851

181,354
91,866
119
614,267
507

24,475
65,521
310
851

5,077
3,171
6
40,596
61

2,957
17,142
51
109

Total Puerto Rico

$708,384

$789,176

$81,455

$303,320

$411,497

$1,011,704

$1,200,673

$81,455

December 31, 2019
Popular U.S.

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Mortgage
Consumer:

HELOCs
Personal

Impaired Loans - With an
Allowance
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$

–
6,906

$

–
7,257

$

–
2,208

6,691
26

6,691
26

1,560
3

Recorded
investment

$2,097
2,480

2,829
88

Unpaid
principal
balance

$2,539
2,844

Impaired Loans - Total
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$ 2,097
9,386

$ 2,539
10,101

$

–
2,208

3,087
88

9,520
114

9,778
114

1,560
3

Impaired Loans With
No Allowance

Total Popular U.S.

$13,623

$13,974

$3,771

$7,494

$8,558

$21,117

$22,532

$3,771

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

91

December 31, 2019
Popular, Inc.

Impaired Loans - With an
Allowance
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

Impaired Loans With
No Allowance

Recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

Impaired Loans - Total
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$ 1,196

$ 1,229

$

4

$ 3,114

$ 3,786

$

4,310

$

5,015

$

4

44,975

45,803

12,281

149,587

173,124

194,562

218,927

12,281

105,841
43,640
119
427,855
507

24,475
6,691
65,547
310
851

122,814
47,611
119
487,193
507

24,475
6,691
65,547
310
851

5,077
3,171
6
42,804
61

2,957
1,560
17,145
51
109

26,365
24,831
–
104,000
–

–
2,829
88
–
–

58,540
44,255
–
137,175
–

–
3,087
88
–
–

132,206
68,471
119
531,855
507

24,475
9,520
65,635
310
851

181,354
91,866
119
624,368
507

24,475
9,778
65,635
310
851

5,077
3,171
6
42,804
61

2,957
1,560
17,145
51
109

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Total Popular, Inc.

$722,007

$803,150

$85,226

$310,814

$420,055

$1,032,821

$1,223,205

$85,226

December 31, 2018
Puerto Rico

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
Personal
Auto
Other

Impaired Loans - With an
Allowance
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

Impaired Loans With
No Allowance

Recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

Impaired Loans - Total
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$

932

$

932

$

4

$

–

$

–

$

932

$

932

$

4

85,583

86,282

27,494

96,005

138,378

181,588

224,660

27,494

113,592
65,208
1,788
408,767
1,099

28,829
72,989
1,161
1,256

132,677
67,094
1,788
458,010
1,099

28,829
72,989
1,161
1,256

7,857
16,835
56
38,760
320

4,571
19,098
228
186

26,474
10,724
–
100,701
–

60,485
20,968
–
135,084
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

140,066
75,932
1,788
509,468
1,099

28,829
72,989
1,161
1,256

193,162
88,062
1,788
593,094
1,099

28,829
72,989
1,161
1,256

7,857
16,835
56
38,760
320

4,571
19,098
228
186

Total Puerto Rico

$781,204

$852,117

$115,409

$233,904

$354,915

$1,015,108

$1,207,032

$115,409

92

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

December 31, 2018
Popular U.S.

Impaired Loans - With an
Allowance
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$

–
7,237

$

–
8,899

$

–
2,451

Impaired Loans With
No Allowance

Recorded
investment

$12,060
2,183

Unpaid
principal
balance

$18,127
3,127

Impaired Loans - Total
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$12,060
9,420

$18,127
12,026

$

–
2,451

6,236
631

6,285
631

1,558
252

1,498
142

1,572
143

7,734
773

7,857
774

1,558
252

(In thousands)

Construction
Mortgage
Consumer:

HELOCs
Personal

Total Popular U.S.

$14,104

$15,815

$4,261

$15,883

$22,969

$29,987

$38,784

$4,261

December 31, 2018
Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Impaired Loans - With an
Allowance
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

Impaired Loans With
No Allowance

Recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

Impaired Loans - Total
Unpaid
principal
balance

Recorded
investment

Related
allowance

$

932

$

932

$

4

$

–

$

–

$

932

$

932

$

4

85,583

86,282

27,494

96,005

138,378

181,588

224,660

27,494

113,592
65,208
1,788
416,004
1,099

28,829
6,236
73,620
1,161
1,256

132,677
67,094
1,788
466,909
1,099

28,829
6,285
73,620
1,161
1,256

7,857
16,835
56
41,211
320

4,571
1,558
19,350
228
186

26,474
10,724
12,060
102,884
–

–
1,498
142
–
–

60,485
20,968
18,127
138,211
–

–
1,572
143
–
–

140,066
75,932
13,848
518,888
1,099

28,829
7,734
73,762
1,161
1,256

193,162
88,062
19,915
605,120
1,099

28,829
7,857
73,763
1,161
1,256

7,857
16,835
56
41,211
320

4,571
1,558
19,350
228
186

Total Popular, Inc.

$795,308

$867,932

$119,670

$249,787

$377,884

$1,045,095

$1,245,816

$119,670

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

93

The following tables present the average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans for the years

ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

For the year ended December 31, 2019

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Puerto Rico

Popular U.S.

Popular, Inc.

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

$

1,470
183,233
137,710
71,828
1,151
518,487
823

26,775
–
69,664
823
1,044

$

50
5,742
6,528
4,097
25
16,810
–

–
–
282
–
–

$ 1,343
–
626
–
9,248
9,416
–

–
8,988
380
–
–

$ –
–
–
–
–
153
–

–
–
–
–
–

$

2,813
183,233
138,336
71,828
10,399
527,903
823

26,775
8,988
70,044
823
1,044

$

50
5,742
6,528
4,097
25
16,963
–

–
–
282
–
–

Total Popular, Inc.

$1,013,008

$33,534

$30,001

$153

$1,043,009

$33,687

(In thousands)

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

For the year ended December 31, 2018

Puerto Rico

Popular U.S.

Popular, Inc.

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
income
recognized

$

693
138,832
148,967
69,406
2,094
509,038
1,195

31,953
–
68,237
1,413
1,248

$

50
5,742
6,528
4,097
25
17,663
–

–
–
415
–
–

$

–
–
–
–
9,565
9,258
–

–
5,904
770
–
–

$ –
–
–
–
–
165
–

–
–
–
–
–

$

693
138,832
148,967
69,406
11,659
518,296
1,195

31,953
5,904
69,007
1,413
1,248

$

50
5,742
6,528
4,097
25
17,828
–

–
–
415
–
–

Total Popular, Inc.

$973,076

$34,520

$25,497

$165

$998,573

$34,685

a

a

loan constitutes

Modifications
troubled debt
A modification of
restructuring when a borrower
is experiencing financial
difficulty and the modification constitutes a concession. For a
summary of the accounting policy related to troubled debt
restructurings (“TDRs”), refer to the Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies included in Note 2 to these Consolidated
Financial Statements.

TDRs amounted to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2019
(December 31, 2018 - $1.5 billion). The amount of outstanding

94

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

commitments to lend additional
funds to debtors owing
receivables whose terms have been modified in TDRs amounted
to $14 million related to the commercial
loan portfolio at
December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $16 million).

At December 31, 2019, the mortgage loan TDRs include
$625 million guaranteed by U.S. sponsored entities at BPPR,
compared to $543 million at December 31, 2018.

The following table presents the non-covered and covered loans classified as TDRs according to their accruing status and the

related allowance at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Loans held-in-portfolio:

Commercial
Construction
Mortgage
Leases
Consumer

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Accruing Non-Accruing

Total

Allowance Accruing Non-Accruing

Total

Related

Related
Allowance

$ 237,861
–
1,013,561
264
82,205

$111,587
119
126,036
243
15,808

$ 349,448
119
1,139,597
507
98,013

$16,443
6
42,012
61
21,404

$ 229,758
–
906,712
668
94,193

$130,921
1,788
135,758
440
15,651

$ 360,679 $ 46,889
56
41,211
320
24,523

1,788
1,042,470
1,108
109,844

Loans held-in-portfolio

$1,333,891

$253,793

$1,587,684

$79,926

$1,231,331

$284,558

$1,515,889 $112,999

The following tables present the loan count by type of modification for those loans modified in a TDR during the years ended

December 31, 2019 and 2018. Loans modified as TDRs for the U.S. operations are considered insignificant to the Corporation.

For the year ended December 31, 2019

Reduction in
interest rate

Extension of
maturity date

Combination of
reduction in interest
rate and extension of
maturity date

Other

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

–
–
1
2
37
–

515
–
668
–
31

1,254

3
13
29
67
130
1

–
16
4
6
–

269

–
–
–
–
672
2

2
12
–
2
–

690

–
–
–
–
6
–

189
–
3
–
–

198

For the year ended December 31, 2018

Reduction in
interest rate

Extension of
maturity date

Combination of
reduction in interest
rate and extension of
maturity date

Other

–
3
4
6
1
85
–

579
–
1,356
–
25

2,059

2
17
64
87
–
49
–

–
27
6
7
–

259

–
–
–
–
–
359
4

4
11
–
3
2

383

–
–
–
–
–
57
–

432
1
2
–
–

492

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

95

The following tables present, by class, quantitative information related to loans modified as TDRs during the years ended

December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)

Loan count

Pre-modification
outstanding recorded
investment

Post-modification
outstanding recorded
investment

Increase (decrease) in the
allowance for loan losses as
a result of modification

Popular, Inc.
For the year ended December 31, 2019

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

3
13
30
69
845
3

706
28
675
8
31

$

346
58,142
7,533
14,991
83,833
264

5,702
2,725
10,831
121
206

$

295
58,116
7,249
15,435
77,308
266

5,867
2,423
10,835
128
206

$

(40)
2,811
81
1,368
2,814
7

554
364
3,023
21
30

2,411

$184,694

$178,128

$11,033

Popular, Inc.
For the year ended December 31, 2018

(Dollars in thousands)

Loan count

Pre-modification
outstanding recorded
investment

Post-modification
outstanding recorded
investment

Increase (decrease) in the
allowance for loan losses as
a result of modification

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

2
20
68
93
1
550
4

1,015
39
1,364
10
27

3,193

$ 1,377
109,081
31,233
52,653
4,210
67,518
98

10,065
3,961
21,976
173
601

$ 1,375
79,695
29,962
51,855
4,293
59,919
96

10,671
3,891
21,979
152
599

$302,946

$264,487

$

106
6,230
1,170
13,981
474
2,696
30

1,331
935
6,320
26
99

$33,398

During the year ended December 31, 2019, four loans with an aggregate unpaid principal balance of $ 9.1 million were

restructured into multiple notes (“Note A / B split”). No charge-offs were recorded as part of those loan restructurings.

96

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The following tables present, by class, TDRs that were subject to payment default and that had been modified as a TDR during
the twelve months preceding the default date. Payment default is defined as a restructured loan becoming 90 days past due after
being modified, foreclosed or charged-off, whichever occurs first. The recorded investment as of period end is inclusive of all
partial paydowns and charge-offs since the modification date. Loans modified as a TDR that were fully paid down, charged-off or
foreclosed upon by period end are not reported.

Defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2019

Loan count Recorded investment as of first default date

1
3
9
63
1

302
1
197
2
3
582

$

47
495
7,281
4,424
22

2,808
135
5,640
24
8
$20,884

Defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2018

Loan count Recorded investment as of first default date

(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial
Mortgage
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other

Total

Commercial, consumer and mortgage loans modified in a
TDR are closely monitored for delinquency as an early indicator
of possible future default.
loans modified in a TDR
If
subsequently default, the Corporation evaluates the loan for
possible further impairment. The allowance for loan losses may
be increased or partial charge-offs may be taken to further
write-down the carrying value of the loan.

Credit Quality
The Corporation has defined a risk rating system to assign a
rating to all credit exposures, particularly for the commercial
and construction loan portfolios. Risk ratings in the aggregate
provide the Corporation’s management the asset quality profile
for the loan portfolio. The risk rating system provides for the
assignment of ratings at the obligor level based on the financial
condition of the borrower. The Corporation’s consumer and
mortgage loans are not subject
to the risk rating system.
Consumer and mortgage loans are classified substandard or loss
based on their delinquency status. All other consumer and

2
5
8
161

236
2
107
5
1
527

$11,245
480
7,208
12,362

2,098
205
2,300
115
7
$36,020

mortgage loans that are not classified as substandard or loss
would be considered “unrated”.

The Corporation’s obligor risk rating scales range from
rating 1 (Excellent) to rating 14 (Loss). The obligor risk rating
reflects the risk of payment default of a borrower in the
ordinary course of business.

Pass Credit Classifications:
Pass (Scales 1 through 8) - Loans classified as pass
have a well defined primary source of repayment, with
no apparent risk, strong financial position, minimal
operating risk, profitability,
liquidity and strong
capitalization.

Watch (Scale 9) - Loans classified as watch have
acceptable business credit, but borrower’s operations,
cash flow or financial condition evidence more than
average
levels of
supervision and attention from Loan Officers.

requires

average

above

risk,

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

97

relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service
information, historical
their debts such as current financial
payment experience, credit documentation, public information,
and current economic trends, among other factors.

The Corporation periodically reviews its loans classification
to evaluate if they are properly classified, and to determine
impairment, if any. The frequency of these reviews will depend
on the amount of the aggregate outstanding debt, and the risk
rating classification of the obligor. In addition, during the
renewal and annual
review process of applicable credit
facilities, the Corporation evaluates the corresponding loan
grades.

unit

originating

along with

each unit’s

The Corporation has a Commercial Loan Review department
within the Corporate Risk Reviews Division that
reports
directly to the Corporation’s Risk Management Committee and
administratively to the Chief Risk Officer, which performs
annual comprehensive credit process reviews of all
lending
groups in BPPR. This group evaluates the credit risk profile of
credit
each
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
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, Commercial Loan Review
recommends corrective actions,
that help in
maintaining a sound credit process. The Loan Review Group
reports the results of the credit process reviews to the Risk
the Corporation’s Board of
Management Committee of
Directors.

level of credit

if necessary,

Special Mention (Scale 10) - Loans classified as special
that deserve
mention have potential weaknesses
management’s close attention.
left uncorrected,
these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration
of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the
Corporation’s credit position at some future date.

If

Adversely Classified Classifications:
Substandard (Scales 11 and 12) - Loans classified as
substandard are deemed to be inadequately protected
by the current net worth and payment capacity of the
obligor or of the collateral pledged,
if any. Loans
classified as such have well-defined weaknesses that
the debt. They are
jeopardize the liquidation of
the
characterized by the distinct possibility that
institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are
not corrected.

the weaknesses inherent

Doubtful (Scale 13) - Loans classified as doubtful have
in those classified as
all
substandard, with the additional characteristic that the
weaknesses make the collection or liquidation in full,
on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and
values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss (Scale 14) - Uncollectible and of such little value
that continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted.
This classification does not mean that the asset has
absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is
not practical or desirable to defer writing off this asset
even though partial recovery may be effected in the
future.

Risk ratings scales 10 through 14 conform to regulatory
ratings. The assignment of the obligor risk rating is based on

98

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The following tables present the outstanding balance, net of unearned income, of non-covered loans held-in-portfolio based on

the Corporation’s assignment of obligor risk ratings as defined at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)
Puerto Rico
Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other
Total Consumer
Total Puerto Rico

Popular U.S.
Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction
Mortgage
Legacy
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Other
Total Consumer
Total Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction
Mortgage
Legacy
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other
Total Consumer
Total Popular, Inc.

December 31, 2019

Watch

Special
Mention

Substandard Doubtful

Loss

Sub-total

Pass/
Unrated

Total

$

1,341

$ 3,870

$ 1,793

$

–

$

492,357

166,810

239,448

192,895
592,861
1,279,454
340
2,187
–

–
–
77
–
459
536
$1,282,517

184,678
170,183
525,541
649
2,218
–

–
–
–
–
11
11
$528,419

183,377
130,872
555,490
20,771
127,621
3,590

19,461
–
19,558
30,775
15,020
84,814
$792,286

3,290

1,629
148
5,067
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
$5,067

$

48,359

$ 13,827

$ 8,433

$

80,608

24,383

100,658

27,298
25,679
181,944
46,644
–
388

5,709
1,460
45,379
17,291
–
202

–
–
–
–
–
$ 228,976

–
–
–
–
–
$ 62,872

13,826
20,386
143,303
44,798
11,091
1,528

–
2,024
1,664
–
3,688
$204,408

$

49,700

$ 17,697

$ 10,226

572,965

191,193

340,106

220,193
618,540
1,461,398
46,984
2,187
388
–

–
–
77
–
459
536
$1,511,493

190,387
171,643
570,920
17,940
2,218
202
–

–
–
–
–
11
11
$591,291

197,203
151,258
698,793
65,569
138,712
1,528
3,590

19,461
2,024
21,222
30,775
15,020
88,502
$996,694

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

$

$

3,290

1,629
148
5,067
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
$5,067

–

–

–
16
16
–
–
68

–
–
–
372
53
425
$ 509

$

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

$

7,004

$

140,845

$

147,849

901,905

1,206,313

2,108,218

562,579
894,080
2,365,568
21,760
132,026
3,658

19,461
–
19,635
31,147
15,543
85,786
$2,608,798

1,023,750
2,524,654
4,895,562
115,710
6,034,722
1,055,849

1,586,329
3,418,734
7,261,130
137,470
6,166,748
1,059,507

1,104,339
5,038
1,348,515
2,886,375
125,324
5,469,591
$17,571,434

1,123,800
5,038
1,368,150
2,917,522
140,867
5,555,377
$20,180,232

$

70,619

$ 1,576,691

$ 1,647,310

205,649

1,664,647

1,870,296

46,833
47,525
370,626
108,733
11,091
2,118

292,302
1,147,355
4,680,995
584,889
1,005,693
19,987

339,135
1,194,880
5,051,621
693,622
1,016,784
22,105

–
7,930
403
–
8,333
$8,333

–
9,954
2,067
–
12,021
$ 504,589

36
107,389
322,373
690
430,488
$ 6,722,052

36
117,343
324,440
690
442,509
$ 7,226,641

$

–

–

–
16
16
–
–
–
68

–
7,930
403
372
53
8,758
$8,842

$

77,623

$ 1,717,536

$ 1,795,159

1,107,554

2,870,960

3,978,514

609,412
941,605
2,736,194
130,493
143,117
2,118
3,658

19,461
9,954
21,702
31,147
15,543
97,807
$3,113,387

1,316,052
3,672,009
9,576,557
700,599
7,040,415
19,987
1,055,849

1,104,375
112,427
1,670,888
2,886,375
126,014
5,900,079
$24,293,486

1,925,464
4,613,614
12,312,751
831,092
7,183,532
22,105
1,059,507

1,123,836
122,381
1,692,590
2,917,522
141,557
5,997,886
$27,406,873

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

99

The following table presents the weighted average obligor risk rating at December 31, 2019 for those classifications that

consider a range of rating scales.

Weighted average obligor risk rating
Puerto Rico:

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction

Popular U.S.:

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction

Legacy

(Scales 11 and 12)
Substandard

(Scales 1 through 8)
Pass

11.82
11.17
11.36
11.26

11.25

11.01

Substandard

11.25
11.00
11.02
11.01

11.02

11.00

11.25

6.02
6.77
7.30
7.20

7.10

7.85

Pass

7.37
6.94
7.48
6.63

7.04

7.74

7.95

100 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

(In thousands)
Puerto Rico
Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction
Mortgage
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other
Total Consumer
Total Puerto Rico
Popular U.S.
Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction
Mortgage
Legacy
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Other
Total Consumer
Total Popular U.S.
Popular, Inc.
Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner

occupied

Commercial real estate owner

occupied

Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction
Mortgage
Legacy
Leasing
Consumer:

Credit cards
HELOCs
Personal
Auto
Other
Total Consumer
Total Popular, Inc.

December 31, 2018

Watch

Special
Mention Substandard Doubtful

Loss

Sub-total

Pass/
Unrated

Total

$

1,634 $ 4,548

$

3,590

$

$

85,901 $ 7,123

$

6,979

$

470,506

233,173

342,962

262,476
655,092
1,389,708
147
3,057
–

174,510
130,641
542,872
634
2,182
–

291,468
156,515
794,535
1,788
154,506
3,301

–
–
849
–
–
849

–
–
19
–
–
19
$1,393,761 $545,707

16,035
165
18,827
24,093
14,743
73,863
$1,027,993

152,635

9,839

46,555

49,415
5,825
293,776
35,375
–
534

23,963
1,084
42,009
37,741
–
224

2,394
76,459
132,387
58,005
11,032
2,409

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
$ 329,685 $ 79,974

–
2,615
1,910
4
4,529
$ 208,362

$

87,535 $ 11,671

$

10,569

623,141

243,012

389,517

311,891
660,917
1,683,484
35,522
3,057
534
–

198,473
131,725
584,881
38,375
2,182
224
–

293,862
232,974
926,922
59,793
165,538
2,409
3,301

–
–
849
–
–
849

–
–
19
–
–
19
$1,723,446 $625,681

16,035
2,780
20,737
24,093
14,747
78,392
$1,236,355

–

–

2,078
177
2,255
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
$2,255

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

$

$

2,078
177
2,255
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
$2,255

$

– $

9,772 $

135,856 $

145,628

–

1,046,641

1,275,960

2,322,601

–
73
73
–
–
12

730,532
942,498
2,729,443
2,569
159,745
3,313

991,721
2,239,663
4,643,200
83,386
6,273,578
931,460

1,722,253
3,182,161
7,372,643
85,955
6,433,323
934,773

$

$

16,035
165
19,695
24,177
14,958
75,030

1,047,273
–
5,351
–
1,250,625
–
2,608,785
84
144,744
215
299
5,056,778
384 $2,970,100 $16,913,372 $19,883,472

1,031,238
5,186
1,230,930
2,584,608
129,786
4,981,748

– $ 100,003 $ 1,301,537 $ 1,401,540

–

–
–
–
–
–
–

209,029

1,672,715

1,881,744

75,772
83,368
468,172
131,121
11,032
3,167

223,167
1,004,785
4,202,204
562,373
790,903
22,782

298,939
1,088,153
4,670,376
693,494
801,935
25,949

38
–
143,052
10,964
289,349
701
224
–
11,665
432,663
$11,665 $ 629,686 $ 5,994,731 $ 6,624,417

38
129,473
286,738
220
416,469

–
13,579
2,611
4
16,194

$

– $ 109,775 $ 1,437,393 $ 1,547,168

–

1,255,670

2,948,675

4,204,345

–
73
73
–
–
–
12

806,304
1,025,866
3,197,615
133,690
170,777
3,167
3,313

1,214,888
3,244,448
8,845,404
645,759
7,064,481
22,782
931,460

2,021,192
4,270,314
12,043,019
779,449
7,235,258
25,949
934,773

1,047,311
–
148,403
10,964
1,539,974
701
2,608,785
84
144,968
215
11,964
5,489,441
$12,049 $3,599,786 $22,908,103 $26,507,889

1,031,276
134,659
1,517,668
2,584,608
130,006
5,398,217

16,035
13,744
22,306
24,177
14,962
91,224

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 101

The following table presents the weighted average obligor risk rating at December 31, 2018 for those classifications that

(Scales 11 and 12)
Substandard

(Scales 1 through 8)
Pass

11.20
11.11
11.29
11.33

11.22

12.00

Substandard

11.00
11.01
11.16
11.96

11.56

11.21

11.17

6.02
6.93
7.25
7.15

7.09

7.64

Pass

7.39
6.82
7.55
7.26

7.14

7.85

7.94

(such day, the “true-up measurement date”) of the final shared-
loss month, or upon the final disposition of all covered assets
under the loss-share agreements, in the event losses on the loss-
share agreements fail to reach expected levels. The estimated
fair value of such true-up payment obligation at March 31, 2018
was approximately $171 million and was included as a
contingent consideration within the caption of other liabilities
in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

all

loss-share

arrangements

On May 22, 2018,

the Corporation entered into a
Termination Agreement (the “Termination Agreement”) with
the FDIC to terminate
in
connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction.
Under the terms of the Termination Agreement, BPPR made a
payment of approximately $23.7 million (the “Termination
Payment”) to the FDIC as consideration for the termination of
the
recorded a gain of
$102.8 million within the FDIC loss share income (expense)
caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
calculated based on the difference between the Termination
Payment and the net amount of the true-up payment obligation
and the FDIC loss share asset.

agreements. Popular

loss-share

The following table sets forth the activity in the FDIC loss-

share asset for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

consider a range of rating scales.

Weighted average obligor risk rating
Puerto Rico:

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction

Popular U.S.:

Commercial multi-family
Commercial real estate non-owner occupied
Commercial real estate owner occupied
Commercial and industrial

Total Commercial

Construction

Legacy

Note 10 - FDIC loss-share asset and true-up payment
obligation
In connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted transaction,
BPPR entered into loss-share arrangements with the FDIC with
respect to the covered loans and other real estate owned.
the
Pursuant to the terms of the loss-share arrangements,
FDIC’s obligation to reimburse BPPR for losses with respect to
covered assets began with the first dollar of loss incurred. The
FDIC reimbursed BPPR for 80% of
losses with respect to
covered assets, and BPPR reimbursed the FDIC for 80% of
recoveries with respect to losses for which the FDIC paid
reimbursement under loss-share arrangements. The loss-share
component of
the arrangements applicable to commercial
(including construction) and consumer loans expired during
the quarter ended June 30, 2015, but the arrangement provided
for reimbursement of recoveries to the FDIC to continue
through the quarter ending June 30, 2018, and for the single
family mortgage loss-share component of such agreement to
expire in the quarter ended June 30, 2020.

As of March 31, 2018, the Corporation had an FDIC loss
share asset of $44.5 million related to the covered assets. As
part of the loss-share agreements, BPPR had agreed to make a
true-up payment to the FDIC 45 days following the last day

102 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year
FDIC loss-share Termination Agreement
Amortization
Credit impairment losses to be covered under loss sharing agreements
Reimbursable expenses
Net payments from FDIC under loss-sharing agreements
Other adjustments attributable to FDIC loss-sharing agreements

Balance at end of period

Balance due to the FDIC for recoveries on covered assets

Balance at end of period

Years ended December 31,

2018

$ 46,316
(45,659)
(934)
104
537
(364)
–

$

$

–

–

–

2017

$ 69,334
–
(469)
3,136
2,454
(22,589)
(5,550)

$ 46,316

(1,124)

$ 45,192

As a result of the Termination Agreement, assets that were
covered by the loss share agreement, including covered loans in
the amount of approximately $514.6 million and covered real
estate owned assets
approximately
$15.3 million as of March 31, 2018, were reclassified as
non-covered. The Corporation now recognizes entirely all
future credit losses, expenses, gains, and recoveries related to
the formerly covered assets with no offset due to or from the
FDIC.

amount of

in the

Note 11 - Mortgage banking activities
Income from mortgage banking activities includes mortgage
servicing fees
earned in connection with administering
residential mortgage loans and valuation adjustments on
mortgage servicing rights. It also includes gain on sales and
securitizations of residential mortgage loans and trading gains
the
and losses on derivative
Corporation’s
addition,
lower-of-cost-or-market valuation adjustments to residential
mortgage loans held for sale, if any, are recorded as part of the
mortgage banking activities.

contracts used to hedge

securitization

activities.

In

The following table presents the components of mortgage banking activities:

(In thousands)

Mortgage servicing fees, net of fair value adjustments:

Mortgage servicing fees
Mortgage servicing rights fair value adjustments

Total mortgage servicing fees, net of fair value adjustments

Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation on loans held for sale

Trading account (loss) profit:

Unrealized (losses) gains on outstanding derivative positions
Realized (losses) gains on closed derivative positions

Total trading account (loss) profit

Total mortgage banking activities

Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
2019

$ 46,952
(27,430)

$49,532
(8,477)

$ 48,300
(36,519)

19,522

18,817

41,055

9,424

11,781

17,088

–
(6,246)

(6,246)

(253)
2,576

2,323

184
(3,557)

(3,373)

$ 32,093

$52,802

$ 25,496

Note 12 - Transfers of financial assets and mortgage
servicing assets
The Corporation typically transfers conforming residential
mortgage loans
in conjunction with GNMA and FNMA
securitization transactions whereby the loans are exchanged for
cash or
the
Corporation has made certain representations and warranties
with respect to the originally transferred loans and, in the past,
has sold certain loans with credit recourse to a government-
sponsored entity, namely FNMA. Refer to Note 25 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of such
arrangements.

and servicing rights. As

securities

seller,

a

result of

incurred as

No liabilities were

these
securitizations during the years ended December 31, 2019 and
recourse
2018 because they did not contain any credit
arrangements. The Corporation recorded a net gain of
$17.2 million and $8.9 million, respectively, during the years
ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 related to the residential
mortgage loans securitized.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 103

The following tables present the initial fair value of the assets obtained as proceeds from residential mortgage loans securitized

during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

(In thousands)

Assets

Trading account debt securities:
Mortgage-backed securities - GNMA
Mortgage-backed securities - FNMA

Total trading account debt securities

Mortgage servicing rights

Total

(In thousands)

Assets

Debt securities available for sale:
Mortgage-backed securities - FNMA

Total debt securities available-for-sale

Trading account debt securities:
Mortgage-backed securities - GNMA
Mortgage-backed securities - FNMA

Total trading account debt securities

Mortgage servicing rights

Total

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
retained servicing rights on whole loan sales
involving
approximately $63 million in principal balance outstanding
(2018 - $57 million), with net realized gains of approximately
$1.6 million (2018 - $0.8 million). All loan sales performed
during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were
without credit recourse agreements.

The Corporation recognizes as assets the rights to service
loans for others, whether these rights are purchased or result
from asset transfers such as sales and securitizations. These
mortgage servicing rights (“MSR”) are measured at fair value.

The Corporation uses a discounted cash flow model to
estimate the fair value of MSRs. The discounted cash flow
model incorporates assumptions that market participants would
including
use in estimating future net servicing income,
estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate, cost to service,
escrow account earnings, contractual servicing fee income,
prepayment
considerations.
Prepayment speeds are adjusted for the Corporation’s loan
characteristics and portfolio behavior.

among other

and late

fees,

104 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Proceeds Obtained During the Year Ended December 31, 2019

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Initial fair value

$–
–

$–

$–

$–

$347,396
111,362

$458,758

$

–

$458,758

$

$

–
–

–

$8,185

$8,185

$347,396
111,362

$458,758

$ 8,185

$466,943

Proceeds Obtained During the Year Ended December 31, 2018

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Initial fair value

$–

$–

$–
–

$–

$–

$–

$ 11,865

$ 11,865

$412,500
82,320

$494,820

$

–

$506,685

$

$

$

–

–

–
–

–

$9,337

$9,337

$ 11,865

$ 11,865

$412,500
82,320

$494,820

$ 9,337

$516,022

The following table presents the changes in MSRs measured
using the fair value method for the years ended December 31,
2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

Residential MSRs

Fair value at beginning

of period

Additions
Changes due to
payments on
loans [1]

Reduction due to loan

repurchases

Changes in fair value
due to changes in
valuation model
inputs or
assumptions
Other disposals

Fair value at end of

period

$169,777
9,143

$168,031
10,223

(11,549)

(1,777)

(13,459)

(3,721)

(14,190)
(498)

8,703
–

$150,906

$169,777

[1] Represents changes due to collection / realization of expected cash flows

over time.

Residential mortgage

loans

serviced for others were

$14.8 billion at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $15.7 billion).

activities

Statements

Net mortgage servicing fees, a component of mortgage
banking
of
in the Consolidated
Operations, include the changes from period to period in the
fair value of the MSRs, including changes due to collection /
realization of expected cash flows. The banking subsidiaries
receive servicing fees based on a percentage of the outstanding
loan balance. These servicing fees are credited to income when
they are collected. At December 31, 2019, those weighted
average mortgage servicing fees were 0.30% (2018 - 0.30%).
Under these servicing agreements, the banking subsidiaries do
not generally earn significant prepayment penalty fees on the
underlying loans serviced.

The section below includes information on assumptions
used in the valuation model of the MSRs, originated and
purchased. Key economic assumptions used in measuring the
servicing rights derived from loans securitized or sold by the
Corporation during the years ended December 31, 2019 and
2018 were as follows:

Years ended
December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

Prepayment speed
Weighted average life (in

years)

Discount rate (annual rate)

7.0%

9.5
10.9%

5.0%

10.8
11.0%

Key economic assumptions used to estimate the fair value of MSRs derived from sales and securitizations of mortgage loans
performed by the banking subsidiaries and servicing rights purchased from other financial institutions, and the sensitivity to
immediate changes in those assumptions, were as follows as of the end of the periods reported:

(In thousands)

Fair value of servicing rights
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

The sensitivity analyses presented in the tables above for
servicing rights 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
the change in
extrapolated because the relationship of
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. At December 31,
2019,
the Corporation serviced $1.2 billion (2018 - $1.3
billion) in residential mortgage loans with credit recourse to the
Corporation. Refer to Note 25 for information on changes in
the Corporation’s liability of estimated losses related to loans
serviced with credit recourse.

Under

the GNMA securitizations,

the Corporation, as
servicer, has the right to repurchase (but not the obligation), at
its option and without GNMA’s prior authorization, any loan
for a GNMA guaranteed mortgage-backed
that is collateral

Originated MSRs

Purchased MSRs

December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31,

2019

$58,842
6.7
5.7%

$ (1,303)
$ (2,568)

11.4%

$ (2,381)
$ (4,596)

2018

$69,400
7.1
5.1%

$ (1,430)
$ (2,817)

11.5%

$ (3,125)
$ (6,019)

2019

$92,064
6.3
6.2%

$ (2,306)
$ (4,525)

11.0%

$ (3,603)
$ (6,959)

2018

$100,377
6.6
5.5%

$ (2,200)
$ (4,328)

11.0%

$ (4,354)
$ (8,394)

individual

security when certain delinquency criteria are met. At the time
loans meet GNMA’s specified delinquency
that
criteria and are eligible for repurchase,
the Corporation is
deemed to have regained effective control over these loans if the
Corporation was the pool issuer. At December 31, 2019, the
Corporation had recorded $103 million in mortgage loans on its
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition related to this
buy-back option program (2018 - $134 million). As long as the
Corporation continues to service the loans that continue to be
collateral in a GNMA guaranteed mortgage-backed security, the
MSR is recognized by the Corporation. During the year ended
December 31, 2019, the Corporation repurchased approximately
$104 million of mortgage loans under the GNMA buy-back
option program (2018 - $321 million). The determination to
repurchase these loans was based on the economic benefits of
the transaction, which results in a reduction of the servicing
costs for these severely delinquent loans, mostly related to
principal and interest advances. Furthermore, the risk associated
with these loans is reduced due to their guaranteed nature. The
Corporation places
loss mitigation
these loans under
programs and once brought back to current status, these may be
either retained in portfolio or re-sold in the secondary market.

its

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 105

Quantitative information about delinquencies, net credit losses, and components of securitized financial assets and other assets
managed together with them by the Corporation, including its own loan portfolio, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and
2018, are disclosed in the following tables. Loans securitized/sold represent loans in which the Corporation has continuing
involvement in the form of credit recourse.

(In thousands)
Loans (owned and managed):
Commercial
Construction
Legacy
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer
Less:

Loans securitized / sold
Loans held-for-sale

Loans held-in-portfolio

(In thousands)
Loans (owned and managed):
Commercial
Construction
Legacy
Lease financing
Mortgage
Consumer
Less:

Loans securitized / sold
Loans held-for-sale

Loans held-in-portfolio

2019
Total principal amount of
loans, net of unearned

Principal amount 60 days
or more past due

Net credit losses
(recoveries)

$12,312,751
831,092
22,105
1,059,507
8,404,911
5,997,886

1,162,176
59,203

$27,406,873

$ 200,568
145
2,007
6,710
1,071,537
140,928

72,574
–

$1,349,321

$ 66,119
(898)
(1,399)
9,337
40,644
142,470

(1,146)
–

$257,419

2018
Total principal amount of
loans, net of unearned

Principal amount 60 days
or more past due

Net credit losses
(recoveries)

$12,043,019
779,449
25,949
934,773
8,620,667
5,489,441

1,333,987
51,422

$26,507,889

$ 290,759
13,848
3,072
5,140
1,315,384
117,775

129,443
–

$1,616,535

$ 85,715
4,452
(2,032)
6,030
66,209
122,170

394
–

$282,150

Note 13 - Premises and equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization as follows:

(In thousands)
Premises and equipment:

Land

Buildings
Equipment
Leasehold improvements

Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization

Subtotal

Construction in progress

Premises and equipment, net

Other premises and equipment:
Buildings under capital leases
Less - Accumulated amortization

Other premises and equipment, net

Total premises and equipment, net

106 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Useful life in years

2019

2018

10-50
2-10
3-10

7-20

$114,481

$120,519

535,602
362,543
92,923

991,068
561,742

429,326

12,843

515,985
336,722
84,244

936,951
533,930

403,021

32,334

$556,650

$555,874

$

$

–
–

–

$ 28,264
14,330

$ 13,934

$556,650

$569,808

Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
for the year 2019 was $58.1 million (2018 -$52.5 million; 2017
- $47.1 million), of which $27.3 million (2018 - $24.3 million;
2017 - $22.4 million) was charged to occupancy expense and
$30.8 million (2018 - $28.2 million; 2017 - $24.7 million) was

charged to equipment, communications and other operating
expenses. Occupancy expense of premises and equipment is net
of rental income of $19.3 million (2018 - $28.2 million; 2017 -
$26.6 million). For information related to the amortization
expense of finance leases, refer to Note 35 - Leases.

Note 14 - Other real estate owned
The following tables present the activity related to Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”), for the years ended December 31, 2019,
2018 and 2017.

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of period
Write-downs in value
Additions
Sales
Other adjustments

Ending balance

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of period
Write-downs in value
Additions
Sales
Other adjustments
Transfer to non-covered status [1]

Ending balance

For the year ended December 31, 2019
Non-covered
OREO
Commercial/Construction

Non-covered
OREO
Mortgage

Total

$21,794
(1,584)
6,801
(9,892)
(160)

$16,959

$114,911
(4,541)
62,630
(67,137)
(750)

$136,705
(6,125)
69,431
(77,029)
(910)

$105,113

$122,072

For the year ended December 31, 2018
Non-covered
OREO
Commercial/Construction

Non-covered
OREO
Mortgage

Covered
OREO
Mortgage

$21,411
(2,974)
10,688
(8,108)
777
–

$21,794

$147,849
(10,380)
41,167
(78,330)
(728)
15,333

$ 19,595
(287)
–
(3,282)
(693)
(15,333)

Total

$188,855
(13,641)
51,855
(89,720)
(644)
–

$114,911

$

–

$136,705

[1] Represents the reclassification of OREOs to the non-covered category, pursuant to the Termination Agreement of all shared-loss agreements with the Federal

Deposit Insurance Corporation related to loans acquired from Westernbank, that was completed on May 22, 2018.

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of period
Write-downs in value [1]
Additions
Sales
Other adjustments

Ending balance

For the year ended December 31, 2017

Non-covered
OREO
Commercial/Construction

Non-covered
OREO
Mortgage

Covered
OREO
Mortgage

$20,401
(5,011)
8,918
(2,765)
(132)

$21,411

$160,044
(16,876)
70,763
(68,145)
2,063

$ 32,128
(3,311)
9,912
(16,273)
(2,861)

Total

$212,573
(25,198)
89,593
(87,183)
(930)

$147,849

$ 19,595

$188,855

[1]

Includes $2.7 million related to the damages from Hurricane Maria, of which $1.3 million were for commercial and $1.4 million for residential.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 107

Note 15 - Other assets
The caption of other assets in the consolidated statements of
financial condition consists of the following major categories:

(In thousands)

Net deferred tax assets (net of

valuation allowance)

Investments under the equity

method
Prepaid taxes
Other prepaid expenses
Derivative assets
Trades receivable from brokers

and counterparties

Principal, interest and escrow

servicing advances

Guaranteed mortgage loan claims

receivable

Operating ROU assets (Note 35)
Finance ROU assets (Note 35)
Others

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$ 886,353

$1,049,895

237,081
47,226
82,425
17,966

47,049

77,800

108,946
149,849
12,888
152,032

228,072
33,842
82,742
13,603

40,088

88,371

59,613
–
–
117,908

Total other assets

$1,819,615

$1,714,134

Note 16 - Investments in equity investees
During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
recorded earnings of $43.0 million, from its equity investments,
compared to $38.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2018. The carrying value of the Corporation’s equity method
investments was
$228 million at
$237 million and
December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

following table presents
information of

aggregated summarized
the Corporation’s equity method

The
financial
investees:

Years ended December 31,
(In thousands)

Operating results:
Total revenues
Total expenses
Income tax expense

Net income

At December 31,
(In thousands)

Balance Sheet:
Total assets
Total liabilities

2019

2018

2017

$927,510
677,385
54,936

$1,074,055
673,632
65,817

$931,627
663,069
42,799

$195,189

$ 334,606

$225,759

2019

2018

$7,911,752
$6,425,642

$8,652,539
$6,090,722

Summarized financial information for these investees may be presented on a lag, due to the unavailability of information for the

investees, at the respective balance sheet dates.

Note 17 - Goodwill and other intangible assets
There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2018, allocated by reportable segments, were

as follows (refer to Note 40 for the definition of the Corporation’s reportable segments):

(In thousands)

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Popular U.S.

Total Popular, Inc.

2018

Balance at
January 1, 2018

Goodwill on
acquisition

$276,420
350,874

$627,294

$60,242
–

$60,242

Purchase
accounting
adjustments

$(16,414)
–

$(16,414)

Goodwill
impairment

Balance at
December 31, 2018

$–
–

$–

$320,248
350,874

$671,122

The goodwill recognized during the year ended December 31, 2018 in the reportable segment of Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
of $43.8 million, net of purchase accounting adjustments, was related to the Reliable Transaction. Refer to Note 4, Business
combination, for additional information.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation had $6.1 million of identifiable intangible assets with indefinite useful lives,

mostly associated with the E-LOAN trademark.

108 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The following table reflects the components of other intangible assets subject to amortization:

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019
Core deposits
Other customer relationships
Trademark

Total other intangible assets

December 31, 2018
Core deposits
Other customer relationships
Trademark

Total other intangible assets

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net
Carrying
Value

$37,224
42,909
488

$80,621

$37,224
34,915
488

$72,627

$29,792
28,075
138

$58,005

$26,070
25,847
41

$51,958

$ 7,432
14,834
350

$22,616

$11,154
9,068
447

$20,669

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
recognized $9.6 million in customer relationship intangibles in
connection with the acquisition of a credit card portfolio in
Puerto Rico.
The

ended
December 31, 2018 of $0.5 million was related to the Reliable
Transaction. Refer
for
additional information.

to Note 4, Business combination,

recognized

trademark

during

year

the

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
recognized $ 9.4 million in amortization expense related to
other intangible assets with definite useful
lives (2018 -
$9.3 million; 2017 - $9.4 million).

The following table presents the estimated amortization of
the intangible assets with definite useful lives for each of the
following periods:

(In thousands)

Year 2020
Year 2021
Year 2022
Year 2023
Year 2024
Later years

$6,369
3,559
2,683
2,642
2,355
5,008

Results of the Annual Goodwill Impairment Test
The Corporation’s goodwill and other identifiable intangible
assets having an indefinite useful life are tested 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.
goodwill
accounting
impairment analysis is a two-step test. The first step of the
goodwill impairment test involves comparing the fair value of
the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill.
If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying

standards,

applicable

Under

the reporting unit

for each reporting unit

amount, goodwill of
is considered not
impaired; however, if the carrying amount of the reporting unit
exceeds its fair value, the second step must be performed. The
second step involves calculating an implied fair value of
goodwill
for which the first step
indicated possible impairment. The implied fair value of
goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of
goodwill recognized in a business combination, which is the
excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in
the first step, over the aggregate fair values of the individual
assets,
liabilities and identifiable intangibles (including any
unrecognized intangible assets, such as unrecognized core
deposits and trademark) as if the reporting unit was being
acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the
reporting unit was the price paid to acquire the reporting unit.
The Corporation estimates the fair values of the assets and
liabilities of a reporting unit, consistent with the requirements
of the fair value measurements accounting standard, which
defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an
asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction
between market participants at the measurement date. The fair
value of the assets and liabilities reflects market conditions,
thus volatility in prices could have a material impact on the
determination of the implied fair value of the reporting unit
test date. The adjustments to
goodwill at
measure the assets, liabilities and intangibles at fair value are
for the purpose of measuring the implied fair value of goodwill
and such adjustments are not reflected in the consolidated
statement of condition. If the implied fair value of goodwill
exceeds the goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no
impairment. If the goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds
the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment charge is
recorded for the excess. An impairment loss recognized cannot
exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit, and
the loss establishes a new basis in the goodwill. Subsequent
reversal of goodwill impairment losses is not permitted under
applicable accounting standards.

the impairment

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 109

The Corporation performed the annual goodwill impairment
evaluation for the entire organization during the third quarter
of 2019 using July 31, 2019 as the annual evaluation date. The
reporting units utilized for this evaluation were those that are
one level below the business segments, which are the legal
entities within the reportable segment. The Corporation follows
push-down accounting, as such all goodwill is assigned to the
reporting units when carrying out a business combination.
In determining the fair value of a reporting unit,

the
Corporation generally uses
combination of methods,
a
including market price multiples of comparable companies and
transactions,
as discounted cash flow analysis.
Management evaluates the particular circumstances of each
reporting unit in order to determine the most appropriate
valuation methodology. The Corporation evaluates the results
obtained under each valuation methodology to identify and
understand the key value drivers in order to ascertain that the
results obtained are reasonable and appropriate under the
circumstances. Elements considered include current market
and economic conditions, developments in specific lines of
business, and any particular features in the individual reporting
units.

as well

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

• a selection of comparable publicly traded companies,

based on nature of business, location and size;

• a selection of comparable acquisition and capital raising

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; and
• the market growth and new business assumptions.

For purposes of the market comparable approach, valuations
were determined by calculating average price multiples of
relevant value drivers from a group of companies that are
comparable to the reporting unit being analyzed and applying
those price multiples to the value drivers of the reporting unit.
Multiples used are minority based multiples and thus, no
control premium adjustment
is made to the comparable
companies market multiples. 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

(“DCF”)
approach, the valuation is based on estimated future cash flows.
The financial projections used in the DCF valuation analysis for
each reporting unit are based on the most recent (as of the
the
valuation date)
/ Liability Management Committee
Corporation’s Asset

financial projections presented to

110 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

(“ALCO”). The growth assumptions
included in these
projections are based on management’s expectations for each
reporting unit’s financial prospects considering economic and
industry conditions as well as particular plans of each entity
(i.e. restructuring plans, de-leveraging, etc.). The cost of equity
used to discount the cash flows was calculated using the
Ibbotson Build-Up Method and ranged from 11.14% to 12.58%
for the 2019 analysis. The Ibbotson Build-Up Method builds up
a cost of equity starting with the rate of return of a “risk-free”
asset (20-year U.S. Treasury note) and adds to it additional risk
elements such as equity risk premium, size premium and
industry risk premium. The resulting discount rates were
analyzed in terms of reasonability given the current market
conditions and adjustments were made when necessary.

BPPR passed Step 1 in the annual test as of July 31, 2019.
The results indicated that the average estimated fair value
calculated in Step 1 using all valuation methodologies exceeded
BPPR’s equity value by approximately $1.2 billion or 37%.
Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment on the
goodwill recorded in BPPR at July 31, 2019 and there was no
need for a Step 2 analysis.

PB also passed Step 1 in the annual test as of July 31, 2019.
The results indicated that the average estimated fair value
calculated in Step 1 using all valuation methodologies exceeded
PB’s equity value by approximately $338 million or 21%.
Accordingly, there was no indication of impairment on the
goodwill recorded in PB at July 31, 2019 and there was no need
for a Step 2 analysis.

The goodwill balance of BPPR and PB, as legal entities,
the Corporation’s total

represented approximately 91% of
goodwill balance as of the July 31, 2019 valuation date.

the

as part of

Furthermore,

analyses, management
performed a reconciliation of
the aggregate fair values
determined for the reporting units to the market capitalization
of
the fair value results
determined for the reporting units in the July 31, 2019 annual
assessment were reasonable.

the Corporation concluding that

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
in the
is
units where the goodwill
Corporation’s market capitalization could increase the risk of
impairment in the future. Refer to Note 3, New
goodwill
Accounting Pronouncements,
for changes on the annual
goodwill impairment test in accordance with ASU 2017-04.

recorded. Declines

Management monitors events or changes in circumstances
between annual tests to determine if these events or changes in
circumstances would more likely than not reduce the fair value
of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

The following tables present the gross amount of goodwill and accumulated impairment losses by reportable segments.

(In thousands)

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Popular U.S.

Total Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Popular U.S.

Total Popular, Inc.

December 31, 2019

Balance at
January 1,
2019
(gross amounts)

$324,049
515,285

$839,334

Accumulated
impairment
losses

$ 3,801
164,411

$168,212

Balance at
January 1,
2019
(net amounts)

Balance at
December 31,
2019
(gross amounts)

$320,248
350,874

$671,122

$324,049
515,285

$839,334

Accumulated
impairment
losses

$ 3,801
164,411

$168,212

Balance at
December 31,
2019
(net amounts)

$320,248
350,874

$671,122

December 31, 2018

Balance at
January 1,
2018
(gross amounts)

$280,221
515,285

$795,506

Accumulated
impairment
losses

$ 3,801
164,411

$168,212

Balance at
January 1,
2018
(net amounts)

Balance at
December 31,
2018
(gross amounts)

$276,420
350,874

$627,294

$324,049
515,285

$839,334

Accumulated
impairment
losses

$ 3,801
164,411

$168,212

Balance at
December 31,
2018
(net amounts)

$320,248
350,874

$671,122

Note 18 - Deposits
Total interest bearing deposits as of the end of the periods
presented consisted of:

At December 31, 2019,

the Corporation had brokered
deposits amounting to $0.5 billion (December 31, 2018 - $ 0.5
billion).

The aggregate amount of overdrafts in demand deposit
accounts that were reclassified to loans was $4 million at
December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $5 million).

sold under

Note 19 - Borrowings
Assets
amounted
$193 million at December 31, 2019 and $282 million
December 31, 2018.

to repurchase

agreements

The

repurchase

transactions

Corporation’s

are
overcollateralized with the securities detailed in the table
below. The Corporation’s repurchase agreements have a right of
set-off with the respective counterparty under the supplemental
terms of the master repurchase agreements. In an event of
default each party has a right of set-off against the other party
for amounts owed in the related agreement and any other
amount or obligation owed in respect of any other agreement or
to the Corporation’s
transaction between them. Pursuant
accounting policy, the repurchase agreements are not offset
with other
agreements held with the same
counterparty.

repurchase

(In thousands)

Savings accounts
NOW, money market and other

interest bearing demand
deposits

Total savings, NOW, money
market and other interest
bearing demand deposits

Certificates of deposit:
Under $100,000
$100,000 and over

Total certificates of deposit

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$10,618,629

$ 9,722,824

16,305,007

13,221,415

26,923,636

22,944,239

3,133,840
4,540,957

7,674,797

3,260,330
4,356,434

7,616,764

Total interest bearing deposits

$34,598,433

$30,561,003

A summary of
December 31, 2019 follows:

certificates of deposit by maturity

at

(In thousands)

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 and thereafter

Total certificates of deposit

$4,612,460
1,149,007
734,322
502,572
615,875
60,561

$7,674,797

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 111

The following table presents information related to the Corporation’s repurchase transactions accounted for as secured
borrowings that are collateralized with debt securities available-for-sale, other assets held-for-trading purposes or which have been
obtained under agreements to resell. 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 Financial Condition.

Repurchase agreements accounted for as secured borrowings

(Dollars in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities

Within 30 days
After 30 to 90 days
After 90 days

Total U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. government sponsored entities

After 30 to 90 days

Total obligations of U.S. government sponsored entities
Mortgage-backed securities

Within 30 days
After 90 days

Total mortgage-backed securities
Collateralized mortgage obligations

Within 30 days

Total collateralized mortgage obligations
Total

December 31, 2019

December 31, 2018

Repurchase
liability

Repurchase liability
weighted average
interest rate

Repurchase
liability

Repurchase liability
weighted average
interest rate

$ 88,646
78,061
24,538
191,245

–
–

1,235
–
1,235

898
898
$193,378

2.59%
2.36
2.52
2.49

–
–

0.30
–
0.30

0.24
0.24
2.46%

$138,689
79,374
19,558
237,621

6,055
6,055

6,859
20,465
27,324

10,529
10,529
$281,529

2.56%
2.47
2.72
2.54

2.45
2.45

1.15
2.75
2.35

0.25
0.25
2.43%

112 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Repurchase agreements in this portfolio are generally short-
term, often overnight. As such our risk is very limited. We
manage the liquidity risks arising from secured funding by
sourcing
of
counterparties, providing a range of securities collateral and
pursuing longer durations, when appropriate.

from a

globally

funding

diverse

group

There were no other short-term borrowings outstanding at
at

compared

thousand

2019,

$42

31,

to

December
December 31, 2018.

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase:

(Dollars in thousands)

2019

2018

Maximum aggregate balance outstanding at

any month-end

$281,833

$401,606

Average monthly aggregate balance

outstanding

Weighted average interest rate:

For the year
At December 31

$222,565

$330,585

2.64%
2.50%

2.01%
2.44%

The following table presents information related to the
Corporation’s other short-term borrowings for the periods
ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

Other short-term borrowings:

(Dollars in thousands)

Others

Balance outstanding at the end of the period

Maximum aggregate balance outstanding at

2019

2018

$

$

–

–

$

$

42

42

any month-end

$160,000

$186,200

Average monthly aggregate balance

outstanding

Weighted average interest rate:

For the year
At December 31

$ 8,703

$ 27,833

2.50%
1.85%

2.04%
2.53%

The following table presents the composition of notes

payable at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

(In thousands)

Advances with the FHLB with
maturities ranging from 2020
through 2029 paying interest at
monthly fixed rates ranging
from 1.14% to 4.19% (2018 -
0.95% to 4.19%)

Advances with the FHLB

maturing on 2019 paying
interest monthly at a floating
rate of 0.34% over 1 month
LIBOR

Advances with the FHLB

maturing on 2019 paying
interest quarterly at floating
rates ranging from 0.12% to
0.24% over the 3 month
LIBOR

Unsecured senior debt securities
maturing on 2023 paying
interest semiannually at a fixed
rate of 6.125%, net of debt
issuance costs of $4,693 (2018 -
$5,961)

Junior subordinated deferrable

interest debentures (related to
trust preferred securities) with
maturities ranging from 2033 to
2034 with fixed interest rates
ranging from 6.125% to 6.7%,
net of debt issuance costs of
$396 (2018 - $423)
Capital lease obligations

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$ 421,399

$ 524,052

–

–

13,000

19,724

295,307

294,039

384,902
–

384,875
20,412

Total notes payable

$1,101,608

$1,256,102

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 113

A breakdown of borrowings by contractual maturities at December 31, 2019 is included in the table below.

(In thousands)
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Later years
Total borrowings

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation had FHLB
borrowing facilities whereby the Corporation could borrow up
respectively, of which
to $3.6 billion and $3.4 billion,
$0.4 billion and $0.6 billion, respectively, were used.
In
addition, at December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation had
placed $0.9 billion of the available FHLB credit facility as
collateral for a municipal letter of credit to secure deposits. The
FHLB borrowing facilities
collateralized with loans
are
held-in-portfolio, and do not have restrictive covenants or
callable features.

Also, at December 31, 2019,

the Corporation has a
borrowing facility at
the Federal
Reserve Bank of New York amounting to $1.1 billion (2018 -
$1.2 billion), which remained unused at December 31, 2019
and December 31, 2018.

the discount window of

Note 20 - Trust preferred securities
Statutory trusts established by the Corporation (Popular Capital
Trust I, Popular North America Capital Trust I and Popular
Capital Trust II) had issued trust preferred securities (also
referred to as “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

Assets sold under

agreements to repurchase Notes payable

$193,378
–
–
–
–
–
$193,378

$ 139,920
50,040
103,148
318,568
28,373
461,559
$1,101,608

Total
$ 333,298
50,040
103,148
318,568
28,373
461,559
$1,294,986

securities”), were used by the trusts to purchase junior
subordinated deferrable
“junior
(the
subordinated debentures”) issued by the Corporation.

interest debentures

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 pursuant to accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.

The junior subordinated debentures are included by the
Corporation as notes payable in the Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition, while the common securities issued by the
issuer trusts are included as debt securities held-to-maturity.
The common securities of each trust are wholly-owned, or
indirectly wholly-owned, by the Corporation.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, Popular
North America, Inc. (“PNA”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Corporation, redeemed all outstanding capital securities issued
by BanPonce Trust I (the “Trust”), a statutory trust established
by PNA, with an aggregate book value of $53 million, along
with the common securities issued by the Trust, which resulted
in the concurrent extinguishment of
the related junior
subordinated debentures amounting to $55 million.

The following table presents financial data pertaining to the different trusts at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(Dollars in thousands)

Issuer
Capital securities
Distribution rate
Common securities
Junior subordinated debentures aggregate liquidation amount
Stated maturity date
Reference notes

Popular Capital
Trust I

$181,063

6.700%

$ 5,601
$186,664
November 2033
[2],[4],[5]

Popular
North America
Capital Trust I
$91,651

Popular
Capital Trust Il
$101,023

6.564%

6.125%

$ 2,835
$94,486

$ 3,125
$104,148
September 2034 December 2034
[2],[4],[5]

[1],[3],[5]

Statutory business trust that is wholly-owned by PNA and indirectly wholly-owned by the Corporation.
Statutory business trust that is wholly-owned by the Corporation.

[1]
[2]
[3] 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.

[4] 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.

[5] 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.

114 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

At December 31, 2019 and 2018,

the Corporation’s
$374 million in trust preferred securities outstanding do not
qualify for Tier 1 capital treatment, but instead qualify for
Tier 2 capital treatment.

Note 21 - Other liabilities
The caption of other liabilities in the consolidated statements of
financial condition consists of the following major categories:

(In thousands)

Accrued expenses
Accrued interest payable
Accounts payable
Dividends payable
Trades payable
Liability for GNMA loans sold
with an option to repurchase
Reserves for loan indemnifications
Reserve for operational losses
Operating lease liabilities (Note 35)
Finance lease liabilities (Note 35)
Pension benefit obligation
Postretirement benefit obligation
Others

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$ 273,184
44,026
65,688
29,027
4,084

102,663
38,074
35,665
165,139
19,810
52,616
168,681
46,296

$276,120
44,638
66,381
25,092
64

134,260
67,066
40,921
–
–
68,736
153,415
45,115

Total other liabilities

$1,044,953

$921,808

Note 22 - Stockholders’ equity
The Corporation’s common stock ranks junior to all series of
preferred stock as to dividend rights and / or as to rights on
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation.
Dividends on each series of preferred stocks are payable if
declared. The Corporation’s ability to declare or pay dividends
on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire,
its common
stock is subject to certain restrictions in the event that the
Corporation fails to pay or set aside full dividends on the
preferred stock for the latest dividend period. The ability of the
Corporation to pay dividends in the future is limited by
regulatory requirements, legal availability of funds, recent and
projected financial results, capital levels and liquidity of the
Corporation, general business conditions and other factors
deemed relevant by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

The Corporation’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ
Stock Market LLC (the “NASDAQ”) under the symbol BPOP.
The 2003 Series A and 2008 Series B Preferred Stock are not
listed on NASDAQ.

Preferred stocks
The Corporation has 30,000,000 shares of authorized preferred
stock that 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 shares of preferred

stock issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018
consisted of:

• 6.375% non-cumulative monthly income preferred stock,
2003 Series A, no par value, liquidation preference value
of $25 per share. Holders on record of the 2003 Series A
Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or
an authorized committee thereof, out of funds legally
available, non-cumulative cash dividends at the annual
rate per share of 6.375% of their liquidation preference
value, or $0.1328125 per share per month. These shares
of preferred stock are perpetual, nonconvertible, have no
preferential rights to purchase any securities of
the
Corporation and are redeemable solely at the option of the
Corporation with the consent of the Board of Governors
of the Federal Reserve System. The redemption price per
share is $25.00. The shares of 2003 Series A Preferred
Stock have no voting rights, except for certain rights in
instances when the Corporation does not pay dividends
for a defined period. These shares are not subject to any
sinking fund requirement. Cash dividends declared and
paid on the 2003 Series A Preferred Stock amounted to
$1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018
and 2017. Outstanding shares of 2003 Series A Preferred
Stock amounted to 885,726 at December 31, 2019, 2018
and 2017.

• 8.25% non-cumulative monthly income preferred stock,
2008 Series B, no par value, liquidation preference value
of $25 per share. The shares of 2008 Series B Preferred
Stock were issued in May 2008. Holders of record of the
2008 Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive,
when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation or an authorized committee thereof, out of
funds legally available, non-cumulative cash dividends at
the annual rate per share of 8.25% of their liquidation
preferences, or $0.171875 per share per month. These
shares of preferred stock are perpetual, nonconvertible,
have no preferential rights to purchase any securities of
the Corporation and are redeemable solely at the option of
the Board of
the Corporation with the consent of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System beginning on
May 28, 2013. Cash dividends declared and paid on the
2008 Series B Preferred Stock amounted to $ 2.3 million
for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Outstanding shares of 2008 Series B Preferred Stock
amounted to 1,120,665 at December 31, 2019, 2018 and
2017.

On February 24, 2020, the Corporation redeemed all the
outstanding shares of the 2008 Series B Preferred Stock. The
redemption price of the 2008 Series B Preferred Stock was
$25.00 per share, plus $0.1375 (representing the amount of
accrued and unpaid dividends for the current monthly dividend

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 115

period to the redemption date), for a total payment per share in
the amount of $25.1375.

agreement, which will depend on the average price of the
Corporation’s shares during the term of the ASR.

Common stocks

Dividends
During the year 2019, cash dividends of $1.20 (2018 - $1.00;
2017 - $1.00) per common share outstanding were declared
amounting to $116.0 million (2018 - $101.3 million; 2017 -
$102.1 million) of which $29.0 million were payable to
shareholders of common stock at December 31, 2019 (2018 -
$25.1 million; 2017 - $25.5 million). The quarterly dividend of
$0.30 per share declared to shareholders of record as of the
close of business on December 5, 2019, was paid on January 2,
2020. On January 9, 2020, the Corporation announced as part
of its capital plan for 2020, an increase in its quarterly common
stock dividend from $0.30 per share to $0.40 per share,
beginning in the second quarter of 2020, subject to approval by
its Board of Directors. On February 28, 2020, the Corporation’s
Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.40
per share on its outstanding common stock, payable on April 1,
2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on
March 19, 2020.

Accelerated share repurchase transaction (“ASR”)
During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Corporation completed a
$250 million ASR. In connection therewith, the Corporation
received an initial delivery of 3,500,000 shares of common
stock during the first quarter of 2019 and received 1,165,607
additional shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of
2019. The final number of shares delivered at settlement was
based on the average daily volume weighted average prince
(“VWAP”) of its common stock, net of a discount, during the
term of the ASR of $53.58. In connection with the transaction,
the Corporation recognized $266 million in treasury stock,
offset by $16 million adjustment to capital surplus. During
2018, the Corporation completed a $125 million ASR receiving
2,438,180 shares and recording $125 million in treasury stock.
During 2017, the Corporation completed a $75 million ASR
receiving 1,847,372 shares and recording $80 million in
treasury stock, based on the stock’s spot price, offset by
$5 million adjustment to capital surplus, resulting from the
decline in the Corporation’s stock price during the term of the
ASR.

On January 31, 2020,

the Corporation entered into a
$500 million ASR with respect to its common stock, which was
accounted for as a treasury stock transaction. As a result of the
the Corporation recognized
receipt of
$400 million in treasury stock and $100 million as a reduction
in capital surplus. The Corporation expects to further adjust its
treasury stock and capital surplus to reflect the delivery or
receipt of cash or shares upon the termination of the ASR

the initial

shares,

116 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Statutory reserve
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 Puerto Rico
the prior consent of
Commissioner of Financial Institutions. The failure to maintain
sufficient statutory reserves would preclude BPPR from paying
fund amounted to
dividends. BPPR’s
$659 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $599 million; 2017
- $540 million). During 2019, $60 million was transferred to
the statutory reserve account (2018 - $58 million, 2017 - $27
million). BPPR was in compliance with the statutory reserve
requirement in 2019, 2018 and 2017.

statutory

reserve

Note 23 - Regulatory capital requirements
The Corporation, BPPR and PB are subject to various regulatory
capital requirements imposed by the federal banking agencies.
Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can lead to
certain mandatory and additional discretionary actions by
if undertaken, could have a direct material
regulators that,
effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
Popular, Inc., BPPR and PB are subject to Basel III capital
requirements,
including also revised minimum and well
capitalized regulatory capital ratios and compliance with the
standardized approach for determining risk-weighted assets.

The Basel III Capital Rules established a Common Equity
Tier I (“CET1”) capital measure and related regulatory capital
ratio CET1 to risk-weighted assets.

The Basel

III Capital Rules provide that a depository
institution will be deemed to be well capitalized if it maintained
a leverage ratio of at least 5%, a CET1 ratio of at least 6.5%, a
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8% and a total risk-
based ratio of at least 10%. Management has determined that at
December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation exceeded all
capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

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.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, BPPR and PB were well-
regulatory framework for prompt

the

capitalized under
corrective action.

The following tables present the Corporation’s risk-based
capital and leverage ratios at December 31, 2019 and 2018
under the Basel III regulatory guidance.

The following table presents the minimum amounts and
ratios for the Corporation’s banks to be categorized as well-
capitalized.

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount Ratio Amount Ratio

2019

2018

Total Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

BPPR
PB
Common Equity Tier I

Capital (to Risk-Weighted
Assets):

BPPR
PB
Tier I Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

BPPR
PB
Tier I Capital (to Average

Assets):

BPPR
PB

$2,115,150
713,177

10% $2,052,664
644,506
10

10%
10

$1,374,848
463,565

6.5% $1,334,231
418,929
6.5

6.5%
6.5

$1,692,120
570,542

8% $1,642,131
515,605
8

$2,057,314
472,551

5% $1,890,709
436,975
5

8%
8

5%
5

Capital adequacy minimum
requirement (including
conservation capital buffer)

Actual

(Dollars in thousands)

Amount Ratio

Amount

Ratio

2019

Total Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB
Common Equity Tier I
Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB
Tier I Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB
Tier I Capital (to

Average Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB

(Dollars in
thousands)

Total Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB
Common Equity Tier
I Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB
Tier I Capital (to Risk-
Weighted Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB
Tier I Capital (to

Average Assets):

Corporation
BPPR
PB

$5,858,615 20.31% $3,028,239
2,220,908
4,226,374 19.98
748,836
1,211,045 16.98

10.500%
10.500
10.500

$5,121,240 17.76% $2,018,826
1,480,605
3,958,518 18.72
499,224
1,165,710 16.35

7.000%
7.000
7.000

$5,121,240 17.76% $2,451,431
1,797,878
3,958,518 18.72
606,200
1,165,710 16.35

8.500%
8.500
8.500

$5,121,240 10.03% $2,042,299
1,645,851
3,958,518 9.62
378,041
1,165,710 12.33

4%
4
4

Capital adequacy minimum
requirement (including
conservation capital buffer)

Actual

Amount Ratio

Amount

Ratio

2018

$5,354,199 19.54% $2,706,117
2,027,005
3,900,536 19.00
636,450
1,148,253 17.82

9.875%
9.875
9.875

$4,631,511 16.90% $1,746,987
1,308,573
3,638,009 17.72
410,873
1,085,829 16.85

$4,631,511 16.90% $2,158,043
1,616,473
3,638,009 17.72
507,549
1,085,829 16.85

$4,631,511 9.88% $1,875,057
1,512,568
3,638,009 9.62
349,580
1,085,829 12.42

6.375%
6.375
6.375

7.875%
7.875
7.875

4%
4
4

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 117

Note 24 - Other comprehensive loss
The following table presents changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31,
2019, 2018 and 2017.

Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component [1]

(In thousands)

Foreign currency translation

Beginning Balance

Other comprehensive loss

Net change

Ending balance

Adjustment of pension and

postretirement benefit plans

Beginning Balance

Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss for amortization of net losses
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss for amortization of prior service credit

Net change

Ending balance

Unrealized net holding gains (losses)

on debt securities

Beginning Balance

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Other-than-temporary impairment amounts reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss for losses (gains) on securities

Net change

Ending balance

Unrealized net holding gains on

equity securities

Beginning Balance

Reclassification to retained earnings due to cumulative effect
adjustment of accounting change
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income for gains on securities

Net change

Ending balance

Unrealized net losses on cash flow

hedges

Beginning Balance

Reclassification to retained earnings due to cumulative effect
adjustment of accounting change
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive loss

Net change

Ending balance

Total

[1] All amounts presented are net of tax.

118 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Years ended December 31,
2018

2019

2017

$ (49,936)

$ (43,034)

$ (39,956)

(6,847)

(6,847)

(6,902)

(6,902)

(3,078)

(3,078)

$ (56,783)

$ (49,936)

$ (43,034)

$(203,836)

$(205,408)

$(211,610)

(13,671)

(9,453)

(5,164)

14,691

13,141

13,684

–

1,020

(2,116)

1,572

(2,318)

6,202

$(202,816)

$(203,836)

$(205,408)

$(173,811)

$(102,775)

$ (69,003)

265,950

(71,036)

(40,446)

–

16

–

–

6,740

(66)

265,966

(71,036)

(33,772)

92,155

$(173,811)

$(102,775)

$

605

$

685

$

$

$

$

–

–
–

–

–

–

(391)

(50)
(4,439)

2,386

(2,103)

$

$

(605)
–

–

(605)

–

(40)

–
326

(677)

(351)

(391)

$

$

$

–
121

(201)

(80)

605

(402)

–
(790)

1,152

362

(40)

$

(2,494)

$

$(169,938)

$(427,974)

$(350,652)

The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the

years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

(In thousands)

Adjustment of pension and postretirement benefit plans

Amortization of net losses
Amortization of prior service credit

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on debt securities
Realized (loss) gain on sale of debt securities

Unrealized holding gains on equity securities
Realized gain on sale of equity securities

Unrealized net (losses) gains on cash flow hedges

Forward contracts

Interest rate swaps

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations

Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
2019

Personnel costs
Personnel costs

Total before tax

Income tax benefit

Total net of tax

Net (loss) gain on sale of debt securities
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on
debt securities

Total before tax

Income tax benefit

Total net of tax

Net gain, including impairment on equity
securities

Total before tax

Income tax expense

Total net of tax

Mortgage banking activities

Other operating income

Total before tax

Income tax benefit (expense)

Total net of tax

$(23,508) $(21,542) $(22,428)
3,800
3,470

–

(23,508)

(18,072)

(18,628)

8,817

7,047

7,262

$(14,691) $(11,025) $(11,366)

$

(20) $

–

(20)

4

(16) $

–

–

–

–

$

$

$

$

$

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

$

83

(8,299)

(8,216)

1,542

$ (6,674)

$

$

251

251

(50)

201

$ (3,992) $ 1,110

$ (1,888)

110

(3,882)

1,496

–

1,110

(433)

–

(1,888)

736

$ (2,386) $

677

$ (1,152)

Total reclassification adjustments, net of tax

$(17,093) $(10,348) $(18,991)

Note 25 - Guarantees
The Corporation has obligations upon the occurrence of certain
events under
guarantees provided in certain
contractual agreements as summarized below.

financial

institutions,

The Corporation issues financial standby letters of credit
and has risk participation in standby letters of credit issued by
in each case to guarantee the
other financial
the
performance of various customers to third parties.
customers failed 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. At December 31, 2019, the
Corporation recorded a liability of $0.3 million (December 31,
2018 - $0.3 million), which represents the unamortized balance
of the obligations undertaken in issuing the guarantees under
the standby letters of credit. In accordance with the provisions
of ASC Topic 460, the Corporation recognizes at fair value the

If

of

letters

outstanding

in standby

future payments that

obligation at inception of the standby letters of credit. The fair
value approximates the fee received from the customer for
issuing such commitments. These fees are deferred and are
the commitment period. The contracted
recognized over
amounts
at
credit
December 31, 2019 and 2018, shown in Note 26, represent the
maximum potential amount of
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 customers 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
to the underlying collateral
provided, which normally includes cash, marketable securities,
real estate, receivables, and others. Management does not
anticipate any material losses related to these instruments.

rights

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 119

sold”

in the

relevant

The estimated losses to be absorbed under the credit
recourse arrangements are recorded as a liability when the loans
are sold and are updated by accruing or reversing expense
(categorized in the line item “Adjustments (expense) to
indemnity reserves on loans
consolidated
statements of operations) throughout the life of the loan, as
information becomes
necessary, when additional
available. The methodology used to estimate the recourse
liability is a function of the recourse arrangements given and
considers a variety of factors, which include actual defaults and
loss experience, foreclosure rate, estimated future
historical
defaults and the probability that a loan would be delinquent.
Statistical methods are used to estimate the recourse liability.
Expected loss rates are applied to different loan segmentations.
The expected loss, which represents the amount expected to be
lost on a given loan, considers the probability of default and
loss
the
probability that a loan in good standing would become 90 days
twelve-month period.
following
delinquent within the
Regression analysis quantifies the relationship between the
default event and loan-specific characteristics, including credit
scores, loan-to-value ratios, and loan aging, among others.

severity. The probability of default

represents

the

loans

characteristics

When the Corporation sells or securitizes mortgage loans, it
generally makes customary representations and warranties
the
regarding
sold. The
of
Corporation’s mortgage operations
in Puerto Rico group
conforming mortgage loans into pools which are exchanged for
FNMA and GNMA mortgage-backed securities, which are
generally sold to private investors, or are sold directly to FNMA
for cash. As required under the government agency programs,
quality review procedures are performed by the Corporation to
ensure that asset guideline qualifications are met. To the extent
the loans do not meet specified characteristics, the Corporation
may be required to repurchase such loans or indemnify for
losses and bear any subsequent loss related to the loans. There
were no repurchases under BPPR’s representation and warranty
arrangements during the year ended December 31, 2019
compared to $12 million during the year ended December 31,
2018. A substantial amount of
reinstate to
performing status or have mortgage insurance, and thus the
ultimate losses on the loans are not deemed significant.

these loans

During the second quarter of 2019,

the Corporation
recorded the release of a $4.4 million reserve taken in
connection with a sale of loans completed during the year 2013.

Also,

from time to time,

from time to time,

the Corporation securitized
mortgage loans into guaranteed mortgage-backed securities
subject in certain instances, to lifetime credit recourse on the
loans that serve as collateral for the mortgage-backed securities.
The Corporation has not sold any mortgage loans subject to
credit recourse since 2009. Also,
the
in bulk sale transactions, residential
Corporation may sell,
mortgage loans and Small Business Administration (“SBA”)
commercial
to credit recourse or to certain
representations and warranties from the Corporation to the
purchaser. These representations and warranties may relate, for
example, 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.

loans subject

2019,

the Corporation

recourse provided,

the Corporation is

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation serviced $1.2 billion
(December 31, 2018 - $1.3 billion) in residential mortgage loans
subject to credit recourse provisions, principally loans associated
with FNMA and FHLMC residential mortgage loan securitization
programs. In the event of any customer default, pursuant to the
credit
required to
repurchase the loan or reimburse the third party investor for the
incurred loss. The maximum potential amount of
future
payments that the Corporation would be required to make under
the recourse arrangements in the event of nonperformance by the
borrowers is equivalent to the total outstanding balance of the
residential mortgage loans serviced with recourse and interest, if
repurchased
applicable. During
approximately $57 million of unpaid principal balance in
mortgage loans subject to the credit recourse provisions (2018 -
$27 million). In the event of nonperformance by the borrower,
the Corporation has rights to the underlying collateral securing
the mortgage loan. The Corporation suffers losses on these loans
when the proceeds from a foreclosure sale of the property
underlying a defaulted mortgage loan are less
than the
outstanding principal balance of the loan plus any uncollected
interest advanced and the costs of holding and disposing the
related property. At December 31, 2019,
the Corporation’s
liability established to cover the estimated credit loss exposure
related to loans sold or serviced with credit recourse amounted to
$35 million (December 31, 2018 - $56 million). The following
table shows the changes in the Corporation’s liability of estimated
losses from these credit recourses agreements, included in the
consolidated statements of financial condition during the years
ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Years ended
December 31,
2018
2019

$ 56,230
2,122
(23,490)

$ 58,820
12,200
(14,790)

$ 34,862

$ 56,230

(In thousands)

Balance as of beginning of period
Provision for recourse liability
Net charge-offs

Balance as of end of period

120 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The

table

presents

following

in the
Corporation’s liability for estimated losses associated with the
indemnifications and representations and warranties related to
loans sold during the years ended December 31, 2019 and
2018.

changes

the

(In thousands)

Balance as of beginning of period
Provision (reversal) for representation and

warranties
Net charge-offs
Settlements paid

Balance as of end of period

Years ended
December 31,
2018
2019

$10,837

$11,742

(5,020)
(75)
(2,530)

78
(983)
–

$ 3,212

$10,837

Servicing agreements

relating to the mortgage-backed
securities programs of FNMA and GNMA, and to mortgage
including
loans sold or serviced to certain other investors,
FHLMC, require the Corporation to advance funds to make
scheduled payments of principal, interest, taxes and insurance,
if such payments have not been received from the borrowers. At
December 31, 2019, the Corporation serviced $14.8 billion in
mortgage loans for third-parties, including the loans serviced
with credit recourse (December 31, 2018 - $15.7 billion). The
Corporation generally recovers funds advanced pursuant to
these arrangements from the mortgage owner, from liquidation
proceeds when the mortgage loan is foreclosed or, in the case of
FHA/VA loans, under the applicable FHA and VA insurance and
guarantees programs. However,
the
Corporation must absorb the cost of the funds it advances
during the time the advance is outstanding. The Corporation
must also bear the costs of attempting to collect on delinquent
and defaulted mortgage loans. In addition, if a defaulted loan is
not cured, the mortgage loan would be canceled as part of the
foreclosure proceedings and the Corporation would not receive
any future servicing income with respect to that loan. At
December 31, 2019, the outstanding balance of funds advanced
by the Corporation under
such mortgage loan servicing
agreements was approximately $78 million (December 31, 2018
- $88 million). To the extent the mortgage loans underlying the
Corporation’s
increased
delinquencies, the Corporation would be required to dedicate
additional cash resources to comply with its obligation to
advance funds as well as incur additional administrative costs
related to increases in collection efforts.

in the meantime,

experience

servicing

portfolio

guarantees

Inc. Holding Company (“PIHC”)

fully and
Popular,
certain borrowing obligations
unconditionally
issued by certain of its 100% owned consolidated subsidiaries
amounting to $94 million at both December 31, 2019 and
December 31, 2018,
at both
respectively.
December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, PIHC fully and
basis
unconditionally

In addition,

subordinated

guaranteed

on

a

$374 million of capital securities (trust preferred securities)
issued by wholly-owned issuing trust entities to the extent set
forth in the applicable guarantee agreement. Refer to Note 20 to
the consolidated financial statements for further information on
the trust preferred securities.

the financial needs of

Note 26 - Commitments and contingencies
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
its customers. These financial
meet
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 financial
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 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 financial condition.

Financial

instruments with off-balance sheet credit risk,
whose contract amounts represent potential credit risk as of the
end of the periods presented were as follows:

(In thousands)

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

Commitments to
extend credit:
Credit card lines
Commercial and

construction lines
of credit

Other consumer
unused credit
commitments
Commercial letters of

credit

Standby letters of credit
Commitments to

originate or fund
mortgage loans

$4,889,694

$4,468,481

3,205,306

2,751,390

262,516

2,629
75,186

254,491

2,695
26,479

96,653

22,629

At December 31, 2019 and 2018,

the Corporation
maintained a
reserve of approximately $9 million and
$8 million, respectively, for potential losses associated with
unfunded loan commitments
related to commercial and
consumer lines of credit.

Other commitments
At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s also maintained other
for approximately $2.5 million,
non-credit commitments
primarily for the acquisition of other investments.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 121

the

and,

residential

Business concentration
Since the Corporation’s business activities are concentrated
primarily in Puerto Rico, its results of operations and financial
condition are dependent upon the general trends of the Puerto
and
Rico economy
in particular,
commercial real estate markets. The concentration of
the
Corporation’s operations in Puerto Rico exposes it to greater
risk than other banking companies with a wider geographic
base. Its asset and revenue composition by geographical area is
presented in Note 40 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Puerto Rico remains in the midst of a profound fiscal and
economic crisis. In response to such crisis, the U.S. Congress
enacted the Puerto Rico Oversight Management and Economic
Stability Act (“PROMESA”) in 2016, which, among other
things, established a Fiscal Oversight and Management Board
for Puerto Rico (the “Oversight Board”) and a framework for
the restructuring of
its
instrumentalities and municipalities. The Commonwealth and
commenced debt
several
restructuring proceedings under PROMESA. As of the date of
this report, while municipalities have been recently designated
as covered entities under PROMESA, no municipality has

instrumentalities have

the Commonwealth,

the debts of

its

of

commenced, or has been authorized by the Oversight Board to
commence, any such debt restructuring proceeding under
PROMESA.

to

the

and

Rico

Puerto

government

respectively, which amounts were

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Corporation’s direct
exposure
its
instrumentalities and municipalities totaled $432 million and
fully
$458 million,
outstanding on such dates. Of
this amount, $391 million
consists of loans and $41 million are securities ($413 million
and $ 45 million at December 31, 2018). Substantially all of the
amount outstanding at December 31, 2019 were obligations
from various Puerto Rico municipalities. In most cases, these
were “general obligations” of a municipality, to which the
applicable municipality has pledged its good faith, credit and
a
unlimited taxing power, or
municipality, to which the applicable municipality has pledged
other
the
revenues. At December 31, 2019, 75% of
Corporation’s exposure to municipal loans and securities was
concentrated in the municipalities of San Juan, Guaynabo,
Carolina and Bayamón. On July 1, 2019 the Corporation
received principal payments amounting to $22 million from
various obligations from Puerto Rico municipalities.

“special obligations” of

The following table details the loans and investments representing the Corporation’s direct exposure to the Puerto Rico

government according to their maturities as of December 31, 2019:

(In thousands)

Central Government

After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total Central Government

Municipalities

Within 1 year
After 1 to 5 years
After 5 to 10 years
After 10 years

Total Municipalities

Total Direct Government Exposure

In addition, at December 31, 2019, the Corporation had
$350 million in loans insured or securities issued by Puerto
Rico governmental entities but for which the principal source of
repayment is non-governmental ($368 million at December 31,
2018). These included $276 million in residential mortgage
loans insured by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority
(“HFA”),
instrumentality that has been
designated as a covered entity under PROMESA (December 31,
2018 - $293 million). These mortgage loans are secured by first
mortgages on Puerto Rico residential properties and the HFA
insurance covers losses in the event of a borrower default and
conditions. The
upon the

a governmental

satisfaction of

certain other

122 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Investment Portfolio

Loans

Total Outstanding Total Exposure

$

8
30
540

578

3,745
17,580
18,195
655

40,175

$

–
–
–

–

78,108
139,283
82,967
90,601

390,959

$

8
30
540

578

81,853
156,863
101,162
91,256

431,134

$

8
30
540

578

81,853
156,863
101,162
91,256

431,134

$40,753

$390,959

$431,712

$431,712

Corporation also had at December 31, 2019, $46 million in
bonds issued by HFA which are secured by second mortgage
loans on Puerto Rico residential properties, and for which HFA
also provides insurance to cover losses in the event of a
borrower default and upon the satisfaction of certain other
conditions (December 31, 2018 - $45 million). In the event that
the mortgage loans
insured by HFA and held by the
Corporation directly or those serving as collateral for the HFA
bonds default and the collateral is insufficient to satisfy the
outstanding balance of these loans, HFA’s ability to honor its
insurance will depend, among other factors, on the financial
condition of HFA at the time such obligations become due and

payable. Although the Governor is currently authorized by local
legislation to impose a temporary moratorium on the financial
obligations of the HFA, the Governor has not exercised this
power as of the date hereof. In addition, at December 31, 2019,
the Corporation had $7 million in securities issued by HFA that
have been economically defeased and refunded and for which
securities consisting of U.S. agencies and Treasury obligations
have been escrowed (December 31, 2018 - $7 million), and
$21 million of commercial
issued by
government entities but that are payable from rent paid by
non-governmental parties (December 31, 2018 - $23 million).

real estate notes

BPPR’s commercial

loan portfolio also includes loans to
private borrowers who are service providers, lessors, suppliers
or have other
relationships with the government. These
borrowers could be negatively affected by the fiscal measures to
be implemented to address the Commonwealth’s fiscal crisis
and the ongoing Title III proceedings under PROMESA
described above. Similarly, BPPR’s mortgage and consumer loan
portfolios include loans to government employees which could
also be negatively affected by fiscal measures such as employee
layoffs or furloughs.

The Corporation has operations in the United States Virgin
Islands (the “USVI”) and has approximately $71 million in
direct exposure to USVI government entities. The USVI has
been experiencing a number of fiscal and economic challenges
that could adversely affect the ability of its public corporations
their outstanding debt
and instrumentalities
obligations.

to service

it

litigation,

has meritorious

defenses) when,

Legal Proceedings
The nature of Popular’s business ordinarily results in a certain
investigations, and legal and
number of claims,
administrative cases and proceedings (“Legal Proceedings”).
When the Corporation determines that
it has meritorious
defenses to the claims asserted, it vigorously defends itself. The
Corporation will consider the settlement of cases (including
cases where
in
management’s judgment, it is in the best interest of both the
Corporation and its shareholders to do so. On at least a
quarterly basis, Popular assesses its liabilities and contingencies
relating to outstanding Legal Proceedings utilizing the latest
information available. For matters where it is probable that the
Corporation will incur a material loss and the amount can be
reasonably estimated, the Corporation establishes an accrual for
the loss. Once established, the accrual is adjusted on at least a
quarterly basis
relevant
developments. For matters where a material
loss is not
probable, or the amount of the loss cannot be reasonably
estimated, no accrual is established.

appropriate

to reflect

any

as

In certain cases, exposure to loss exists in excess of the
accrual to the extent such loss is reasonably possible, but not
probable. Management believes and estimates that the range of
reasonably possible losses (with respect to those matters where

such limits may be determined, in excess of amounts accrued)
for current Legal Proceedings ranged from $0 to approximately
$28.4 million as of December 31, 2019. For certain other cases,
management cannot reasonably estimate the possible loss at
this time. Any estimate involves significant judgment, given the
varying stages of the Legal Proceedings (including the fact that
many of them are currently in preliminary stages), the existence
of multiple defendants
the current Legal
Proceedings whose share of liability has yet to be determined,
the numerous unresolved issues
the Legal
the various
Proceedings, and the inherent uncertainty of
potential outcomes of such Legal Proceedings. Accordingly,
management’s estimate will change from time-to-time, and
actual losses may be more or less than the current estimate.

in several of

in many of

and available

While the outcome of Legal Proceedings is inherently
uncertain, based on information currently available, advice of
counsel,
coverage, management
insurance
believes that the amount it has already accrued is adequate and
any incremental liability arising from the Legal Proceedings in
matters in which a loss amount can be reasonably estimated
will not have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s
consolidated financial position. However,
in the event of
unexpected future developments, it is possible that the ultimate
resolution of these matters in a reporting period, if unfavorable,
could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s
consolidated financial position for that particular period.

Set

forth below is a description of

the Corporation’s

significant Legal Proceedings.

BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO
Hazard Insurance Commission-Related Litigation
Popular, Inc., BPPR and Popular Insurance, LLC (the “Popular
Defendants”) have been named defendants in a putative class
action complaint captioned Pérez Díaz v. Popular, Inc., et al,
filed before the Court of First Instance, Arecibo Part. The
complaint seeks damages and preliminary and permanent
injunctive relief on behalf of the purported class against the
Popular Defendants, as well as Antilles Insurance Company and
“Defendant
MAPFRE-PRAICO Insurance Company
(the
the Popular
Insurance Companies”). Plaintiffs allege that
Defendants have been unjustly enriched by failing to reimburse
them for commissions paid by the Defendant
Insurance
Companies to the insurance agent and/or mortgagee for policy
years when no claims were filed against their hazard insurance
policies. They demand the reimbursement to the purported
“class” of an estimated $400 million plus legal interest, for the
the
“good experience”
time
Defendant
period, as well as injunctive relief seeking to enjoin the
Defendant Insurance Companies from paying commissions to
the insurance agent/mortgagee and ordering them to pay those
fees directly to the insured. A motion for dismissal on the
merits filed by the Defendant Insurance Companies was denied

allegedly paid by
Insurance Companies during the relevant

commissions

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 123

with a right to replead following limited targeted discovery.
Each of the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals and the Puerto Rico
Supreme Court denied the Popular Defendants’ request
to
review the lower court’s denial of the motion to dismiss. In
December 2017, plaintiffs amended the complaint and, on
January 2018, defendants filed an answer thereto. Separately, in
October 2017, the Court entered an order whereby it broadly
certified the class, after which the Popular Defendants filed a
certiorari petition before the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals in
relation to the class certification, which the Court declined to
entertain. In November 2018 and in January 2019, Plaintiffs
filed voluntary dismissal petitions against MAPFRE-PRAICO
Insurance Company,
Insurance Company
and Antilles
respectively,
the sole
remaining defendants in the action.

leaving the Popular Defendants as

In April 2019, the Court amended the class definition to
limit it to individual homeowners whose residential units were
subject to a mortgage from BPPR who, in turn, obtained risk
Insurance or MAPFRE
insurance policies with Antilles
Insurance through Popular Insurance from 2002 to 2015, and
who did not make insurance claims against said policies during
their effective term. The Court set March 20, 2020 as the
deadline to complete discovery and scheduled a pre-trial
hearing and tentative trial dates for the second half of 2020.

its

allowed

customers

insurance deductible

to market
to

Insurance Commissioner
that

BPPR has separately been named a defendant in a putative
class action complaint captioned Ramirez Torres, et al. v. Banco
Popular de Puerto Rico, et al, filed before the Puerto Rico Court
of First Instance, San Juan Part. The complaint seeks damages
and preliminary and permanent injunctive relief on behalf of
the purported class against the same Popular Defendants, as
well as other financial institutions with insurance brokerage
subsidiaries in Puerto Rico. Plaintiffs contend that in November
2015 Antilles Insurance Company obtained approval from the
an
Puerto Rico
endorsement
obtain
for good
reimbursement on their
experience, but that defendants failed to offer this product or
disclose its existence to their customers,
favoring other
products instead,
their duties as insurance
seek a determination that defendants
brokers. Plaintiffs
unlawfully failed to comply with their duty to disclose the
existence of this new insurance product, as well as double or
treble damages (the latter subject
to a determination that
defendants engaged in monopolistic practices in failing to offer
this product). In July 2017, after co-defendants filed motions to
dismiss the complaint and opposed the request for preliminary
injunctive relief,
the Court dismissed the complaint with
prejudice. In August 2017, plaintiffs appealed this judgment
and, in March 2018, the Court of Appeals reversed the Court of
First Instance’s dismissal. The Puerto Rico Supreme Court
denied review. On August 15, 2019, the Popular Defendants
and the Plaintiffs filed a Joint Motion where they informed the
that Plaintiffs were simultaneously filing voluntary
Court

in violation of

124 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

against

dismissals with prejudice
all other parties. On
September 13, 2019, a status hearing was held where the
Plaintiffs and the Popular Defendants informed the Court that
the parties were in the process of stipulating a class for
settlement purposes. The Court held a further status hearing on
February 20, 2020, where it set a hearing for March 12, 2020 to
preliminarily approve the terms of a proposed class settlement
being negotiated among the parties.

Mortgage-Related Litigation and Claims
BPPR has been named a defendant in a putative class action
captioned Lilliam González Camacho, et al. v. Banco Popular de
Puerto Rico, et al., filed before the United States District Court
for the District of Puerto Rico on behalf of mortgage-holders
who have allegedly been subjected to illegal foreclosures and/or
loan modifications through their mortgage servicers. Plaintiffs
maintain that when they sought to reduce their loan payments,
defendants failed to provide them with such reduced loan
payments, instead subjecting them to lengthy loss mitigation
processes while filing foreclosure claims against
them in
parallel (or dual tracking). Plaintiffs assert that such actions
violate the Home Affordable Modification Program (“HAMP”),
the Home Affordable Refinance Program (“HARP”) and other
federally sponsored loan modification programs, as well as the
Puerto Rico Mortgage Debtor Assistance Act and the Truth in
Lending Act (“TILA”). For the alleged violations stated above,
plaintiffs request that all defendants (over 20, including all local
banks) be held jointly and severally liable in an amount no less
than $400 million. BPPR filed a motion to dismiss in August
2017, as did most co-defendants, and,
in March 2018, the
District Court dismissed the complaint in its entirety. After
being denied reconsideration by the District Court, on August
2018, plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal to the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the First Circuit. The Court of Appeals has entered
an order where it consolidated three pending appeals related to
the same subset of facts. The plaintiffs filed their appellate brief
on August 2019, but on September 2019, the Court of Appeals
ordered plaintiffs to submit a new brief for the consolidated
appeals that complied with the applicable appellate procedural
rules. In October 2019, plaintiffs filed a revised brief, which
defendants believe yet again do not comply with applicable
court rules. On November 4, 2019, defendants filed their
appellate brief, along with a motion to dismiss the appeal due to
the plaintiffs’ repeated failure to comply with the Circuit
Court’s rules and orders. The appeal is now fully briefed and
pending resolution.

BPPR has also been named a defendant in another putative
class action captioned Yiries Josef Saad Maura v. Banco Popular,
et al.,
filed by the same counsel who filed the González
Camacho action referenced above, on behalf of residential
customers of the defendant banks who have allegedly been
subject to illegal foreclosures and/or loan modifications through
their mortgage servicers. As in González Camacho, plaintiffs

contend that when they sought to reduce their loan payments,
defendants failed to provide them with such reduced loan
payments, instead subjecting them to lengthy loss mitigation
processes while filing foreclosure claims against
them in
parallel, all in violation of TILA, the Real Estate Settlement
Procedures Act (“RESPA”), the Equal Credit Opportunity Act
(“ECOA”), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), the Fair
Debt Collection Practices Act (“FDCPA”) and other consumer-
protection laws and regulations. Plaintiffs did not include a
specific amount of damages in their complaint. After waiving
service of process, BPPR filed a motion to dismiss the complaint
on the same grounds as those asserted in the González
Camacho action (as did most co-defendants, separately). BPPR
further filed a motion to oppose class certification, which the
Court granted in September 2018. On April 5, 2019, the Court
entered an Opinion and Order granting BPPR’s and several
other defendants’ motions to dismiss with prejudice. Plaintiffs
filed a Motion for Reconsideration in April 2019, which Popular
issued an
timely opposed.
Amended Opinion and Order dismissing plaintiffs’ claims
against all defendants, denying the reconsideration requests and
other pending motions, and issuing final
judgment. On
filed a Motion for
the Plaintiffs
October 17, 2019,
Reconsideration of the Court’s Amended Opinion and Order,
which was denied on December 16, 2019. On January 13, 2020,
Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the First Circuit. The Court has yet to set a briefing
schedule.

In September 2019,

the Court

the relevant

in a complaint

BPPR has been named a defendant

for
damages and breach of contract captioned Héctor Robles
Rodriguez et al. v. Municipio de Ceiba, et al. Plaintiffs are
residents of a development called Hacienda Las Lomas.
Through the Doral Bank-FDIC assisted transaction, BPPR
acquired a significant number of mortgage loans within this
development and is currently the primary mortgage lender in
the project. Plaintiffs claim damages against the developer,
contractor,
insurance companies, and most
recently, their mortgage lenders, because of a landslide that
occurred in October 2015, affecting various streets and houses
within the development. Plaintiffs specifically allege that the
mortgage lenders, including BPPR, should be deemed liable for
their alleged failure to properly inspect the subject properties.
Plaintiffs demand $30 million in damages plus attorney’s fees,
costs and the annulment of their mortgages. BPPR extended
plaintiffs four consecutive six-month payment forbearances, the
last of which is still in effect. In November 2017, the FDIC
notified BPPR that it had agreed to indemnify the Bank in
connection with its Doral Bank-related exposure, pursuant to
the terms of the relevant Purchase and Assumption Agreement
with the FDIC. The FDIC filed a Notice of Removal to the
United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico on
March 2018 and, in April 2018, the state court stayed the
proceedings in response thereto. In October 2018, the Court

remedies

exhausted

administrative

granted the FDIC’s motion to stay the proceedings until
and,
plaintiffs have
thereafter, the FDIC filed a motion to dismiss all claims for lack
of subject matter jurisdiction due to plaintiffs’
failure to
properly make any applicable administrative claims. Such
motion was referred to a Magistrate Judge, which on May 17,
2019 recommended that the motion be granted and all claims
against the FDIC be dismissed. On September 30, 2019, the
District Judge issued an order where she adopted the Report
and Recommendation of the Magistrate Judge granting the
FDIC’s Motion to Dismiss and remanding the remaining claims
related
from Doral
loans not
(approximately eight (8) loans) to the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico’s Court of First Instance. The District Judge has yet
to issue an Opinion and Order triggering the applicable appeal
terms. The parties, however, have reached a settlement in
principle and expect to complete documentation related thereto
during the first half of 2020.

to mortgage

acquired

Insufficient Funds Fees Class Action
On February 7, 2020, BPPR was served with a putative class
action complaint captioned Soto-Melendez vs. Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico, filed before the United States District Court for
the District of Puerto Rico. The complaint alleges breach of
contract due to BPPR’s purported practice of (a) assessing more
than one insufficient funds fees (“NSF Fees”) on the same
“item” or transaction and (b) charging both NSF Fees and
overdraft fees (“OD Fees”) on the same item or transaction, and
is filed on behalf of all persons who during the applicable
statute of limitations period were charged NSF Fees and/or OD
Fees pursuant to this purported practices. BPPR was served
with process and expects to timely file a responsive pleading.

(the “Lenders”)
proceeding

Other Significant Proceedings
In June 2017, a syndicate comprised of BPPR and other local
filed an involuntary Chapter 11
banks
bankruptcy
and
against Betteroads Asphalt
Betterecycling Corporation (the “Involuntary Debtors”). This
filing followed attempts by the Lenders to restructure and
resolve the Involuntary Debtors’ obligations and outstanding
defaults under a certain credit agreement, first through good
faith negotiations and subsequently, through the filing of a
collection action against the Involuntary Debtors in local court.
counterclaimed,
The
asserting damages in excess of $900 million. The Lenders
ultimately joined in the commencement of these involuntary
bankruptcy proceedings against
to
preserve and recover the Involuntary Debtors’ assets, having
confirmed that the Involuntary Debtors were transferring assets
out of their estate for little or no consideration.

Involuntary Debtors

subsequently

the Debtors

in order

The Involuntary Debtors filed a motion to dismiss the
proceedings and for damages against the syndicate, arguing
both that this petition was filed in bad faith and that there was a

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 125

bona fide dispute as to the petitioners’ claims, as set forth in the
counterclaim filed by the Involuntary Debtors in local court.
After the Court held hearings on June and July 2019 to consider
whether the involuntary petitions were filed in bad faith, that
is, for an improper purpose that constitutes an abuse of the
bankruptcy process on October 11, 2019, the Court entered an
Opinion and Order determining that the involuntary petitions
were not filed in bad faith and issued an order for relief under
Chapter 11 of
the U.S. Bankruptcy Code granting the
involuntary petitions. On October 25, 2019, the debtors filed a
Notice of Appeal to the U.S. District Court. Debtors’ appellate
briefs are due by March 4, 2020 and Lenders’ appellate briefs
are due thirty (30) days thereafter.

On February 11, 2020, the Debtors initiated an adversary
proceeding seeking in excess of $80 million in damages,
alleging that in 2016 the Lenders illegally foreclosed on their
accounts receivable and as a result illegally interfered with
contracts entered with third parties, forcing the Debtors into
bankruptcy. Debtors further seek a judgment declaring that
Lenders do not possess security interests over certain personal
property of the Debtors because either such security interests
were not adequately perfected according to Puerto Rico law, or
the security interests were lost upon the lapsing date of the
financing statements that the Lenders had originally perfected
in connection with such interests. Lenders expect to timely file
a responsive pleading to the adversary proceeding.

local

and state

alleged violation of

POPULAR BANK
Employment-Related Litigation
On July 30, 2019, Popular Bank (“PB”) was served in a putative
class complaint in which it was named as a defendant along
the “AB
with five (5) current PB employees (collectively,
Defendants”), captioned Aileen Betances, et al. v. Popular Bank,
et al., filed before the Supreme Court of the State of New York
(the “AB Action”). The complaint, filed by five (5) current and
former PB employees, seeks to recover damages for the AB
Defendants’
sexual
harassment, discrimination and retaliation laws. Additionally,
on July 30, 2019, PB was served in a putative class complaint in
which it was named as a defendant along with six (6) current
PB employees (collectively, the “DR Defendants”), captioned
Damian Reyes, et al. v. Popular Bank, et al., filed before the
Supreme Court of the State of New York (the “DR Action”).
filed by three (3) current and former PB
The DR Action,
employees, seeks to recover damages for the DR Defendants’
alleged violation of
and state discrimination and
retaliation laws. Plaintiffs in both complaints are represented by
the same legal counsel, and five of the six named individual
defendants in the DR Action are the same named individual
defendants in the AB Action. Both complaints are related,
among other
to allegations of purported sexual
harassment and/or misconduct by a former PB employee as well
as PB’s actions in connection thereto and seek no less than

things,

local

126 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

$100 million in damages each. On October 21, 2019, PB and
the other defendants filed several Motions to Dismiss. Plaintiffs
opposed such motions on December 11, 2019 and PB and the
other defendants replied on January 22, 2020. The Motions to
Dismiss are pending resolution.

approximately $226 million,

POPULAR SECURITIES
Puerto Rico Bonds and Closed-End Investment Funds
The volatility in prices and declines in value that Puerto Rico
municipal bonds and closed-end investment companies that
invest primarily in Puerto Rico municipal bonds have
experienced since August 2013 have led to regulatory inquiries,
customer complaints and arbitrations for most broker-dealers in
Puerto Rico, including Popular Securities. Popular Securities
has received customer complaints and, as of February 28, 2020,
is named as a respondent (among other broker-dealers) in 173
pending
claimed
arbitration proceedings with aggregate
amounts of
including one
arbitration with claimed damages of approximately $30 million.
While Popular Securities believes it has meritorious defenses to
the claims asserted in these proceedings,
it has often
determined that it is in its best interest to settle certain claims
rather than expend the money and resources required to see
such cases to completion. The Puerto Rico Government’s
defaults and non-payment of its various debt obligations, as
well as the Commonwealth’s and the Financial Oversight
Management Board’s (the “Oversight Board”) decision to
pursue restructurings under Title III and Title VI of PROMESA,
have increased and may continue to increase the number of
customer complaints (and claimed damages) filed against
Popular
and
invest primarily in
closed-end investment companies that
in the arbitration
Puerto Rico bonds. An adverse result
proceedings described above, or a significant
increase in
customer complaints, could have a material adverse effect on
Popular.

concerning Puerto Rico bonds

Securities

PROMESA Title III Proceedings
In 2017, the Oversight Board engaged the law firm of Kobre &
Kim to carry out an independent investigation on behalf of the
Oversight Board regarding, among other things, the causes of
the Puerto Rico financial crisis. Popular,
Inc., BPPR and
Popular Securities (collectively, the “Popular Companies”) were
the Oversight Board in
served by, and cooperated with,
connection with requests for the preservation and voluntary
production of certain documents and witnesses with respect to
Kobre & Kim’s independent investigation.

On August 20, 2018, Kobre & Kim issued its Final Report,
which contained various references to the Popular Companies,
including an allegation that Popular Securities participated as
an underwriter in the Commonwealth’s 2014 issuance of
government obligation bonds notwithstanding having allegedly
advised against it. The report noted that such allegation could

give rise to an unjust enrichment claim against the Corporation
and could also serve as a basis to equitably subordinate claims
filed by the Corporation in the Title III proceeding to other
third-party claims.

primary servicer with cause, and without cause in the case of
FNMA. Moreover, through their guarantee obligations, agencies
(FNMA and GNMA) have the obligation to absorb losses that
could be potentially significant to the VIE.

filed various avoidance,

After the publication of the Final Report, the Oversight
Board created a special claims committee (“SCC”) and, before
the end of the applicable two-year statute of limitations for the
filing of such claims pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the
SCC, along with the Commonwealth’s Unsecured Creditors’
fraudulent
Committee
(“UCC”),
including
third parties,
transfer and other claims against
government vendors and financial
institutions and other
professionals involved in bond issuances being challenged as
invalid by the SCC and the UCC. The Popular Companies, the
SCC and the UCC have entered into a tolling agreement with
respect to potential claims the SCC and the UCC, on behalf of
the Commonwealth or other Title III debtors, may assert
against the Popular Companies for the avoidance and recovery
of payments and/or transfers made to the Popular Companies or
as a result of any role of the Popular Companies in the offering
of the aforementioned challenged bond issuances.

Note 27 - Non-consolidated variable interest entities
The Corporation is involved with three statutory trusts which it
established to issue trust preferred securities to the public.
These trusts are deemed to be variable interest entities (“VIEs”)
since the equity investors at risk have no substantial decision-
making rights. The Corporation does not hold any variable
interest
in the trusts, and therefore, cannot be the trusts’
primary beneficiary. Furthermore, the Corporation concluded
that it did not hold a controlling financial interest in these
the trusts are predetermined
trusts since the decisions of
through the trust documents and the guarantee of the trust
preferred securities is irrelevant since in substance the sponsor
is guaranteeing its own debt.

Also,

the Corporation is involved with various special
purpose entities mainly in guaranteed mortgage securitization
transactions,
including GNMA and FNMA. These special
purpose entities are deemed to be VIEs since they lack equity
investments at risk. The Corporation’s continuing involvement
in these guaranteed loan securitizations
includes owning
certain beneficial interests in the form of securities as well as
the servicing rights retained. The Corporation is not required to
financial support to any of the variable
provide additional
interest entities to which it has transferred the financial assets.
The mortgage-backed securities, to the extent retained, are
classified in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of
Financial Condition as available-for-sale or trading securities.
The Corporation concluded that, essentially,
these entities
(FNMA and GNMA) control the design of their respective VIEs,
dictate the quality and nature of the collateral, require the
the servicing standards via the
underlying insurance, set
servicing guides and can change them at will, and can remove a

The Corporation holds variable interests in these VIEs in the
form of agency mortgage-backed securities and collateralized
mortgage obligations, including those securities originated by
the Corporation and those acquired from third parties.
Additionally, the Corporation holds agency mortgage-backed
securities and agency collateralized mortgage obligations issued
by third party VIEs in which it has no other form of continuing
involvement. Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements for additional information on the debt securities
outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, which are
classified as available-for-sale and trading securities in the
Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
In addition, the Corporation holds variable interests in the form
of servicing fees, since it retains the right
to service the
in those government-sponsored special
transferred loans
purpose entities (“SPEs”) and may also purchase the right to
service loans in other government-sponsored SPEs that were
transferred to those SPEs by a third-party.

The following table presents the carrying amount and
classification of the assets related to the Corporation’s variable
interests in non-consolidated VIEs and the maximum exposure
to loss as a result of the Corporation’s involvement as servicer
of GNMA and FNMA loans at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Assets
Servicing assets:

Mortgage servicing rights

Total servicing assets

Other assets:

Servicing advances

Total other assets

Total assets

Maximum exposure to loss

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$115,718

$115,718

$ 29,212

$ 29,212

$144,930

$144,930

$136,280

$136,280

$ 37,988

$ 37,988

$174,268

$174,268

The size of

in which the
the non-consolidated VIEs,
Corporation has a variable interest in the form of servicing fees,
measured as the total unpaid principal balance of the loans,
amounted to $9.9 billion at December 31, 2019 (December 31,
2018 - $10.6 billion).

The Corporation determined that the maximum exposure to
loss includes the fair value of the MSRs and the assumption that
the servicing advances at December 31, 2019 and 2018 will not
be recovered. The agency debt securities are not included as
part of the maximum exposure to loss since they are guaranteed
by the related agencies.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 127

In September of 2011, BPPR sold construction and
commercial real estate loans to a newly created joint venture,
PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC. In March of 2013, BPPR completed
a sale of commercial and construction loans, and commercial
and single family real estate owned to a newly created joint
venture, PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC.

These joint ventures were created for the limited purpose of
acquiring the loans from BPPR; servicing the loans through a
third-party servicer; ultimately working out, resolving and/or
foreclosing the loans; and indirectly owning, operating,
constructing, developing, leasing and selling any real properties
acquired by the joint ventures through deed in lieu of
foreclosure, foreclosure, or by resolution of any loan.

to

and

related

BPPR provided financing to these entities for the acquisition
of the assets. In addition, BPPR provided these joint ventures
with a non-revolving advance facility to cover unfunded
commitments
certain
costs-to-complete
construction projects, and a revolving working capital line to
fund certain operating expenses of the joint venture. As part of
these transactions, BPPR received $ 48 million and $92 million,
for PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1
International, LLC, respectively, in cash and a 24.9% equity
interest in each joint venture. The Corporation is not required
to provide any other financial support to these joint ventures.
BPPR accounted for both transactions as a true sale pursuant to
ASC Subtopic 860-10.

(In thousands)

Assets

Other assets:
Equity

investment

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits

Total liabilities

PRLP 2011
Holdings, LLC

PR Asset
Portfolio 2013-1
International, LLC

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

December 31,
2019

December 31,
2018

$6,306

$6,306

$ 6,469

$ 6,469

$ 3,333

$ 3,333

$ 5,794

$ 5,794

$

$

(3)

(3)

$(2,566)

$ (2,566)

$(5,081)

$ (5,081)

$(7,994)

$ (7,994)

Total net assets

$6,303

$ 3,903

$ (1,748)

$ (2,200)

Maximum

exposure to loss

$6,303

$ 3,903

$

–

$

–

should be made

to determine whether

ASU 2009-17 requires that an ongoing primary beneficiary
assessment
the
Corporation is the primary beneficiary of any of the VIEs it is
involved with. The conclusion on the assessment of these
non-consolidated VIEs has not changed since their initial
evaluation. The Corporation concluded that it is still not the
primary beneficiary of these VIEs, and therefore, these VIEs are
not required to be consolidated in the Corporation’s financial
statements at December 31, 2019.

The Corporation has determined that PRLP 2011 Holdings,
LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC are VIEs
but it is not the primary beneficiary. All decisions are made by
Caribbean Property Group (“CPG”) (or an affiliate thereof) (the
“Manager”), except for certain limited material decisions which
would require the unanimous consent of all members. The
Manager is authorized to execute and deliver on behalf of the
joint ventures any and all documents, contracts, certificates,
agreements and instruments, and to take any action deemed
necessary in the benefit of the joint ventures. All financing
facilities extended by BPPR to these joint ventures have been
repaid in full. The Corporation maintains a variable interests in
these VIEs in the form of the 24.9% equity interests. The equity
interest is accounted for under the equity method of accounting
pursuant to ASC Subtopic 323-10.
The following tables present

the carrying amount and
classification of
related to the
the assets and liabilities
Corporation’s variable interests in the non-consolidated VIEs,
PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-
International, LLC, and their maximum exposure to loss at
December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Note 28 - Derivative instruments and hedging activities
The use of derivatives
the
incorporated as part of
is
Corporation’s overall interest rate risk management strategy to
minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and
cash flows that are caused by interest rate volatility. The
is to manage interest rate sensitivity by
Corporation’s goal
modifying the repricing or maturity characteristics of certain
balance sheet assets and liabilities so that the net interest
income is not materially affected by movements in interest
rates. The Corporation uses derivatives in its trading activities
to facilitate customer transactions, and as a means of risk
management. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged
fixed and variable interest rate assets and liabilities will
this
appreciate or depreciate in fair value. The effect of
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. As a matter of policy, the Corporation does not
use highly leveraged derivative instruments for interest rate risk
management.

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.

128 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

the fair value of

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
derivative asset. Generally, when the fair value of a derivative
contract is positive, this indicates that the counterparty owes
risk for the
the Corporation,
Corporation. To manage
the
risk,
the
Corporation deals with counterparties of good credit standing,
enters into master netting agreements whenever possible and,
when appropriate, obtains collateral. On the other hand, when
the fair value of a derivative contract
the
Corporation owes the counterparty and, therefore, the fair
value of derivatives liabilities incorporates nonperformance risk
or the risk that the obligation will not be fulfilled.

thus creating a repayment

is negative,

level of

credit

to

the

risk

The

credit

attributed

counterparty’s
nonperformance risk is incorporated in the fair value of the
derivatives. Additionally,
fair value
measurements guidance, the fair value of the Corporation’s own
credit standing is considered in the fair value of the derivative
liabilities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, inclusion

required by the

as

of the credit risk in the fair value of the derivatives resulted in a
gain of $0.2 million from the Corporation’s credit standing
adjustment. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and
2017, the Corporation recognized a loss of $0.6 million and a
gain of $0.2 million, respectively, from the Corporation’s credit
standing adjustment. During the year ended December 31,
2017, the Corporation recognized a loss of $0.1 million from
the assessment of the counterparties’ credit risk.
The Corporation’s derivatives are subject

to agreements
which allow a right of set-off with each respective counterparty.
In an event of default each party has a right of set-off against
the other party for amounts owed in the related agreement and
any other amount or obligation owed in respect of any other
agreement or transaction between them. Pursuant
to the
Corporation’s accounting policy, the fair value of derivatives is
not offset with the fair value of other derivatives held with the
same counterparty even if these agreements allow a right of
set-off. In addition, the fair value of derivatives is not offset
with the amounts for the right to reclaim financial collateral or
the obligation to return financial collateral.

Financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges or non-hedging derivatives outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018

were as follows:

Notional amount

Derivative assets

Derivative liabilities

At December 31,
2018
2019

Statement of
condition
classification

Fair value at
December 31,
2018
2019

Statement of
condition
classification

Fair value at
December 31,
2018
2019

(In thousands)

Derivatives designated as hedging

instruments:
Forward contracts

$ 97,600

$ 89,590 Other assets

Total derivatives designated as hedging

instruments

$ 97,600

$ 89,590

Derivatives not designated as hedging

instruments:
Interest rate caps
Indexed options on deposits

$169,962
69,354

$177,826 Other assets
69,254 Other assets

$

1
17,933

Bifurcated embedded options

66,755

62,902

–

–

$

$

32

32

$

$

$

12 Other liabilities

12

13,466

125 Other liabilities
–
Interest bearing
deposits

–

Total derivatives not designated as

hedging instruments

$306,071

$309,982

Total derivative assets and liabilities

$403,671

$399,572

$17,934

$13,591

$17,966

$13,603

$

$

$

$

$

$

264

264

1
–

734

734

119
–

16,354

11,467

$16,355

$11,586

$16,619

$12,320

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 129

Cash Flow Hedges
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 forward
contracts are hedging a forecasted transaction and thus qualify
for cash flow hedge accounting. Changes in the fair value of the

derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).
The amount included in accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) 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 83 days at December 31, 2019.

For cash flow hedges, net gains (losses) on derivative contracts that are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss) to current period earnings are included in the line item in which the hedged item is recorded and during the period
in which the forecasted transaction impacts earnings, as presented in the tables below.

Year ended December 31, 2019

Amount of net gain (loss)
recognized in OCI on
derivatives (effective
portion)

$(3,502)

$(3,502)

(In thousands)

Forward contracts

Total

Classification in the statement of
operations of the net gain (loss)
reclassified from AOCI into income
(effective portion and
ineffective portion)

Mortgage banking activities

Amount of net gain (loss)
reclassified from AOCI into
income (effective portion)

Amount of net gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivatives
(ineffective portion)

$(3,992)

$(3,992)

$–

$–

Year ended December 31, 2018

Amount of net gain (loss)
recognized in OCI on
derivatives (effective
portion)

$536

$536

(In thousands)

Forward contracts

Total

Classification in the statement of
operations of the net gain (loss)
reclassified from AOCI into income
(effective portion and
ineffective portion)

Mortgage banking activities

Amount of net gain (loss)
reclassified from AOCI into
income (effective portion)

Amount of net gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivatives
(ineffective portion)

$1,202

$1,202

$(92)

$(92)

Year ended December 31, 2017

Amount of net gain (loss)
recognized in OCI on
derivatives (effective
portion)

$(1,295)

$(1,295)

(In thousands)

Forward contracts

Total

Classification in the statement of
operations of the net gain (loss)
reclassified from AOCI into income
(effective portion and
ineffective portion)

Mortgage banking activities

Amount of net gain (loss)
reclassified from AOCI into
income (effective portion)

Amount of net gain (loss)
recognized in income on
derivatives
(ineffective portion)

$(1,920)

$(1,920)

$32

$32

Fair Value Hedges
At December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no derivatives designated as fair value hedges.

130 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Non-Hedging Activities
For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation recognized a loss of $ 1.2 million (2018 – gain of $ 1.3 million; 2017 –
loss of $ 0.9 million) related to its non-hedging derivatives, as detailed in the table below.

(In thousands)

Forward contracts
Interest rate swaps
Foreign currency forward contracts
Foreign currency forward contracts
Interest rate caps
Indexed options on deposits
Bifurcated embedded options

Total

Amount of Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives

Classification of Net Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivatives

Year ended
December 31,
2019

Year ended
December 31,
2018

Year ended
December 31,
2017

Mortgage banking activities
Other operating income
Other operating income
Interest expense
Other operating income
Interest expense
Interest expense

$(2,254)
–
–
–
(5)
7,898
(6,883)

$(1,244)

$1,213
–
–
–
(4)
114
(50)

$1,273

$(1,484)
51
67
(14)
(48)
5,934
(5,429)

$ (923)

Forward Contracts
The Corporation has forward contracts to sell mortgage-backed
securities, which are accounted for as trading derivatives.
Changes in their fair value are recognized in mortgage banking
activities.

Interest Rates Swaps and Foreign Currency and Exchange
Rate Commitments
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
forward 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
and
terms
monitoring procedures. Market value changes on these swaps
and other derivatives are recognized in earnings in the period of
change.

and conditions with credit

approvals

limit

Interest Rate Caps
The Corporation enters
an
intermediary on behalf of its customers and simultaneously
takes offsetting positions under the same terms and conditions,
thus minimizing its market and credit risks.

into interest

caps

rate

as

Indexed and Embedded Options
The Corporation offers certain customers’ deposits whose
return are tied to the performance of the Standard and Poor’s
(“S&P 500”) stock market indexes, and other deposits whose
returns are tied to other stock market indexes or other equity
securities performance. The Corporation bifurcated the related
options embedded within these customers’ deposits from the
host contract in accordance with ASC Subtopic 815-15. In order
to limit the Corporation’s exposure to changes in these indexes,
the Corporation purchases indexed options which returns are
tied to the same indexes from major broker dealer companies in

the over the counter market. Accordingly,
the embedded
options and the related indexed options are marked-to-market
through earnings.

Note 29 - Related party transactions
The Corporation grants loans to its directors, executive officers,
including certain related individuals or organizations, and
affiliates in the ordinary course of business. The activity and
balance of these loans were as follows:

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2017
New loans
Payments
Other changes

Balance at December 31, 2018
New loans
Payments
Other changes, including existing loans to new related

parties

Balance at December 31, 2019

$182,989
1,068
(12,040)
(38,698)

$133,319
1,491
(1,800)

44

$133,054

New loans and payments

include disbursements and

collections from existing lines of credit.

In June 2006,

family members of a director of

the
Corporation, obtained a $0.8 million mortgage loan from
Popular Mortgage, Inc., now a division of BPPR, secured by a
residential property. The director was not a director of the
Corporation at the time the loan was made. In March, 2012 the
loan was restructured under BPPR’s loss mitigation program.
the borrower defaulted on his payment
During 2017,
obligations under the restructured loan and as of December 31,
2018 the loan was 670 days past due. On October 2019, the
Corporation completed a short sale of this loan which resulted
in a charge-off of $0.4 million.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 131

an

balance

principal

aggregate

outstanding

In 2010, as part of

the Westernbank FDIC assisted
transaction, BPPR acquired (i) four commercial loans made to
entities that were wholly owned by one brother-in-law of a
director of the Corporation and (ii) one commercial loan made
to an entity that was owned by the same brother-in-law
together with this director’s
father-in-law and another
brother-in-law. The loans were secured by real estate and
personally guaranteed by the owners of each entity. The loans
were originated by Westernbank between 2001 and 2005 and
had
of
approximately $33.5 million when they were acquired by BPPR
in 2010. Between 2011 and 2014, the loans were restructured to
consist of (i) five notes with an aggregate outstanding principal
balance of $19.8 million with a 6% annual interest rate (“Notes
A”) and (ii) five notes with an aggregate outstanding balance of
$13.5 million with a 1% annual interest rate, to be paid upon
maturity (“Notes B”). The restructured notes had a maturity of
September 30, 2016 and, thereafter, various interim renewals
were approved, with the last two renewals occurring in July and
October 2019. The July and October 2019 renewals each
included a three (3) month interim renewal from June 30, 2019
to September 30, 2019 and from September 30, 2019 to
December 31, 2019, respectively, continuing under the same
repayment schedule at a 4.5% fixed rate in Notes A and 1%
fixed rate in Notes B. In February 2020, and pursuant to the
terms of
the Audit Committee
approved another renewal which includes a four (4) month
interim renewal from December 31, 2019 to April 30, 2020
continuing at the same repayment schedule in Notes A and
Notes B as the July and October 2019 renewals. After April 30,
2020, the approved renewal provides for a 24-month extension,
from April 30, 2020 to April 30, 2022, with Notes A subject to
an interest rate of 5%, and Notes B continuing at a 1% interest
rate. The approved renewal also contemplates the modification
and addition of certain covenants to Notes A. Also,
the
approved renewal provides for the entity owned by one
brother-in-law together with a director’s father-in-law and
another brother-in-law to purchase the participation of a
director’s father-in-law and another brother-in-law, the consent
for said entity and another related entity to incur in additional
indebtedness, and the issuance by a third related entity of an
unsecured term note in the amount of $49 thousand with a 5
year maturity at 7% interest rate. The aggregate outstanding
as of December 31, 2019 was
balance on the
approximately $31.2 million.

the Related Party Policy,

loans

The brother of an executive officer of the Corporation and
his wife have three outstanding loans, each secured by the
borrowers’ principal residence, where BPPR acts as either
lender or servicer. The aggregate original amount of these loans
was of $0.7 million, comprised of one mortgage loan of
approximately $0.5 million, which is owned by a third-party
investor and in which BPPR is the servicer, one mortgage loan
of $0.1 million secured by a second mortgage and another

132 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

mortgage loan of $0.1 million secured by a third mortgage. As
of December 31, 2019, the borrowers were in default with their
respective obligations under all of these loan agreements. In
February 2019, and pursuant to the terms of the Related Party
Policy, the Audit Committee approved a series of transactions
related to the aforementioned mortgages. With respect to the
first mortgage, the parties will enter into a deed in lieu of
foreclosure pursuant to which the property will be transferred
to the investor free and clear of liens. In connection therewith,
BPPR will also release the second and third mortgages over the
residential property, subject to the following conditions. The
borrowers will be required to make a cash contribution of
$20 thousand to reduce the principal amount of the second
mortgage loan and issue, for the benefit of BPPR, a promissory
note in the amount of $82 thousand in order to grant BPPR the
right to collect from borrowers the balance of such debt. With
respect to the third mortgage loan, the borrowers will issue an
unsecured promissory note that will benefit from a corporate
guaranty from the entity under which the Corporation’s brother
operates a property appraisal business. Borrowers will be
required to make monthly payments of $500 until the maturity
date of the promissory note, when the financial capacity of
borrowers will be re-evaluated, and a new payment plan is
expected to be entered into.

In April 2010, in connection with the acquisition of the
Westernbank assets from the FDIC, as receiver, BPPR acquired a
term loan to a corporate borrower partially owned by an
investment corporation in which the Corporation’s Chairman, at
that time the Chief Executive Officer, as well as certain of his
family members, are the owners. In addition, the Chairman’s
sister and brother-in-law are owners of an entity that holds an
ownership interest in the borrower. At the time the loan was
acquired by BPPR,
it had an unpaid principal balance of
$40.2 million. In May 2017, this loan was sold by BPPR to
Popular, Inc., holding company (“PIHC”). At the time of sale,
the loan had an unpaid principal balance of $37.9 million. PIHC
paid $37.9 million to BPPR for the loan, of which $6.0 million
was recognized by BPPR as a capital contribution representing
the difference between the fair value and the book value of the
loan at the time of transfer. Immediately upon being acquired by
PIHC, the loan’s maturity was extended by 90 days (under the
same terms as originally contracted) to provide the PIHC
additional time to evaluate a refinancing or long-term extension
of the loan. In August 2017, the credit facility was refinanced
with a stated maturity in February 2019. During 2017, the
facility was subject to the loan payment moratorium offered as
part of the hurricane relief efforts. As such, interest payments
amounting to approximately $0.5 million were deferred and
capitalized as part of the loan balance. In February 2019, the
Audit Committee approved, under the Related Party Policy, a
36-month renewal of the loan at an interest rate of 5.75% and a
30-year amortization schedule. As of December 31, 2019, the
unpaid principal balance amounted to $37.1 million.

In August 2018, BPPR acquired certain assets and assumed
certain liabilities of Reliable Financial Services and Reliable
Finance Holding Company, Puerto Rico-based subsidiaries of
Wells Fargo & Company engaged in the auto finance business
in Puerto Rico. Refer to Note 4 for additional information on
this transaction. As part of the acquisition transaction, the
Corporation entered into an agreement with Reliable Financial
Services to sublease the space necessary to continue the
acquired operations. Reliable Financial Services’ underlying
lease agreement was with an entity in which the Chairman of
the Corporation’s Board and his family members hold an
ownership interest, described in the preceding paragraph as
having a loan with the Corporation. This lease expired on
April 30, 2019 pursuant
the
Corporation paid to Reliable Financial Services approximately
$0.5 million under the sublease.

to its terms. During 2019,

The Corporation has had loan transactions with the
Corporation’s directors, executive officers,
including certain
related individuals or organizations, and affiliates, and proposes
to continue such transactions in the ordinary course of its
business, on substantially the same terms, including interest
rates and collateral, as those prevailing for comparable loan
transactions with third parties, except as disclosed above.
Except as discussed above, the extensions of credit have not
involved and do not currently involve more than normal risks
of collection or present other unfavorable features.
31, 2019,

the Corporation’s banking
subsidiaries held deposits from related parties, excluding
EVERTEC,
Inc. (“EVERTEC”) amounting to $576 million
(2018 - $632 million).

At December

From time to time, the Corporation, in the ordinary course
of business, obtains services from related parties that have some

association with the Corporation. Management believes the
terms of such arrangements are consistent with arrangements
entered into with independent third parties.

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
made contributions of approximately $1.1 million to Fundación
Banco Popular and Popular Bank Foundation, which are
not-for-profit corporations dedicated to philanthropic work
(2018 - $2.1 million). The Corporation also provided human
and operational resources to support
the
Fundación Banco Popular which in 2019 amounted to
approximately $1.4 million (2018- $1.3 million).

the activities of

in EVERTEC,
various processing

Related party transactions with EVERTEC, as an affiliate
Inc.
The Corporation has an investment
and
(“EVERTEC”), which provides
information technology services to the Corporation and its
subsidiaries and gives BPPR access to the ATH network owned
and operated by EVERTEC. As of December 31, 2019, the
Corporation’s stake in EVERTEC was 16.19%.The Corporation
continues
influence over EVERTEC.
Accordingly, the investment in EVERTEC is accounted for
under the equity method and is evaluated for impairment if
events or circumstances indicate that a decrease in value of the
investment has occurred that is other than temporary.

to have significant

The Corporation received $2.3 million in dividend
distributions during the year ended December 31, 2019 from its
investments in EVERTEC’s holding company (December 31,
2018 - $1.2 million). The Corporation’s equity in EVERTEC is
presented in the table which follows and is included as part of
“other assets” in the consolidated statement of
financial
condition.

(In thousands)

Equity investment in EVERTEC

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$73,534

$60,591

The Corporation had the following financial condition balances outstanding with EVERTEC at December 31, 2019 and

December 31, 2018. Items that represent liabilities to the Corporation are presented with parenthesis.

(In thousands)

Accounts receivable (Other assets)
Deposits
Accounts payable (Other liabilities)

Net total

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$ 7,779
(63,850)
(1,290)

$(57,361)

$ 6,829
(28,606)
(3,671)

$(25,448)

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 133

The Corporation’s proportionate share of income from EVERTEC is included in other operating income in the consolidated
statements of operations. The following table presents the Corporation’s proportionate share of EVERTEC’s income and changes in
stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Share of income from investment in EVERTEC
Share of other changes in EVERTEC’s stockholders’ equity

Share of EVERTEC’s changes in equity recognized in income

Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
2019

$16,749
516

$13,892
1,659

$ 8,924
2,659

$17,265

$15,551

$11,583

The following tables present the impact of transactions and service payments between the Corporation and EVERTEC (as an
affiliate) and their impact on the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. Items that represent
expenses to the Corporation are presented with parenthesis.

(In thousands)

Years ended December 31,
2018

2017

2019

Category

Interest expense on deposits
ATH and credit cards interchange income from services to EVERTEC
Rental income charged to EVERTEC
Fees on services provided by EVERTEC
Other services provided to EVERTEC

$

(106) $

(79) $

29,224
7,418
(219,992)
1,118

33,658
7,271
(174,048)
1,059

(44)
28,136
6,855
(176,971)

Interest expense
Other service fees
Net occupancy
Professional fees
1,236 Other operating expenses

Total

$(182,338) $(132,139) $(140,788)

PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC
As indicated in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Corporation holds a 24.9% equity interest in PRLP 2011
Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC.

The Corporation’s equity in PRLP 2011 Holdings, LLC and PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC is presented in the

table which follows and is included as part of “other assets” in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

(In thousands)

Equity investment

PRLP 2011
Holdings, LLC

PR Asset
Portfolio 2013-1
International, LLC

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$6,306

$6,469

$3,333

$5,794

The Corporation held deposits from these entities, as follows:

PRLP 2011
Holdings, LLC

PR Asset
Portfolio 2013-1
International, LLC

(In thousands)

Deposits (non-interest bearing)

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018

$(3)

$(2,566)

$(5,081)

$(7,994)

The Corporation’s proportionate share of income or loss from these entities is presented in the following table and is included

in other operating income in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(In thousands)

Share of (loss) income from the equity investment

134 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

PRLP 2011
Holdings, LLC

PR Asset
Portfolio 2013-1
International, LLC

Years ended December 31,

2019

$(163)

2018

$(356)

2019

$231

2018

$(5,073)

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
from its
received $2.7 million in capital distributions
investment in PR Asset Portfolio 2013-1 International, LLC
(December 31, 2018 - $ 2.0 million). No capital distributions
was received from its investment in PRLP Holdings, LLC during
the year ended December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $0.4
million).

Centro Financiero BHD León
At December 31, 2019, the Corporation had a 15.84% equity
interest in Centro Financiero BHD León, S.A. (“BHD León”),
one of the largest banking and financial services groups in the
Dominican Republic. During the year ended December 31,
2019, the Corporation recorded $26.6 million in earnings from
its investment in BHD León (December 31, 2018 - $27.2
million), which had a carrying amount of $151.6 million at
December 31, 2019 (December 31, 2018 - $143.5 million). On
December 2017, BPPR extended a credit facility of $40 million
to BHD León. This credit facility was repaid during the quarter
ended March 31, 2018. The Corporation received $12.6 million
in dividend distributions during the year ended December 31,
2019 from its investment in BHD León (December 31, 2018 -
$12.6 million).

On June 30, 2017, BPPR extended an $8 million credit
facility to Grupo Financiero Leon, S.A. Panamá (“GFL”), a
shareholder of BHD León. The sources of repayment for this
loan were the dividends to be received by GFL from its
investment in BHD León. BPPR’s credit facility ranked pari passu
with another $8 million credit facility extended to GFL by BHD
International Panama, an affiliate of BHD León. This credit
facility was repaid during the quarter ended June 30, 2018.

services

advisory

registered under

Investment Companies
The Corporation provides
to several
investment companies
the Puerto Rico
in exchange for a fee. The
Investment Companies Act
Corporation also provides administrative, custody and transfer
agency services to these investment companies. These fees are
calculated at an annual rate of the average net assets of the
investment company, as defined in each agreement. Due to its
advisory role,
the Corporation considers these investment
companies as related parties.

these

investment

For the year ended December 31, 2019 administrative fees
amounted to
charged to
$6.4 million (December 31, 2018 - $6.7 million) and waived
fees amounted to $2.2 million (December 31, 2018 - $2.1
million), for a net fee of $4.2 million (December 31, 2018 - $4.6
million).

companies

balances under all credit facilities that may be made available by
BPPR, from time to time, to those investment companies for
which BPPR acts as investment advisor or co-investment
advisor, shall never exceed the lesser of $200 million or 10% of
BPPR’s capital. At December 31, 2019 there was no outstanding
balance for these credit facilities.

820-10 “Fair Value Measurements

Note 30 - Fair value measurement
ASC Subtopic
and
Disclosures” establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes
the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value
into three levels
to increase consistency and
comparability in fair value measurements and disclosures. The
hierarchy is broken down into three levels based on the
reliability of inputs as follows:

in order

• Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for
identical assets or liabilities that the Corporation has the
ability to access at the measurement date. Valuation on
these instruments does not necessitate a significant degree
of judgment since valuations are based on quoted prices
that are readily available in an active market.

• Level 2 - Quoted prices other than those included in
Level 1 that are observable either directly or indirectly.
Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or
liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or
similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or
can be
other
corroborated by observable market data for substantially
the full term of the financial instrument.

are observable or

inputs

that

that

• Level 3 - Inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair
the
reflect
value measurement. Unobservable
Corporation’s own judgements about assumptions
that
market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

inputs

The Corporation maximizes the use of observable inputs and
minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the
observable inputs be used when available. Fair value is based
upon quoted market prices when available. If listed prices or
quotes are not available, the Corporation employs internally-
developed models that primarily use market-based inputs
including yield curves,
interest rates, volatilities, and credit
curves, among others. Valuation adjustments are limited to
those necessary to ensure that the financial instrument’s fair
value is adequately representative of the price that would be
received or paid in the marketplace. These adjustments include
amounts
the
counterparty
Corporation’s credit standing, constraints on liquidity and
unobservable parameters that are applied consistently.

quality,

reflect

credit

that

The Corporation, through its subsidiary BPPR, has also
entered into certain uncommitted credit facilities with those
investment companies. As of December 31, 2019, the available
lines of credit facilities amounted to $330 million (December
31, 2018 - $330 million). The aggregate sum of all outstanding

The estimated fair value may be subjective in nature and
may involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment
for certain financial instruments. Changes in the underlying
assumptions used in calculating fair value could significantly
affect the results.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 135

Fair Value on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
The following fair value hierarchy tables present information about the Corporation’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on
a recurring basis at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition for the
years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:

At December 31, 2019

(In thousands)
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets
Debt securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies
Mortgage-backed securities
Other
Total debt securities available-for-sale
Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives:
U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Other
Total trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives
Equity securities
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivatives
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities
Derivatives
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

At December 31, 2018

(In thousands)
RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets
Debt securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations - federal agencies
Mortgage-backed securities
Other
Total debt securities available-for-sale
Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives:
U.S. Treasury securities
Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligations
Mortgage-backed securities
Other
Total trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives
Equity securities
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivatives
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
Liabilities
Derivatives
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

136 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$3,841,715
–
–
–
–
–
$3,841,715

$ 8,214,540
122,404
6,975
586,175
4,875,132
350
$13,805,576

$

–
–
–
–
1,182
–
$ 1,182

$12,056,255
122,404
6,975
586,175
4,876,314
350
$17,648,473

$

7,081
–
–
–
–
7,081
–
–
–
$3,848,796

$
$

$

2
633
76
28,556
3,003
32,270
21,327
–
17,966
$13,877,139

$
$

$

–
–
530
–
440
970
–
150,906
–
$153,058

$
$

$

7,083
633
606
28,556
3,443
40,321
21,327
150,906
17,966
$17,878,993

$
$

$
$

–
–

$
$

(16,619) $
(16,619) $

–
–

$
$

(16,619)
(16,619)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$2,719,740
–
–
–
–
–
$2,719,740

$ 5,552,456
333,309
6,742
728,671
3,957,545
488
$10,579,211

$

6,278
–
–
–
–
6,278
–
–
–
$2,726,018

$
$

$

–
134
48
27,214
2,974
30,370
13,296
–
13,603
$10,636,480

$
$

$

–
–
–
–
1,233
–
$ 1,233

$

–
–
611
43
485
$ 1,139
–
$
169,777
–
$172,149

$ 8,272,196
333,309
6,742
728,671
3,958,778
488
$13,300,184

$

6,278
134
659
27,257
3,459
37,787
13,296
169,777
13,603
$13,534,647

$
$

$
$

–
–

$
$

(12,320) $
(12,320) $

–
–

$
$

(12,320)
(12,320)

The fair value information included in the following tables is not as of period end, but as of the date that the fair value
measurement was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 and excludes nonrecurring fair value
measurements of assets no longer outstanding as of the reporting date.

(In thousands)

Level 1 Level 2

Level 3

Total

NONRECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Year ended December 31, 2019

Assets

Loans [1]
Other real estate owned [2]
Other foreclosed assets [2]
Long-lived assets held-for-sale [3]

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Write-downs

$–
–
–
–

$–

$–
–
–
–

$–

$

$35,363
18,132
1,213
2,500

$35,363
18,132
1,213
2,500

$57,208

$57,208

$

(13,533)
(3,526)
(156)
(2,591)

(19,806)

[1] Relates mostly to certain impaired collateral dependent loans. The impairment was measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is derived from
appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of ASC
Section 310-10-35. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[2] Represents the fair value of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were written down to their fair value. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported

fair value amount.

[3] Represents the fair value of long-lived assets held-for-sale that were written down to their fair value.

(In thousands)

Level 1 Level 2

Level 3

Total

NONRECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Year ended December 31, 2018

Assets

Loans [1]
Other real estate owned [2]
Other foreclosed assets [2]

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Write-downs

$–
–
–

$–

$–
–
–

$–

$ 73,893
43,463
1,349

$ 73,893
43,463
1,349

$

$118,705

$118,705

$

(25,745)
(9,189)
(722)

(35,656)

[1] Relates mostly to certain impaired collateral dependent loans. The impairment was measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is derived from
appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of ASC
Section 310-10-35. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[2] Represents the fair value of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were written down to their fair value. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported

fair value amount.

(In thousands)

Level 1 Level 2

Level 3

Total

NONRECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Year ended December 31, 2017

Assets

Loans [1]
Other real estate owned [2] [3]
Other foreclosed assets [2]

Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Write-downs

$–
–
–

$–

$–
–
–

$–

$ 64,041
89,743
2,176

$ 64,041
89,743
2,176

$

$155,960

$155,960

$

(16,807)
(19,085)
(890)

(36,782)

[1] Relates mostly to certain impaired collateral dependent loans. The impairment was measured based on the fair value of the collateral, which is derived from
appraisals that take into consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of ASC
Section 310-10-35. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported fair value amount.

[2] Represents the fair value of foreclosed real estate and other collateral owned that were written down to their fair value. Costs to sell are excluded from the reported

fair value amount.

[3] Write-down include $2.7 million related to estimated damages caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria based on the sample of properties examined.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 137

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years

ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.

Year ended December 31, 2019

MBS
classified
as debt
securities
available-
for-sale

$1,233
–
(1)
–
(50)
–

$1,182

CMOs
classified
as trading
account debt
securities

MBS
classified as
trading account
debt securities

Other
securities
classified
as trading
account debt
securities

$ 611
(1)
–
71
(151)
–

$ 530

$ 43
(1)
–
25
(41)
(26)

$ –

$485
(45)
–
–
–
–

$440

Mortgage
servicing
rights

$169,777
(27,516)
–
9,143
(498)
–

Total
assets

$172,149
(27,563)
(1)
9,239
(740)
(26)

$150,906

$153,058

(In thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2019
Gains (losses) included in earnings
Gains (losses) included in OCI
Additions
Settlements
Transfers out of Level 3

Balance at December 31, 2019

Changes in unrealized gains (losses) included in

earnings relating to assets still held at December 31,
2019

$

–

$

1

$ –

$ 20

$ (14,190)

$ (14,169)

Year ended December 31, 2018

CMOs
classified
as trading
account debt
securities

MBS
classified as
trading account
debt securities

Other
securities
classified
as trading
account debt
securities

Mortgage
servicing
rights

Total
assets

Contingent
consideration

Total
liabilities

$ 529
2
–
260
(180)

$ 611

$43
–
–
–
–

$43

$529
(44)
–
–
–

$485

$168,031 $170,420
(8,519)
(5)
10,483
(230)

(8,477)
–
10,223
–

$(164,858)
(6,112)
–
–
170,970

$(164,858)
(6,112)
–
–
170,970

$169,777 $172,149

$

–

$

MBS
classified
as debt
securities
available-
for-sale

$1,288
–
(5)
–
(50)

$1,233

–

–

(In thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2018
Gains (losses) included in earnings
Gains (losses) included in OCI
Additions
Settlements

Balance at December 31, 2018

Changes in unrealized gains (losses)
included in earnings relating to
assets still held at December 31,
2018

$

–

$

2

$ –

$ 20

$ 8,703 $ 8,725

$

–

$

[1] Effective May 22, 2018, the Corporation entered into a Termination Agreement with the FDIC to terminate the Corporation’s loss share arrangement ahead of their

contractual maturities. Refer to Note 10 for additional information.

138 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Year ended December 31, 2017

MBS
classified
as debt
securities
available-
for-sale

CMOs
classified
as trading
account debt
securities

Other
securities
classified
as trading
account debt
securities

Mortgage
servicing
rights

MBS
classified as
trading account
debt securities

Total
assets

Contingent
consideration

Total
liabilities

$1,392
–
9
–
–
(25)
(88)

$1,288

$1,321
–
–
44
(365)
(195)
(276)

$ 529

$ 4,755
(124)
–
332
(156)
(876)
(3,888)

$

43

$602
(73)
–
–
–
–
–

$529

$196,889 $204,959
(36,716)
9
8,037
(521)
(1,096)
(4,252)

(36,519)
–
7,661
–
–
–

$(153,158)
(11,700)
–
–
–
–
–

$(153,158)
(11,700)
–
–
–
–
–

$168,031 $170,420

$ (164,858) $ (164,858)

$

–

$

–

$

(3)

$ 42

$ (18,986) $ (18,947) $ (11,700) $ (11,700)

(In thousands)

Balance at January 1, 2017
Gains (losses) included in earnings
Gains (losses) included in OCI
Additions
Sales
Settlements
Transfers out of Level 3

Balance at December 31, 2017

Changes in unrealized gains (losses)
included in earnings relating to
assets still held at December 31,
2017

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017, certain MBS and CMO’s were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 due to a
change in valuation technique from an internally-prepared pricing matrix and discounted cash flow models, respectively, to a
bond’s theoretical value.

Gains and losses (realized and unrealized) included in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 for Level 3
assets and liabilities included in the previous tables are reported in the consolidated statement of operations as follows:

2019

2018

2017

Total
gains (losses)
included
in earnings

Changes in unrealized
gains (losses)
relating to assets still
held at reporting date

Total
gains (losses)
included
in earnings

Changes in unrealized
gains (losses)
relating to assets still
held at reporting date

Total
gains (losses)
included
in earnings

Changes in unrealized
gains (losses)
relating to assets still
held at reporting date

$

–
(27,516)

$

–
(14,190)

$ (6,112)
(8,477)

(47)

21

(42)

$(27,563)

$(14,169)

$(14,631)

$

–
8,703

22

$8,725

$(11,700)
(36,519)

(197)

$(48,416)

$(11,700)
(18,986)

39

$(30,647)

(In thousands)

FDIC loss share (expense)

income

Mortgage banking activities
Trading account (loss)

profit

Total

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 139

The following tables include quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used to derive the fair value of Level 3
instruments, excluding those instruments for which the unobservable inputs were not developed by the Corporation such as prices
of prior transactions and/or unadjusted third-party pricing sources at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

CMO’s - trading

Other - trading

Fair value at
December 31,
2019

Valuation technique

Unobservable inputs Weighted average (range) [1]

$

$

530

Discounted cash flow model Weighted average life

Yield
Prepayment speed

440

Discounted cash flow model Weighted average life

Yield
Prepayment speed

1.6 years (1.3 -1.8 years)
4.0% (3.9% - 4.4%)
18.3% (14.8% - 20.7%)

3.8 years
12.0%
10.8%

Mortgage servicing rights

$150,906

Discounted cash flow model

Loans held-in-portfolio

$ 38,907 [2]

External appraisal

Other real estate owned

$ 16,119 [3]

External appraisal

Prepayment speed
Weighted average life
Discount rate

6.0%(0.2% - 18.5%)
6.5 years (0.1 -14.4 years)
11.1% (9.5% - 14.7%)

Haircut applied on
external appraisals

Haircut applied on
external appraisals

10%

23.8% (5.0% - 35.0%)

[1] Weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements were calculated by relative fair value.
[2]
Loans held-in-portfolio in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.
[3] Other real estate owned in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.

(In thousands)

CMO’s - trading

Other - trading

Fair value
at December 31,
2018

Valuation technique

Unobservable inputs Weighted average (range) [1]

$

$

611

Discounted cash flow model Weighted average life

Yield
Prepayment speed

485

Discounted cash flow model Weighted average life

Yield
Prepayment speed

1.9 years (1.3 -2.1 years)
4.1% (3.9% - 4.4%)
18.9% (16.3% - 20.7%)

5.2 years
12.0%
10.8%

Mortgage servicing rights

$169,777

Discounted cash flow model

Loans held-in-portfolio

$ 61,020 [2]

External appraisal

Other real estate owned

$ 35,233 [3]

External appraisal

Prepayment speed
Weighted average life
Discount rate

5.3% (0.2% - 17.8%)
6.8 years (0.1 -17.4 years)
11.2% (9.5% - 15.0%)

Haircut applied on
external appraisals

Haircut applied on
external appraisals

10.3% (10.0% - 20.0%)

24.7% (15.0% - 30.0%)

[1] Weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements were calculated by relative fair value.
[2]
Loans held-in-portfolio in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.
[3] Other real estate owned in which haircuts were not applied to external appraisals were excluded from this table.

140 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

the constant prepayment

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value
the Corporation’s collateralized mortgage
measurement of
obligations and interest-only collateralized mortgage obligation
(reported as “other”), which are classified in the “trading”
category, are yield, constant prepayment rate, and weighted
average life. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those
inputs in isolation would result in significantly lower (higher)
fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption
used for
rate will generate a
directionally opposite change in the weighted average life. For
example, as the average life is reduced by a higher constant
prepayment rate, a lower yield will be realized, and when there
is a reduction in the constant prepayment rate, the average life
of these collateralized mortgage obligations will extend, thus
resulting in a higher yield. The significant unobservable inputs
used in the fair value measurement of
the Corporation’s
mortgage servicing rights are constant prepayment rates and
discount rates. Increases in interest rates may result in lower
prepayments. Discount rates vary according to products and /
or portfolios depending on the perceived risk. Increases in
discount rates result in a lower fair value measurement.

Following is a description of the Corporation’s valuation
methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair
value. The disclosure requirements exclude certain financial
instruments and all non-financial instruments. Accordingly, the
instruments
aggregate fair value amounts of
the
disclosed do not represent management’s estimate of
underlying value of the Corporation.

the financial

Trading account debt securities and debt securities
available-for-sale

• U.S. Treasury securities: The fair value of U.S. Treasury
notes is based on yields that are interpolated from the
constant maturity treasury curve. These securities are
classified as Level 2. U.S. Treasury bills are classified as
Level 1 given the high volume of trades and pricing based
on those trades.

• Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored entities: The
sponsored entities
Obligations of U.S. Government
include U.S. agency securities, which fair value is based
on an active exchange market and on quoted market
prices for similar securities. The U.S. agency securities are
classified as Level 2.

• Obligations

and

States

of Puerto Rico,

political
subdivisions: Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and
political subdivisions include municipal bonds. The bonds
are segregated and the like characteristics divided into
specific sectors. Market inputs used in the evaluation
process include all or some of the following: trades, bid
price or spread, two sided markets, quotes, benchmark
curves including but not limited to Treasury benchmarks,

LIBOR and swap curves, market data feeds such as those
obtained from municipal market sources, discount and
capital rates, and trustee reports. The municipal bonds are
classified as Level 2.

• Mortgage-backed securities: Certain agency mortgage-
backed securities (“MBS”) are priced based on a bond’s
theoretical value derived from similar bonds defined by
credit quality and market
fair value
incorporates an option adjusted spread. The agency MBS
are classified as Level 2. Other agency MBS such as
GNMA Puerto Rico Serials are priced using an internally-
prepared pricing matrix with quoted prices from local
brokers dealers. These particular MBS are classified as
Level 3.

sector. Their

• Collateralized mortgage obligations: Agency collateralized
mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are priced based on a
bond’s theoretical value derived from similar bonds
defined by credit quality and market sector and for which
fair value incorporates an option adjusted spread. The
option adjusted spread model includes prepayment and
volatility assumptions, ratings (whole loans collateral)
and spread adjustments. These CMOs are classified as
Level 2. Other CMOs, due to their limited liquidity, are
classified as Level 3 due to the insufficiency of inputs such
as broker quotes, executed trades, credit information and
cash flows.

• Corporate

securities

(included as

in the
“available-for-sale” category): Given that
the quoted
prices are for similar instruments, these securities are
classified as Level 2.

“other”

important variables

• Mutual funds, other equity securities, corporate securities,
U.S. Treasury bills, and interest-only strips (included as
“other” in the “trading account debt securities” category):
For corporate securities and mutual funds, quoted prices
for these security types are obtained from broker dealers.
Given that the quoted prices are for similar instruments or
do not trade in highly liquid markets, these securities are
in
classified as Level 2. The
determining the prices of Puerto Rico tax-exempt mutual
fund shares are net asset value, dividend yield and type of
assets in the fund. All funds trade based on a relevant
the
dividend
aforementioned variables. In addition, demand and supply
also affect the price. Other equity securities that do not
trade in highly liquid markets are classified as Level 2.
U.S. Treasury bills are classified as Level 1 given the high
volume of trades and pricing based on those trades. Given
that the fair value was estimated based on a discounted
cash flow model using unobservable inputs, interest-only
strips are classified as Level 3.

consideration

taking

yield

into

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 141

Equity securities
Equity securities are comprised principally of shares in closed-
ended and open-ended mutual funds. Closed-end funds are
traded on the secondary market at the shares’ market value.
Open-ended funds are considered to be liquid, as investors can
sell their shares continually to the fund and are priced at NAV.
These equity securities are classified as Level 2.

incorporates

assumptions

Mortgage servicing rights
Mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) do not trade in an active
market with readily observable prices. MSRs are priced
internally using a discounted cash flow model. The discounted
cash flow model
that market
participants would use in estimating future net servicing
characteristics, prepayments
income,
assumptions, discount rates, delinquency and foreclosure rates,
late charges, other ancillary revenues, cost to service and other
economic factors. Prepayment speeds are adjusted for the
Corporation’s loan characteristics and portfolio behavior. Due
to the unobservable nature of certain valuation inputs, the
MSRs are classified as Level 3.

including portfolio

Derivatives
Interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and indexed options are
traded in over-the-counter active markets. These derivatives are
indexed to an observable interest rate benchmark, such as
LIBOR or equity indexes, and are priced using an income
approach based on present value and option pricing models
using observable inputs. Other derivatives are liquid and have
quoted prices, such as forward contracts or “to be announced
securities” (“TBAs”). All of these derivatives are classified as
Level 2. The non-performance risk is determined using
internally-developed models that consider the collateral held,
the remaining term, and the creditworthiness of the entity that
bears the risk, and uses available public data or internally-
developed data related to current spreads that denote their
probability of default.

Contingent consideration liability
The fair value of the true-up payment obligation (contingent
consideration) to the FDIC as it relates to the Westernbank
FDIC-assisted transaction was estimated using projected cash
flows related to the loss sharing agreements at the true-up
measurement date. It took into consideration the intrinsic loss
estimate, asset premium/discount, cumulative shared loss
payments, and the cumulative servicing amount related to the
loan portfolio.

On a quarterly basis, management evaluated and revised the
estimated credit loss rates that are used to determine expected
cash flows on the covered loan pools. The expected credit
losses on the loan pools are used to determine the loss share
cash flows expected to be paid to the FDIC when the true-up
payment is due.

142 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The true-up payment obligation was discounted using a
term rate consistent with the time remaining until the payment
is due. The discount rate was an estimate of the sum of the risk-
free benchmark rate for the term remaining before the true-up
payment is due and a risk premium to account for the credit
risk profile of BPPR. The risk premium was calculated based on
the Corporation’s
a volume weighted average spread of
outstanding senior unsecured debt over the equivalent T Note.
The true-up payment obligation was classified as Level 3. As
disclosed in Note 10, this true-up payment obligation ended as
part of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC.

Loans held-in-portfolio considered impaired under ASC
Section 310-10-35 that are collateral dependent
The impairment is measured based on the fair value of the
collateral, which is derived from appraisals that
take into
consideration prices in observed transactions involving similar
assets in similar locations, in accordance with the provisions of
ASC Section 310-10-35, and which could be subject to internal
adjustments based on the age of the appraisal. Currently, the
associated loans considered impaired are classified as Level 3.

Loans measured at fair value pursuant to lower of cost or fair
value adjustments
Loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis pursuant
to lower of cost or fair value were priced based on secondary
market prices and discounted cash flow models which
incorporate internally-developed assumptions for prepayments
and credit loss estimates. These loans are classified as Level 3.

Other real estate owned and other foreclosed assets
Other real estate owned includes real estate properties securing
mortgage, consumer, and commercial loans. Other foreclosed
assets include primarily automobiles securing auto loans. The
fair value of foreclosed assets may be determined using an
external appraisal, broker price opinion, or an internal
valuation. These foreclosed assets are classified as Level 3 since
they are subject to internal adjustments.

Note 31 - Fair value of financial instruments
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. 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
to current
including discount rates, estimates of
economic conditions,
future cash flows, and prepayment assumptions. Many of these
estimates
vary
significantly from amounts that could be realized in actual
transactions.

judgment with respect

assumptions

and may

various

involve

The fair values reflected herein have been determined based on the prevailing rate environment at December 31, 2019 and
December 31, 2018, as applicable. 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.

The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair values of financial instruments with their corresponding
level in the fair value hierarchy. The aggregate fair value amounts of the financial instruments disclosed do not represent
management’s estimate of the underlying value of the Corporation.

(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments
Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives[1]
Debt securities available-for-sale[1]
Debt securities held-to-maturity:

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligation-federal agency
Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts
Other

Total debt securities held-to-maturity
Equity securities:
FHLB stock
FRB stock
Other investments

Total equity securities

Loans held-for-sale
Loans held-in-portfolio
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivatives

(In thousands)
Financial Liabilities:
Deposits:

Demand deposits
Time deposits

Total deposits

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Notes payable:

FHLB advances
Unsecured senior debt securities
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (related to

trust preferred securities)

Total notes payable

Derivatives

December 31, 2019

Carrying
amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

$

388,311
3,262,286
40,321
17,648,473

$ 388,311
3,256,274
7,081
3,841,715

$

–
6,012
32,270
13,805,576

$

$

$

$

$

$

–
–
970
1,182

$

388,311
3,262,286
40,321
17,648,473

93,002
47
–
–

93,049

–
–
7,367

7,367

60,030
25,051,400
150,906
–

$

$

$

$

$

93,002
47
11,561
500

105,110

43,787
93,470
28,695

165,952

60,030
25,051,400
150,906
17,966

$

$

$

$

$

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
11,561
500

12,061

43,787
93,470
21,328

158,585

–
–
–
17,966

December 31, 2019

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

$36,083,809
7,598,732

$43,682,541

$

$

193,271

429,718
323,415

395,216

$ 1,148,349

$

16,619

$

$

$

$

$

$

–
–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

$36,083,809
7,598,732

$43,682,541

$

$

193,271

429,718
323,415

395,216

$ 1,148,349

$

16,619

$

$

$

$

$

85,556
45
11,561
500

97,662

43,787
93,470
22,630

159,887

59,203
26,929,165
150,906
17,966

Carrying
amount

$36,083,809
7,674,797

$43,758,606

$

$

193,378

421,399
295,307

384,902

$ 1,101,608

$

16,619

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

[1] Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fair value by class of financial asset and its hierarchy level

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 143

(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments
Trading account debt securities, excluding derivatives[1]
Debt securities available-for-sale[1]
Debt securities held-to-maturity:

Obligations of Puerto Rico, States and political subdivisions
Collateralized mortgage obligation-federal agency
Securities in wholly owned statutory business trusts
Other

Total debt securities held-to-maturity

Equity securities:
FHLB stock
FRB stock
Other investments

Total equity securities

Loans held-for-sale
Loans held-in-portfolio
Mortgage servicing rights
Derivatives

(In thousands)

Financial Liabilities:
Deposits:

Demand deposits
Time deposits

Total deposits

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings[2]
Notes payable:

FHLB advances
Unsecured senior debt
Junior subordinated deferrable interest debentures (related to

trust preferred securities)

Capital lease obligations

Total notes payable

Derivatives

December 31, 2018

Carrying
amount

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

$

394,035
4,171,048
37,787
13,300,184

$ 394,035
4,161,832
6,278
2,719,740

$

–
9,216
30,370
10,579,211

$

$

$

$

$

$

–
–
1,139
1,233

90,534
58
–
–

90,592

–
–
5,539

5,539

52,474
23,143,027
169,777
–

$394,035
4,171,048
37,787
13,300,184

$

$

$

$

$

90,534
58
11,561
500

102,653

51,628
89,358
18,835

159,821

52,474
23,143,027
169,777
13,603

$

$

$

$

$

–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
11,561
500

12,061

51,628
89,358
13,296

154,282

–
–
–
13,603

December 31, 2018

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Fair value

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–

–

$32,093,274
7,392,698

$39,485,972

$
$

$

281,535
42

553,111
302,664

381,079
–

$ 1,236,854

$

12,320

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

–
–

–

–
–

–
–

–
20,412

$32,093,274
7,392,698

$39,485,972

$
$

$

281,535
42

553,111
302,664

381,079
20,412

20,412

$ 1,257,266

–

$

12,320

$

$

$

$

$

89,459
55
11,561
500

101,575

51,628
89,358
14,598

155,584

51,422
25,938,541
169,777
13,603

Carrying
amount

$32,093,274
7,616,765

$39,710,039

$
$

$

281,529
42

556,776
294,039

384,875
20,412

$ 1,256,102

$

12,320

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

$

$

$

[1] Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fair value by class of financial asset and its hierarchy level.
[2] Refer to Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the composition of other short-term borrowings.

144 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The notional amount of commitments to extend credit at
December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 is $8.4 billion and
$ 7.5 billion, respectively, and represents the unused portion of
credit facilities granted to customers. The notional amount of
letters of credit at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018
is $ 78 million and $ 29 million respectively, and represents the
contractual amount that is required to be paid in the event of
nonperformance. The fair value of commitments to extend
credit and letters of credit, which are based on the fees charged
to enter into those agreements, are not material to Popular’s
financial statements.

Note 32 - Employee benefits
by
three
Certain
covered
of
employees
the Banco
non-contributory defined benefit pension plans,
Popular de Puerto Rico Retirement Plan and two Restoration
Plans. Pension benefits are based on age, years of credited
service, and final average compensation (the “Pension Plans”).

BPPR are

The Pension Plans are currently closed to new hires and the
accrual of benefits are frozen to all participants. The Pension
Plans’ benefit formula is based on a percentage of average final
compensation and years of service as of the plan freeze date.
Normal retirement age under the retirement plan 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
Pension Plans are subject to the U.S. and Puerto Rico Internal
Revenue Code limits on compensation and benefits. Benefits
under restoration plans restore benefits to selected employees
that are limited under the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico
Retirement Plan due to U.S. and Puerto Rico Internal Revenue
Code limits and a compensation definition that excludes
amounts deferred pursuant to nonqualified arrangements.

In addition to providing pension benefits, BPPR provides
certain health care benefits for certain retired employees (the
“OPEB Plan”). Regular employees of BPPR, hired before
February 1, 2000, may become eligible for health care benefits,
provided they reach retirement age while working for BPPR.

funding policy is

The Corporation’s

to make annual
contributions to the plans, when necessary, 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 BPPR 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 periodically reviews the
performance of
investments and assets
allocation. The Trustee and the money managers are allowed to
limitations
exercise
established by the pension plans’ investment policies. The plans
forbid money managers to enter into derivative transactions,
unless approved by the Trustee.

the pension plans’

investment

discretion,

subject

to

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 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 Pension Plans weighted average asset allocation as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the approved asset allocation

ranges, by asset category, are summarized in the table below.

Equity
Debt securities
Popular related securities
Cash and cash equivalents

Minimum
allotment

Maximum
allotment

0%
0%
0%
0%

70%
100%
5%
100%

2019

2018

36% 32%
62% 65%
1%
1%
2%
1%

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 145

The following table sets forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the Pension Plans’ assets at fair value at December 31,
2019 and 2018. Investments measured at net asset value per share (“NAV”) as a practical expedient have not been classified in the
fair value hierarchy, but are presented in order to permit reconciliation of the plans’ assets.

(In thousands)

Level 1

Level 2 Level 3

Measured
at NAV

Total

Level 1

Level 2 Level 3

Measured
at NAV

Total

2019

2018

Obligations of the U.S. Government,
its agencies, states and political
subdivisions

Corporate bonds and debentures
Equity securities - Common Stocks
Equity securities - ETF’s
Foreign commingled trust funds
Mutual fund
Mortgage-backed securities
Private equity investments
Cash and cash equivalents
Accrued investment income

$

– $171,744 $
304,958
–
116,254
–
35,559
52,083
–
–
4,490
–
5,777
–
–
–
–
7,401
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
74
–
4,596

$ 7,239 $178,983 $

7,730
–
–
82,030
–
–
–
–
–

312,688
116,254
87,642
82,030
4,490
5,777
74
7,401
4,596

– $165,832 $
256,657
–
–
90,175
29,635
39,394
–
–
3,630
–
11,349
–
–
–
–
10,573
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
68
–
5,024

$ 7,137 $172,969
263,644
90,175
69,029
59,362
3,630
11,349
68
10,573
5,024

6,987
–
–
59,362
–
–
–
–
–

Total assets

$175,738 $522,528 $4,670

$96,999 $799,935 $140,142 $467,103 $5,092

$73,486 $685,823

The closing prices reported in the active markets in which

the securities are traded are used to value the investments.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies

• Foreign commingled trust fund- Collective investment
funds are valued at the NAV of shares held by the plan at
year end.

used for investments measured at fair value:

• Obligations of U.S. Government, its agencies, states and
political subdivisions - The fair value of Obligations of
U.S. Government and its agencies obligations are based on
an active exchange market and on quoted market prices
for similar securities. U.S. agency structured notes are
priced based on a bond’s theoretical value from similar
bonds defined by credit quality and market sector and for
which the fair value incorporates an option adjusted
spread in deriving their fair value. The fair value of
municipal bonds are based on trade data on these
instruments reported on Municipal Securities Rulemaking
Board
system or
comparable bonds from the same issuer and credit quality.
These securities are classified as Level 2, except for the
governmental index funds that are measured at NAV.

transaction

(“MSRB”)

reporting

• Corporate bonds and debentures - Corporate bonds and
debentures are valued at fair value at the closing price
reported in the active market in which the bond is traded.
These securities are classified as Level 2, except for the
corporate bond funds that are measured at NAV.

• Equity securities – common stocks - Equity securities with
quoted market prices obtained from an active exchange
market and high liquidity are classified as Level 1.

• Equity securities – ETF’s – Exchange Traded Funds shares
with quoted market prices obtained from an active
exchange market. Highly liquid ETF’s are classified as
Level 1 while less liquid ETF’s are classified as Level 2.

146 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

• Mutual funds – Mutual funds are valued at the NAV of
shares held by the plan at year end. Mutual funds are
classified as Level 2.

• Mortgage-backed securities – The fair value is based on
trade data from brokers and exchange platforms where
these instruments regularly trade. Certain agency mortgage
and other asset backed securities (“MBS”) are priced based
on a bond’s theoretical value from similar bonds defined by
credit quality and market
fair value
incorporates an option adjusted spread and prepayment
projections. The agency MBS are classified as Level 2.

sector. Their

• Private equity investments - Private equity investments
include an investment in a private equity fund. The fund
value is recorded at its net realizable value which is
affected by the changes in the fair market value of the
investments held in the fund. This fund is classified as
Level 3.

• Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amount of cash
and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of the fair
value since it is available on demand or due to their short-
term maturity. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as
Level 1.

• Accrued investment

income – Given the short-term
nature of these assets, their carrying amount approximates
fair value. Since there is a lack of observable inputs related
to instrument specific attributes, these are reported as
Level 3.

The preceding valuation methods may produce a fair value
calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or
reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, although the plan
believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent
with other market participants,
of different
methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of
certain financial instruments could result in a different fair
value measurement at the reporting date.

the use

The following table presents the change in Level 3 assets

measured at fair value.

(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets:
Purchases, sales, issuance and settlements (net)

Balance at end of year

2019

2018

$5,092

$4,758

(422)

334

$4,670

$5,092

There were no transfers in and/or out of Level 3 for financial
instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis during
the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. There were no
transfers in and/or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the years
ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

Information on the shares of common stock held by the

pension plans is provided in the table that follows.

(In thousands, except number of shares
information)

Shares of Popular, Inc. common stock
Fair value of shares of Popular, Inc. common

stock

2019

2018

156,444

152,804

$ 9,191

$ 7,215

Dividends paid on shares of Popular, Inc.

common stock held by the plan

$

177

$

151

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Personnel costs:
Service cost

Other operating expenses:

Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
Recognized net actuarial loss

Pension Plans
2018

2019

2017

2019

OPEB Plan
2018

2017

$

–

$

–

$

–

$ 759

$ 1,028

$ 1,026

28,439
(32,388)
–
23,508

25,493
(40,240)
–
20,260

25,889
(42,752)
–
21,859

5,955
–
–
–

5,562
–
(3,470)
1,282

5,703
–
(3,800)
569

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost

$ 19,559

$ 5,513

$ 4,996

$6,714

$ 4,402

$ 3,498

Termination benefit loss

Total benefit cost

–

–

–

–

1,790

–

$ 19,559

$ 5,513

$ 4,996

$6,714

$ 6,192

$ 3,498

During the year 2018,

the termination benefit

loss of
$1.8 million related to the additional health care benefits
provided to the eligible employees that accepted to participate
in the “VRP” was recorded as “Personnel costs” in the
consolidated statement of operations.

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017,
there is no service cost recognized as part of the net periodic
cost for the Pension Plans since the accrual of benefits for all

participants has been frozen. As part of the implementation of
ASU 2017-07, the other components of net periodic cost other
than the service cost components were reclassified from
“Personnel costs” to “Other operating expenses” in the
consolidated statement of operations
in the amount of
$5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 for Pension
Plans and $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017
for the OPEB Plan.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 147

The following table sets forth the aggregate status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial

statements at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Termination benefit loss
Actuarial (gain) loss [1]
Benefits paid

Benefit obligation at end of year

Change in fair value of 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 end of year

Funded status of the plan:
Benefit obligation at end of year
Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Funded status at year end

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Net loss

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (AOCL)

Reconciliation of net (liabilities) assets:
Net liabilities at beginning of year
Amount recognized in AOCL at beginning of year, pre-tax

Amount prepaid at beginning of year
Net periodic benefit cost
Additional benefit cost
Contributions

Amount prepaid at end of year
Amount recognized in AOCL

Net liabilities at end of year

Pension Plans

OPEB Plan

2019

2018

2019

2018

$ 754,558
–
28,439
–
113,642
(44,088)

$ 816,988
–
25,493
–
(47,549)
(40,374)

$ 153,415
759
5,955
–
15,752
(7,200)

$ 170,720
1,028
5,562
1,790
(20,547)
(5,138)

$ 852,551

$ 754,558

$ 168,681

$ 153,415

$

$ 685,823
137,970
20,230
(44,088)

$ 767,539
(41,572)
230
(40,374)

–
–
7,200
(7,200)

$

–
–
5,138
(5,138)

$ 799,935

$ 685,823

$

–

$

–

$(852,551) $(754,558) $(168,681) $(153,415)
–

685,823

799,935

–

$ (52,616) $ (68,735) $(168,681) $(153,415)

288,882

304,330

21,472

$ 288,882

$ 304,330

$ 21,472

$

5,720

5,720

$ (68,735) $ (49,449) $(153,415) $(170,720)
24,079

290,327

304,330

5,720

235,595
(19,559)
–
20,230

240,878
(5,513)
–
230

236,266
(288,882)

235,595
(304,330)

(147,695)
(6,714)
–
7,200

(147,209)
(21,472)

(146,641)
(4,402)
(1,790)
5,138

(147,695)
(5,720)

$ (52,616) $ (68,735) $(168,681) $(153,415)

[1] For 2019, significant components of the Pension Plans actuarial loss that changed the benefit obligation were mainly related to updates in discount and mortality
rates. For OPEB Plans significant components of the actuarial loss that change the benefit obligation were mainly related to updates in discount and mortality rates
partially offset by update in healthcare election rates and expected annual healthcare costs. For 2018, significant components of the Pension Plans actuarial gains
that change the benefit obligation were mostly related to updates in discount rate partially offset by the impact of the 2018 Voluntary Retirement Program. For
OPEB Plans significant components of the actuarial gain that change the benefit obligation were mainly related to updates in discount rate and expected annual
healthcare costs.

148 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), pre-tax, for the years ended

December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at beginning of year

Increase (decrease) in AOCL:
Recognized during the year:

Prior service credit
Amortization of actuarial losses

Occurring during the year:

Net actuarial (gains) losses

Total (decrease) increase in AOCL

Pension Plans

OPEB Plan

2019

2018

2019

2018

$304,330

$290,327

$ 5,720

$ 24,079

–
(23,508)

–
(20,260)

–
–

8,060

(15,448)

34,263

14,003

15,752

15,752

3,470
(1,282)

(20,547)

(18,359)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss at end of year

$288,882

$304,330

$21,472

$ 5,720

The Corporation estimates the service and interest cost components utilizing a full yield curve approach in the estimation of
these components by applying the specific spot rates along the yield curve used in the determination of the benefit obligation to
their underlying projected cash flows.

To determine benefit obligation at year end, the Corporation used a weighted average of annual spot rates applied to future

expected cash flows for years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The following table presents the discount rate and assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine the benefit obligation

and net periodic benefit cost for the plans:

Pension Plans

OPEB Plan

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic
benefit cost for the years ended December 31:

2019

2018

2017

2019

Discount rate for benefit obligation
Discount rate for service cost
Discount rate for interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Initial health care cost trend rate
Ultimate health care cost trend rate

Year that the ultimate trend rate is reached

N/A

4.20 - 4.23% 3.54 - 3.56% 3.98 - 4.02% 4.30%
4.49%
3.87 - 3.90% 3.16 - 3.20% 3.35 - 3.42% 3.99%
5.30 - 6.00% 5.50 - 6.00%

N/A

N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A

N/A
N/A

N/A

6.50% N/A
N/A
N/A

5.00%
5.00%

N/A

2019

2018

3.62%
3.74%
3.32%
N/A
5.50%
5.00%

2019

2017

4.10%
4.30%
3.58%
N/A
6.00%
5.00%

2019

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligation at December 31:

2019

2018

2019

Discount rate for benefit obligation
Initial health care cost trend rate
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
Year that the ultimate trend rate is reached

3.22 - 3.27% 4.20 - 4.23% 3.38%
5.00%
5.00%
2019

N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
N/A
N/A

2018

4.30%
5.00%
5.00%
2019

Pension Plans

OPEB Plan

The following table presents information for plans with a projected benefit obligation and accumulated benefit obligation in

excess of plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation

Fair value of plan assets

Pension Plans

OPEB Plan

2019

2018

2019

2018

$852,551
852,551

$754,558
754,558

$168,681
168,681

$153,415
153,415

799,935

685,823

–

–

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 149

The Corporation expects to pay the following contributions

to the plans during the year ended December 31, 2019.

Benefit payments projected to be made from the plans during
the next ten years are presented in the table below.

(In thousands)

Pension Plans
OPEB Plan

2020

(In thousands)

Pension Plans OPEB Plan

$ 229
$6,515

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 - 2029

$ 48,161
45,152
45,295
45,498
45,696
228,701

$ 6,515
6,510
6,661
6,843
7,057
38,483

The table below presents a breakdown of the plans’ assets and liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018.

(In thousands)

Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Pension Plans
2018
2019

OPEB Plan

2019

2018

$

227
52,389

$

225
68,510

$ 6,456
162,225

$ 8,007
145,408

Savings plans
The Corporation also provides defined contribution savings
plans pursuant
the Puerto Rico
to Section 1081.01(d) of
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 the year ended
December 31, 2019 was $15.1 million (2018 - $12.7 million,
2017 - $10 million).

The plans held 1,378,048 (2018 – 1,490,253) shares of
common stock of the Corporation with a market value of
approximately $81 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 - $70.4
million).

Note 33 - Net income per common share
The following table sets forth the computation of net income per common share (“EPS”), basic and diluted, for the years ended
December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands, except per share information)

Net income from continuing operations
Preferred stock dividends

Net income applicable to common stock

Average common shares outstanding
Average potential dilutive common shares

Average common shares outstanding - assuming dilution

Basic EPS from continuing operations

Total Basic EPS

Diluted EPS from continuing operations

Total Diluted EPS

2019

2018

2017

671,135
(3,723)

667,412

$

$

618,158
(3,723)

614,435

$

$

107,681
(3,723)

103,958

96,848,835
148,965

101,142,258
166,385

101,966,429
78,907

96,997,800

101,308,643

102,045,336

6.89

6.89

6.88

6.88

$

$

$

$

6.07

6.07

6.06

6.06

$

$

$

$

1.02

1.02

1.02

1.02

$

$

$

$

$

$

As disclosed in Note 22, as of December 31, 2019, the
Corporation completed a $250 million accelerated share
repurchase transaction (“ASR”) and, in connection therewith,
received an initial delivery of 3,500,000 shares of common
stock during the first quarter of 2019 and 1,165,607 additional
shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2019. The
final number of shares delivered at settlement was based on the

average daily volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of its
common stock, net of a discount, during the term of the ASR,
which amounted to $53.58.

Potential common shares consist of common stock issuable
under the assumed exercise of stock options, restricted stock
and performance shares awards using the treasury stock
the potential common
method. This method assumes that

150 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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. Warrants, stock options, restricted stock
and performance shares awards, if any, 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 common share.

Note 34 - Revenue from contracts with customers
The following table presents the Corporation’s revenue streams from contracts with customers by reportable segment for the years
ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

(In thousands)

Years ended December 31,
2018
BPPR Popular U.S. BPPR Popular U.S. BPPR Popular U.S.

2017

2019

Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees:
Debit card fees
Insurance fees, excluding reinsurance
Credit card fees, excluding late fees and membership fees
Sale and administration of investment products
Trust fees

$146,384

$14,549

$137,062

$13,615

$140,342

$13,367

46,066
42,995
86,884
23,072
21,198

1,076
3,803
866
–
–

45,139
33,951
74,609
21,895
20,351

1,035
3,667
921
–
–

41,851
31,030
56,938
21,958
20,408

870
3,060
890
–
–

Total revenue from contracts with customers [1]

$366,599

$20,294

$333,007

$19,238

$312,527

$18,187

[1] The amounts include intersegment transactions of $3.8 million, $3.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and

2017.

Revenue from contracts with customers is recognized when,
or as,
the performance obligations are satisfied by the
Corporation by transferring the promised services to the
customers. A service is transferred to the customer when, or as,
the customer obtains control of that service. A performance
obligation may be satisfied over time or at a point in time.
Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied over time is
recognized based on the services that have been rendered to
date. Revenue from a performance obligation satisfied at a point
in time is recognized when the customer obtains control over
the service. The transaction price, or the amount of revenue
recognized, reflects the consideration the Corporation expects
to be entitled to in exchange for those promised services. In
determining the transaction price, the Corporation considers
the effects of variable consideration. Variable consideration is
included in the transaction price only to the extent
is
probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative
revenue recognized will not occur. The Corporation is the
principal in a transaction if it obtains control of the specified
goods or services before they are transferred to the customer. If
the Corporation acts as principal, revenues are presented in the
gross amount of consideration to which it expects to be entitled
and are not netted with any related expenses. On the other
hand, the Corporation is an agent if it does not control the
specified goods or services before they are transferred to the
customer. If the Corporation acts as an agent, revenues are
presented in the amount of consideration to which it expects to
be entitled, net of related expenses.

it

Following is a description of the nature and timing of

revenue streams from contracts with customers:

Service charges on deposit accounts
Service charges on deposit accounts are earned on retail and
commercial deposit activities and include, but are not limited
to, nonsufficient fund fees, overdraft fees and checks stop
payment fees. These transaction-based fees are recognized at a
point in time, upon occurrence of an activity or event or upon
the occurrence of a condition which triggers the fee assessment.
The Corporation is acting as principal in these transactions.

Debit card fees
Debit card fees include, but are not limited to, interchange fees,
surcharging income and foreign transaction fees. These
transaction-based fees are recognized at a point in time, upon
occurrence of an activity or event or upon the occurrence of a
condition which triggers the fee assessment. Interchange fees
are recognized upon settlement of the debit card payment
transactions. The Corporation is acting as principal in these
transactions.

Insurance fees
Insurance fees include, but are not limited to, commissions and
contingent commissions. Commissions and fees are recognized
when related policies are effective since the Corporation does
not have an enforceable right to payment for services completed
to date. An allowance is created for expected adjustments to

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 151

commissions earned related to policy cancellations. Contingent
commissions are recorded on an accrual basis when the amount
to be received is notified by the insurance company. The
Corporation is acting as an agent since it arranges for the sale of
the policies and receives commissions if, and when, it achieves
the sale.

provide distribution-related services is considered a single
performance obligation as it requires the provision of a series of
distinct services that are substantially the same and have the
same pattern of transfer. When the broker-dealer subsidiary is
acting as a distributor, it is acting as principal. In turn, when it
acts as third-party dealer, it is acting as an agent.

Trust fees
Trust fees are recognized from retirement plan, mutual fund
administration, investment management, trustee, escrow, and
custody and safekeeping services. These asset management
services are considered a single performance obligation as it
requires the provision of a series of distinct services that are
substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer.
The performance obligation is satisfied over time, except for
optional services and certain other services that are satisfied at a
point in time. Revenues are recognized in arrears, when, or as,
the services are rendered. The Corporation is acting as principal
since, as asset manager, it has the obligation to provide the
specified service to the customer and has
the ultimate
discretion in establishing the fee paid by the customer for the
specified services.

Note 35 - Leases
The Corporation enters in the ordinary course of business into
operating and finance leases for land, buildings and equipment.
These contracts generally do not include purchase options or
residual value guarantees. The remaining lease terms of 0.1 to
34.0 years considers options to extend the leases for up to 20.0
years. The Corporation identifies leases when it has both the
right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from
the use of the asset and the right to direct the use of the asset.

right-of-use assets

The Corporation recognizes

(“ROU
assets”) and lease liabilities related to operating and finance
leases in its Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
liabilities,
under
respectively. Refer to Note 15 and Note 21, respectively, for
information on the balances of these lease assets and liabilities.

the caption of other assets and other

The Corporation uses the incremental borrowing rate for
purposes of discounting lease payments for operating and
finance leases, since it does not have enough information to
determine the rates implicit in the leases. The discount rates are
based on fixed-rate and fully amortizing borrowing facilities of
its banking subsidiaries that are collateralized. For leases held
by non-banking subsidiaries, a credit spread is added to this
rate based on financing transactions with a similar credit risk
profile.

Credit card fees
Credit card fees include, but are not limited to, interchange
fees, additional card fees, cash advance fees, balance transfer
foreign transaction fees, and returned payments fees.
fees,
Credit card fees are recognized at a point in time, upon the
occurrence of an activity or an event. Interchange fees are
recognized upon settlement of
the credit card payment
transactions. The Corporation is acting as principal in these
transactions.

Sale and administration of investment products
Fees from the sale and administration of investment products
include, but are not limited to, commission income from the
sale
fees,
underwriting fees, and mutual fund fees.

asset management

investment

products,

of

Commission income from investment products is recognized
on the trade date since clearing, trade execution, and custody
services are satisfied when the customer acquires or disposes of
the rights to obtain the economic benefits of the investment
products and brokerage contracts have no fixed duration and
are terminable at will by either party. The Corporation is acting
as principal in these transactions since it performs the service of
providing the customer with the ability to acquire or dispose of
the rights to obtain the economic benefits of
investment
products.

Asset management

fees are satisfied over time and are
recognized in arrears. At contract inception, the estimate of the
asset management fee is constrained from the inclusion in the
transaction price since the promised consideration is dependent
on the market and thus is highly susceptible to factors outside
the manager’s
the broker-dealer
influence. As
subsidiary is acting as principal.

advisor,

Underwriting fees are recognized at a point in time, when
the investment products are sold in the open market at a
markup. When the broker-dealer subsidiary is lead underwriter,
it is acting as an agent. In turn, when it is a participating
underwriter, it is acting as principal.

Mutual fund fees, such as distribution fees, are considered
variable consideration and are recognized over time, as the
uncertainty of the fees to be received is resolved as NAV is
determined and investor activity occurs. The promise to

152 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The following table presents the undiscounted cash flows of operating and finance leases for each of the following periods:

(In thousands)
Operating Leases
Finance Leases

2020
$29,872
3,068

2021
$27,445
3,159

2022
$23,540
3,252

2023
$21,257
3,349

2024
$20,176
3,448

Later
Years
$70,842
8,220

Total
Lease
Payments
$193,132
24,496

Less:
Imputed
Interest
$(27,993) $165,139
19,810

(4,686)

Total

At December 31, 2018, operating lease commitments under
lessee
arrangements were $33.4 million, $29.5 million,
$26.9 million, $23.3 million, $21.1 million for 2019 through
2023, respectively, and $77.9 million in the aggregate for all
years thereafter. The following table presents the lease cost
recognized by the Corporation in the Consolidated Statements
of Operations as follows:

(In thousands)
Finance lease cost:

Amortization of ROU assets
Interest on lease liabilities

Operating lease cost
Short-term lease cost
Variable lease cost
Sublease income
Total lease cost

Year ended
December 31, 2019

$ 1,701
1,194
30,664
252
97
(113)
$33,795

Total rental expense for all operating leases, except those
with terms of a month or less that were not renewed, for the
year ended December 31, 2018 was $31.2 million (2017 - $32.1
million), which is included in net occupancy, equipment and
communication expenses, according to their nature. Total
amortization and interest expense for capital leases for the year
ended December 31, 2018 was $1.5 million (2017 - $1.3
million) and $1.2 million (2017 - $1.2 million), respectively.

The following table presents

supplemental cash flow
information and other related information related to operating
and finance leases.

As of December 31, 2019, the Corporation has additional
operating leases contracts that have not yet commenced with an
undiscounted contract amount of $3.8 million, which will have
lease terms ranging from 10 to 20 years.

Note 36 - FDIC loss share income (expense)
On May 22, 2018, the Corporation entered into a Termination
loss-share
Agreement with the FDIC to terminate
arrangements in connection with the Westernbank FDIC-
assisted transaction. Refer to Note 10 for additional information
of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC. The caption of
in the Consolidated
FDIC loss-share
Statements of Operations consists of
the following major
categories:

(expense)

income

all

(In thousands)

Amortization
80% mirror accounting on credit

impairment losses

80% mirror accounting on
reimbursable expenses

80% mirror accounting on recoveries
on covered assets, including rental
income on OREOs, subject to
reimbursement to the FDIC

Change in true-up payment obligation
Gain on FDIC loss-share Termination

Agreement [1]

Other

Years ended December 31,

2018

2017

$

(934)

$

(469)

104

537

3,136

2,454

(1,658)
(6,112)

102,752
36

2,405
(11,700)

–
(5,892)

$ 94,725

$(10,066)

Year ended
December 31, 2019

Total FDIC loss share income

(expense)

(Dollars in thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the
measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
Operating cash flows from finance leases
Financing cash flows from finance leases

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new

lease obligations:
Operating leases
Finance leases

Weighted-average remaining lease term:

Operating leases
Finance leases

Weighted-average discount rate:

Operating leases
Finance leases

[1] Refer to Note 10 for additional information of the Termination Agreement

with the FDIC.

$ 30,073
1,200
1,726

$ 28,430
661

8.7 years
7.3 years

3.4%
5.9%

Note 37 - Stock-based compensation

Incentive Plan
The Popular, Inc. 2004 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Incentive
Plan”) permits the issuance of several types of stock based
compensation for employees and directors of the Corporation
and/or any of its subsidiaries. Participants in the Incentive Plan
are designated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (or its delegate as determined by the Board). Under
the Incentive Plan, the Corporation has issued restricted stock
and performance shares for its employees and restricted stock
and restricted stock units (“RSU”) to its directors.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 153

(Not in thousands)

Non-vested at January 1, 2017
Granted
Performance Shares Quantity

Adjustment

Vested

Non-vested at December 31, 2017
Granted
Performance Shares Quantity

Adjustment

Vested
Forfeited

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
Granted
Performance Shares Quantity

Adjustment

Vested

Shares

383,982
212,200

(232,989)
(67,853)

295,340
239,062

234,076
(372,271)
(14,021)

382,186
218,169

15,061
(270,051)

Non-vested at December 31, 2019

345,365

Weighted-average
grant date
fair value

$26.35
42.57

29.10
48.54

$30.75
45.81

33.09
35.83
37.35

$36.41
55.55

55.72
44.73

$41.68

During the year ended December 31, 2019, 152,773 shares
of restricted stock (2018 - 166,648; 2017 - 138,516) were
awarded to management under the Incentive Plan. During the
year ended December 31, 2019, 65,396 performance shares
(2018 - 72,414; 2017 - 73,684) were awarded to management
under the Incentive Plan.

incentive

awards, with a

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
recognized $7.7 million of restricted stock expense related to
management
tax benefit of
$1.2 million (2018 - $6.9 million, with a tax benefit of
$1.1 million; 2017 - $5.6 million, with a tax benefit of $1.1
million). During the year ended December 31, 2019, the fair
market value of the restricted stock vested was $13.7 million at
grant date and $18.9 million at vesting date. This triggers a
windfall of $1.9 million that was recorded as a reduction on
income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2019
the Corporation recognized $4.6 million of performance shares
expense, with a tax benefit of $0.3 million (2018 - $5.6 million,
with a tax benefit of $0.4 million; 2017 - $1.2 million, with a
total unrecognized
tax benefit of $0.1 million). The
compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards
to members of management at December 31, 2019 was
$8.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-
average period of 2.4 years.

The restricted shares for employees, will become vested
based on the employees’ continued service with Popular. Unless
otherwise stated in an agreement,
the compensation cost
associated with the shares of restricted stock is determined
based on a two-prong vesting schedule. The first part is vested
ratably over five years commencing at the date of grant (the
“graduated vesting portion”) and the second part is vested at
termination of employment after attaining 55 years of age and
10 years of service (the “retirement vesting portion”). The
graduated vesting portion is accelerated at
termination of
employment after attaining 55 years of age and 10 years of
service. The vesting schedule for restricted shares granted on or
after 2014 was modified as follows, the first part is vested
ratably over four years commencing at the date of the grant (the
“graduated vesting portion”) and the second part is vested at
termination of employment after attaining the earlier of 55
years of age and 10 years of service or 60 years of age and 5
service (the “retirement vesting portion”). The
years of
termination of
graduated vesting portion is accelerated at
employment after attaining the earlier of 55 years of age and 10
years of service or 60 years of age and 5 years of service.

The performance share awards consist of the opportunity to
receive shares of Popular, Inc.’s common stock provided that
the Corporation achieves certain goals during a three-year
performance cycle. The goals will be based on two metrics
weighted equally:
the Relative Total Shareholder Return
(“TSR”) and the Absolute Earnings per Share (“EPS”) goals.
The TSR metric is considered to be a market condition under
ASC 718. For equity settled awards based on a market
condition, the fair value is determined as of the grant date and
is not subsequently revised based on actual performance. The
EPS performance metric is considered to be a performance
condition under ASC 718. The fair value is determined based
on the probability of achieving the EPS goal as of each reporting
period. The TSR and EPS metrics are equally weighted and
work independently. The number of shares that will ultimately
vest ranges from 50% to a 150% of target based on both market
(TSR) and performance (EPS) conditions. The performance
shares vest at the end of the three-year performance cycle. If a
participant terminate employment after attaining the earlier of
55 years of age and 10 years of service or 60 years of age and 5
years of
shall continue
outstanding and vest at the end of the performance cycle.

the performance shares

service,

The following table summarizes the restricted stock and
performance shares activity under the Incentive Plan for
members of management.

154 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

The following table summarizes the restricted stock and RSU activity under the Incentive Plan for members of the Board of

Directors:

(Not in thousands)

Non-vested at January 1, 2017
Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Non-vested at December 31, 2017
Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Non-vested at December 31, 2018
Granted
Vested
Forfeited

Non-vested at December 31, 2019

equity

directors’

awards will

Effective on May 2019, all equity awards granted to the
directors may be paid in either restricted stocks or RSU, at the
directors’ election. For the year 2019, all directors elected RSU.
become
The
non-forfeitable on the grant date of such award. At
the
director’s option, the shares of common stocks underlying the
RSU award shall be delivered to the director after its retirement,
either on a fix date or in annual installments. To the extent that
cash dividends are paid on the Corporation’s outstanding
common stocks, the director will receive an additional number
of RSU that reflect reinvested dividend equivalent.

vest

and

During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Corporation
granted 1,052 shares of restricted stock to members of the
Board of Directors of Popular, Inc. (2018 - 25,159; 2017 -
25,771) and 27,449 RSUs were granted to members of the

Restricted stock

Weighted-average
grant date fair value

RSU

Weighted-average
grant date fair value

–
25,771
(25,771)
–

–
25,159
(25,159)
–

–
1,052
(1,052)
–

–

–
$38.42
38.42
–

–
$46.71
46.71
–

–
$49.25
49.25
–

–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
27,449
(27,449)
–

–

$

$

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
$57.64
57.64
–

–

Board of Directors of Popular, Inc., which became vested at
grant date. No RSU were granted to the members of the Board
of Directors of Popular, Inc. for the years ended December 31,
the Corporation recognized
2018 and 2017. During 2019,
$52 thousand of restricted stock expense related to these
restricted stock grants, with a tax benefit of $6 thousand (2018
- $1.6 million, with a tax benefit of $0.2 million; 2017 -
$1.3 million, with a tax benefit of $0.1 million) and
$1.6 million of restricted stock expense related to these RSU,
with a tax benefit of $0.2 million. No restricted stock expense
was recognized for years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
related to RSU. The fair value at vesting date of the restricted
ended
stock shares
December 31, 2019 for directors was $52 thousand and
$1.6 million respectively.

and RSU vested during the year

Note 38 - Income taxes
The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, are summarized in the following table.

(In thousands)

Current income tax (benefit) expense:
Puerto Rico
Federal and States

Subtotal

Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
Puerto Rico
Federal and States
Adjustment for enacted changes in income tax laws

Subtotal

Total income tax expense

2019

2018

2017

$ 2,251
3,598

$126,700
6,841

$ 17,356
6,046

5,849

133,541

23,402

123,337
17,995
–

141,332

(62,601)
20,953
27,686

31,132
7,938
168,358

(13,962)

207,428

$147,181

$119,579

$230,830

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 155

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:

(In thousands)

Computed income tax at statutory rates
Benefit of net tax exempt interest income
Effect of income subject to preferential tax rate [1]
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
Difference in tax rates due to multiple jurisdictions
Adjustment in net deferred tax due to change in the

applicable tax rate

Unrecognized tax benefits
State and local taxes
Others

Income tax expense

2019

2018

Amount

$ 306,869
(145,597)
(9,562)
16,992
(12,888)

(6,559)
–
4,749
(6,823)

% of pre-tax
income

38%
(18)
(1)
2
(2)

(1)
–
1
(1)

Amount

$ 287,717
(97,199)
(111,738)
27,336
(16,324)

27,686
(1,621)
8,772
(5,050)

% of pre-tax
income

39%
(13)
(15)
4
(3)

4
–
1
(1)

Amount

$132,020
(76,815)
(13,104)
20,882
(2,217)

168,358
(1,185)
4,123
(1,232)

2017

% of pre-tax
income

39%
(23)
(4)
6
(1)

50
–
1
–

$ 147,181

18%

$ 119,579

16%

$230,830

68%

[1] For the year ended December 31,2018, includes the impact of the Tax Closing Agreement entered into in connection with the Westernbank FDIC-assisted

Transaction.

connection with the Termination Agreement with the FDIC,
the Corporation recognized an additional income tax expense
of $49.8 million associated with the “deemed sale” incremental
tax liability at the capital gains rate per the Tax Closing
Agreement. In addition, the Corporation recognized an income
tax benefit of $158.7 million related to the increase in deferred
tax assets due to increase in the tax basis of the loans as a result
of the “deemed sale” for a net tax benefit of $108.9 million.
Also, the Corporation recorded an income tax expense of
$45.0 million related to the gain resulting from the Termination
Agreement, mainly related to the reversal of net deferred tax
liability of the true-up payment obligation and the FDIC Loss
Share Asset.

On December 10, 2018, the Governor of Puerto Rico signed
into law Act No. 257 of 2018, which amended the Puerto Rico
Internal Revenue Code to, among other things, reduce the
Puerto Rico corporate income tax rate from 39% to 37.5%. The
Corporation recognized $27.7 million of income tax expense as
a result of a reduction in the Corporation’s net deferred tax
asset
to
aforementioned reduction in tax rate at which it expects to
realize the benefit of the deferred tax asset.

its Puerto Rico

operations, due

related to

For the year ended December 31,2019, the Corporation
recorded income tax expense of $147.2 million, compared to
$119.6 million for the previous year. The results for the year
approximately
2019 include
$26 million related to a revision of the amount of exempt
income
and certain adjustments
pertaining to tax periods for which the statute of limitations
had expired.

earned in prior years

tax benefit of

an income

Income tax expense of $119.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2018 reflects the impact of the Termination
Agreement with the FDIC. In June 2012, the Puerto Rico
Department of the Treasury and the Corporation entered into a
Tax Closing Agreement (the “Tax Closing Agreement”) to
clarify the tax treatment related to the loans acquired in the
FDIC Transaction in accordance with the provisions of the
Puerto Rico Tax Code. The Tax Closing Agreement provides
that these loans are capital assets and any principal amount
collected in excess of the amount paid for such loans will be
taxed as a capital gain. The Tax Closing Agreement further
provides
tax liability upon the
termination of the Shared-Loss Agreements be calculated based
on the “deemed sale” of the underlying loans. As a result, in

the Corporation’s

that

156 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

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:

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:
Tax credits available for carryforward
Net operating loss and other carryforward available
Postretirement and pension benefits
Deferred loan origination fees
Allowance for loan losses
Accelerated depreciation
FDIC-assisted transaction
Intercompany deferred gains
Lease liability
Difference in outside basis from pass-through entities
Other temporary differences

Total gross deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Unrealized net gain (loss) on trading and available-for-sale securities
Right of use assets
Other temporary differences

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax asset

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets:
Tax credits available for carryforward
Net operating loss and other carryforward available
Postretirement and pension benefits
Deferred loan origination fees
Allowance for loan losses
Deferred gains
Accelerated depreciation
FDIC-assisted transaction
Intercompany deferred gains
Difference in outside basis from pass-through entities
Other temporary differences

Total gross deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:
Indefinite-lived intangibles
Unrealized net gain (loss) on trading and available-for-sale securities
Other temporary differences

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax asset

December 31, 2019
US

Total

PR

$ 2,368
112,803
82,623
2,519
405,475
3,439
82,684
1,604
22,694
21,670
26,554

$ 5,269
716,796
–
(2,759)
10,981
4,914
–
–
23,387
–
7,460

$

7,637
829,599
82,623
(240)
416,456
8,353
82,684
1,604
46,081
21,670
34,014

764,433

766,048

1,530,481

37,411
15,635
20,598
12,778

86,422

36,058
432
21,430
1,179

59,099

100,175

399,800

73,469
16,067
42,028
13,957

145,521

499,975

$577,836

$307,149

$ 884,985

December 31, 2018
US

Total

PR

$ 15,900
116,154
83,390
3,216
516,643
–
1,963
95,851
1,518
20,209
24,957

$ 7,757
720,933
–
(1,280)
18,612
2,551
5,786
–
–
–
7,522

$

23,657
837,087
83,390
1,936
535,255
2,551
7,749
95,851
1,518
20,209
32,479

879,801

761,881

1,641,682

34,081
23,823
10,579

68,483

89,852

39,597
(12,783)
1,109

27,923

406,455

73,678
11,040
11,688

96,406

496,307

$721,466

$327,503

$1,048,969

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 157

The net deferred tax asset shown in the table above at
December 31, 2019 is reflected in the consolidated statements
of financial condition as $0.9 billion in net deferred tax assets
(in the “other assets” caption) (2018 - $1.0 billion in deferred
tax asset in the “other assets” caption) and $1.4 million in
deferred tax liabilities (in the “other liabilities” caption) (2018 -
$926 thousands in deferred tax liabilities in the “other
liabilities” caption), reflecting the aggregate deferred tax assets
or
the
Corporation.

tax-paying subsidiaries of

liabilities of

individual

Included as part of the other carryforwards available are
$29 million related to contributions to BPPR’s qualified pension
plan that have no expiration date. Additionally, the deferred tax
asset related to the NOLs outstanding at December 31, 2019
expires as follows:

(In thousands)

2020
2021
2022
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030
2031
2032
2033
2034
2037
2038
2039

$

492
16
396
9,181
13,516
13,403
22,343
324,569
110,075
100,017
94,332
16,801
2,945
81,253
7,489
1,642
2,104

$800,574

A deferred tax asset should be reduced by a valuation
allowance if based on the weight of all available evidence, it is
more likely than not (a likelihood of more than 50%) that some
portion or the entire deferred tax asset will not be realized. The
valuation allowance should be sufficient to reduce the deferred
tax asset to the amount that is more likely than not to be
realized. At December 31, 2019 the net deferred tax asset of the
U.S. operations amounted to $707 million with a valuation
allowance of approximately $400 million, for a net deferred tax
asset after valuation allowance of approximately $307 million.
As of December 31, 2019, after weighting all positive and
negative evidence, the Corporation concluded that it is more
likely than not that approximately $307 million of the deferred
tax asset from the U.S. operations, comprised mainly of net
operating losses, will be realized. The Corporation based this

158 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

determination on its estimated earnings available to realize the
for the remaining carryforward period,
deferred tax asset
together with the historical level of book income adjusted by
permanent differences. Management will continue to evaluate
the realization of the deferred tax asset each quarter and adjust
as any changes arise.

At December 31, 2019, the Corporation’s net deferred tax
assets related to its Puerto Rico operations amounted to
$578 million.

The Corporation’s Puerto Rico Banking operation is not in a
cumulative loss position and has sustained profitability for the
three year period ended December 31, 2019. This is considered
a strong piece of objectively verifiable positive evidence that out
weights any negative evidence considered by management in
the evaluation of the realization of the deferred tax asset. Based
on this evidence and management’s estimate of future taxable
income, the Corporation has concluded that it is more likely
than not that such net deferred tax asset of the Puerto Rico
Banking operations will be realized.

taking into account

The Holding Company operation is in a cumulative loss
taxable income exclusive of
position,
reversing temporary differences,
for the three years period
ending December 31, 2019. Management expect these losses
will be a trend in future years. This objectively verifiable
negative evidence is considered by management a strong
negative evidence that will suggest that income in future years
will be insufficient to support the realization of all deferred tax
asset. After weighting of all positive and negative evidence
management concluded, as of the reporting date, that it is more
likely than not that the Holding Company will not be able to
realize any portion of the deferred tax assets, considering the
criteria of ASC Topic 740. Accordingly, the Corporation has
maintained a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset
of $100 million as of December 2019.

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.
However, certain subsidiaries that are organized as limited
liability companies with a partnership election are treated as
pass-through entities for Puerto Rico tax purposes. The Code
provides a dividends-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’s subsidiaries in the United States file a
consolidated federal
income tax return. 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

table
unrecognized tax benefits.

following

presents

a

reconciliation

of

(In millions)

Balance at January 1, 2018
Additions for tax positions related to 2018
Reduction as a result of lapse of statute of limitations

Balance at December 31, 2018
Additions for tax positions related to prior years [1]

Balance at December 31, 2019

$ 7.3
1.1
(1.2)

$ 7.2
9.1

$16.3

[1] The Corporation recorded a deferred tax asset of $8.7 million associated
with the unrecognized tax benefit. Since the uncertainty of the tax position
is related to the timing of the tax benefit, it met the more likely than not
standard of ASC 740-10-25-6.

of

in

the

financial

statement

the total amount of

At December 31, 2019,

interest
recognized
condition
approximated $3.5 million (2018 - $2.8 million). The total
interest expense recognized during 2019 was $664 thousand
(2018 - $615 thousand net of the reduction of $483 thousand
due to the expiration of the statute of limitations). Management
determined that, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was
the payment of penalties. The
no need to accrue for
to
interest
to
is
Corporation’s
unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense, while the

related

report

policy

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 $10.5 million at December 31, 2019 (2018 -
$9.0 million).

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 statute of limitations, changes in
management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of
examinations,
and the
addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions.

litigation and legislative

activity,

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, 2019, the following years remain subject to
examination in the U.S. Federal
jurisdiction – 2016 and
thereafter and in the Puerto Rico jurisdiction – 2014 and
thereafter. The Corporation anticipates a reduction in the total
amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12
months, which could amount to approximately $2.1 million.

Note 39 - Supplemental disclosure on the consolidated statements of cash flows
Additional disclosures on cash flow information and non-cash activities for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are
listed in the following table:

(In thousands)

Income taxes paid
Interest paid
Non-cash activities:

Loans transferred to other real estate
Loans transferred to other property

Total loans transferred to foreclosed assets
Loans transferred to other assets
Financed sales of other real estate assets
Financed sales of other foreclosed assets

Total financed sales of foreclosed assets
Transfers from loans held-in-portfolio to loans held-for-sale
Transfers from loans held-for-sale to loans held-in-portfolio
Loans securitized into investment securities [1]
Trades receivables from brokers and counterparties
Trades payable to brokers and counterparties
Receivables from investments securities
Recognition of mortgage servicing rights on securitizations or asset transfers
Interest capitalized on loans subject to the temporary payment moratorium
Loans booked under the GNMA buy-back option
Capitalization of Right of Use Assets
Gain from the FDIC Termination Agreement

[1]

Includes loans securitized into trading securities and subsequently sold before year end.

2019

2018

2017

$ 14,461
369,383

$ 4,116
296,757

$ 2,433
221,432

67,056
53,286

120,342
16,503
15,907
30,840

46,747
–
7,829
458,758
39,364
4,084
–
9,143
–
72,480
189,097
–

47,965
43,645

91,610
16,843
16,779
17,867

34,646
–
20,938
506,685
40,088
64
70,000
10,223
481
384,371
–
102,752

82,035
27,407

109,442
7,514
11,237
8,435

19,672
2,472
1,705
462,033
7,514
2
70,000
7,661
46,944
790,942
–
–

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 159

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and due from banks, and restricted cash reported within the Consolidated
Statement of Financial Condition that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the Consolidated Statement of Cash
Flows.
(In thousands)

December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017

Cash and due from banks
Restricted cash and due from banks
Restricted cash in money market investments

Total cash and due from banks, and restricted cash [2]

$361,705
26,606
6,012

$394,323

$353,936
40,099
9,216

$403,251

$381,289
21,568
9,772

$412,629

[2] Refer to Note 5 - Restrictions on cash and due from banks and certain securities for nature of restrictions.

Note 40 - Segment reporting
The Corporation’s corporate structure consists of
two
reportable segments – Banco Popular de Puerto Rico and
Popular U.S.

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
results of
operations and total assets at December 31, 2019,
additional disclosures are provided for the business areas
included in this reportable segment, as described below:

the Corporation’s

• 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
across
business areas 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.

funds

It

• Consumer and retail banking represents the branch
banking operations of BPPR which focus on retail
clients.
includes the consumer lending business
operations of BPPR, as well as the lending operations of
Popular Auto and Popular Mortgage. Popular Auto
focuses on auto and lease financing, while Popular
Mortgage focuses principally on residential mortgage
loan originations. During 2018, the Reliable brand was
transferred to Popular, Inc. and is being used by Popular
Auto. The consumer and retail banking 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.

160 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

• 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., Popular Risk Services, and Popular Life Re. Most
of the services that are provided by these subsidiaries
generate profits based on fee income. Popular
Insurance V.I. was dissolved on December 31, 2018.

Popular U.S.:
Popular U.S. reportable segment consists of the banking
operations of Popular Bank (PB) and Popular Insurance
Agency, U.S.A. PB operates through a retail branch
network in the U.S. mainland under the name of Popular.
Popular Insurance Agency, U.S.A. offers investment and
insurance services across the PB branch network.

The Corporate group consists primarily of the holding
companies Popular, Inc., Popular North America, Popular
International Bank and certain of
the Corporation’s
investments accounted for under the equity method,
including EVERTEC and Centro Financiero BHD, León.

for

Effective on January 1, 2019,

The accounting policies of the individual operating
segments are the same as those of
the Corporation.
Transactions between reportable segments are primarily
conducted at market rates, resulting in profits that are
eliminated for reporting consolidated results of operations.
the Corporation’s
its
management changed the measurement basis
for management
segments. Historically,
reportable
reporting purposes,
the Corporation had reversed the
effect of the intercompany billings from Popular Inc.,
holding company, to its subsidiaries for certain services or
expenses
the
Corporation used to reflect an income tax expense
allocation for several of its subsidiaries which are Limited
Liability Companies (“LLCs”) and had made an election to
be treated as a pass through entities for income tax
purposes. The Corporation’s management has determined
to discontinue making these adjustments, effective on
January 1, 2019,
its management and
reportable segment reporting. The Corporation reflected

incurred on their behalf.

for purposes of

In addition,

these changes in the measurement of the reportable segments’
results prospectively beginning on January 1, 2019. For the year
ended December 31, 2018, the intercompany billings from
Popular, Inc to Banco Popular de Puerto Rico amounted to
$78.3 million (2017 - $66.4 million) and to the Popular U.S.
reportable segments amounted to $12.5 million (2017 - $10.3
million).

The tables that follow present the results of operations and

total assets by reportable segments:

(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

Segment assets

December 31, 2019

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico

Popular U.S.

Intersegment
Eliminations

$

$ 1,633,950
135,495
506,739
8,610
49,058
1,208,458
129,145

$

295,470
30,028
23,160
664
8,263
205,219
19,164

$

609,923

$

55,292

$

(51)
–
(561)
–
–
(547)
–

(65)

$41,756,864

$10,056,316

$(18,576)

(In thousands)

Net interest income

(expense)

Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of
intangibles

Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense

(expense)

Net income

December 31, 2019

Reportable
Segments

Corporate Eliminations Total Popular, Inc.

$ 1,929,369 $ (37,675) $

165,523
529,338

256
43,901

9,274
57,321
1,413,130

96
746
55

–
–
(3,356)

–
–
(3,140)

$ 1,891,694
165,779
569,883

9,370
58,067
1,410,045

148,309

(1,041)

(87)

147,181

$

665,150 $

6,114 $

(129)

$

671,135

Segment assets

$51,794,604 $5,228,276 $(4,907,556)

$52,115,324

(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

Segment assets

December 31, 2018

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico

$ 1,482,178
198,442
592,938
8,620
43,504
1,073,012
121,195

Popular U.S.

$ 304,576
29,881
19,988
665
9,053
182,154
25,294

Intersegment
Eliminations

$

(2)
–
(560)
–
–
(546)
–

(16)

$

630,343

$

77,517

$

$38,037,696

$9,381,636

$(114,923)

December 31, 2018

Reportable
Segments

Corporate Eliminations Total Popular, Inc.

$ 1,786,752 $ (51,875) $

–

$ 1,734,877

228,323
612,366

(251)
42,914

–
(2,786)

9,285
52,557

41
743

–
–

228,072
652,494

9,326
53,300

–
1,254,620

12,522
94,640

–
(2,846)

12,522
1,346,414

(In thousands)

Net interest income

(expense)

Provision (reversal) for

loan losses

Non-interest income
Amortization of
intangibles

Depreciation expense
Loss on early

extinguishment of debt
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense

(benefit)

146,489

(26,947)

Net income (loss)

$

707,844 $ (89,709) $

37

23

119,579

$

618,158

Segment assets

$47,304,409 $5,099,491 $(4,799,323)

$47,604,577

(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 (loss)

Segment assets

December 31, 2017

Banco Popular
de Puerto Rico

Popular
U.S.

Intersegment
Eliminations

$

$ 1,279,844
253,032
364,164
8,713
39,162
957,924
72,741

$ 280,946
77,944
20,430
665
8,553
170,042
191,749

$

312,436

$ (147,577)

$

(217)
–
(572)
–
–
(551)
(93)

(145)

$34,843,668

$9,168,256

$(16,992)

December 31, 2017

Reportable
Segments

Corporate Eliminations Total Popular, Inc.

(In thousands)

Net interest income

(expense)

Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
Amortization of
intangibles

Depreciation expense
Other operating expenses
Income tax expense

$ 1,560,573 $ (58,609) $

330,976
384,022

9,378
47,715
1,127,415

403
37,949

–
649
74,731

(benefit)

264,397

(35,835)

Net income (loss)

$

164,714 $ (60,608) $

–
(5,955)
(2,804)

–
–
(2,692)

$ 1,501,964
325,424
419,167

9,378
48,364
1,199,454

2,268

3,575

230,830

$

107,681

Segment assets

$43,994,932 $5,046,153 $(4,763,748)

$44,277,337

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 161

December 31, 2017

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

(In thousands)

Commercial
Banking

Consumer
and Retail
Banking

Other
Financial
Services Eliminations

Total Banco
Popular de
Puerto Rico

Net interest income $
Provision for loan

518,404 $

753,922 $ 7,499 $

19 $ 1,279,844

losses
Non-interest
income

Amortization of
intangibles
Depreciation
expense

Other operating
expenses

Income tax expense

(benefit)

Net income

8,911

244,121

–

–

253,032

79,630

194,741

90,222

(429)

364,164

211

4,274

4,228

17,338

21,120

704

–

–

8,713

39,162

239,369

656,998

62,030

(473)

957,924

93,378

(31,404)

10,767

–

72,741

$

238,827 $

53,554 $ 19,992 $

63 $

312,436

Segment assets

$21,735,909 $20,180,173 $520,717 $(7,593,131) $34,843,668

selected

presents

information

Geographic Information
The
financial
following
information based on the geographic location where the
Corporation conducts its business. The banking operations of
BPPR are primarily based in Puerto Rico, where it has the largest
retail banking franchise. BPPR also conducts banking operations
in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and New
York. BPPR’s banking operations in the United States include
E-loan, an online platform used to offer personal
loans,
co-branded credit cards offerings and an online deposit
gathering platform. In the Virgin Islands, the BPPR segment
offers banking products, including loans and deposits. During
the year ended December 31, 2019, the BPPR segment generated
approximately $55.7 million (2018 - $37.6 million, 2017 - $24.5
million) in revenues from its operations in the United States,
including net
income, service charges on deposit
accounts and other service fees. In addition, the BPPR segment
generated $47.6 million in revenues (2018 - $48.8 million, 2017
- $50.5 million) from its operations in the U.S. and British Virgin
Islands. At December 31, 2019,
total assets for the BPPR
segment related to its operations in the United States amounted
to $635 million (2018 - $455 million) and total deposits
amounted to $46 million (2018 - $92 million).

interest

Additional disclosures with respect to the Banco Popular de

Puerto Rico reportable segment are as follows:

December 31, 2019

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

(In thousands)

Commercial
Banking

Consumer
and Retail
Banking

Other
Financial
Services Eliminations

Total Banco
Popular de
Puerto Rico

Net interest income $
Provision (reversal)
for loan losses

Non-interest
income

Amortization of
intangibles
Depreciation
expense

Other operating
expenses

Income tax expense

619,926 $ 1,009,196 $ 4,828 $

– $ 1,633,950

(46,099)

181,594

–

–

135,495

99,758

303,268 106,218

(2,505)

506,739

195

4,294

4,121

20,024

28,411

623

–

–

8,610

49,058

309,762
104,636

835,582
11,999

65,631
12,510

(2,517)
–

1,208,458
129,145

Net income

$

331,166 $

250,584 $ 28,161 $

12 $

609,923

Segment assets

$34,340,842 $23,976,004 $380,557 $(16,940,539)$41,756,864

December 31, 2018

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Commercial
Banking

Consumer
and Retail
Banking

Other
Financial
Services

Eliminations
and Other
Adjustments [1]

Total Banco
Popular de
Puerto Rico

$

584,293 $

892,735 $ 5,201 $

(51) $ 1,482,178

105,604

92,838

–

–

198,442

84,762

311,775

95,199

101,202

592,938

208

4,275

4,137

17,668

25,222

614

–

–

8,620

43,504

276,158

718,990

71,344

6,520

1,073,012

76,255

100,925

7,903

(63,888)

121,195

(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

$

193,162 $

262,260 $ 16,402 $

158,519 $

630,343

Segment assets

$27,712,852 $22,712,950 $376,992 $(12,765,098) $38,037,696

[1]

Includes the impact of the Termination Agreement with the FDIC and the
Tax Closing Agreement entered into in connection with the FDIC
transaction. These transactions resulted in a gain of $102.8 million reported
in the non-interest income line, other operating expenses of $8.1 million
and a net tax benefit of $63.9 million. Refer to Notes 10 and 38 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

162 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Note 41 - Popular, Inc. (holding company only) financial
information
The following condensed financial
information presents the
financial position of Popular, Inc. Holding Company only at
December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations
and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018
and 2017.

(In thousands)

Revenues: [1]
Puerto Rico
United States
Other

2019

2018

2017

$2,016,089
371,368
74,120

$1,953,671
357,680
76,020

$1,527,758
318,093
75,280

Total consolidated revenues

$2,461,577

$2,387,371

$1,921,131

[1] Total revenues include net interest income, service charges on deposit
accounts, other service fees, mortgage banking activities, net (loss) gain on
sale of debt securities, other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt
securities, net gain (loss), including impairment on equity securities, net
profit (loss) on trading account debt securities, net gain (loss) on sale of
loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held-for-sale, indemnity
reserves on loans sold expense, FDIC loss-share income (expense) 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 [1]

2019

2018

2017

$40,544,255
18,989,286
34,664,243

$36,863,930
18,837,742
31,237,529

$33,705,624
17,591,078
27,575,292

$10,693,536
7,819,187
7,664,792

$9,847,944
7,034,075
6,878,599

$9,648,865
6,608,056
6,635,153

$877,533
657,603
1,429,571

$892,703
687,494
1,593,911

$922,848
743,329
1,243,063

[1] Represents deposits from BPPR operations located in the U.S. and British

Virgin Islands.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 163

Condensed Statements of Condition

(In thousands)

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks (includes $56,008 due from bank subsidiary (2018 – $68,022))
Money market investments
Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (includes $8,726 in common securities from statutory trusts

(2018 – $8,726))

Equity securities, at lower of cost or realizable value [1]
Investment in BPPR and subsidiaries, at equity
Investment in Popular North America and subsidiaries, at equity
Investment in other non-bank subsidiaries, at equity
Other loans
Less – Allowance for loan losses
Premises and equipment
Investment in equity method investees
Other assets (includes $4,353 due from subsidiaries and affiliate (2018 – $1,355))

Total assets

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Notes payable
Other liabilities (includes $2,109 due to subsidiaries and affiliate (2018 – $3,110))
Stockholders’ equity

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

[1] Refer to Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for information on the statutory trusts.

December 31,

2019

2018

$

55,956
221,598

$

68,022
176,256

8,726
10,744
4,233,046
1,749,518
260,501
32,027
410
3,893
75,739
25,087

8,726
6,693
3,813,640
1,648,577
241,902
32,678
155
3,394
62,781
20,281

$6,676,425

$6,082,795

$ 586,119
73,596
6,016,710

$ 584,851
62,799
5,435,145

$6,676,425

$6,082,795

164 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Condensed Statements of Operations

(In thousands)

Income:

Dividends from subsidiaries
Interest income (includes $4,237 due from subsidiaries and affiliates (2018 – $6,121; 2017 – $3,183))
Earnings from investments in equity method investees
Other operating income
Net gain (loss), including impairment, on equity securities
Net gain on trading account debt securities

Total income

Expenses:

Interest expense
Provision (reversal) for loan losses
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Operating expenses (includes expenses for services provided by subsidiaries and affiliate of $14,400
(2018 – $10,511 ; 2017 – $8,225)), net of reimbursement by subsidiaries for services provided by
parent of $106,725 (2018 – $90,807 ; 2017 – $76,720)

Total expenses

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
Equity in undistributed earnings (losses) of subsidiaries

Net income

Comprehensive income, net of tax

Years ended December 31,
2017
2018
2019

$408,000
6,669
17,279
1
988
–

$453,200
8,366
15,498
253
(777)
–

$211,500
4,238
11,761
86
–
266

432,937

476,540

227,851

38,528
256
–

51,218
(251)
12,522

52,470
403
–

80

38,864

394,073
277,062

3,656

67,145

409,395
208,763

(1,773)

51,100

176,751
(69,070)

$671,135

$618,158

$107,681

$929,171

$540,836

$ 77,315

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 165

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in (earnings) losses of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions
Provision (reversal) for loan losses
Amortization of intangibles
Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees
Share-based compensation
Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Net (increase) decrease in:

Equity securities
Other assets

Net (decrease) increase in:

Interest payable
Other liabilities

Total adjustments

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Net (increase) decrease in money market investments
Net repayments on other loans
Capital contribution to subsidiaries
Return of capital from wholly owned subsidiaries
Acquisition of loans portfolio
Acquisition of trademark
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of:

Premises and equipment
Foreclosed assets

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Payments of notes payable
Payments of debt extinguishment
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Dividends paid
Net payments for repurchase of common stock
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period

Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

Years ended December 31,
2018

2017

2019

$ 671,135

$ 618,158

$ 107,681

(277,062)
256
96
1,240
7,927
(14,948)
–

(208,763)
(251)
41
2,022
7,441
(14,333)
12,522

(4,051)
1,134

(1,583)
344

69,070
403
–
2,086
–
(7,765)
–

(1,346)
8,696

–
2,508

(10,288)
8,059

–
3,230

(282,900)

(204,789)

74,374

388,235

413,369

182,055

(45,000)
677
(9,000)
13,000
–
–
(1,289)

70,000
536
(87,000)
13,000
–
–
(1,099)

6,000
181
(5,955)
22,400
(31,909)
(5,560)
(965)

3
–

293
–

23
38

(41,609)

(4,270)

(15,747)

–
–
–
13,451
(115,810)
(250,571)
(5,420)

(448,518)
(12,522)
293,819
11,653
(105,441)
(125,731)
(2,201)

–
–
–
7,016
(95,910)
(75,668)
(1,756)

(358,350)

(388,941)

(166,318)

(11,724)
68,278

20,158
48,120

(10)
48,130

$ 56,554

$ 68,278

$ 48,120

Popular, Inc. (parent company only) received dividend distributions from its direct equity method investees amounting to

$2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 (2018 - $1.2 million).

166 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Notes payable include junior

subordinated debentures
issued by the Corporation that are associated to capital
securities issued by the Popular Capital Trust I and Popular
Capital Trust II and medium-term notes. Refer to Note 20 for a
description of significant provisions related to these junior
subordinated debentures. The following table presents the
aggregate amounts by contractual maturities of notes payable at
December 31, 2019:

Year

2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
Later years

Total

(In thousands)

$

–
–
–
–
295,307
290,812

$586,119

the financial position of Popular,

Note 42 - Condensed consolidating financial information of
guarantor and issuers of registered guaranteed securities
The following condensed consolidating financial information
presents
Inc. Holding
Company (“PIHC”) (parent only), Popular North America, Inc.
(“PNA”) and all other subsidiaries of
the Corporation at
their
December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of
operations and cash flows for the periods ended December 31,
2019, 2018 and 2017.

PNA is an operating, 100% subsidiary of PIHC and is the
holding company of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Equity One,
Inc. and Popular Bank, including Popular Bank’s wholly-owned
subsidiaries Popular Equipment Finance,
Inc., Popular
Insurance Agency, U.S.A., and E-LOAN, Inc.

PIHC fully and unconditionally guarantees all registered

debt securities issued by PNA.

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 167

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Condition

(In thousands)

Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments
Trading account debt securities, at fair value
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value
Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
Equity securities
Investment in subsidiaries
Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value

Loans held-in-portfolio

Less - Unearned income

Allowance for loan losses

Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

Premises and equipment, net
Other real estate
Accrued income receivable
Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest bearing
Interest bearing

Total deposits

Popular Inc.
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

$

55,956
221,598
–
–
8,726
10,744
6,243,065
–

$

–
16,029
–
–
2,835
20
1,806,583
–

32,027
–
410

31,617

3,893
146
382
–
93,835
–
6,463

–
–
–

–

–
–
108
–
21,324
–
–

At December 31, 2019
All other
subsidiaries and
eliminations

Elimination
entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

$

388,363
3,261,688
40,321
17,648,473
86,101
149,322
–
59,203

27,549,874
180,983
477,298

26,891,593

552,757
121,926
180,630
150,906
1,722,839
671,123
22,317

$

(56,008)
(237,029)
–
–
–
(199)
(8,049,648)
–

5,955
–
–

5,955

–
–
(249)
–
(18,383)
(1)
–

$

388,311
3,262,286
40,321
17,648,473
97,662
159,887
–
59,203

27,587,856
180,983
477,708

26,929,165

556,650
122,072
180,871
150,906
1,819,615
671,122
28,780

$6,676,425

$ 1,846,899

$51,947,562

$ (8,355,562)

$52,115,324

$

$

–
–

–

–
–

–

$ 9,216,181
34,835,462

44,051,643

$

(56,008)
(237,029)

$ 9,160,173
34,598,433

(293,037)

43,758,606

–
–
(18,708)

193,378
1,101,608
1,044,953

193,378
421,399
986,865

45,653,285

(311,745)

46,098,545

–
56,307
5,847,389
555,398
–
(164,817)

6,294,277

–
(56,309)
(10,011,852)
1,861,504
(110)
162,950

50,160
1,044
4,447,412
2,147,915
(459,814)
(169,938)

(8,043,817)

6,016,779

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Notes payable
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock
Surplus
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
Treasury stock, at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

–
586,119
73,596

659,715

50,160
1,044
4,438,706
2,156,442
(459,704)
(169,938)

–
94,090
3,200

97,290

–
2
4,173,169
(2,425,429)
–
1,867

Total stockholders’ equity

6,016,710

1,749,609

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$6,676,425

$ 1,846,899

$51,947,562

$ (8,355,562)

$52,115,324

168 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Financial Condition

(In thousands)

Assets:
Cash and due from banks
Money market investments
Trading account debt securities, at fair value
Debt securities available-for-sale, at fair value
Debt securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
Equity securities
Investment in subsidiaries
Loans held-for-sale, at lower of cost or fair value

Loans held-in-portfolio

Less - Unearned income

Allowance for loan losses

Total loans held-in-portfolio, net

Premises and equipment, net
Other real estate
Accrued income receivable
Mortgage servicing assets, at fair value
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits:

Non-interest bearing
Interest bearing

Total deposits

Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings
Notes payable
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock
Common stock
Surplus
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
Treasury stock, at cost
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Total stockholders’ equity

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

At December 31, 2018
All other
subsidiaries and
eliminations

Elimination
entries

$

68,022
176,256
–
–
8,726
6,693
5,704,119
–

$

–
15,288
–
–
2,835
20
1,700,082
–

32,678
–
155

32,523

3,394
146
284
–
76,073
–
6,559

–
–
–

–

–
–
116
–
27,639
–
–

$

394,035
4,170,792
37,787
13,300,184
90,014
149,012
–
51,422

26,625,080
155,824
569,193

25,900,063

566,414
136,559
165,767
169,777
1,626,119
671,123
20,274

$

(68,022)
(191,288)
–
–
–
(141)
(7,404,201)
–

5,955
–
–

5,955

–
–
(145)
–
(15,697)
(1)
–

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

$

394,035
4,171,048
37,787
13,300,184
101,575
155,584
–
51,422

26,663,713
155,824
569,348

25,938,541

569,808
136,705
166,022
169,777
1,714,134
671,122
26,833

$6,082,795

$ 1,745,980

$47,449,342

$ (7,673,540)

$47,604,577

$

$

–
–

–

–
–

–

$ 9,217,058
30,752,291

39,969,349

$

(68,022)
(191,288)

$ 9,149,036
30,561,003

(259,310)

39,710,039

–
–
584,851
62,799

647,650

–
–
94,063
3,287

97,350

281,529
42
577,188
871,733

–
–
–
(16,011)

281,529
42
1,256,102
921,808

41,699,841

(275,321)

42,169,520

50,160
1,043
4,357,079
1,660,258
(205,421)
(427,974)

–
2
4,172,983
(2,479,503)
–
(44,852)

5,435,145

1,648,630

–
56,307
5,790,324
327,713
–
(424,843)

5,749,501

–
(56,309)
(9,954,780)
2,143,263
(88)
469,695

50,160
1,043
4,365,606
1,651,731
(205,509)
(427,974)

(7,398,219)

5,435,057

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$6,082,795

$ 1,745,980

$47,449,342

$(7,673,540)

$47,604,577

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 169

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Elimination
entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

Year ended December 31, 2019
All other
subsidiaries and
eliminations

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

(In thousands)

Interest and dividend income:

Dividend income from subsidiaries
Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities

Total interest and dividend income

Interest expense:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

Total interest expense

Net interest income (expense)
Provision for loan losses

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees
Mortgage banking activities
Net loss on sale of debt securities
Net gain, including impairment on equity securities
Net gain on trading account debt securities
Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense
Other operating income (expense)

Total non-interest income (expense)

Operating expenses:
Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
FDIC deposit insurance
Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses
Other operating expenses
Amortization of intangibles

Total operating expenses

$408,000
2,231
3,670
768

414,669

$

–
–
211
186

397

–
–
38,528

38,528

376,141
256

375,885

–
1
–
–
988
–
–
17,279

18,268

63,258
4,297
3,525
248
21,323
616
3,918
–
–
(97,201)
96

80

–
–
6,229

6,229

(5,832)
–

(5,832)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(984)

(984)

–
–
4
1
113
–
–
–
–
56
–

174

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings of

subsidiaries

Income tax (benefit) expense

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

Net income

Comprehensive income, net of tax

394,073
–

394,073
277,062

$671,135

$929,171

(6,990)
(1,468)

(5,522)
54,773

$49,251

$95,970

170 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

$

–
1,800,737
89,824
367,048

2,257,609

308,740
6,100
13,384

328,224

1,929,385
165,523

1,763,862

160,933
288,471
32,093
(20)
1,555
994
(343)
72,272

555,955

527,367
92,084
80,686
51,404
363,479
22,834
71,454
18,179
4,298
239,309
9,274

1,480,368

839,449
148,735

690,714
–

$ (408,000)
–
(3,882)
–

$

–
1,802,968
89,823
368,002

(411,882)

2,260,793

(3,882)
–
–

(3,882)

304,858
6,100
58,141

369,099

(408,000)
–

1,891,694
165,779

(408,000)

1,725,915

–
(3,266)
–
–
(37)
–
–
(53)

(3,356)

–
(42)
–
–
(504)
–
–
–
–
(2,594)
–

(3,140)

(408,216)
(86)

(408,130)
(331,835)

160,933
285,206
32,093
(20)
2,506
994
(343)
88,514

569,883

590,625
96,339
84,215
51,653
384,411
23,450
75,372
18,179
4,298
139,570
9,370

1,477,482

818,316
147,181

671,135
–

$ 690,714

$ (739,965)

$ 671,135

$ 950,740

$(1,046,710)

$ 929,171

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

(In thousands)

Interest and dividend income:

Dividend income from subsidiaries
Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities

Total interest and dividend income

Interest expense:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

Total interest expense

Net interest income (expense)
Provision (reversal) for loan losses- non-covered loans
Provision for loan losses- covered loans

Net interest income (expense) after provision (reversal) for

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

$453,200
2,115
5,555
696

461,566

–
–
51,218

51,218

410,348
(251)
–

Year ended December 31, 2018
All other
subsidiaries and
eliminations

PNA
Holding Co.

Elimination
entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

$

–
–
69
279

348

–
49
9,330

9,379

(9,031)
–
–

$

–
1,643,670
111,287
263,849

2,018,806

209,888
7,210
14,948

232,046

1,786,760
226,593
1,730

$(453,200)
(49)
(5,623)
–

$

–
1,645,736
111,288
264,824

(458,872)

2,021,848

(5,623)
(49)
–

(5,672)

(453,200)
–
–

204,265
7,210
75,496

286,971

1,734,877
226,342
1,730

loan losses

410,599

(9,031)

1,558,437

(453,200)

1,506,805

Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees
Mortgage banking activities
Net loss, including impairment on equity securities
Net loss on trading account debt securities
Net gain on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on

loans held-for-sale

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense
FDIC loss-share income
Other operating income

Total non-interest income

Operating expenses:
Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
FDIC deposit insurance
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses
Other operating expenses
Amortization of intangibles

Total operating expenses

–
–
–
(777)
–

–
–
–
15,751

14,974

59,821
4,055
3,433
233
18,159
485
2,236
–
12,522
–
(84,807)
41

16,178

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
737

737

–
–
3
1
178
–
–
–
–
–
80
–

262

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings of

subsidiaries

Income tax expense

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

Net income

Comprehensive income, net of tax

409,395
–

409,395
208,763

$618,158

$540,836

(8,556)
3,267

(11,823)
69,027

$ 57,204

$ 41,838

150,677
260,730
52,802
(1,268)
(208)

33
(12,959)
94,725
95,037

639,569

503,167
84,274
68,352
46,050
331,978
22,622
63,682
27,757
–
23,338
227,463
9,285

1,407,968

790,038
116,275

673,763
–

–
(2,710)
–
(36)
–

–
–
–
(40)

(2,786)

–
–
–
–
(471)
–
–
–
–
–
(2,375)
–

(2,846)

(453,140)
37

(453,177)
(277,790)

150,677
258,020
52,802
(2,081)
(208)

33
(12,959)
94,725
111,485

652,494

562,988
88,329
71,788
46,284
349,844
23,107
65,918
27,757
12,522
23,338
140,361
9,326

1,421,562

737,737
119,579

618,158
–

$ 673,763

$(730,967)

$ 618,158

$ 597,768

$(639,606)

$ 540,836

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 171

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

(In thousands)

Interest and dividend income:

Dividend income from subsidiaries
Loans
Money market investments
Investment securities

Total interest and dividend income

Interest Expense:

Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

Total interest expense

Net interest income (expense)
Provision for loan losses- non-covered loans
Provision for loan losses- covered loans

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses

Service charges on deposit accounts
Other service fees
Mortgage banking activities
Net gain on sale of debt securities
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on debt securities
Net gain on equity securities
Net profit (loss) on trading account debt securities
Net loss on sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on

loans held-for-sale

Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense
FDIC loss-share expense
Other operating income

Total non-interest income

Operating expenses:
Personnel costs
Net occupancy expenses
Equipment expenses
Other taxes
Professional fees
Communications
Business promotion
FDIC deposit insurance
Other real estate owned (OREO) expenses
Other operating expenses
Amortization of intangibles

Total operating expenses

Income (loss) before income tax and equity in earnings of

subsidiaries

Income tax (benefit) expense

Income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries

Net Income (loss)

Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

172 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

$211,500
1,056
2,616
566

215,738

–
–
52,470

52,470

163,268
403
–

162,865

–
–
–
–
–
–
266

–
–
–
11,847

12,113

47,561
3,876
2,925
217
11,766
549
2,014
–
42
(70,723)
–

(1,773)

176,751
–

176,751
(69,070)

$107,681

$ 77,315

Year ended December 31, 2017
All other
subsidiaries and
eliminations

PNA
Holding Co.

Elimination
entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

$

–
–
54
322

376

–
–
10,767

10,767

(10,391)
–
–

(10,391)

–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
921

921

–
–
2
–
(427)
–
–
–
–
51
–

(374)

(9,096)
(8,382)

(714)
(153,944)

$

–
1,477,713
51,495
194,796

1,724,004

144,534
5,728
13,155

163,417

1,560,587
325,234
5,742

1,229,611

153,709
220,073
25,496
83
(8,299)
251
(1,110)

(420)
(22,377)
(10,066)
51,598

408,938

429,201
85,318
62,215
43,165
281,585
21,917
56,431
26,392
48,498
197,935
9,378

1,262,035

376,514
236,944

139,570
–

$(211,500)
(4)
(2,670)
–

$

–
1,478,765
51,495
195,684

(214,174)

1,725,944

(2,670)
(4)
–

(2,674)

(211,500)
(5,955)
–

(205,545)

–
(2,806)
–
–
–
–
27

–
–
–
(26)

141,864
5,724
76,392

223,980

1,501,964
319,682
5,742

1,176,540

153,709
217,267
25,496
83
(8,299)
251
(817)

(420)
(22,377)
(10,066)
64,340

(2,805)

419,167

–
–
–
–
(436)
–
–
–
–
(2,256)
–

(2,692)

(205,658)
2,268

(207,926)
223,014

476,762
89,194
65,142
43,382
292,488
22,466
58,445
26,392
48,540
125,007
9,378

1,257,196

338,511
230,830

107,681
–

$(154,658)

$ 139,570

$ 15,088

$ 107,681

$(162,195)

$ 108,663

$ 53,532

$

77,315

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions
Provision for loan losses
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees
Share-based compensation
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights
Indemnity reserves on loans sold expense
(Earnings) losses from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
Loss (gain) on:

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets
Proceeds from insurance claims
Sale of debt securities
Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held for sale and mortgage banking

activities

Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net originations on loans held-for-sale
Net decrease (increase) in:
Trading debt securities
Equity securities
Accrued income receivable
Other assets

Net (decrease) increase in:

Interest payable
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligations
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
Equity

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

Available for sale
Equity

Net repayments (disbursements) on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Payments to acquire other intangible
Return of capital from equity method investments
Capital contribution to subsidiary
Return of capital from wholly-owned subsidiaries
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from insurance claims
Proceeds from sale of:

Premises and equipment and other productive assets
Foreclosed assets

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:

Net increase (decrease) in:

Deposits
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings

Payments of notes payable
Principal payments of finance leases
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Dividends paid to parent company
Dividends paid
Net payments for repurchase of common stock
Return of capital to parent company
Capital contribution from parent
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net decrease in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Elimination
entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

Year ended December 31, 2019
All other
subsidiaries
and eliminations

$ 671,135

$ 49,251

$

690,714

$(739,965)

$

671,135

(277,062)
256
96
746
1,240
7,927
–
–
–
(14,948)
–

41
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
(4,051)
(98)
445

–
–
2,508
(282,900)
388,235

(54,773)
–
–
–
27
–
–
–
–
984
(1,468)

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
8
2,571

–
–
(87)
(52,738)
(3,487)

–
165,523
9,274
57,321
(159,337)
4,376
2,591
27,771
343
(14,047)
142,886

(6,707)
(1,205)
20

(15,888)
(21,982)
(223,939)
71,075
(289,430)

460,969
(3,981)
(8,383)
(43,636)

(180)
778
(116,270)
37,942
728,656

331,835
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(86)

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
104
2,773

(104)
–
(2,594)
331,928
(408,037)

–
165,779
9,370
58,067
(158,070)
12,303
2,591
27,771
343
(28,011)
141,332

(6,666)
(1,205)
20

(15,888)
(21,982)
(223,939)
71,075
(289,430)

460,969
(8,032)
(8,369)
(37,847)

(284)
778
(116,443)
34,232
705,367

(45,000)

(741)

905,558

45,741

905,558

–
–

–
–

–
–
677
–
–
–
–
(9,000)
13,000
(1,289)
–

3
–
(41,609)

–
–
–
–
–
–
13,451
–
(115,810)
(250,571)
–
–
(5,420)
(358,350)
(11,724)
68,278
$ 56,554

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
4,228
–
–
–
–

–
–
3,487

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

$

(18,733,295)
(16,359)

14,650,440
5,913

99,445
20,030
(641,706)
110,534
(619,737)
(10,382)
2,714
–
–
(74,376)
1,205

18,605
107,881
(4,173,530)

4,077,682
(88,151)
(41)
(210,377)
(1,726)
75,000
(4,732)
(408,000)
–
12
(13,000)
9,000
(11)
3,435,656
(9,218)
402,995
393,777

$

–
59

–
–

(18,733,295)
(16,300)

14,650,440
5,913

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
9,000
(13,000)
–
–

–
–
41,800

(33,727)
–
–
–
–
–
–
408,000
–
(22)
13,000
(9,000)
–
378,251
12,014
(68,022)
$ (56,008)

99,445
20,030
(641,029)
110,534
(619,737)
(10,382)
6,942
–
–
(75,665)
1,205

18,608
107,881
(4,169,852)

4,043,955
(88,151)
(41)
(210,377)
(1,726)
75,000
8,719
–
(115,810)
(250,581)
–
–
(5,431)
3,455,557
(8,928)
403,251
394,323

$

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 173

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions
Provision (reversal) for loan losses
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees
Share-based compensation
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights
FDIC loss-share income
Adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold
Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Loss (gain) on:

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets
Proceeds from insurance claims
Early extinguishment of debt
Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held for sale and mortgage banking

activities

Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net originations on loans held-for-sale
Net decrease (increase) in:
Trading debt securities
Equity securities
Accrued income receivable
Other assets

Net (decrease) increase in:

Interest payable
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligations
Other liabilities

Total adjustments
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:

Net decrease (increase) in money market investments
Purchases of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Equity

Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity

Equity

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

Net repayments (disbursements) on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Net payments (to) from FDIC under loss-sharing agreements
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired
Return of capital from equity method investments
Capital contribution to subsidiary
Return of capital from wholly-owned subsidiaries
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from insurance claims
Proceeds from sale of:

Premises and equipment and other productive assets
Foreclosed assets

Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:

Net increase (decrease) in:

Deposits
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings

Payments of notes payable
Payments of debt extinguishment
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Dividends paid to parent company
Dividends paid
Net payments for repurchase of common stock
Return of capital to parent company
Capital contribution from parent
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

174 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Elimination
entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

Year ended December 31, 2018
All other
subsidiaries
and eliminations

$ 618,158

$ 57,204

$

673,763

$(730,967)

$

618,158

(208,763)
(251)
41
743
2,022
7,441
–
–
–
–
(14,333)
–

22
–
12,522

–
–
–
–
–

–
(1,583)
85
(506)

(10,288)
–
8,059
(204,789)
413,369

(69,027)
–
–
–
27
–
–
–
–
–
(737)
1,531

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
(4)
(83)

(1,891)
–
(99)
(70,283)
(13,079)

–
228,323
9,285
52,557
(89,203)
3,080
272
8,477
(94,725)
12,959
(9,147)
(13,888)

15,962
(20,147)
–

(9,681)
6,833
(232,264)
66,687
(254,582)

458,548
(39)
49,273
264,482

2,327
4,558
(233,160)
226,787
900,550

277,790
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
37

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

(101)
–
(66)
948

66
–
(1,044)
277,630
(453,337)

–
228,072
9,326
53,300
(87,154)
10,521
272
8,477
(94,725)
12,959
(24,217)
(12,320)

15,984
(20,147)
12,522

(9,681)
6,833
(232,264)
66,687
(254,582)

458,447
(1,622)
49,288
264,841

(9,786)
4,558
(226,244)
229,345
847,503

70,000

(12,481)

1,083,515

(57,519)

1,083,515

–
–

–
–

–
536
–
–
–
–
–
(87,000)
13,000
(1,099)
–

293
–
(4,270)

–
–
–
(448,518)
(12,522)
293,819
11,653
–
(105,441)
(125,731)
–
–
(2,201)
(388,941)
20,158
48,120
$ 68,278

–
–

–
1,637

–
–
–
–
–
–
5,963
–
–
–
–

–
–
(4,881)

–
–
–
(54,502)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
72,000
–
17,498
(462)
462
–

$

(10,050,165)
(13,208)

6,946,209
5,643

24,209
(7,201)
29,669
(601,550)
(25,012)
(1,843,333)
(1,873)
–
–
(79,450)
20,147

8,892
105,371
(4,398,137)

4,221,975
(109,391)
(96,167)
(252,946)
–
180,000
(4,385)
(453,200)
–
471
(13,000)
15,000
–
3,488,357
(9,230)
412,225
402,995

$

–
140

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
87,000
(13,000)
–
–

–
–
16,621

37,676
–
–
–
–
–
–
453,200
–
(4)
13,000
(87,000)
–
416,872
(19,844)
(48,178)
$ (68,022)

(10,050,165)
(13,068)

6,946,209
7,280

24,209
(6,665)
29,669
(601,550)
(25,012)
(1,843,333)
4,090
–
–
(80,549)
20,147

9,185
105,371
(4,390,667)

4,259,651
(109,391)
(96,167)
(755,966)
(12,522)
473,819
7,268
–
(105,441)
(125,264)
–
–
(2,201)
3,533,786
(9,378)
412,629
403,251

$

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries, net of dividends or distributions
Provision for loan losses
Amortization of intangibles
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment
Net accretion of discounts and amortization of premiums and deferred fees
Impairment losses on long-lived assets
Other-than-temporary impairment on debt securities
Fair value adjustments on mortgage servicing rights
FDIC loss-share expense
Adjustments to indemnity reserves on loans sold
Earnings from investments under the equity method, net of dividends or distributions
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
(Gain) loss on:

Disposition of premises and equipment and other productive assets
Sale and valuation adjustments of debt securities
Sale of loans, including valuation adjustments on loans held for sale and mortgage banking

activities

Sale of foreclosed assets, including write-downs

Acquisitions of loans held-for-sale
Proceeds from sale of loans held-for-sale
Net originations on loans held-for-sale
Net decrease (increase) in:
Trading debt securities
Equity securities
Accrued income receivable
Other assets

Net increase (decrease) in:

Interest payable
Pension and other postretirement benefits obligations
Other liabilities

Total adjustments
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:

Net decrease (increase) in money market investments
Purchases of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Equity

Proceeds from calls, paydowns, maturities and redemptions of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Held-to-maturity

Proceeds from sale of investment securities:

Available-for-sale
Equity

Net repayments (disbursements) on loans
Proceeds from sale of loans
Acquisition of loan portfolios
Acquisition of trademark
Net payments (to) from FDIC under loss-sharing agreements
Return of capital from equity method investments
Capital contribution to subsidiary
Return of capital from wholly-owned subsidiaries
Acquisition of premises and equipment
Proceeds from sale of:

Premises and equipment and other productive assets
Foreclosed assets

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:

Net increase (decrease) in:

Deposits
Assets sold under agreements to repurchase
Other short-term borrowings

Payments of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Dividends paid to parent company
Dividends paid
Net payments for repurchase of common stock
Return of capital to parent company
Capital contribution from parent
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks, and restricted cash
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash and due from banks, and restricted cash at end of period

Popular, Inc.
Holding Co.

PNA
Holding Co.

Elimination
entries

Popular, Inc.
Consolidated

Year ended December 31, 2017
All other
subsidiaries
and eliminations

$ 107,681

$(154,658)

$

139,570

$ 15,088

$

107,681

69,070
403
–
649
2,086
–
–
–
–
–
(7,765)
–

(8)
–

–
42
–
–
–

–
(1,346)
(748)
8,761

–
–
3,230
74,374
182,055

153,944
–
–
–
27
–
–
–
–
–
(921)
(8,382)

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
26
–

–
–
(758)
143,936
(10,722)

–
325,021
9,378
47,715
(24,423)
4,784
8,299
36,519
10,066
22,377
(9,561)
215,864

4,289
(83)

(16,670)
21,673
(244,385)
69,464
(315,522)

503,108
108
(75,201)
(76,727)

2,670
(13,100)
25,466
531,129
670,699

(223,014)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(54)

–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
(31)
121
2,122

(121)
–
341
(220,636)
(205,548)

–
325,424
9,378
48,364
(22,310)
4,784
8,299
36,519
10,066
22,377
(18,247)
207,428

4,281
(83)

(16,670)
21,715
(244,385)
69,464
(315,522)

503,108
(1,269)
(75,802)
(65,844)

2,549
(13,100)
28,279
528,803
636,484

6,000

10,455

(2,365,132)

(18,255)

(2,366,932)

–
–

–
–

–
–
181
–
(31,909)
(5,560)
–
–
(5,955)
22,400
(965)

23
38
(15,747)

–
–
–
–
–
7,016
–
(95,910)
(75,668)
–
–
(1,756)
(166,318)
(10)
48,130
$ 48,120

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
138
–
10,400
–

–
–
20,993

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(10,400)
–
–
(10,400)
(129)
591
462

$

(4,139,650)
(29,672)

2,023,295
6,232

14,423
30,250
(398,857)
38,279
(541,489)
5,560
(7,679)
8,056
5,955
–
(61,732)

9,730
96,502
(5,305,929)

4,935,948
(88,505)
95,008
(95,607)
55,000
–
(211,500)
–
–
(22,400)
5,955
–
4,673,899
38,669
373,556
412,225

$

–
–

–
–

–
–
–
(37,864)
37,864
–
–
–
–
(32,800)
–

–
–
(51,055)

18,157
–
–
–
–
–
211,500
–
4
32,800
(5,955)
–
256,506
(97)
(48,081)
$ (48,178)

(4,139,650)
(29,672)

2,023,295
6,232

14,423
30,250
(398,676)
415
(535,534)
–
(7,679)
8,194
–
–
(62,697)

9,753
96,540
(5,351,738)

4,954,105
(88,505)
95,008
(95,607)
55,000
7,016
–
(95,910)
(75,664)
–
–
(1,756)
4,753,687
38,433
374,196
412,629

$

POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 175

On February 24, 2020,

the Corporation redeemed all
its 8.25% Non-Cumulative Monthly
outstanding shares of
Income Preferred Stock, Series B. The redemption price of the
Series B Preferred Stock was $25.00 per share, plus $0.1375 in
accrued and unpaid dividends on each share,
for a total
payment per share in the amount of $25.1375.

Note 43 - Subsequent events
the Corporation entered into an
On January 30, 2020,
accelerated share repurchase transaction of $500 million with
respect to its common stock, which was accounted for as a
treasury stock transaction. Accordingly, as a result of
the
receipt of the initial shares, the Corporation recognized in
shareholders’ equity approximately $400 million in treasury
stock and $100 million as a reduction of capital surplus. The
Corporation expects to further adjust its treasury stock and
capital surplus accounts to reflect the delivery or receipt of cash
or shares upon the termination of the ASR agreement, which
will depend on the average price of the Corporation’s shares
during the term of the ASR, less a discount. The final settlement
of the ASR is expected to occur no later than the fourth quarter
of 2020.

176 POPULAR, INC. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT

P.O. Box 362708 | San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-2708