PR Banking Industry Report - January to September 2014

The local banking sector reached positive returns in 2014 YTD, registering a pre-tax ROE of 3.1% (8.3% excluding Doral), despite the ongoing acute fiscal and economic challenges. Economic activity continues to contract according to the GDB's Economic Activity Index and job numbers remain at historically low levels. Falling oil prices should provide a much needed, although limited, positive impact on the Island's economy, increasing consumers' disposable income. Still high credit provision levels and decreasing leverage continue to adversely affect profitability of banks. Capitalization levels continue to be strengthened for all banks except Doral, which is now considered significantly undercapitalized by the FDIC. Delinquent loans have been creeping up in recent quarters, trend that should be closely monitored.