20-F 1 d20f.htm FORM 20-F Form 20-F
Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 20-F

 


 

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

OR

 

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number: 1-10110

 


 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

BANK BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 


 

Kingdom of Spain

(Jurisdiction of incorporation)

 

Plaza de San Nicolás 4

48005 Bilbao

Spain

(Address of principal executive offices)

 


 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

 

Title of Each Class


 

Name of Each Exchange on which Registered


American Depositary Shares, each representing

the right to receive one ordinary share,

par value €0.49 per share

  New York Stock Exchange
Ordinary shares, par value €0.49 per share   New York Stock Exchange*

Non-Cumulative Guaranteed Preference Shares,

nominal value $25 each,

of BBVA Preferred Capital Ltd.

  New York Stock Exchange

Guarantee of Non-Cumulative Guaranteed

Preference Shares, nominal value $25 each, of

BBVA Preferred Capital Ltd.

  New York Stock Exchange**

Non-Cumulative Guaranteed Preference Shares,

Series D, nominal value $0.01 each, of BBVA

Privanza International (Gibraltar) Ltd.

  New York Stock Exchange

Guarantee of Non-Cumulative Guaranteed

Preference Shares, Series D, nominal value $0.01

each, of BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar) Ltd.

  New York Stock Exchange***

 

* The ordinary shares are not listed for trading, but are listed only in connection with the registration of the American Depositary Shares, pursuant to requirements of the New York Stock Exchange.
** The guarantee is not listed for trading, but is listed only in connection with the registration of the corresponding Non-Cumulative Guaranteed Preference Shares of BBVA Preferred Capital Ltd. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.)
*** The guarantee is not listed for trading, but is listed only in connection with the registration of the corresponding Non-Cumulative Guaranteed Preference Shares of BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar) Ltd. (an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

 

None

 

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

 

None

 

The number of outstanding shares of each class of stock of the Registrant at December 31, 2003 was:

 

Ordinary shares, par value €0.49 per share—3,195,852,043

Non-Cumulative Guaranteed Preference Shares, nominal value $25 each, of BBVA Preferred Capital Ltd.—9,600,000

Non-Cumulative Guaranteed Preference Shares, Series D, nominal value $0.01 each, of BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar) Ltd.—70

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  x

 



Table of Contents

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   1

PART I

       3

ITEM 1.

 

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

   3

A.

 

Directors

   3

B.

 

Senior Management

   3

C.

 

Auditors

   3

ITEM 2.

 

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

   3

ITEM 3.

 

KEY INFORMATION

   4

A.

 

Selected Financial Data

   4

B.

 

Capitalization and Indebtedness

   7

C.

 

Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

   7

D.

 

Risk Factors

   7

ITEM 4.

 

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

   10

A.

 

History and Development of the Company

   10

B.

 

Business Overview

   13

C.

 

Organizational Structure

   33

D.

 

Property, Plants and Equipment

   34

E.

 

Selected Statistical Information

   34

F.

 

Competition

   55

ITEM 5.

 

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

   55

A.

 

Operating Results

   59

B.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

   76

C.

 

Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

   81

D.

 

Trend Information

   81

ITEM 6.

 

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

   81

A.

 

Directors and Senior Management

   82

B.

 

Compensation

   88

C.

 

Board Practices

   90

 

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D.

 

Employees

   93

E.

 

Share Ownership

   94

ITEM 7.

 

MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   96

A.

 

Major Shareholders

   96

B.

 

Related Party Transactions

   96

C.

 

Interests of Experts and Counsel

   97

ITEM 8.

 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

   97

A.

 

Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

   97

B.

 

Significant Changes

   100

ITEM 9.

 

THE OFFER AND LISTING

   100

ITEM 10.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   106

A.

 

Share Capital

   106

B.

 

Memorandum and Articles of Association

   107

C.

 

Material Contracts

   110

D.

 

Exchange Controls

   110

E.

 

Taxation

   111

F.

 

Dividends and Paying Agents

   115

G.

 

Statement by Experts

   115

H.

 

Documents on Display

   116

I.

 

Subsidiary Information

   116

ITEM 11.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

   116

ITEM 12.

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

   143

PART II 

       143

ITEM 13.

 

DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

   143

ITEM 14.

 

MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

   143

ITEM 15.

 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

   143

ITEM 16A.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

   143

ITEM 16B.

 

CODE OF ETHICS

   143

ITEM 16C.

 

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

   144

ITEM 16D.

 

EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

   145

ITEM 16E.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PERSONS

   145

PART III 

       145

ITEM 17.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   145

ITEM 18.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   145

ITEM 19.

 

EXHIBITS

   145

 

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GLOSSARY

 

The terms below are used as follows throughout this Annual Report:

 

  Argentaria” means Argentaria, Caja Postal y Banco Hipotecario, S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

  BBV” means Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires.

 

  BBVA”, “Bank” or “Group” means Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise requires. BBVA was formed by the merger of BBV and Argentaria, which was approved by the shareholders of each institution on December 18, 1999.

 

  Consolidated Financial Statements” means BBVA’s audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and BBVA’s audited consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 included in this Annual Report.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include words such as “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “project”, “anticipate”, “should”, “intend”, “probability”, “risk”, “VaR”, “target”, “goal”, “objective” and similar expressions or variations on such expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. The accompanying information in this Annual Report, including, without limitation, the information under

 

  “Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors”;

 

  “Item 4. Information on the Company”;

 

  “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”; and

 

  “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”

 

identifies important factors that could cause such differences. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on those forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. BBVA undertakes no obligation to release publicly the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, including, without limitation, changes in its business or acquisition strategy or planned capital expenditures, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

CERTAIN TERMS AND CONVENTIONS

 

First person personal pronouns used in this report, such as “we”, “us”, or “our”, mean BBVA.

 

In this report, “$”, “U.S. dollars”, and “dollars” refer to United States Dollars, “€” and “euro” refer to Euro and “ARP” refers to Argentinean Pesos.

 

PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Accounting Principles

 

The merger of BBV and Argentaria approved by the shareholders of each institution on December 18, 1999, was effected through a merger by absorption of Argentaria with and into BBV and was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting under generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and under the method of “pooling of interests” under generally accepted accounting principles for banks in Spain, which include the accounting requirements established by the Bank of Spain (“Spanish GAAP”).

 

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Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information contained in this Annual Report has been derived from financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with Spanish GAAP. See Note 32.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of some respects in which Spanish GAAP differs from U.S. GAAP.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been presented in the same format as that used in the consolidated financial statements included in BBVA’s annual and interim reports to shareholders. This format differs from that required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or “Commission”) for the consolidated financial statements of bank holding companies. Consolidated balance sheets and summary statements of income that reflect the reclassifications required by the Commission are included in Note 32.2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

We manage our business along four segmental lines which are discussed in “Item 4. Information on the Company” and whose operating results are described in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. In addition, due to the special conditions that have continued to affect our operations in Argentina in 2003, we have elected to provide additional disclosure, as we did in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2002, on our Argentinean operations and discuss these operations as if they comprised a separate segment, “Argentina”, and not part of the “Banking in America” business segment, where they were included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2001 and prior years.

 

Certain numerical information in this Annual Report may not sum due to rounding.

 

Accelerated Amortization of Goodwill

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements are based on the Spanish statutorily approved financial statements included in BBVA’s reports to shareholders. The auditors’ reports for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 2000 were qualified with respect to the early amortization of goodwill arising mainly from the acquisition of our Latin American subsidiaries. In accordance with Spanish GAAP, this goodwill should have been capitalized and amortized over 10 years. U.S. securities regulations do not currently allow the use in filings with the Commission of financial statements on which the auditors’ report is qualified with respect to a material departure from generally accepted accounting principles. The financial statements included herein reflect adjustments of the Spanish statutorily approved financial statements solely for purposes of complying with U.S. securities regulations. The adjustments consist of the reversal of the early amortization of goodwill and the amortization of such goodwill over a period of five years, the estimated period of the associated assets’ useful life. The following table reflects these adjustments for the periods presented. This adjustment does not affect the year ended December 31, 2002 and 2003.

 

     Year ended December 31,
2001


     (in millions of euro)

Net attributable profit as reported in BBVA’s Annual Report to shareholders

   2,363

Net attributable profit reflecting reversal of early amortization of goodwill

   1,843

 

Statistical and Financial Information

 

The following principles should be noted in reviewing the statistical and financial information contained herein:

 

  Average balances, when used, are based on the beginning and the month-end balances during each year. We do not believe that such monthly averages present trends that are materially different from those that would be presented by daily averages.

 

  The book value of BBVA’s ordinary shares held by its consolidated subsidiaries has been deducted from stockholders’ equity.

 

  Unless otherwise stated, any reference to loans refers to both loans and leases.

 

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  Interest income figures include interest income on non-accruing loans to the extent that cash payments have been received in the period in which they are due.

 

  Financial information with respect to subsidiaries may not reflect consolidation adjustments.

 

Disclosures in this Annual Report with respect to the amount of “substandard loans” at any date reflect Bank of Spain classifications at such date. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Selected Statistical Information—Assets—Loan Loss Reserve”, “—Substandard Loans” and “—Foreign Country Outstandings”. These classifications differ from the classifications applied by U.S. banks in reporting loans as non-accrual, past due, restructured and as potential problem loans. One of the most important differences is that under Bank of Spain classifications, in the case of loans which are classified as substandard because any payment of principal or interest is 90 days or more past due, initially only past due payments of principal or interest (to the extent accruing at the time that the relevant loan is classified as substandard) are treated as substandard. If any payment on a loan is past due for more than one year, or if, regardless of the time past due, the aggregate amount of past due principal and interest exceeds 25% of the principal amount of the loan, then the entire principal amount of the loan is required to be classified as substandard.

 

Translation into Euro Currency

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements are stated in euro. Financial data as of and for periods prior to December 31, 2001 included elsewhere in this Annual Report have been restated from pesetas into euro using the exchange rate in effect as of January 1, 1999 of Ptas.166.386 = €1.00. Data in pesetas converted to euro at such exchange rates show the same trends as would have been presented if the data had been presented in pesetas.

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

 

A. Directors

 

Not Applicable.

 

B. Senior Management

 

Not Applicable.

 

C. Auditors

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

A. Selected Financial Data

 

Spanish GAAP Data

 

The historical financial information set forth below has been selected from, and should be read together with, the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. For information concerning the preparation and presentation of financial information contained herein, see “Presentation of Financial Information”. Also see Note 32.2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a presentation of our balance sheet and income statement reconciled to U.S. GAAP.

 

     Year ended December 31,

 

Consolidated statement of income data


   2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999(1)

 
     (in millions of euro, except per share/ADS data (in euro) and percentages)  

Net interest income

   6,741     7,808     8,824     6,995     4,370  

Net fee income

   3,263     3,668     4,038     3,369     2,077  
    

 

 

 

 

Basic margin

   10,004     11,476     12,862     10,364     6,447  

Market operations

   652     765     490     779     497  
    

 

 

 

 

Ordinary revenue

   10,656     12,241     13,352     11,143     6,944  

General administrative expenses

   (5,031 )   (5,772 )   (6,725 )   (5,937 )   (3,834 )

Depreciation and amortization

   (511 )   (631 )   (742 )   (653 )   (388 )

Other operating revenues and expenses, net

   (219 )   (261 )   (286 )   (177 )   (143 )
    

 

 

 

 

Net operating income

   4,895     5,577     5,599     4,376     2,579  

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   383     33     393     589     200  

Amortization of consolidation goodwill(2)

   (639 )   (679 )   (1,143 )   (923 )   (482 )

Net income on Group transactions

   553     361     954     1,307     1,038  

Net loan loss provisions

   (1,277 )   (1,743 )   (1,919 )   (973 )   (694 )

Net securities write-downs

   —       3     (43 )   (7 )   (18 )

Extraordinary items, net

   (103 )   (433 )   (727 )   (751 )   (357 )
    

 

 

 

 

Pre-tax profit(2)

   3,812     3,119     3,114     3,618     2,266  

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   (915 )   (653 )   (625 )   (962 )   (488 )
    

 

 

 

 

Income before minority interests(2)

   2,897     2,466     2,489     2,656     1,778  

Minority interests

   (670 )   (747 )   (646 )   (682 )   (342 )
    

 

 

 

 

Net attributable profit(2)

   2,227     1,719     1,843     1,974     1,436  
    

 

 

 

 

Per Share/ADS(3) data

                              

Operating income(4)

   1.53     1.75     1.75     1.44     1.24  

Number of shares

   3,195,852,043     3,195,852,043     3,195,852,043     3,195,852,043     2,133,235,006  

Net attributable profit(4)

   0.70     0.54     0.58     0.65     0.69  

Dividends(4)(5)

   0.38     0.35     0.38     0.36     0.28  

 

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     At December 31,

 

Consolidated balance sheet data


   2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999(1)

 
     (in millions of euro, except per share/ADS data (in euro)
and percentages)
 

Total assets(2)

   287,150     279,542     309,062     296,345     157,545  

Loans and leases, net

   148,827     141,315     150,220     137,467     68,494  

Deposits

   141,049     146,560     166,499     154,146     79,155  

Marketable debt securities and subordinated debt

   41,782     34,010     32,986     31,571     16,071  

Minority interests

   5,426     5,674     6,394     6,304     4,379  

Capital and reserves(2)

   11,473     11,842     12,770     13,047     5,516  

Consolidated ratios

                              

Profitability ratios:

                              

Net interest margin(6)

   2.4 %   2.70 %   2.92 %   2.58 %   3.33 %

Return on average total assets(7)

   1.04 %   0.85 %   0.82 %   0.98 %   1.24 %

Return on average capital and reserves(8)

   12.45 %   13.07 %   13.96 %   18.68 %   26.12 %

Credit quality data

                              

Loan loss reserve

   4,736     5,346     6,320     8,155     2,277  

Loan loss reserve as a percentage of total loans and leases

   3.09 %   3.65 %   4.05 %   5.71 %   3.23 %

Substandard loans(9)

   3,126     3,531     2,743     2,862     1,365  

Non-Performing loans as a percentage of total loans and leases

   1.74 %   2.37 %   1.75 %   2.00 %   1.93 %

Loan loss reserve as a percentage of substandard loans

   151.5 %   151.42 %   230.40 %   284.94 %   166.81 %

(1) Information for BBV.
(2) In our Spanish statutory financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, we amortized goodwill on an accelerated basis. See “Presentation of Financial Information”.
(3) Each American Depositary Share (“ADS”) represents the right to receive one ordinary share.
(4) Calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of BBVA’s ordinary shares outstanding during the relevant period.
(5) Calculated based on total dividends paid in respect of each period indicated.
(6) Represents net interest income as a percentage of average total assets.
(7) Represents income before minority interests as a percentage of average total assets.
(8) Represents net attributable profit as a percentage of average capital and reserves.
(9) Only past due payments, and not outstanding principal, are included in the balance of substandard loans unless and until the entire principal amount is classified as substandard under applicable Bank of Spain rules.

 

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U.S. GAAP Information

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

   Restated
2000(1)


    2000

   Restated (*)
1999(1)


   1999(1)

     (in millions of euro, except per share/ADS data (in euro) or as otherwise indicated)

Consolidated statement of income data

                                   

Net income(2)

   1,906    1,846    680    1,413     1,544    1,056    1,038

Basic earnings per share/ADS(3)(4)

   0.60    0.58    0.21    0.47     0.51    0.51    0.50

Diluted earnings per share/ADS(3)(4)

   0.60    0.58    0.21    0.46     0.50    0.50    0.49

Dividends per share/ADS (in dollars)(4)(5)

   0.34    0.33    0.34    0.39     0.39    0.27    0.27

Consolidated balance sheet data as at December 31

                                   

Total assets(6)

   287,912    290,430    322,612    308,644 (7)   313,120    165,431    165,300

Stockholders’ equity(6)

   19,583    18,908    21,226    22,579     22,579    10,070    9,939

Basic stockholders’ equity per share/ADS(4)

   6.13    5.92    6.64    7.43     7.43    4.82    4.76

Diluted stockholders’ equity per share/ADS(4)

   6.13    5.91    6.63    7.33     7.33    4.77    4.71

(*) Information for BBV.
(1) The restated amounts are calculated according to the guidance of paragraphs 36-37 of APB 20 “correction of an error”, which is described in Note 32.2.B.15 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2002, in order to reflect the actual timing and substance of all transactions associated with the “unreported funds” described under “Item 8—Financial Information—Legal Proceedings”.
(2) We generally refer to our income after taxes and minority interests as “net attributable profit”. In the case of the U.S. GAAP information provided above, the term “net income” is used for consistency with Note 32.2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which includes additional U.S. GAAP information and generally refers to “net income” in cases in which we would otherwise use the term “net attributable profit”.
(3) Calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of BBVA’s ordinary shares outstanding during the relevant period.
(4) Each ADS represents the right to receive one ordinary share.
(5) Dividends per share/ADS are translated into dollars for 2003 through 1999, at an average exchange rate for each year, calculated based on the average of the noon buying rates for euro from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last date of each month during the relevant period, expressed in dollars per €1.00.
(6) At the end of the reported period.
(7) Total assets were restated for 2000 from €313,120 million to €308,612 million due to a reclassification of certain assets of Bancomer, as reported in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2001.

 

Exchange Rates

 

On January 1, 1999, the euro was introduced as a new currency in the following 11 European Union (“EU”) member states, forming the European Monetary and Economic Union at such date: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. As of January 2001, the euro was also introduced as the new currency in Greece. The currencies of the participating member states were nondecimal subdivisions of the euro until January 1, 2002 and for up to six months thereafter. The exchange rate at which the peseta has been irrevocably fixed against the euro is Ptas.166.386 = €1.00. Beginning January 1, 2002, the participating member states issued new euro-denominated bills and coins for use in cash transactions. By July 1, 2002, the participating member states withdrew from circulation the bills and coins denominated in their respective currencies, and they are no longer legal tender for any transactions.

 

The following table sets forth, for the years indicated, the average exchange rate for each year, which reflects the average of the noon buying rates for euro from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the last date of each month during the relevant period, for the years ended December 31, 1999 through 2003, and for the year ended December 31, 2004 (through June 30), expressed in dollars per €1.00.

 

Year ended December 31,


   Average

1999

   1.0588

2000

   0.9207

2001

   0.8909

2002

   0.9495

2003

   1.1411

2004 (through June 25)

   1.2275

 

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The following table describes, for the periods and dates indicated, information concerning the noon buying rate for euro from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, expressed in dollars per €1.00.

 

Month ended


   High

   Low

December 31, 2003

   1.2597    1.1956

January 31, 2004

   1.2853    1.2389

February 28, 2004

   1.2848    1.2426

March 31, 2004

   1.2431    1.2088

April 30, 2004

   1.2358    1.1802

May 31, 2004

   1.2274    1.1801

June 30, 2004 (through June 25)

   1.2320    1.2006

 

The noon buying rate for euro from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, expressed in dollars per €1.00, on June 25, 2004, was $1.2145. Unless otherwise indicated, amounts that have been converted to euro in this Annual Report have been done so at the corresponding exchange rate published by the European Central Bank on December 31 of the relevant year.

 

At December 31, 2003, approximately 30.8% of our assets and approximately 33.2% of our liabilities were denominated in currencies other than euro (principally dollars).

 

For a discussion of our foreign currency exposure, please see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Market Risk Management—Market risk in 2003—Structural Exchange Rate Risk”.

 

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness

 

Not applicable.

 

C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

 

Not applicable.

 

D. Risk Factors

 

Risks Relating to us

 

Since our loan portfolio is highly concentrated in Spain, adverse changes affecting the Spanish economy could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

We historically have developed our lending business in Spain, which continues to be our main place of business. As of December 31, 2003, business activity in Spain accounted for 76.25% of our loan portfolio. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Selected Statistical Information—Loans by Geographic Area”. Any adverse changes affecting the Spanish economy are likely to have a significant adverse impact on our loan portfolio and, as a result, on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

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A substantial percentage of our customer base is particularly sensitive to adverse developments in the economy, which renders our lending activities relatively riskier than if we lent primarily to higher-income customer segments.

 

Medium- and small-size companies and middle and lower middle income individuals typically have less financial strength than large companies and high-income individuals and accordingly can be expected to be more negatively affected by adverse developments in the economy. As a result, it is generally accepted that lending to these segments of our existing and targeted customer base represents a relatively higher degree of risk than lending to other groups.

 

A substantial portion of our loan portfolio consists of residential mortgages and consumer loans to middle and lower middle income customers and commercial loans to medium and small companies. Consequently, during periods of slowdown in economic activity we may experience higher levels of past due amounts which could result in higher levels of allowance for loan losses. We cannot assure you that we will not suffer substantial adverse effects on our base portfolio to these customer segments in the event of adverse developments in the economy.

 

Increased exposure to real estate in Spain makes us more vulnerable to developments in this market.

 

The decrease in interest rates in Spain has caused an increase in the demand of mortgage loans in the last few years. This has had repercussions in housing prices, which have also risen significantly. As residential mortgages are one of our main assets, comprising 30%, 40% and 42% of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively, we are currently highly exposed to developments in real estate markets. A strong increase in interest rates in Spain might have a significant negative impact in mortgage payment delinquency rates. An increase in such delinquency rates could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Highly-indebted households and corporations could endanger our asset quality and future revenues.

 

Spanish households and firms have reached, in recent years, a high indebtedness level, which represents increased risk for the Spanish banking system. The increase of loans referenced to variable rates make debt service on such loans more vulnerable to changes in interest rates than in the past. The increase in households’ and firms’ indebtedness also limits their ability to incur additional debt, decreasing the number of new products we may otherwise be able to sell them.

 

A sudden shortage of funds could cause an increase in our costs of funding and an adverse effect on our operating revenues.

 

Historically, one of our principal sources of funds has been savings and demand deposits. Time deposits represented 36.2%, 35.0% and 31.1% of our total funding at December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively. Large-denomination time deposits may, under some circumstances, such as during periods of significant changes in market interest rates for these types of deposit products and resulting increased competition for such funds, be a less stable source of deposits than savings and demand deposits. In addition, since we rely heavily on short-term deposits for our funding, we cannot assure you that, in the event of a sudden or unexpected shortage of funds in the banking systems or money markets in which we operate, we will be able to maintain our current levels of funding without incurring higher funding costs or having to liquidate certain of our assets.

 

We face increasing competition in our business lines.

 

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive. Financial sector reforms in the markets in which we operate have increased competition among both local and foreign financial institutions, and we believe that this trend will continue. For example, the adoption of the euro as the common currency throughout the EU is making it easier for European banks to compete against us in Spain. In addition, the trend towards consolidation in the banking industry has created larger and stronger banks with which we must now compete.

 

We also face competition from non-bank competitors, such as:

 

  department stores (for some credit products);

 

  leasing companies;

 

  factoring companies;

 

  mutual funds;

 

  pension funds; and

 

  insurance companies.

 

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We cannot assure you that this competition will not adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our business is particularly vulnerable to volatility in interest rates.

 

Our results of operations are substantially dependent upon the level of our net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including deregulation of the financial sectors in the markets in which we operate, monetary policies pursued by national governments, domestic and international economic and political conditions and other factors.

 

Changes in market interest rates could affect the spread between interest rates charged on interest-earning assets and interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities and thereby negatively affect our results of operations. For example, an increase in interest rates could cause our interest expense on deposits to increase more significantly and quickly than our interest income from loans, resulting in a reduction in our net interest income.

 

In addition, income from treasury operations is particularly vulnerable to interest rate volatility. Since 64.30% of our portfolio consists of variable interest rate loans maturing in more than one year, rising interest rates may also bring about an increase in the non-performing loan portfolio.

 

Our financial statements and periodic disclosure under securities laws may not give you the same information as financial statements prepared under U.S. accounting rules and periodic disclosures provided by domestic U.S. issuers.

 

 

Publicly available information about public companies in Spain is generally less detailed and not as frequently updated as the information that is regularly published by or about listed companies in the United States. In addition, although we are subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the periodic disclosure required of foreign issuers under the Exchange Act is more limited than the periodic disclosure required of U.S. issuers. Finally, we maintain our financial accounts and records and prepare our financial statements in conformity with Spanish GAAP, which differs in certain respects from U.S. GAAP, the financial reporting standard to which many investors in the United States may be better accustomed.

 

Risks Relating to Latin America

 

The devaluation of the Argentinean peso, the adverse macroeconomic conditions prevailing in Argentina and emergency measures adopted by the Argentinean government have had, and may continue to have, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Argentina’s economic situation deteriorated sharply in late 2001. The beginning of 2002 was marked by the continued movement of capital out of Argentina, the end of convertibility of the peso, devaluation, and the return of inflation. The crisis had a strong impact on the financial system and jeopardized the solvency and liquidity of banks. In 2003, macroeconomic conditions in Latin America and Argentina improved, but significant uncertainty regarding the scope and pace of the recovery remained.

 

As a result of the measures described in “Item 4. Information on the Company––Business Overview—Business Areas—Argentina”, we have written off our entire investment in Argentina to date. However, despite our provisions and write-downs, the situation in Argentina may continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We cannot assure you that the laws and regulations currently governing the Argentinean economy will not change in the future, or that any changes which may occur will not adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of our operations in the country, or the business which we transact with counterparties located in the country.

 

Risks relating to our investments in Argentina in light of the current social and political crises include the potential for: (i) civil unrest, rioting, looting, nationwide protests, widespread social unrest and strikes, (ii) expropriation, nationalization and forced renegotiation or modification of existing contracts, (iii) additional restrictions on repatriation of investments and transfer of funds abroad, (iv) adverse changes to taxation policies, including retroactive tax claims and (v) further changes in laws and policies of Argentina affecting foreign trade and investment.

 

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Our Latin American subsidiaries’ growth, asset quality and profitability may be affected by volatile macroeconomic conditions, including government default on public debt, in the Latin American countries where they operate.

 

The Latin American countries where we operate have experienced significant economic volatility in recent decades, characterized by slow growth, declining investment and significant inflation. This volatility has resulted in fluctuations in the levels of deposits and in the relative economic strength of various segments of the economies to which we lend. Negative and fluctuating economic conditions, such as a changing interest rate environment, also affect our profitability by causing lending margins to decrease and leading to decreased demand for higher-margin products and services.

 

Negative and fluctuating economic conditions in some Latin American countries could result in government defaults on public debt. This could affect us in two ways: directly, through portfolio losses, and indirectly, through instabilities that a default in public debt could cause to the banking system as a whole, particularly since commercial banks’ exposure to government debt is generally high in several Latin American countries in which we operate.

 

While we seek to mitigate these risks through the conservative risk policies described in “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”, no assurance can be given that our Latin American subsidiaries’ growth, asset quality and profitability will not be affected by volatile macroeconomic conditions in the Latin American countries in which we operate.

 

Latin American economies can be directly and negatively affected by adverse developments in other countries.

 

Financial and securities markets in Latin American countries in which we operate, are to varying degrees, influenced by economic and market conditions in other countries in Latin America and beyond. Negative developments in the economy or securities markets in one country, particularly in an emerging market, may have a negative impact on other emerging market economies. These developments may adversely affect the business, financial condition and operating results of our subsidiaries in Latin America.

 

We are exposed to foreign exchange and, in some instances, political risks as well as other risks in the Latin American countries in which we operate, which could cause an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We operate commercial banks in 10 Latin American countries and our overall success as a global business depends, in part, upon our ability to succeed in differing economic, social and political conditions. We are confronted with different legal and regulatory requirements in many of the jurisdictions in which we operate. These include, but are not limited to, different tax regimes and laws relating to the repatriation of funds or nationalization of assets. Our international operations may also expose us to risks and challenges which our local competitors may not be required to face, such as exchange rate risk, difficulty in managing a local entity from abroad, and political risk which may be particular to foreign investors. Our expansion in these markets requires us to respond to rapid changes in market conditions in these countries. We cannot assure you that we will continue to succeed in developing and implementing policies and strategies that are effective in each country in which we operate or that any of the foregoing factors will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Regulatory changes in Latin America that are beyond our control may have a material effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

A number of banking regulations designed to maintain the safety and soundness of banks and limit their exposure to risk are applicable in certain Latin American countries in which we operate. Local regulations differ in a number of material respects from equivalent regulations in Spain and the United States.

 

Changes in regulations that are beyond our control may have a material effect on our business and operations. In addition, since some of the banking laws and regulations have been recently adopted, the manner in which those laws and related regulations are applied to the operations of financial institutions is still evolving. No assurance can be given that laws or regulations will be enforced or interpreted in a manner that will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

 

A. History and Development of the Company

 

BBVA’s predecessor bank, BBV, was incorporated as a limited liability company (a sociedad anónima or “S.A.”) under the Spanish Corporations Law on October 1, 1988. BBVA was formed as the result of a merger by absorption of Argentaria into BBV that was approved by the shareholders of each institution on December 18, 1999 and registered on January 28, 2000. It conducts its

 

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business under the commercial name “BBVA”. BBVA is registered with the Commercial Registry of Vizcaya (Spain). It has its registered office at Plaza de San Nicolás 4, Bilbao, Spain, 48005, telephone number 34-94-420-3001. BBVA’s agent in the U.S. for U.S. federal securities law purposes is Raúl Santoro de Mattos Almeida (BBVA New York, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, 45th floor, NY, New York, 10105). BBVA is incorporated for an unlimited term.

 

Capital Expenditures

 

Our principal capital expenditures from 2001 to the date of this Annual Report were the following:

 

2004

 

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V (“Bancomer”). On January 30, 2004, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution to launch a tender offer for the approximated 40.6% of the shares of Bancomer, our Mexican affiliate, which were not already owned by BBVA. The tender offer was launched on February 19, 2004 and expired on March 19, 2004. As a result of the successful completion of the tender offer and subsequent purchases amounting to 0.56% of Bancomer’s capital stock, at March 31, 2004, we owned 99.44% of Bancomer’s outstanding shares. On February 5, 2004, to strengthen our capital ratios and finance a portion of the cost of the Bancomer tender offer, we sold 195,000,000 of our newly-issued ordinary shares to institutional investors in Spain and outside of Spain at the offer price of €10.25 per share.

 

BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. (“Banco Francés”). On March 18, 2004, the Board of Directors of Banco Francés, our Argentine affiliate, resolved to implement a plan intended to improve Banco Frances’s adjusted stockholders’ equity and enable Banco Frances to comply with new minimum capital requirements established by the Argentine Central Bank. The plan provides for:

 

a) a capital increase of up to ARP 385 million (approximately US$132.2 million (€108 million as of March 31, 2004)), which will be submitted for approval at an ordinary and extraordinary stockholders meeting and to the appropriate local authorities and

 

b) the sale of Banco Francés’s entire interest in Banco Francés (Cayman) Limited, which has been approved by regulatory authorities of the Cayman Islands.

 

BBVA, as Banco Francés’s largest shareholder, intends to participate in this plan by:

 

(1) capitalizing a loan granted by BBVA to Banco Francés in an amount up to US$77.7 million (€63.6 million as of March 31, 2004) and

 

(2) subscribing to a capital increase in an amount up to US$40 million (€32.7 million as of March 31, 2004).

 

Furthermore, BBVA will acquire from Banco Francés its entire interest in Banco Francés (Cayman) Limited for a purchase price of US$238.5 million (€195 million as of March 31, 2004), which is based on the independent valuation of Banco Francés (Cayman) Limited by two independent valuation experts.

 

The two transactions involving Banco Frances described above will not affect BBVA’s consolidated operating results because (i) in the case of the loan capitalization, BBVA had previously fully provisioned the loan, and (ii) in the case of the purchase of Banco Frances (Cayman) Limited, this entity was already fully consolidated by BBVA.

 

2003

 

During 2003, BBVA acquired 0.176% of the capital stock of Gas Natural S.D.G, S.A. (“Gas Natural”) for €12.7 million, raising its interest in Gas Natural to 3.241%.

 

During 2003, BBVA purchased 4.76% of the capital stock of Bancomer for a total of €304 million, raising its interest to 59.43% as of December 31, 2003.

 

2002

 

On May 14, 2002, Banco Francés sold its interest in BBVA Uruguay (60.88%) to BBVA for $55 million, after obtaining authorization from the Central Bank of Uruguay. As a result of this transaction, BBVA’s ownership interest in BBVA Uruguay increased from 80.66% to 100%.

 

On May 15, 2002, Terra Networks, S.A. (“Terra Networks”) and BBVA entered into a preliminary agreement for the integration of Uno-e Bank, S.A. and the individual consumer financing business of Finanzia Banco de Crédito, S.A. (“Finanzia”), BBVA’s wholly-owned subsidiary, whereby Terra Networks’ holding in Uno-e Bank would decrease to 33%. This integration transaction and the percentage of ownership held by Terra Networks were subject to the formalization of final contracts, which were

 

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executed on January 10, 2003, and approved at extraordinary shareholders’ meetings of Finanzia and Uno-e Bank held on April 23, 2003. In connection with the integration transaction, Terra Networks was granted a put option over its shares in the resulting combined entity giving it the right to require BBVA to purchase such shares. For more information relating to this transaction, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Agreement with Terra Networks” and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Uno-e Bank Agreement”.

 

On June 8, 2004, the European Commission approved plans by BBVA and Banca Nazionale del Lavore (“BNL”) to form a consumer-finance 50-50 joint venture in Italy. The new company will provide consumer credit products, such as credit cards, personal loans and salary advances.

 

In two transactions in June and November 2002, BBVA purchased from the Mexican government its 3% and 2.5% interests in Bancomer for approximately €240 million and €175 million, respectively. As a result of these transactions, BBVA’s ownership interest in Bancomer increased to 54.67% as of December 31, 2002.

 

2001

 

In January 2001, BBVA acquired 200 million shares of Bancomer from the Bank of Montreal, representing approximately 2.2% of Bancomer’s capital stock, for approximately $125 million. On April 4, 2001, BBVA reached an agreement with Bank of Montreal to purchase in two tranches 812 million shares of Bancomer for a total of $558 million. The first tranche, consisting of 500 million shares, was acquired in April 2001, and the second tranche, consisting of 312 million shares, in May 2001, raising BBVA’s holding in Bancomer to 48%. Additional purchases of shares of Bancomer amounting to $140 million were made in October and November 2001, increasing BBVA’s stake in Bancomer to 49% as of December 31, 2001.

 

BBVA acquired in the first and last quarters of 2001 a 4.87% interest in BNL for approximately €398 million, increasing its holding in BNL to 14.8% as of December 31, 2001. BBVA increased its holding to 14.9% as of January 31, 2002.

 

Capital Divestitures

 

Our principal capital divestitures from 2001 to the date of this Annual Report were the following:

 

2004

 

On June 18, 2004 BBVA sold its 5.01% interest in Acerinox, S.A. for €146.6 million, giving rise to a capital gain of €35 million.

 

In January 2004, BBVA sold 2.2% of the capital stock of Gas Natural. At the time the transaction closed, BBVA had not completed preparation of its 2003 Consolidated Financial Statements and therefore, in accordance with Spanish GAAP, reflected the amortization of €70 million of consolidation goodwill which resulted from the transaction in such financial statements rather than in its 2004 Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2003

 

On January 13, 2003, BBVA announced its intention to sell its Brazilian affiliate, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Brasil, S.A. (“BBV Brasil”) to Banco Bradesco, S.A. (“Bradesco”). On June 9, 2003, upon completion of due diligence, receipt of authorizations from regulatory authorities and approval by the corresponding corporate bodies, BBVA transferred 100% of BBV Brasil to Bradesco, in consideration for which Bradesco paid 35,481,460,311 of its newly-issued ordinary shares and 34,948,501,563 of its newly-issued preferred shares, totaling 4.44% of Bradesco’s share capital, as well as 1,864 million Brazilian Reais in cash, for a total consideration of approximately 2,626 million Brazilian Reais (approximately $900 million). We were required, under Spanish GAAP, to take an extraordinary charge in 2002 relating to exchange rate differences relating to our investment in BBV Brasil accumulated up to December 31, 2002. Under the transaction agreements with Bradesco, in addition to the cash consideration and equity participation described above, we have been granted the right to nominate one member of Bradesco’s board of directors so long as we maintain, subject to exceptions relating to capital increases where shareholders are not offered preemptive rights, at least a 4.0% interest in Bradesco’s share capital. We have agreed for a period of two years from the closing date or so long as we have a right to nominate one member of Bradesco’s board of directors, whichever is longer, that we will not control and/or manage a financial institution in Brazil. See Note 32.2.D.13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In March 2003, BBVA sold its 25% interest in Metrovacesa Residencial, S.A., resulting in a capital gain of €2.1 million.

 

On June 5, 2003, BBVA agreed to sell its holding in Crédit Lyonnais, S.A., to Crédit Agricole, S.A. in exchange for €482 million in cash, representing 67% of consideration, and 16.3 million shares of Crédit Agricole, S.A., representing the remaining 33% of consideration. BBVA immediately sold the Crédit Agricole shares to institutional investors at a price of €16.64 per share, for a total consideration of €271 million. As a result of this transaction, BBVA liquidated its participation in Crédit Lyonnais and recorded a capital gain of €342 million.

 

In July 2003, BBVA sold 3% of the capital stock of Gamesa, giving rise to a capital gain of €29.9 million.

 

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In the last quarter of 2003, BBVA sold 2.465% of the capital stock of Repsol-YPF, giving rise to a loss of €73.3 million.

 

In 2003, a series of purchases and sales of shares of Telefónica de España, S.A., resulting in a 0.57% net reduction of our holding, gave rise to a capital gain of €220 million.

 

In 2003, a series of purchases and sales of shares of Iberdrola, S.A., resulting in a 1.02% net reduction of our holding, gave rise to a capital gain of €45.3 million.

 

In December 2003, BBVA sold its entire 9.9% interest in the Moroccan bank Wafabank, S.A. to Omnium Nord Africain, S.A. The total sale price was 529,505,625 dirhams (approximately €48 million) and gave rise to a capital gain of €3.5 million.

 

In December 2003, Banco Sabadell, S.A. launched a tender offer for the shares of Banco Atlántico, S.A. at a price of €71.79 per share. The transaction was completed in March, 2004 and BBVA sold its entire 24.37% interest in Banco Atlántico, which gave rise to a capital gain of approximately €218 million.

 

2002

 

In the first quarter of 2002, BBVA sold 3.82% of its holding in Metrovacesa, S.A., giving rise to a capital gain of €14 million. In June 2002, BAMI, S.A. Inmobiliaria de Construcciones y Terrenos agreed to purchase BBVA’s 23.9% interest in the capital stock of Metrovacesa, S.A. for €545.4 million (€36.55 per share). This transaction closed on July 17, 2002. As a result of this sale, as of December 31, 2002, BBVA had a 0.58% interest in Metrovacesa, S.A. The transaction gave rise to a capital gain of approximately €361 million.

 

2001

 

In March 2001, BBVA sold its interest in Profuturo GNP, S.A. de C.V. Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones for $190 million.

 

B. Business Overview

 

BBVA is a highly diversified international financial group, with strengths in the traditional banking businesses of retail banking, asset management, private banking and wholesale banking. We also have a portfolio of industrial holdings in some of Spain’s leading companies.

 

Business Areas

 

Reorganization in 2003

 

In 2003, we reorganized our business areas with a view to optimizing the earnings and value-creation of each line of business and to more closely align our organizational structure with the manner in which management has been setting business strategy and monitoring our operating results. The principal features of the reorganization were the following: (i) our Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal area now includes retail banking, and asset management and private banking, (which had been included in a separate Asset Management and Private Banking business area in 2002) in Spain and Portugal, (ii) our Banking in America area now includes all of our Latin American operations, including our Mexican operations (which had been a separate business area in 2002) and asset management and private banking in Latin America (but excluding our operations in Argentina, which is a separate business area, and in Brazil, as discussed below) and (iii) as a result of our agreement to sell our entire interest in BBV Brasil in January 2003, and the closing of such sale in June 2003, our Corporate Activities and Other business area included our interest in BBV Brasil for the period January to June 2003, accounted for under the equity method, and for 2002 and 2001, accounted under full consolidation. Due to the special conditions that have affected our operations in Argentina in 2003, we have continued to provide additional disclosure on our Argentinean operations and discuss these operations as if they comprised a separate business area, “Argentina”, and not part of the business area “Banking in America”, where they were included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2001 and prior years. See “Presentation of Financial Information—Accounting Principles”.

 

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The following is a description of our business areas:

 

  Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal: formed by BBVA’s retail banking, asset management and private banking businesses in Spain and Portugal, covering the residential customer and small and medium entities (“SME”) segments in these markets. This area also includes the Finanzia / Uno-e group (which specializes in the e-banking business, consumer financing and card product distribution), BBVA Portugal, our private banking businesses (other than international private banking), and our mutual and pension fund management and insurance businesses.

 

  Wholesale and Investment Banking: includes BBVA’s business activities with large companies and institutions through national and international corporate banking and institutional banking. In addition, this business area includes our trading businesses located in Spain, Europe and New York, our equity distribution and origination business and security deposit and custody service business, as well as part of our real estate business.

 

  Banking in America: includes the operations of each of our subsidiary banks in Latin America and their investee companies, including pension management companies and insurance companies, as well as our international private banking business. As described above, this business area includes our operations in Mexico and excludes our operations in Argentina.

 

  Corporate Activities and Other: includes our holdings in large industrial corporations and in financial entities, as well as the activities and results of our support units, such as the Assets and Liabilities Management Committee (ALCO). In addition, this business area includes our other operations or activities that, by their nature, cannot be assigned to another business area, such as country risk provisions and amortization of goodwill (except for goodwill relating to the holdings owned by the Business and Real Estate Projects unit, which is included in the Wholesale and Investment Banking business area). As described above, this area included the operations of BBV Brasil, until the closing of its sale in June 2003.

 

  Argentina: includes our subsidiaries Banco Francés and Grupo Consolidar.

 

The foregoing description of our business areas is consistent with our current internal organization. The financial information for our business areas for the years 2003, 2002 and 2001 presented below has been prepared on a uniform basis to reflect the reorganization of our business areas in 2003 described above. Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information provided below for each business area does not reflect the elimination of transactions between companies within one business area or between different business areas, since we consider these transactions to be an integral part of each business area’s activities. For the presentation and discussion of our consolidated operating results in “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and elsewhere in this Annual Report, however, such intra- and inter-business area transactions are eliminated and the eliminations are generally reflected in the operating results of the Corporate Activities and Other business area.

 

The following table provides net attributable profit information for our business areas for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

     Net Attributable Profit/
(Loss)


    % of Subtotal

    % of Net Attributable
Profit/(Loss)


 
     Year ended December 31,

 

Business Area


   2003

    2002

    2001

    2003

    2002

    2001

    2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (in millions of euro)                                      

Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal

   1,239     1,266     1,173     51 %   53 %   47 %   56 %   73 %   63 %

Wholesale and Investment Banking

   468     382     531     19 %   16 %   21 %   21 %   22 %   29 %

Banking in America

   715     736     807     30 %   31 %   32 %   32 %   43 %   44 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal

   2,422     2,384     2,511     100 %   100 %   100 %   109 %   138 %   136 %
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Activities and Other

   (205 )   (656 )   (451 )                     (9 )%   (38 )%   (24 )%

Argentina

   10     (9 )   (217 )                     —       —       (12 )%
    

 

 

                   

 

 

Net attributable profit

   2,227     1,719     1,843                       100 %   100 %   100 %
    

 

 

                   

 

 

 

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Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal

 

Lending in this business area as of December 31, 2003, was approximately €91,295 million, an increase of 13.9% from €80,152 million as of December 31, 2002, principally due to growth in mortgage lending.

 

The non-performing loan (“NPL”) ratio fell to 0.88% as of December 31, 2003, from 1.00% as of December 31, 2002. The loan coverage ratio rose to 271.1% as of December 31, 2003, from 220.8% as of December 31, 2002.

 

Customer deposits and marketable debt securities, which were €51,894 million as of December 31, 2003, decreased by 1.3%, principally due to the cancellation of an agreement to manage certain government accounts in January 2003. Mutual and pension funds under management were €49,334 million as of December 31, 2003, an increase of 12.2%, due to the launch of new funds during 2003.

 

The business area’s main lines of activity focused on implementing the Financial Services Plan, including the Personal, Commercial and Special Plans described below, which are the focus of the new business model launched by BBVA at the end of 2002. Significant progress was made in 2003 in the development of the three customer approach methods devised by this business area: (i) Personal Financial Services, aimed at residential customers, (ii) Commercial Financial Services, for SMEs and businesses and (iii) Special Financial Services, which are offered through Finanzia and Uno-e Bank.

 

Personal Financial Services: focuses on retail customers and is aimed at customers getting more value out of their relationship with us by being offered a wider range of products and services at attractive prices made available through different channels, along with solutions tailored to their specific needs.

 

  As part of this strategy, 450 of our most significant branches and over 6,000 employees were reoriented toward a customer sales strategy consistent with our Personal Financial Services approach. Also in 2003, 150 of our most significant branches in Spain were physically refurbished to enhance their role as sales and customer services centers and increase the efficiency of their operations and differentiation of services based on customers requirements.

 

  Also as part of our Personal Financial Services approach, in 2003, BBVA reorganized its private banking business by integrating it into the newly restructured Asset Management and Private Banking unit of the Retail Banking Spain and Portugal business area.

 

Commercial Financial Services: focuses on professionals, businesses and SMEs and implementing business models and organizational changes channeled focused on improving BBVA’s market position and taking it closer to its customers. Specifically, progress is being made in the risk, human resources, organization, technology and systems, products and channels areas to ensure that the actions required to enable BBVA to implement its new, focused approach to the segment are performed in 2004.

 

Special Financial Services: focuses on financings related to capital goods, vehicles and consumer goods, on-line banking and remittances. A redefinition of this approach was completed after the merger of Finanzia and Uno-e in 2003.

 

The business units included in the Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal business area are:

 

  Commercial Banking in Spain

 

  Small and Medium Entities (SME) Banking

 

  Assets Management and Private Banking

 

  BBVA Portugal

 

  Special Financial Services

 

  Insurance Business in Europe

 

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Commercial Banking in Spain

 

The Commercial Banking in Spain unit makes the biggest contribution to the Retail Banking Spain and Portugal business area and accounts for 73% (80% in 2002) of the business area’s ordinary revenue, 78% (85% in 2002) of customer funds and 71% (72% in 2002) of lending. The Commercial Banking in Spain unit serves the residential, commercial and small business customer segments, providing specialist mortgage banking, personal banking and private banking, among other services.

 

In 2003, lending by the Commercial Banking in Spain unit increased significantly to €85.2 billion, an increase of 14.2% from €74.6 billion in 2002, principally due to strong growth in mortgage products. Mortgages, increased 20.2% in 2003 to €15,734 million, due to the wide range of mortgage products we offer, which include the first 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in the Spanish market, the Hipoteca Mix Dos Tramos. This product guarantees a fixed rate for the first five years and may include an interest rate cap to protect customers against severe interest rate increases.

 

Our SME financing business focused in 2003 on increasing leasing activity and, in addition, a significant effort was made to increase point-of-sales (“POS”) to generate increased fee revenue—13,250 new POS terminals (for credit card payments) were installed during the year.

 

To increase customer funds in 2003, we endeavored to increase the breadth and attractiveness of our products. One example was the Libreta Flexible, a deposit product that combines the simplicity of a traditional passbook account with guaranteed returns. As of December 31, 2003, the Libreta Flexible’s deposit balance was €2,353 million.

 

We also launched several new mutual fund products designed to provide investors with favorable returns in a rising stock market, but also afford them a level of investment protection during market declines. Two versions of our Extra 5 fund, which were launched in September, attracted more than €3.4 billion as of December 31, 2003. In 2003, we also launched a set of pension plan products under the brand name BBVA Protección. These plans are tailored to each customer’s needs and risk profile and attracted more than €800 million as of December 31, 2003.

 

By launching several innovative products, such as the Tarjeta Diez (Ten card) and the Tarjeta Infinite (Infinite card), BBVA was able to issue more than 7 million new credit cards in 2003. BBVA was also active in developing new means of payment, such as BBVA VIA T, for toll road payment, or the Mobipay service, which employs mobile telephony.

 

BBVA continued to focus on moving customers to alternative channels to accomplish their banking transactions and in 2003 the number of transactions performed at our branches decreased by approximately 20 million with 72% of such transactions being completed through alternative channels. In addition, telephone banking users increased by approximately 15% in 2003 and internet transactions increased by 29.2% to 77.5 million. BBVA was named, for the second consecutive year, the Best Consumer Internet Bank in Europe by Global Finance magazine.

 

Small and Medium Entities (SME) Banking

 

SME Banking, the second most significant unit in the Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal business area, in terms of both business volume and contribution to net attributable profit, specializes in the management of the SME segment in Spain. As of December 31, 2003, the SME Banking unit managed a loan portfolio of €20.5 billion and approximately €7 billion of customer deposits, with year-on-year growth of 14.5% and 12.2%, respectively. In addition, in 2003, our leasing, renting and confirming businesses saw year-on-year increases of 22.3%, 30.2% and 34.3%, respectively.

 

In 2003, we were the leading Spanish bank in issuing SME loans funded by the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO), a Spanish government agency, with a market share of 19.7%, according to ICO statistics.

 

Regarding customer funds managed, we launched five new mutual funds targeted at SMEs and were successful in increasing funds captured by 40.6% to €765 million as of December 31, 2003.

 

Consistent with our strategy to increase use of alternative channels and, in particular, the Internet, we launched a new product, SIETE net, which along with our prior Internet products, BBVA net c@sh and BBVA net office, had as users over 42,000 companies, which transacted collections and payments worth €58 billion through this electronic channel, in 2003.

 

Asset Management and Private Banking

 

The Asset Management and Private Banking business unit consists of eight subunits that can be grouped together, by business activity, in three blocks:

 

  Pensions, Asset Management, Global Administration and Savings Investment Services, which focus mainly on product generation;

 

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  Personal Banking and BBVA Patrimonios, which have responsibility for the highest-income customer segment and

 

  Control and Business Development, which are support subunits.

 

Total funds managed by the Asset Management and Private Banking unit as of December 31, 2003, were approximately €18 billion, an increase of 11.4% over 2002.

 

The Pension subunit’s assets under management as of December 31, 2003 were €12.2 billion, an increase of 10.7% over 2002, for more than 1,280,000 participants. More than €6.4 billion of such funds relate to individual pension plans and approximately €5.8 billion to corporate pension and similar plans.

 

With respect to private banking in Spain, the BBVA Patrimonios and Personal Banking subunits manage total funds of €12,105 million. BBVA Patrimonios focuses on high-net worth individuals (with financial assets of over €2 million) and manages funds of €6,315 million belonging to more than 1,000 customers. Personal Banking provides customized advisory services to our medium-to-high income customers. This subunit has more than 70,000 customers and total funds under management of €5,790 million as of December 31, 2003.

 

BBVA Portugal

 

In 2003, the BBVA Portugal unit’s customer loans increased by 7.6%, boosted by a 32.8% increase in mortgage lending, while the non-performing loan ratio fell to 0.65% as of December 31, 2003, from 0.91% as of December 31, 2002.

 

The BBVA Portugal unit’s funds under management increased by 3.9% in 2003 principally due to strong growth in mutual funds assets, which increased by 19.8% over 2002. In 2003, we launched three new mutual funds, including the first guaranteed fund to be marketed in Portugal, Extra 5 BBVA. Seven new types of structured deposit products were also launched in 2003.

 

Special Financial Services

 

The Special Financial Services unit is comprised of Finanzia, our on-line bank Uno-e Bank and Dinero Express. In June 2003, Uno-e Bank was acquired by the consumer finance division of our subsidiary Finanzia. As a result of this transaction, we increased our ownership in Uno-e Bank to 67%.

 

- Finanzia manages collaboration agreements with distributors, manufacturers and importers in order to finance their sales. Total net lending amounted to €2,169 million at December 31, 2003.

 

- Uno-e Bank had funds under management of €1,101 million as of December 31, 2003, principally due to growth in mutual funds assets, from €15 million to €52 million.

 

- Dinero Express provides fast remittance services for immigrants to send money from Spain to their home countries of Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Argentina, where it has more than 1,000 payment points.

 

Insurance Business in Europe

 

This unit engages in direct insurance and reinsurance and insurance broking in Spain and Portugal and markets its products mainly through BBVA’s branches. In January 2004, BBVA entered into an agreement to sell to AXA Aurora Iberica, S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros its 50% holding in Hilo Direct, S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros, although BBVA’s products will still be distributed through the BBVA network until mid 2007.

 

Wholesale and Investment Banking

 

The Wholesale and Investment Banking business area focuses on large corporate, governmental, non-governmental organizations and institutional investor clients.

 

The business units included in this business area are:

 

  Global Corporate Banking;

 

  Institutional Banking;

 

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  Global Markets and Distribution

 

  Business and Real Estate Projects and

 

  Global Transaction Services.

 

Global Corporate Banking

 

The Global Corporate Banking unit was created in 2003 to strengthen BBVA’s relationship with its large Spanish and multi-national customers and take advantage of this customer segment’s high growth potential. The Global Corporate Banking unit is further subdivided into the following four subunits to manage its corporate banking activities: Corporate Banking Iberia, Corporate Banking Europe and Asia, Corporate Banking America and Global and Investment Banking. The Global Corporate Banking unit has branches in New York, London, Paris, Milan and Hong Kong.

 

Global Corporate Banking also includes the Capital Markets subunit which handles the unit’s syndicated loan and structured finance transaction activities. In 2003, the Capital Markets subunit was particularly active in designing and structuring leveraged finance transactions and project financings. Also in 2003, the Capital Markets subunit, in conjunction with the Global Markets and Distribution unit, acted as joint book runner in more than ten public offerings of fixed-income securities, including a €5 billion offering by the Kingdom of Spain and a €1 billion offering by Repsol, S.A. The Capital Markets subunit also participated in public offerings by John Deere, Altadis, Caminhos de Ferro and Enersis and private placement offerings for Ford Motor Credit, HSH Nordbank and Dexia, as well as over 20 euro medium term note program offerings, including for Volvo, Cadbury Schweppes, Portugal Telecom, Valeo and L’Oréal, for which BBVA acted as one of the dealers.

 

Global Corporate Banking’s Corporate Finance subunit is responsible for advising on mergers and acquisitions and providing general corporate advisory services.

 

Institutional Banking

 

The Institutional Banking unit focuses on governmental and institutional clients, including the Spanish government and the governments of Spain’s autonomous communities and private organizations, associations, foundations and insurance companies. This unit has a network of 42 branches in Spain, Portugal and Belgium.

 

In 2003, the Institutional Banking unit submitted bids for over 38 public contracts offered by the Spanish government. Among the new contracts awarded to the Institutional Banking unit were management of the Spanish Ministry of Defense’s treasury and payments departments, management of the payrolls of the Spanish Ministries of Justice, Finance and Public Authorities, the National Statistics Institute (INE) and of the National Employment Institute (INEM).

 

The Institutional Banking unit operates in these markets under the BBVA brand name and through Banco de Crédito Local (BCL), a BBVA subsidiary that specializes in long-term financing. To finance its lending activities, BCL has a euro commercial paper program for up to €1.5 billion and a euro medium-term note program and a fixed-income security program for €4 billion each. In 2003, BCL carried out the first-ever issue of public covered bonds in the euro market with the sale of €1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed-income securities guaranteed by loans and credits granted by the issuer to the public sector.

 

Global Markets and Distribution

 

The Global Markets and Distribution unit focuses on a wide range of securities market-oriented activities. This business unit engages in both treasury operations on behalf of BBVA and transactions for third-parties, which, as of December 31, 2003, accounted for approximately 60% of the Global Markets and Distribution unit’s net attributable profit. In 2003, BBVA’s securities brokerage affiliate, BBVA Bolsa, S.A., was merged into the Global Markets and Distribution unit, broadening the range of products available to offer BBVA’s clients through this business unit.

 

In 2003, weak securities markets encouraged investors to purchase fixed-income and government debt securities. The Global Markets and Distribution unit also experienced strong activity in the securities lending business, foreign exchange transactions and interest rate-related products. In addition, the Global Markets and Distribution unit participates actively in the cross-selling of products and services with other BBVA business areas and units. For example, the Global Markets and Distribution unit has made fixed-income and equity security products, as well as mutual funds, available for marketing and sale through BBVA’s retail banking branch network.

 

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The Global Markets and Distribution is particularly active in a number of securities and trading markets, including the AIAF fixed-income market, the Spanish stock market, the Spanish foreign exchange market for euro/U.S. dollar transactions and the Spanish government debt securities market.

 

Business and Real Estate Projects

 

The Business and Real Estate Projects unit manages a portfolio of 127 investments with a book value as of December 31, 2003 of €992 million and unrealized gains amounting to €749 million, which is an increase of €200 million compared to total unrealized gains as of December 31, 2002. Its investment portfolio is diversified among the real estate, capital goods and services sectors.

 

Divestitures from this investment portfolio in 2003 amounted to approximately €230 million, giving rise to capital gains of €100 million. The most significant disposition related to the sale by Corporación IBV, which is 50%-owned by BBVA, of its 6% interest in the capital stock of Gamesa Corporación Tecnológica, giving rise to a capital gain of €30 million. Following this transaction, Corporación IBV’s interest in Gamesa decreased to 31.8%.

 

In 2003, the Business and Real Estate Projects unit made investments totaling €140 million in 10 real estate development projects with approximately 700,000 m2 of buildable land and sold mature real estate projects with a total of 550,000 m2 of buildable land, giving rise to capital gains of approximately €70 million. As of December 31, 2003, the Business and Real Estate Projects unit’s real estate development portfolio consisted of 2.5 million m2 of buildable land and 4,000 dwellings under management, distributed among 44 projects.

 

Global Transaction Services

 

The Global Transaction Services unit was created in 2003 to manage BBVA’s corporate and institutional transaction business, which is global in scope and offers a wide range of products and services, including domestic and international collections and payments, loans, trade bill discounting, factoring, confirming, credit cards, foreign trade, electronic banking, correspondent banking and cash pooling systems services.

 

Banking in America

 

Because political and economic conditions in Argentina in the last several years had a significant negative effect on the entire Argentinean banking sector and have consequently severely affected the operating results of our Argentinean subsidiaries during this period, during 2002 and 2003, management evaluated and managed our Argentinean operations as if they comprised a separate business area and not part of the Banking in America business area where such operations would otherwise be included. Accordingly, our Argentinean subsidiaries’ operations are discussed under the separate business area, “Argentina”, and not as part of the Banking in America business area.

 

In addition, as a result of the reorganization of our business areas in 2003, the Banking in America business area now includes our Mexican operations, which had been included in a separate business area in 2002, and excludes our Brazilian operations, which were sold in June 2003. In this Annual Report, the operating results of our Brazilian operations have been included in the Corporate Activities and Other business area. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Results of operations by business area”. Unless otherwise specified, information included below relating to macroeconomic data in the Latin American countries in which we operate, such as GDP or inflation, has been drawn from our internal statistical studies based on information published by local governmental or regulatory authorities.

 

Economic conditions in the Latin America countries in which we operate generally improved in 2003, with average growth in gross domestic product (GDP), excluding Argentina, of 1.0%, compared to 0.2% in 2002, according to our internal statistical studies. In addition, the average rate of inflation in the region declined to 6.3% in 2003, compared to 8.0% in 2002, according to our internal statistical studies. These positive macroeconomic developments, however, were offset by the sharp and widespread decrease in interest rates throughout Latin America and particularly in Mexico. In this context, BBVA sought to take advantage of rebounding economies by adapting its business strategies to the new interest rate levels, addressing each customer segment with individually tailored products and services, improving efficiency and reducing costs and intensifying overall risk management.

 

The Banking in America business area includes the banks, pension fund managers and insurance companies managed by BBVA in fourteen Latin American countries as well as our international private banking business, some of whose customers also come from this geographical area.

 

As of December 31, 2003, this business area had total assets of €73,778 million, which represented 25.7% of BBVA’s total assets, and, for the year 2003, net attributable profit of €715 million, which represented 32% of BBVA’s total net attributable profit.

 

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Our Banking in America business activities are carried out through our subsidiaries in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela, which in the aggregate had 2,950 branches in the region and 47,877 employees as of December 31, 2003.

 

Our Mexican operations form the core of our activities in Latin America and they contributed approximately two thirds of the Banking in America business area’s total assets, operating profit and pre-tax profit as of December 31, 2003. The three investment-grade countries in Latin America in which we operate, Mexico, Chile and Puerto Rico, represented approximately 80% and 70% of the Banking in America business area’s assets and net attributable profit, respectively, as of December 31, 2003.

 

The following is a description of our operations and the economic and political factors that most significantly affect such operations, on a country-by-country basis, in the Banking in America business area. The operating results described below refer to each individual unit’s contribution to the Banking in America business area’s operating results, unless otherwise stated.

 

Mexico

 

The slow recovery of the United States economy in 2003 had a negative impact on Mexico’s GDP, which grew by 1.1% in 2003, compared to 0.7% in 2002. Due to the low rate of inflation of 4.0%, market interest rates also remained very low by historical standards and decreased to 5.85% in 2003, compared to 7.11% in 2002. Low prevailing market interest rates resulted in an overall increase in lending in Mexico, though such lower rates reduced margins and therefore decreased Mexican banks’ net interest income for the year.

 

Our Mexican operations are conducted by Bancomer, which includes a commercial bank, investment bank, capital markets, insurance, pensions and other related operations. On January 30, 2004, our Board of Directors adopted a resolution to launch a tender offer for the approximated 40.6% of the shares of Bancomer which were not already owned by BBVA. The tender offer was launched on February 19, 2004 and expired on March 19, 2004. As a result of the successful completion of the tender offer and subsequent purchases amounting to 0.56% of Bancomer’s capital stock, at March 31, 2004, we owned 99.42% of Bancomer’s outstanding shares.

 

In 2003, Bancomer focused on improving productivity, reducing cost and expanding the range of products and services offered. In addition, an effort was made to decentralize many of the decisions previously made only in Bancomer’s central offices, such as relating to the approval of certain loans. Bancomer’s total lending in 2003 increased by 4.8% over 2002, which was sufficient for Bancomer to maintain its position as the Mexican market leader in lending, with a market share of 31.7% as of December 31, 2003, compared to 32.2% for 2002 (source: Sistema de Intercambio de Bancos, December 2003). The fastest growing loan category in 2003 was the consumer loan and credit card segment, which grew by 24.9% over 2002. In addition, the Creditón Nómina consumer loan was also a strong performer in 2003, increasing by approximately 40% over 2002 in terms of total credits granted.

 

Bancomer also focused on increasing the number of its credit card clients and in 2003 launched several new cards, including the Mini Bancomer card and the Cash Back card. As of December 31, 2003, Bancomer’s clients had opened up approximately 3.5 million credit card accounts, an increase of approximately 900,000 accounts over 2002. Bancomer also launched the Business Card in 2003, which is marketed to small and medium sized corporate clients and allows them to access their credit lines through the Internet, cash dispensers, point of sale terminals in commercial establishments or Bancomer branches.

 

Bancomer’s growth in lending was accompanied by its development of enhanced risk management mechanisms, such as a new system of credit scoring and fraud control, resulting in an improvement in overall loan quality. Bancomer’s NPL ratio decreased to 3.95% from 4.22% as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, respectively. As of December 31, 2003 the coverage ratio was 221.8%.

 

Bancomer is the leader in Mexico in terms of customer deposits, with a market share of 32.7%, compared to 31.8% as of December 31, 2002 (source: Sistema de Intercambio de Bancos, December 2003). To increase customer deposits, Bancomer focused on increasing the volume of lower-cost deposits, such as current accounts and savings accounts, which rose 19.5% despite the relatively low level of economic growth in Mexico. Two specific products were the focus of Bancomer’s drive to increase deposits; the Libretón, a highly successful savings product, and time deposits, which took advantage of the interest rate spread between bank promissory notes and treasury securities. Overall, customer deposits grew 13.7% in 2003, compared to 2002.

 

Bancomer had nearly 900,000 on-line banking customers who performed an average of more than 22 million transactions per month, and more than 750,000 telephone banking customers who generated more than 3.5 million calls per month in 2003. Bancomer Transfer Services (BTS) performed approximately 15 million money transfer transactions in 2003, an increase of 18.8% over 2002, in the amount of approximately US$6 billion, which was an increase of 16.8% over 2002.

 

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As of December 31, 2003, Bancomer’s pension fund affiliate, Afore BBVA Bancomer, had 4.3 million plan participants and €6,007 million in assets under management.

 

Chile

 

In 2003, the macroeconomic situation in Chile was generally favorable and the country experienced GDP growth of 3.2%, compared to 3.0% in 2002. Favorable economic growth was due in part to low inflation and interest rates, which were cut by 50 basis points during the year to 2.25% as of December 31, 2003, and an increase in the price of copper, Chile’s main export. In addition, the Chilean government signed free trade agreements with the EU, the United States and South Korea, which reflects Chile’s strong relative economic position compared to that of its Latin American neighbors.

 

For BBVA Chile, 2003 was the second year of development and implementation of the New Stage strategic plan for the 2002-2005 period. The objective of this plan is to enhance BBVA Chile’s innovation and, consequently, growth in all market segments. Part of this plan calls for BBVA Chile to develop products and services that are tailored to individual customer’s needs, such as with products like BBVA Plus, a new type of time deposit paying monthly interest, the Hipotecón, the first peso-denominated mortgage loan not linked to inflation and the Hipotecón Cien, the first mortgage loan to finance the full value of the purchased property. BBVA Chile was also the first bank in Chile to offer euro-denominated current accounts and time deposits for the corporate customer segment.

 

In 2003, BBVA Chile experienced lending growth of 15.3%, which increased BBVA Chile’s market share in lending to 7.2%, compared to 6% in 2002 (source: the Supertintendencia Bancaria as of December 31, 2003).

 

BBVA’s Chilean pension fund manager affiliate, AFP Provida, had funds under management of €12,347 million as of December 31, 2003, an increase of 16.5%, compared to 2002. Provida’s market share in pension fund management was 31.7% as of December 31, 2003, according to the Superintendencia de Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones of Chile, with approximately 3 million pension fund participants. Consistent with the trend in the overall market, the number of demands for payment against Provida increased in 2003, resulting in a significant increase in Provida’s costs. This increase in costs, however, was offset by an increase in fees collected and higher returns from funds invested.

 

Colombia

 

The Colombian economy experienced stronger than expected growth in 2003, with an increase in GDP of 3.2%, lower inflation and record low interest rates. After several years of economic crisis, in this improved economic environment Colombia’s financial system made major progress both in terms of banking income, overall business activity and credit risk quality.

 

Our Colombian affiliate, BBVA Banco Ganadero (“Banco Ganadero”) had a strong 2003, due, in part, to the success of Plan Líder, under which Banco Ganadero focused on more profitable customer segments, improved the structure of its loans and deposits, cut back on its marginal low-profit businesses and increased the rate of recovery of past-due loans during the year. In 2003, Banco Ganadero’s deposits grew 21.6%, increasing its market share by 0.48% to 7.7%, while lending also increased 10.1%, which resulted in a 0.30% increase in market share to 7.0%, in each case compared to 2002 (source: Superintendencia Bancaria of Colombia, November 2003).

 

As of December 31, 2003, BBVA’s Colombian pension fund manager affiliate, BBVA Horizonte Pensiones y Cesantías, had the third-highest market share in “compulsory pensions,” which are pensions employers are required to establish for their employees, in terms of assets under management, with an 18.9% market share, and ranked second in number of plan participants (source: Superintendencia Bancaria of Colombia, December 2003). In January 2003, a pension reform law came into effect in Colombia. Under the law, the fees that Colombian pension fund managers are permitted to charge for managing compulsory pensions dropped from 1.5% to 1% of net asset value. This decrease in fees had a corresponding negative effect on BBVA Horizonte’s net attributable profit, which fell 25.9% compared to 2002.

 

BBVA has two affiliates in Colombia operating in the insurance sector: BBVA Ganadero Vida, which, in 2003, was awarded the contract to provide disability and survival insurance policies to BBVA Horizonte’s pension plan participants, and BBVA Ganadero Seguros Generales.

 

Panama

 

Panama’s economy recovered in the second half of 2003 after slow start in the first half of the year. For the year, Panamanian GDP grew by approximately 2.7% over 2002. In this economic context, BBVA maintained lending at 2002 levels, but focused on improving its position in the retail banking sector, where it achieved lending growth of 42%, compared to 2002.

 

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BBVA operates in the Panamanian pension fund sector through its 90% interest in BBVA Horizonte and its 25% interest in Progreso, which manages SIACAP’s funds (the Government Employee Pension Capitalization and Savings System).

 

Paraguay

 

The most significant development in Paraguay’s economy in 2003 was the reduction in interest rates from 31% to 13%. As a result of this significant interest rate reduction, BBVA Paraguay focused on managing its net interest income, balancing management of its deposits with its lending policies.

 

BBVA Paraguay continued to focus on lending in the agriculture sector, which is the most significant component of Paraguay’s economy.

 

Peru

 

The Peruvian economy continued its steady growth in 2003 with GDP and inflation increasing 4.0% and 2.5%, respectively. In this economic context, our Peruvian affiliate, BBVA Banco Continental (“Banco Continental”) consolidated its position as the second-largest bank in Peru in terms of deposits and loans in 2003, with increases of 3.4% and 1.72% in market share to 23.8% and 17.6% in deposits and loans, respectively (source: Supertintendencia de Banca y Seguros of Peru, November 2003).

 

In 2003, Banco Continental was honored as the Best Bank in Peru for the second straight year by The Banker magazine, as Bank of the year in Peru by Latin Finance magazine and was ranked as the 16th best bank in Latin America by América Economía magazine.

 

BBVA operates in the Peruvian pension fund sector through AFP Horizonte, which had assets under management of €1,267 million, representing a 25.4% market share, as of December 31, 2003 (source: Supertintendencia de Banca y Seguros of Peru, December 2003).

 

Puerto Rico

 

The Puerto Rican economy, which is strongly tied to the United States economy, experienced sluggish growth in 2003, with GDP increasing only 1.6%. In addition, like in the United States, interest rates remained very low by historical standards.

 

Our Puerto Rican affiliate, BBVA Puerto Rico had a commercial network of 47 branches and 1,062 employees as of December 31, 2003. Notable developments in BBVA Puerto Rico’s operations in 2003 included a 7.1% increase in automobile financing, 19.2% increase in mortgage lending, due in part to the establishment of the BBVA Mortgage brand in 2002, and the success of the El Libretazo deposit product.

 

Uruguay

 

Uruguay experienced a financial crisis in 2002 and during the first quarter of 2003 economic instability persisted as the government negotiated with lenders regarding the terms of its foreign debt. A successful conclusion to this process in mid-2003 marked a decrease in interest rates and improvement in Uruguay’s country-risk rating. In addition, in 2003, Uruguayan international reserves and bank deposits increased compared to 2002, during which a significant reduction in capital and deposits had occurred.

 

In light of this difficult and uncertain economic climate, BBVA Uruguay refocused its strategy on higher margin sectors, such as wholesale and VIP banking. BBVA Uruguay also reduced its branch network from 17 to 8 and the number of employees by a third to 151. BBVA Uruguay also focused on overall liquidity in 2003, particularly in light of new minimum liquidity ratios required by the Uruguayan Central Bank, increasing deposits by 63.8%, compared to 2002. In an effort to increase fee revenue, BBVA Uruguay expanded the range of its products, such as the launch of Internet banking. BBVA Uruguay’s market share in lending and deposits grew in 2003 by 0.86% and 1.14% to 6.6% and 5.6%, respectively (source: Banco Central of Uruguay, September 2003).

 

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Venezuela

 

The economic recession in Venezuela that began in 2002 continued in 2003 and GDP decreased during 2003 by 9.6%. One of the significant developments in Venezuela that contributed to economic instability and the lack of growth was the control of the foreign exchange market taken by the government, which resulted in the de facto closure of Venezuelan currency markets. The government’s restrictions on the acquisition of foreign currency resulted in a very significant increase in banking deposits and a 13% reduction in interest rates. With very limited demand for credit as a result of the overall decrease in economic activity, the increased deposits were invested by Venezuelan banks in public debt securities and certificates of deposit offered by the Central Bank.

 

In this political and economic context, BBVA’s Venezuelan affiliate, Banco Provincial, focused on five principal priorities: strict monitoring and control of risk, maintaining adequate liquidity levels, investing in certificates of deposit of the Central Bank, rather than public debt securities, reducing costs and increasing customer segmentation in order to tailor products and services to individual customer needs.

 

In 2003, Banco Provincial increased customer funds by 49.4%, increasing its market share by 1.20% to 15.4%, which was second among Venezuelan banks, as of December 31, 2003 (source: Supertintendencia Bancaria of Venezuela, December 2003). Due to the absence of demand for credit, Banco Provincial’s lending decreased in 2003, but the quality of its loan portfolio increased, with the NPL ratio decreasing to 5.02% as of December 31, 2003, compared to 7.44% as of December 31, 2002, and the coverage ratio increasing to 191.7% as of December 31, 2003, compared to 132% as of December 31, 2002.

 

Other countries

 

In El Salvador, BBVA operates in the pension fund sector through two affiliates: the pension fund manager BBVA Crecer, which had €584 million of assets under management, a 47.5% market share as of November 30, 2003, according to the Supertintendencia de Administradoras de Fondos de Pensiones of El Salvador, and the life insurance company BBVA Seguros de Personas, which provides life insurance services to clients of BBVA Crecer.

 

In Bolivia, as of December 31, 2003, the pension fund manager BBVA Previsión de Bolivia had €1,227 million of assets under management.

 

In 2003, a private pension system was created in the Dominican Republic and contributions were collected for the first time beginning in June. As of December 31, 2003, BBVA Crecer, BBVA’s Dominican Republic affiliate, was ranked third in terms of number of participants. In addition, in the last quarter of 2003, AFP Provida, our Chilean pension fund administrator affiliate, acquired Porvenir, a Dominican pension fund manager, which further strengthened BBVA’s position in the Dominican Republic.

 

International Private Banking

 

The International Private Banking unit focuses on providing investment advice and asset management services to high net worth individuals through several offices in Europe and America.

 

Total funds managed by this unit amounted to approximately €13.5 billion as of December 31, 2003, which was an increase of only 1.3% compared to 2002, principally due to slow growth in customer deposits and the depreciation of the dollar against the euro. In 2003, the International Private Banking unit continued to focus on customer segmentation in order to provide more customized products and services. In addition, during the year a website was launched enabling customers to access their account information on a real-time basis.

 

Corporate Activities and Other

 

The Corporate Activities and Other business area includes BBVA’s portfolio of strategic and financial investments, the Assets and Liabilities Management Committee (ALCO) and other BBVA units that cannot be assigned to any other business area. As described above, the operating results of our Corporate Activities and Other business area included the financial results of our interest in BBV Brasil from January 1 to January 9, 2004 and reflect the elimination of intra- and inter-business area transactions.

 

Assets and Liabilities Management Committee

 

The ALCO manages interest and exchange rate risks, wholesale financing and overall supervision of BBVA’s capital adequacy requirements. ALCO’s management of exchange rate risk in 2003 was particularly important in light of BBVA’s significant investments in Latin American and the sharp movements of Latin American currencies against the euro. ALCO’s hedging policy permitted BBVA to decrease the negative effect of exchange rate depreciation on reserves by €243 million at a cost of €21 million net of taxes. In addition, ALCO’s hedging policy contributed €42 million, net of taxes, to BBVA’s income from market operations in 2003.

 

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ALCO also actively manages interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2003, BBVA’s portfolio of fixed-income assets, which is held to reduce the negative effect on BBVA’s net interest income of a fall in interest rates, amounted to €25,116 million. The portfolio generated €327 million of net interest income and €37 million of net trading income in 2003.

 

Large Industrial Corporations

 

The Large Industrial Corporations unit manages BBVA’s strategic investments in certain large industrial companies in the Spanish telecommunications and energy sectors. In 2003, this unit undertook €257 million of investments and divestments of €1,433 million, generating aggregate capital gains of €221 million. Most of the divestments in 2003 and early 2004 were intended to generate cash to finance part of the acquisition of the minority interest in Bancomer. The divestments also permitted the release of €615 million of regulatory capital. As of December 31, 2003, the market value of our large industrial corporations portfolio amounted to €4,146 million, with unrealized capital gains of €964 million.

 

Financial Holdings

 

The Financial Holdings unit manages BBVA’s financial investments. In the first half of 2003, BBVA sold its interest in Crédit Lyonnais in a tender offer by Crédit Agricole for all of Crédit Lyonnais’s outstanding shares. This transaction gave rise to a capital gain of €342 million. As a result of BBVA’s sale of its entire interest in its Brazilian affiliate, BBV Brasil, BBVA received a 4.44% interest in Bradesco, another Brazilian bank. This interest was subsequently increased to 5.0%. In March, 2004, BBVA sold its 24.4% interest in Banco Atlántico in a tender offer by Banco Sabadell for all of Banco Atlántico’s outstanding shares. The transaction gave rise to a €218 million capital gain.

 

Argentina

 

Because the political and economic conditions in Argentina in the last several years had a significant negative effect on the entire Argentinean banking sector and have consequently severely affected the operating results of our Argentinean banking, and, to a lesser extent, pension fund management operations during the period, management in 2003 and 2002 elected to separate the operating results of our Argentinean banking and pension fund management operations from the Banking in America and Asset Management and Private Banking areas, to which they were attributed in past years and manage them as part of a separate business area, Argentina.

 

Argentinean Financial Crisis

 

The government measures implemented in Argentina at the end of 2001 and during 2002 in response to the serious economic crisis afflicting the country included freezing public debt payments, ending convertibility between the Argentinean peso and US dollar, imposing cash withdrawal limits on sight and savings accounts (the corralito) and re-scheduling of term deposit maturities (the corralón). In addition, the Argentinean government decreed that dollar assets and liabilities would be converted to pesos at different exchange rates (“asymmetrical pessification”). This measure could have a severe impact on the solvency of the Argentinean banking system due to application of a lower exchange rate to certain loans converted to pesos compared with the exchange rate applied to deposits.

 

The Argentinean government issued public bonds to be used to compensate financial institutions for damage to their balance sheets caused by asymmetric pesification. Nevertheless, asymmetric pesification caused losses that were not fully offset by the government’s bond issuance programs. These losses resulted from, among other causes: (i) the difference between the free exchange rate at which foreign currency deposits were paid in performance of judicial decisions allowing depositors to withdraw their funds in excess of the amounts prescribed by law and the exchange rate at which they were converted into pesos (ARP1.40 = $1.00) and (ii) the application of a lower exchange rate to certain loans converted to pesos than to deposits.

 

Instead of alleviating banks’ liquidity situation, the corralito triggered a rush by banking customers to withdraw the maximum amount of money authorized, which caused a continual drain on deposits. The drain began to alleviate in July 2002, enabling partial release in October of term deposits to ARP7,000 (rising to ARP10,000 in some banks such as Banco Francés) and all funds in sight accounts in December 2002. Customers were also given the opportunity to exchange re-scheduled deposits for bonds, an offer taken by 22% of customers (30% for Banco Francés).

 

In 2003, macroeconomic conditions in Latin America and Argentina improved, but significant uncertainty regarding the scope and pace of the recovery remained.

 

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Measures Taken Regarding Our Investments in Argentina

 

In 2001, we took substantial provisions and write-downs totaling €1,354 million relating to our investments in, and exposure to, Argentina. This amount included provisions of €617 million relating to our entire investment in Argentina, bad debt provisions of €416 million, additional country risk provisions of €34 million, provisions of €92 million relating to the value of Argentine government bonds held by BBVA, a downward revision of €72 million related to the expected reduction in net income and reduced capital gains arising from companies we carry by the equity method and from our portfolio of financial investments and a write-down of €123 million of goodwill corresponding to our Argentine investments. In addition, in 2001 we took a charge to the reserves at consolidated companies (in retained earnings) line item in our Consolidated Balance Sheets of €683 million to account for the devaluation of the Argentine Peso from ARP1.0 per U.S.$1.00 to ARP1.7 to U.S.$1.00 (the opening rate following the closure of the Argentine foreign exchange market), as of December 31, 2001.

 

In 2002, we took an additional provision of €131 million in respect of securities issued by Banco Francés and held by us. This amount was charged to our 2002 Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

In April 2002, as a result of Banco Francés’s liquidity problems, BBVA loaned Banco Francés $79 million and made available to it credit lines of $56 million and $24 million, both of which were fully drawn down. The foregoing loan and credit lines were undertaken in order for BBVA to comply with commitments it had made in 1999 to ensure that Banco Francés continued to meet the Argentinean Central Bank’s liquidity requirements. These three transactions are secured by loans held by Banco Francés and guaranteed by the Argentinean government and by collection rights on syndicated loans and floating rate notes owned by Banco Francés.

 

In June 2002, Banco Francés agreed with the Argentinean government to increase its capital stock by $209.3 million. BBVA subscribed to Banco Francés’s capital increase in exchange for $130 million in subordinated debt of Banco Francés held by BBVA and the $79 million loan, described above, made to Banco Francés in April 2002. As a result of our additional investment, we received new shares of Banco Francés and recorded €34.7 million in goodwill in consolidation, resulting in an increase in our ownership interest in Banco Francés from 68.25% to 79.61%.

 

In May 2002, BBVA bought Banco Francés’s 60.88% interest in BBVA Uruguay for $55 million.

 

In July 2002, BBVA bought Argentinean government debt securities from Banco Francés under a repurchase agreement for €98.8 million.

 

In 2003, BBVA did not make any additional investments in, or provide any financial assistance to, its subsidiaries in Argentina.

 

As of December 31, 2003, our entire investment in and exposure to Argentina, including the investments and loans described above, were fully covered by the provisions we took in 2001 and 2002. See Note 3(o) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As of the date of filing of this Annual Report, BBVA has no further obligation to make capital available to Banco Francés to ensure that it meets its liquidity requirements or for any other reason.

 

We continue to carefully monitor the situation in Argentina and, in the event of positive improvements from the current situation, may in the future consider providing further liquidity to our Argentinean subsidiaries.

 

Evolution of Business

 

Following four years of recession, the Argentinean economy significantly improved in 2003 with an increase in GDP of approximately 8%, a reduction in inflation from 41.0% to 3.7% and an improvement in liquidity in the banking sector that led to a reduction in interest rates on 30-day deposits from 22% in April to less than 4% as of December 31, 2003. In the banking sector, overall deposits grew 19.6% compared to 2002, but loans to the private sector decreased by 11.4% as a result of continuing institutional and legal uncertainties regarding the direction of political and economic events in the country.

 

BBVA operates in Argentina through its banking affiliate, Banco Francés, and its pension fund and insurance affiliate, Grupo Consolidar. As a result of the crisis that has afflicted the Argentine banking sector in the past several years, and the resulting affect of such crisis on banks’ deposit and lending businesses, in 2003, Banco Francés’s management focused on increasing fee income. In this regard, Banco Francés sought to increase fee-generating products and services, such as regarding means of payment (particularly electronic means), insurance and credit and debit card transactions. Improving conditions in the second half of 2003 also permitted Banco Francés to modestly increase lending, focusing on very short-term financings, such as account advances, credit/debit card financings, check transfers and foreign trade transactions.

 

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The most significant factor affecting Banco Francés’s operating results in 2003 continued to be a structural mismatch in terms of interest rates—the interest rates on its assets were linked to inflation or peso/dollar conversion rates far below market rates, while interest rates payable on deposits were linked to high market interest rates and market-based peso/dollar conversion rates. Accordingly, for much of 2003 while inflation remained low and deposit interest rates high, Banco Francés experienced a substantial decrease in net interest income. This trend was partially reversed in the second half of 2003 as a result of a decrease in deposit interest rates and an increase in fee income. Banco Francés also continued cutting costs in 2003 and reduced headcount by approximately 10%, or 400 employees. Despite the reduction in costs and an increase in fee income, however, the overall reduction in net interest income resulted in an operating loss, measured in local currency, in 2003. As a result of the provisions we took in 2002 and 2001 with respect to our investments in our subsidiaries in Argentina, however, Banco Francés’s operating loss in 2003 did not affect our consolidated net attributable profit in such year.

 

BBVA’s affiliate, Consolidar Group, operates in the Argentine pension fund sector and had more than 1.5 million participants and assets under management of €2,551 million, with a market share of 20.5%, as of November 30, 2003 (source: Superintendecia Administradora de Fondos de Jubilaciones y Pensiones, November 2003). For 2003, Consolidar Group’s net attributable profit was €13 million, €4 million of which related to the pension fund business and €9 million to the insurance business.

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

The Spanish government traditionally has been closely involved with the Spanish banking system, both as a direct participant through its ownership of the ICO and as a regulator retaining an important role in the regulation and supervision of financial institutions.

 

The Bank of Spain

 

The Bank of Spain was established in 1962 as a public law entity (entidad de derecho público) that operates as Spain’s autonomous central bank. In addition, it has the ability to function as a private bank. Except in its public functions, the Bank of Spain’s relations with third parties are governed by private law and its actions are subject to the civil and business law codes and regulations.

 

Until January 1, 1999, the Bank of Spain was also the sole entity responsible for implementing Spanish monetary policy. For a description of monetary policy since the introduction of the euro, see “—Monetary Policy—General” and “—New monetary policy in the EMU”.

 

Since January 1, 1999, the Bank of Spain has performed the following basic functions attributed to the European System of Central Banks (“ESCB”):

 

  defining and implementing the ESCB’s monetary policy, with the principal aim of maintaining price stability across the euro area;

 

  conducting currency exchange operations consistent with the provisions of Article 109 of the Treaty on European Union (“EU Treaty”), and holding and managing the States’ official currency reserves;

 

  promoting the sound working of payment systems in the euro area and

 

  issuing legal tender banknotes.

 

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Recognizing the foregoing functions as a fully-fledged member of the Euroystem, the Ley de Autonomía del Banco de España (the Bank of Spain Law of Autonomy) stipulates the performance of the following functions by the Bank of Spain:

 

  holding and managing currency and precious metal reserves not transferred to the European Central Bank (“ECB”);

 

  supervising the solvency and behavior of credit institutions, other entities and financial markets, for which it has been assigned supervisory responsibility, in accordance with the provisions in force;

 

  promoting the sound working and stability of the financial system and, without prejudice to the functions of the ECB, of national payment systems;

 

  placing coins in circulation and the performance, on behalf of the State, of all such other functions entrusted to it in this connection;

 

  preparing and publishing statistics relating to its functions, and assisting the ECB in the compilation of the necessary statistical information;

 

  providing treasury services and acting as financial agent for government debt;

 

  advising the government, preparing the appropriate reports and studies; and

 

  exercising all other powers attributed to it by legislation.

 

Subject to the rules and regulations issued by the Ministry of Economy, the Bank of Spain has the following supervisory powers over Spanish banks:

 

  conducting periodic inspections of Spanish banks to evaluate a bank’s compliance with current regulations including the preparation of financial statements, account structure and credit policies;

 

  advising a bank’s board of directors and management on its dividend policy;

 

  undertaking extraordinary inspections of banks; and

 

  collaborating with other regulatory entities to impose penalties for infringement or violation of applicable regulations.

 

Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos

 

The Fondo de Garantía de Depósitos en Establecimientos Bancarios (“FGD”), which operates under the guidance of the Bank of Spain, guarantees bank deposits up to €20,000 per customer, which is the minimum insured amount for all EU member banks. Pursuant to Bank of Spain regulations, the FGD may purchase doubtful loans or may acquire, recapitalize and sell banks that are experiencing difficulties.

 

The FGD is funded by annual contributions from member banks. The rate of such contributions in 2003 was 0.06% of the year-end amount of deposits to which the guarantee extended. Nevertheless, once the capital of the FGD exceeds its requirements, the Minister of Economy may reduce the member banks’ contributions and, when the FGD’s funds exceed the capital requirements by one percent or more of the member banks’ deposits, such contributions may be suspended.

 

In order to safeguard the stability of its members, the FGD may also receive contributions from the Bank of Spain. At December 31, 2003, all of the Spanish banks belonging to BBVA were members of the FGD and thus obligated to make annual contributions to it.

 

Fondo Garantía Inversores

 

Royal Decree 948 of August 3, 2001 regulates investor guarantee schemes related to both investment firms and to credit institutions. These schemes are set up through an investment guarantee fund for securities broker and broker-dealer firms and the deposit guarantee funds already in place for credit institutions. A series of specific regulations have also been enacted, defining the system for contributing to the funds.

 

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The General Investment Guarantee Fund Management Company was created in a relatively short period of time and is a business corporation with capital in which all the fund members hold an interest. Member firms must make a joint annual contribution to the fund equal to 0.2% of their capital plus 0.01% of the securities that they hold on their client’s behalf. However, it is foreseen that these contributions may be reduced if the fund reaches a level considered to be sufficient.

 

Liquidity Ratio

 

In an effort to implement European monetary policy, effective January 1, 1999, the ECB and the national central banks of the member states of the European Monetary Union (“EMU”) adopted a regulation that requires banks to deposit an amount equal to two percent of their qualifying liabilities, as defined by the regulation, with the central bank of their home country. These deposits will earn an interest rate equal to the average interest rate of the ESCB. Qualifying liabilities for this purpose include:

 

  deposits;

 

  debt securities issued; and

 

  monetary market instruments.

 

Furthermore, the liquidity ratio is set at zero percent instead of two percent for those qualifying liabilities that have a maturity over two years and are sold under repurchase agreements.

 

Investment Ratio

 

In the past, the government used the investment ratio to allocate funds among specific sectors or investments. As part of the liberalization of the Spanish economy, it was gradually reduced to a rate of zero percent as of December 31, 1992. However, the law that established the ratio has not been abolished and the government could re-impose the ratio, subject to applicable EU requirements.

 

Capital Adequacy Requirements

 

As part of a program to modernize Spain’s banking regulations, capital adequacy requirements were revised in 1985 and, pursuant to EU directives, amended as of January 1, 1993. The capital adequacy requirements are applicable to BBVA on both a consolidated and individual basis.

 

The principal characteristics of the capital adequacy requirements pursuant to EU directives are a distinction between “core” and “complementary” capital and the adoption of a ratio of stockholders’ equity to risk-weighted assets. Core capital generally includes:

 

  voting equity;

 

  certain nonvoting equity, including certain nonvoting guaranteed preference shares of subsidiaries;

 

  most reserves and generic allowances;

 

  less participation in other financial institutions; and

 

  treasury stock and financing for the acquisition, by persons other than the issuer’s employees, of the issuer’s shares.

 

Complementary capital generally includes certain nonvoting equity, revaluation and similar reserves, and subordinated and perpetual debt. The computation of both core and complementary capital is subject to provisions limiting the type of stockholding and the level of control which these stockholdings may give a banking group. The level of non-perpetual subordinated debt taken into account for the calculation of complementary capital may not exceed 50% of core capital. The total amount of complementary capital admissible for computing total capital may not exceed the total amount of core capital.

 

The consolidated total of core and complementary capital of a banking group calculated in the manner described above may not be less than eight percent of the group’s risk-weighted assets net of specified provisions and amortizations. The calculation of total risk-weighted assets applies minimum multipliers of 0%, 20%, 50% and 100% to the group’s assets. Countries with special loan

 

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arrangements with the International Monetary Fund, which have not renegotiated their foreign debt in the five preceding years, receive a zero percent risk weight. Pursuant to Bank of Spain regulations, the following loans also receive a 0% risk weighting:

 

  credits to Spanish governmental autonomous bodies, credits to Social Security, and credits to certain Spanish governmental public entities;

 

  certain debt securities related to the securitization of the Spanish Nuclear Moratorium; and

 

  credits guaranteed by:

 

  (a) the EU and the OECD countries’ governments or central banks,

 

  (b) governments or central banks of countries with special loan agreements with the International Monetary Fund (provided such countries have not renegotiated their external debt in the five preceding years), or

 

  (c) Spanish governmental public entities. Loans to autonomous communities, the EU and the OECD regional and local governments, banks, savings banks, brokerage firms and multilateral development banks receive at least a 20% weighting. Residential mortgage loans receive at least a 50% weighting.

 

All other loans are weighted at 100%; however, such weighting may be lower if the loan is guaranteed or secured. Off-balance sheet assets are also included in the calculation of risk-weighted assets.

 

The computation of core capital is subject to reductions of capital in amounts equivalent to unrealized losses on investment securities that are not charged to income and are accounted for as assets under the caption “Asset Accrual Accounts”. See Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”), which includes the supervisory authorities of twelve major industrial countries, has adopted an international framework (the “Basel Accord”) for capital measurement and capital standards of banking institutions. The framework provides:

 

  definitions for “Tier 1” (core) capital and “Tier 2” (supplemental) capital;

 

  a system for weighting assets and off balance sheet items according to credit risk; and

 

  a requirement that banks engaged in international operations maintain Tier 1 capital of at least 4% of risk-weighted assets and “total” capital, Tier 1 capital plus up to an equal amount of Tier 2 capital, of at least 8% of risk-weighted assets.

 

Members of the Bank for International Settlements are preparing a new Basel capital accord (also known as Basel II) which, when finalized, will replace the Basel Accord.

 

As described above, the capital adequacy of Spanish banks is regulated by EU directives applicable to the Spanish banking system as well as to the banking systems of other EU member states. Certain EU member states are parties to the Basel Accord. Spain joined the Basel Accord on February 1, 2001. Each national authority that is a party to the Basel Accord has implemented it in a significantly different fashion. The capital requirements imposed by the Basel Accord are in many respects similar to those imposed by EU directives, Spanish law and the Bank of Spain.

 

Banks in EU countries are permitted to net the credit exposure arising from certain interest rate and foreign exchange-related derivative contracts (rather than include the entire notional amount of such contracts) in calculating their total risk-adjusted assets for purposes of calculating their capital adequacy ratios, provided that such derivative contracts are subject to regulatory limitations on total credit exposure and the relevant regulatory authorities approve the inclusion in risk-adjusted assets of such credit risks on a net basis.

 

Spanish banks are permitted to include the net credit exposure arising from interest rate and foreign exchange transactions related to derivative products provided the following conditions are met:

 

  all derivative related transactions between the parties form a single agreement;

 

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  the incumbent bank has submitted to the Bank of Spain two legal opinions with regard to the validity of the netting provisions; and

 

  the incumbent bank has implemented the appropriate procedures to revise the treatment of netting if there is an amendment of the regulations in force.

 

In addition, the Bank of Spain may not accept the accounting treatment of netting if the conditions set forth above are not met or if the Bank of Spain does not concur with the legality or validity of the netting provisions.

 

Concentration of Risk

 

The Bank of Spain regulates the concentration of risk. Since January 1, 1999, any exposure to a person or group exceeding 10% of a group’s or bank’s regulatory capital has been deemed a concentration. The total amount of exposure represented by all of such concentrations may not exceed 800% of regulatory capital. Exposure to a single person or group may not exceed 25% (20% in the case of an affiliate) of a bank’s or group’s regulatory capital.

 

Legal and Other Restricted Reserves

 

We are subject to the legal and other restricted reserves requirements applicable to Spanish companies. Please see “—Capital Adequacy Requirements”. See Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Allowance for Possible Loan Losses

 

For a discussion of the Bank of Spain regulations relating to allowances for possible loan losses and country risk, see “—Selected Statistical Information—Assets—Loan Loss Reserve”.

 

Regulation of the Disclosure of Fees and Interest Rates

 

Interest rates on most kinds of loans and deposits are not subject to a maximum limit. Banks must publish their preferential rates, rates applied on overdrafts, and fees and commissions charged in connection with banking transactions. Banking clients must be provided with written disclosure adequate to permit customers to ascertain transaction costs. The foregoing regulations are enforced by the Bank of Spain in response to bank client complaints.

 

Law 44/2002 concerning measures to reform the Spanish financial system contained a new rule concerning the calculation of variable interest applicable to loans and credit secured by mortgages, bails, pledges or any other equivalent guarantee.

 

Employee Pension Plans

 

Under the relevant collective labor agreements, BBVA and some of its subsidiaries provide supplemental pension payments to certain active and retired employees and their beneficiaries. These payments supplement social security benefits from the Spanish state. See Note 3.j. to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Dividends

 

If a bank meets the Bank of Spain’s minimum capital requirements described above under “—Capital Adequacy Requirements”, it may dedicate all of its net profits to the payment of dividends, although, in practice, banks consult with the Bank of Spain before declaring a dividend. We calculate that as of December 31, 2003, we had approximately €4.4 billion of unrestricted reserves in excess of applicable capital and reserve requirements available for the payment of dividends. Compliance with such requirements notwithstanding, the Bank of Spain may advise a bank against the payment of dividends on grounds of prudence. In no event may dividends be paid from non-distributable reserves. Banks which fail to comply with the capital adequacy ratio by more than 20% are required to devote all of their net profits to increasing their capital ratios. Banks which fail to meet the required ratio by 20% or less must obtain prior approval of the Bank of Spain to distribute any dividends and must devote at least 50% of net profits to increasing their capital ratios. In addition, banks, and their directors and executive officers, that do not comply with the liquidity and investment ratios and capital adequacy requirements may be subject to fines or other sanctions. Compliance with the Bank of Spain’s capital requirements is determined on both a consolidated and individual basis. BBVA’s Spanish subsidiaries are in compliance with these capital adequacy requirements on both a consolidated and individual basis. If a bank has no net profits, the board of directors may propose at the general meeting of the stockholders that a dividend be declared out of retained earnings.

 

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The Bank of Spain recommends that interim dividends not exceed an amount equal to one-half of net attributable profit from the beginning of the corresponding fiscal year. No interim dividend may be declared when a bank does not meet the minimum capital requirements and, according to the recommendations of the Bank of Spain, interim dividends may not be declared until the Bank of Spain has sufficient knowledge with respect to the year’s profits. Although banks are not legally required to seek prior approval from the Bank of Spain before declaring interim dividends, the Bank of Spain has asked that banks consult with it on a voluntary basis before declaring interim dividends.

 

Limitations on Types of Business

 

Spanish banks are subject to certain limitations on the types of businesses in which they may engage directly, but they are subject to few limitations on the types of businesses in which they may engage indirectly.

 

Mortgage Legislation

 

Spanish law limits the prepayment penalties on floating rate mortgage loans and limits the notarial costs and registration fees charged to borrowers in connection with renegotiation of mortgage terms on fixed and floating rate mortgages.

 

Mutual Fund Regulation

 

Mutual funds in Spain are regulated by the Dirección General del Tesoro y Política Financiera del Ministerio de Economía (the Ministry of the Economy) and by the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (“CNMV”). All mutual funds and mutual fund management companies are required to be registered with the CNMV. Spanish mutual funds are subject to investment limits with respect to single sectors or companies and overall portfolio diversification minimums. In addition, periodic reports including a review of the fund’s performance and any material events affecting the fund are required to be distributed to the fund’s investors and filed with the CNMV.

 

U.S. Regulation

 

Banking Regulation

 

By virtue of our branch in New York, our agency in Miami and our ownership of a commercial bank in Puerto Rico, we are subject to the International Banking Act of 1978, as amended. Our commercial bank in Puerto Rico is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which is its primary regulator. The International Banking Act imposes certain restrictions on the activities in which BBVA and its subsidiaries may engage in the United States and subjects us to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). In addition, certain of our banking activities in the United States are subject to supervision by state banking authorities. We have two securities subsidiaries operating in New York and Puerto Rico, which are regulated by the SEC and the National Association of Securities Dealers.

 

On June 12, 2000, BBVA and its Miami and New York offices entered into an agreement (the “Written Agreement”) with the Federal Reserve Board. The Written Agreement required BBVA, on behalf of its U.S. offices, to establish programs designed to identify and report known or suspected criminal activity with respect to money laundering activities and to comply with rules and regulations related to anti-money laundering compliance. BBVA responded to the Written Agreement by enhancing its U.S. internal controls through its Office of the Country Manager, implementing improved compliance policies and procedures, transferring its U.S. private banking activities from its New York branch to its Miami agency, and adopting an enhanced customer due diligence program. These remedial actions were subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the New York State Banking Department. On February 21, 2003, the Written Agreement was terminated.

 

U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

 

BBVA, as well as all other foreign private issuers with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. This Act generally prohibits such issuers and their directors, officers, employees and agents from using any means or instrumentality of U.S. interstate commerce in furtherance of any offer or payment of money to any foreign official or political party for the purpose of influencing a decision of such person in order to obtain or retain business. It also requires that the issuer maintain books and records and a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that accountability of assets is maintained and accurate financial statements can be prepared. Penalties, fines and imprisonment can be imposed for violations of such Act.

 

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Monetary Policy

 

General

 

On May 2, 1998, the EU established the bilateral conversion rates among the member countries that make up the EMU, and on December 31, 1998 the EU established the irrevocable conversion rates between the euro and each of the member countries of the EMU. The exchange rate in Spain was fixed at 166.386 pesetas per euro.

 

Monetary policy within the 12 members of the euro zone is set by the ECB. The ECB has itself set the objective of containing inflation and will adjust interest rates in line with this policy. It has further declared that it will not set an exchange rate target for new currency.

 

As of January 1, 1999, the euro became the national currency of the Spanish monetary system, replacing the peseta. However, the peseta was used as a unit of account in any judicial/legal instrument as a fraction of the euro and according to the exchange rate during the transitory period (from January 1, 1999 through December 31, 2001).

 

On January 1, 1999, the monetary system adopted the euro exclusively as a unit of account. From this date through February 28, 2002, the Bank of Spain, commercial banks, savings banks and credit co-operatives exchanged pesetas into euro free of charge but did not exchange euro into pesetas. Beginning July 1, 2002, only the Bank of Spain was able to perform this exchange, as determined by the Ministry of the Economy.

 

As of January 1, 2002, all legal instruments that were not denominated in euro during the transitory period were understood to be expressed in the euro unit of account, subject to the established conversion and rounding procedure.

 

New monetary policy in the EMU

 

The integration of Spain into the EMU on January 1, 1999 implied the yielding of monetary policy sovereignty to the ESCB. The ESCB is composed of the ECB and the national central banks of the 12 member countries that form the EMU.

 

The ESCB determines and executes the single monetary policy of the 12 member countries of the EMU. The ESCB collaborates with the central banks of member countries to take advantage of the experience of the central banks in each of its national markets. The basic tasks to be carried out by the ESCB include:

 

  defining and implementing the single monetary policy of the EU;

 

  conducting foreign exchange operations in accordance with the set exchange policy;

 

  holding and managing the official foreign reserves of the member states; and

 

  promoting the smooth operation of the payment systems.

 

In addition, the EU Treaty establishes a series of rules designed to safeguard the independence of the system, in its institutional as well as in its administrative functions.

 

Law Reforming the Spanish Financial System

 

On November 22, 2002, the Spanish government approved the Ley de Medidas de Reforma del Sistema Financiero (“Law 44/2002”), which amended, among others, the Spanish Securities Markets Act of 1988 (the “Securities Markets Act”), the Credit Entities Discipline and Intervention Law and Private Insurance law. Law 44/2002 affects the following matters: market transparency (concept of privileged information); accounting practices of companies (in particular, independence and reliability of external audits and creation of audit committees for every listed company); systems and risk coverage (promotion of the integration of various existing entry settlement systems into one); securitization (assignment of credit rights against public administration within a period before the bankruptcy of the companies, mortgage transfer certificates, territorial bonds, etc.); electronic money (definition and issuance); pre-emptive rights; collective investment schemes (merger of collective investments schemes and guarantees and security interest); venture capital (investments in its group companies, etc.); ring-fencing transactions (extending protection against bankruptcy to some special financial master transactions and OTC transactions); savings banks (legal regime of cuotas participativas, or participating shares) and other rules concerning the disciplinary regime for listed companies.

 

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New Law Reforming the Spanish Financial System

 

On June 18, 2003, the Spanish Government approved the Ley de Transparencia (“Law 26/2003”), modifying both the Spanish Securities Markets Act and Law 22/2003, to reinforce the transparency of information regarding listed Spanish companies. This law adds a new chapter, Title X, to the Securities Markets Act, which (i) requires disclosure of shareholder agreements relating to listed companies, (ii) regulates the operation of the general shareholders’ meetings and of the boards of directors of listed companies, (iii) requires the publication of an annual report of corporate governance and (iv) establishes measures designed to increase the availability of information to shareholders.

 

In addition, this law amends the Ley de Sociedades Anonimas (the “Corporate Law”), and requires: (i) offering to shareholders the possibility of exercising voting rights directly or remotely by delegation, so long as the identity of the person who exercises the vote can be properly guaranteed, (ii) an increase in the information that shareholders have the right to obtain from the company and (iii) that existing regulation of the duties and responsibilities of directors be expanded.

 

C. Organizational Structure

 

Below is a simplified organizational chart of BBVA’s significant subsidiaries as of April 30, 2004. An additional 400 companies are domiciled in the following countries: Germany, Brazil, Belgium, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, El Salvador, Spain, France, Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Morocco, Mexico, United Kingdom, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Panama, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic and Uruguay.

 

Subsidiary


   Country of
Incorporation


   Activity

   BBVA Voting
Power


   BBVA
Ownership


   Total
Assets


 
               (percent)    (in millions
of euro)
 

Administradora de Fondos Para el Retiro-Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    Financial services    100.00    97.068    514  

Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida

   Chile    Financial services    64.32    64.32    243  

Banc Internacional D’Andorra, S.A.

   Andorra    Bank    51.00    51.00    2,359  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (Portugal), S.A.

   Portugal    Bank    100.00    100.00    3,503  

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Puerto Rico, S.A.

   Puerto Rico    Bank    100.00    100.00    4,404  

Banco Continental, S.A.

   Peru    Bank    92.04    46.02    3,123  

Banco de Crédito Local, S.A.

   Spain    Bank    100.00    100.00    11,711  

Banco Provincial S.A.—Banco Universal

   Venezuela    Bank    55.60    55.60    3,004  

BBVA Chile, S.A.

   Chile    Bank    66.27    66.27    4,739  

BBVA Banco Francés, S.A.

   Argentina    Bank    79.67    79.65    3,916  

BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A.

   Colombia    Bank    95.37    95.37    2,171  

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   Mexico    Bank    99.66    99.66    4,066  

BBVA Privanza Bank (Switzerland) Ltd.

   Switzerland    Bank    100.00    100.00    636  

BBVA Privanza Bank (Jersey) Ltd.

   Channel Islands    Bank    100.00    100.00    285  

BBVA Seguros, S.A.

   Spain    Insurance    99.93    99.93    9,961 (*)

Consolidar A.F.J.P., S.A.

   Argentina    Financial services    100.00    89.03    158  

Finanzia, Banco de Credito, S.A.

   Spain    Bank    100.00    100.00    1,854  

Uno-e Bank, S.A.

   Spain    Bank    67.00    67.00    745  

* As of March 31, 2004

 

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Table of Contents

D. Property, Plants and Equipment

 

We own and rent a substantial network of properties in Spain and abroad, including 3,371 branch offices in Spain and, principally through our various affiliates, 3,553 branch offices abroad at December 31, 2003. Approximately 46% of these properties are rented in Spain from third parties pursuant to short-term leases that may be renewed by mutual agreement. The remaining properties, including most of our major branches and our headquarters, are owned by us.

 

E. Selected Statistical Information

 

The following is a presentation of selected statistical information for the periods indicated. Where required under Industry Guide 3, we have provided such selected statistical information separately for our domestic and foreign activities, pursuant to our calculation that our foreign operations are significant according to Rule 9-05 of Regulation S-X.

 

Average Balances and Rates

 

The tables below set forth selected statistical information on our average balance sheets, which are based on the beginning and month-end balances in each year. We do not believe that monthly averages present trends materially different from those that would be presented by daily averages. Interest income figures, when used, include interest income on non-accruing loans to the extent that cash payments have been received. Loan fees are included in the computation of interest revenue.

 

     Average Balance Sheet—Assets and Interest from Earning Assets

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Average
Balance


    Interest

    Average
Yield (1)


    Average
Balance


    Interest

    Average
Yield (1)


    Average
Balance


    Interest

    Average
Yield (1)


 
     (in millions of euro, except percentages)  

Assets

                                                      

Credit entities

   28,777     1,156     4.0 %   27,220     1,429     5.3 %   38,869     2,266     5.83 %

In euro

   10,479     222     2.1 %   9,511     256     2.7 %   18,947     634     3.34 %

In other currencies

   18,298     934     5.1 %   17,709     1,173     6.6 %   19,922     1,632     8.19 %

Lending

   147,915     8,015     5.4 %   148,074     10,956     7.4 %   145,288     11,945     8.22 %

In euro (5)

   114,121     5,185     4.5 %   102,907     5,489     5.3 %   93,973     5,752     6.12 %

Government and other agencies

   12,470     396     3.2 %   12,574     495     3.9 %   11,442     537     4.7 %

Commercial loans (2)

   7,363     336     4.6 %   6,851     379     5.5 %   6,441     426     6.6 %

Secured loans (3)

   48,654     2,111     4.3 %   41,862     2,146     5.1 %   36,751     2,134     5.8 %

Others (4)

   45,634     2,341     5.1 %   41,620     2,469     5.9 %   39,366     2,655     6.7 %

In other currencies (6)

   33,794     2,831     8.4 %   45,167     5,467     12.1 %   51,315     6,193     12.07 %

Secured loans

   9,547     599     6.3 %   12,974     878     6.8 %   15,200     1,166     7.7 %

Others

   24,247     2,231     9.2 %   32,193     4,589     14.3 %   36,116     5,027     13.9 %

Securities portfolio

   77,852     3,788     4.9 %   85,951     5,179     6.0 %   93,467     7,778     8.32 %

Fixed income securities

   68,172     3,324     4.9 %   75,561     4,821     6.4 %   81,820     7,283     8.91 %

In euro

   40,220     1,321     3.3 %   40,447     1,706     4.2 %   38,240     1,984     5.2 %

In other currencies

   27,952     2,002     7.2 %   35,114     3,115     8.9 %   43,580     5,299     12.16 %

Equity securities

   9,680     464     4.8 %   10,3989     358     3.4 %   11,647     495     4.25 %

Holdings of companies carried by the equity method

   6,814     319     4.7 %   7,100     244     3.4 %   8,549     379     4.44 %

Other holdings

   2,866     145     5.1 %   3,290     114     3.5 %   3,098     116     3.75 %

Other financial income

   —       43     —       —       27     —       —       114     —    

Non-earning assets

   24,701     —       —       27,468     —       —       25,038     —       —    
    

             

 

       

 

     

Total average assets

   279,245     13,002     4.7 %   288,712     17,591     6.1 %   302,662     22,103     7.31 %
    

 

       

 

       

 

     

Total euro assets/ total assets

   71.34 %   55.65 %   —       66.06 %   44.39 %   —       62.06 %   40.11 %   —    

 

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(1) Rates have been presented on a non-taxable equivalent basis.
(2) Principally short-term lending to companies and businesses.
(3) Principally mortgages loans.
(4) Principally other loans to individuals and companies and consumer loans.
(5) Amounts reflected in euro correspond to predominantly domestic activities.
(6) Amounts reflected in other currencies correspond to predominantly foreign activities.

 

     Average Balance Sheet—Liabilities and Interest paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Average
Balance


   Interest

   Average
Rate (1)


    Average
Balance


   Interest

   Average
Rate (1)


    Average
Balance


   Interest

   Average
Rate (1)


 
     (in millions of euro, except percentages)  

Liabilities

                                                

Credit entities

   55,061    1,809    3.3 %   59,940    2,720    4.5 %   68,320    3,775    5.53 %

In euro

   33,407    818    2.4 %   32,824    1,146    3.5 %   35,448    1,659    4.68 %

In other currencies

   21,654    992    4.6 %   27,116    1,574    5.8 %   32,872    2,116    6.44 %

Customer funds

   181,977    4,282    2.4 %   185,470    6,860    3.7 %   190,505    9,201    4.83 %

Customer deposits

   142,279    3,068    2.2 %   151,850    5,457    3.6 %   158,083    7,581    4.80 %

In euro (2)

   84,868    1,316    1.6 %   82,115    1,802    2.2 %   76,729    2,001    2.61 %

Government and other agencies

   3,459    57    1.6 %   5,911    168    2.8 %   6,171    200    3.6 %

Current accounts

   23,079    219    0.9 %   22,248    294    1.3 %   20,064    294    1.5 %

Savings accounts

   16,117    90    0.6 %   14,694    69    0.58 %   13,330    79    0.6 %

Time accounts

   26,757    681    2.5 %   24,670    807    3.3 %   24,496    945    3.9 %

Others

   15,456    270    1.7 %   14,592    463    3.2 %   12,632    462    3.7 %

In other currencies (3)

   57,411    1,752    3.1 %   69,735    3,655    5.2 %   81,354    5,580    6.86 %

Current accounts

   13,147    120    0.9 %   15,769    255    1.6 %   17,448    368    2.1 %

Savings accounts

   6,263    96    1.5 %   7,511    122    1.6 %   7,827    192    2.4 %

Time accounts

   32,061    1,272    4.0 %   37,841    2,314    6.1 %   50,169    3,986    7.9 %

Others

   5,939    263    4.4 %   8,615    964    11.2 %   5,909    1,035    17.5 %

Debt securities and other marketable securities

   39,698    1,214    3.1 %   33,620    1,404    4.2 %   32,422    1,620    5.00 %

In euro

   33,864    974    2.9 %   24,341    936    3.8 %   21,410    838    3.91 %

In other currencies

   5,834    241    4.1 %   9,279    468    5.0 %   11,012    782    7.10 %

 

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Table of Contents
     Average Balance Sheet—  Liabilities and Interest paid on Interest Bearing Liabilities

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Average
Balance


    Interest

    Average
Rate (1)


    Average
Balance


    Interest

    Average
Rate (1)


    Average
Balance


    Interest

    Average
Rate (1)


 
                       (in millions of euro, except percentages)                    

Other financial costs

   —       168     —       —       203     —       —       303     —    

Non-interest-bearing liabilities

   42,207     —       —       43,303     —       —       43,837     —       —    

Shareholders’ funds

   12,069     —       —       12,531     —       —       13,201     —       —    

Other funds without cost

   30,138     —       —       30,772     —       —       30,636     —       —    
    

 

       

 

       

 

     

Total average liabilities

   279,245     6,260     2.2 %   288,712     9,784     3.4 %   302,662     13,279     4.39 %
    

 

       

 

       

 

     

Total euro liabilities/total liabilities

   69.60 %   52.33 %   —       63.24 %   41.77 %   —       58.62 %   36.15 %   —    

(1) Rates have been presented on a non-taxable equivalent basis.
(2) Amounts reflected in euro correspond to predominantly domestic activities.
(3) Amounts reflected in other currencies correspond to predominantly foreign activities.

 

Changes in Net Interest Income-Volume and Rate Analysis

 

The following table allocates changes in our net interest income between changes in volume and changes in rate for 2003 compared to 2002, and 2002 compared to 2001. Volume and rate variance have been calculated based on movements in average balances over the period and changes in interest rates on average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities. The only out-of-period items and adjustments excluded from the following table are interest payments on loans which are made in a period other than the period during which they are due. Loan fees were included in the computation of interest income.

 

     2003/2002

    2002/2001

 
     Increase (Decrease) Due to
changes in


    Increase (Decrease) Due to
changes in


 
     Volume (2)

    Rate (1)(2)

    Net
Change


    Volume (2)

    Rate (1)(2)

    Net
Change


 
     (in millions of euro)  

Interest income

                                    

Credit entities

   65     (338 )   (273 )   (497 )   (339 )   (836 )

In euro

   26     (60 )   (34 )   (316 )   (62 )   (378 )

In other currencies

   39     (278 )   (239 )   (181 )   (277 )   (459 )

Lending

   (754 )   (2,187 )   (2,941 )   (186 )   (804 )   (989 )

In euro

   610     (914 )   (304 )   531     (795 )   (264 )

Government and other Agencies

   (4 )   (95 )   (99 )   53     (96 )   (43 )

Commercial Loans

   28     (71 )   (42 )   29     (77 )   (48 )

Secured loans

   348     (383 )   (35 )   297     (285 )   12  

Others

   238     (366 )   (128 )   152     (338 )   (185 )

In other currencies

   (1,365 )   (1,272 )   (2,637 )   (717 )   (9 )   (725 )

Secured Loans

   (232 )   (47 )   (279 )   (171 )   (117 )   (287 )

Other

   (1,133 )   (1,225 )   (2,358 )   (546 )   108     (438 )

Securities portfolio

   (669 )   (722 )   (1,391 )   (972 )   (1,628 )   (2,600 )

Fixed income securities

   (645 )   (852 )   (1,497 )   (915 )   (1,548 )   (2,463 )

In euro

   (10 )   (375 )   (385 )   115     (393 )   (278 )

In other currencies

   (635 )   (477 )   (1,112 )   (1,030 )   (1,155 )   (2,184 )

Equity securities

   (24 )   131     106     (57 )   (80 )   (137 )

Holdings in companies carried by the equity method

   (10 )   85     75     (64 )   (71 )   (135 )

Other holdings

   (15 )   46     31     7     (10 )   (2 )

Other assets

   (3 )   18     16     11     (98 )   (87 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   (1,361 )   (3,228 )   (4,589 )   (1,644 )   (2,869 )   (4,513 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

                                    

Credit entities

   (297 )   (614 )   (911 )   (493 )   (562 )   (1,055 )

In euro

   20     (349 )   (328 )   (123 )   (390 )   (513 )

In other currencies

   (317 )   (266 )   (583 )   (371 )   (171 )   (542 )

Customer funds

   (479 )   (2,098 )   (2,578 )   (448 )   (1,892 )   (2,341 )

Customer deposits

   (672 )   (1,717 )   (2,389 )   (440 )   (1,685 )   (2,125 )

In euro

   44     (529 )   (486 )   109     (308 )   (199 )

Government and other agencies

   (70 )   (42 )   (111 )   (9 )   (43 )   (52 )

Current accounts

   11     (86 )   (75 )   32     (32 )   0  

Savings accounts

   7     14     21     8     (19 )   (10 )

Time accounts

   68     (195 )   (126 )   7     (144 )   (137 )

Others

   27     (221 )   (194 )   72     (71 )   1  

In other currencies

   (715 )   (1,188 )   (1,903 )   (549 )   (1,376 )   (1,925 )

Current accounts

   (42 )   (93 )   (135 )   (35 )   (78 )   (113 )

Savings accounts

   (20 )   (6 )   (26 )   (8 )   (62 )   (69 )

Time accounts

   (353 )   (688 )   (1,042 )   (979 )   (692 )   (1,672 )

Others

   (299 )   (401 )   (700 )   474     (545 )   (71 )

Debt securities and other marketable securities

   192     (381 )   (189 )   (8 )   (208 )   (216 )

In euro

   366     (328 )   38     115     (16 )   98  

In other currencies

   (174 )   (54 )   (227 )   (123 )   (191 )   (314 )

Other liabilities

   (5 )   (30 )   (35 )   (4 )   (96 )   (100 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   (781 )   (2,743 )   (3,524 )   (945 )   (2,550 )   (3,496 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

   (580 )   (485 )   (1,065 )   (698 )   (319 )   (1,017 )
    

 

 

 

 

 


(1) Rates have been presented on a non-taxable equivalent basis.
(2) Variances caused by changes in both volume and rate have been allocated proportionally to volume and rate.

 

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Table of Contents

Interest Earning Assets—Margin and Spread

 

The following table analyzes the levels of our average earning assets and illustrates the comparative gross and net yields and spread obtained for each of the years indicated.

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (in millions of euro, except percentages)  

Average earning assets

   254,544     261,244     277,625  

Gross yield(1)

   5.10 %   6.73 %   7.96 %

Net yield(2)

   2.41 %   2.70 %   2.92 %

Net interest margin(3)

   2.65 %   2.99 %   3.18 %

Spread(4)

   2.90 %   3.33 %   3.57 %

(1) Gross yield represents total interest income divided by average interest earning assets.
(2) Net yield represents total interest income divided by average total assets.
(3) Net interest margin represents net interest income as percentage of average interest earning assets.
(4) Spread is the difference between gross yield and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.

 

ASSETS

 

Interest-Bearing Deposits in Other Banks

 

As of December 31, 2003, 7.06% of our assets were represented by interbank deposits. Of such interbank deposits, 63.06% were held outside of Spain and 36.94% in Spain. We believe that our deposits are generally placed with highly rated banks and have a lower risk than many loans we could make in Spain. Such deposits, however, are subject to the risk that the deposit banks may fail or the banking system of certain of the countries in which a portion of our deposits are made may face liquidity or other problems.

 

Securities Portfolio

 

As of December 31, 2003, our securities (not including investments in affiliates but including equity investments in our industrial portfolio) were carried on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at a book value of €75 billion, representing 26.1% of our assets. €18.9 billion or 28.3% of our securities consisted of Spanish Treasury bonds and Treasury bills. The average yield during 2003 on Treasury bonds and bills that BBVA held was 2.11%, compared to an average yield of approximately 5.4% earned on loans and leases during 2003. Except for Spanish government securities, we do not hold the securities of any single issuer the book value of which exceeds 10% of our stockholders’ equity. The market or appraised value of our total securities portfolio as of December 31, 2003 was €75.5 billion. See Notes 6, 9 and 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of our investments in affiliates, see Notes 11 and 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For a discussion of the manner in which we value our securities, see Notes 3.d. and 3.e. to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table analyzes the book value and market value of our ownership of government debt securities, fixed income securities and equity securities. Investments in affiliated companies consolidated under the equity method are not included in the table below.

 

     At December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Book
Value


   Market or
Appraised*


   Book
Value


   Market or
Appraised*


   Book
Value


   Market or
Appraised*


     (in millions of euro)

Government debt securities

                             

Trading securities:

                             

Spanish government securities

   5,616    5,616    7,473    7,473    2,402    2,402

Securities of, or guaranteed by, the Spanish government

   —      —      —      —      —      —  

Investment securities:

                             

Bank of Spain certificates of deposit

   —      —      —      —      —      —  

Spanish Treasury bills

   601    601    1,145    1,146    6,502    6,526

Other fixed interest securities:

                             

Securities of, or guaranteed by, the Spanish government

   12,114    12,297    9,269    9,566    8,989    9,168

Held to maturity securities

   614    652    1,881    1,983    2,272    2,382
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total government securities

   18,945    19,166    19,768    20,168    20,165    20,478
    
  
  
  
  
  

Fixed income portfolio

                             

Trading securities:

                             

Other fixed income securities

   20,015    20,015    19,697    19,697    19,249    19,249

Investment securities:

                             

Other fixed income securities listed in Spain

   3,092    3,117    3,176    3,200    3,450    3,479

U.S. Treasury securities

   12    12    26    26    1,507    1,515

Securities of other U.S. government agencies and corporations

   1,515    1,510    —      —      6    6

Securities of other foreign governments

   23,645    23,792    19,971    19,985    30,431    30,385

Other fixed interest securities listed outside of Spain

   3,586    3,596    5,163    5,210    4,949    4,929

Other fixed interest securities not listed

   560    563    578    551    1,462    1,460

Held to maturity securities

   511    543    522    562    597    648
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total fixed income

   52,936    53,148    49,133    49,231    61,651    61,671
    
  
  
  
  
  

Equity securities

                             

Trading securities:

                             

Equity securities

   2,029    2,029    932    932    1,032    1,032

Investment securities:

                             

Equity listed

   501    523    1,364    1,558    1,328    1,406

Equity unlisted

   562    645    711    643    1,314    1,375
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total equity securities

   3,092    3,196    3,007    3,133    3,674    3,813
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total securities portfolio

   74,973    75,510    71,908    72,532    85,490    85,962
    
  
  
  
  
  

* Market values for listed securities are determined on the basis of their quoted values at the end of the year. Appraised values are used for unlisted securities based on our estimate or on unaudited financial statements, when available.

 

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Table of Contents

The following table analyzes the maturities of our investment and fixed income securities by type and geographical area as of December 31, 2003.

 

    Maturing at one
Year or Less


    Maturing After
One Year to Five Years


    Maturing After
Five Years to Ten Years


    Maturing After
Ten Years


    Total

    Amount

  Yield (2)

    Amount

  Yield (2)

    Amount

  Yield (2)

    Amount

  Yield (2)

   
    (in millions of euro)

Government debt securities

                                           

Domestic:

                                           

Investment securities:

                                           

Spanish Treasury bills

  601   2.11 %   —     —       —     —       —     —       601

Other Spanish government securities

  1,067   4.77 %   9,368   4.26 %   1,396   6.15 %   283   4.64 %   12,114

Held-to-maturity portfolio

  —     —       —     —       —     —       614   6.00 %   614
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Total government debt

  1,668   3.81 %   9,368   4.26 %   1,396   6.15 %   897   5.57 %   13,329
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Fixed income portfolio

                                           

Foreign

                                           

United States:

                                           

U.S. Treasury securities and other US Government agencies

  254   0.99 %   277   1.83 %   374   2.01 %   621   2.23 %   1526

States and political subdivisions

  —     —       —     —       —     —       1   5.94 %   1

Other securities

  193   5.74 %   137   4.87 %   22   4.67 %   84   4.67 %   436
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Total United States

  447   3.04 %   414   2.84 %   396   2.16 %   706   2.53 %   1,963
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Other:

                                           

Governments

  1,996   6.91 %   12,761   5.22 %   4,682   5.12 %   4,236   5.82 %   23,645

Other securities

  803   2.17 %   1,797   4.34 %   710   4.60 %   401   4.52 %   3,711
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Total other

  2,769   5.54 %   14,558   5.11 %   5,392   5.05 %   4,637   5.71 %   27,356
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Domestic:

                                           

Other securities

  101   3.40 %   299   4.41 %   840   3.11 %   1,852   3.25 %   3,092
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

Total(1)

  3,317   4.69 %   15,271   4.74 %   6,627   4.90 %   7,195   4.76 %   32,410
   
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 

(1) Excluding held-to-maturity and trading securities.
(2) Rates have been presented on a non-taxable equivalent basis.

 

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Loan Portfolio

 

As of December 31, 2003, our total loans and leases amounted to €153.3 billion, or 53.4% of total assets. During 2003, our loans in Spain increased by 13.3% compared to 2002. Our foreign loans decreased by 12.3%, compared to 2002, as a result of the depreciation of several Latin American currencies in the countries in which we operate against the euro. In local currency terms, by contrast, there was growth in loans of 19.2% in Chile, 5.0% in Peru, 10.1% in Colombia and 7.8% in Mexico, the latter showing an acceleration in lending throughout the year with notable growth in consumer and credit card lending. Net of our loan loss reserve, loans and leases amounted to €148.8 billion. For a discussion of certain mandatory ratios relating to our loan portfolio, see “—Supervision and Regulation—Liquidity Ratio” and “—Investment Ratio”.

 

Loans by Geographic Area

 

The following table analyzes, by domicile of the customer, our net loans and leases for each of the years indicated.

 

     At December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

   1999(1)

     (in millions of euro)

Domestic

   113,485    101,013    97,910    91,403    44,334

Foreign:

                        

Western Europe

   8,082    7,261    8,241    7,172    3,700

Central and South America

   23,016    28,321    36,202    32,595    16,779

United States

   3,118    757    4,157    3,504    2,659

Other

   1,126    3,963    3,710    2,793    1,027
    
  
  
  
  

Total foreign

   35,342    40,302    52,310    46,064    24,160
    
  
  
  
  

Total net lending

   148,827    141,315    150,220    137,467    68,494
    
  
  
  
  

(1) Information for BBV.

 

Loans by Type of Customer

 

The following table analyzes by domicile and type of customer our net loans and leases for each of the years indicated. The analyses by type of customer are based principally on the requirements of the regulatory authorities in each country.

 

     At December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

   1999(1)

     (in millions of euro)

Domestic:

                        

Government

   13,403    12,562    12,196    11,154    3,156

Agriculture

   1,057    698    533    796    609

Industrial

   11,991    11,970    11,378    11,661    7,858

Real estate and construction

   14,823    13,652    12,767    13,304    6,948

Commercial and financial

   12,742    9,336    8,677    13,784    8,345

Loans to individuals

   44,160    38,515    36,105    33,383    13,469

 

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     At December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2000

    1999(1)

 
     (in millions of euro)  

Lease financing

   4,160     3,217     2,685     2,156     1,583  

Other

   13,333     12,923     10,900     3,153     1,587  
    

 

 

 

 

Total domestic

   115,669     102,873     95,241     89,391     43,555  

Foreign

   37,602     43,540     60,907     53,380     27,049  
    

 

 

 

 

Total loans and leases

   153,271     146,413     156,148     142,771     70,604  

Loan loss reserve

   (4,444 )   (5,098 )   (5,928 )   (5,304 )   (2,110 )
    

 

 

 

 

Total net lending

   148,827     141,315     150,220     137,467     68,494  
    

 

 

 

 


(1) Information for BBV.

 

The following table sets forth a breakdown, by currency, of our net loan portfolio for each of the past five years.

 

     At December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

   2000

   1999(1)

     (in millions of euro)

In euro

   120,152    106,590    98,982    91,469    44,461

In other currencies

   28,675    34,725    51,238    45,998    24,033
    
  
  
  
  

Total

   148,827    141,315    150,220    137,467    68,494
    
  
  
  
  

(1) Information for BBV.

 

As of December 31, 2003, loans by BBVA and its subsidiaries to companies we are required to account for by the equity method (for listed companies, if we own over 3% of their voting equity securities, and for non-listed companies, over 20%) amounted to €3.6 billion. Loans outstanding to the Spanish government and its agencies amounted to €13.4 billion, or 8.7% of our total loans and leases as of December 31, 2003, compared to €12.6 billion, or 8.6% of our total loans and leases as of December 31, 2002. None of our loans to companies controlled by the Spanish government are guaranteed by the government and, accordingly, we apply normal credit criteria in extending credit to such entities. Moreover, we carefully monitor such loans because governmental policies necessarily affect such borrowers.

 

Diversification in our loan portfolio is our principal means of reducing the risk of loan losses. We also carefully monitor our loans to borrowers in sectors or countries experiencing liquidity problems. Our exposure to our four largest borrowers as of December 31, 2003, excluding government-related loans, amounted to €13.1 billion, or approximately 8.6% of our total outstanding loans and leases.

 

Maturity and Interest Sensitivity

 

The following table sets forth an analysis by maturity of our total loans and leases by domicile of the office that issued the loan and type of customer as of December 31, 2003. The determination of maturities is based on contract terms.

 

     Maturity

   Total

    

Due in

One Year
or Less


  

Due After

One Year

Through
Five Years


   Due After
Five Years


  
     (in millions of euro)

Domestic:

                   

Government

   4,866    3,825    4,712    13,403

Agriculture

   442    383    232    1,057

Industrial

   9,590    1,643    758    11,991

Real estate and construction

   6,105    3,400    5,318    14,823

Commercial and financial

   9,085    1,810    1,847    12,742

Loans to individuals

   6,378    11,574    26,208    44,160

Lease financing

   193    2,639    1,328    4,160

Other

   8,677    2,374    2,282    13,333
    
  
  
  

Total domestic

   45,336    27,648    42,685    115,669

Foreign

   17,747    10,227    9,628    37,602
    
  
  
  

Total loans and leases

   63,083    37,875    52,313    153,271
    
  
  
  

 

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The following table sets forth a breakdown of our fixed and variable rate loans which had a maturity of one year or more as of December 31, 2003.

 

     Interest Sensitivity of
Outstanding Loans and Leases
Maturing in More Than One
Year


     Domestic

   Foreign

   Total

     (in millions of euro)

Fixed rate

   21,465    10,731    32,196

Variable rate

   45,262    12,730    57,992
    
  
  

Total

   66,727    23,461    90,188
    
  
  

 

Loan Loss Reserve

 

Our loan loss reserve is intended to cover losses in connection with substandard loans (including risks and other losses relating to certain performing loans and operations). The loan loss reserve is based on our estimates which we make in accordance with Bank of Spain requirements. Our actual losses relating to loans we have issued may vary from our estimates, which are reviewed on a periodic basis. As changes become necessary, we adjust the level of the loan loss reserve, and appropriate provisions are taken in the period in which the necessity to make such adjustment becomes known. We do not expect to use all specific reserves to cover losses on loans with respect to which such reserves have been established. For both Spanish and foreign borrowers, we estimate the loan loss reserve based on an individual analysis of the quality of the exposure to principal borrowers and debtors and on a statistical basis for remaining lending risks. Country risk, as described under “—Foreign Country Outstandings”, is based on an individual country’s degree of difficulty in servicing its debts, which we estimate based on Bank of Spain guidelines. In accordance with current Bank of Spain regulations, the reserve for doubtful guarantees, acceptances and letters of credit is recorded under “—Other Liabilities—Other accounts”. See Notes 3.c. and 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Bank of Spain regulations applicable to Spanish banks require that loans on which any payment of principal or interest is 90 days past due must be classified as substandard to the extent described herein (“non-performing substandard loans”) and, so long as they are reflected on the balance sheet, must, except as described in the next paragraph regarding non-performing substandard loans which are fully-secured mortgage loans, be reserved as set forth in the following table. Until the amount of principal and interest past due on a non-performing substandard loan is more than 25% of the outstanding balance of the loan or a payment of principal or interest on such loan is at least six months overdue for consumer loans or 12 months for other loans, the reserve set forth in both of the tables set forth below is a percentage of past due payments of principal and interest to the extent accrued at the time that the loan becomes substandard and with respect to such loans, only such payments and not the entire loan (as in the case of a U.S. bank holding company) are treated as substandard in accordance with Bank of Spain regulations. When the amount of principal and interest past due on a non-performing substandard loan is greater than 25% of the outstanding balance of the loan, or when any payment on such loan is

 

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6 or 12 months overdue (depending on the type of loan), the reserve indicated in both of the tables set forth below is a percentage of the entire amount of the outstanding balance of the loan, and, in accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, the entire principal amount of the loan becomes substandard and is so treated for the purposes of disclosure in this Annual Report.

 

Period overdue


   Reserve

 

3-6 months

   10 %

6-12 months

   25 %

12-18 months

   50 %

18-21 months

   75 %

More than 21 months

   100 %

 

Non-performing substandard loans (including leasing agreements) that are considered fully-secured mortgage loans, however, are reserved according to the table set forth below. To be classified as a “fully-secured mortgage loan”, a loan must meet three criteria. First, it must be secured by a mortgage on residential, commercial or mixed-use property or properties or certain rural property or properties. Second, the mortgage must have been placed on the property at the time the loan was originated. Third, total risk exposure must not be greater than 80% of the appraised value of the property (using the original appraised value, if the borrower cannot provide a more current value).

 

Compliance with these conditions is determined as of the time the loan first becomes a non-performing substandard loan.

 

Period overdue


   Reserve

 

3-4 years

   25 %

4-5 years

   50 %

5-6 years

   75 %

More than 6 years

   100 %

 

The foregoing requirements apply to reserves with respect to a single loan to a borrower. In some cases, reserves may be required for all loans to a borrower. If the amount of principal and interest past due on non-performing substandard loans to a borrower, whether regarding fully-secured mortgage loans or otherwise, exceeds 25% of the outstanding balance of all of a Spanish bank’s loans to such borrower, then all of the bank’s loans to such borrower, even if otherwise performing, must be declared substandard, and, except in the case of any loan on which no payment of principal or interest is overdue, reserved for as set forth in the preceding two tables. Once a non-performing loan has been declared substandard, application of Bank of Spain requirements generally results in a higher reserve with respect to such loan than would be required by our estimates, which are made independently of such requirements.

 

If a bank, for reasons relating to the financial condition of the borrower, has a reasonable doubt that a loan will be collected (or if a loan is as described in the third sentence of this paragraph), such loan (an “other substandard loan”) must be classified as substandard, even if payments are past due for less than 90 days or the loan is otherwise performing. We are required to take a provision regarding other substandard loans equal to the percentage of the loan as to which, in our estimate, there is a reasonable doubt as to collectibility, which amount must be at least 10% of the outstanding balance of the loan. If the loan is to a borrower who is experiencing negative net worth, continuing losses, suspension of payments or a general delay in payments, the minimum reserve is 25% of the outstanding balance of the loan.

 

None of the foregoing Bank of Spain requirements as to reserves applies to any loan, even if classified as substandard, to the extent that such loan is:

 

  collateralized by cash;

 

  guaranteed by companies directly or indirectly majority-owned by the Spanish government whose principal activity is to provide guarantees;

 

  to or guaranteed by a European Union country (other than the Spanish government);

 

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  to or guaranteed by the Spanish government (including any subdivision thereof, such as autonomous communities, provinces and municipalities) or any instrumentality thereof;

 

  guaranteed by a pledge on a money market investment mutual fund, provided that the total risk exposure is equal to or lower than 90% of the redemption value of the money market investment mutual fund or

 

  guaranteed by a pledge on fixed-income securities issued by the Spanish government or any subdivision thereof, or issued by specified credit entities, provided that the total risk exposure is equal to or lower than 90% of the market value of the securities received as guarantee.

 

In accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, an additional general purpose reserve, representing 1% of the sum of loans, discounts, fixed-income securities (except trading securities), contingent liabilities and certain doubtful assets (other than substandard loans exempted from provisioning as described in the foregoing paragraph), is set aside to cover risks which are not specifically identified but which may arise in the future. This general purpose reserve is limited to 0.5% for fully-secured mortgage loans.

 

A regulatory change by the Bank of Spain that entered into effect on July 1, 2000 requires the establishment of a supplementary general allowance for credit losses based either on a bank’s internal models of risk coefficients or, as in the case of BBVA, on risk coefficients set by the Bank of Spain which range from 0% to 1.5%. Provisions to this supplemental allowance are made quarterly and the allowance may not exceed three times risk weighted assets. The amount we contributed to such provision in 2003 was €328 million (€232 million in 2002, €251 million in 2001).

 

Spanish banks, consistent with Bank of Spain guidelines, generally charge off immediately only those loans which they believe will not be repaid at any time or which are outstanding to countries that are considered “bankrupt” under Bank of Spain guidelines. Under those guidelines, a provision for the full amount of such a substandard loan must be made within 18 months after such classification, or six years in the case of fully-secured mortgage loans. Substandard loans may be held on the bank’s balance sheets up to a maximum of three years, or six years in the case of fully-secured mortgage loans, after such classification.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses

 

Pursuant to Bank of Spain regulations, once any portion of a loan is classified as non-performing, a specific loan loss allowance is required to be established, with scheduled increases to the allowance based on a calendar of the time elapsed since the first event of nonpayment or for which collection is considered to be doubtful. Based on management’s assessment, banks may elect to record allowances in excess of this minimum requirement. The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses based upon the following factors:

 

  Economic conditions, including duration of the current cycle;

 

  Past experience, including recent loss experience;

 

  Credit rating assigned to each credit and credit quality trends;

 

  Specific credits and industry conditions;

 

  Collateral values or

 

  Geopolitical issues and their impact on the economy.

 

The following table provides information, by domicile of customer, regarding our loan loss reserve and movements of loan charge-offs and recoveries for the periods indicated.

 

     At December 31,

     2002

   2001

   2000

   1999(1)

     (in millions of euro, except percentages)

Loan loss reserve at beginning of period:

                   

Domestic

   1,375    1,222    698    731

Foreign

   4,945    6,933    1,578    1,438

Merger with Argentaria:

                   

Domestic

   0    0    356    0

Foreign

   0    0    419    0

 

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Table of Contents
     At December 31,

 
     2002

    2001

    2000

    1999(1)

 
     (in millions of euro, except percentages)  

Acquisition and disposition of subsidiaries

   (2 )   12     5,396     8  

of which due to Bancomer (*)

               5,251        

Total

   6,318     8,167     8,447     2,177  

Loans written off:

                        

Domestic

   (337 )   (409 )   (337 )   (192 )

Foreign

   (1,205 )   (4,929 )   (1,359 )   (740 )

of which due to FOBAPROA (**)

         (3,259 )            

Total

   (1,542 )   (5,338 )   (1,696 )   (932 )

Recoveries of loans previously written off:

                        

Domestic

   112     124     130     72  

Foreign

   96     164     143     105  

Total

   208     288     273     177  

Net loans written off

   (1,334 )   (5,050 )   (1,423 )   (755 )

Provision for possible loan losses:

                        

Domestic

   504     464     350     100  

Foreign

   1,238     1,455     623     595  

Total

   1,742     1,919     973     695  

Effect of foreign currency translation

   (1,441 )   715     102     165  

Other

   61     569     56     (5 )

Total

   362     3.203     1.131     855  

Loan loss reserve at end of period:

                        

Domestic

   1,599     1,375     1,222     699  

Foreign

   3,747     4,945     6,933     1,578  

Total

   5,346     6,320     8,155     2,277  

(1) Information from BBV’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for 1999.
(*) Due to the purchase of our interest in Bancomer in July 2000. See explanation below.
(**) Due to accounting adjustments relating to FOBAPROA promissory notes. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. See also the explanation below.

 

Purchase of Bancomer; FOBAPROA Adjustments

 

Bancomer Purchase

 

As a result of BBVA’s acquisition of a significant interest in Bancomer in July, 2000, Bancomer was consolidated in BBVA’s 2000 Consolidated Financial Statements. Of the €5,396 million in loan loss reserve reflected in the foregoing table as arising from the Bancomer acquisition, €5,251 million was the amount that had been included by Bancomer on its consolidated balance sheets under the Allowance for Loan Losses caption as of June 30, 2000. Following the Bancomer acquisition, the allowance for loan losses recorded by Bancomer was not adjusted under Spanish GAAP and when included in BBVA’s Consolidated Financial Statements, this balance was combined with BBVA’s existing allowance for loan losses in the same manner as all of Bancomer’s other balance sheet line items were combined with those of BBVA.

 

FOBAPROA adjustments

 

The foregoing table indicates that a €3,259 million charge off of loans in 2002 related to FOBAPROA promissory notes. Of this balance, €2,690 million related to a reduction to the provision for possible loan losses and the remaining €569 million related to other items which increased the provision for possible loan losses. As explained in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, BBVA’s ownership of the FOBAPROA promissory notes, which were held by Bancomer, arose in connection with measures taken by the Mexican Government during the Mexican economic crisis in 1994 and 1995. Under these measures, Mexican banks, including Bancomer, were allowed to transfer to the Mexican government the right to collect on a portion of their loan portfolio that was experiencing payment difficulties. In exchange, the Mexican government issued to such banks FOBAPROA promissory notes, guaranteed in part by the Mexican government, in an amount equal to the book value (net of provisions) of the loans transferred. The banks, however, remained responsible for 25% of the losses arising from the difference between the amount of the FOBAPROA promissory notes at the time exchanged, plus the accumulated accrued interest on such promissory notes, and the amount the Mexican government was able to recover on the loans transferred to it.

 

Since the Mexican government only guaranteed up to 75% of the FOBAPROA promissory notes, in 2001 BBVA concluded that the amount not guaranteed by the Mexican government was not collectible. Under Spanish GAAP, this 25% was considered a loss and was written off, with a reduction of assets and of the Allowance for Loan Losses on BBVA’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

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The following table provides information, by domicile of customer, regarding our loan loss reserve and movements of loan charge-offs and recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2003.

 

     At December 31,
2003


 
     (in millions
of euro, except
percentages)
 

Loan loss reserve at beginning of period:

      

Domestic

   1,599  

Foreign

   3,747  

Total

   5,346  
    

Loans charged off:

      

Domestic

      

Government and other Agencies

   —    

Real estate and loans to individuals

   (186 )

Commercial and financial

   (106 )

Other

   —    

Total domestic

   (292 )

Foreign

   (931 )
    

Total

   (1,223 )
    

Recoveries of loans previously charged off:

      

Domestic

      

Government and other Agencies

   —    

Real estate and loans to individuals

   84  

Commercial and financial

   19  

Other

   2  

Total domestic

   105  

Foreign

   122  
    

Total

   227  
    

Net loans charged off

   (996 )

Provision for possible loan losses:

      

Domestic

   468  

Foreign

   809  

Total

   1,277  

Acquisition and disposition of subsidiaries

   (75 )

Effect of foreign currency translation

   (711 )

Other

   (104 )
    

Total

   387  
    

Loan loss reserve at end of period:

      

Domestic

   1,832  

Foreign

   2,905  
    

Total

   4,737  
    

Reserve as a percentage of total loans and leases at end of period

   3.09 %

Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of total loans and leases at end of period

   0.65 %

 

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Our loan loss reserves as a percentage of total loans and leases declined from 3.65% as of December 31, 2002, to 3.09% as of December 31, 2003, principally due to the significant negative effect of foreign currency translation which resulted in a decrease of €711 million in the value in euro of our loan loss reserves as of December 31, 2003. This decrease was primarily caused by the devaluation of currencies in Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Peru, which caused in the loan loss reserves of our banks in these countries to decline significantly when converted to euro in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

We do not maintain records allocating the amount of charge-offs and the amount of recoveries by loan category. See “—Substandard Loans” for information as to the breakdown as of December 31, 2003 by loan category of substandard loans. Also, at the time that a loan is charged off in accordance with Bank of Spain guidelines, it will normally be substantially or fully reserved and, accordingly, such charge-off would have a very limited effect on our net attributable profit or shareholders’ equity. Accordingly, we believe that information relating to domestic reserves and charge-offs by loan category is of less relevance than would be the case for a U.S. bank.

 

Substandard Loans

 

We classify loans as substandard according to the regulations of the Bank of Spain (see “—Assets—Loan Loss Reserve”), and not in the manner required by the SEC. In addition, consistent with Bank of Spain regulations, all loans that are 90 days past due, even if well-collateralized and in the process of being collected, are automatically considered non-accrual if they are classified as substandard. As of December 31, 2003, all country risk loans, which are loans that are required to be classified as substandard, even if paying, due to Bank of Spain regulations corresponding to the country of origin of the loans, included in the following table were non-accruing.

 

Interest on all of our substandard non-accrual loans is not credited to income until actually collected. The amount of gross interest income that would have been recorded regarding our substandard loans as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was €1,625.8 million, €869.0 million and €766.8 million, respectively. The approximate amount of interest income on our substandard loans which was included in net attributable profit as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was €325.7 million, €127.0 million and €357.4 million, respectively.

 

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     At December 31

 
     2002

    2001

    2000

    1999(1)

 
     (in millions of euro, except percentages)  
Substandard loans:                         

Non-performing loans

   3,474     2,737     2,854     1,359  

Public sector

   508     41     61     6  

Other resident sectors

   771     786     805     427  

Non-resident sector

                        

Country risk

   196     27     6     1  

Other

   1,999     1,883     1,982     925  

Other non-performing loans

   57     6     8     6  

Resident sector

   —       —       —       4  

Non-resident sector

   57     6     8     2  
    

 

 

 

Total substandard loans    3,531     2,743     2,862     1,365  
    

 

 

 

Credit loan loss reserve

   5,098     5,928     5,304     2,110  

Other loan loss reserve—Fixed income portfolio

   125     253     2,705 *   37  

Credit entities

   123     139     146     130  
    

 

 

 

Total loan loss reserve    5,346     6,320     8,155     2,277  
    

 

 

 

Substandard loans net of reserves

   (1,815 )   (3,577 )   (5,293 )   (912 )

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans and leases

   2.37 %   1.75 %   2.00 %   1.93 %

Non performing loans (net of reserves) as a percentage of total loans

   (1.11 )%   (2.04 )%   (1.71 )%   (1.06 )%

Loan loss reserve as a percentage of substandard loans

   151.42 %   230.40 %   284.94 %   166.81 %

(*) Due to the consolidation of Bancomer.
(1) Information for BBV.

 

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At December 31,

2003


 
    

(in millions

of euro, except

percentages)

 
Substandard loans:       

Non-performing loans

   2,673  

Domestic

   859  

Public sector

   99  

Other resident sectors

   733  

Non-resident sector

   27  

Country risk

   6  

Other

   21  

Foreign

   1,813  

Public sector

   436  

Other resident sectors

   —    

Non-resident sector

   1,377  

Country risk

   6  

Other

   1,371  

Other non-performing loans

   454  

Domestic

   17  

Resident sector

   —    

Non-resident sector

   17  
    

Foreign

   437  
    

Resident sector

   —    
    

Non-resident sector

   437  
    

Total substandard loans    3,126  
    

Credit loan loss reserve

   4,444  

Other loan loss reserve—Fixed income portfolio

   121  

Credit entities

   171  
    

Total loan loss reserve    4,736  
    

Substandard loans net of reserves

   (1,609 )

Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans and leases

   1.74  %

Non-performing loans (net of reserves) as a percentage of total loans

   (1.16 )%

Loan loss reserve as a percentage of substandard loans

   151.5 %

 

Our total substandard loans amounted to €3,126 million as of December 31, 2003, compared to €3,531 million as of December 31, 2002, principally due to the higher level of substandard loans recorded in 2002 primarily as a result of a decline in the Bank of Spain’s country risk classification of Argentina, which under Spanish GAAP required us to record a higher percentage of Argentine loans as non-performing regardless of the actual payment history of such loans. As a result of the decrease in loan loss reserves described above under “—Loan Loss Reserve” and the larger decrease in total substandard loans described above, our substandard loans as a percentage of total loans decreased from 2.41% to 2.04% and our loan loss reserves as a percentage of substandard loans increased from 151.42% to 152.26%, in each case as of December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

 

We experience higher substandard loans in our Latin American operations, as a percentage of total loans, than in our domestic Spanish operations and actively monitor the higher risk profile of the loan portfolios of our Latin American banks.

 

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As of December 31, 2003, we do not believe that there is a material amount of loans not included in the foregoing table where known information about possible credit problems of the borrowers gives rise to serious doubts as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the currently applicable loan repayment terms.

 

The following table provides information, by domicile and type of customer, regarding our substandard loans and the loan loss reserves taken for each substandard loan category, as of December 31, 2003.

 

     Substandard
Loans


   Loan
Loss
Reserve


   Substandard
Loans as a
percentage
of Loans in
Category


     (in millions of euro)     

Domestic:

              

Government

   69.1    —      0.51

Agricultural

   10.3    6.4    0.95

Industrial

   94.4    62.0    0.78

Real estate and construction

   128.0    64.6    0.86

Commercial and financial

   109.2    60.9    0.85

Loans to individuals

   355.8    184.7    0.81

Other

   109.3    39.8    0.21
    
  
  

Total domestic

   876.1    418.4    0.69

Foreign:

              

Country risk

   639.6    609.2    —  

Other

   1,610.6    1,577.9    —  
    
  
  

Total foreign

   2,250.2    2,187.1    6.18

General reserve

   —      2,130.3    —  
    
  
  

Total substandard loans

   3,126.3    4,735.8    2.1
    
  
  

 

Foreign Country Outstandings

 

The following table sets forth, as of the end of the years indicated, the aggregate amounts of our cross-border outstandings (which consist of loans, interest-bearing deposits with other banks, acceptances and other monetary assets denominated in a currency other than the home-country currency of the office where the item is booked) where outstandings in the borrower’s country exceeded 0.75% of our total assets. Cross-border outstandings do not include loans in local currency made by our subsidiary banks to customers in other countries to the extent that such loans are funded in the local currency or hedged. As a result, they do not include the vast majority of the loans made by our Latin American subsidiaries.

 

     At December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Amount

  

% of

Total Assets


    Amount

  

% of

Total Assets


    Amount

  

% of

Total Assets


 
     (in millions of euro, except percentages)  

O.E.C.D.

                                 

United Kingdom

   3,532    1.23 %   1,185    0.41 %   1,756    0.57 %

Mexico

   6,682    2.33 %   5,389    1.93 %   7,370    2.38 %

Other O.E.C.D.

   4,335    1.51 %   5,115    1.83 %   4,590    1.49 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Total O.E.C.D.

   14,549    5.07 %   11,689    4.18 %   13,716    4.44 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Central and South America

   3,595    1.25 %   4,473    1.60 %   6,671    2.16 %

Other

   1,265    0.44 %   1,312    0.47 %   1,401    0.45 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

Total

   19,409    6.76 %   17,474    6.25 %   21,788    7.05 %
    
  

 
  

 
  

 

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Table of Contents

The following table sets forth the amounts of our cross-border outstandings as of December 31 of each year indicated by type of borrower where outstandings in the borrower’s country exceeded 0.75% of our total assets.

 

     Governments

  

Banks and

Other

Financial

Institutions


  

Commercial,

Industrial

and Other


   Total

     (in millions of euro)

2003

                   

Mexico

   3,662    702    2,318    6,682

United Kingdom

   —      2,426    1,106    3,532

Total

   3,662    3,128    3,424    10,214

2002

                   

Mexico

   1,441    811    3,137    5,389

United Kingdom

   —      628    557    1,185

Total

   1,441    1,439    3,694    6,574

2001

                   

Mexico

   1,656    1,239    4,475    7,370

United Kingdom

   —      867    889    1,756

Total

   1,656    2,106    5,364    9,126

 

The Bank of Spain requires that minimum reserves be maintained for cross-border risk arising with respect to loans and other outstandings to countries, or residents of countries, falling into certain categories established by the Bank of Spain on the basis of the level of perceived transfer risk. The category that a country falls into is determined by us, subject to review by the Bank of Spain.

 

The following table shows the minimum required reserves with respect to each category of country. For BBVA’s level of coverage as of December 31, 2003, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Categories(1)


   Minimum Percentage of
Coverage (Outstandings
Within Category)


Countries belonging to the OECD whose currencies are quoted in the Spanish foreign exchange market

   0.0

Countries with transitory difficulties(2)

   15.0

Doubtful countries(2)

   20.0–35.0

Very doubtful countries(2)(3)

   50.0–90.0

Bankrupt countries(4)

   100.0

(1) Any outstanding which is guaranteed may be treated, for the purposes of the foregoing, as if it were an obligation of the guarantor.
(2) Coverage for the aggregate of these three categories must equal at least 35% of outstanding loans within the three categories. The Bank of Spain has recommended up to 50% aggregate coverage.
(3) Outstandings to very doubtful countries are treated as substandard under Bank of Spain regulations.
(4) Outstandings to bankrupt countries must be charged off immediately. As a result, no such outstandings are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Notwithstanding the foregoing minimum required reserves, certain interbank outstandings with an original maturity of three months or less have minimum required reserves of 50%. We met or exceeded the minimum percentage of required coverage with respect to each of the foregoing categories.

 

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Our exposure to borrowers in countries with difficulties (the last 4 categories in the foregoing table), excluding our exposure to subsidiaries or companies we manage and trade-related debt, amounted to €1,405 million as of December 31, 2001, €1,047 million as of December 31, 2002 and €927 million as of December 31, 2003. These figures do not reflect loan loss reserves of 35.2%, 46.1% and 66.2%, respectively, against the relevant amounts outstanding at such dates. Deposits with or loans to borrowers in all such countries as of December 31, 2003 did not in the aggregate exceed 0.45% of our total assets.

 

The country-risk exposures described in the preceding paragraph as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, do not include exposures for which insurance policies have been taken out with third parties that include coverage of the risk of confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, nontransfer, nonconvertibility and, if appropriate, war and political violence. The sums insured as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, amounted to $466 million and $584.5 million, respectively (approximately €369 million and €557.3 million, respectively based on a euro/dollar exchange rate on December 31, 2003 of $1.00 = €0.79 and on December 31, 2002 of $1.00 = €0.95).

 

LIABILITIES

 

Deposits

 

The principal components of our customer deposits are domestic demand and savings deposits and foreign time deposits. The following tables provide information regarding our deposits by principal geographic area for the dates indicated.

 

     At December 31, 2003

     Customer
Deposits


   Bank of Spain and
Other Central
Banks


   Other
Credit
Institutions


   Total

     (in millions of euro)

Domestic

   74,032    18,374    14,863    107,269

Foreign:

                   

Western Europe

   10,914    —      11,078    21,992

Latin America

   44,674    2,550    9,175    56,399

United States

   3,381    —      1,687    5,068

Other

   8,048    —      3,842    11,890
    
  
  
  

Total foreign

   67,017    2,550    25,782    95,349
    
  
  
  

Total

   141,049    20,924    40,645    202,618
    
  
  
  
     At December 31, 2002

     Customer
Deposits


   Bank of Spain and
Other
Central Banks


   Other
Credit
Institutions


   Total

     (in millions of euro)

Domestic

                   

Foreign:

   73,485    7,753    14,940    96,178

Western Europe

   10,375    —      13,104    23,479

Latin America

   51,662    2,095    9,089    62,846

United States

   5,220    —      3,265    8,485

Other

   5,818    —      5,873    11,691
    
  
  
  

Total foreign

   73,075    2,095    31,331    106,501
    
  
  
  

Total

   146,560    9,848    46,271    202,679
    
  
  
  

 

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Table of Contents
     At December 31, 2001

     Customer
Deposits


   Bank of
Spain and
Other Central
Banks


   Other
Credit
Institutions


   Total

     (in millions of euro)

Domestic

   72,140    4,680    15,997    92,817

Foreign:

                   

Western Europe

   11,277    —      20,319    31,596

Latin America

   73,275    28    13,162    86,465

United States

   3,994    —      3,221    7,215

Other

   5,813    —      7,181    12,994
    
  
  
  

Total foreign

   94,359    28    43,883    138,270
    
  
  
  

Total

   166,499    4,708    59,880    231,087
    
  
  
  

 

For an analysis of our deposits, including non-interest bearing demand deposits, interest-bearing demand deposits, saving deposits and time deposits, see Notes 17 and 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the maturity of our time deposits (excluding interbank deposits) in denominations of $100,000 (approximately €79,177 as of December 31, 2003) or greater was as follows:

 

     At December 31, 2003

     Domestic

   Foreign

   Total

     (in millions of euro)

3 months or Under

   7,351    25,425    32,776

Over 3 to 6 months

   1,098    2,073    3,171

Over 6 to 12 months

   1,098    1,882    2,980

Over 12 months

   2,732    3,890    6,622
    
  
  

Total

   12,279    33,270    45,549
    
  
  

 

Time deposits from Spanish and foreign financial institutions amounted to €6.5 billion and €19.8 billion, respectively, as of December 31, 2003, substantially all of which were in excess of $100,000 (approximately €79,177 as of December 31, 2003).

 

Large denomination deposits may be a less stable source of funds than demand and savings deposits because they are more sensitive to variations in interest rates. For a breakdown by currency of deposits as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, see Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Short-term Borrowings

 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and promissory notes issued by us constituted the only categories of short-term borrowings that equaled or exceeded 30% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

 

     At December 31,

 
     2002

    2001

 
     Amount

   Weighted
Average Rate


    Amount

  

Weighted

Average Rate


 
     (in millions of euro, except percentages)  

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (principally Spanish Treasury bills):

                      

At December 31

   39,675    4.65 %   48,080    6.16 %

Average during year

   39,814    4.72 %   45,454    6.51 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   44,732    —       48,080    —    

Other short-term borrowings (principally bank promissory notes):

                      

At December 31

   5,101    2.85 %   4,642    4.87 %

Average during year

   3,967    3.12 %   5,844    4.11 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   5,101    —       5,880    —    

Total short-term borrowings at December 31

   44,776    4.44 %   52,722    6.05 %

 

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Table of Contents
     At December 31, 2003

 
     Amount

   Average Rate

 
     (in millions of euro,
except percentages)
 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (principally Spanish Treasury bills):

           

At December 31

   38,483    2.81 %

Average during year

   36,759    3.52 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   38,483    —    

Bonds, debentures outstanding and subordinated debt

           

At December 31

   8,173    3.00 %

Average during year

   7,829    3.09 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   10,764    —    

Bank promissory notes:

           

At December 31

   6,087    2.11 %

Average during year

   4,666    2.13 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   6,219    —    

Total short-term borrowings at December 31

   52,743    2.76 %

 

Additionally, as of December 31, 2003, the “short-term borrowings” caption included mortgage bonds amounting to €7,907 million.

 

Return on Equity

 

The following table sets out our return on equity ratios:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

ROE (net attributable profit/average equity)

   18.4    13.7    18.0

ROA (income before minority interests/average total assets)

   1.04    0.85    0.99

RORWA (income before minority interests/risk weighted assets)

   1.74    1.48    1.78

Dividend pay-out ratio

   55.0    64.5    51.8

Equity to assets ratio

   4.32    4.33    4.32

 

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F. Competition

 

We face strong competition in all of our principal areas of operation. The deregulation of interest rates on deposits in the past decade has led to increased competition for large demand deposits in Spain and the widespread promotion of interest-bearing demand deposit accounts and mutual funds. The capturing of customer funds in Spain had been characterized for several years by a large shift of deposits into mutual funds. In 2002 and 2001, the performance of capital markets reversed this trend and our mutual fund assets under management decreased during such period. In 2003, however, mutual fund deposits once again began to increase and grew by 16% over 2002, compared to the 4% decrease we experience in 2002 versus 2001. During the same period, the trend in deposits has been favorable and our deposits increased 8.5% in 2002 and 10.7% in 2003.

 

The commercial banking sector in Spain has undergone significant consolidation. In addition to the merger of Banco de Santander, S.A. and Banco Central Hispano S.A. that formed Santander Central Hispano, S.A., BBV and Argentaria merged in October 1999. In the majority of the markets where we provide financial services, Santander Central Hispano is our strongest competitor.

 

Foreign banks also have a strong presence in Spain. As of December 31, 2003, approximately 12 foreign banks and 58 subsidiaries operated in Spain and several foreign banks have acquired small and medium-sized Spanish banks. Foreign banks and subsidiaries represented 5.3% of banking assets and 2.5% of financial system assets as of December 31, 2003.

 

Spanish savings banks and money market mutual funds provide strong competition for savings deposits, which form an important part of our deposit base, and, in the case of savings banks, for other retail banking services. Credit cooperatives, which are active principally in rural areas, where they provide savings bank and loan services and related services such as the financing of agricultural machinery and supplies, are also a source of competition.

 

Insurance companies and other financial services firms also compete for customer funds. Like the commercial banks, savings banks, insurance companies and other financial services firms are expanding the services offered to consumers in Spain.

 

The EU Directive on Investment Services took effect on December 31, 1995. The EU Directive permits all brokerage houses authorized to operate in other member states of the EU to carry out investment services in Spain. Although the EU Directive is not specifically addressed to banks, it affects the activities of banks operating in Spain.

 

The entry of on-line banks in the Spanish banking system has increased competition, mainly in savings and time deposits. They have captured two percentage points of market share in just three years through a very aggressive offer of high yield deposits. Moreover, changes in the tax treatment of savings products are encouraging competition from the investment fund and the pension fund industries.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

Overview

 

In the first half of 2003 uncertainty regarding demand and increasing tension in the Middle East resulted in a delay in the hoped for worldwide economic recovery. As a result of these factors and declining employer, consumer and investor confidence in many parts of the world, long-term interest rates remained at historical lows.

 

The war in Iraq in the Spring of 2003 did not put an end to sluggish worldwide economic growth. Although geopolitical risks decreased, continued slow economic growth sparked increased fears of recession, leading the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank to cut long-term interest rates further to historical lows of 1.0% and 2.0%, respectively.

 

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In the third quarter of 2003, more positive economic news began to emerge which led to an increase in optimism, particularly in the business sector, for a number of reasons. First, not only did a recovery in the U.S. appear likely, but also improved expectations concerning the Japanese economy and the continued dynamic growth of the Chinese economy provided additional support for increased worldwide economic growth. Second, indications began to emerge that businesses were looking to increase capital expenditures and low interest rates, a recovery of stock markets and a reduction in corporate debt spreads provided companies with favorable borrowing conditions. Third, optimism began to grow that improved productivity in the U.S., though based in part on a reluctance of companies to hire employees, had some permanence which would continue to sustain business activity in the future. In this more favorable economic context, long-term interest rates began to rise in the third and fourth quarters of 2003.

 

The U.S. dollar, however, continued to depreciate against the euro and several other major world currencies in 2003. The depreciating U.S. dollar undermined GDP growth in the euro zone, which increased a weak 0.5% and was lower in several major European economies, such as France and Germany. In 2003, as in previous years, Spain’s GDP grew faster than the EU average, achieving growth of approximately 2.4%. Spanish inflation in 2003, however, was also higher than the EU average.

 

In Latin America, GDP growth was a modest 1.2% in 2003, with Mexico’s GDP growing at a rate of 1.1%, due to its strong link to the U.S. economy, and Brazil experiencing zero GDP growth. Argentina had the highest GDP growth, 8%, as it recovered after four years of recession. Latin America’s small increase in GDP was principally due to export growth since domestic demand generally remained depressed. The depreciation of several Latin American currencies and increasing prices for basic goods, for which demand was strong, particularly from China, set favorable conditions for the export market.

 

The high trade surplus in 2003 contributed to current account surpluses in Latin America, which, together with improved capital flows, resulted in growth in reserves. Net private capital flows increased compared to 2002, but remained low by historical standards as a result of low foreign direct investment, which represents a significant part of foreign financing in many Latin American economies.

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements explains that the Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in the format required by Bank of Spain rules and were prepared by applying the generally accepted accounting principles for banks in Spain, which include the accounting requirements established by the Bank of Spain (“Spanish GAAP”). The presentation format used and Spanish GAAP accounting principles applied vary in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and other rules that are applicable to U.S. banks. A description of the most significant valuation and income recognition principles under Spanish and U.S. GAAP applicable to the Consolidated Financial Statements of BBVA is set forth in Note 32.2.A.

 

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Table of Contents

Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contains a summary of our significant accounting policies. We consider certain of these policies to be particularly important due to their effect on the financial reporting of our financial condition, because they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Our reported financial condition and results of operations are sensitive to accounting methods, assumptions and estimates that underlie preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements. The nature of critical accounting policies, the judgments and other uncertainties affecting application of those policies and the sensitivity of reported results to changes in conditions and assumptions are factors to be considered in conjunction with reviewing our Consolidated Financial Statements and the discussion below. We have identified the following accounting policies as critical to the understanding of our results of operations, since the application of these policies requires significant management assumptions and estimates that could result in materially different amounts to be reported if conditions or underlying circumstances were to change.

 

Derivatives and other futures transactions

 

These instruments include unmatured foreign currency purchase and sale transactions, unmatured securities purchase and sale transactions, futures transactions relating to securities, exchange rates or interest rates, forward interest rate agreements, options relating to exchange rates, securities or interest rates and various types of financial swaps.

 

Macro hedges

 

These transactions are carried out for hedging and overall management of the financial risks to which we are exposed and aimed at eliminating or significantly reducing currency, interest rate or price risks on asset and liability positions. Similarly, we also treat as hedging transactions certain transactions which, although not specifically assigned to a specific hedged item, form part of global hedges or macro hedges used to reduce the risk to which we are exposed as a consequence of overall management of our assets, liabilities and other transactions. For this reason, the gains or losses arising from these hedging transactions are recorded symmetrically with the revenues and costs of the hedged items, and the collections or payments made in settlement of such hedging transactions are recorded with a balancing item under the “Other Liabilities” and “Other Assets” captions in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, we had arranged share price risk and interest rate risk macro hedges consisting of transactions in securities listed on the main international markets and long-term deposit transactions, respectively. The security price macro hedges were valued at a quoted market price or based on other valuation techniques. The settlements relating to the interest rate macro hedge were recorded under the accrual method. Our hedging transactions are subject to an integrated system of risk and earnings measurement, enabling us to continually monitor and assess the financial performance of such transactions. As part of this risk monitoring system, for each macro hedge, we record provisions for credit, market and operating risk in accordance with banking practice for similar transactions. In connection with our macro hedging policy, we make assumptions as to interest rates and exchange rates.

 

Non-hedging transactions valuation

 

Non-hedging transactions, which are also known as trading transactions, are valued in accordance with Bank of Spain regulations based on the market on which they are traded:

 

  Transactions arranged in organized markets are valued at quoted market prices and the gains or losses arising as a result of market price fluctuations are recorded in full in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

  For over the counter (OTC) derivative financial instruments (mainly, forwards, swaps and some options) theoretical closing prices are assessed at least every month and provisions are recorded with a charge to income for the potential net losses, if any, in each risk category (interest rate risk, currency risk and equity risk) and currency arising from such valuations. The potential gains are only recognized in income when effectively realized. This procedure is also applied to currency options traded outside organized markets.

 

Although Bank of Spain’s rules provide guidance regarding valuation of OTC derivative financial instruments, we are required to make estimates and assumptions regarding valuations, such as with respect to the futures quotations, maturities and the effects of markets risks.

 

Theoretical closings are the most reliable measure of fair value for derivative financial instruments. The determination of fair value requires us to make estimates and certain assumptions. If listed market prices are not available, we have to calculate the fair value from commonly used pricing models that consider contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, yield curves and other relevant factors. Our use of different estimates or assumptions in these pricing models could lead to different amounts being recorded in our Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Provision for the statistical coverage of credit losses

 

In December 1999, the Bank of Spain introduced a new solvency provision, the so-called statistical or dynamic provision, focusing on the statistical risk embedded in a bank’s unimpaired loan portfolio. This provision went into effect in July 2000. The main idea behind this provision is to try to capture expected losses, which, during the pendency of loans, are known in a statistical sense but are not yet quantifiable or attributable to specific borrowers. Since the loss risk appears at the beginning of the loan, so does the statistical provision requirement.

 

The amount of the statistical provision is the difference between the measure of latent risk (expected losses) and any specific provisions already taken (covering impaired assets). In a favorable economic climate, specific provisions are low and statistical provisions are positive. However, during an economic slowdown, as impaired assets increase, specific provisions also increase and the statistical provisions become negative. This means that the statistical fund (accumulated in previous years) starts being used and its proceeds (the difference between the latent risk and the specific provisions) are credited to the Net Loan Loss Provisions line item of the Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

The new Bank of Spain solvency provision offers banks two options for establishing loan loss provisions. First, to use their own internal measurements of the statistical credit risk and second, to use a standard method wherein the Bank of Spain sets the parameters. We use the standard method, dividing our loan portfolio into six groups, according to the relative riskiness of our different assets, or of our off-balance sheet items with credit risk. A vector of coefficients (ranging from 0 to 1.5%) determined by the Bank of Spain is applied to the loans in each of the six groups. The resulting figure is the estimated expected loss for our entire loan portfolio.

 

We are currently working on developing our own internal method for calculating statistical credit risk, which is intended to be consistent with the principles of the Basel II accords.

 

Goodwill in consolidation

 

This line item in our Consolidated Statement of Income includes the positive differences between the acquisition cost of shares of consolidated companies or companies carried by the equity method and their underlying book value, if such differences cannot be classified as additions to the book value of specific assets of the acquired companies.

 

We generally amortize goodwill on a straight-line basis over a maximum period of 10 years (20 years for certain non-financial holdings) based on our assumption that this is the period over which the underlying investments will produce income for us.

 

If we determine that goodwill will not generate income as expected, we may be required to adjust the amortization period accordingly. For example, in 2001 we wrote off in full the unamortized goodwill resulting from our investments in Argentina. The write-off occurred when we realized that no profits resulting from such investments could be expected in the short-term.

 

Unrealized losses in investment securities

 

At the end of every fiscal year, we assess our investment securities to determine whether a decline in their fair value has resulted in unrealized gains or losses. If unrealized losses are characterized as “other than temporary”, such losses would be required to be taken as a charge in our Consolidated Statement of Income. In order to assess whether unrealized gains or losses exist, we must first identify whether there has been a change in the securities’ fair value by applying specific valuation methodologies under Spanish GAAP depending on whether the security is debt or equity and part of our trading portfolio, held-to-maturity portfolio or available-for-sale portfolio.

 

Determinations of fair value for listed securities are generally based on market prices and for unlisted securities on discounted cash flows (for debt) and book value (for equity). A change in fair value that results in a fair value that is lower than amortized cost will generally give rise to an unrealized loss.

 

Once an unrealized loss has been identified, it must then be classified as “temporary” or “other than temporary”. Under Spanish GAAP there are no general rules regarding the methodologies and factors that must be used or the period of time needed to consider an unrealized loss as “temporary” or “other than temporary”. BBVA’s management considers that an unrealized loss is “temporary” under Spanish GAAP if it believes that it will collect or recover all of the unrealized loss or when due to market conditions (volatility, interest rate evolution or macroeconomic variables) or future expectations, management considers that all or part of an unrealized loss will be recovered. BBVA’s management considers that an unrealized loss is “other than temporary” if it believes that it will not collect or recover all the unrealized loss (credit risk), or when due to market conditions (volatility, interest rate evolution, macroeconomic variables) or future expectations, management considers that all or part of an unrealized loss will not be recovered (market risk). Based on the foregoing factors, BBVA’s management will conclude that an unrealized loss is “other than temporary” when a demonstrable recovery in the fair value of the security is not expected in the near future (one year). BBVA’s management performs this analysis at the end of each reporting period.

 

As described above, if an unrealized loss is classified as “other-than-temporary” we are required by Bank of Spain regulations to take a charge to our Consolidated Statement of Income under the “net securities write downs” and “market operations” line items.

 

Our total unrealized losses were €60.3 million, €551.9 million and €116.3 million as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Charges to our Consolidated Statement of Income as of December 31, 2002 were €282,003 thousand. There were no charges to Consolidated Statement of Income as of December 31, 2003 and 2001.

 

If management’s assumptions and estimates concerning the probability that we will recover all or part of unrealized losses prove to be inaccurate, or if such assumptions and estimates are modified in light of the evolution of the factors described above, we may be required to change the classification of certain unrealized losses from “temporary” to “other than temporary” and, accordingly, take a corresponding charge to our Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

International Financial Reporting Standards

 

We currently prepare our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with Spanish GAAP. In June 2002, the Council of Ministers of the European Union adopted new regulations that would require any listed EU company to apply International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) (previously known as International Accounting Standards or “IAS”) in preparing its consolidated financial statements beginning January 1, 2005. The International Accounting Standards Board issued draft IFRSs on June 19, 2003.

 

On September 29, 2003, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers of the European Union adopted all the IFRS/IAS in existence on September 14, 2002 except IAS 32 and IAS 39, which addresses recognition and measurement of financial instruments and will therefore be likely to significantly influence the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements under IFRS. Continuing developments in IFRS are expected between now and 2005 and, accordingly, there is uncertainty concerning what IFRSs will be required in 2005, and in particular, about the final version of IAS 39. Consequently, to date, we are unable to estimate the net effect that applying IFRS will have on our results of operations or financial condition, or any component thereof. The effect of such differences, however, may be material, individually or in the aggregate, to financial items reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements relating, among other things, to the accounting treatment for derivative instruments, financial instruments, intangible assets, deferred costs, business combinations and goodwill. The adoption of IFRS may, as a result, affect the valuation methods used to measure and evaluate our performance and make it more difficult to compare our results of operations and financial condition for periods in respect of which IFRS is applied to our results of operations and financial conditions to periods in respect of which Spanish GAAP is applied.

 

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A. Operating Results

 

Events affecting comparability of historical and future results of operations and financial condition

 

Argentina

 

Political and economic conditions in Argentina in the last several years have had a significant negative effect on the entire Argentinean banking sector and have consequently severely affected the operating results of our Argentinean banking, and, to a lesser extent, pension fund management operations during the period. Though macroeconomic and political conditions improved in Argentina in 2003, significant instability remained and the extent and scope of any economic and banking recovery are uncertain.

 

In 2001, we took substantial provisions and write-downs totaling €1,354 million relating to our investments in, and exposure to, Argentina. This amount included provisions of €617 million relating to our entire investment in Argentina, bad debt provisions of €416 million, additional country risk provisions of €34 million, provisions of €92 million relating to the value of Argentine government bonds held by BBVA, a downward revision of €72 million related to the expected reduction in net income and reduced capital gains arising from companies we carry by the equity method and from our portfolio of financial investments and a write-down of €123 million of goodwill corresponding to our Argentine investments. In addition, in 2001 we took a charge to the reserves at consolidated companies (in retained earnings) line item in our Consolidated Balance Sheets of €683 million to account for the devaluation of the Argentine Peso from ARP1.0 per U.S.$1.00 to ARP1.7 to U.S.$1.00 (the opening rate following the closure of the Argentine foreign exchange market), as of December 31, 2001.

 

In 2002, we entered into a series of transactions with Banco Francés and made an additional provision of €131 million in respect of securities issued by Banco Francés and held by us. This amount was charged to our 2002 consolidated statement of income.

 

In 2003, BBVA did not make any additional investments in, or provide any financial assistance to, its subsidiaries in Argentina.

 

As a result of the measures described above, we provisioned for or wrote off our entire investment in Argentina to date. However, despite these provisions and write-downs, the situation in Argentina may continue to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Sale of BBV Brasil, S.A.

 

On January 13, 2003, BBVA announced its intention to sell its Brazilian affiliate, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Brasil, S.A. (“BBV Brasil”) to Banco Bradesco, S.A. (“Bradesco”). On June 9, 2003, upon completion of due diligence, receipt of authorizations from regulatory authorities and approval by the corresponding corporate bodies, BBVA transferred 100% of BBV Brasil to Bradesco, in consideration for which Bradesco paid 35,481,460,311 of its newly-issued ordinary shares and 34,948,501,563 of its newly-issued preferred shares, totaling 4.44% of Bradesco’s share capital, as well as 1,864 million Brazilian Reais in cash, for a total consideration of approximately 2,626 million Brazilian Reais (approximately $900 million). During the second half of 2003, BBVA increased its interest in Bradesco to 5.0%.

 

As a result of our agreement to sell our entire interest in BBV Brasil, S.A. in January 2003, under Spanish GAAP we accounted for BBV Brasil’s results of operations from January 1, 2003 until June 9, 2003 under the equity method, rather than under full consolidation, which we had applied in 2002 and 2001. In addition, also consistent with Spanish GAAP, for the remainder of 2003 we accounted for our interest in Bradesco under the equity method. Accordingly, whereas in 2002 and 2001 each of the line items in our Consolidated Statement of Income reflected the contribution of BBV Brasil, in 2003 our Brazilian results of operations and investments are reflected only in the “Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method” line item in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

In addition, in connection with our decision to sell BBV Brasil in January 2003, we recorded €189 million of net extraordinary charges, which included an estimated €245 million in exchange rate differences accumulated up to December 31, 2002 relating to BBV Brasil. These provisions were reflected in the “Net income on Group transactions” line item of our Consolidated Statement of Income.

 

Other Provisions and Charges

 

In 2002, we elected to take provisions and extraordinary charges of €129 million of extraordinary goodwill amortization in respect of our investments in subsidiaries located in non-investment grade countries, such as Colombia, Venezuela and Peru. These provisions were based on our assessment of the prospects for economic recovery in these countries, the prolongation of the negative effect on earnings of the depreciation in several Latin American currencies and the overall likelihood of our recovering the full value of our investments. In 2002, we also took €81 million of special provisions for early retirement expenses.

 

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Effect of the Depreciation of Latin American Currencies

 

BBVA’s results of operations and financial condition in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were significantly affected by the sharp decline in exchange rates of many of the Latin American currencies in countries in which BBVA operates against the euro. As Latin American currencies depreciate against the euro, when the results of operations and financial condition of our Latin American subsidiaries are included in our Consolidated Financial Statements, the euro value of such results declines, even if, in local currency terms, the Latin American subsidiaries’ results of operations and financial condition have improved or remained flat relative to the prior year. The following table sets forth the exchange rates of several Latin American currencies against the euro, expressed in local currency=€1.00 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, according to the European Central Bank.

 

     December 31, 2003

  

D% from previous

year


    December 31, 2002

  

D% from previous

year


 

Mexican peso

   14.1882    (22.7 )   10.9700    (26.4 )

Venezuelan bolivar

   2.020.20    (28.1 )   1,453.49    (53.5 )

Colombian peso

   3,508.77    (14.4 )   3,003.00    (32.9 )

Chilean peso

   748.50    0.9     755.29    (22.9 )

Peruvian new sol

   4.3810    (15.9 )   3.6867    (17.7 )

Argentine peso

   3.7195    (4.8 )   3.5394    (75.1 )

U.S. dollar

   1.2630    (17.0 )   1.0487    (16.0 )

 

For BBVA, the most significant country that has been adversely affected by declining exchange rates has been Mexico where, as indicated in the foregoing table, the Mexican peso/euro exchange rate has fallen sharply over 2002 and 2003, declining approximately 49% over the two year period. The effect of declining exchange rates in Mexico and in several of the other Latin American countries in which we operate is an important factor that, if this trend were to change and exchange rates improve, may affect the comparability of our historical and future results of operations and financial condition. In addition, declining exchange rates may limit the ability of our results of operations, stated in euro, to fully describe the performance in local currency terms of our Latin American subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated Statement of Income

 

Our Consolidated Statement of Income covering the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is set out below.

 

Consolidated Statement of Income

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2003/2002

    2002/2001

 
     (in millions of euro)     (in percentages)  

Net interest income

   6,741     7,808     8,824     (13.7 )   (11.5 )

Net fee income

   3,263     3,668     4,038     (11.0 )   (9.1 )
    

 

 

           

Basic margin

   10,004     11,476     12,862     (12.8 )   (10.8 )

Market operations

   652     765     490     (14.8 )   56.1  
    

 

 

           

Ordinary revenue

   10,656     12,241     13,352     (12.9 )   (8.3 )

General administrative expenses

   (5,031 )   (5,772 )   (6,725 )   (12.8 )   (14.2 )

Personnel costs

   (3,263 )   (3,698 )   (4,243 )   (11.8 )   (12.9 )

Other administrative expenses

   (1,768 )   (2,074 )   (2,482 )   (14.7 )   (16.4 )

Depreciation and amortization

   (511 )   (631 )   (742 )   (19.0 )   (14.9 )

Other operating revenues and expenses, net

   (219 )   (261 )   (286 )   (16.1 )   (8.7 )
    

 

 

           

Net operating income

   4,895     5,577     5,599     (12.2 )   (0.4 )

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   383     33     393     n.m. (1)   (91.5 )

Amortization of consolidation goodwill

   (639 )   (679 )   (1,143 )   (5.9 )   (40.6 )

Net income on Group transactions

   553     361     954     53.2     (62.2 )

Net loan loss provisions

   (1,277 )   (1,743 )   (1,919 )   (26.7 )   (9.2 )

Net securities write-downs

   —       3     (43 )   —       —    

Extraordinary items, net

   (103 )   (433 )   (727 )   (76.2 )   (40.4 )
    

 

 

           

Pre-tax profit

   3,812     3,119     3,114     (22.2 )   0.2  

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   (915 )   (653 )   (625 )   40.1     4.4  
    

 

 

           

Income before minority interests

   2,897     2,466     2,489     17.5     (0.9 )

Minority interests

   (670 )   (747 )   (646 )   (10.3 )   15.8  
    

 

 

           

Net attributable profit

   2,227     1,719     1,843     29.5     (6.7 )
    

 

 

           

(1) Not meaningful.

 

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Results of operations for 2003 compared with 2002

 

Net interest income

 

Net interest income for 2003 amounted to €6,741 million, a decrease of 13.7% from €7,808 million in 2002, principally due to the negative effect of converting to euro the net interest income of several of our Latin American subsidiaries from their local currency, which depreciated against the euro in 2003, in our Consolidated Statement of Income. The effect of the depreciation of Latin American currencies on our reported net interest income more than offset modest growth in our core domestic commercial banking business, which experienced significant pressure on yield spreads as a result of extremely low market interest rates in Spain in 2003. The low interest rates reduced the spread between the interest we paid on interest-bearing liabilities, principally deposits, and the interest we earned on our interest-earning assets, principally loans, in our core Spanish market to historically low levels. Our efforts to offset this low yield spread by increasing volumes was only partially successful and overall growth in net interest income in Spain was insufficient to offset the strong depreciations of Latin American currencies described above. In addition, net interest income in 2003 was negatively affected by the sale of BBV Brasil, which contributed €304 million in net interest income in 2002.

 

The following table summarizes the principal components of net interest income for 2003 compared to 2002.

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2003/2002

 
     (in millions of euro)     (in percentages)  

Financial revenues

   12,537     17,234     (27.3 )

Financial expenses

   (6,260 )   (9,784 )   (36.0 )

Income from equities portfolios

   464     358     29.6  

Net interest income

   6,741     7,808     (13.7 )

 

Net fee income

 

Net fee income in 2003 amounted to €3,263 million, a decrease of 11.0% from €3,668 million in 2002, principally due to the depreciation of Latin American currencies and market volatility, which depressed our fee income derived from domestic asset management, securities brokerage and trading activities. In addition, net fee income in 2003 was negatively affected by the sale of BBV Brasil, which contributed €58 million in net fee income in 2002.

 

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Basic margin

 

Adding net interest income and net fee income results in a basic margin of €10,004 million in 2003, a decrease of 12.8% from €11,476 million in 2002.

 

Market operations

 

Income from market operations totaled €652 million in 2003, a decrease of 14.8% from €765 million in 2002, principally due to adverse market conditions, particularly in the second half of 2003. In addition, income from market operations in 2003 was negatively affected by the sale of BBV Brasil, which contributed €21 million to income from market operations in 2002.

 

Ordinary revenue

 

Adding basic margin and income from market operations results in ordinary revenue of €10,656 million in 2003, a decrease of 12.9% from €12,241 million in 2002.

 

General administrative expenses

 

General administrative expenses amounted to €5,031 million in 2003, a decrease of 12.8% from €5,772 million in 2002, principally due to the depreciation of Latin American currencies and to cost containment measures applied throughout BBVA’s operations. During 2003, we reduced our headcount by nearly 6,896 people (7.4%), particularly in Latin America (a reduction of 6,193, or 10.4%, of which 4,610 related to the sale of BBV Brasil in January 2003, and significant personnel cuts were also made in Venezuela and Argentina). Since 2000, when we acquired a significant interest in Bancomer, our total headcount has fallen from 108,082 employees as of December 31, 2000, to 86,197 as of December 31, 2003, a 20.2% reduction, including a net reduction of approximately 2,600 in Spain and 19,000 in Latin America, principally in Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia and Brazil.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets amounted to €511 million in 2003, a decrease of 19.0% from €631 million in 2002, principally due to depreciation of Latin American currencies against the euro which decreased the euro value of the property and equipment and intangible assets of our Latin American subsidiaries.

 

Net operating income

 

Subtracting, among other items, general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from ordinary revenue results in net operating income of €4,895 million in 2003, a decrease of 12.2% from €5,577 million in 2002.

 

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

 

As described in the following table, in 2003 net income from companies accounted for by the equity method amounted to €383 million, compared to €33 million in 2002.

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2003/2002

 
     (in millions of euro)     (in percentages)  

Income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   702     275     155.2  

Dividend adjustment

   (319 )   (242 )   (31.8 )
    

 

     

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   383     33     n.m. (1)
    

 

     

(1)  Not meaningful.

                  

 

The significant increase in net income from companies accounted for by the equity method in 2003 was principally due to a strong improvement in the earnings of our investee companies in 2003 after they experienced sharp declines in operating results in 2002. In addition, as described above, in 2003 we accounted for our interest in BBV Brasil from January 1, 2003 until June 9, 2003 and our interest in Bradesco, following the closing of the BBV Brasil transaction on June 9, 2003, under this line item, whereas in 2002, we had accounted for our interest in BBV Brasil under full consolidation. Our interests in BBV Brasil and Bradesco contributed €34 million and €19 million, respectively, to net income from companies accounted for by the equity method in 2003, compared to zero contribution to this line item in 2002.

 

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Table of Contents

Amortization of consolidation goodwill

 

Amortization of consolidation goodwill charges amounted to €639 million in 2003, a decrease of 5.9% from €679 million in 2002, principally due to our decreased interest in Credit Lyonnais and the €129 million of extraordinary goodwill charges we recorded in 2002 relating to investments in our subsidiaries located in non-investment grade countries.

 

Net income on Group transactions

 

Net income on Group transactions amounted to €553 million in 2003, an increase of 53.2% from €361 million in 2002. This increase was principally due to the sale of our stake in Crédit Lyonnais which resulted in a gain of €342 million.

 

Net loan loss provisions

 

Net loan loss provisions amounted to €1,277 million in 2003, a decrease of 26.7% from €1,743 million in 2002. The following table sets forth the changes in the principal items comprising our net loan loss provisions in 2003 and 2002.

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2003/2002

 
     (in millions of euro)     (in percentages)  

Gross provisions

   (1,821 )   (2,385 )   (23.6 )

Reversals

   317     434     (26.9 )

Recoveries

   227     208     9.1  
    

 

     

Net loan loss provisions

   (1,277 )   (1,743 )   (26.7 )
    

 

     

 

The decline in net loan loss provisions in 2003 was principally due to the effect of the depreciation of Latin American currencies which required us to take lower loan loss provisions as the euro value of loans made by our Latin American subsidiaries declined. The decrease in net loan loss provisions caused by depreciating currencies more than offset an increase in the percentage of loans in Latin America for which we took provisions in 2003 as a result of adopting more stringent criteria for classification of doubtful loans than are required under applicable Bank of Spain guidelines. These criteria were adopted as a result of regulatory developments in certain countries in which we operate and our effort to apply loan classification criteria on a uniform basis throughout our operations. Our non-performing loan (“NPL”) ratio in 2003 was 1.74%, which was a return to historical levels (1.71% in 2001) after a sharp increase in 2002 to 2.37% as a result of the crisis in Argentina.

 

Extraordinary items, net

 

Net extraordinary items in 2003 amounted to a loss of €103 million.

 

Extraordinary income amounted to €631 million in 2003, a decrease of 60.7% from 2002, and included the following items: €215 million representing gains relating to the effect of inflation accounting in certain countries in which we operate, €96 million representing gains on disposal of property and equipment and long-term financial investments, €80 million representing the recovery of interest earned in prior years and €240 million in other extraordinary gains principally due to the provision of non-banking services. See Note 28.g. to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Extraordinary losses amounted to €734 million in 2003, a decrease of 64.0% from 2002, and included the following items: €272 million representing losses relating to the effect of inflation accounting in certain countries in which we operate, €118 million representing other losses arising from pension commitments, €52 million relating to losses on disposal of property and equipment and long-term financial investments, €87 million relating to provisions for property received in foreclosures and €205 million in other extraordinary losses.

 

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Table of Contents

Corporate income tax and other taxes

 

The effective tax rate for 2003 was 24% compared to 20.9% for 2002, principally due to the change in the composition of our pre-tax profit. The corporate tax reserve amounted to €915 million in 2003, an increase of 40.1% from €653 million in 2002.

 

Minority interests

 

Minority interests amounted to €670 million in 2003, a decrease of 10.3% from €747 million in 2002, principally due to our redemption of three series of our outstanding preferred shares.

 

Net attributable profit

 

As a result of the items described above, our net attributable profit amounted to €2,227 million in 2003, an increase of 29.5% from €1,719 million in 2002.

 

Financial condition

 

Our total assets amounted to €287 billion as of December 31, 2003, an increase of 2.7% from €280 billion as of December 31, 2002, principally due to an increase in due from credit institutions.

 

As of December 31, 2003, our customer funds (which include deposits, marketable debt securities, subordinated debt, mutual funds and pension funds) amounted to €296 billion, an increase of 2.3% from €289 billion as of December 31, 2002, principally due to an increase in deposits to our mutual funds and pensions plans.

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

As of December 31, 2003, stockholders’ equity amounted to €12.4 billion, a decrease of 0.8% from €12.3 billion as of December 31, 2002.

 

Results of operations for 2002 compared with 2001

 

Net interest income

 

Net interest income for 2002 amounted to €7,808 million, a decrease of 11.5% from €8,824 million in 2001, principally due to the exchange rate effect and a 27.7% decrease in dividends.

 

The following table summarizes the principal components of net interest income for 2002, as compared to 2001.

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2002

    2001

    2002/2001

 
     (in millions of euro)     (in percentages)  

Financial revenues

   17,234     21,608     (20.2 )

Financial expenses

   (9,784 )   (13,279 )   (26.3 )

Income from equities portfolios

   358     495     (27.7 )
    

 

     

Net interest income

   7,808     8,824     (11.5 )
    

 

     

 

Net fee income

 

Net fee income in 2002 amounted to €3,668 million, a decrease of 9.1% from €4,038 million in 2001, principally due to exchange rate variations negatively affecting the Banking in America area and market volatility, which depressed fee income derived from our domestic asset management activities.

 

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Basic margin

 

Adding net interest income and net fee income results in a basic margin of €11,476 million in 2002, a decrease of 10.8% from €12,862 million in 2001.

 

Market operations

 

Income from market operations amounted to €765 million in 2002, an increase of 56.1% from €490 million in 2001. Prior to the second quarter of 2002, we charged or credited to our income from market operations exchange rate differences arising from our financings in currencies other than the euro and the investment currency. In the second quarter of 2002, we began to record the financing of our investments in euro such that exchange rate differences no longer affect our income from market operations. See Note 3.b. to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Ordinary revenue

 

Adding basic margin and income from market operations results in ordinary revenue of €12,241 million in 2002, a decrease of 8.3% from €13,352 million in 2001.

 

General administrative expenses

 

General administrative expenses amounted to €5,772 million in 2002, a decrease of 14.2% from €6,725 million in 2001 principally due to cost containment measures applied throughout BBVA’s operations. During 2002, we reduced our headcount by nearly 5,500 people (5.6%), mostly in Latin America, while in Spain we applied a combined policy of early retirements and recruitment of a large number of young graduates. Over the last two years, our net departures totaled 15,000 employees (13.9%), with approximately 2,000 having taken place in Spain and 13,000 in Latin America, primarily in Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina and Colombia. In addition, in 2002, we cut our number of branch offices by 6.1%, closing 484 (more than 200 in Spain and almost 300 in Latin America). Over the last two years, BBVA has closed a total of 1,442 branch offices (450 in Spain and 979 in Latin America) mainly in Mexico and Argentina.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and intangible assets amounted to €631 million in 2002, a decrease of 15.0% from €742 million in 2001, principally due to the depreciation of Latin American currencies against the euro during this period.

 

Net operating income

 

Subtracting, among other items, general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from ordinary revenue results in net operating income of €5,577 million in 2002, a decrease of 0.4% from €5,599 million in 2001.

 

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

 

As described in the following table, in 2002, net income from companies accounted for by the equity method amounted to €33 million, a decrease of 91.5% from €393 million in 2001.

 

     2002

    2001

   

Change

2002/2001


 
     (in millions of euro)     (in percentages)  

Income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   275     772     (64.4 )

Dividend adjustment

   (242 )   (379 )   (36.1 )
    

 

     

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   33     393     (91.5 )
    

 

     

 

The main factors behind this decline were (i) the €104 million charge allocated during the first half of 2002 to restate the income contributed during 2001 by Repsol YPF, BNL and Telefónica, after these companies published their 2001 financial statements, which generally reflected a decline in net income due to the effect of the deteriorating economic situation in Argentina on our investee companies’ operating results and (ii) the downgrading of our 2002 earnings forecasts in respect of such companies due to continued concern over Argentina and other factors, such as in the case of Telefónica its decision to significantly write-down its investments certain UMTS licenses, which reduced our net income from companies accounted for by the equity method by €209 million.

 

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Amortization of consolidation goodwill

 

Consolidation goodwill amortization charges amounted to €679 million in 2002, a decrease of 40.6% from €1,143 million in 2001, principally due to our increased interests in Bancomer and BNL, and the €129 million of extraordinary goodwill charges we recorded relating to investments in our subsidiaries located in non-investment grade countries.

 

Net income on Group transactions

 

In 2002, the sluggish financial markets restricted our ability to generate capital gains through investment rotation, limiting net income on Group transactions to €361 million, a decrease of 62.2% from €954 million in 2001. The decrease was offset in part by the sale of our 27.7% interest in Metrovacesa, which generated a capital gain of €375 million, and the sale of our 7.6% interest in Acerinox, which generated a capital gain of €66 million.

 

Net loan loss provisions

 

Net loan loss provisions amounted to €1,743 million in 2002, a decrease of 9.2% from €1,919 million in 2001, principally due to changes in the constituent items set forth below.

 

     2002

    2001

   

Change

2002/2001


 
     (in millions of euro)     (in percentages)  

Gross provisions

   (2,385 )   (2,501 )   (4.6 )

Reversals

   434     294     47.6  

Recoveries

   208     288     (27.8 )
    

 

     

Net loan loss provisions

   (1,743 )   (1,919 )   (9.2 )
    

 

     

 

Extraordinary items, net

 

Net extraordinary items in 2002 amounted to a loss of €433 million.

 

Extraordinary income amounted to €1,607 million in 2002, an increase of 24.1% from 2001, and included the following items: €1,038 million representing gains relating to the effect of inflation accounting in certain countries in which we operate, €261 million representing specific provisions described in Notes 14 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, €199 million representing gains on disposal of property and equipment and long-term financial investments, €74 million recovery of interest earned in prior years, €4 million representing extraordinary income from pension commitments and €31 million in other extraordinary gains. See Note 28.g. to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Extraordinary losses amounted to €2,039 million in 2002, an increase of 1% from 2001, and included the following items: €1,034 million representing losses relating to the effect of inflation accounting in certain countries in which we operate, €908 million representing special provisions, €263 million reversal to the specific provision for Argentina, €193 million representing other losses arising from pension commitments, €99 million on losses on disposal of property and equipment and long-term financial investments, €35 million net charge to the theoretical goodwill relating to the sale of BBV Brasil, and €33 million in other extraordinary losses.

 

Corporate income tax and other taxes

 

The effective tax rate for 2002 was 20.9% compared to 20.1% for 2001. The corporate tax reserve amounted to €653 million in 2002, an increase of 4.4% from €625 million in 2001.

 

Minority interests

 

Minority interests amounted to €747 million in 2002, an increase of 15.8% from €646 million in 2001.

 

Net attributable profit

 

As a result of the items described above, our net attributable profit amounted to €1,719 million in 2002, a decrease of 6.7% from €1,843 million in 2001. The decrease was principally due to the declines in net interest income, net fee income and net income on Group transactions.

 

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Financial condition

 

Our total assets amounted to €280 billion as of December 31, 2002, a decrease of 9.6% from €309 billion as of December 31, 2001, principally due to a reduction in the value of our assets in Latin America.

 

As of December 31, 2002, our customer funds (which include deposits, marketable debt securities, subordinated debt, mutual funds and pension funds) amounted to €289 billion, a decrease of 10.7% from €324 billion as of December 31, 2001, principally due to adverse market conditions.

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

As of December 31, 2002, stockholders’ equity amounted to €12.3 billion, a decrease of 7.2% from €13.3 billion as of December 31, 2001.

 

Results of operations by business area

 

As described under “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview,” in 2003 we reorganized our business areas such that (i) our Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal area now includes retail banking, and asset management and private banking (which had been included in a separate Asset Management and Private Banking business area in 2002) in Spain and Portugal, (ii) our Banking in America area now includes all of our Latin American operations, including our Mexican operations (which had been a separate business area in 2002) and asset management and private banking in Latin America (but excluding our operations in Argentina, which is a separate business area, and in Brazil, as discussed below) and (iii) as a result of our agreement to sell our entire interest in BBV Brasil in January 2003, and the closing of such sale in June 2003, our Corporate Activities and Other business area included our interest in BBV Brasil for the period January to June 2003, accounted for under the equity method, and for 2002 and 2001, accounted under full consolidation. Due to the special conditions that have affected our operations in Argentina in 2003, we have continued to provide additional disclosure on our Argentinean operations and discuss these operations as if they comprised a separate business area, “Argentina”, and not part of the business area “Banking in America”, where they were included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2001 and prior years.

 

Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2003/2002

    2002/2001

 

Net interest income

   3,221     3,189     3,025     1.0     5.4  

Net fee income

   1,476     1,510     1,555     (2.3 )   (2.9 )
    

 

 

           

Basic margin

   4,697     4,699     4,580     0.0     2.6  

Market operations

   44     46     63     (3,2 )   (27.0 )
    

 

 

           

Ordinary revenue

   4,741     4,745     4,643     (0.1 )   2.2  

General administrative expenses

   (2,119 )   (2,124 )   (2,248 )   (0.2 )   (5.5 )

Personnel costs

   (1,391 )   (1,386 )   (1,465 )   0.4     (5.4 )

Other administrative expenses

   (728 )   (738 )   (783 )   (1.4 )   (5.7 )

Depreciation and amortization

   (114 )   (123 )   (125 )   (7.0 )   (1.6 )

Other operating revenues and expenses, net

   (43 )   (51 )   (59 )   (14.8 )   (13.6 )
    

 

 

           

Net operating income

   2,465     2,447     2,211     0.7     10.7  

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   8     (6 )   28     n.m (1)   n.m.  

Amortization of consolidation goodwill

   —       1     —       —       —    

Net income on Group transactions

   (1 )   —       —       —       —    

Net loan loss provisions

   (492 )   (433 )   (402 )   13.6     7.7  

Extraordinary items, net

   (10 )   5     6     n.m.     (16.7 )
    

 

 

           

Pre-tax profit

   1,970     2,014     1,843     (2.2 )   9.3  

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   (650 )   (666 )   (587 )   (2.4 )   13.5  
    

 

 

           

Income before minority interests

   1,320     1,348     1,256     (2.1 )   7.3  

Minority interests

   (81 )   (82 )   (83 )   (1.2 )   (1.2 )
    

 

 

           

Net attributable profit

   1,239     1,266     1,173     (2.1 )   7.9  
    

 

 

           

(1) Not meaningful.

 

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Net interest income. Net interest income for 2003 amounted to €3,221 million, a 1.0% increase from €3,189 million in 2002, principally due to growth in our loan portfolio and more efficient asset and liability management, which slightly offset narrowing spreads. Our loan portfolio increased by €11,143 million, or 13.9%, with particularly strong growth in mortgage loans. In 2002, net interest income amounted to €3,189 million, a 5.4% increase from €3,025 million in 2001, and our loan portfolio increased by €8,057 million, or 11.2%, with particularly strong growth in mortgage loans.

 

Net fee income. Net fee income for 2003 amounted to €1,476 million, a decrease of 2.3% from €1,510 million in 2001, principally due to a decrease in underwriting fees. In 2002, net fee income amounted to €1,510 million, a decrease of 2.9% from €1,555 million in 2001, principally due to a decrease of 6.0% in mutual fund fee income as a result of market instability, which also affected the volume of total funds under management and hindered new fund-capturing efforts.

 

Basic margin. Adding net interest income and net fee income results in a basic margin of €4,697 million in 2003, compared to basic margin of €4,699 million in 2002, which increased 2.6% from €4,580 million in 2001.

 

Market operations. Income from market operations amounted to €44 million in 2003, compared to income from market operations of €46 million in 2002, which decreased 27.0% from €63 million in 2001, principally due to lower exchange rate gains.

 

General administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and net other operating revenues and expenses. Operating expenses in 2003 amounted to €2,276 million, a decrease of 1.0% from €2,298 million in 2002. Most of the savings were achieved through efficiency plans implemented in 2003, which brought down expense items (personnel costs only increased 0.4%, other administrative expenses fell 1.4%, and depreciation and amortization charges decreased 7.3%). In 2002, operating expenses totaled €2,298 million, a decrease of 5.5%.

 

Net operating income. Subtracting, among other items, general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from ordinary revenue results in net operating income of €2,465 million in 2003, an increase of 0.7% from 2002. In 2002, net operating income amounted to €2,447 million, an increase of 10.7% from 2001.

 

Other items. Net loan loss provisions amounted to €492 million in 2003, an increase of 13.6% from €433 million in 2002, principally due to an increase in the size of our loan portfolio. In 2002, net loan loss provisions amounted to €433 million, an increase of 7.7% from €402 million in 2001.

 

Net attributable profit. As a result of the items described above, net attributable profit amounted to €1,239 million in 2003, a decrease of 2.1%. In 2002, net attributable profit amounted to €1,266 million, an increase of 7.9% from €1,173 million in 2001.

 

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Wholesale and Investment Banking

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2003/2002

    2002/2001

 

Net interest income

   678     718     744     (5.6 )   (3.5 )

Net fee income

   178     209     225     (14.8 )   (7.1 )
    

 

 

           

Basic margin

   856     927     969     (7.7 )   (4.3 )

Market operations

   123     (5 )   125     n.m. (1)   n.m.  
    

 

 

           

Ordinary revenue

   979     922     1,094     6.2     (15.7 )

General administrative expenses

   (310 )   (329 )   (353 )   (5.7 )   (6.79 )

Personnel costs

   (205 )   (212 )   (228 )   (3.3 )   (7.0 )

Other administrative expenses

   (105 )   (117 )   (125 )   (10.3 )   (6.4 )

Depreciation and amortization

   (9 )   (12 )   (12 )   (25.0 )   0.0  

Other operating revenues and expenses, net

   (6 )   (1 )   (2 )   n.m.     (50.0 )
    

 

 

           

Net operating income

   654     580     727     12.8     (20.2 )

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   65     21     26     n.m.     (19.2 )

Amortization of consolidation goodwill

   (2 )   (5 )   (7 )   (60.0 )   (28.6 )

Net income on Group transactions

   32     88     109     (63.6 )   (19.3 )

Net loan loss provisions

   (143 )   (141 )   (130 )   1.4     8.5  

Extraordinary items, net

   38     9     (31 )   n.m.     n.m.  
    

 

 

           

Pre-tax profit

   644     552     694     16.7     (20.5 )

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   (135 )   (124 )   (114 )   8.9     8.8  
    

 

 

           

Income before minority interests

   509     428     580     18.9     (26.2 )

Minority interests

   (41 )   (46 )   (49 )   (10.9 )   (6.1 )
    

 

 

           

Net attributable profit

   468     382     531     22.5     (28.1 )
    

 

 

           

(1) Not meaningful.

 

Net interest income. Net interest income amounted to €678 million in 2003, a decrease of 5.6% from €718 million in 2002, principally due the fall in interests rates and the weakness of the U.S. dollar against the euro, which negatively affected the interest income generated from our dollar-denominated assets when converted to euro and included in our Consolidated Statement of Income. In 2002, net interest income amounted to €718 million, a decrease of 3.5% from 744 million in 2001, principally due to an 8.3% decrease in lending in this business area as a result of sluggish and uncertain general economic conditions caused by political and financial crises affecting several Latin American countries and the impact of accounting irregularities at several large international companies that affected several large companies and certain business sectors.

 

Net fee income. Net fee income amounted to €178 million in 2003, a decrease of 14.8% from €209 million in 2002, principally due to a lower level of activity in the equities markets. In 2002, net fee income totaled €209 million, a decrease of 7.1% from €225 million in 2001, as a result of the lower volume of brokering activities by the Investment Banking unit.

 

Basic margin. Adding net interest income and net fee income results in a basic margin of €856 million in 2003, a decrease of 7.7% from €927 million in 2002. Adding net interest income and net fee income for 2002 results in a basic margin of €927 million, a decrease of 4.3% from €969 million in 2001.

 

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Market operations. Income from market operations amounted to €123 million in 2003, compared to a loss of €5 million in 2002, principally due to severe market volatility in 2002.

 

General administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and net other operating revenues and expenses. Operating expenses amounted to €325 million in 2003, a decrease of 5% from €342 million in 2002. Most of the cost savings were achieved in the capital markets unit. Personnel costs fell €7 million, or 3.3%, other administrative expenses dropped €12 million, or 10.3%, and depreciation and amortization charges fell €3 million, or 25%. In 2002, operating expenses amounted to €342 million, a decrease of 6.8% from €367 million in 2001. Most of the cost savings were achieved in the Global Markets and Distribution unit.

 

Net operating income. Subtracting, among other items, general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from ordinary revenue results in, net operating income of €654 million in 2003, an increase of 12.8% from €580 million in 2002. In 2002, net operating income was €580 million, a decrease of 20.2% from €727 million in 2001.

 

Other items. In 2003, net income from companies accounted for by the equity method amounted to €65 million, an increase of 209% from €21 million in 2002, principally due to an increase in the net income of several of our investee companies, particularly in the real estate sector. Net loan loss provisions amounted to €143 million in 2003, an increase of 1.4% from €141 million in 2002, principally due to a moderate 3.6% increase in lending. Net loan loss provisions amounted to €141 million in 2002, an increase of 8.5% from €130 million in 2001, with the Global Corporate Banking unit accounting for the majority of this increase. The Wholesale and Investment Banking business area’s non-performing loan ratio was 0.66% in 2003, compared to 1.24% in 2002 and 0.42% in 2001, principally due to the improved financial condition of many of our corporate clients.

 

Net attributable profit. As a result of the items described above, net attributable profit amounted to €468 million in 2003, an increase of 22.5% from €382 million in 2002. In 2002, net attributable profit amounted to €382 million, a decrease of 28.1% from €531 million in 2001.

 

Banking in America

 

As described above, in 2003 we reorganized our business areas such that our Banking in America area now includes all of our Latin American operations, including our Mexican operations (which had been a separate business area in 2002) and asset management and private banking in Latin America (which also had been included in a separate business area in 2002), but excludes our operations in Brazil, which we have included in our Corporate Activities and Other business area as a result of our sale of BBV Brasil in 2003. In addition, because the political and economic conditions in Argentina in the last several years had a significant negative affect on the entire banking sector and have consequently severely affected the operating results of our Argentinean subsidiaries during the period, during 2003 and 2002, management evaluated and managed our Argentinean operations as if they comprised a separate business area and not part of the Banking in America business area where such operations would otherwise be included. Accordingly, our Argentinean subsidiaries’ operations are discussed under the separate business area, “Argentina”, and not as part of the Banking in America business area.

 

As discussed above under “—Events Affecting Comparability of Historical and Future Results of Operations and Financial Condition—Effect of the Depreciation of Latin American Currencies”, the depreciation of the currencies against the euro in the Latin American countries in which we operate was the most significant factor affecting the results of operations of our Latin American subsidiaries. In local currency terms, our Latin American subsidiaries sought to increase business volumes and fee income in order to offset the effect of historically low interest rates on yield spreads.

 

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     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2003/2002

    2002/2001

 

Net interest income

   2,790     3,391     3,988     (17.7 )   (15.0 )

Net fee income

   1,630     1,889     1,872     (13.7 )   0.9  
    

 

 

           

Basic margin

   4,420     5,280     5,860     (16.3 )   (9.9 )

Market operations

   196     277     285     (29.2 )   (2.8 )
    

 

 

           

Ordinary revenue

   4,616     5,557     6,145     (16.9 )   (9.6 )

General administrative expenses

   (2,034 )   (2,559 )   (3,007 )   (20.5 )   (14.9 )

Personnel costs

   (1,128 )   (1,444 )   (1,637 )   (21.8 )   (11.8 )

Other administrative expenses

   (906 )   (1,115 )   (1,370 )   (18.8 )   (18.6 )

Depreciation and amortization

   (213 )   (282 )   (339 )   (24.5 )   (16.8 )

Other operating revenues and expenses, net

   (139 )   (179 )   (198 )   (22.3 )   (9.6 )
    

 

 

           

Net operating income

   2,230     2,537     2,601     (12.1 )   (2.5 )

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   72     20     8     n.m. (1)   150.0  

Amortization of consolidation goodwill

   —       —       —       —       —    

Net income on Group transactions

   14     (3 )   50     n.m.     n.m.  

Net loan loss provisions

   (495 )   (691 )   (795 )   (28.4 )   (13.1 )

Extraordinary items, net

   (292 )   (193 )   (21 )   51.3     n.m.  
    

 

 

           

Pre-tax profit

   1,529     1,670     1,843     (8.4 )   (9.4 )

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   (369 )   (410 )   (448 )   (10.0 )   (8.5 )
    

 

 

           

Income before minority interests

   1,160     1,260     1,395     (7.9 )   (9.7 )

Minority interests

   (445 )   (524 )   (588 )   (15.1 )   (10.9 )
    

 

 

           

Net attributable profit

   715     736     807     (2.9 )   (8.8 )
    

 

 

           

(1) Not meaningful.

 

Net interest income. Net interest income amounted to €2,790 million in 2003, a decrease of 17.7% from €3,391 million in 2002, principally due to depreciations in Latin American currencies. In 2002, net interest income amounted to €3,391 million, a decrease of 15% from €3,988 million from 2001.

 

Net fee income. Net fee income totaled €1,630 million in 2003, a decrease of 13.7% from €1,889 million in 2002, principally due to depreciations in Latin American currencies, which more than offset efforts to increase fee and commission income by offering additional services to clients. In 2002, fee income amounted to €1,889 million, an increase of 0.9% from 1,872 million in 2001.

 

Basic margin. Adding net interest income and net fee income results in a basic margin of €4,420 million in 2003, a decrease of 16.3% from €5,280 million in 2002. In 2002, basic margin was €5,280, a decrease of 0.9% from €5,860 million in 2001.

 

Market operations. Income from market operations in 2003 amounted to €196 million, a decrease of 29.2% from €277 million in 2002, principally due to the depreciation of the currencies in Venezuela and Uruguay against the euro. In 2002, income from market operations amounted to €277 million, a decrease of 2.8% from €285 million in 2001.

 

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General administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and net other operating revenues and expenses. Operating expenses amounted to €2,386 million in 2003, a decrease of 21% from €3,020 million in 2002, principally due to the positive effect on costs of the depreciations in Latin American currencies and efficiency measures implemented in 2003, such as the reduction of 1,097 in headcount and the 1.7% decline in the number of branches, to limit costs increases in local currency terms. In 2002, total operating expenses amounted to €3,020 million, a decrease of 14.8% from €3,544 million.

 

Net operating income. Subtracting, among other items, general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from ordinary revenue results in net operating income of €2,230 million for 2003, a decrease of 12.1% from €2,537 million in 2002. In 2002, net operating income amounted to €2,537 million, a decrease of 2.5% from €2,601 million in 2001.

 

Other items. In 2003, net income from companies accounted for by the equity method amounted to €72 million, compared to €20 million in 2002, principally due to an increase in the net income of several of our investee companies, particularly insurance companies in which our Latin American subsidiaries own significant interests but we are not permitted to consolidate under Spanish GAAP. Net loan loss provisions amounted to €495 million in 2003, a decrease of 28.4% from €691 million in 2002, principally due to the effect of depreciations in Latin American currencies on the euro value of our Latin American subsidiaries’ loans and an improvement in the quality of such subsidiaries’ loan portfolios. Net loan loss provisions amounted to €691 million in 2002, a decrease of 13.1% from €795 million in 2001. The Banking in America’s NPL ratio was 4.01% in 2003, compared to 3.82% in 2002 and 3.51% in 2001, principally due to the adoption of stricter criteria for classifying loans issued by several of our Latin American subsidiaries as doubtful or non-performing. These criteria were adopted as a result of regulatory developments in certain countries in which we operate and our effort to apply loan classification criteria on a uniform basis throughout our operations. The loan coverage ratio was 169.4% in 2003, compared to 241.6% in 2002 and 242.6% in 2001. Net extraordinary expense amounted to €292 million in 2003, an increase of 51.3% from net extraordinary expense of €193 million in 2002, principally due to the effects of inflation accounting. Net extraordinary expense amounted to €193 million in 2002, compared to €21 million in 2001, principally due to the allocation of special provisions relating to the crisis in Venezuela in 2002.

 

Net attributable profit. As a result of the items described above, net attributable profit amounted to €715 million in 2003, a decrease of 2.9% from €736 million in 2002. In 2002, net attributable profit amounted to €736 million, a decrease of 8.8% from €807 million in 2001.

 

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Corporate Activities and Other

 

As described above, in January 2003 we agreed to sell our entire interest in BBV Brasil, which we previously included in the Banking in America business area. As a result of such agreement, from January 1, 2003 through June 9, 2003, the date the sale closed, we accounted for BBV Brasil’s business area’s operating results by the equity method. In order to provide a more meaningful presentation of our Banking in America business area’s operating results, we have elected to present the operating results of BBV Brasil—in 2003 carried by the equity method and in 2002 and 2001 under full consolidation—in the Corporate Activities and Other business area rather than in the Banking in America business area.

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2003/2002

    2002/2001

 

Net interest income

   4     187     403     (97.9 )   (53.6 )

Net fee income

   (112 )   (42 )   (49 )   166.7     (14.3 )
    

 

 

           

Basic margin

   (108 )   145     354     n.m. (1)   (59.0 )

Market operations

   237     346     (22 )   (31.5 )   n.m.  
    

 

 

           

Ordinary revenue

   129     491     332     (73.7 )   47.9  

General administrative expenses

   (416 )   (588 )   (557 )   (29.2 )   5.6  

Personnel costs

   (454 )   (565 )   (560 )   (19.6 )   0.9  

Other administrative expenses

   38     (23 )   3     n.m.     n.m.  

Depreciation and amortization

   (154 )   (195 )   (193 )   (21.0 )   1.0  

Other operating revenues and expenses, net

   (23 )   (21 )   (11 )   9.5     90.9  
    

 

 

           

Net operating expense

   (464 )   (313 )   (429 )   48.2     (27.0 )

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   228     7     319     n.m.     (97.8 )

Amortization of consolidation goodwill

   (637 )   (675 )   (1,136 )   (5.6 )   (40.6 )

Net income on Group transactions

   508     276     795     84.1     (65.3 )

Net loan loss provisions

   42     (229 )   (60 )   n.m.     n.m.  

Extraordinary items, net

   (76 )   (99 )   27     (23.2 )   n.m.  
    

 

 

           

Pre-tax profit

   (399 )   (1,033 )   (484 )   (61.4 )   n.m.  

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   296     458     171     (35.4 )   n.m.  
    

 

 

           

Income before minority interests

   (103 )   (575 )   (313 )   (82.1 )   83.7  

Minority interests

   (102 )   (81 )   (138 )   25.9     (41.3 )
    

 

 

           

Net attributable loss

   (205 )   (656 )   (451 )   (68.8 )   45.5  
    

 

 

           

(1) Not meaningful.

 

Net interest income. Net interest income amounted to €4 million in 2003, a decrease of 98% from €187 million in 2002, principally due to our sale of BBV Brasil, which accounted for a decrease in net interest income of €301 million, but was partially offset by the higher dividends collected from investee companies, which increased by 82% over 2002. Net interest income in 2002 amounted to €187 million, a decrease of 53.6% from €403 million in 2001, principally due to the lower dividends collected in 2002.

 

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Net fee income. Net fee expense amounted to €112 million in 2003, an increase of 166.7% from net fee expense of €42 million in 2002, principally due to our sale of BBV Brasil, which accounted for an increase in net fee expense of €58 million. Net fee expense in 2002 amounted to €42 million, a decrease of 14.3% from net fee expense of €49 million in 2001.

 

Basic margin. Adding net interest income and net fee income results in a basic margin of negative €108 million in 2003. Basic margin was €145 in 2002, principally due to the contribution of BBV Brasil, which accounted for €362 million in basic margin.

 

Market operations. Income from market operations amounted to €237 million in 2003, a decrease of 31.5% from €346 million in 2002, principally due to significant hedging, derivatives and other securities transactions by our Assets and Liabilities Management Committee in 2002. Income from market operations in 2001 was a loss of €22 million.

 

General administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and net other operating revenues and expenses. Operating expenses amounted to €593 million in 2003, a decrease of 26.2% from €804 million in 2002, principally due to our sale of BBV Brasil, which accounted for a reduction of €235 million. Operating expenses in 2002 were €804 million, an increase of 5.7% from €761 million in 2001.

 

Net operating expense. Subtracting, among other items, general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from ordinary revenue results in net operating expenses of €464 million in 2003, an increase of 48.2% from €313 million in 2002, principally due to lower operating income as a result of the sale of BBV Brasil, which accounted for a reduction of €146 million. Net operating expense was €313 million in 2002, a decrease of 27.0% from net operating expense of €429 million in 2001.

 

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method. Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method amounted to €228 million in 2003, compared to €7 million in 2002, principally due to the change in accounting of the operating results of BBV Brasil during the first half of 2003 and improved operating results of our investee companies. Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method amounted to €7 million in 2002, compared to €319 million in 2001, principally due to the impact of the Argentinean political and economic crisis on the operating results of our investee companies with significant operations in Argentina and, in the case of Telefónica, S.A., its decision to significantly write-down its investments in certain UMTS licenses.

 

Amortization of consolidation goodwill. Since goodwill arises as a result of transactions undertaken by BBVA that, directly or indirectly, affect all of our business areas, all of our consolidated goodwill is recorded in the Corporate Activities and Other business area. Goodwill amortization charges amounted to €637 million in 2003, a decrease of 5.6% from €675 million in 2002. Goodwill amortization charges amounted to €675 million in 2002, a decrease of 40.6% from €1,143 million in 2001, principally due to unusually high charges in 2001 arising from the incorporation of the goodwill of Bancomer, Banco Francés and Grupo Consolidar.

 

Net income on Group transactions. Net income on Group transactions amounted to €508 million in 2003, an increase of 84.1% from €276 million in 2002, principally due to the recording of a loss of €189 million from our sale of BBV Brasil in 2002. Net income on Group transactions amounted to €276 million in 2002, a decrease of 65.3% from €795 million in 2001, principally due to exchange rate losses generated in advanced of our sale of BBV Brasil.

 

Net loan loss provisions. Net loan loss recoveries amounted to €42 million in 2003, compared to net loan loss provisions in 2002 of €229 million, principally due to the reclassification in 2002 of Argentina from group 4 to group 5 in country risk rankings set by the Bank of Spain, which required us to increase our loan coverage position. Unlike other loan loss provisions which are recorded by each business area according to the loan portfolio included within the scope of their activities, all of our country risk provisions are recorded in the Corporate Activities and Other business area. Net loan loss provisions in 2001 amounted to €60 million.

 

Net attributable loss. As a result of the items described above, net attributable loss amounted to €205 million in 2003, a decrease of 68.8% from €656 million in 2002. Net attributable loss was €656 million in 2002, an increase of 45.5% from net attributable loss of €451 million in 2001.

 

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Argentina

 

Because political and economic conditions in Argentina in the last several years had a significant negative effect on the entire Argentinean banking sector and have consequently severely affected the operating results of our Argentinean subsidiaries during this period, during 2002 and 2003, management evaluated and managed our Argentinean operations as if they comprised a separate business area and not part of the Banking in America and Asset Management and Private Banking business areas where such operations would otherwise be included.

 

     Year ended December 31,

    Change

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

    2003/2002

    2002/2001

 

Net interest income

   48     323     664     (85.1 )   (51.4 )

Net fee income

   91     102     435     (10.8 )   (76.6 )
    

 

 

           

Basic margin

   139     425     1,099     (67.3 )   (61.3 )

Market operations

   52     101     39     (48.5 )   n.m. (1)
    

 

 

           

Ordinary revenue

   191     526     1,138     (63.7 )   (53.8 )

General administrative expenses

   (152 )   (172 )   (560 )   (11.6 )   (69.3 )

Personnel costs

   (85 )   (91 )   (353 )   (6.6 )   (74.2 )

Other administrative expenses

   (67 )   (81 )   (207 )   (17.3 )   (60.9 )

Depreciation and amortization

   (21 )   (19 )   (73 )   10.5     (74.0 )

Other operating revenues and expenses, net

   (8 )   (9 )   (16 )   (11.1 )   (43.8 )
    

 

 

           

Net operating income

   10     326     489     (96.9 )   (33.3 )

Net income from companies accounted for by the equity method

   10     (9 )   12     n.m.     (175.0 )

Amortization of consolidation goodwill

   0     0     0     —       —    

Net income on Group transactions

   0     0     0     —       —    

Net loan loss provisions

   (189 )   (249 )   (532 )   (24.1 )   (53.2 )

Extraordinary items, net

   237     (152 )   (751 )   n.m.     (79.8 )
    

 

 

           

Pre-tax profit

   68     (84 )   (782 )   n.m.     (89.3 )

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   (57 )   89     353     n.m.     (74.8 )
    

 

 

           

Income before minority interests

   11     5     (429 )   120.0     n.m.  

Minority interests

   (1 )   (14 )   212     (92.9 )   n.m.  
    

 

 

           

Net attributable profit (loss)

   10     (9 )   (217 )   n.m.     (95.9 )
    

 

 

           

(1) Not meaningful.

 

Net interest income. Net interest income amounted to €48 million in 2003, a decrease of 85.1% from €323 million in 2002, principally due to decreases in the yield spread and in volumes of interest-earning assets, which were partially offset by decreases in average interest-bearing liabilities. In 2002, net interest income totaled €323 million, a decrease of 51.4% from €664 million in 2001, principally due to the strong depreciation of the Argentine peso against the euro in 2002 as well as the same factors affecting net interest income in 2003.

 

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Net fee income. Net fee income amounted to €91 million in 2003, a decrease of 10.8% from €102 million in 2002, principally due to decreases in the volume and numbers of transactions generating service charges on deposit accounts and in the use of credit cards due to continuing economic instability in Argentina. Net fee income amounted to €102 million in 2002, a decrease of 76.6% from €435 million in 2001, principally due to the same factors affecting net fee income in 2003.

 

Basic margin. Adding net interest income and net fee income results in a basic margin of €139 million in 2003, a decrease of 67.3% from €425 million in 2001. Basic margin was €425 million in 2002, a decrease of 76.6% from €1,099 million in 2001.

 

Market operations. Income from market operations amounted to €52 million in 2003, a decrease of 48.5% from €101 million in 2002, principally due to adverse market conditions. Income from market operations in 2002 amounted to €101 million, compared to €39 million in 2001, principally due to gains on foreign exchange derivatives transactions related to the Argentinean Peso.

 

General administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization and net other operating revenues and expenses. Operating expenses amounted to €181 million in 2003, principally due to decreases in personnel costs, fees and external administrative services, advertising and promotion, business travel and development and other operating expenses. In 2002, total operating expenses amounted to €200 million, a decrease of 69.2% from €649 million in 2001, principally due to strict control of costs and a reduction of 10% in the number of bank personnel.

 

Net operating income. Subtracting, among other items, general administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization from ordinary revenue results in net operating income of €10 million in 2003, a decrease of 96.9% from €326 million, principally due to the decrease in ordinary revenue. In 2002, net operating income was €326 million, a decrease of 33.3% from €489 million in 2001.

 

Other items. Net loan loss provisions amounted to €189 million in 2003, a decrease of 24.1% from €249 million in 2002, principally due to increased debt recoveries. Net loan loss provisions amounted to €249 million in 2002, a decrease of 53.2% from €532 million in 2001, principally due to the higher provisions made at the end of 2001 by management against losses arising from Argentina’s economic crisis. Net extraordinary income amounted to €237 million in 2003. In 2002, net extraordinary expense totaled €152 million.

 

Net attributable profit (loss). As a result of the items described above, net attributable profit amounted to €10 million in 2003, compared to the net attributable loss of €9 million in 2002 and to the net attributable loss of €217 million in 2001.

 

B. Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our principal source of funds is our customer deposit base, which consists primarily of demand, savings and time deposits. In addition to relying on our customer deposits, we also access the interbank market (overnight and time deposits) and domestic and international capital markets for our additional liquidity requirements. To access the capital markets, we have in place a series of domestic and international programs for the issuance of commercial paper and medium- and long-term debt. We also generally maintain a diversified portfolio of liquid assets and securitized assets. Another source of liquidity is our generation of cash flow. Finally, we supplement our funding requirements, to a very limited extent, with borrowings from the Bank of Spain, mostly short-term at market interest rates, which is a common practice in Spain.

 

The following table shows the balances in 2003, 2002 and 2001 of our principal sources of funds:

 

     Year ended December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     (in millions of euro)

Customer deposits

   141,049    146,560    166,499

Due to credit entities

   61,570    56,119    64,588

Debt securities in issue

   45,673    38,386    37,335
    
  
  

Total

   248,292    241,065    268,423
    
  
  

 

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As of June 30, 2004, BBVA has issued the following:

 

  Senior Debt (floating rate bonds) amounted to €1,000 million, maturity date February 26, 2009.

 

  Mortgage bonds (fixed rate 3.5%) amounted to €3,000 million, maturity date March 15, 2011.

 

  Senior Debt (floating rate bonds) amounted to €2,000 million, maturity date June 16, 2008.

 

  Preferred shares amounted to €500 million.

 

Deposit Base

 

Our total customer funds (customer deposits, excluding assets sold under repurchase agreements, marketable debt securities and subordinated debt) amounted to €125 billion as of December 31, 2003, a decrease of 1.58% from €127 billion as of December 31, 2002. Including assets sold under repurchase agreements, customer funds amounted to €141 billion as of December 31, 2003, a decrease of 3.43% from €146 billion as of December 31, 2002. Customer funds decreased principally due to the impact of the Argentine banking crisis on our banking operations in Argentina and the effect of the devaluation of currencies in Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Venezuela, which caused the value in euro of deposits in these countries recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets to decrease.

 

Interbank and Capital Markets

 

We have increased debt issuances in the domestic and international capital markets in order to finance our activities and as of December 31, 2003, we had €34,383 million of senior debt outstanding, comprising €28,259 million in bonds and debentures and €6,124 million in promissory notes and other securities, compared to €27,523 million, €22,394 million and €5,129 million outstanding as of December 31, 2002, respectively. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. A total of €7,399 million in subordinated debt and €3.9 billion in preferred stock, issued or guaranteed by BBVA was outstanding as of December 31, 2003, compared to €6,487 million and €4.4 billion outstanding as of December 31, 2002, respectively. See Notes 21 and 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The average maturity of our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2003 was the following:

 

Senior debt

   3 years

Subordinated debt

   6 years

 

The cost and availability of debt financings are influenced by credit ratings. A reduction in these ratings could increase the cost of, and reduce our access to, debt financing. As of December 31, 2003, our credit ratings were as follows:

 

     Short Term

   Long Term

   Financial Strength

Moody’s

   P-1    Aa2    B+

Fitch—IBCA

   F-1+    AA-    B

Standard & Poor’s

   A-1+    AA-    —  

 

On April 4, 2002, Standard & Poor’s revised its rating outlook for BBVA to negative from stable, based on the potential impact on BBVA of a deterioration of Argentina’s financial system. The main ratings agencies, Moody’s, Fitch-IBCA and Standard & Poor’s, have confirmed a stable outlook for BBVA in 2002. In 2003 our ratings did not change.

 

In December 2003, BBVA Capital Finance, S.A.U., a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBVA, issued preferred stock amounting to €350 million. In 2003, we redeemed several series of preferred shares issued by our financing subsidiaries: (i) on April 22, 2003, $200 million nominal amount of series C preferred shares issued by BBVA Capital Funding Ltd., bearing a 7.20% coupon; (ii) on March 31, 2003, $350 million nominal amount of series A preferred shares issued by BBVA International Limited, bearing a 7.20% coupon, and (iii) on June 30, 2003, $248.25 million nominal of series C preferred shares issued by BBVA International Gibraltar, bearing an 8% coupon.

 

Generation of Cash Flow

 

We operate in Spain and over 20 other countries, mainly in Europe and Latin America. Although at this moment, except for Argentina, we are not aware of any legal or economic restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to our parent company in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances, capital repatriation and other manners, there is no assurance that in the future such restrictions will not be adopted or that, if adopted, they will not negatively affect our liquidity. The geographic diversification of our businesses limits the effect of any restrictions that could be adopted in any given country.

 

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We believe that our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements and to pursue our planned business strategies.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

     Maturity

     Less Than
One Year


   One to Three
Years


   Three to Five
Years


   Over Five
Years


   Total

     (in millions of euro)

Senior Debt

   14,031    6,650    4,314    9,388    34,383

Subordinated debt

   267    1,033    222    5,877    7,399

Capital Lease Obligations

   45    64    1    —      110

Operating Lease Obligations

   5    8    7    20    40

Purchase Obligations

   3    0    0    0    3

Total

   14,351    7,755    4,544    15,285    41,935
    
  
  
  
  

 

Other contingent liabilities and commitments

 

In addition to loans, we had outstanding the following contingent liabilities and commitments at the dates indicated:

 

     At December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     (in thousands of euro)

Contingent liabilities:

              

Rediscounts, endorsements and acceptances

   11,828    5,370    62,097

Guarantees and other sureties

   13,588,729    15,109,713    13,713,924

Other contingent liabilities

   3,050,954    3,041,745    2,699,583
    
  
  

Total contingent liabilities

   16,651,511    18,156,828    16,475,604

Commitments:

              

Balances drawable by third parties:

              

Credit entities

   2,723,586    2,521,177    2,349,633

Public authorities

   2,591,339    4,288,788    2,994,873

Other domestic sectors

   27,578,880    25,842,248    26,183,898

Non-domestic sectors

   19,934,934    16,101,984    21,388,686
    
  
  

Total balances drawable by third parties

   52,827,939    48,754,197    52,917,090

Other commitments

   3,070,468    2,865,188    2,372,081
    
  
  

Total commitments

   55,898,407    51,619,385    55,289,171
    
  
  

Total contingent liabilities and commitments

   72,549,918    69,776,213    71,764,775
    
  
  

 

See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information with respect to our off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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Off-balance sheet arrangements

 

In addition to the contingent liabilities and commitments described above, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, we had entered into additional transactions which, pursuant to applicable law, are not required to be reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table provides information regarding the notional or contractual value of these transactions as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

     At December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     (in thousands of euro)

Foreign currency purchase and sale transactions and swaps

   56,495,811    50,085,387    37,905,142

Foreign currency purchases against euro

   23,376,814    19,611,600    17,456,059

Foreign currency purchases against foreign currencies

   18,651,590    21,640,807    9,896,857

Foreign currency sales against euro

   14,476,407    8,832,980    10,552,226

Financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   1,884,997    6,638,876    2,751,764

Purchases

   725,260    1,085,452    633,455

Sales

   1,159,737    5,553,424    2,118,309

Forward rate agreements (FRA)

   67,325,503    22,413,334    111,359,842

Bought

   37,999,751    13,759,612    57,444,797

Sold

   29,325,752    8,652,722    53,915,045

Interest rate swaps

   533,737,345    454,602,653    436,403,810

Securities swaps

   3,973,217    6,921,838    3,848,898

Interest rate futures

   50,175,854    49,243,706    42,078,138

Bought

   12,768,238    13,136,816    15,572,963

Sold

   37,407,616    36,106,890    26,505,175

Securities futures

   1,574,930    431,910    1,057,253

Bought

   208,991    33,051    301,546

Sold

   1,365,939    398,859    755,707

Interest rate options

   77,524,792    69,366,501    69,283,264

Bought

   42,247,845    37,819,076    36,721,077

Sold

   35,276,947    31,547,425    32,862,187

Securities options

   30,770,515    19,052,486    20,363,023

Bought

   4,934,530    4,303,747    4,878,950

Sold

   25,835,985    14,748,739    15,484,073

Foreign currency options and futures

   8,860,353    8,695,760    22,343,262

Bought

   3,595,772    3,949,889    10,552,096

Sold

   5,264,581    4,745,871    11,791,166

Other transactions

   788,903    1,292,090    818,597
    
  
  

Total

   833,112,220    688,744,541    775,212,993
    
  
  

 

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The notional or contractual amounts of these transactions do not necessarily reflect the actual risk assumed by us, since our net position in these financial instruments is often the result of offsetting or combining multiple transactions. This net position, even if it is not deemed a hedge for accounting purposes, is used by us generally to eliminate or significantly reduce interest rate, market or exchange risk. The resulting gains or losses on these transactions are included under the market operations caption in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Any gains or losses on hedging transactions are included as an increase in, or offset of, the results on the positions covered by them.

 

The following table provides information regarding off-balance-sheet funds managed by us as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     (in thousands of euro)

Mutual funds

   45,751,629    43,581,299    49,900,947

Pension funds

   40,015,408    36,563,294    41,248,849

Assets managed

   27,306,691    28,670,233    33,345,967
    
  
  

Total

   113,073,728    108,841,826    124,495,763
    
  
  

 

Our off-balance sheet funds increased in 2003 principally due to the launch of new products and the change in market trends over the course of 2003.

 

Agreement with Terra Networks

 

In connection with the agreement by BBVA and Terra Networks to integrate Uno-e Bank and the individual consumer financing business of Finanzia, BBVA has entered into an agreement with Terra Networks which gives Terra Networks a liquidity mechanism over its shares in the combined entity, that replaces a liquidity mechanism signed on May 15, 2002. The liquidity mechanism provides Terra Networks the right to sell its stake to BBVA between April 1, 2005 and September 30, 2007 at a price equal to the higher of (i) the market value of the securities as determined by an investment bank, and (ii) the amount obtained by multiplying (a) the after-tax profits of Uno-e Bank, by (b) BBVA’s price/earnings ratio, by (c) the percentage holding in Uno-e Bank that Terra Networks intends to sell. However, in no event can the sale price under (i) or (ii) above be less than €148.5 million if Uno-e Bank does not achieve certain net ordinary revenue and pre-tax income targets.

 

Capital

 

Under the Bank of Spain’s capital adequacy regulations, as of December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, we were required to have a ratio of consolidated stockholders’ equity to risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items (net of certain amounts) of not less than 8%.

 

As of December 31, 2002, our ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.2% and our shareholders’ equity exceeded the minimum level required by 23.6%. As of December 31, 2003 this ratio was 11.1% and our shareholders’ equity exceeded the minimum

 

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level required by 27.6%. However, based purely on the framework of the Basel Accord and using such additional assumptions as we consider appropriate, we have estimated that as of December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2003, our consolidated Tier I risk-based capital ratio was 8.4% and 8.5%, respectively, and our consolidated total risk-based capital ratio (consisting of both Tier I capital and Tier II capital) was 12.5% and 12.7%, respectively. The Basel Accord recommends that these ratios be at least 4% and 8%, respectively.

 

For qualitative and quantitative information on the principal risks we face, including market, credit, liquidity, operational and legal risks, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

 

C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.

 

The research and development activity of BBVA has the main objective of improving the productivity and efficiency of our internal processes and the processes related to our interaction with clients.

 

With respect to our internal processes, we are actively striving to enhance our efficiency through our corporative Intranet, holding virtual meetings and multi-conferences, the creation of knowledge communities and facilitating the ability of our employees to work remotely.

 

With respect to client processes, we are working to develop the bank branch of the future which will take advantage of the newest technologies, such as regarding multimedia applications, communications and broadband. In addition, we are working to develop technology to facilitate customer transactions and improve their security.

 

D. Trend Information

 

The European financial services sector is likely to remain competitive with increasing numbers of providers of financial services and alternative distribution channels. Further consolidation in the sector (through mergers, acquisitions or alliances) is likely as the other major banks look to increase their market share or combine with complementary businesses. It is foreseeable that regulatory changes will take place in the future that will diminish barriers to such consolidation transactions.

 

The following are the most important trends, uncertainties and events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us or that would cause the financial information disclosed herein not to be indicative of our future operating results or financial condition:

 

  uncertainties relating to economic growth expectations and interest rate cycles, especially in the United States, and the impact they may have over the yield curve and exchange rates;

 

  the effect that an economic slowdown may have over Latin American markets and fluctuations in local interest and exchange rates;

 

  the chance that a worsening in the macroeconomic environment will further deteriorate the quality of credit;

 

  a downturn in capital markets or a downturn in investor confidence, linked to factors such as geopolitical risk;

 

  inflationary pressures and the resulting negative effect they may have on interest rates and economic growth and

 

  although it is foreseeable that entry barriers to domestic markets in Europe will be lowered, our plans for expansion into other European markets could be affected by entry barriers in such countries.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

BBVA recognizes the importance of a strong system of corporate governance, in particular for a large financial institution. In addition, BBVA understands corporate governance to be a dynamic process that must be periodically analyzed and updated in light of our assessments of the performance of our existing corporate governance structures and evolving regulations, recommendations and market practice in Spain and elsewhere.

 

Accordingly, to adapt its corporate governance structure to new requirements recently enacted in Spain, BBVA’s Board of Directors has approved a series of regulations for the Board of Directors that reflect the principles and elements that have shaped and continue to guide BBVA’s system of corporate governance. First, the Board of Directors approved the Regulations of the Board of Directors, which comprises the standards governing the functions and operations of the Board of Directors and its Committees and

 

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sets forth the duties and responsibilities of directors, which were formerly set forth in the Directors’ Code. Second, on February 28, 2004, BBVA’s shareholders approved the Regulations of the Shareholders’ Meeting, which provides for certain matters related to shareholders’ rights required under Spanish law. BBVA also has a Code of Ethics and Conduct which applies to the Board of Directors as well as all BBVA employees.

 

A description of BBVA’s system of corporate governance, the internal codes described above and a report on corporate governance drafted by the Board of Directors, can be found on BBVA’s website at www.bbva.com.

 

A. Directors and Senior Management

 

BBVA is managed by a Board of Directors, which, in accordance with BBVA’s current bylaws (Estatutos), as approved by the General Shareholders Meeting on February 28, 2004 (subject to authorization and registration with the Vizcaya Mercantile Registry, which is still pending), must consist of no less than 9 and no more than 16 members. All members of the Board of Directors are elected to serve five-year terms. One-fifth of the members are subject to re-election every year by the shareholders at a general meeting. Directors are appointed to the Board of Directors by our shareholders. Directors must resign at the age of 70. The Chairman of the Board must resign his or her chairmanship upon reaching the age of 65, but may continue to serve as a director thereafter, until reaching the age of 70. The President and Chief Operating Officer and other executive directors must resign from their management positions upon reaching the age of 62, at which point they must also submit their resignation as directors to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may nonetheless determine that such executive directors may continue to serve on the board.

 

According to BBVA’s Regulations of the Board of Directors, at least two-thirds of the members of the Board of Directors must be independent. We consider directors to be independent when they do not hold any other position with BBVA or any of our subsidiaries and they:

 

  do not own, directly or indirectly, over 3% of our shares and have not been appointed by a shareholder holding over 3% of our shares;

 

  are not an entity designated to serve on our Board of Directors, or a representative of any such entity, which holds one or more directorships (an institutional director);

 

  have not served as an executive officer, an executive director or as an employee of BBVA’s external auditor, in each case within the last three years;

 

  do not have a significant relationship with BBVA, directly or as a partner, shareholder, manager or employee of an entity that has such a relationship, where the relationship could be considered to affect such director’s independence;

 

  do not have a family relationship with any director failing to meet the criteria described above and

 

  do not possess any other quality or characteristic that, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, might compromise such director’s independence.

 

An institutional director is an external director designated by virtue of her or his relationship with a person or entity that is a significant shareholder of BBVA. For this purpose we consider a significant shareholder to be a person or entity that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 5% of the share capital or voting rights of BBVA. If a lower percentage of shares or voting rights allows such person or entity to exercise significant influence over BBVA, such person or their designee shall also be considered an institutional director.

 

Regulations of the Board of Directors

 

The following discussion provides a brief description of several significant matters covered in the Regulations of the Board of Directors.

 

Appointment and Re-election of Directors

 

The Regulations of the Board of Directors provide that the qualifications of the persons proposed for appointment as directors shall be assessed by the Appointments and Compensation Committee with due reference to the candidates’ personal and professional attributes, as well as the needs of BBVA’s governing bodies at any time.

 

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When proposals for re-electing directors are made, the Board of Directors will evaluate the performance of directorship duties of directors proposed for a further term, their dedication, and such other circumstances as may make it advisable to re-elect them or not.

 

Term of Directorships

 

Directors shall retire from their directorships at the age of 70, and the Chairman, as Chief Executive Officer, shall retire at the age of 65, continuing to sit on the Board of Directors thereafter. Their resignations should occur in the first session of the Board of Directors to be held after the General Shareholders Meeting that approves the accounts for the year in which they reach such ages.

 

Executive directors are required to retire from their management positions at the age of 62, following the same timing rules as established in the paragraph above. When, for this or any other reasons, they cease to be executive directors, they shall place their directorship at the disposal of the Board of Directors, which may agree that they should continue to be directors notwithstanding.

 

Non-executive directors shall cease to be members of any Committee three years after they are appointed, although the Board of Directors may decide to re-appoint them.

 

One-fifth of the members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by the General Shareholders’ Meeting each year. Directors may serve an unlimited number of terms.

 

Performance of Directors’ Duties

 

The members of the Board of Directors shall carry out the duties inherent in their directorship and membership on any Board Committee in accordance with applicable law, BBVA’s bylaws, the Regulations of the Board of Directors, and resolutions adopted by BBVA’s Board of Directors.

 

Each director will be required to attend the meetings of the Board of Directors and Committees of which he or she forms part, except in cases duly justified, and participate in the deliberations, discussions and debates thereof with regard to the matters which arise at such meetings.

 

The directors shall have sufficient information to be able to form opinions on issues raised by the Board of Directors and its Committees, and the information shall be furnished as far in advance as required. Additionally, directors may propose to the Board of Directors that external experts, be brought in to assist the Board to consider matters of special complexity or importance.

 

Directors shall keep confidential the deliberations of the Board of Directors and the Committees on which they sit, and all information to which they may have access in the discharge of their duties, which they shall use exclusively in pursuit of their duties and with due diligence. The obligation of confidentiality shall remain in force event after they have ceased to hold their posts.

 

Ethics and Code of Conduct

 

Directors shall behave ethically in their activities and in good faith, in keeping with statutory requirements applicable to those who hold directorships in companies, particularly in financial institutions, according to the principles comprising BBVA’s values.

 

The Regulations of the Board of Directors regulate such conflicts as may arise between, on the one hand, the interests of the directors and/or their family members, and, on the other hand, the interests of BBVA, and set out the instances of incompatibilities preventing them from exercising their duties as directors, among other matters.

 

Directors shall abstain from attending and taking part in matters from which a conflict of interest with BBVA may arise.

 

They shall not be present in the deliberations of the Board of Directors or Committees on which they sit when these relate to affairs in which they may have a direct or indirect interest, and nor shall they carry out personal, professional or commercial transactions with BBVA or its subsidiaries, other than normal banking transactions, unless these are subject to procurement procedures of guaranteed transparency, with competitive bidding and at market prices.

 

Directors shall also abstain from having a direct or indirect stake in businesses or companies in which BBVA or its subsidiaries has an interest, unless (i) the stake predates their joining the Board of Directors, or BBVA or its subsidiaries acquires the interest after they join the Board of Directors, (ii) the companies are listed on domestic or international stock markets, or (iii) the stake is authorized by the Board of Directors.

 

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Directors may not use their position with BBVA to obtain, directly or indirectly, a material advantage, nor take advantage of any business opportunities of which they become aware as a result of their membership on the Board of Directors.

 

Incompatibilities

 

In pursuit of their duties, directors shall be subject to rules on incompatible activities.

 

The Regulations of the Board of Directors also establish specific rules regarding activities incompatible with the performance of duties inside and outside BBVA, except for those cases expressly authorized by our Board of Directors.

 

In accordance with these incompatibility regulations, directors may not: (i) provide professional services or be an employee, manager or director in companies competing with BBVA or any of BBVA’s subsidiaries; (ii) hold administrative posts in any of the companies in which BBVA holds an interest or (iii) perform any activity that may in any way adversely affect BBVA’s image.

 

As an exception, executive directors may perform, on our initiative, management tasks in those subsidiaries directly or indirectly controlled by BBVA with the consent of the Executive Committee, and other companies in which BBVA participates with the consent of the Board of Directors.

 

The non-executive directors may perform management tasks in companies in which BBVA or any of its entities participates if such position is not held as a result of our participation and with the prior consent of the Board of Directors. This limitation does not apply where we have acquired a participation in another company in the ordinary course of our asset management, derivatives coverage or other line of business.

 

Dismissal of Directors

 

In the event of breaching the Regulations of the Board of Directors, a director shall place their post at the disposal of the Board of Directors and accept the Board’s decision whether or not they should continue as a director. Should the Board of Directors decide that they should not, they shall tender their resignation in the following cases:

 

  they fall into any of the incompatible or proscribed categories stipulated under the prevailing regulations, BBVA’s bylaws or the Regulations of the Board of Directors;

 

  significant changes take place in their professional circumstances or in the reasons under which they were appointed director;

 

  they are in serious breach of their duties as a member of the Board of Directors;

 

  events have occurred for which the director, acting as such, may be responsible, which caused serious damage to BBVA’s assets or

 

  they lose the commercial and professional status necessary to hold a directorship with BBVA.

 

Incompatibility After Severance

 

Directors who cease to belong to the Board of Directors may not provide services to any other financial institution competing with BBVA or any of its subsidiaries for two years after leaving the Board of Directors, unless the Board of Directors expressly authorizes otherwise. Such authorization may be denied on the ground of BBVA’s best interest.

 

The Board of Directors

 

The Board of Directors is currently comprised of 15 members. The following table sets forth the names of the members of the Board of Directors as of the date of this Annual Report, their date of appointment and reelection, if applicable, their current positions and their present principal outside occupation and five-year employment history.

 

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Name


  

Current Position


  

Date Nominated


  

Date Reelected


  

Present Principal Outside Occupation and

Five-Year Employment History(*)


Francisco González Rodríguez(1)    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    December 18, 1999         Director, Empresa Nacional de Electricidad, S.A., October 1996 – October 2000; Chairman, Argentaria, May 1996 –January 2000; Chairman, Uno-e Bank, S.A., December 1999-January 2000; Chairman, BBVA, since January 2000.
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri Tellaeche(1)    President and Chief Operating Officer    December 18, 2001    March 1, 2003    Director, Telefónica, S.A., April 2000–April 2003; Vice President, Repsol YPF, S.A., April 2002 – April 2003; Director, BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A.; Director, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer; Director, BBVA Bancomer, S.A.; Managing Director, Retail Banking, BBV, 1995 – 2000; Managing Director, Banking in America, BBVA, 2000 – 2001, President and Chief Operating Officer, BBVA, since 2001.
Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz(1)(3)    Independent Director    December 18, 1999    March 10, 2001    Managing Director, Grupo Eulen; Director, Bodegas Vega Sicilia, S.A.
Richard C. Breeden    Independent Director    October 29, 2002    February 28, 2004    Chairman, Richard C. Breeden & Co.; Chairman, President and CEO, Equivest Finance, Inc., 1996 – 2002; Bankruptcy Trustee, Bennett Funding Group, 1996-2002.
Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora(2)(4)    Independent Director    December 18, 1999         Director, Ctra. Inmo. Urba. Vasco-Aragonesa, S.A.
José Antonio Fernández Rivero(4)    Non-Independent External Director    February 28, 2004         Appointed General Manager of BBVA Systems and Operations, 1999, Appointed Group General Manager, 2000, Since 2003: Deputy Chairman of Telefónica and Member of its Audit and Regulation Committees, Member of the Board and Executive Committee of Iberdrola, Director of Banco de Crédito Local, and Chairman of Adquira; Currently Director of Iberdrola S.A. and Vice-president of Telefónica S.A.
Ignacio Ferrero Jordi(2)(3)    Independent Director    December 18, 1999         Chairman, Nutrexpa, S.A.
Román Knörr Borrás(1)    Independent Director    May 28, 2002    March 1, 2003    Chairman, Carbónicas Alavesas, S.A.; Director, Aguas de San Martín de Veri, S.A.; Director, Mediasal 2000, S.A.; Chairman, Confebask (Basque Business Confederation)
Ricardo Lacasa Suárez(2)(4)    Independent Director    May 28, 2002    March 1, 2003    CEO, Banco Popular Español, S.A., until 1999.
Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo(2)(3)    Independent Director    February 28, 2004         Partner, J&A Garrigues, since 1977; Director of the Department of Mergers and Acquisitions, of Banking and Capital Markets, Member of the Management Committee since 1985.

 

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José Maldonado Ramos(4)(5)    Director and General Secretary    December 18, 1999    February 28, 2004    Director, Telefónica S.A., February 1999 – April 2003; Secretary of the Board of Directors and Director and General Secretary, Argentaria, May 1997 – 2000; Director and General Secretary, BBVA, since January 2000.
Enrique Medina Fernández(1)(4)    Independent Director    December 18, 1999    February 28, 2004    Director and Secretary, Sigma Enviro, S.A.
Susana Rodríguez Vidarte(2)    Independent Director    May 28, 2002    March 1, 2003    Dean of Deusto “La Comercial” University since 1996.
José María San Martín Espinós(1)(3)    Independent Director    December 18, 1999    March 10, 2001    Director and Managing Director, Construcciones San Martín S.A.
Telefónica de España, S.A.(6)(7)    Non-Independent External Director    April 17, 2000          

(*) Where no date is provided, the position is currently held.
(1) Member of the Executive Committee.
(2) Member of the Audit and Compliance Committee.
(3) Member of the Appointments and Compensation Committee.
(4) Member of the Risk Committee.
(5) Secretary of the Board of Directors.
(6) Represented by Mr. Angel Vilá Boix
(7) See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party

Transactions—Uno-e Bank Agreement.”

 

Executive Officers (“Comité de Dirección”)

 

The executive officers of the bank were each appointed for an indefinite term. Their positions as of the date of this Annual Report are as follows:

 

Name


  

Current Position


  

Present Principal Outside Occupation and

Five-Year Employment History(*)


Francisco González Rodríguez    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer    Director, Empresa Nacional de Electricidad, S.A., October 1996 – October 2000; Chairman, Argentaria, May 1996 – January 2000; Chairman, Uno-e Bank, S.A., December 1999 – January 2000.
José Ignacio Goirigolzarri Tellaeche    President and Chief Operating Officer    Director, Telefónica, S.A. April 2000 –April 2003; Vice President, Repsol YPF, S.A., April 2002 – April 2003; Director, BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A.; Director, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer; Director, BBVA Bancomer, S.A.; Managing Director, Retail Banking, BBV, 1995 – 2000; Managing Director, Banking in America, BBVA, 2000 – 2001.
José Maldonado Ramos    Director and General Secretary    Director, Telefónica S.A., February 1999 – April 2003; Director and General Secretary, Argentaria (BBVA since January 2001), since May 1997.
José María Abril Pérez    Wholesale and Investment Banking    Director, Repsol S.A.; Director, Cía. Inmob. Metro. Vasco Central; Director, Gas Natural S.A.; Director, Bodegas y Bebidas S.A.; Director, Corp. IBV Servicios Tecnológicos S.A.; Chairman, S.A. Proyectos Industri. Conjuntos; Director, Iberia Lineas Aereas de España, S.A.; Managing Director, Industrial Group, BBVA, since 1999; Managing Director, Industrial and Real Estate Holdings, BBV, 1998 – 1999; Managing Director, BBV, Real Estate Holdings, 1995 – 1998.
Eduardo Arbizu Lostao    General Counsel    General Counsel, BBVA, since 2002; Chief Executive Officer, Barclays Bank Spain, 1997 – 2002; General Secretary, Barclays Bank, 1996 – 1997.

 

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Name


  

Current Position


  

Present Principal Outside Occupation and

Five-Year Employment History(*)


Ángel Cano Fernández    Human Resources and Services    Chief Financial Officer, BBVA, 2001–2002, Controller, BBVA, 2000–2001; Controller, Argentaria, 1998–2000; Assistant Controller, Argentaria, 1996 – 1998.
Manuel González Cid    Finance Division    Head of Strategic Planning, Argentaria, Corporacion Bancaria de España, S.A., 1993 – 1998; Deputy General Manager – Head of Corporate Development, Argentaria, 1998 – 1999; Member of the Board of Directors of Banco Atlantico, S.A. and Argentaria Asset Management Companies, 1998 – 1999; Deputy General Manager, BBVA – Head of the Merger Office, 1999 – 2001; Head of Corporate Development, BBVA, 2001 – 2002.
Julio López Gómez    Retail Banking Spain and Portugal    Managing Director, BBVA, Retail Banking Spain and Portugal, since 2001; Managing Director, BBVA, Retail Banking Spain, 2001; Corporate Banking, BBVA, 2000 – 2001; Business Development, BBVA, 2000; Business Development, BBV, 1996 – 2000.
Manuel Méndez del Río    Risks    Managing Director, Risk Management, BBVA, since 1999; Managing Director, Presidency, Argentaria, 1997 – 1999; Managing Director, Global Risk Management, Investment Funds, Pension Funds and Insurance, Santander Group, 1987 – 1997.
Vitalino Nafría Aznar    America    Managing Director, BBVA Bancomer, since 2002; Director, BBVA Bancomer, 2000 – 2002; Chief Executive Officer, BBV Mexico, 1998 – 2000; Managing Director, Basque region, BBV, 1996 – 1998.
Ignacio Sánchez-Asiaín Sanz    Systems and Operations    Managing Director, Asset Management and Private Banking, BBVA, since 2001; Managing Director, Americas Banking, 2001; Managing Director, Business Development, Americas Banking, 2000 – 2001; Deputy Managing Director, BBV, 1998 – 2000; Managing Director, Business Development, International Banking, BBV, 1996 – 1998.
José Sevilla Álvarez    Head of the Office of the Chairman    Head of Finance Division, Latin American Banking, BBV, 1998 – December 2001; Head of Business Development, BBVA, December 2001 – January 2003; Head of the Office of the Chairman, with responsibility for accountancy, internal audit and compliance, since January 2003.

(*) Where no date is provided, positions are currently held.

 

Compliance with NYSE Listing Standards on Corporate Governance

 

On November 4, 2003, the SEC approved new rules proposed by the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) intended to strengthen corporate governance standards for listed companies. In compliance therewith, the following is a summary of the significant differences between our corporate governance practices and those applicable to domestic issuers under the NYSE listing standards.

 

Independence of the Directors on the Board of Directors and Committees

 

Under the NYSE corporate governance rules, (i) a majority of a U.S. company’s board of directors must be composed of independent directors, (ii) a majority of the audit committee must be composed of independent directors and by July 31, 2005, all members of the audit committee must be independent and (iii) all U.S. companies listed on the NYSE must have a compensation committee and a nominations committee and all members of such committees must be independent. In each case, the independence of directors must be established pursuant to highly detailed rules promulgated by the NYSE and, in the case of the audit committee, the NYSE and the SEC.

 

Spanish law does not contain any requirement that members of the board of directors or the committees thereof be independent, nor does Spanish law provide any definition of what constitutes independence for the purpose of board or committee membership or otherwise. In addition, Spanish law does not require that a company have a compensation committee or a nominations committee,

 

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though there is a non-binding recommendation for listed companies in Spain to have these committees and for them to be composed of a majority of non-executive directors. In practice, Spanish companies generally have three types of directors: executive directors, directors dominicales appointed by an individual stockholder due to the size of its shareholding and independent directors.

 

As described above under “—Directors and Senior Management,” BBVA considers directors to be independent when they do not hold any other position with BBVA or any of our subsidiaries and they:

 

  do not own, directly or indirectly, over 3% of our shares and have not been appointed by a shareholder holding over 3% of our shares;

 

  are not an entity designated to serve on our Board of Directors, or a representative of any such entity, which holds one or more directorships (an institutional director);

 

  have not served as an executive officer, an executive director or as an employee of BBVA’s external auditor, in each case within the last three years;

 

  do not have a significant relationship with BBVA, directly or as a partner, shareholder, manager or employee of an entity that has such a relationship, where the relationship could be considered to affect such director’s independence;

 

  do not have a family relationship with any director failing to meet the criteria described above; and

 

  do not possess any other quality or characteristic that, in the judgment of the Board of Directors, might compromise such director’s independence.

 

We have not determined whether the members of our Board of Directors or its Committees would be considered independent under NYSE and SEC rules. We note, however, that our Board of Directors has a large majority of non-executive directors and 10 out of the 15 members of our Board are independent under the definition of independence described above. In addition, our Audit and Compliance Committee is composed exclusively of independent directors and, in accordance with the non-binding recommendation, BBVA’s Board of Directors has created an Appointments and Compensation Committee which is composed exclusively of independent directors.

 

Separate Meetings for Independent Directors

 

In accordance with the NYSE corporate governance rules, independent directors must meet periodically outside of the presence of the executive directors. Under Spanish law, this practice is not contemplated as such. We note, however, that our independent directors meet periodically outside the presence of our executive directors anytime the Audit and Compliance Committee or the Appointments and Compensation Committee meet, since these Committees are comprised solely of independent directors. In addition, our independent directors meet outside the presence of our executive directors as often as they deem fit, and usually prior to meetings of the Board of Directors or its Committees.

 

B. Compensation

 

Under BBVA’s bylaws, the Board of Directors is permitted to distribute up to four percent of BBVA’s annual net income to its members, but only after provisions of reserves, as required by law, have been made and after distribution of four percent of BBVA’s net income in the form of dividends to its shareholders.

 

The Board of Directors, at the proposal of the Appointments and Compensation Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors, approves BBVA’s system for remuneration of members of the Board of Directors. In 2003, this Committee adopted criteria for the compensation of directors and determined that executive directors would be compensated solely pursuant to their employment contracts relating to their executive positions with BBVA. The compensation criteria adopted by the Appointments and Compensation Committee are based on the responsibilities of the members of the Board of Directors, including their service on Board Committees, as well as the limitations service on the Board of Directors and its Committees places on other professional activities that may be pursued by the directors.

 

The following table presents information regarding the compensation (in euro) accrued to each member of our Board or Directors serving during 2003.

 

Director


   Board

   Executive

   Audit

   Appointments

   Risks

   Chairman

   Total

Alvarez Mezquiriz, Juan Carlos

   110,000         60,000    36,000              206,000

Bustamante y de la Mora, Ramón

   110,000         60,000         60,000    45,000    275,000

Ferrero Jordi, Ignacio

   110,000         60,000              90,000    260,000

Marañón y Bertrán de Lis, Gregorio

   110,000              36,000    60,000         206,000

Medina Fernández, Enrique

   110,000    140,000              60,000         310,000

San Martín Espinós, José María

   110,000    140,000         36,000              286,000

Tomás Sabaté, Jaume

   110,000    140,000         36,000              286,000

Telefónica de España

   110,000                             110,000

Lacasa Suárez, Ricardo

   110,000                   60,000    150,000    320,000

Knörr Borrás, Román

   110,000    140,000                        250,000

Rodríguez Vidarte, Susana

   110,000         60,000                   170,000

Breeden, Richard C.

   300,000                             300,000
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

TOTAL

   1,510,000    560,000    240,000    144,000    240,000    285,000    2,979,000
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

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Compensation to BBVA’s executive directors, which under BBVA’s bylaws must be based solely on their employment contracts relating to their executive positions with BBVA, in 2003 was as follows (in euro):

 

     Fixed Pay

   Variable Pay

   Total

Chairman of the Board

   1,461,000    2,393,000    3,854,000

Chief Operating Officer & President

   1,081,000    1,999,000    3,080,000

General Secretary

   491,000    607,000    1,098,000

 

In 2003, compensation for all executive officers (excluding executive directors) amounted to €3,239,500 of fixed remuneration and €6,331,300 of variable remuneration.

 

The following table provides the accrued pension benefits for the non-executive members of the Board of Directors as of December 31, 2003:

 

Directors


  

Cumulative Amount

(in euro)


Alvarez Mezquiriz, Juan Carlos

   124,000

Bustamante y de la Mora, Ramón

   147,000

Ferrero Jordi, Ignacio

   140,000

Knörr Borrás, Román

   85,000

Lacasa Suárez, Ricardo

   99,000

Marañón y Bertrán de Lis, Gregorio

   125,000

Medina Fernández, Enrique

   219,000

Rodríguez Vidarte, Susana

   56,000

San Martín Espinós, José María

   212,000

Tomás Sabaté, Jaume

   207,000

 

In addition, during 2003 a total of €71,000 was paid in medical and accident insurance premiums for the Board of Directors as a whole.

 

Accrued pension benefits (in euro) for executive directors as of December 31, 2003 were as follows:

 

Executive Directors


   Cumulative Amount

Chairman of the Board

   28,882,000

Chief Operating Officer & President

   23,697,000

Secretary General

   3,090,000

 

As of December 31, 2003, total accrued pension benefits for all executive officers (excluding executive directors) amounted to €21,077,000 million.

 

Incentive Plans

 

There is no current incentive program for executive directors and senior managers in effect that is linked to the performance of BBVA’s shares.

 

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BBVA’s senior management participates in an incentive plan providing them with possible additional variable non-share based compensation in 2006 if BBVA meets certain specified performance targets in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

 

Advance Payments and Personal Loans to Directors and Executive Officers

 

The total of advance payments and personal loans granted by BBVA and its consolidated subsidiaries to the members of the Board of Directors and outstanding as of December 31, 2003 amounted to €260,500 at interest rates between 4% and 5%, of which €92,000 was granted to executive directors and €168,500 to independent directors. As of December 31, 2003, no guarantees had been extended to secure members of the Board of Directors’ obligations or commitments.

 

The total of advance payments and personal loans granted by BBVA to executive officers (excluding executive directors) and outstanding as of December 31, 2003 amounted to €1,945,000. As of December 31, 2003, no guarantees had been extended to secure executive officers’ obligations or commitments.

 

C. Board Practices

 

Committees

 

The Board of Directors has created the Executive Committee, the Audit and Compliance Committee, the Appointments and Compensation Committee and the Risk Committee. All the Board of Directors Committees were formed on June 28, 2002. These Committees are discussed below.

 

Executive Committee

 

BBVA’s Board of Directors is assisted in fulfilling its responsibilities by the Executive Committee (Comisión Delegada Permanente) of the Board of Directors, which, under BBVA’s Regulations of the Board of Directors, must be comprised of at least half plus one independent director. The Board of Directors delegates all management functions, except those that it must retain due to legal or statutory requirements, to the Executive Committee.

 

As of May 31, 2004, BBVA’s Executive Committee was comprised of two executive directors and four independent directors, as follows.

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:    Mr. Francisco González Rodriguez
President and Chief Operating Officer:    Mr. José Ignacio Goirigolzarri Tellaeche
Members:   

Mr. Román Knörr Borrás

Mr. Enrique Medina Fernández

Mr. José María San Martín Espinós

Mr. Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz

 

The Executive Committee is responsible for the matters delegated to it by the Board of Directors, so long as such matters are also consistent with its authority as set forth in BBVA’s bylaws. Such matters include the management of BBVA and establishment of BBVA’s general policy guidelines, review and authorization of investments by BBVA, approval or rejection of transactions and initiation of internal investigations and audits in any area of BBVA’s business. The Executive Committee generally holds meetings two times a month, but may meet as often as deemed necessary by the Committee chairman or at the request of a majority of the Committee’s members. During 2003, the Executive Committee held a total of 28 meetings.

 

The Executive Committee is responsible for evaluating BBVA’s system of corporate governance, which it assesses in the context of ongoing developments generally affecting BBVA and new legislative or regulatory initiatives or recommendations in Spain and elsewhere regarding corporate governance.

 

Audit and Compliance Committee

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee supervises preparation of BBVA’s consolidated financial statements and is responsible for the functioning of BBVA’s internal control function. The Audit and Compliance Committee is required under our bylaws to have a minimum of four members, one of whom acts as Chairman, appointed by the Board of Directors. In accordance with The Regulations of the Board of Directors, the Audit and Compliance Committee must be comprised only of independent directors, who may not also be members of the Executive Committee.

 

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At May 31, 2004, the Audit and Compliance Committee members were:

 

Chairman:

   Mr. Ricardo Lacasa Suárez

Members:

  

Mr. Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora

Mr. Ignacio Ferrero Jordi

Mr. Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo

Mrs. Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee’s governing charter, which has been approved by the Board of Directors, sets forth its responsibilities and procedures . The Audit and Compliance Committee is generally responsible for assisting the Board of Directors with preparation of BBVA’s Consolidated Financial Statements and supervising BBVA’s internal control procedures.

 

In this regard, the Audit and Compliance Committee’s principal responsibilities include:

 

  Supervising the sufficiency, adequacy and effectiveness of BBVA’s internal control systems to ensure the accuracy, reliability, sufficiency and clarity of (i) BBVA’s financial statements contained in annual and quarterly reports and (ii) accounting or financial information which may be requested by the Bank of Spain or other regulators, including regulators in countries outside of Spain where BBVA operates.

 

  Monitoring BBVA’s compliance with applicable domestic and international regulations relating to money laundering, conduct in securities markets, data protection and competition, as well as ensuring that requests for information or remedial action by regulators holding competency in these areas are fulfilled.

 

  Ensuring that the ethical and other codes of conduct applicable to BBVA’s personnel meet regulatory requirements and are otherwise adequate.

 

  Monitoring compliance by BBVA directors with BBVA’s Regulations of the Board of Directors, as well as with regulations applicable to Directors’ conduct in the securities markets.

 

To ensure the accuracy, reliability, sufficiency and clarity of BBVA’s Consolidated Financial Statements, the Audit and Compliance Committee closely supervises the preparation of such financial statements, holding frequent meetings with BBVA executives responsible for preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements as well as with BBVA’s external auditor.

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee is responsible for selecting BBVA’s external auditor, which is appointed at the General Shareholders Meeting, and supervising the performance by such external auditor of the services it was contracted to perform, in accordance with the terms of the engagement. In particular, the Audit and Compliance Committee’s supervision of the external auditor is aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements as well as with BBVA’s internal policies.

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee is responsible for ensuring that BBVA’s external auditor is independent. This duty is discharged by the Audit and Compliance Committee through its monitoring of the external auditor’s activities, including assessing whether any report, opinion or recommendation delivered by the external auditor is conditioned on any other relationship of the external auditor with BBVA and by prohibiting the delivery of consulting and auditing services by the same external auditing firm, other than in special circumstances receiving the Committee’s (or the Chairman’s, if such authority is delegated to him) specific prior approval.

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee is also responsible for supervising BBVA’s internal audit and reviews and approves BBVA’s internal audit schedule for each fiscal year and monitors the execution of the internal audit through ongoing contact with BBVA’s chief internal audit officer. Over the course of 2003, the chief internal audit officer attended seven meetings of the Audit and Compliance Committee, and met regularly with the Committee Chairman, to report on the progress of the internal audit. In addition, the Audit and Compliance Committee supervises BBVA’s compliance with regulatory requirements and reviews and approves BBVA’s regulatory compliance department’s annual action plan. The Committee is responsible for staying abreast of relevant regulatory developments in Spain, the United States and elsewhere and ensuring that BBVA complies with its regulatory obligations on a timely basis. Over the course of 2003, management staff from the regulatory compliance department attended five meetings of the Audit and Compliance Committee and met regularly with the Committee Chairman.

 

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During 2003, the Audit and Compliance Committee held a total of 13 meetings. BBVA’s external auditor attended 8 such meetings and met on numerous other occasions with the Committee’s Chairman. The Committee may meet as often as deemed necessary in order to discharge its responsibilities.

 

In order to effectively discharge its duties, the Audit and Compliance Committee may request that BBVA staff from any area of its operations attend its meetings to provide additional information or expertise regarding any topic on the Committee’s agenda. External experts may also be contracted to attend Committee meetings to provide expertise in areas relevant to the Committee’s duties that, due to their technical nature or as a result of conflicts of interest that may exist, cannot be advised upon by internal staff.

 

Appointments and Compensation Committee

 

The Appointments and Compensation Committee assists the Board of Directors in selecting candidates proposed to be appointed as members of the Board of Directors and in setting director compensation, though the Board of Directors itself must approve such matters. On behalf of the Board of Directors, this Committee evaluates the qualification of the persons proposed to be appointed as members of the Board of Directors and considers the suitability of the candidates’ personal and professional attributes for such appointment. The Committee also assists the Board of Directors with setting director compensation, taking into account the responsibilities of members of the Board of Directors as well as the limitations service on the Board of Directors places on other professional activities that may be pursued by the directors. The Appointments and Compensation Committee determines the remuneration and other benefits for BBVA’s Chairman and CEO and other executive directors. The Committee also analyzes proposals for multi-annual incentive plans for senior management.

 

Pursuant to the Regulations of the Board of Directors, the Appointments and Compensation Committee is required to have a minimum of three members, all of which must be independent.

 

As of May 31, 2004, the members of the Appointments and Compensation Committee were:

 

Chairman:

   Mr. Ignacio Ferrero Jordi

Members:

  

Mr. Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquíriz

Mr. Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo

Mr. José María San Martín Espinós

 

During 2003, the Appointments and Compensation Committee held a total of 13 meetings. The Committee may meet as often as deemed necessary in order to discharge its responsibilities.

 

The Appointments and Compensation Committee may request that BBVA staff from any area of its operations attend its meetings to provide additional information or expertise regarding any topic on the Committee’s agenda. External experts may also be contracted to attend Committee meetings to provide expertise in areas that, due to their technical nature or as a result of conflicts of interest that may exist, cannot be advised upon by internal staff.

 

Risk Committee

 

The Risk Committee is responsible for supervising the analysis and periodic monitoring of BBVA’s risk management on behalf of the Board of Directors. Though the Executive Committee is required to approve BBVA’s overall risk strategies and policies, the Risk Committee analyzes these matters and makes recommendations to the Executive Committee relating thereto. The Risk Committee also monitors the overall level of credit, market and other risks BBVA assumes, reviews transactions delegated to it for approval and verifies that BBVA is equipped with the procedures and structures representing the best practices for risk management in the market.

 

The Committee is required to be comprised of a majority of non-executive directors. At May 31, 2004, the members of the Risk Committee were:

 

Chairman:

   Mr. José Antonio Fernández Rivero

Members:

  

Mr. Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora

Mr. Ricardo Lacasa Suárez

Mr. José Maldonado Ramos

Mr. Enrique Medina Fernández

 

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The Risk Committee is governed by a charter approved by the Board of Directors. The charter states that the Risk Committee may meet as often as necessary to discharge its responsibilities. During 2003, the Risks Committee held a total of 106 meetings.

 

D. Employees

 

As of December 31, 2003, we, through our various affiliates, had 86,197 employees. Approximately 69.80% of our employees in Spain held technical, managerial and executive positions, while the remainder were clerical and support staff. The table below sets forth the number of BBVA employees by geographic area.

 

Country


   BBVA

   Banks

   Companies

   Total

Spain

   30,036    676    383    31,095

United Kingdom

   116    —      —      116

France

   102    —      —      102

Italy

   40    —      —      40

Germany

   6    —      —      6

Switzerland

   2    86    —      88

Portugal

   —      936    —      936

Belgium

   34    —      —      34

Jersey

   —      33    —      33

Russia

   3    —      —      3

Andorra

   —      225    —      225

Ireland

   —      6    —      6

Gibraltar

   —      2    —      2
    
  
  
  

Total Europe

   30,339    1,964    383    32,686

Securities New York

   —      42    —      42

New York

   119    —      —      119

Miami

   92    —      —      92

Grand Cayman

   28    —      —      28
    
  
  
  

Total North America

   239    42    —      281

Panama

   —      228    —      228

Puerto Rico

   —      1,062    —      1,062

Argentina

   5    5,223    —      5,228

Brazil

   9    —      —      9

Colombia

   5    4,483    —      4,488

Venezuela

   8    6,127    —      6,135

México

   11    28,388    —      28,399

Uruguay

   29    151    —      180

Paraguay

   —      95    —      95

Bolivia

   2    —      175    177

Chile

   5    3,414    —      3.419

El Salvador

   —      —      420    420

Dominican Republic

   —      —      339    339

Cuba

   1    —      —      1

Peru

   6    2,851    —      2,857

Ecuador

   —      —      144    144
    
  
  
  

Total Latin America

   81    52,022    1,078    53,181

Hong Kong

   37    —      —      37

Japan

   5    —      —      5

Iran

   3    —      —      3

China

   4    —      —      4
    
  
  
  

Total Asia

   49    —      —      49
    
  
  
  

Total

   30,708    54,028    1,461    86,197
    
  
  
  

 

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The terms and conditions of employment in private sector banks in Spain are negotiated with trade unions representing bank employees. Wage negotiations take place on an industry-wide basis. This process has historically produced collective bargaining agreements binding upon all Spanish banks and their employees. The most recent collective bargaining agreement was executed on February 11, 2004 and applies from January 1, 2003 until December 31, 2004.

 

As of December 31, 2003, we had 2,578 temporary employees in our Spanish offices.

 

E. Share Ownership

 

As of May 18, 2004, the members of the Board of Directors owned an aggregate of 37,997,777 BBVA shares as shown in the table below:

 

Name


   Directly
Owned Shares


   Indirectly
Owned Shares


   Total
Shares


   % of Capital
Stock


Chairman and Chief Executive Officer:

                   

Francisco González Rodríguez

   666    1,139,626    1,140,292    0.0336

President and Chief Operating Officer:

                   

 

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Name


   Directly
Owned Shares


   Indirectly
Owned Shares


   Total Shares

   % of Capital
Stock


José Ignacio Gorigolzarri Tellaeche

   117,612    281,819    399,431    0.0118

Directors:

                   

Juan Carlos Álvarez Mezquiriz

   30,530    0    30,530    0.0009

Richard C. Breeden

   8,000    0    8,000    0.0002

Ramón Bustamante y de la Mora

   10,139    710    10,849    0.0003

José Antonio Fernández Rivero

   50,000    0    50,000    0.0015

Ignacio Ferrero Jordi

   2,387    7,000    9,387    0.0003

Román Knörr Borrás

   14,616    1,852    16,468    0.0005

Ricardo Lacasa Suárez

   8,310    0    8,310    0.0002

Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo

   9,149    0    9,149    0.0003

José Maldonado Ramos

   11,537    0    11,537    0.0003

Enrique Medina Fernández

   26,428    989    27,417    0.0008

Susana Rodríguez Vidarte

   9,607    0    9,607    0.0003

José María San Martín Espinós

   18,490    33,087    51,577    0.0015

Telefónica de España, S.A.

   0    36,215,223    36,215,223    1.0680
    
  
  
  

Total

   317,471    37,680,306    37,997,777    1.1206
    
  
  
  

 

No member of the Board of Directors, held options over BBVA’s shares as of May 31, 2004, except as explained below in the paragraph on “Two Thousand” program.

 

As of March 31, 2004, the executive officers (excluding executive directors) and their families owned 4,801,830 shares. None of our executive officers holds 1% or more of BBVA’s shares.

 

As a general policy, we do not extend credit to employees or third parties for the purpose of acquiring BBVA’s shares.

 

As a consequence of the implementation of the extraordinary incentive plans at BBV, we maintained, at December 31, 2003, or currently maintain the following commitments:

 

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The “Two Thousand” program at BBV granted employees the right to acquire shares at the price of €6.01 per share for the 1998 premiums and at the price of €10.65 per share for the 1999 premiums. As of December 31, 2003 there were 7,768,064 shares outstanding under the “Two Thousand” program. As of May 31, 2004, BBVA’s executive officers held options granted under this program as follows:

 

     Granted in 1998

   Granted in 1999

    
     Number

   Exercise
price


   Number

   Exercise
price


   Total

José Ignacio Goirigolzarri Tellaeche(1)

   4,166    6.01    4,166    10.65    8,332

José María Abril Pérez

   2,719    6.01    2,719    10.65    5,438

Julio López Gómez

   2,462    6.01    2,462    10.65    4,924

Vitalino Nafría Aznar

   0    6.01    2,416    10.65    2,416

Ignacio Sánchez-Asiaín Sanz

   1,864    6.01    1,864    10.65    3,728

José Sevilla Álvarez

   560    6.01    560    10.65    1,120
    
         
         

Total

   11,771           14,187           25,958
    
         
         

(1) Also member of the Board of Directors.

 

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A. Major Shareholders

 

As of March 31, 2004, no shareholder beneficially held more than five percent of BBVA’s shares. As of that date, Chase Nominees Ltd., as custodian, held 186,163,163 or 5.49%, of BBVA’s shares. To our knowledge, no other person, corporation or government owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, five percent or more of BBVA’s shares. BBVA’s major shareholders do not have voting rights which are different from those held by the rest of its shareholders. To the extent known to us, BBVA is not controlled, directly or indirectly, by any other corporation, government or any other natural or legal person. As of March 31, 2004, there were 1,150,391 holders of BBVA’s shares, with a total of 814,726,765 shares held by 391 shareholders with registered addresses in the United States. Since certain of such shares and ADRs are held by nominees, the foregoing figures are not representative of the number of beneficial holders. BBVA’s directors and executive officers did not own any ADRs as of December 31, 2003.

 

B. Related Party Transactions

 

Loans to Directors, Executive Officers and Related Parties

 

The total of advance payments and personal loans granted by BBVA and its consolidated subsidiaries to the members of the Board of Directors and outstanding as of December 31, 2003 amounted to €260,500 at interest rates of between 4% and 5%, of which €92,000 was granted to executive directors and €168,500 to independent directors. As of December 31, 2003, no guarantees had been extended to secure members of the Board of Directors’ obligations or commitments.

 

The total of advance payments and personal loans granted by BBVA to executive officers (excluding executive directors) and outstanding as of December 31, 2003 amounted to €1,945,000. As of December 31, 2003, no guarantees had been extended to secure executive officers’ obligations or commitments.

 

For additional discussion regarding loans to directors, executive officers and related parties, see Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Uno-e Bank Agreement

 

On May 15, 2002, BBVA entered into an agreement with Terra Networks, which is majority-owned by Telefónica, for the integration of Uno-e Bank and the individuals consumer financing business of Finanzia, whereby Terra Networks’ holding in Uno-e

 

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Bank would decrease to 33%. This integration transaction and the percentage of ownership held by Terra Networks were formally executed on January 10, 2003, and approved at extraordinary shareholders’ meetings of Finanzia and Uno-e Bank held on April 23, 2003. Terra Networks has the right to sell its stake to BBVA between April 1, 2005 and September 30, 2007. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Agreement with Terra Networks”.

 

Related Party Transactions in the Ordinary Course of Business

 

Loans extended to related parties were made in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

 

BBVA subsidiaries engage, on a regular and routine basis, in a number of customary transactions with other BBVA subsidiaries, including:

 

  overnight call deposits;

 

  foreign exchange purchases and sales;

 

  derivative transactions, such as forward purchases and sales;

 

  money market fund transfers;

 

  letters of credit for imports and exports;

 

and other similar transactions within the scope of the ordinary course of the banking business, such as loans and other banking services to BBVA’s shareholders, to employees of all levels, to the associates and family members of all the above and to other BBVA non-banking subsidiaries or affiliates. All these transactions have been made:

 

  in the ordinary course of business;

 

  on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and

 

  did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.

 

C. Interests of Experts and Counsel

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information

 

Financial Information

 

See Item 18.

 

Dividends

 

The table below sets forth the amount of interim, final and total dividends paid by BBVA (or BBV) on shares for the years 1999 to 2003, adjusted to reflect all stock splits. Dollar amounts have been converted from euro at the Noon Buying Rate at the end of the relevant year.

 

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Per Share


     First Interim

   Second Interim

   Third Interim

   Fourth Interim

   Final

   Total

        $       $       $       $       $       $

1999(1)

   0.0556    $ 0.06    0.0556    $ 0.06    0.0556    $ 0.06    0.1073    $ 0.11      —        —      0.2741    $ 0.29

2000

   0.060    $ 0.06    0.064    $ 0.06    0.064    $ 0.06    0.064    $ 0.06    0.111    $ 0.10    0.363    $ 0.34

2001

   0.085    $ 0.07    0.085    $ 0.07    0.085    $ 0.07      —        —      0.128    $ 0.11    0.383    $ 0.32

2002

   0.090    $ 0.09    0.090    $ 0.09    0.090    $ 0.09      —        —      0.078    $ 0.08    0.348    $ 0.35

2003

   0.090    $ 0.11    0.090    $ 0.11    0.090    $ 0.11      —        —      0.114    $ 0.14    0.384    $ 0.48

(1) Information for BBV.

 

BBVA has paid annual dividends to its shareholders since the date it was founded. Historically, BBVA has paid interim dividends each year. Since 1989, BBVA has paid interim dividends on a quarterly basis. The total dividend for a year has been proposed by the Board of Directors usually following the end of the year to which it relates. The unpaid portion of this dividend (the final dividend) is paid after the approval of our financial statements by the shareholders at the General Shareholder’s Meeting. Interim and final dividends are payable to holders of record on the dividend payment date. Unclaimed dividends revert to BBVA five years after declaration.

 

While BBVA expects to declare and pay dividends on its shares on a quarterly basis in the future, the payment of dividends will depend upon its earnings, financial condition, governmental regulations and policies and other factors.

 

Holders of ADRs are entitled to receive dividends attributable to the shares represented by the ADSs evidenced by their ADRs to the same extent as if they were holders of such shares.

 

For a description of BBVA’s access to the funds necessary to pay dividends on the shares, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends”. In addition, BBVA may not pay dividends except out of its unrestricted reserves available for the payment of dividends, after taking into account the Bank of Spain’s capital adequacy requirements. Capital adequacy requirements are applied by the Bank of Spain on both a consolidated and individual basis. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Supervision and Regulation—Capital Adequacy Requirements” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Capital”. Under Spain’s capital adequacy requirements, we estimate that as of December 31, 2003, BBVA had approximately €4.4 billion of reserves in excess of applicable capital and reserve requirements, which were not restricted as to the payment of dividends.

 

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Legal Proceedings

 

On March 15, 2002, the Bank of Spain announced that it was opening an administrative proceeding against BBVA and certain individuals who have served as members of BBVA’s board of directors or as executive officers. This announcement was the result of BBVA’s voluntary disclosure to the Bank of Spain on January 19, 2001 that BBVA funds then amounting to approximately Ptas. 37,427 million (approximately €225 million) had been held in offshore accounts and not been reflected in its financial statements. These funds had been generated largely as a result of capital gains realized on transactions in BBV and Argentaria shares and were included in our financial statements in 2000. See Note 32.2.B.15 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2002. The Bank of Spain subsequently conducted a confidential investigation which led to the commencement of its administrative proceeding. The Bank of Spain’s administrative proceeding was suspended upon commencement of the proceeding initiated by the National Criminal Court (discussed below) and has remained suspended pending completion of such proceeding.

 

At the time the Bank of Spain proceeding was suspended, no formal charges had been made by the Bank of Spain relating to the facts and events under investigation. BBVA is therefore unable to determine what, if any, charges will be made by the Bank of Spain and to what conduct any such charges may relate. However, based on BBVA’s assessment of the probable charges and penalties that could be imposed by the Bank of Spain and that since the initiation of the Bank of Spain proceeding, BBVA has continued to be engaged regularly in extending commercial and other types of credit and accepting demand and other types of deposits, BBVA believes that once the Bank of Spain proceeding is recommenced after the conclusion of the National Criminal Court’s proceeding, resolution of such proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on BBVA or its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

National Criminal Court (Audiencia Nacional)

 

On April 9, 2002, Tribunal No. 5 of Spain’s National Criminal Court presided by Judge Baltasar Garzón commenced a criminal proceeding regarding the previously unreported funds and suspended the administrative proceeding initiated by the Bank of Spain. The National Criminal Court proceeding was initially directed at 28 of BBVA’s former directors and executive officers and was subsequently split into two separate proceedings. One proceeding relates to the use of the unreported funds to create pension accounts. In this proceeding, three of our former directors and two former executive officers have been formally charged. The second proceeding, which generally relates to the unreported funds, is still in the investigation phase and is directed at four of our former directors. None of these directors and executive officers continue to serve as directors on BBVA’s Board of Directors or be affiliated with BBVA in any other capacity. Under Spanish law, criminal liability may only be imposed on a corporation’s employees and members of its board of directors but not on the corporation itself. Consequently, BBVA does not have any criminal liability under Spanish law and none of its current officers or directors are party to this proceeding. BBVA is cooperating fully with the National Criminal Court proceeding, which commenced more than two years ago and is currently pending.

 

Spanish National Market Commission (the “CNMV”)

 

On May 22, 2002, the Spanish securities market regulator, the CNMV, instituted administrative proceedings against BBVA for alleged violations of the Spanish Securities Markets Act of 1988 in connection with the same events being investigated by the Bank of Spain. As with the Bank of Spain proceeding, Judge Garzón requested that the CNMV suspend its proceedings until resolution of the National Criminal Court’s criminal proceeding described above. The CNMV proceeding was suspended on January 7, 2003 and has remained suspended pending completion of the proceeding initiated by the National Criminal Court.

 

Based on BBVA’s assessment of the probable charges and penalties that could be imposed by the CNMV, and the fact that since the initiation of the CNMV proceeding the CNMV has not restricted BBVA from continuing to be actively involved in capital markets transactions in Spain, including by conducting offerings of its own debt and equity securities, BBVA believes that once the CNMV proceeding is recommenced after the conclusion of the National Criminal Court’s proceeding, resolution of such proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on BBVA or its consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

Internal Control Procedures

 

As a result of our discovery that BBVA funds had been held in offshore accounts and not been reflected in its financial statements, we have implemented several accounting internal control procedures in order to obtain reasonable assurance that breaches of our internal controls do not occur. For example, BBVA has significantly strengthened its internal audit function. BBVA’s internal audit department is responsible for such matters as verifying accuracy and completeness of BBVA’s financial reporting and ensuring the compliance, appropriateness and effectiveness of BBVA’s internal control systems and procedures. BBVA has also enhanced its internal audit function, including by broadening the scope of its internal audit activities to include all of BBVA’s diverse

 

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operations, both in terms of business area and geographical location. In addition, in 2002, BBVA implemented a “Directors Plan” in respect of fiscal years 2003 and 2004 to further strengthen its internal controls. As part of this plan, BBVA’s internal audit function was further expanded to include review of information and documentation used by the management of each business unit, review of BBVA’s financial statement consolidation process and review and assessment of BBVA’s compliance with capital adequacy requirements. In addition, the Directors Plan provides for the standardization of internal audit work procedures, from making initial contact with the business area or unit being audited to documenting the results of the audit.

 

BBVA has also reinforced its internal compliance department. This department, whose functions have been established by the Audit and Compliance Committee of BBVA’s Board of Directors, is responsible for developing and implementing internal norms and procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements and ethical guidelines established by BBVA, such as BBVA’s Code of Conduct. For example, this department is responsible for establishing internal controls and procedures related to matters such as the prevention of money-laundering and trading in BBVA’s securities.

 

Besides the accounting internal control procedures implemented by BBVA described above, in order to further obtain reasonable assurance that breaches of BBVA’s internal controls do not occur, BBVA has taken a series of steps to strengthen its corporate governance structures in keeping with the most recent trends in this area and new legislation that has taken effect in Spain and the other countries in which BBVA operates. For a description of these corporate governance structures, see “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees”.

 

Other Proceedings

 

Puerto Rico

 

In the proceedings based on the testimony of a former BBV Puerto Rico employee mentioned in our 2001 Annual Report on Form 20-F and included in the preliminary proceeding regarding unreported funds described above, no person has been accused of the events.

 

BBVA Privanza Bank Ltd. (Jersey)

 

In relation to the alleged cooperation of some employees of BBVA Privanza Bank Ltd. (Jersey) in the creation of accounts and financial products in Jersey allegedly used by Spanish individuals to avoid Spanish tax obligations, and an alleged tax offence due to the non-consolidation of a fully-owned subsidiary, the investigation is ongoing and charges have not been brought.

 

Although the proceedings described above remain in preliminary stages, in light of the surrounding events and circumstances, our legal advisers do not expect them to have a material effect on us.

 

B. Significant Changes

 

No significant change has occurred since the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

BBVA’s shares are listed on the Spanish Stock Exchanges in Madrid, Bilbao, Barcelona and Valencia and quoted on the Automated Quotation System of the Spanish Stock Exchanges (the “Automated Quotation System”). They are also listed on the Frankfurt, Milan, Zurich, London, Lima and New York Stock Exchanges, and quoted on SEAQ International in London. Each ADSs represents one share.

 

On January 4, 1999, the Madrid Stock Exchange began quoting share prices in euro. Fluctuations in the exchange rate between the euro and the dollar will affect the dollar equivalent of the euro price of BBVA’s shares on the Spanish Stock Exchanges and the price of BBVA’s ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange. Cash dividends are paid by BBVA in euro, and exchange rate fluctuations between the euro and the dollar will affect the dollar amounts received by holders of American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) on conversion by The Bank of New York (acting as depositary) of cash dividends on the shares underlying the ADSs evidenced by such ADRs.

 

The table below sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales closing prices for the shares of BBV until January 28, 2000 and BBVA thereafter on the Automated Quotation System. Since January 4, 1999, the Spanish market quotations are stated in euro. Peseta amounts prior to that time have been translated at the fixed exchange rate of Ptas. 166.386 = €1.00.

 

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     Euro per Share(1)

     High

   Low

Fiscal year ended December 31, 1999

         

Annual

   14.85    11.06

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2000

         

Annual

   17.46    12.27

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2001

         

Annual

   17.20    9.50

First Quarter

   17.20    13.92

Second Quarter

   16.47    14.75

Third Quarter

   15.77    9.50

Fourth Quarter

   14.80    11.50

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

         

Annual

   14.21    7.24

First Quarter

   14.21    12.26

Second Quarter

   13.90    10.93

Third Quarter

   11.99    7.42

Fourth Quarter

   10.60    7.24

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

         

Annual

   10.95    6.89

First Quarter

   10.25    6.89

Second Quarter

   9.68    7.78

Third Quarter

   10.10    8.86

Fourth Quarter

   10.95    8.91

Month ended December 31, 2003

   10.95    10.20

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

         

First Quarter

   11.28    10.22

Month ended January 31, 2004

   11.27    10.71

Month ended February 29, 2004

   11.19    10.22

Month March 31, 2004

   11.28    10.22

Month April 30, 2004

   11.42    10.90

Month May 31, 2004

   11.37    10.40

Month ended June 30, 2004 (through June, 25)

   11.21    10.67

(1) Adjusted to reflect all stock splits. This applies only to 1999 and 2000.

 

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From January 2003 through December 31, 2003 the percentage of outstanding shares held by BBVA and its affiliates ranged between 0.153% and 0.683% respectively, calculated on a monthly basis. On May 12, 2004, the percentage of outstanding shares held by BBVA and its affiliates was 0.710%.

 

The table below sets forth the reported high and low sales prices for the ADSs of BBV until January 28, 2000 and BBVA thereafter on the New York Stock Exchange for the periods indicated.

 

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     Dollars per ADS(1)

     High

   Low

Fiscal year ended December 31, 1999

         

Annual

   17.50    11.63

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2000

         

Annual

   15.75    11.94

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2001

         

Annual

   16.63    8.99

First Quarter

   16.63    12.22

Second Quarter

   14.40    12.65

Third Quarter

   13.16    8.99

Fourth Quarter

   13.44    10.25

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2002

         

Annual

   12.77    6.93

First Quarter

   12.77    10.82

Second Quarter

   12.50    10.67

Third Quarter

   11.73    7.14

Fourth Quarter

   10.58    6.93

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2003

         

Annual

   13.85    7.67

First Quarter

   10.81    7.67

Second Quarter

   11.16    8.46

Third Quarter

   11.16    10.28

Fourth Quarter

   13.85    10.54

Month ended December 31, 2003

   13.85    12.29

Fiscal year ended December 31, 2004

         

First Quarter

   14.45    12.51

Month ended January 31, 2004

   14.45    13.41

Month ended February 29, 2004

   14.13    12.85

Month ended March 31, 2004

   13.94    12.51

Month ended April 30, 2004

   13.65    13.09

Month ended May 31, 2004

   13.75    12.47

Month ended June 30, 2004 (through June, 25)

   13.70    13.06

(1) Adjusted to reflect all stock splits. This applies only to 1999 and 2000.

 

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Securities Trading in Spain

 

The Spanish securities market for equity securities consists of the Automated Quotation System and the four stock exchanges located in Madrid, Bilbao, Barcelona and Valencia. During 2003, the Automated Quotation System accounted for the majority of the total trading volume of equity securities on the Spanish stock exchanges.

 

Automated Quotation System. The Automated Quotation System links the four local exchanges, providing those securities listed on it with a uniform continuous market that eliminates certain of the differences among the local exchanges. The principal feature of the system is the computerized matching of buy and sell orders at the time of entry of the order. Each order is executed as soon as a matching order is entered, but can be modified or canceled until executed. The activity of the market can be continuously monitored by investors and brokers. The Automated Quotation System is operated and regulated by Sociedad de Bolsas, S.A. (“Sociedad de Bolsas”), a corporation owned by the companies that manage the local exchanges. All trades on the Automated Quotation System must be placed through a bank, brokerage firm, an official stock broker or a dealer firm member of a Spanish stock exchange directly. Since January 1, 2000, Spanish banks have been allowed to place trades on the Automated Quotation System and have been allowed to become members of the Spanish stock exchanges.

 

In a pre-opening session held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. each trading day, an opening price is established for each security traded on the Automated Quotation System based on orders placed at that time. The legal regime concerning opening prices was changed by an internal rule issued by the Sociedad de Bolsas. The new legal regime sets forth that all references to maximum changes in share prices will be substituted by a definition of prices and creation of static and dynamic ranks for each listed share to be published on a periodic basis by the Sociedad de Bolsas. The computerized trading hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., during which time the trading price of a security is permitted to vary by up to the stated level. If the quoted price exceeds this limit, trading in the security is suspended until the next day. Between 5:30 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. a closing price is established for each security through an auction system similar to the one held for the pre-opening early in the morning.

 

Between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., trades may occur outside the computerized matching system without prior authorization of the Sociedad de Bolsas at a price within the range of 5% above the higher of the average price and closing price for the day and 5% below the lower of the average price and closing price for the day, if, among other things, the trade involves more than €300,000 and more than 20% of the average daily trading volume of the stock during the preceding three months. At any time trades may take place (with the prior authorization of the Sociedad de Bolsas) at any price if:

 

  the trade involves more than €1.5 million and more than 40% of the average daily volume of the stock during the preceding three months;

 

  the transaction derives from a merger or spin-off process, or from the reorganization of a group of companies;

 

  the transaction is executed for the purposes of settling a litigation or completing a complex group of contracts or

 

  the Sociedad de Bolsas finds other justifiable cause.

 

Information with respect to the computerized trades between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. is made public immediately, and information with respect to trades outside the computerized matching system is reported to the Sociedad de Bolsas by the end of the trading day and published in the Boletín de Cotización and in the computer system by the beginning of the next trading day.

 

Clearance and Settlement System. Law 44/2002 and Rule 689/2003 of March 27, 2003 approved by the Spanish Ministry of Economy have promoted the integration of the two main existing book entry settlement systems existing in Spain, the non-gilts settlement system Servicio de Compensación y Liquidación de Valores (“SCLV”) and the gilts settlement system Central de Anotaciones en Cuenta, into one system to be known as Sociedad de Gestion de los Sistemas de Registro Compensación y Liquidación de Valores (the “Iberclear”).

 

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Notwithstanding the above, rules concerning book entry settlement system enacted before this amendment by the SCLV and the Bank of Spain are still in force, but any reference to the SCLV must be substituted by Iberclear.

 

Under this new regulation, transactions carried out on the Spanish stock exchanges are cleared and settled through Iberclear. Only members of Iberclear are entitled to use it, and membership is restricted to authorized members of the Spanish stock exchanges, the Bank of Spain (when an agreement, approved by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Finance, is reached with Iberclear) and, with the approval of the CNMV, other brokers not members of the Spanish stock exchanges, banks, savings banks and foreign settlement and clearance systems. Iberclear is owned by its members (excluding, if applicable, the Bank of Spain) and by the companies which manage the local exchanges. The clearance and settlement system and its members are responsible for maintaining records of purchases and sales under the book-entry system. Shares of listed Spanish companies are held in book-entry form. Iberclear, which manages the clearance and settlement system, maintains a registry reflecting the number of shares held by each of its member entities (each an entidad participada), as well as the amount of such shares held on behalf of beneficial owners. Each member entity, in turn, maintains a registry of the owners of such shares. Spanish law considers the legal owner of the shares to be:

 

  the member entity appearing in the records of Iberclear as holding the relevant shares in its own name, or

 

  the investor appearing in the records of the member entity as holding the shares.

 

The SCLV has introduced the so-called “D+3 Settlement System” by which the settlement of any transactions must be made three working days following the date on which the transaction was carried out.

 

Obtaining legal title to shares of a company listed on a Spanish stock exchange requires the participation of a Spanish official stockbroker, broker-dealer, bank or other entity authorized under Spanish law to record the transfer of shares. To evidence title to shares, at the owner’s request the relevant member entity must issue a certificate of ownership. In the event the owner is a member entity, Iberclear is in charge of the issuance of the certificate with respect to the shares held in the member entity’s name.

 

Brokerage commissions are not regulated. Brokers’ fees, to the extent charged, will apply upon transfer of title of our shares from the depositary to a holder of ADRs, and upon any later sale of such shares by such holder. Transfers of ADSs do not require the participation of an official stockbroker. The deposit agreement provides that holders depositing our shares with the depositary in exchange for ADSs or withdrawing our shares in exchange for ADSs will pay the fees of the official stockbroker or other person or entity authorized under Spanish law applicable both to such holder and to the depositary.

 

Securities Market Legislation

 

The Securities Markets Act was enacted in 1988 with the purpose of reforming the organization and supervision of the Spanish securities markets. This legislation and the regulation implementing it:

 

  established an independent regulatory authority, the CNMV, to supervise the securities markets;

 

  established a framework for the regulation of trading practices, tender offers and insider trading;

 

  required stock exchange members to be corporate entities;

 

  required companies listed on a Spanish stock exchange to file annual audited financial statements and to make public quarterly financial information;

 

  established the legal framework for the Automated Quotation System;

 

  exempted the sale of securities from transfer and value added taxes;

 

  deregulated brokerage commissions and

 

  provided for transfer of shares by book-entry or by delivery of evidence of title.

 

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On February 14, 1992, Royal Decree No. 116/92 established the clearance and settlement system and the book-entry system, and required that all companies listed on a Spanish stock exchange adopt the book-entry system.

 

On November 16, 1998, the Securities Markets Act was amended in order to adapt it to Directive 93/22/CEE on investment services (later amended by Directive 95/26/CE and Directive 97/9/CE of the European Parliament and Council on investors indemnity systems).

 

On November 22, 2002, the Securities Markets Act was amended by Law 44/2002 in order to update Spanish financial law to global financial markets. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—Business Overview—Law Reforming the Spanish Financial System”.

 

On June 18, 2003, the Spanish Government approved the Ley de Transparencia (“Law 26/2003”), modifying both the Securities Markets Act and the Corporate Law, to reinforce the transparency of information available regarding listed Spanish companies. This law adds a new chapter, Title X, to the Securities Markets Act, which (i) requires disclosure of shareholder agreements relating to listed companies; (ii) regulates the operation of the general shareholders’ meetings and of boards of directors of listed companies; (iii) requires the publication of an annual report on corporate governance and (iv) establishes measures designed to increase the availability of information to shareholders.

 

Trading by the Bank and its Affiliates in the Shares

 

Trading by subsidiaries in their parent companies’ shares is restricted by the Spanish Companies Act.

 

Neither BBVA nor its affiliates may purchase BBVA’s shares unless the making of such purchases is authorized at a meeting of BBVA’s shareholders by means of a resolution establishing, among other matters, the maximum number of shares to be acquired within a maximum period of 18 months. Restricted reserves equal to the purchase price of any shares that are purchased by BBVA or its subsidiaries must be made by the purchasing entity. The total number of shares held by BBVA and its subsidiaries may not exceed five percent of BBVA’s total capital. It is the practice of Spanish banking groups, including ours, to establish subsidiaries to trade in their parent company’s shares in order to meet imbalances of supply and demand, to provide liquidity (especially for trades by their customers) and to modulate swings in the market price of their parent company’s shares.

 

Reporting Requirements

 

Any entity which transfers five percent, or any multiple of five percent, of the capital stock of a company listed on a Spanish stock exchange must, within seven days after that transfer, report the transfer to such company, to the stock exchange on which such company is listed and to the CNMV. In addition, any company listed on a Spanish stock exchange must report on a non-public basis any acquisition by such company (or an affiliate) of the company’s own shares if such acquisition, together with any previous one from the date of the last communication, exceeds 1% of its capital stock, regardless of the balance retained. Members of the Board of Directors must report any transfer or acquisition of share capital of a company listed on the Spanish stock exchanges, regardless of the size of the transaction. Additionally, since we are a credit entity, any individual or company which intends to acquire a significant participation in BBVA’s share capital must obtain prior approval from the Bank of Spain in order to carry out the transaction. See “Item 10. Additional Information—Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares”.

 

Royal Decree 2590/98 has amended Royal Decree 377/91 by incorporating new reporting requirements in connection with any entity acting from a tax haven or a country where no securities regulatory commission exists, in which case the threshold of five percent is reduced to one percent. Furthermore, Royal Decree 2590/98 has extended the meaning of “transfer” to include voting agreements between shareholders.

 

Each Spanish bank is required to provide to the Bank of Spain a list dated the last day of each quarter of all the bank’s shareholders that are financial institutions and other non-financial institution shareholders owning at least 0.25% of a bank’s total share capital. Furthermore, the banks are required to inform the Bank of Spain, as soon as they become aware, and in any case not later than in 15 days, of each acquisition by a person or a group of at least one percent of such bank’s total share capital.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A. Share Capital

 

Not applicable.

 

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B. Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Spanish law and BBVA’s bylaws are the main sources of regulation affecting the company. All rights and obligations of BBVA’s shareholders are contained in its bylaws and in Spanish law.

 

On March 1, 2003, BBVA’s shareholders adopted a resolution amending its bylaws. The amendments were to: (i) Article 31 in order to cease limiting the exercise of shareholders’ voting rights to 10% of BBVA’s total share capital; (ii) Article 34 in order to change the maximum and minimum number of seats on the Board of Directors to 18 and 9, respectively and (iii) Article 48 in order to comply with Law 44/2002.

 

On February 28, 2004, BBVA’s shareholders adopted a new resolution amending its bylaws. The amendments are to: (i) Article 24 in order to expand shareholders’ rights to participate in shareholders’ meetings by proxy or representative; (ii) Article 29 in order to enhance shareholders’ ability to obtain information regarding the Company; (iii) Article 31 regarding the procedures for the adoption of shareholder resolutions; (iv) Article 35 regarding the requirements for being a director; (v) Article 38 regarding the chairman and secretary of the Board of Directors; (vi) Article 45 regarding nomination and composition of the Board of Directors; (vii) Article 37 to make a technical amendment required by virtue of the amendment to Article 35 and (viii) Article 34 to reduce the maximum number of directors from 18 to 16.

 

Registry and Company’s Objects and Purposes

 

BBVA is registered with the Commercial Registry of Vizcaya (Spain). Its registration number at the Commercial Registry of Vizcaya is volume 2,083, book 1,545, section 3, folio 1, page 14,741. Its corporate objects and purposes are to: (i) directly or indirectly conduct all types of activities, transactions, acts, agreements and services relating to the banking business which are permitted or not prohibited by law and all banking ancillary activities; (ii) acquire, hold and dispose of securities and (iii) make public offers for the acquisition and sale of securities and all types of holdings in any kind of company. BBVA’s objects and purposes are contained in Article 3 of the bylaws.

 

Certain Powers of the Board of Directors

 

In general, provisions limiting the powers of BBVA’s directors are not contained in its bylaws. Such limitations, where they exist, often (i) limit a director’s power to vote on a proposal, arrangement or contract in which the director is materially interested; (ii) limit the power to vote compensation to themselves; (iii) limit borrowing powers exercisable by the directors and how such borrowing powers can be varied or (iv) require retirement of directors at a certain age. The powers of BBVA’s directors in these and other matters, however, are limited by and subject to BBVA’s internal regulations. In addition, BBVA’s Board of Directors is subject to the Regulations of the Board of Directors, which contains a series of ethical standards. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees”.

 

The provisions of BBVA’s bylaws that relate to compensation of directors are in strict accordance with the relevant provisions of Spanish law. The main provisions of the bylaws that relate to these matters are those that, in accordance with applicable Spanish law, allow the members of the Board of Directors to determine their administrative expenses or agree on such additional benefits they consider appropriate or necessary, up to four percent of our paid-up capital per year, which may only be paid after the minimum yearly dividend of four percent of the paid-in capital has been paid to our shareholders.

 

As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, 10 of the 15 members of the Board of Directors were independent.

 

Members of the Board of Directors are elected for a term in office of five years. One-fifth of the Board of Directors is re-elected annually. The members of the Board of Directors may be re-elected for an unlimited number of terms.

 

Certain Provisions Regarding Preferred Shares

 

The bylaws authorize BBVA to issue ordinary, non-voting, redeemable and preferred shares. As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, BBVA has no non-voting, redeemable or preferred shares outstanding.

 

The characteristics of preferred shares must be agreed by the Board of Directors before they are issued.

 

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Only shares that have been issued as redeemable may be redeemed by BBVA. Redemption of shares may only occur according to the terms set forth when they are issued. Redeemable shares must be fully paid-up at the time of their subscription. If the right to redeem redeemable shares is exclusively given to BBVA, it may not be exercised until at least three years after the issue. Redemption of shares must be financed against profits, free reserves or the proceeds of new securities issued especially for financing the redemption of an issue. If financed against profits or free reserves, BBVA must create a reserve for the amount of the par value of the redeemed shares. If the redemption is not financed against profits, free reserves or a new issue, it may only be done in compliance with the requirements of a reduction in share capital by the refund of contributions.

 

Holders of non-voting shares, if issued, are entitled to a minimum annual dividend, fixed or variable, set out at the time of the issue. The right of non-voting shares to accumulate unpaid dividends whenever funds to pay dividends are not available, any preemptive rights associated with non-voting shares, and the ability of holders of non-voting shares to recover voting rights also must be established at the time of the issue. Non-voting shares are entitled to the dividends to which ordinary shares are entitled in addition to their minimum dividend.

 

Certain Provisions Regarding Shareholders Rights

 

As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, BBVA’s capital is comprised of one class of ordinary shares, all of which have the same rights.

 

Once all legal reserves and funds have been provided for out of the net profits of any given fiscal year, shareholders have the right to the distribution of an annual dividend of at least four percent of our paid-in capital. Shareholders will participate in the distribution of dividends in proportion to their paid-in capital. The right to collect a dividend lapses after five years as of the date in which it was first available to the shareholders. Shareholders also have the right to participate in proportion to their paid-in capital in any distribution resulting from our liquidation.

 

Each shareholder present at a General Shareholders’ Meeting is entitled to one vote per each share. However, unpaid shares with respect to which a shareholder is in default of the resolutions of the Board of Directors relating to their payment will not be entitled to vote. The bylaws contain no provisions regarding cumulative voting.

 

On March 1, 2003, BBVA’s shareholders passed a resolution amending the bylaws to, among other things, remove the provision which stated that no shareholder may cast a number of votes greater than those corresponding to shares representing 10% of BBVA’s share capital.

 

The bylaws do not contain any provisions relating to sinking funds or potential liability of shareholders to further capital calls by BBVA.

 

The bylaws do not specify what actions or quorums are required to change the rights of shareholders. Under Spanish law, the rights of shareholders may only be changed by an amendment to the bylaws that complies with the requirements explained below under “Shareholders’ Meetings”, plus the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares of the class that will be affected by the amendment.

 

Shareholders’ Meetings

 

General meetings may be ordinary or extraordinary. Ordinary general meetings are held within the first six months of each financial year in order to review, among other things, the management of the company, and to approve, if applicable, annual financial statements for the previous fiscal year. Extraordinary general meetings are those meetings that are not ordinary. In any case, the requirements mentioned below for constitution and adoption of resolutions are applicable to both categories of general meetings.

 

General meetings must be convoked by the Board of Directors, whether by their own decision or upon the request of shareholders holding at least five percent of BBVA’s share capital. General meetings must generally be advertised at least 15 days in advance in the Official Companies Registry Gazette (Boletín Oficial del Registro Mercantile) (Borme) and in a widely-circulated newspaper.

 

As of the date of the filing of this Annual Report, shareholders have the right to attend general meetings if they:

 

  own at least 500 shares;

 

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  have registered their shares in the appropriate account registry at least five days prior to the date for which the general meeting has been convened and

 

  retain the ownership of at least 500 shares until the general meeting takes place.

 

Additionally, holders of fewer than 500 shares may aggregate their shares to reach at least such number of shares and appoint a shareholder as proxy to attend the general meeting.

 

General meetings will be validly constituted on first call with the presence of at least 25% of BBVA’s voting capital, either in person or by proxy. No minimum quorum is required to hold a general meeting on second call. In either case, resolutions will be agreed by the majority of the votes. However, a general meeting will only be validly held with the presence of 50% of BBVA’s voting capital on first call or of 25% of the voting capital on second call, in the case of resolutions concerning the following matters:

 

  issuances of debt;

 

  capital increases or decreases;

 

  merger of BBVA and

 

  any other amendment to the bylaws.

 

In these cases, resolutions may only be approved by the vote of the majority of the shares if at least 50% of the voting capital is present at the meeting. If the voting capital present at the meeting is less than 50%, then resolutions may only be adopted by two-thirds of the shares present.

 

Restrictions on the Ownership of Shares

 

Our bylaws do not provide for any restrictions on the ownership of our ordinary shares. Spanish law, however, provides for certain restrictions which are described below under “—Exchange Controls—Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares”.

 

Restrictions on Foreign Investments

 

Spanish stock exchanges are open to foreign investors. However, the acquisition of 50% or more of the share capital of a Spanish company by a person or entity residing in a tax haven must in certain cases be notified to the Ministry of Economy and Treasury prior to its execution. All other investments in BBVA’s shares by foreign entities or individuals only require the notification of the Spanish authorities through the Spanish intermediary that took part in the investment once it is executed.

 

Current Spanish regulations provide that once all applicable taxes have been paid, foreign investors may freely transfer out of Spain any amounts of invested capital, capital gains and dividends.

 

See “—Exchange Controls”.

 

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Change of Control Provisions

 

In addition to the restrictions on acquisitions of BBVA’s shares discussed above, certain antitrust freeze-out regulations may also delay, defer or prevent a change of control of BBVA or any of its subsidiaries in the event of a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring. In Spain, the application of both Spanish and European antitrust regulations require that prior notice of domestic or cross-border merger transactions be given in order to obtain a “non-opposition” ruling from antitrust authorities.

 

Spanish regulation of takeover bids may also delay, defer or prevent a change of control of BBVA or any of its subsidiaries in the event of a merger, acquisition or corporate restructuring. Spanish regulation of takeover bids contained in Royal Decree 1197/1991 was recently amended by Royal Decree 432/2003 dated April 11, 2003. See “—Exchange Controls—Tender Offers”. New regulations on public takeover bids require a bid to be launched if the acquisition of the listed company grants control to the purchaser, regardless of whether the acquired stake reaches the 25% threshold. The new rules state that it is necessary to launch a tender offer if the bidder intends to acquire less than 25% of the target’s share capital but intends to appoint more than one-third and less than one-half plus one of the target’s directors.

 

Since BBVA is a credit entity, it is necessary to obtain approval from the Bank of Spain in order to acquire a number of shares considered to be a significant participation by Law 26/1988, of July 29, 1998. See “—Exchange Controls—Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares”. Also, any agreement that contemplates BBVA’s merger with another credit entity will require the authorization of the Ministry of Economy. This could also delay, defer or prevent a change of control of BBVA or any of its subsidiaries that are credit entities in the event of a merger.

 

C. Material Contracts

 

During the past two years BBVA was not a party to any contract outside its ordinary course of business that was material to it as a whole.

 

D. Exchange Controls

 

In 1991, Spain adopted the EU standards for free movement of capital and services. As a result, exchange controls and restrictions on foreign investments have generally been abolished and foreign investors may transfer invested capital, capital gains and dividends out of Spain without limitation as to amount, subject to applicable taxes. See “—Taxation”.

 

Pursuant to Spanish Law 18/1992 on Foreign Investments (Ley 18/1992, de 1 de julio) and Royal Decree 664/1999 (Real Decreto 664/1999, de 23 de abril), foreign investors may freely invest in shares of Spanish companies, except in the case of certain strategic industries.

 

Shares in Spanish companies held by foreign investors must be reported to the Spanish Registry of Foreign Investments by the depositary bank or relevant Iberclear member. When a foreign investor acquires shares that are subject to the reporting requirements of the CNMV, notice must be given by the foreign investor directly to the Registry of Foreign Investments in addition to the notices of majority interests that must be sent to the CNMV and the applicable stock exchanges. This notice must be given through a bank or other financial institution duly registered with the Bank of Spain and the CNMV or through bank accounts opened with any branch of such registered entities.

 

Investment by foreigners domiciled in enumerated tax haven jurisdictions is subject to special reporting requirements under Royal Decree 1080/1997 (Real Decreto 1980/1997, de 5 de julio).

 

On July 5, 2003, Law 19/2003 (Ley sobre el regimen juridico de los movimientos de capitales y de las transacciones economicas con el exterior y sobre determinadas medidas de prevencion del blanqueo de capitales), came into effect. This law is an update to other Spanish exchange control and money laundering prevention laws.

 

Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares

 

Spanish law provides that any individual or corporation that intends to acquire, directly or indirectly, a significant participation (participación significativa) in a Spanish bank must obtain the prior approval of the Bank of Spain, including the amount of such participation, the terms and conditions of the acquisition and the period in which it is intended to execute the transaction. A significant participation is considered five percent of the outstanding share capital of a bank or a lower percentage if such holding allows for the exercise of a significant influence.

 

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Any individual or company that intends to increase, directly or indirectly, its significant participation in such a way that its share capital or voting rights after the acquisition reaches or exceeds 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 33%, 40%, 50%, 66% or 75% is required to give prior notice to the Bank of Spain of such transaction. Any acquisition without such prior notification, or before three months have elapsed after the date of such notification, or against the objection of the Bank of Spain, will produce the following results:

 

  the acquired shares will have no voting rights; and

 

  if considered appropriate, the target bank may be taken over or its directors replaced and a sanction imposed.

 

The Bank of Spain has a period of three months to object to a proposed transaction. Such objection may be based on the fact that the Bank of Spain does not consider the acquiring person suitable to guarantee the sound and prudent operation of the target bank.

 

Any individual or institution that intends to sell its significant participation or reduce the above mentioned percentages, or which, because of such sale, loses control of the entity, must give prior notice to the Bank of Spain, indicating the amount to be sold and the period in which the transaction is to be executed. Non-compliance with this requirement will result in sanctions.

 

The Ministry of Economy and the Treasury, following a proposal by the Bank of Spain, may, whenever the control by a person with a significant participation may jeopardize the sound and prudent management of a credit institution, adopt any of the following measures as deemed appropriate:

 

  suspend the voting rights corresponding to such shares for up to three years;

 

  take control of the bank or replace the directors or

 

  revoke the bank’s license.

 

Tender Offers

 

As stated above, the Spanish legal regime concerning takeover bids was amended by Royal Decree 432/2003 of April 11, 2003, in order to introduce more cases in which it is necessary to launch a takeover in order to acquire a stake of the share capital of a listed company. Subject to certain exceptions, any individual or corporation proposing to acquire shares of a company’s share capital (or other securities that may directly or indirectly give the right to subscribe for such shares), which is fully or partly admitted for trading on a Spanish stock exchange, may not do so without first launching a public tender offer on the terms and conditions laid down in the Royal Decree, if it intends to appoint more than one-third but less than one-half of the directors of the target company.

 

E. Taxation

 

Spanish Tax Considerations

 

The following is a summary of the material Spanish tax consequences to United States Residents (as defined below) of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of BBVA’s ADSs or ordinary shares. This summary does not address all tax considerations that may be relevant to all categories of potential purchasers, some of whom (such as life insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, dealers in securities or financial institutions) may be subject to special rules. In particular, the summary deals only with the United States Holders (as defined below) that will hold ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets and who do not at any time own individually, nor are treated as owning, 25% or more of BBVA’s shares, including ADSs.

 

As used in this particular section, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

(1) “United States Holder” means a beneficial owner of BBVA’s ADSs or ordinary shares that is:

 

  a resident of the United States for United States federal income tax purposes,

 

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  a corporation or other entity treated as a corporation, created or organized under the laws of the United States or any State thereof, or

 

  an estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income tax without regard to its source.

 

(2) “Treaty” means the Convention between the United States and the Kingdom of Spain for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, together with a related Protocol.

 

(3) “United States Resident” means a United States Holder that is a resident of the United States for the purposes of the Treaty and entitled to the benefits of the Treaty, whose holding is not effectively connected with (1) a permanent establishment in Spain through which such holder carries on or has carried on business, or (2) a fixed base in Spain from which such holder performs or has performed independent personal services.

 

Holders of ADSs or ordinary shares who are not United States Residents should also consult their own tax advisors, particularly as to the applicability of any tax treaty. The statements regarding Spanish tax laws set out below are based on interpretations of those laws in force as of date of this Annual Report. Such statements also assume that each obligation in the Deposit Agreement and any related agreement will be performed in full accordance with the terms of those agreements.

 

Taxation of Dividends

 

Under Spanish law, dividends paid by BBVA to a holder of ordinary shares or ADSs who is not resident in Spain for tax purposes and does not operate through a permanent establishment in Spain, are subject to Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax, withheld at source, currently at a 15% tax rate. For these purposes, upon distribution of the dividend, BBVA or its paying agent will withhold an amount equal to the tax due according to the rules set forth above (i.e., applying the general withholding tax rate of 15%), transferring the resulting net amount to the depositary. Under the Treaty, if you are a United States Resident, you are also entitled to a tax rate of 15%.

 

Taxation of Rights

 

Distribution of preemptive rights to subscribe for new shares made with respect to your shares in BBVA will not be treated as income under Spanish law and, therefore, will not be subject to Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax. The exercise of such preemptive rights is not considered a taxable event under Spanish law and thus is not subject to Spanish tax. Capital gains derived from the disposition of preemptive rights obtained by United States Residents are generally not taxed in Spain provided that certain conditions are met (See “—Taxation of Capital Gains” below).

 

Taxation of Capital Gains

 

Under Spanish law, any capital gains derived from securities issued by persons residing in Spain for tax purposes are considered to be Spanish source income and, therefore, are taxable in Spain. For Spanish tax purposes, income obtained by you, if you are a United States Resident, from the sale of BBVA’s ADSs or ordinary shares will be treated as capital gains. Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax is currently levied at a 35% tax rate on capital gains obtained by persons non residents of Spain for tax purposes who are not entitled to the benefit of any applicable treaty for the avoidance of double taxation and who do not operate through a fixed base or a permanent establishment in Spain.

 

Notwithstanding the above, capital gains derived from the transfer of shares in an official Spanish secondary stock market by any holder who is resident in a country that has entered into a treaty for the avoidance of double taxation with an “exchange of information” clause (the Treaty contains currently such a clause), will be exempt from taxation in Spain. Additionally, capital gains realized by non-residents of Spain who are entitled to the benefit of an applicable treaty for the avoidance of the double taxation will, in the majority of cases, not be taxed in Spain (since most tax treaties provide for taxation only in the taxpayer’s country of residence). If you are a United States Resident, by virtue of the Treaty, capital gains arising from the disposition of ordinary shares or ADSs will not be taxed in Spain. You will be required to establish that you are entitled to this exemption by providing to the relevant Spanish tax authorities an IRS certificate of residence in the United States, together with the corresponding Spanish tax form.

 

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Spanish Wealth Tax

 

If you do not reside in Spain and you hold shares located in Spain, you are subject to Spanish Wealth Tax (Spanish Law 19/1991), which imposes a tax on property located in Spain on the last day of any year. It is possible that the Spanish tax authorities may contend that all shares of Spanish corporation and all ADSs representing such shares are located in Spain for Spanish tax purposes. If such a view were to prevail, and you are a non-resident of Spain who held BBVA’s ADRs or ordinary shares on the last day of any year, you would be subject to the Spanish Wealth Tax for such year at marginal rates varying between 0.2% and 2.5% of the average market value of such ordinary shares or ADSs during the last quarter of such year. United States Residents should consult their tax advisors with respect to the applicability of Spanish Wealth Tax.

 

Spanish Inheritance and Gift Taxes

 

Transfers of BBVA’s shares or ADRs upon death or by gift are subject to Spanish inheritance and gift taxes (Spanish Law 29/1987), if the transferee is a resident in Spain for tax purposes, or if BBVA’s shares or ADRs are located in Spain, regardless of the residence of the beneficiary. In this regard, the Spanish tax authorities may argue that all shares of Spanish corporations and all ADSs representing such shares are located in Spain for Spanish tax purposes. The applicable tax rate, after applying all relevant factors, ranges between 7.65% and 81.6% for individuals, approximately.

 

Alternatively, corporations that are non-resident in Spain, who receive BBVA’s shares or ADSs as a gift, are subject to Spanish Non-Resident Income Tax at a 35% tax rate on the fair market value of the shares as a capital gain. Hence, if the donee is a United States resident corporation, the exclusions available under the Treaty described in “—Taxation of Capital Gains” above will be applicable.

 

Spanish Transfer Tax

 

Transfers of BBVA’s ordinary shares or ADSs will be exempt from Transfer Tax (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales) or Value-Added Tax. Additionally, no stamp duty will be levied on such transfers.

 

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U.S. Tax Considerations

 

The following summary describes the material United States federal income tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares, but it does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to a particular person’s decision to acquire such securities. The summary applies only to U.S. Holders (as defined under “Spanish Tax Considerations” above) that hold ADSs or ordinary shares as capital assets for tax purposes and does not address special classes of holders, such as:

 

  certain financial institutions;

 

  insurance companies;

 

  dealers and traders in securities or foreign currencies;

 

  holders holding ADSs or shares as part of a hedge, straddle or conversion transaction;

 

  holders whose “functional currency” is not the U.S. dollar;

 

  holders liable for alternative minimum tax;

 

  tax exempt organizations;

 

  partnerships or other entities classified as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or

 

  holders that own 10% or more of BBVA’s voting shares.

 

The summary is based upon tax laws of the United States including the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended to the date hereof (the “Code”), administrative pronouncements, judicial decisions and final, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations, changes to any of which may affect the tax consequences described herein possibly with retroactive effect. In addition, the summary is based on the Treaty (as defined under “Spanish Tax Considerations” above) and is based in part on representations of BBVA’s depositary and assumes that each obligation provided for in or otherwise contemplated by BBVA’s deposit agreement or any other related document will be performed in accordance with its terms. Prospective purchasers of the ADSs or ordinary shares are urged to consult their own tax advisers as to the United States, Spanish or other tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares in their particular circumstances, including the effect of any U.S. state or local tax laws.

 

For United States federal income tax purposes, U.S. Holders of ADSs will generally be treated as the owners of the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADRs. Accordingly, no gain or loss will be recognized if a U.S. Holder exchanges ADSs for the underlying ordinary shares represented by those ADSs.

 

The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns that parties to whom ADSs are released may be taking actions that are inconsistent with the claiming of foreign tax credits for U.S. holders of ADSs. Such actions would also be inconsistent with the claiming of the reduced rate of tax applicable to dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. Holders, as described below. Accordingly, the analysis of the creditability of Spanish taxes described below, and the availability of the reduced tax rate for dividends received by certain noncorporate U.S. Holders, could be affected by future actions that may be taken by the parties to whom the ADSs are released.

 

This discussion assumes that BBVA was not a passive foreign investment company (“PFIC”) for 2003 (as discussed below).

 

Taxation of Distributions

 

To the extent paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits (as determined in accordance with United States federal income tax principles), distributions, before reduction for any Spanish income tax withheld by BBVA or its paying agent, made with respect to ADSs or ordinary shares (other than certain pro rata distributions of BBVA’s capital stock or rights to subscribe for shares of its capital stock) will be includible in the income of a U.S. Holder as ordinary dividend income. Such dividends will not be eligible for the “dividends received deduction” generally allowed to corporations under the Code. Subject to applicable limitations, dividends paid to noncorporate U.S. Holders in taxable years beginning before January 1, 2009 will be taxable at a maximum tax rate of 15%. Noncorporate U.S. Holders should consult their own tax advisers to determine the implications of the rules regarding this favorable rate in their particular circumstances. To the extent that a distribution exceeds our current and accumulated earnings and profits, it will be treated as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares, and thereafter as capital gain.

 

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The amount of the distribution will equal the U.S. dollar value of the euro received, calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date such distribution is received (which, for U.S. Holders of ADSs, will be the date such distribution is received by the depositary), whether or not the depositary or U.S. Holder in fact converts any euro received into U.S. dollars at that time. Any gains or losses resulting from the conversion of euro into U.S. dollars will be treated as ordinary income or loss, as the case may be, of the U.S. Holder and will be U.S. source. Dividends generally will constitute foreign source “passive” or “financial services” income for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

 

Subject to certain generally applicable limitations, a U.S. Holder will be entitled to a credit against its U.S. federal income tax liability, or a deduction in computing its U.S. federal taxable income, for Spanish income taxes withheld by BBVA or its paying agent. A U.S. Holder must satisfy minimum holding period requirements in order to be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit for foreign taxes withheld on dividends. U.S. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine whether they are subject to any special rules that limit their ability to make effective use of foreign tax credits.

 

Sale and Other Disposition of ADSs or Shares

 

Gain or loss realized by a U.S. Holder on (i) the sale or exchange of ADSs or ordinary shares or (ii) the depositary’s sale or exchange of ordinary shares received as distributions on the ADSs, will be subject to United States federal income tax as capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the ADSs or ordinary shares and the amount realized on the disposition. Gain or loss, if any, will be U.S. source for foreign tax credit purposes. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Rules

 

We believe that we were not a “passive foreign investment company”, or “PFIC”, for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year 2003. However, since our PFIC status depends upon the composition of our income and assets and the market value of our assets (including, among others, less than 25% owned equity investments) from time to time, determined pursuant to certain proposed Treasury Regulations that are not yet in effect but are generally proposed to become effective for taxable years after December 31, 1994, there can be no assurance that we will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year.

 

Ordinarily, if we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held ADSs or ordinary shares, gain recognized by such U.S. Holder on a sale or other disposition of an ADS or share would be allocated ratably over the U.S. Holder’s holding period for the ADS or ordinary share. The amounts allocated to the taxable year of the sale or other exchange and to any year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income. The amount allocated to each other taxable year would be subject to tax at the highest rate in effect for ordinary income of taxpayers of the U.S. Holder’s type for such taxable year, and an interest charge would be imposed on the amount allocated to such taxable year. Similar tax rules would apply to any distribution in respect of ADSs or ordinary shares in excess of 125% of the average of the annual distributions on ADSs or ordinary shares received by the U.S. Holder during the preceding three years or the U.S. Holder’s holding period, whichever is shorter. Additionally, if we were a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. Holder held an ADS or ordinary share, such U.S. Holder would be required to make an annual return on IRS Form 8621 for that year, describing the distributions received from BBVA and any gain realized on the disposition of ADSs or ordinary shares. Certain elections may be available (including a mark to market election) to United States persons that may ameliorate the adverse consequences resulting from PFIC status.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Information returns may be filed with the Internal Revenue Service in connection with payments of dividends on, and the proceeds from a sale or other disposition of, ADSs or ordinary shares. A U.S. Holder may be subject to United States backup withholding tax on these payments if the United States Holder fails to provide its taxpayer identification number to the paying agent and comply with certain certification procedures or otherwise establish an exemption from backup withholding. The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to a U.S. Holder will be allowed as a credit against the U.S. Holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle the U.S. Holder to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

 

F. Dividends and Paying Agents

 

Not applicable.

 

G. Statement by Experts

 

Not applicable.

 

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H. Documents on Display

 

The documents concerning BBVA which are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at its offices at Plaza de San Nicolás 4, 48005 Bilbao, Spain. In addition, we are subject to the information requirements of the Exchange Act, except that as a foreign issuer, we are not subject to the proxy rules or the short-swing profit disclosure rules of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these statutory requirements, we file or furnish reports and other information with the SEC. Reports and other information filed or furnished by BBVA with the SEC may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the SEC’s regional offices at The Woolworth Building, 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10279 and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material may also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, on which BBVA’s ADSs are listed. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site that contains information filed electronically with the SEC, which can be accessed over the internet at http://www.sec.gov.

 

I. Subsidiary Information

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Risk at BBVA

 

The assumption of risk is inherent to financial activity. Effective management of risk contributes to the reliable and sustainable generation of value over time and, accordingly, it is important to our shareholders, customers, and employees that BBVA has a sound and consistent risk management model.

 

BBVA believes that its strong risk management is a basic component of its competitive advantage. In order to achieve this advantage, BBVA dedicates the resources necessary to ensure that the risks incurred by BBVA in the course of its various business activities are duly identified, measured, valued and managed.

 

BBVA manages customers and products in the various businesses and geographical areas in which it operates, while also addressing all of the related risks, such as credit or counterparty risk, market risk, operational risk and structural risk for each of those business and geographical areas. BBVA also faces structural risks, including liquidity, interest and exchange rate risks in connection with its operations.

 

In an ever more globalized and interdependent world, adequate management of all of the different risks associated with our operations requires an integrated risk management strategy.

 

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This is particularly complex, because, in general, credit risks relate to customers, market risks relate to portfolios and products, structural risks to balance-sheet aggregates and operational risks are normally identified within our processes and circuits.

 

The heterogeneous nature of the areas in which risk needs to be measured, the variety of types of risk and the interdependence among development of uniform tools and models for managing all of the different risks we face.

 

Two basic factors are crucial in development of uniform tools and models for managing risk. The first factor, which is quantitative, is the development of a uniform system of risk measurement, enabling the different risks implicit in our processes, products, customers or portfolios to be measured in a uniform way. This uniform measure is economic capital and the expected losses associated with each business activity. Only with a uniform system of risk measurement is it possible to manage risks globally across our disparate activities, including the interactions between different risks.

 

The second factor, which is qualitative, is the implementation of a uniform risk management model across all of BBVA’s business lines. This means that our risk measurement tools, circuits, procedures, information and monitoring systems, policies and controls must reflect risk management methods and indicators must comprise a uniform risk management model for the entire Group.

 

BBVA made consistent progress in the implementation of the risk model in 2003, as is explained in the following pages. The steps taken to that end, in terms of both the development and use of rating and scoring tools and their use in day-to-day decision-making processes, and in the creation of databases and the uploading of information to enable expected losses, economic capital and other significant measures to be calculated, have been developed and implemented in consideration of the future regulatory framework, known as Basel II, that will govern financial institutions from the end of 2006 onwards.

 

New Regulatory Capital Proposal: Basel II

 

On April 29, 2003, the Basel Committee published the third and final consultative paper which includes a Proposal for a New Capital Accord to replace the current Accord. BBVA has taken a very active role in the long period of dialog between the Committee, the financial institutions, which will be affected by the Accord, and relevant national supervisory authorities, which will give rise to the final draft of the paper. The definitive version of the paper is expected to be published in the first half of 2004.

 

BBVA is aware that both from the standpoint of the overall direction pursued by Basel II, and from the approach followed in its implementation, benefits will accrue not only to the banks directly affected, but also to financial systems as a whole. Pursuant to the Basel II Accord, the sensitivity of regulatory capital to economic risks will be clearly increased, banks’ knowledge of the risks they incur will improve and, in short, financial systems will be more secure, sound and efficient.

 

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One of the aspects, however, in which the Basel II model most needs to be improved is in the recognition of the value of diversification, the benefits of which are only partially taken into account in the Committee’s proposal.

 

BBVA has performed several studies in an effort to find solutions for modeling diversification in the context of the Basel II model, without losing the simple structure of the current proposal and has submitted specific proposals that would include the benefits of diversification in the Basel II model.

 

BBVA is convinced that the New Basel Capital Accord will not only affect the capital adequacy ratios required of banks but will also have a significant impact on the way the banks operate, manage risk and assign resources. Accordingly, BBVA has, in a variety of ways, been preparing to use Basel II models in-house from the outset.

 

BBVA has also created the Internal Risk Control unit, which is responsible for ensuring that our risk management processes are not only effective, but also consistent with best practices in the market and BBVA’s management model. The Internal Control unit intends to implement the Basel Pillar II requirements, and has launched the Contigo Plan to review with our different business areas their main processes and identify any gaps needing improvement.

 

BBVA has also initiated the Risk-adjusted Return (RAR) Project, which is creating the infrastructure, default and loss given default databases required for measuring economic capital, expected loss and RAR to be calculated for BBVA as a whole. This project will enable us to meet the internal model information and management requirements envisaged in the future Basel regulations.

 

Global Risk Management

 

Economic capital is a basic element in the calculation, on a properly risk-adjusted basis, of returns and the intrinsic value of our various businesses and operating activities, as well as for calculation of capital adequacy in economic rather than purely regulatory terms. This makes BBVA’s capital assignment process more efficient.

 

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BBVA measures economic capital by segmentation portfolio, which means that aggregates by business unit, product type, country or risk type can be calculated.

 

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Progress was made in the following areas in 2003 to provide BBVA with better measures of economic capital:

 

First, further progress was made on the RAR (Risk-adjusted Return) Project described above, and at December 31, 2003, an inventory was available with calculations from transaction level of expected loss, economic capital, regulatory capital per Basel II (for all the envisaged options) and Risk-adjusted Return for the Parent Bank’s portfolios. The system is flexible enough to include any changes that may be made in the final version of the Basel II Capital Accord.

 

Second, with respect to our Latin-American subsidiaries, progress was made in 2003 on the functional design stage of the RAR Project and the construction of regional infrastructure in Mexico that will facilitate the development of the Project in the countries in which we operate.

 

Third, in 2003, our economic capital calculation methodology was reviewed and it was decided that economic capital will be calculated using the methodologies developed internally on the basis of the information available and the Basel II assumptions will only be used when they faithfully reflect the relevant risk.

 

Some of the material differences between the internal economic capital calculation methodology and the calculations in the advanced internal models in the New Accord are as follows:

 

  The economic capital calculation only includes unexpected losses, while expected losses are expensed. Also, an adjustment is made to the economic capital base for the difference between the total volume of provisions and the calculated amount of expected losses.

 

  Credit correlations are estimated internally and not pursuant to the standards included in Basel II, which we believe inadequately treats the element of diversification.

 

  The economic capital calculations include certain risks not explicitly contemplated by Pillar I of the New Accord.

 

BBVA’s objective in maintaining internal measures of economic capital that differ from those required by regulators is to arrive at capital measures that are as closely linked as possible to the risks involved.

 

Fourth, in 2003, risk-adjusted capital ratios were designed and quantified to facilitate the monitoring of BBVA’s capital level with respect to the consumption of economic capital. These ratios supplement the traditional Basel ratios.

 

The following table set forth below shows the distribution by business area of BBVA’s economic capital as of December 31, 2003, in attributable terms –net of minority interests. Retail Banking Spain and Portugal represents 35% of economic capital, 51% of which corresponds to the Commercial Banking unit and 27% to Corporate Banking unit. Banking in America accounts for 24% of economic capital, of which Mexico accounts for 45%, Wholesale and Investment Banking represents 17% of economic capital, while Corporate Activities and Other, which is principally comprised of investments in industrial corporations and in financial institutions and the ALCO’s activity, accounts for the remaining 24%.

 

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By type of risk, as of December 31, 2003, credit risk continued to account for the largest portion (48%) of BBVA’s use of economic capital. At the same date, market risk, which includes the structural balance-sheet risk associated with variations in interest rates and exchange rates and the equities portfolio risk, accounted for 34% of total economic capital, and operational risk accounted for 12%. The remaining 6% includes real estate and the use of economic capital deriving from BBVA’s insurance operations.

 

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Credit Risk Management

 

Evolution of credit risk exposure and quality

 

As of December 31, 2003, BBVA’s overall credit risk exposure increased by 1.9% to €321 billion, compared to 2002.

 

Customer lending (48% of the total) and credit lines drawable by third parties (16%) increased by 4.7% and 8.4%, respectively, in 2003, whereas the potential exposure to credit risk in market operations (31% of the total) and contingent liabilities (5%) decreased by 3.4% and 8.3%, respectively.

 

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The majority of BBVA’s exposure to customers was in Retail Banking Spain and Portugal, which accounted for 59% of the total exposure, compared to 53% as of December 31, 2002, followed by Wholesale and Investment Banking, which accounted for 25% in both 2003 and 2002.

 

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In 2003, the percentage of total lending made by BBVA in Spain (including by our subsidiaries outside of Spain) increased by approximately 4.0% to 81.6%. The percentage of total lending in Europe in 2003 was 2.8%, while the percentage corresponding to lending in the Latin-American countries in which we operate declined from 20.2% to 15.6%, principally due to the effects of the depreciation of several currencies in Latin America and the sale of our interest in BBV Brasil, S.A. Of this 15.6%, 11.6% was concentrated in investment-grade-rated countries (8.1% in Mexico, 2.0% in Chile and 1.5% in Puerto Rico) and, accordingly, only 4.0% of BBVA’s loans were in countries rated as below investment grade.

 

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The BBVA’s main credit risk quality indicators improved in 2003. As of December 31, 2003, BBVA’s nonperforming loans ratio was 1.74%, compared to 2.37% as of December 31, 2002. Disregarding Argentina and Brazil, the ratio would have been 1.31% (1.70% as of December 31, 2002). Including contingent liabilities and excluding country-risk positions, BBVA’s nonperforming loan ratio would have decreased to 1.37%, compared to 1.85% as of December 31, 2002.

 

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The decreases in the foregoing measures of our nonperforming loan ratios was principally due to the reduction in the rate of loans becoming nonperforming from 2.92% to 1.62% as of December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively. These decreases were also done to an improvement in the loan recovery rate to 27.8% of critical assets, which are comprised or our the nonperforming loan balance plus new nonperforming loans recorded during 2003 from 25.5% as of December 31, 2002.

 

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As a result of these developments, BBVA’s nonperforming loan balance decreased by 23.1% to €2,673 million, 38.1% of which related to loans in Spain, 26.0% to Argentina and 18.3% to Mexico.

 

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BBVA’s improvement in its nonperforming loan ratio was attributable to strong performances across all business areas. Retail Banking Spain and Portugal reduced its nonperforming loan ratio by 12 basis points to 0.88% as of December 31, 2003, and recorded an all-time low in its new nonperforming loans ratio (0.70% of lending), Wholesale and Investment Banking saw a sharp fall in its nonperforming loan ratio to 0.66% due to the absence of significant new nonperforming loans and to strong recoveries in the doubtful portfolio, while the nonperforming loan ratio for Banking in America, which does not include our Argentinean operations, was 4.01%, after the application of stricter non-performing loan classification criteria in certain countries. In Mexico the ratio fell from 4.22% as of December 31, 2002, to 3.95% at 2003 year-end.

 

The BBVA’s coverage ratio increased in 2003 to 166.3%, 19.5% higher than as of December 31, 2002. If Argentina and Brazil were excluded, the coverage ratio would have been 201.1%, compared to 191.1% as of December 31, 2002.

 

BBVA’s lending to private-sector domestic clients in Spain amounted to €102 billion, and the risk was spread among financing for individuals (44.0%) and companies (56.0%). Mortgage lending accounted for 31.0% of the total and had a nonperforming loan ratio of 0.42% (9 basis points lower than as of December 31, 2002).

 

Financing of companies is distributed among various industries, including real estate (13%), manufacturing (10%), construction (8%), trade, services and repairs (7%).

 

Credit Risk Profile

 

Early measurement of credit risk, essentially expected loss and economic capital, permits advance monitoring of the portfolio’s risk profile. The two basic components of these measures, which are described below, are probability of default and loss given default followed by certain expected loss indicators relating to BBVA’s various portfolios.

 

Probability of default. This is determined by in-house measuring tools (rating and scoring) that include the specific risk factors related to different customer segments and transaction types.

 

Generally, default is understood to mean a payment delay of more than 90 days measured for a one-year period, which is in line with the Basel II consultative paper.

 

Rating and scoring tools provide a measure of the level of risk which, by means of a statistical process known as calibration, is associated with a specific probability of default. This probability of default is then linked to a rating on a master scale, which enables BBVA’s various risk portfolios to be classified uniformly. The narrowest version of the master scale, which is shown below, classifies outstanding risks in 13 categories (the version we use covers 34 risk levels).

 

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Applying this master scale to BBVA’s risks in Spain corresponding to credit exposure to companies, financial institutions, institutions and sovereign borrowers discloses a distribution of ratings, weighted by exposure, in which 62% of the credit risk exposure is concentrated in the A-rated or higher bracket.

 

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(1) Activities in Spain relating to Companies, financial entities and sovereign risks.

 

Excluding sovereign risks, 49% of the exposure is still rated A or above and 72% is rated BBB- or higher.

 

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In 2003, BBVA continued to make progress on developing several historical default and loss given default databases, which would enable very precise estimates to be obtained of the probability of default and loss given default inputs required in credit risk management.

 

Among other risk management features, these databases assist in identifying how the term of a loan affects the probability of default. In the retail segment –mortgages and consumer loans– this effect is clearly shown in the graphs below, which were prepared by segmenting historical risk information relating to BBVA’s consumer and mortgage loan portfolio in Spain.

 

The two methods used for grouping the information included in the tables were as follows:

 

  The scores were divided into five groups, Group 1 being the best-scoring loans and Group 5 the worst-scoring.

 

  The time, in years, that has elapsed since the loan was granted.

 

The tables demonstrate that loan scoring has a predictive capability regarding loan defaults since the best-scoring loans are shown to have the lowest probability of default, and the lowest scoring loans had the highest probability of default. For both consumer loans and mortgages and all the scoring groups, the tables show that the estimated probability of default increases until the second year, when there is a change of trend and the probability of default starts to decrease.

 

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In addition, the tables demonstrate that the loans’ score ceases to have significant predictive value regarding the probability of default of loans several years old since the probability of default shown in all the curves converge at a single average default rate.

 

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In summary, most of BBVA’s activities subject to credit risk are assessed at the initiation of the transaction and each transaction is assigned a probability of default based on application of risk rating or scoring tools applied uniformly throughout BBVA’s operations.

 

Loss Given Default. Loss given default can be defined as the percentage of a loan that is not recovered in the event of a default on a transaction. BBVA is continually working to address loan loss given default in two areas: first to accurately estimate loss given default levels and second, to reduce loss given default levels by improving recovery levels.

 

As stated above, the development of new databases in 2003 resulted in considerable improvements in the accuracy of estimates of loss given default in BBVA’s loan portfolios. These databases allow information relating to loan recoveries to be analyzed using various segmentation methods.

 

The following tables set forth BBVA’s first estimates for loss given default relating to mortgages and consumer loans. The information contained in these charts, as in the case of the information on loan default rates described above, was obtained from BBVA’s historical records regarding its consumer and mortgage loan portfolio in Spain.

 

This table shows that more than 80% of mortgages have a recovery rate in excess of 90%.

 

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The following table shows the analysis performed on BBVA’s consumer loan portfolio in Spain. In the retail consumer loan segment the recovery rates are lower than those in the mortgage loan segment and are characterized by two extremes – a large number of defaulted consumer loans on which the recovery rate is very low and an even higher number on which the recovery rate is over 90%.

 

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Expected losses. During 2003, the estimates of BBVA’s expected losses were adjusted in line with the new information, organized by geographical and by business areas, provided by the historical risk databases.

 

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The breakdown of the BBVA’s expected losses by geographic area, as of December 31, 2003, as a percentage of exposure, shows that banking in Spain accounts for 81% of total exposure and has an expected loss of 0.24% of that exposure, while Mexico and the rest of BBVA had expected losses of 0.68% and 0.88%, respectively.

 

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As shown in the foregoing table, the attributable expected loss in BBVA’s main business areas by exposure — Wholesale and Investment banking which represented 38% of exposure and Retail Banking Spain and Portugal which represented 36% of exposure — was 0.06% and 0.47%, respectively. Banking in America had an expected loss of 1.03% of exposure. The following table sets forth the expected loss rates for BBVA’s main business segments in Spain.

 

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Credit risk in market activities.

 

Measurement of the credit risk in OTC financial instruments to counterparties is carried out by the daily marking to market of the positions held plus an estimate of the maximum increase in the value of the security that can be expected through maturity.

 

The equivalent maximum credit risk exposure to counterparties was €14,669 million as of December 31, 2003, a decrease of 24.9% from 2002. This reduction in risk was principally due to the development of OTC financial instrument collateralization agreements.

 

BBVA continued its policy of signing legally valid netting agreements with each of the jurisdictions in which it operates, which account for a significant share of total exposure.

 

The net market value of the OTC financial instruments in the portfolio as of December 31, 2003 was €3,876 million, with a mean residual term of 95 months. As of the same date, the average replacement value, measured in gross terms, was €4,915 million.

 

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The following chart shows the distribution by residual term of the equivalent maximum exposure in OTC financial instruments compared to the related data as of December 31, 2002.

 

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The following table sets forth the counterparty risk assumed in OTC financial instrument transactions, which in 89% of the cases, is with entities with credit ratings of A- or higher.

 

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BBVA’s exposure is concentrated with financial institutions (83%), with the remainder (17%) corresponding to corporations and customers, which we consider adequate diversification of exposure.

 

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The foregoing table sets forth the distribution of risk by geographical area, which is concentrated in Europe (82%) and North America (16.6%), representing 98.6% of the total.

 

In addition, BBVA continued to measure credit risk in terms of expected loss plus economic capital for activities performed with each counterparty and/or issuer using a measurement tool specifically applicable to each transaction type for this purpose, as shown in the graph.

 

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Market Risk Management

 

The possibility of using internal models for calculating capital requirements, as envisaged in Directive 98/31/EC, amending the CAD (1993 Capital Adequacy Directive) became a reality for Spanish credit institutions with the entry into force of Bank of Spain Circular 3/2003 to Credit Institutions (the “Circular”) amending Bank of Spain Circular 5/1993 on the calculation and control of minimum equity. The Circular sets forth the minimum conditions that must be met by a bank’s internal risk management models, the internal organization of the bank and regarding its internal controls such that, after these factors have been individually assessed, minimum equity requirements for the coverage of various risks can be calculated.

 

The Global Market Risk Management unit is responsible for the integrated management of market, exchange rate and commodity risk for BBVA. This unit, which is organically separate from and independent of the business areas, is responsible for

 

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adapting and administering risk measurement and control tools and for ensuring that the business areas comply with applicable risk limits and policies. The unit also periodically reports to the Executive Committee, the Risk Committee, our management committee and several other risk subcommittees on levels of risk, results and the degree of compliance with such limits, at an individual as well as BBVA-wide level.

 

In this respect, another of the basic pillars of the BBVA’s market risk management model is the limit structure, which consists of an overall value at risk (“VaR”) limit for each business unit, supplemented by a series of specific sublimits by desk, business line, and risk or product type. Proposals for the overall limits for all the business units and for certain sublimits are approved by the Executive Committee. The business units, together with the risk department, are responsible for distributing these limits by desk, business line or risk type. These VaR limits are supplemented by other limits based on non-statistical measures such as delta sensitivity, nominal exposure or stop-loss limits. In addition to this limit structure, a variety of warning signs are in place which trigger contingency plans to attempt to prevent situations that might adversely affect BBVA’s results.

 

The purpose of the market risk management and measurement model currently in place at BBVA is to measure both general market risk and specific risks, for which BBVA employs the VaR methodology, which aims to measure the maximum loss that can occur in the value of the portfolio as a result of fluctuations in general conditions of the financial markets, such as changes in interest rates, exchange rates and equity security prices. In addition to these three risk categories, other relevant market risks include basis risk (which arises, for example, when there are debt positions the interest rate risk on which is hedged by swap transactions, generating a risk because there is a variable spread between the interest rate curves relevant for the valuation of these positions), spread risk (associated with corporate securities or credit derivatives on corporate issuers), volatility and convexity risk (for options) and correlation risk.

 

The VaR model used by BBVA is the covariance matrix which has a confidence level of 99% and a time horizon of one day and has been improved to take into account convexity and other risks associated with option positions and structured derivative products. In addition, periodical supplementary settlement VaR calculations are performed for certain business units, which include adjustments to factor in the specific liquidity of the position, taking into account the liquidity conditions in the financial markets at any given time.

 

BBVA is also implementing a new risk measurement platform which, in addition to having the advantage of enabling market risk to be integrated with credit risk and thereby providing an overall view of existing risk, makes it possible to calculate market risk using the covariance matrix, the historical simulation and the Monte Carlo simulation methodologies.

 

The accompanying table shows the distribution of the changes in the value of our portfolio of long-term interest rate options in a set of scenarios generated by the Monte Carlo analysis. The histogram shows the frequency of the various changes in value in the simulation. The 1% percentile of the distribution shows the VaR figure with a one-day time horizon for a confidence level of 99%.

 

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Similarly, the distribution of variations in the value of our long-term interest rate options portfolio in a historical simulation is shown in the table below.

 

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The market risk measurement model includes a back-testing or ex-post contrast program, which to a certain extent guarantees the suitability of the risk measures that are performed. Comparisons are made of the levels of ex-ante risk provided by the model with the ex-post results obtained by our various business units each day to validate the VaR measurement system.

 

Stress-testing is an essential supplementary tool for market risk management, especially after the recent crises in Argentina and Brazil and the upheaval in the financial markets after the events of September 11, 2001. Accordingly, in order to strengthen risk management and control, BBVA periodically calculates the exposure to losses of each business unit in response to events beyond the predetermined confidence interval for the daily measurement of market risk. This enables senior management to evaluate the level of exposure to losses under these potential scenarios, and to design, on the basis of that exposure, the contingency plans that must be implemented immediately if an unusual situation similar to those examined should arise.

 

Market risk in 2003. In 2003, the behavior of the markets was marked by recovery, especially so in the case of the emerging markets. Thus, in Latin America the stock markets appreciated considerably, while spreads on sovereign debt in several countries in the region recorded all-time lows during the year. The evolution of market risk in BBVA’s securities markets business lines in 2003 was characterized by a low risk profile in the first few months of the year as a result of a conservative management approach taken due to increasing international uncertainty regarding Iraq, and a gradual increase in risk from May onwards, with a higher level of exposure maintained in the second half of the year, as a result of the expectations of a recovery in the principal world economies.

 

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In 2003, the average risk in BBVA’s business areas that take on market risk, in VaR terms, was €21,985 thousand, with a maximum and minimum of €28,587 thousand and €14,138 thousand, respectively, and a median of €22,766 thousand. The maximum levels were recorded in July, coinciding with a period of increased volatility in the Mexican market. Compared to 2002, there was a reduction both in the average level of risk and, in particular, in the dispersion of risk, as a result of active risk management. Considering a time horizon of ten days, as recommended by the Basel Committee, the estimated average loss in 2003 with a confidence level of 99% was €69,524 thousand.

 

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BBVA’s most significant market risk is interest rate risk (76% of the total as of December 31, 2003), which includes both systemic risk and the specific risk tied to the spreads that are applied to the market curve for corporate issuers based on their credit-worthiness. Significantly less important risks for BBVA are vega risk and correlation risk tied to options and structured derivative products, which represent 8% and 7% of the total, respectively, and stock market and currency risk, which account for 4% each. It should be noted that currency risk relates to the operating exchange positions of BBVA’s business areas that take on market risk.

 

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With regard to the distribution of the BBVA’s risk by geographical area, most of BBVA’s total market risk relates to banking in Europe and the U.S. (principally investment banking), while BBVA’s Latin-American banks in the aggregate represent 39.7% of the total risk in average annual terms, of which 28.7% is concentrated in Mexico.

 

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The following table sets forth the average use of limits and shows the percentage of use by several of BBVA’s main business units. The average use of the limits authorized by the Standing Committee for 2003 was 41%.

 

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The following table sets forth the back-testing carried out for BBVA’s aggregate risk in 2003, which consisted of comparing, for each day, the results of the revaluation of our positions with the risk estimated by the model, and demonstrates the accuracy of the management risk model used by BBVA. The same conclusion was reached from comparisons performed for other representative risk levels lower than BBVA’s aggregate risk.

 

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Structural Interest Risk

 

Structural interest risk is defined as a company’s exposure to variations in market interest rates arising from mismatches in the maturity and repricing dates (depending on whether the related instruments are tied to a fixed or floating rate, respectively) of the company’s assets and liabilities, including derivatives.

 

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, in the consultative paper “Principles for the Management and Supervision of Interest Rate Risk”, set forth the basic principles for the management, measurement and monitoring of structural interest risk with which banks are required to comply.

 

BBVA includes these recommendations in its structural interest risk control and management procedures. Accordingly, our organizational structure was defined to establish a separate assignment of functions and responsibilities, maintaining at all times the interest rate risk control and management.

 

The Executive Committee is responsible for approving strategies and policies relating to the management and control of structural interest risk. This committee has delegated responsibility for monitoring this risk to the Risk Committee.

 

The Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO), is responsible for actively managing BBVA’s balance sheet in order to stabilize net interest income without prejudicing equity. The ALCO for BBVA in Spain coordinates its work with the ALCOs of BBVA’s subsidiaries through a corporate strategy committee. The ALCOs meet at least once a month.

 

The risk unit of the Corporate Activities and Other business area is responsible for controlling and monitoring structural interest rate risk. This unit periodically measures this risk from two perspectives: first, from the net interest income standpoint and, second, from that of the economic value. In the former case, net interest income is projected for the next 12 months. In the case of the analysis of economic value, a discounted current value is calculated of expected future flows in the balance sheet. The impacts of fluctuations in interest rates on both measures are calculated by using both parallel displacements in interest rate curves and shocks that take into account changes of slope and curvature. Several interest rate curve simulation methodologies have been developed to determine these changes of slope and curvature and these methodologies are used to calculate expected losses in net interest income and in economic value with a confidence level of 99%.

 

BBVA has established limits and procedures to ensure that exposure to structural interest rate risk remains within levels consistent with internal policies. The limits structure is revised and updated every year so that it is in line with market conditions and BBVA’s business structure. The accompanying table sets forth the average use of BBVA’s limits for 2003.

 

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The following gap table sets forth, as of December 31, 2003, the distribution of maturities or repricing dates (depending on whether the relevant instrument is tied to a fixed or a floating rate, respectively) of the sensitive asset and liability aggregates in the balance sheet in euro, grouped by market type.

 

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Aggregating these volumes determines the on-balance-sheet gap which, together with the off-balance-sheet gap, comprise BBVA’s total balance sheet gap in euro. The maturity or repricing matrices of the other currencies that are significant for BBVA are calculated in a similar way.

 

The following table sets forth a comparison of levels of risk among BBVA’s main financial institutions, the diversification of which reduces the risk for BBVA as a whole.

 

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Liquidity Risk

 

Liquidity risk relates to the potential difficulty of resorting to the financial markets in order to meet payment obligations.

 

The Basel Committee, in the consultative paper “Sound Practices for Managing Liquidity in Banking Organizations”, enumerates a series of basic principles for the monitoring and control of liquidity risk, aimed at increasing awareness on the part of banks of the importance of the proper management of this risk.

 

BBVA’s Standing Committee is the body responsible for approving strategies and policies relating to the management of liquidity at corporate level, without prejudice to the fact that each of the main Group entities independently manages its own liquidity requirements.

 

Each entity’s Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO) is responsible for ensuring, at medium-term, that the entity has the required resources to carry on the business. Also, corporate monitoring is performed in respect of the liquidity position of each of the entities composing the Group, and of their projected medium-term liquidity profiles. The so-called Liquidity and Emergency Committees exist to act in the event of anticipated or actual liquidity crises.

 

Each major Group entity has established a liquidity contingency plan which details the actions and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency, together with the responsibilities of each of the areas involved in the liquidity risk management and control process.

 

Liquidity monitoring is performed from two standpoints. On the one hand, a map is prepared daily analyzing the projected collection and payment flows for the next few days, as well as the assets available to meet existing payment commitments. In parallel, every month, liquidity profiles are calculated by business structure and financing type (gap of markets, credit, wholesale financing, equity, rediscountable assets and other), and expected future cash flows are projected for a time horizon of 12 months.

 

BBVA establishes quantitative and qualitative limits and warning signals that enable it to anticipate possible financing tensions. There is also a policy of diversification of sources of financing: wholesale, equity and the interbank market.

 

In order to avoid situations of tension and to guarantee BBVA’s liquidity, each entity defines various hypothetical systemic and specific crisis scenarios, and analyzes the various financing needs and alternatives. These scenarios address market factors, assumptions about renewal of financing at maturity, gradual withdrawals of funds, sudden withdrawals of funds, nonrenewal, etc.

 

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Structural Exchange Rate Risk

 

An entity’s structural exchange rate risk refers to the potential losses in the value of structural positions arising from variations in exchange rates.

 

BBVA’s exposure to structural exchange rate risk arises mainly from the investments in other entities, insofar as these assets are denominated in currencies other than those in which they are financed.

 

The Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) is the body responsible for actively managing structural exchange rate risk based on future exchange rate expectations. The committee meets every month and evaluates hedging decisions to mitigate the adverse impact of possible fluctuations in exchange rates.

 

The Risk area periodically measures structural exchange rate risk using a statistical simulation model that includes certain exchange rate crisis scenarios to which certain estimated probabilities of occurrence are assigned. Another factor in the model is the projection at one year of the exchange rates of the currencies involved. Every month the total risk is calculated in annual VaR terms with a confidence interval of 99%.

 

74% of the total exchange risk is concentrated in the Mexican peso, the Venezuelan bolivar and the Brazilian real. Several hedging transactions were arranged during the year to reduce the exposure to losses, thus considerably mitigating the impact of possible depreciations. Due mainly to the hedges arranged, the open structural position was reduced, compared with 2002.

 

Operational risk

 

Internally operational risk is defined as that which is neither credit nor market risk. This definition embraces that proposed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (risk which can give rise to losses as a result of human error, inadequate or defective internal processes, systems failures or external causes), in addition to other risks such as strategic or business risk and regulatory risk. The last of these risks would impact BBVA in the event of regulatory changes affecting the income statement or its ability to generate business.

 

In 2003, BBVA continued to deploy the three basic tools created in-house (Ev-Ro, TransVaR and SIRO), as the main vehicles for identifying, measuring, evaluating and controlling risks of this kind. BBVA considers that proper management of operational risk fosters the creation of value for the shareholders. On the one hand, it improves the income statement by mitigating the risks that give rise to losses or loss of profits and, on the other, it makes it possible to reduce the regulatory capital to the minimum level possible under the new Basel regulations.

 

Operational risk is managed in two ways at BBVA:

 

  The quantitative method: this consists of developing event databases similar to the credit risk default databases, which are used to model and calculate capital at risk.

 

  The qualitative method: based on the use of operational risk identification, valuation and mitigation tools. The particularity of the qualitative approach resides in the fact that exposure to operational risk can be detected and, consequently, mitigated, without having to manifest itself in the form of adverse events.

 

The combination of the quantitative (ex post) and qualitative (ex ante) approaches is present in the tools used by BBVA:

 

1. Ev-Ro: this is a tool for the identification and valuation of operational risk by business or support area. The information obtained is used to draw up risk maps. It is also used as a starting point for mitigation processes, putting particular emphasis on the most relevant aspects.

 

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2. TransVaR: this is a monitoring tool that uses indicators or variables that characterize each area’s processes and are linked to the causes of operational risk. The tool mixes quantitative and qualitative indicators. Both TransVaR and Ev-Ro are used for proactive management of operational risk at business and support units without adverse events having to take place.

 

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3. SIRO (Integrated Operational Risk System): this consists of a set of databases of operational risk events classified by risk type and business line. They are located in each country and every month feed a central database called SIRO Global, which consolidates the information.

 

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ORX (Operational Risk Exchange)

 

In order to complete BBVA’s database and, accordingly, to have more information to model risk with, in 2002 BBVA decided to become a founding member of the ORX International Consortium, in which 12 leading banks initially participated. Four information exchanges took place in 2003, with retroactive effect from January 1, 2002. Therefore, at 2003 year-end ORX had two years of operational risk events with more than 6,000 events recorded and classified according to the Basel criteria.

 

The management model

 

Operational risk management is incumbent on all business and support areas. Therefore, the corporate tools have been designed to be used in those units as sources of risk information, events and causes, constituting the basis of the mitigation processes.

 

Each business or support unit where the tools are implemented creates an Operational Risk Manager (generally located in the unit’s own risk or internal control area) and an Operational Risk Committee, which meets periodically to analyze the available information and to determine the most appropriate mitigation plans.

 

BBVA distinguishes between the following types of operational risk in its tools:

 

  Processes: risk of errors in habitual operations, due to human error in processes, documentation or the controls thereof.

 

  Fraud and unauthorized activity: this includes the risk and events arising from the perpetration of criminal acts, and also the risk arising from unauthorized internal activities such as exceeding powers.

 

  Technology: includes the operational risk associated with technological failures (occasional or ongoing), due to problems with software, hardware or communications.

 

  Human resources: the risk associated with the human resources hiring and management policy and occupational safety and hygiene.

 

  Commercial practices: the risk of losses arising from indemnities for improper sales practices or product defects.

 

  Disasters: the risk associated with the occurrence of external events (whether natural, accidental or provoked) which cause damage to physical assets or interrupt one of BBVA’s services.

 

  Suppliers: the dependence on certain external suppliers in processes (both the supply of materials and services) generates an operational risk if the contracted service is not performed.

 

Current situation

 

BBVA is making good progress in the implementation of the Ev-Ro and/or TransVaR tools. In Spain implementation has been completed in just over 70% of all areas, including the following units: Treasury, Corporate Banking, Capital Markets, Securities Company, Media, Systems, Altura Markets, Uno-e, Finanzia, Depository and Custody Services, Private Banking and Asset Management. In Latin America, the level of implementation currently exceeds 50% in the business and support areas.

 

In January 2002 and in July 2002, SIRO (the event database) was effectively implemented in Spain and in Latin America, respectively. 2003 saw the development of procedures to enhance the efficiency of the data capture processes.

 

Reputation risk

 

Reputation risk involves exposure to earnings uncertainty as a result of events that may negatively influence the perception that stakeholders (interest groups) have of BBVA. Most reputation risk events are caused by factors characteristic of other kinds of risk, such as business or operational risk.

 

Aware of the importance of reputation risk, and since it is largely endogenous in nature, i.e. it can be managed, BBVA takes it into account in the decision-making process.

 

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In order to facilitate the management of reputation risk, work on the implementation of a new tool called RepTool commenced in Spain at the end of 2003. RepTool is a methodology for the identification and assessment of reputation risk factors, which it relates to the internal causes that may give rise to this risk. As is customary in processes of this kind, assessment is performed on the basis of impact and probability of occurrence. The risk factors detected are classified by order of importance using scales of seriousness, which determine the type of action that must be taken.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

As of December 31, 2003, BBVA, under the supervision and with the participation of BBVA’s management, including our chairman and chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer and head of the office of the chairman, whose responsibilities include accountancy, internal audit and compliance, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of BBVA’s disclosure controls and procedures. BBVA’s management necessarily applied its judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures, which by their nature can provide only reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. Based on this evaluation, BBVA’s chairman and chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer and head of the office of the chairman concluded that BBVA’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level for gathering, analyzing and disclosing the information BBVA is required to disclose in the reports it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. There has been no change in BBVA’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, BBVA’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

We have not determined whether any particular member of our Audit and Compliance Committee is a “financial expert” and, therefore, have not named any particular member of such Committee as our “Audit Committee Financial Expert” in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. The charter for our Audit and Compliance Committee which was approved by our Board of Directors, however, provides that the Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee is required to have experience in financial matters as well as knowledge of the accounting standards and principles required by BBVA’s regulators. In addition, we believe that the remaining members of the Audit and Compliance Committee have an understanding of applicable generally accepted accounting principles in Spain, experience analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our Consolidated Financial Statements, an understanding of internal controls over financial reporting, and an understanding of audit committee functions. Our Audit and Compliance Committee has experience overseeing and assessing the performance of BBVA and its consolidated subsidiaries and our external auditors with respect to the preparation, auditing and evaluation of our consolidated financial statements.

 

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

 

BBVA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct applies to its chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer. This code establishes the principles that guide these officers’ respective actions: ethical conduct, professional standards and confidentiality. It also establishes the limitations and defines the conflicts of interest arising from their status as senior executives. We have not waived compliance with, nor made any amendment to, the Code of Ethics and Conduct. BBVA’s Code of Ethics and Conduct can be found on its website at www.bbva.com.

 

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ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table provides information on the aggregate fees billed by our principal accountants, Deloitte & Touche España, S.L., by type of service rendered for the periods indicated.

 

Services Rendered


   2003

   2002

   Total

     (thousands of euro)

Audit Fees (1)

   3,971    2,691    6,662

Audit-Related Fees (2)

   161    748    909

Tax Fees (3)

   —      —      —  

All Other Fees (4)

   561    411    972

Total

   4,693    3,850    8,543

(1) Aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche España, S.L. for the audit of BBVA’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by Deloitte & Touche España, S.L. in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. Total audit fees billed by Deloitte & Touche España, S.L. and its worldwide affiliates, were €8,282 thousand and €5,784 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.
(2) Aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by the Deloitte & Touche España, S.L. that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of BBVA’s financial statements and are not reported under (1) above.

 

(3) Aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by Deloitte & Touche España, S.L. for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.
(4) Aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for products and services provided by Deloitte & Touche España, S.L. other than the services reported in (1), (2) and (3) above. Services in this category consisted primarily of employee education courses and verification of the security of information systems and internet tools.

 

The Audit And Compliance Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies And Procedures

 

In order to assist in ensuring the independence of our external auditor, the charter of our Audit and Compliance Committee provides that our external auditor is generally prohibited from providing us with non-audit services, other than under the specific circumstance described below. For this reason, our Audit and Compliance Committee has developed a pre-approval policy regarding the contracting of BBVA’s external auditor, or any affiliate of the external auditor, for professional services. The professional services covered by such policy include audit and non-audit services provided to BBVA or any of its subsidiaries reflected in agreements dated on or after May 6, 2003.

 

The pre-approval policy is as follows:

 

  1. The hiring of BBVA’s external auditor or any of its affiliate is prohibited, unless there is no other firm available to provide the needed services at a comparable cost and that could deliver a similar level of quality.

 

  2. In the event that there is no other firm available to provide needed services at a comparable cost and delivering a similar level of quality, the external auditor (or any of its affiliates) may be hired to perform such services, but only with the pre-approval of the Audit and Compliance Committee.

 

  3. The Chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee has been delegated the authority to approve the hiring of BBVA’s external auditor (or any of its affiliates). In such an event, however, the Chairman would be required to inform the Audit and Compliance Committee of such decision at the Committee’s next meeting.

 

  4. The hiring of the external auditor for any of BBVA’s subsidiaries must also be pre-approved by the Audit and Compliance Committee.

 

  5. Agreements entered into prior to May 6, 2003 between BBVA or any of its subsidiaries and any of their respective external auditors, required the approval of the Audit and Compliance Committee in the event that services provided under such agreements continued after May 6, 2004.

 

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ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PERSONS

 

Not yet applicable.

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

We have responded to Item 18 in lieu of this item.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Reference is made to Item 19 for a list of all financial statements filed as a part of this Annual Report.

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

(a) Index to Financial Statements

 

     Page

Report of Independent Public Accountants of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-6

 

(b) Index to Exhibits:

 

Exhibit
Number


 

Description


1.1   Amended and Restated Bylaws (Estatutos) of the Registrant.
4.1   Plan of Merger between Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. and Argentaria, Caja Postal y Banco Hipotecario, S.A.*
4.2   Master Agreement of Strategic Alliance between Telefónica and BBVA, together with an English translation.**
8.1   Consolidated Companies Composing Registrant.
10.1   Consent of Deloitte & Touche España, S.L.
12.1   Section 302 Chief Executive Officer Certification.
12.2   Section 302 President and Chief Operating Officer Certification.
12.3   Section 302 Head of the Office of the Chairman Certification.
13.1   Section 906 Certification.

* Incorporated by reference to BBVA’s Registration Statement on Form F-4 (File No. 333-11090) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 4, 1999.
** Incorporated by reference to BBVA’s 1999 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

We will furnish to the Commission, upon request, copies of any unfiled instruments that define the rights of holders of our long-term debt.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and had duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

 

 

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

By:

 

/S/    JOSÉ SEVILLA ÁLVAREZ


    Name:   José Sevilla Álvarez
    Title:   Head of the Office of the Chairman

 

 

Date: June 30, 2004

 

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INDEX TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Report of Independent Public Accountants of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

   F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   F-5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-6

 

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

 

To the Shareholders of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. and COMPANIES (“The Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Group” or “BBVA”) (see Note 4) as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of income for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the controlling Company’s Directors. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statements presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

As indicated in Note 2-h and 24, in 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Group charged to reserves the estimated cost of indemnities, deferred compensations and future pensions deriving from the early retirements of certain employees who effectively formally took early retirements in that year, amounting to €519 million, €324 and €479 million, net of the related tax effect, for which purpose express authorization was obtained from the Bank of Spain, in accordance with Bank of Spain Circular 4/91, and from the respective Shareholders´ Meetings.

 

The consolidated financial statements referred to above are based on the Spanish financial statements of the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in Spain (“Spanish GAAP”) by the controlling Company’s Directors. The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001 reflect an adjustment which has the effect of decreasing net income and increasing retained earnings as reported in the Spanish GAAP consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001, by approximately € 520 million, respectively. The mentioned adjustment reverses the early amortization of goodwill recognized in prior years and considers the effect of the amortization over a period of five years which is the minimum amortization period of goodwill permitted under Spanish GAAP (see notes 2.a) and 32.2.B.5).

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material aspects, the financial position of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and Companies composing the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and the funds obtained and applied by them for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in Spain.

 

Accounting principles generally accepted in Spain vary in certain significant respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The application of the latter would have affected the determination of net income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001and the determination of stockholders’ equity and financial position as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, to the extent summarized in Note 32.

 

/s/    DELOITTE & TOUCHE ESPAÑA, S.L.

 

Deloitte & Touche España, S.L.

 

Madrid – Spain, February 3, 2004, except for the Note 32 as to which the date is June 29, 2004

 

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Table of Contents

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. AND COMPANIES COMPOSING

THE BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA GROUP

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001 (Notes 1 to 5)

 

- Thousands of Euros -

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

ASSETS

              

CASH ON HAND AND DEPOSITS AT CENTRAL BANKS:

              

Cash

   1,767,580    1,868,358    2,402,894

Bank of Spain

   1,821,301    1,081,684    1,828,490

Other central banks

   4,520,994    5,100,286    5,008,840
    
  
  
     8,109,875    8,050,328    9,240,224
    
  
  

GOVERNMENT DEBT SECURITIES (Note 6)

   18,945,003    19,767,776    20,165,369
    
  
  

DUE FROM CREDIT INSTITUTIONS (Note 7):

              

Current accounts

   643,987    1,328,749    2,629,808

Other

   20,263,142    20,147,530    20,568,948
    
  
  
     20,907,129    21,476,279    23,198,756
    
  
  

TOTAL NET LENDING (Note 8)

   148,827,274    141,315,012    150,219,820
    
  
  

DEBENTURES AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES (Note 9)

   52,935,966    49,133,179    61,650,938
    
  
  

COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES (Note 10)

   3,092,064    3,007,492    3,673,699
    
  
  

INVESTMENTS IN NON-GROUP COMPANIES (Note 11)

   5,593,224    6,024,175    6,641,935
    
  
  

INVESTMENTS IN GROUP COMPANIES (Note 12)

   1,054,869    1,039,688    1,114,144
    
  
  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Note 14):

              

Incorporation and start-up expenses

   19,537    20,946    18,770

Other deferred charges

   342,491    377,691    523,313
    
  
  
     362,028    398,637    542,083
    
  
  

CONSOLIDATION GOODWILL (Note 13):

              

Fully and proportionally consolidated companies

   2,650,889    2,871,545    3,044,907

Companies accounted for by the equity method

   1,055,524    1,385,801    1,572,235
    
  
  
     3,706,413    4,257,346    4,617,142
    
  
  

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Note 14):

              

Land and buildings for own use

   2,100,359    1,938,287    2,530,935

Other property

   309,607    908,073    1,424,146

Furniture, fixtures and other

   1,380,272    1,787,605    2,216,809
    
  
  
     3,790,238    4,633,965    6,171,890
    
  
  

CAPITAL STOCK SUBSCRIBED BUT NOT PAID (Note 23)

   —      —      —  
    
  
  

TREASURY STOCK (Note 23)

   66,059    97,671    75,944
    
  
  

OTHER ASSETS (Note 15)

   13,171,480    12,298,880    12,000,115
    
  
  

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTS (Note 16)

   2,977,437    4,391,562    7,049,067
    
  
  

ACCUMULATED LOSSES AT CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES (Note 24)

   3,610,764    3,650,208    2,700,955
    
  
  

TOTAL ASSETS

   287,149,823    279,542,198    309,062,081
    
  
  

MEMORANDUM ACCOUNTS (Note 26)

   72,549,918    69,776,213    71,764,775
    
  
  

 

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Table of Contents

- Thousands of Euros -

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

              

DUE TO CREDIT INSTITUTIONS (Note 17):

              

Current accounts

   1,542,432    1,537,357    1,412,818

Other

   60,027,356    54,581,691    63,175,177
    
  
  
     61,569,788    56,119,048    64,587,995
    
  
  

DEPOSITS (Note 18):

              

Savings accounts-

              

Current

   65,024,971    63,723,745    71,012,969

Time

   55,487,784    57,436,352    67,512,171

Other deposits-

              

Current

   —      —      —  

Time

   20,536,152    25,400,268    27,974,294
    
  
  
     141,048,907    146,560,365    166,499,434
    
  
  

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES (Note 19):

              

Bonds and debentures outstanding

   28,258,973    22,393,876    20,639,098

Promissory notes and other securities

   6,123,679    5,129,396    4,736,576
    
  
  
     34,382,652    27,523,272    25,375,674
    
  
  

OTHER LIABILITIES (Note 15)

   10,764,514    9,735,905    9,142,645
    
  
  

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTS (Note 16)

   3,318,727    4,593,777    6,665,074
    
  
  

PROVISIONS FOR CONTINGENCIES AND EXPENSES (Note 20):

              

Pension provision

   3,031,913    2,621,907    2,358,552

Provision for taxes

   —      —      —  

Other provisions

   2,187,672    2,221,411    2,425,588
    
  
  
     5,219,585    4,843,318    4,784,140
    
  
  

GENERAL RISK ALLOWANCE

   —      —      —  
    
  
  

NEGATIVE CONSOLIDATION DIFFERENCE (Note 13)

   38,712    47,554    42,744
    
  
  

CONSOLIDATED INCOME FOR THE YEAR:

              

Group

   2,226,701    1,719,129    1,843,070

Minority interests (Note 22)

   670,463    746,919    645,223
    
  
  
     2,897,164    2,466,048    2,488,293
    
  
  

SUBORDINATED DEBT (Note 21)

   7,399,613    6,486,942    7,610,791
    
  
  

MINORITY INTERESTS (Note 22)

   5,425,918    5,674,163    6,394,029
    
  
  

CAPITAL STOCK (Note 23)

   1,565,968    1,565,968    1,565,968
    
  
  

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL (Note 24)

   6,273,901    6,512,797    6,834,941
    
  
  

RETAINED EARNINGS (Note 24)

   971,477    771,484    1,419,218
    
  
  

REVALUATION RESERVES (Note 24)

   176,281    176,281    176,281
    
  
  

RESERVES AT CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES (Note 24)

   6,096,616    6,465,276    5,474,854
    
  
  

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   287,149,823    279,542,198    309,062,081
    
  
  

 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 31 and Exhibits I to IV are an integral part of the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003.

 

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BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. AND COMPANIES COMPOSING

THE BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA GROUP

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001 (Notes 1 to 5)

 

- Thousands of Euros -

 

     (DEBIT) CREDIT

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

FINANCIAL REVENUES (Note 28)

   12,537,465     17,232,909     21,608,104  

Of which: Fixed-income portfolio

   3,323,501     4,820,640     7,283,233  

FINANCIAL EXPENSES (Note 28)

   (6,260,058 )   (9,783,505 )   (13,279,446 )

INCOME FROM EQUITIES PORTFOLIO (Note 28):

   464,104     358,062     495,444  

Common stocks and other equity securities

   144,842     113,623     116,037  

Investments in non-Group companies

   188,572     93,669     177,774  

Investments in Group companies

   130,690     150,770     201,633  
    

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

   6,741,511     7,807,466     8,824,102  

FEES COLLECTED (Note 28)

   3,882,568     4,330,993     4,833,617  

FEES PAID (Note 28)

   (619,761 )   (662,612 )   (795,994 )

MARKET OPERATIONS (Notes 20 and 28)

   651,504     765,123     490,095  
    

 

 

GROSS OPERATING INCOME

   10,655,822     12,240,970     13,351,820  

OTHER OPERATING INCOME (Note 28)

   17,422     34,341     51,345  

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (Note 28):

   (5,031,056 )   (5,771,725 )   (6,724,760 )

Personnel costs

   (3,262,587 )   (3,697,428 )   (4,243,374 )

Of which:

                  

Wages and salaries

   (2,457,658 )   (2,743,819 )   (3,211,099 )

Employee welfare expenses

   (571,325 )   (624,360 )   (652,454 )

Of which: Pensions

   (134,921 )   (132,624 )   (122,474 )

Other Administrative Expenses

   (1,768,469 )   (2,074,297 )   (2,481,386 )

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (Note 14)

   (510,656 )   (631,021 )   (741,817 )

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

   (236,733 )   (295,821 )   (337,763 )
    

 

 

NET OPERATING INCOME

   4,894,799     5,576,744     5,598,825  

NET INCOME FROM COMPANIES ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE EQUITY METHOD (Note 28):

   383,312     33,244     392,671  

Share in income of companies accounted for by the equity method

   794,905     561,322     876,131  

Share in losses of companies accounted for by the equity method

   (92,467 )   (285,726 )   (104,306 )

Correction for payment of dividends

   (319,126 )   (242,352 )   (379,154 )

AMORTIZATION OF CONSOLIDATION GOODWILL (Note 13)

   (639,349 )   (679,170 )   (1,143,377 )

INCOME ON GROUP TRANSACTIONS:

   642,144     570,934     1,004,525  

Income on disposal of investments in fully and proportionally consolidated companies

   16,763     3,806     33,957  

Income on disposal of investments accounted for by the equity method (Note 11)

   609,333     551,326     896,186  

Income on transactions involving Parent Company shares and Group financial liabilities

   16,048     15,802     74,382  

Reversal of negative consolidation differences

   —       —       —    

LOSSES ON GROUP TRANSACTIONS:

   (88,885 )   (209,938 )   (50,538 )

Losses on disposal of investments in fully or proportionally consolidated companies

   (55,237 )   (156,290 )   (12,699 )

Losses on disposal of investments accounted for by the equity method (Note 11)

   (14,890 )   (29,750 )   (5,980 )

Losses on transactions involving Parent Company shares and Group financial liabilities

   (18,758 )   (23,898 )   (31,859 )

NET LOAN LOSS PROVISIONS (Note 8)

   (1,276,946 )   (1,743,338 )   (1,919,230 )

NET SECURITIES WRITEDOWNS (Note 11)

   —       3,366     (42,792 )

NET CHARGE TO GENERAL RISK ALLOWANCE

   —       —       —    

EXTRAORDINARY INCOME (Note 28)

   630,870     1,606,654     1,294,983  

EXTRAORDINARY LOSSES (Note 28)

   (733,805 )   (2,039,235 )   (2,021,253 )
    

 

 

PRE-TAX PROFIT

   3,812,140     3,119,261     3,113,814  

CORPORATE INCOME TAX (Note 25)

   (530,587 )   (175,567 )   (60,462 )

OTHER TAXES (Note 25)

   (384,389 )   (477,646 )   (565,059 )
    

 

 

NET INCOME

   2,897,164     2,466,048     2,488,293  

MINORITY INTERESTS (Note 22)

   670,463     746,919     645,223  

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT

   2,226,701     1,719,129     1,843,070  

 

The accompanying Notes 1 to 31 and Exhibits I to IV are an integral part of the consolidated statement of income as of December 31, 2003

 

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BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A. AND COMPANIES COMPOSING

THE BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA GROUP

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003

 

(1) DESCRIPTION OF THE BANK-

 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (“the Bank” or “BBVA”) is a private-law entity governed by the rules and regulations applicable to banks operating in Spain. The Bank conducts its business through branches and offices located throughout Spain and abroad.

 

On June 1, 1988, the Special Shareholders’ Meetings of Banco de Bilbao, S.A. and Banco de Vizcaya, S.A. resolved, inter alia, to approve the equal-footing merger of the two companies by dissolving them without liquidation and transferring en bloc to the new company, which adopted the name of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. (BBV), by universal succession, the assets and liabilities of the two dissolved companies.

 

On December 18, 1999, the Special Shareholders’ Meetings of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. and Argentaria, Caja Postal y Banco Hipotecario, S.A. approved the merger of the two entities through the absorption of Argentaria by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. The Shareholders’ Meetings also approved the audited merger balance sheets of the two entities as of September 30, 1999. After the mandatory time periods had elapsed and the relevant administrative authorizations had been obtained, on January 25, 2000, the related public deed was executed, the registration of which at the Vizcaya Mercantile Registry on January 28, 2000, determined the legal effectiveness of the merger, and simultaneously the corporate name of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. was changed to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

 

(2) BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES-

 

a) Basis of presentation-

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Bank and companies composing the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group (“the Group”—Note 4) are presented in the formats stipulated by Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991 and its subsequent amendments and, accordingly, they present a true and fair view of the Group’s net worth, financial position and results. These consolidated financial statements were prepared from the individual accounting records of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and of each of the Group companies and include the adjustments and reclassifications required to conform the accounting principles and presentation criteria followed by the subsidiaries with those followed by the Bank (Note 3).

 

The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and for the three years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are based on the Spanish financial statements of the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group, prepared in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles in Spain (“Spanish GAAP”) by the controlling company’s directors.

 

The individual and consolidated financial statements for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were approved by the Shareholders’ Meetings on February 28, 2004, March 1, 2003, and March 9, 2002, respectively.

 

The auditors’ report on the Spanish statutory approved financial statements of the group as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000 was qualified with respect to the early amortization in prior years of certain goodwill arising from the acquisition of Latin American banks and companies. United States securities regulations do not currently allow the filing of financial statements with the Securities Exchange Commission if they contain auditor’s reports that are qualified with respect to a material departure from generally accepted accounting principles. Therefore, in order to avoid a qualification in the auditor’s report, we do not include the early amortization recognized in prior years in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and for the years then ended reflect the adjustments made to the Spanish GAAP statutory approved consolidated financial statements of the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group solely for the purpose of complying with the United States securities regulations. The adjustments consist of the reversal of the early amortization of goodwill and the amortization of them over a period of five years (the estimated minimum period of economic life) which has the effect of decreasing net income as reported in the Spanish statutorily approved consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001 by approximately €520 million.

 

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b) Accounting policies-

 

The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in Spain described in Note 3. All obligatory accounting principles with a material effect on the consolidated financial statements were applied in preparing them.

 

c) Consolidation principles-

 

In accordance with Law 13/1985 and Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991, the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group is defined as including all the companies whose line of business is directly related to that of the Bank and which, together with the latter, constitute a single decision-making unit (Note 4). In accordance with this Circular, these companies were fully consolidated and the adjustments and reclassifications required to unify the accounting principles and presentation criteria followed by the subsidiaries were performed, taking into account the comments in Note 3-o. All material intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated companies were eliminated in consolidation. This method follows the rules as expressed by ARB 51 and SFAS 94. In accordance with Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991, the consolidated financial statements maintain the provisions for country risk recorded by the Bank and other Group companies for risk-asset and off-balance-sheet risk exposure to Group entities with registered offices in financially-troubled countries. As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, these provisions amounted to €162,321 thousand, €93,714 thousand and €98,674 thousand, respectively (Notes 7, 8 and 9).

 

The companies whose line of business is related to that of the Bank, and which are at least 20% owned by the Bank and managed jointly with another shareholder (or shareholders) were consolidated proportionally, which consists of including the assets, rights and obligations, and revenues and expenses of these companies in proportion to the Group’s holding in them. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, this consolidation method was applied to E-Ventures Capital Internet, S.A, Corporación IBV Participaciones Empresariales, S.A., Altura Markets, A.V., S.A., PSA Finance Argentina Cía. Financiera, S.A. and Corporación IBV Servicios y Tecnologías, S.A. As of December 31, 2001, it was applied to Corporación IBV, S.A., Azeler Automoción, S.A., Altura Markets, A.V., S.A. and Proyectos Industriales Conjuntos, S.A.

 

Additionally, the long-term holdings in the capital stock of subsidiaries non-consolidated because their line of business is not directly related to that of the Bank and of other unlisted companies in which significant influence is exercised or with which the Bank has a lasting relationship and in which such holdings generally represent 20% or more of the capital stock (3% or more if listed) are valued at the amount of the portion of the investees’ net worth corresponding to such holdings, after deducting the dividends collected from them and other eliminations (equity method). Other holdings in companies (Note 11) which are short term or which do not represent significant influence, or for which futures transactions have been arranged to eliminate the price risk, are valued separately by the methods described in Note 3-e.

 

The remaining equity investments are presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as described in Note 3-e.

 

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d) Determination of net worth-

 

In evaluating the net worth of the Group, the balances of the following captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets should be taken into consideration:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Capital stock (Note 23)

   1,565,968     1,565,968     1,565,968  
    

 

 

Reserves (Note 24)-

                  

Additional paid-in capital

   6,273,901     6,512,797     6,834,941  

Reserves

   971,477     771,484     1,419,218  

Revaluation reserves

   176,281     176,281     176,281  

Reserves at consolidated companies

   6,096,616     6,465,276     5,474,854  

Accumulated losses at consolidated companies

   (3,610,764 )   (3,650,208 )   (2,700,955 )
    

 

 

     9,907,511     10,275,630     11,204,339  

Add-

                  

Net income-

                  

Net attributable profit

   2,226,701     1,719,129     1,843,070  

Less-

                  

Interim dividends (Notes 5 and 15)-

                  

Paid

   (572,452 )   (572,996 )   (542,369 )

Unpaid

   (287,444 )   (287,620 )   (271,588 )
    

 

 

     (859,896 )   (860,616 )   (813,957 )

Treasury stock (Note 23)

   (66,059 )   (97,671 )   (75,944 )
    

 

 

Net worth per books

   12,774,225     12,602,440     13,723,476  

Less-

                  

Final dividend (Note 5)

   (364,327 )   (248,420 )   (408,286 )
    

 

 

Net worth, after the distribution of income for the year

   12,409,898     12,354,020     13,315,190  
    

 

 

 

e) Equity-

 

Law 13/1992 and Bank of Spain Circular 5/1993 and subsequent amendments enacted the regulations governing minimum equity requirements for credit entities at both individual and consolidated group levels.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Group’s eligible equity amounted to €18,799,128 thousand, €17,840,156 thousand and €19,730,574 thousand, respectively. These amounts exceed the minimum equity requirements stipulated by the aforementioned regulations.

 

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f) Detail of risk provisions and coverage-

 

In accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, the risk provisions and coverage are presented as assigned to the related assets and/or in specific accounts. The detail of the aggregate risk provisions, coverage and guarantees, disregarding their accounting classification, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Loan loss provision (Note 3-c) (*)

              

Due from credit institutions (Note 7)

   171,240    122,787    138,533

Total net lending (Note 8)

   4,443,539    5,097,695    5,927,703

Debentures and other debt securities (Note 9)

   121,106    125,401    253,772

Off-balance-sheet risks (Notes 8 and 20)

   209,270    271,545    185,268
    
  
  
     4,945,155    5,617,428    6,505,276
    
  
  

Security revaluation reserve (Notes 3-d and 3-e)

              

Government debt securities (Note 6)

   —      34    6

Debentures and other debt securities (Note 9)

   73,958    2,586    3,396

Common stocks and other equity securities (Note 10)

   71,653    240,726    153,655

Investments in non-Group companies (Note 11)

   38    82    1,791
    
  
  
     145,649    243,428    158,848
    
  
  

Pension provision (Notes 3-j and 20)

              

At Spanish companies

   2,433,374    1,981,414    1,736,384

At foreign companies

   598,539    640,493    622,168
    
  
  
     3,031,913    2,621,907    2,358,552
    
  
  

Provision for property and equipment
(Notes 3-h and 14)

   375,016    308,518    391,463
    
  
  

Other provisions for contingencies and expenses
(Note 20)

   1,978,402    1,949,866    2,240,320
    
  
  

TOTAL

   10,476,135    10,741,147    11,654,459
    
  
  

(*) Loan loss provisions

              

Provisions for specific risks

   2,053,936    3,253,724    4,358,160
    
  
  

General-purpose provision

   1,361,029    1,324,441    1,469,168
    
  
  

Country-risk provision

   609,764    446,919    317,281
    
  
  

Provision for the statistical coverage of loan losses

   920,426    592,344    360,667
    
  
  

 

g) Comparative information

 

Argentina

 

The effects of the crisis in Argentina and the measures adopted by the Government and the Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina as described in Note 3-o gave rise to significant changes in the balance sheets of the BBVA Banco Francés Group.

 

BBVA Brasil Group

 

The 2002 and 2001 consolidated financial statements included the contribution of the BBVA Brasil Group, although the effects of the sale (Note 4) had been recorded as of December 31, 2002. In the 2003 consolidated financial statements, the BBVA Group recorded the earnings generated by the BBVA Brasil Group through the actual date of sale as earnings generated companies accounted for by the equity method, and, accordingly, comparison with the earnings of complete prior years shows significant decreases in most captions of the 2003 consolidated statement of income.

 

Depreciation of the Latin American currencies

 

Additionally, the macroeconomic developments in 2003 in most Latin-American countries affected, among other variables, their currencies, which experienced a sharp devaluation against the euro. This devaluation particularly affected the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, since the year-end exchange rates were used, and the 2002 and 2003 consolidated statements of income, since average exchange rates were applied (Note 3-b).

 

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h) Early retirements-

 

In 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Group charged to reserves the estimated cost of future indemnities, deferred compensation and future contributions to external pension funds deriving from the early retirement of Group employees in Spain, amounting to €519,620 thousand, €324,465 thousand and €479,241 thousand, respectively, net of the related tax effect, which was estimated at €279,796 thousand, €174,712 thousand and €252,502 thousand, respectively. These transactions were authorized by the respective Shareholders’ Meetings of the Group’s Spanish banks and by the Bank of Spain (Notes 3-j, 20 and 24).

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

    

BBVA,

S.A.


   Total (*)

  

BBVA,

S.A.


   Total (*)

   BBVA,
S.A.


   Total (*)

Charged to:

                             

Unrestricted reserves

   515,044    519,620    321,101    324,465    471,780    479,241

Prepaid taxes

   277,332    279,796    172,901    174,712    248,488    252,502
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total

   792,376    799,416    494,002    499,177    720,268    731,743
    
  
  
  
  
  

(*) BBVA Group in Spain.

 

(3) ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES APPLIED

 

The accounting principles and valuation standards applied in preparing the consolidated financial statements were as follows:

 

a) Accrual principle-

 

Revenues and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis for accounting purposes and the interest method is applied for transactions whose settlement periods exceed twelve months. However, in accordance with the principle of prudence and with Bank of Spain regulations, the interest earned on nonperforming loans, including interest subject to country risk in countries classified as very doubtful, doubtful or experiencing temporary difficulties, is not recognized until it is collected.

 

In accordance with banking practice in Spain, transactions are recorded as of the date they are made, which may differ from the value date as of which interest revenues and expenses are calculated.

 

The consolidated finance companies record the revenues and expenses arising from their regular financing and lease contracts over the accrual period by the interest method. Under this method, these revenues and expenses are recognized over the collection period on the basis of the principal amount outstanding.

 

b) Foreign currency transactions-

 

The breakdowns by currency of several accounts and captions in these notes to consolidated financial statements include under the foreign currencies heading currencies other than the euro.

 

Assets, liabilities and futures transactions

 

Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies, including those of branches and subsidiaries abroad, and unmatured foreign currency purchases and sales arranged for hedging purposes have been translated to euros at the average year-end exchange rates in the Spanish spot foreign exchange market (through the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar in local markets, for currencies not traded on the Spanish market), except for:

 

- The reserves of subsidiaries and the long-term investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies but funded in euros or in a currency other than that of the investment, which have been translated at historical exchange rates.

 

- The revenue and expense accounts of the subsidiaries abroad, which have been translated at the average exchange rates in each year.

 

- The unmatured forward foreign currency purchases and sales arranged for purposes other than hedging are valued at the year-end exchange rates in the Spanish forward foreign exchange market, which are published by the Bank of Spain for this purpose.

 

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The equivalent euro value of the assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies was €88,470,097 million and €95,497,298 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2003 (€102,210 million and €107,367 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2002 and €131,115 million and €137,720 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2001).

 

Exchange differences

 

The exchange differences arising from application of the above-mentioned translation methods are recorded as follows:

 

- Exchange losses and gains in consolidation are recorded under the “Accumulated Losses at Consolidated Companies” and “Reserves at Consolidated Companies” captions, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, net of the portion of such losses and gains corresponding to minority interests (Notes 22 and 24).

 

- The net amount of the other exchange differences is recorded in full under the “Market Operations” captions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (Note 28), and the exchange differences on forward transactions are debited to the “Other Assets - Exchange Differences on Forward Transactions” caption or credited to the “Other Liabilities - Exchange Differences on Forward Transactions” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Note 15).

 

Structural exchange positions

 

The Group’s general policy is to finance investments in foreign subsidiaries and capital assigned to branches abroad in the same currency as that of the investment, in order to eliminate any future risk of exchange differences arising from these transactions. However, the investments in countries whose currencies do not have a market enabling the Bank to obtain financing that is unlimited, lasting and stable at long term are financed in another currency. Through 2001 this financing was in dollars, but in 2002 and 2003 most of the financing was provided in euros.

 

Exchange differences arising from financing in currencies other than the euro and the investment currency, net of the amount hedged by specific derivative transactions, are charged or credited to Group income, whereas those relating to investments are recorded under the “Reserves at Consolidated Companies - Translation Differences” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Based on this principle, €2,796 thousand and €32,699 thousand, respectively, were credited to the “Market Operations” caption in the accompanying 2003 and 2002 consolidated statements of income, and €77,753 thousand was charged to the “Market Operations” caption in the accompanying 2001 consolidated statement of income (Note 28-b).

 

However, since the end of 2002, the exchange risk associated with most of the investments made in Mexico and Chile has been hedged by derivative transactions, and the variations are recorded as adjustments to the “Reserves at Consolidated Companies – Translation Differences” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Inflation

 

Certain subsidiaries (located in Mexico, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Bolivia and, through March 2003, Argentina –Note 3-o) are subject to local regulations on adjustments for inflation, and, accordingly, record charges and credits in their statements of income to protect their net worth from the theoretical decline in value arising from inflation. These accounting entries are recorded under the “Extraordinary Income” and “Extraordinary Losses” captions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (Note 28-g). The detail of the net amount of these items is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Extraordinary income

                  

Mexico

   —       20,454     80,247  

Argentina (*)

   —       38,456     —    

Peru

   —       —       3,414  
    

 

 

     —       58,910     83,661  
    

 

 

Extraordinary losses

                  

Mexico

   (36,509 )   —       —    

Argentina

   (820 )   —       —    

Peru

   (3,620 )   (3,703 )   —    

Chile

   (3,655 )   (9,293 )   (10,512 )

Uruguay

   (12,007 )   (41,483 )   (3,870 )
    

 

 

     (56,611 )   (54,479 )   (14,382 )
    

 

 

     (56,611 )   4,431     69,279  
    

 

 


(*) Accounting for inflation was abolished on March 1, 2003.

 

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c) Loan loss provisions (Note 2-f)-

 

The loan loss provisions are intended to cover the losses, if any, which might arise in the full recovery of all credit and off-balance-sheet risks assumed by the Group in the course of its financial business (Notes 7, 8 and 9). For presentation purposes, they are recorded as a reduction of the “Due from Credit Institutions”, “Total Net Lending” and “Debentures and Other Debt Securities” captions on the asset side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The provisions to cover any losses on the Group’s off-balance-sheet risks are included under the “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses - Other Provisions” caption on the liability side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Note 20).

 

The loan loss provisions were determined on the basis of the following criteria:

 

  1. Specific provisions: on an individual basis, as stipulated by Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991. The balance of the specific loan loss provision is increased by provisions from period income and decreased by chargeoffs of debts deemed to be uncollectible or which have been nonperforming for more than three years (six years in the case of mortgage transactions with full coverage) and, if appropriate, by recoveries of the amounts previously provided for.

 

  2. General-purpose provision: in accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, an additional general-purpose provision, representing 1% of loans, fixed-income securities, contingent liabilities and nonperforming assets without mandatory coverage (0.5% in the case of certain mortgage transactions with full coverage), is set up to cover risks not specifically identified as problematic at the present time. The balance of the general-purpose loan loss provision is increased by provisions recorded with a charge to income and is decreased when the risk assets making up the calculation basis diminish with respect to the previous period and provisions are released.

 

  3. Provision for the statistical coverage of loan losses: from July 1, 2000, the Group is required to record a provision for the statistical coverage of the unrealized loan losses on the various homogeneous loan portfolios, by charging each quarter to the “Net Loan Loss Provisions” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, the positive difference resulting from subtracting the specific net charges for loan losses recorded in the quarter from one-fourth of the statistical estimate of the overall unrealized loan losses on the various homogeneous loan portfolios (credit risk of each portfolio multiplied by the weighting coefficients established by Circular 4/1991 which range from 0% to 1.5%). If the resulting difference were negative, the amount would be credited to the consolidated statement of income with a charge to the provision recorded in this connection (to the extent of the available balance). The maximum amount of this provision is three times the sum of the amount of each credit risk category multiplied by its respective weighting coefficient.

 

  4. Country-risk provision: this provision is recorded on the basis of each country’s degree of debt-servicing difficulty, per the classification and schedule established in Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991.

 

d) Government debt securities, debentures and other debt securities-

 

The securities comprising the Group’s fixed-income securities portfolio are classified as follows:

 

1) Trading portfolio: which includes the listed securities held for the purpose of obtaining gains at short term taking advantage of market price fluctuations. The securities in the trading portfolio are stated at market price at year-end. The differences arising from valuation variations (except for those arising from accrued interest) are recorded at their net amount under the “Market Operations” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (Note 28-b).

 

2) Held-to-maturity portfolio: which includes the securities which the Group has decided to hold until final maturity, since it has the financial capacity to do so, or has appropriate hedging of the value of these investments against interest rate fluctuations. Securities allocated to the held-to-maturity portfolio are carried at acquisition cost adjusted by the amount resulting from accrual by the interest method of the positive or negative difference between the redemption value and the acquisition cost over the term to maturity of the security. The gains or losses on disposal of debt securities classified in this portfolio are recorded as extraordinary income/losses in the consolidated statement of income and, if gains are obtained, a specific provision is recorded for the amount thereof. This provision is released on a straight-line basis over the term to maturity of the securities sold. No fixed-income securities classified in this portfolio were sold in 2003, 2002 or 2001.

 

3) Available-for-sale portfolio: which includes all other securities not classified in either of the two portfolios described above. The debt securities in the available-for-sale portfolio are individually stated at acquisition cost, adjusted by the accrued amount of the difference between acquisition cost and redemption value.

 

A securities revaluation reserve is recorded for the net difference with respect to the total market value of this portfolio, if lower, based on the year-end closing market prices in the case of listed securities, and on the present value at market interest rates on that date in the case of unlisted securities. The unrealized losses on securities sold to third parties under repurchase agreement are written down for the proportional part of the period from the expected repurchase date to the maturity date.

 

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Also, securities acquired to hedge other transactions at the same term and with fixed interest, which therefore are not exposed to interest rate risk, are recorded at acquisition cost.

 

 

The writedown of the listed fixed-income portfolio is charged to asset accrual accounts, which are presented together with the securities written down under the appropriate consolidated balance sheet captions, or to income in the case of permanent losses. As of December 31, 2003, the balance of these accounts amounted to €69,687 thousand (Note 9). As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, these accrual accounts had no balance.

 

 

Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991 also requires that an additional securities revaluation reserve be recorded for the amount of the gains on the disposal of fixed-income securities in the available-for-sale portfolio, which is applied to the asset accrual account described in the preceding paragraph, up to the balance calculated therefor.

 

e) Equity securities-

 

Securities in the trading portfolio, which includes the portions of the associated companies which are not held at long term, are stated at market price. The net differences arising from price fluctuations are recorded under the “Market Operations” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Equity securities representing holdings in subsidiaries not fully consolidable or holdings of generally 20% or more in unlisted companies (3% if listed) which do not meet the conditions for proportional consolidation are accounted for by the equity method as indicated in Note 2-c, except for holdings for which hedging transactions were arranged to eliminate the equity price risk, which are valued at acquisition cost. The investments accounted for by the equity method were valued on the basis of the interim, to date unaudited, financial statements furnished by the companies.

 

Other equity securities are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at the lower of cost, revalued where appropriate, or market. The market value of these securities was determined as follows:

 

- Listed securities: lower of average market price in the fourth quarter or year-end closing price.

 

- Unlisted securities: underlying book value of the holding per the latest available balance sheet, after taking into account the income projections for coming years and other unrealized gains which were used in determining the acquisition cost and persisted at year-end.

 

The difference between acquisition cost and the amount calculated as indicated in the preceding paragraph, which may be offset by the annual increase in the underlying book values of the investee over a maximum period of twenty years, need not be written down.

 

The securities revaluation reserve is recorded to recognize the unrealized losses arising from application of the aforementioned methods, and is presented as a reduction of the balances of the “Common Stocks and Other Equity Securities” and “Investments in Non-Group Companies” captions on the asset side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Notes 2-f, 10 and 11). This reserve is recorded with a charge to the “Market Operations” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

Equity securities were revalued pursuant to the applicable enabling legislation on account revaluations or by the methods stipulated in the regulations on corporate mergers which were applied at the related merger dates (Note 24).

 

f) Intangible assets-

 

This caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes, among other items, the payments made to acquire computer applications, which are amortized over a maximum period of three years.

 

This caption also includes incorporation and preopening expenses, expenses of capital increases carried out at the Bank and subsidiaries and the unamortized expenses of bond and other financial instrument issuances. These expenses are amortized in a maximum period of five years, except for the financial instrument issuance expenses, which are amortized over the life of each issue.

 

g) Consolidation goodwill and negative consolidation difference-

 

The positive differences between the acquisition cost of shares of subsidiaries or companies accounted for by the equity method (Note 2-c) and their underlying book value are recorded as goodwill, if they cannot be classified as additions to the value of specific assets of the acquired companies.

 

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As these differences are deemed to persist, they are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over a maximum period of ten years (20 years for certain basically nonfinancial holdings), since it is considered that this is the period over which the underlying investments will contribute to obtaining income for the Group. In 2002 the Group wrote off in full the goodwill resulting from its holdings in companies located in certain Latin-American countries, mainly BBVA Banco Continental, S.A., AFP Horizonte, S.A. (Perú), BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A., BBVA Horizonte Pensiones y Cesantías, S.A. (Colombia) and BBVA Uruguay, S.A. In 2001 the Group wrote off in full the unamortized goodwill as of December 31, 2001, resulting from its holdings in Argentine companies (Notes 3-o, 4 and 13).

 

As described in Note 2-a, the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001 reflect an adjustment of the Spanish statutorily approved financial statements of the Group consisting of the reversal of the early amortization of goodwill and the amortization of such over its estimated minimum period of economic life (generally, five years), solely for purpose of complying with the United States regulations.

 

The unrealized gains assigned to specific assets are amortized, if appropriate, on the basis of their disposal or effective decline in value over a maximum period of ten years in the case of operating assets.

 

When the cost of acquisitions is lower than their underlying book value, a negative consolidation difference arises which is treated as a provision and may not be credited to income unless the investment in the capital stock of these companies is fully or partially disposed of or in the event of the unfavorable evolution of the results of these companies (Note 13).

 

h) Property and equipment-

 

Assets for own use-

 

Property and equipment are carried at cost, revalued where appropriate pursuant to the applicable enabling legislation (Note 24), net of the related accumulated depreciation. The buildings owned by certain of the Group companies which were involved in mergers were stated, pursuant to the applicable legislation, on the basis of the market prices on the related merger dates as determined by independent appraisers.

 

Depreciation is generally provided at the following depreciation rates:

 

     Annual
Depreciation Rate


Buildings

   1.33 to 4

Furniture

   8 to 15

Fixtures

   6 to 12

Office and automation equipment

   8 to 33

 

Revaluation surpluses are depreciated over the remaining years of useful life of the revalued assets.

 

Gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment are recorded under the “Extraordinary Income” or “Extraordinary Losses” captions, respectively, in the consolidated statements of income.

 

Assets received in payment of debts-

 

These assets are recorded at the lower of the book value of the assets used to acquire them or market value, net, initially, of any provisions covering the assets received, up to 25% of that value. In accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, additional provisions are recorded in the years following foreclosure of the assets based on their age, type of asset and appraisal by independent appraisers.

 

The provisions recorded with a charge to the “Extraordinary Losses” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income are presented as a reduction of the balance of the “Property and Equipment - Other Property” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Notes 14 and 28-g).

 

i) Treasury stock-

 

The balance of the “Treasury Stock” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, relates to shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. owned by the Bank and by consolidated subsidiaries (Note 23). These shares are reflected at cost, net, where appropriate, of the provision recorded to write them down to the lower of consolidated underlying book value or market price.

 

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The provision mentioned above is recorded with a charge to the “Losses on Group Transactions” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Gains or losses arising from the disposal of Bank shares are recorded under the “Income on Group Transactions” or “Losses on Group Transactions” captions respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

The treasury stock and shares of Group and associated companies that are acquired as a result of futures hedging transactions related to certain stock market indexes are valued at market price. Valuation differences are recorded under the “Market Operations” caption in the consolidated statement of income.

 

In accordance with the revised Spanish Corporations Law, a restricted reserve has been recorded for the net book value of the aforementioned treasury stock (Note 24).

 

The total Bank shares owned by the Bank and consolidated companies represented 0.2343%, 0.3347% and 0.189% of the capital stock issued by the Bank as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 respectively. The subsidiaries not fully consolidable held 0.0026%, 0.0061% and 0.00187% of the Bank’s capital stock, as of those dates, respectively.

 

j) Pension commitments and other commitments to employees-

 

Pension commitments

 

In-house pension provisions

 

  Companies in Spain

 

In 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Group offered certain employees the possibility of taking early retirement before the age stipulated in the current collective labor agreement. 1,944, 1,439 and 1,887 employees availed themselves of this offer in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The total cost of these agreements was €799,826 thousand in 2003, €575,906 thousand in 2002 and €731,743 thousand in 2001 (Notes 20 and 24), including indemnities, deferred compensation and future contributions to external pension funds. To meet this commitment, the related provisions were recorded, after considering the tax effect, with a charge to the “Additional Paid-In Capital” and “Reserves” captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (Notes 2-h and 24), and with charges amounting to €410 thousand and €76,729 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively, to the “Extraordinary Losses” caption in the accompanying 2003 and 2002 consolidated statements of income based on the authorizations by the related Shareholders’ Meetings and the express authorization of the Bank of Spain, in accordance with Rule 13 of Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991. The commitments to this employee group from their normal retirement age are included in the Employee Welfare System, as described below.

 

The early retirement payments payable, which include the present value of the compensation and indemnities payable to and of the future contributions to the external pension funds of the personnel who took early retirement in 2003 and prior years, through their normal retirement date, amounted to €2,392,907 thousand (€1,942,975 thousand as of December 31, 2002, and €1,715,218 thousand as of December 31, 2001), net of the payments of €429,168 thousand made in 2003 (€407,153 thousand in 2002 and €346,061 thousand in 2001), and are included under the “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses - Pension Provision” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

In addition to the above, there are other internal pension provisions amounting to €3,009 thousand as of December 31, 2003 (€949 thousand, €1,530 thousand as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively), which are not subject to the externalization process.

 

  Companies abroad

 

Certain Group entities abroad have pension and other commitments to their employees, the accrued liability of which amounted to €598,539 thousand, €640,493 thousand and €622,168 thousand as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and is included under the “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses - Pension Provision” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. €552,556 thousand, €570,060 thousand and €555,618 thousand of these amounts as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, related to provisions recorded by BBVA Bancomer, S.A. (Notes 4 and 20) to cover accrued defined benefit pension commitments and long-service bonuses at the retirement date and to cover, from 2002, post-retirement occupational obligations regarding medical services. The shortfall for past services as of December 31, 2003, resulting from the recording of the latter commitment amounted to €171,854 thousand (Note 15) and is amortized over the average remaining working life of the employee group. The actuarial studies to evaluate these commitments were performed on an individual basis and quantified using the projected unit credit method and the discount rates and mortality and disability rates authorized by the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission. In 2003, net charges of €48,338 thousand were made by BBVA Bancomer, S.A. in this connection and were recorded with a charge to the “General Administrative Expenses - Personnel Costs” caption in the accompanying 2003 consolidated statement of income.

 

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External pension funds

 

Under the current collective labor agreement, Spanish banks are required to supplement the social security benefits received by employees or their beneficiary rightholders in the event of retirement (except for those hired after March 8, 1980), permanent disability, death of spouse or death of parent.

 

Since 2000, by virtue of the collective agreement on the employee welfare system dated November 14, 2000, all the commitments to serving and retired employees of the Group’s Spanish banks have been externalized and instrumented in external pension plans and insurance policies. This employee welfare system covers all employees, including those hired subsequent to March 8, 1980. The employee welfare system also includes the pension commitments and obligations to former directors of the Bank with executive functions, amounting to €80,387 thousand as of December 31, 2003 and €80,477 thousand as of December 31, 2002.

 

On December 29, 2003, a collective agreement was entered into whereby, inter alia, the defined-benefit retirement system applicable to certain Pension Plan groups is transformed into a new defined-contribution system. This agreement will come into force on January 1, 2004, and will not give rise to additional provisioning requirements for the Group.

 

The employee welfare system includes defined contribution commitments, the amounts of which are determined in each case as a percentage of certain compensation items and/or a preset annual amount, and defined benefit commitments that are covered by insurance policies. These latter commitments as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, were valued in accordance with the externalization contracts entered into by the Group’s Spanish banks and the insurance companies using PEM/F 2000 mortality tables (GRM/F 95 for the insurance policies between the external pension plans and the insurance companies) and discount rates lower than the internal rates of return on the investments assigned to cover them.

 

The status of the commitments covered by external pension plans as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Pension commitments to retired employees (*)

              

External pension funds

   429,036    400,122    377,663

Insurance contracts (mathematical reserves)

With insurance companies related to the Group

   1,548,077    1,469,260    1,342,240

With unrelated insurance companies

   629,533    662,613    548,496
    
  
  
     2,606,646    2,531,995    2,268,399

Possible commitments to serving employees

              

External pension funds

              

Employees with full coverage of accrued and unaccrued possible commitments (*)

   470,266    487,056    506,434

Other employees (**)

   1,358,415    1,252,123    1,180,245
    
  
  
     1,828,681    1,739,179    1,686,679

Insurance contracts with insurance companies (mathematical reserves) in the Group (***)

   163,679    145,622    258,125
    
  
  
     1,992,360    1,884,801    1,944,804
    
  
  
     4,599,006    4,416,796    4,213,203
    
  
  

(*) Commitments instrumented in defined benefit systems.
(**) Commitments instrumented in defined contribution systems.
(***) Commitments of which as of December 31, 2003, €135,900 thousand are instrumented in defined benefit systems and €27,779 thousand in defined contribution systems.

 

Differences in the pension fund-

 

The externalization process, in which new valuation assumptions were used, disclosed differences which represent the discounted present value of the contributions yet to be made to the external pension funds for possible pension commitments as of December 31, 2000. These amounts were calculated using discount rates of 3.15% for the insurance contracts and 5.64% for the external pension plans. The initial differences that arose were recorded with a charge to accrual accounts and are being amortized over a maximum period of fourteen years in the case of the external pension plans, and

 

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over nine years in the case of the insurance contracts, starting from 2000 in accordance with the stipulations of Bank of Spain Circular 5/2000 and as required by the transition regime established in current regulations. In turn, the initial differences were credited to the “Deposits” caption on the liability side of the consolidated balance sheets, reducing the balance for the payments made. For presentation purposes, the balances of these two items as of December 31, 2003, are included at the net amount under the “Other Assets” caption in the consolidated balance sheet as of that date (Note 15). The variations in 2003 in this connection were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     Pensions
Commitments
to Retired
Employees


    Possible
Commitments
to Serving
Employees


    Total

 

Other assets - Differences in the pension fund

                  

Balance at January 1, 2003

                  

External pension plan

   —       536,529     536,529  

Insurance contracts

   99,493     67,442     166,935  
    

 

 

     99,493     603,971     703,464  

Amortization

                  

External pension plan

   —       (50,401 )   (50,401 )

Insurance contracts

   (16,582 )   (8,678 )   (25,260 )
    

 

 

     (16,582 )   (59,079 )   (75,661 )
    

 

 

Other variations

   —       (15,379 )   (15,379 )
    

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

   82,911     529,513     612,424  
    

 

 

Deposits – Deferred contributions

                  

Balance at January 1, 2003

   (114,341 )   (81,619 )   (195,960 )
    

 

 

Add-

                  

Interest cost allocable:

   (2,760 )   (1,849 )   (4,609 )

Less-

                  

Payments made:

   14,944     9,106     24,050  

Reduction due to assignment of investments:

   3,476     1,798     5,274  
    

 

 

     18,420     10,904     29,324  
    

 

 

Other variations

   —       27,964     27,964  
    

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

   (98,681 )   (44,600 )   (143,281 )
    

 

 

Net balance at December 31, 2003 (Note 15)

   (15,770 )   484,913     469,143  
    

 

 

 

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Statement of income-

 

The charges recorded in 2003, 2002 and 2001 to cover the aforementioned commitments are summarized as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

    2001

Detail by item-

               

Allocable interest cost of deferred contributions

   4,609    9,280     39,464

Expense of contributions made in the year by Spanish banks in the Group to external pension funds and insurance companies-

               

Accrued in the year

   68,366    79,752     72,073

Extraordinary

   97,462    87,342     85,885
    
  

 
     170,437    176,374     197,422

Expense of contributions made by other Group entities

   10,135    13,805     18,199

Net charges by Spanish banks in the Group to in-house pension provisions

   87,526    156,910     42,378

Net charges by other Group companies to in-house pension provisions

   59,653    43,824     32,749
    
  

 
     327,751    390,913     290,748
    
  

 

Detail by account-

               

Financial expenses – Customer deposits

   4,609    9,280     39,464

Financial expenses - Cost allocable to the recorded pension provision (Note 20)

   69,893    60,041     42,480

General administrative expenses – Personnel costs-

               

Net charges to in-house pension provisions (Notes 20 and 28-c)

   56,420    39,067     32,203

Contributions to external pension funds (Note 28-c)

   78,501    93,557     90,272

Extraordinary losses-

               

Net extraordinary charges to in-house pension provisions (Note 20)

   2,240    3,345     445

Other losses

   116,088    189,501     85,884

Extraordinary income-

   —      (3,878 )   —  
    
  

 
     327,751    390,913     290,748
    
  

 

 

Other commitments to employees

 

The situation as regards performance bonuses payable in shares as of December 31, 2003, and the variations in 2003 were as follows:

 

Plans in Force


 

Nº Shares

at 01/01/03


  Options
Exercised on
Maturity of the
Plan


    Options
Exercised due to
Early
Retirements and
Other (2)


   

Nº Shares

at 12/31/03


  Year Granted

    Group

  Expiration Date
(1)


  Exercise Price
(Euros)


                01/01/03

   12/31/03

1997

  3,500.409   (3,341,379 )   (159,030 )   —     1998     Employees   02/20/03   3.67    —  

1998(3)

  4,242,866   (682,591 )   (320,014 )   3,240,261   1999     Employees   06/01/03 -
07/31/04
  6.01    6.01
                                  06/01/03 -         

1999(3)

  5,103,957   (554,846 )   (21,308 )   4,527,803   2000     Employees   07/31/04   10.65    10.65
                                  03/31/03 -         

2000

  7,292,410   —       (45,835 )   7,246,575   2001     Employees   03/31/04   12.02    12.02

Long-service bonuses

  6,646,957   (278,460 )   (90,136 )   6,278,361   (4 )   Employees   (4)   —      —  
   
 

 

 
               
  

Total

  26,786,599   (4,857,276 )   (636,323 )   21,293,000                 6.73    7.27
   
 

 

 
               
  

(1) The dates indicated are the commencement and expiration dates of the period during which the option can be exercised.
(2) Including both payments to early retirees and other variations in the number of options or shares outstanding.
(3) The 1998 and 1999 are settled together.
(4) When employees complete 15, 25, 40, and 50 years’ service at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

 

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The weighted-average exercise price of options exercised in 2003 before the expiration date, excluding long-service bonuses, was €6.01. The remaining life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2003, excluding long-service bonuses, was 0.42 years.

 

From 2001 to 2003 no new stock options were granted, except long-service bonuses in shares accrued by employees (to be settled when the employee completes 15, 25, 40 or 50 years’ service at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.).

 

The situation as regards performance bonuses payable in shares as of December 31, 2002, and the variations in 2002 were as follows:

 

Plans in Force


  Nº Shares
01/01/02


  Options
Exercised on
Maturity of the
Plan


    Options
Exercised due to
Early
Retirements and
Other (2)


   

Nº Shares

at 12/31/02


  Year Granted

    Group

  Expiration Date
(1)


  Exercise Price
(Euros)


                01/01/02

  12/31/02

1996

  4,200,729   (4,116,073 )   (84,656 )   —     1997     Employees   02/20/02   2.00   —  

1997

  3,509,418   —       (9,009 )   3,500,409   1998     Employees   02/20/03   3.67   3.67

1998

  4,248,031   —       (5,165 )   4,242,866   1999     Employees   06/01/03 –
07/31/04
  6.01   6.01

1999

  5,785,077   —       (681,120 )   5,103,957   2000     Employees   06/01/03 –
07/31/04
  10.65   10.65

2000

  8,995,381   —       (1,702,971 )   7,292,410   2001     Employees   03/31/03 –
03/31/04
  12.02   12.02

Long-service bonus

  7,070,618   (383,040 )   (40,621 )   6,646,957   (3 )   Employees   (3)   —     —  

Extrabonus AD

  15,476,500   —       (15,476,500 )   —     2000     Managers   12/31/02   16.50   —  

Insurance AD

  5,469,923   —       (5,469,923 )   —     2000     Managers   01/01/01 –
12/31/02
  15.18   —  
   
 

 

 
               
 

Total

  54,755,677   (4,499,113 )   (23,469,965 )   26,786,599                 10.13   6.73
   
 

 

 
               
 

(1) The dates indicated are the commencement and expiration dates of the period during which the option can be exercised.
(2) Including both payments to early retirees and other variations in the number of options or shares outstanding.
(3) When employees complete 15, 25, 40, and 50 years’ service at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

 

The weighted-average exercise price of options exercised in 2002 before the expiration date, excluding long-service bonuses, was €11.26. The remaining life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2002, excluding long-service bonuses, was 0.85 years.

 

The situation as regards performance bonuses payable in shares as of December 31, 2001 and the variations in 2001 were as follows:

 

Plans in Force


  Nº Shares at
01/01/01


 

Options

Exercised on

Maturity of the
Plan


   

Options
Exercised due to
Early
Retirements

and Other (2)


   

Nº Shares

at 12/31/01


  Year Granted

    Group

  Expiration Date
(1)


  Exercise Price
(Euros)


                01/01/01

  12/31/01

1995

  4,716,666   (4,716,666 )   —       —     1996     Employees   02/20/01   1.32   —  

1996

  3,560,958   —       639,771     4,200.729   1997     Employees   02/20/02   2.00   2.00

1997

  3,821,454   —       (312,036 )   3,509,418   1998     Employees   02/20/03   3.67   3.67

1998

  4,678,873   —       (430,842 )   4,248,031   1999     Employees   06/01/03 –
07/31/04
  6.01   6.01

1999

  5,796,149   —       (11,072 )   5,785,077   2000     Employees   06/01/03 –
03/31/04
  10.65   10.65

2000

  10,000,000   —       (1,004,619 )   8,995,381   2001     Employees   03/31/03 –
03/31/04
  12.02   12.02

Long-service bonus

  7,708,315   (496,980 )   (140,717 )   7,070,618   (3 )   Employees   (3)   —     —  

Extrabonus AD

  15,476,500   —       —       15,476,500   2000     Managers   12/31/02   16.50   16.50

Insurance AD

  5,469,923   —       —       5,469,923   2000     Managers   01/01/01 –
12/31/02
  15.18   15.18
   
 

 

 
               
 

Total

  61,228,838   (5,213,646 )   (1,259,515 )   54,755,677                 9.40   10.13
   
 

 

 
               
 

(1) The dates indicated are the commencement and expiration dates of the period during which the option can be exercised.
(2) Including both payments to early retirees and other variations in the number of options or shares outstanding.
(3) When employees complete 15, 25, 40, and 50 years’ service at Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

 

The weighted-average exercise price of options exercised in 2001 before the expiration date, excluding long-service bonuses, was €8.39. The remaining life of options outstanding as of December 31, 2001, excluding long-service bonuses, was 1.25 years.

 

The grant date fair value of Plan 2000, Extrabonus AD and Insurance AD programs granted in 2000, were approximately €5.17, €2.36 and €1.72 per option, respectively. The fair value of each option is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free interest rates of 5.4%, 5.39% and 5.49%, respectively; expected lives of 2.5, 2.6 and 2.6 years, respectively; expected volatilities of 30.5%, 31.31% and 29.27%, respectively and dividend yield of 2%, 2.19% and 2.01%, respectively.

 

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In March 1999, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Bank’s Shareholders’ Meeting on February 27, 1999, 32,871,301 new shares were issued at a price of €2.14 per share, similar to the average reference price of the bonus commitments to Group employees at that date, which they were allocated to cover, which included the bonus commitments for the years 1995 through 1998 and a portion of the accrued commitment relating to long-service bonuses. These shares were subscribed and paid in full by a non-Group company and, simultaneously, the Bank acquired a call option on these shares which can be exercised on any date, at one or several times, prior to December 31, 2011, at an exercise price equal to the share issue price, adjusted on the basis of the antidilution clauses. On various occasions since 1999 the call option was partially exercised to meet commitments to Group employees, a total of 24,678,359 shares being purchased. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2003, the Bank still held an option on a total of 8,192,942 shares (12,490,232 and 18,262,345 shares as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively), at a price of €2.09 per share, after adjustment of the issue price as a result of the reductions in the par value in July 1999 and April 2000.

 

Also, as of December 31, 2003, the bonuses for 1999 and 2000, which consist of a cash payment tied to the market price of 4,527,803 and 7,246,575 Bank shares, respectively (5,103,957 and 7,292,410 shares, respectively, as of December, 2002, and 5,785,077 and 8,995,381 shares, respectively, as of December 31, 2001), and the other accrued long-service bonus commitments (1,325,680 shares, 1,900,000 shares and 1,311,451 shares in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively) had been hedged in full with call options and other futures transactions (Note 3-m).

 

Additionally, the time period stipulated in the variable compensation program tied to the BBVA share price for executive directors and senior managers of the Bank ended on December 31, 2002. This program was completed with the granting of loans or credit facilities for the acquisition of BBVA shares on the market and guaranteed a maximum loss in the share value of 5% of the acquisition cost. Since at the time of maturity of the program the share price was below the value set (€15 plus 10%), the program beneficiaries were not entitled to receive any amount under the program.

 

In 2003 an insurance policy was arranged for €570 thousand to cover the pension commitments to former nonexecutive directors. This amount was recorded under the “Personnel Costs” caption in the 2003 statement of income.

 

k) Severance costs-

 

Under current Spanish labor legislation, companies are required to pay severance to employees terminated without just cause. There is no labor force reduction plan which would make it necessary to record a provision in this connection. However, as required by Bank of Spain Circular 5/2000, the Group recorded in-house provisions, with a charge to the “Extraordinary Losses” caption in the accompanying 2003, 2002, and 2001 consolidated statements of income, to cover, in accordance with the schedule established in that Circular, the contractual severance payments for terminations or dismissals additional to those provided for by current legislation on a general basis. As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, these provisions amounted to €37,458 thousand, €37,490 thousand and €19,636 thousand, respectively, and were recorded under the “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses - Pension Provision” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Note 20).

 

l) Corporate income tax and other taxes-

 

These captions in the consolidated statements of income include all the debits or credits arising from Spanish corporate income tax and those taxes of a similar nature of subsidiaries abroad, including both the amounts relating to the expense accrued in the year and those arising from adjustments to the amounts recorded in prior years (Note 25).

 

The expense for corporate income tax accrued each year is calculated on the basis of book income before taxes, increased or decreased, as appropriate, by the permanent differences from the income for tax purposes, i.e. differences between the taxable income and book income before taxes that do not reverse in subsequent periods. The tax assets arising from tax losses at subsidiaries (basically Latin-American companies) and prepaid taxes arising from timing differences are only capitalized if they will be recovered within a period of ten years (Note 15).

 

The tax benefit of tax credits for double taxation, tax relief and tax credits for certain activities or investments is treated as a reduction of the amount of corporate income tax for the year in which the tax credits are used. Entitlement to these tax credits is conditional upon compliance with the legally stipulated requirements.

 

m) Derivatives and other futures transactions-

 

These instruments include, inter alia, unmatured foreign currency purchase and sale transactions, unmatured securities purchase and sale transactions, financial futures on securities, on exchange rates and on interest rates, forward rate agreements, options on exchange rates, on securities and on interest rates and the various types of financial swaps. These transactions are basically carried out for hedging and overall management of the financial risks to which the Group is exposed.

 

In accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, transactions involving these products are recorded in memorandum accounts either for the future rights and commitments that might have a net worth effect, or for the balances that might be necessary to reflect the transactions, even if they did not have any effect on the Group’s net worth. Accordingly, the notional and/or contractual value of these products does not express the total credit or market risk assumed by the Group.

 

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Also, the premiums paid and collected for options purchased and sold, respectively, must be recorded under the “Other Assets” and “Other Liabilities” captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as an asset for the purchaser and as a liability for the writer (Note 15), until their exercise or maturity date.

 

Transactions whose objective and effect is to eliminate or significantly reduce currency, interest rate or price risks on asset and liability positions or on other transactions were treated as hedging transactions, provided that the hedged asset and the hedging transactions were identified explicitly from initiation of the latter. Similarly, transactions which, although not specifically assigned to a specific hedged item, form part of global or macrohedges used to reduce the risk to which the Group is exposed as a consequence of overall management of correlated assets, liabilities and other transactions, were also treated as hedging transactions.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Group had arranged share price risk and interest rate risk macrohedges consisting of securities listed on the main international stock markets and long-term deposit transactions, respectively. The security price macrohedges were valued at market price. The settlements relating to the interest rate macrohedge were recorded by the accrual method. These transactions are permanently subject to an integrated, prudent and consistent system of risk and earnings measurement, management and control enabling transactions to be monitored and identified. This system involves, for each macrohedge, the recording of provisions for credit, market and operational risk in accordance with banking practice for transactions of this type. As required by current legislation, each macrohedge transaction has been authorized by the Bank of Spain.

 

The gains or losses arising from these hedging transactions are recorded symmetrically to the revenues or costs of the hedged item, and the collections or payments made in settlements are recorded with a balancing entry under the “Other Assets” and “Other Liabilities” captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Note 15). Forward currency transactions classified as hedges are recorded for accounting purposes as described in Note 3-b.

 

Nonhedging transactions, which are also known as trading transactions, are valued in accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, based on the market on which they are arranged:

 

  - Transactions arranged in organized markets are valued at market price in their respective markets and the gains or losses arising as a result of market price fluctuations are recorded in full in the consolidated statement of income.

 

  - Theoretical closings are performed at least every month of securities and interest rate futures transactions arranged outside organized markets, and provisions are recorded with a charge to income for the potential net losses, if any, in each risk category and currency arising from such valuations (Notes 20 and 26). The potential gains, which amounted to €9,664 thousand, €1,137 thousand and €8,848 thousand as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, are only recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of income when effectively realized (Note 26). This procedure is also applied to currency options traded outside organized markets.

 

n) Assets and liabilities acquired or issued at a discount-

 

Assets and liabilities acquired or issued at a discount, except for marketable securities, are recorded at redemption value. The difference between this value and the amounts paid or received is recorded under the liability and asset “Accrual Accounts” captions in the consolidated balance sheets (Note 16).

 

o) Investments in Argentina-

 

Macroeconomic situation

 

The economic crisis that beset Argentina in late 2001 and in 2002 had repercussions on the solvency and liquidity of companies located in Argentina. This was due to a variety of factors, including most notably:

 

  The Law on Convertibility was amended in January 2002, giving rise to the end of parity with the U.S. dollar. The initial exchange rate in the official market was set at ARP 1.40/US$ 1. The exchange rates as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, were ARP 2.933/US$ 1 and ARP 3.363/US$ 1, respectively.

 

  The measures established by the Argentine Government to control the movement of capital in 2002 were repealed in that same year and unrestricted access to deposits was restored.

 

  In 2002, the Argentinean government decreed that dollar assets and liabilities would be converted to pesos at different exchange rates. This measure could have a severe impact on the solvency of the Argentinean banking system due to

 

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     application of a lower exchange rate to certain loans converted to pesos compared with the exchange rate applied to deposits. However, the Argentinean government issued public bonds to be used to compensate financial institutions for damage to their balance sheets caused by the mentioned “asymmetrical pessification”. Therefore the intention of Argentinean Government was that “asymmetrical pessification” should not impact the Argentinean banks.

 

Nevertheless, “asymmetrical pessification” had secondary effects on BBVA Group financial statements. Due to government decree dollar liabilities were converted to pesos at exchanges rates fixed by the government instead of free-market exchange rate. Many depositors sued banks and the Argentinean courts forced banks to pay the difference between the dollar free-market exchange rate and exchange rate fixed by government. The losses due to this difference were recorded in the income statement and cash flow of our Argentinean subsidiary BBVA Banco Frances.

 

Also, as a result of the devaluation and the inflationary pressures, the Argentine National Securities Commission and Central Bank decreed that financial statements as of December 31, 2002 must be adjusted for inflation. Due to the positive trend in inflation, this measure was repealed on March 1, 2003.

 

Although 2003 saw a substantial improvement in the economic situation, certain economic matters still remain to be addressed in order to enable Argentina to return to normality.

 

BBVA Banco Francés Group

 

In 2002 BBVA Banco Francés implemented a financial strengthening plan to enable it to meet liquidity requirements. This plan included, inter alia, the following measures:

 

  Financial assistance from BBVA to meet certain commitments assumed in the past and consisting of: a US$ 79 million loan that was subsequently converted into equity (Note 4) and loans totaling US$ 80 million secured by pledge of customer loans amounting to US$ 120 million. Full provision was made for both risks in 2002.

 

  The sale of 60.879% of BBVA Uruguay to BBVA, S.A. for US$ 55 million.

 

  The capital increase approved by the Annual-Special Shareholders’ Meeting of BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. on August 7, 2002 (Note 4). In this capital increase, BBVA converted into equity the aforementioned US$ 79 million loan plus the accrued interest, together with the subordinated debt issued by BBVA Banco Francés and held by the Bank amounting to US$ 130 million. These two transactions were fully provisioned at individual and consolidated level.

 

Additionally, Argentine Government debt securities were sold to BBVA, S.A. under repurchase agreement. The balances outstanding on this transaction as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, were €82,675 thousand and €98,867 thousand, respectively.

 

In 2003 the Bank did not carry out any further investment or financial assistance transactions with respect to its subsidiaries in Argentina.

 

BBVA Group – Consolidation of the Group companies located in Argentina.

 

The financial statements of the Group companies located in Argentina were prepared in accordance with the regulations in force in that country and the applicable unification adjustments were made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements on the basis of the information available.

 

The Group has maintained the accounting policy established in December 2001 of annulling the underlying book value of the Banco Francés Group in the consolidated books. Accordingly, as of December 31, 2001, the Group recorded a provision amounted to €447,435 thousand which has been assigned to covering assets and commitments in accordance with the terms of the preceding paragraph.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Group has additionally recorded a specific provision amounting to €120,380 thousand, €135,606 thousand and €170,201 thousand, respectively, to cover the value of the fixed-income securities issued by BBVA Banco Francés that are held by the Bank and the US$ 80 million loan mentioned above.

 

The aforementioned provisions were recorded under the “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses” caption (Note 20). These provisions were not assigned to specific assets in view of their nature and their amount is equal to the Group’s investment in the BBVA Banco Francés Group, the lines of financing and the fixed-income securities issued by that group and subscribed by BBVA.

 

The Bank’s directors and their legal advisers believe that these provisions reasonably cover the maximum losses which might be incurred by the Group while the situation described above continues and until such time as objective conditions of security and profitability for new potential investments are reestablished.

 

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(4) BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA GROUP

 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (BBVA) is the Group’s parent company. Its individual financial statements are prepared on the basis of the accounting principles and methods described in Note 3, except for the valuation of the Bank’s direct holdings of 20% or more in unlisted companies and of 3% or more in listed companies, which, pursuant to Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991, are recorded at the lower of cost, revalued where appropriate, or market. The market value is deemed to be the underlying book value of these holdings, adjusted by the amount of the unrealized gains disclosed at the time of acquisition and still existing at the valuation date.

 

The Bank represented approximately 63.94% of the Group’s assets and 49.5% of pre-tax profits as of December 31, 2003 (58.96% and 49.39%, respectively, as of December 31, 2002, and 52.82% and 54.08%, respectively, as of December 31, 2001), after the related consolidation adjustments and eliminations.

 

Summarized below are the balance sheets of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

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BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

 

BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001 (SUMMARIZED)

 

- Thousands of euros -

 

    2003

  2002

  2001

ASSETS

           

CASH ON HAND AND DEPOSITS AT CENTRAL BANKS

  2,359,883   1,671,111   2,281,075

GOVERNMENT DEBT SECURITIES

  18,796,673   19,091,299   19,273,261

DUE FROM CREDIT INSTITUTIONS

  19,562,686   19,662,904   18,728,729

TOTAL NET LENDING

  110,880,263   100,687,471   99,509,141

DEBENTURES AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES

  24,416,412   17,131,192   22,505,543

COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES

  2,428,316   2,071,348   2,164,087

INVESTMENTS IN NON-GROUP COMPANIES

  3,583,687   4,357,296   4,306,431

INVESTMENTS IN GROUP COMPANIES

  7,778,436   8,699,420   8,814,491

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

  193,244   191,903   165,209

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

  2,108,116   2,190,317   2,357,723

TREASURY STOCK

  56,071   97,555   7

OTHER ASSETS

  10,724,838   8,994,431   7,263,368

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTS

  1,426,032   3,314,007   5,497,436
   
 
 

TOTAL ASSETS

  204,314,657   188,160,254   192,866,501
   
 
 

MEMORANDUM ACCOUNTS

  81,584,665   78,116,151   77,512,135

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

           

DUE TO CREDIT INSTITUTIONS

  53,929,332   47,029,366   55,251,331

DEPOSITS

  101,419,493   98,472,990   96,615,730

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES

  13,630,214   8,714,150   6,073,820

OTHER LIABILITIES

  9,539,682   7,381,866   6,029,952

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTS

  1,654,299   3,768,498   5,545,639

PROVISIONS FOR CONTINGENCIES AND EXPENSES

  3,736,487   3,064,754   2,788,484

GENERAL RISK ALLOWANCE

  —     —     —  

INCOME FOR THE YEAR

  1,460,337   1,207,096   1,311,561

SUBORDINATED DEBT

  10,442,327   9,735,824   10,232,345

CAPITAL STOCK

  1,565,968   1,565,968   1,565,968

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

  6,273,901   6,512,797   6,834,941

RESERVES

  486,336   530,664   440,449

REVALUATION RESERVES

  176,281   176,281   176,281
   
 
 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

  204,314,657   188,160,254   192,866,501
   
 
 

 

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BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

 

STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001 (SUMMARIZED)

 

- Thousands of euros -

 

     (DEBIT) / CREDIT

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

FINANCIAL REVENUES

   6,551,366     7,531,595     9,476,865  

FINANCIAL EXPENSES

   (3,602,152 )   (4,627,304 )   (6,675,315 )

INCOME FROM EQUITIES PORTFOLIO

   667,465     1,283,859     1,400,194  
    

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

   3,616,679     4,188,150     4,201,744  

FEES COLLECTED

   1,509,043     1,532,072     1,386,039  

FEES PAID

   (275,990 )   (275,284 )   (290,044 )

MARKET OPERATIONS

   366,454     362,923     (71,877 )
    

 

 

GROSS OPERATING INCOME

   5,216,186     5,807,861     5,225,862  

OTHER OPERATING INCOME

   2,127     14,673     8,306  

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

   (2,675,825 )   (2,625,233 )   (2,684,797 )

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

   (247,544 )   (257,964 )   (270,627 )

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES

   (73,379 )   (87,795 )   (81,321 )
    

 

 

NET OPERATING INCOME

   2,221,565     2,851,542     2,197,423  

NET LOAN LOSS PROVISIONS

   (548,266 )   (631,928 )   (531,856 )

NET SECURITIES WRITEDOWNS

   (369,942 )   (1,181,581 )   (976,812 )

NET CHARGE TO GENERAL RISK ALLOWANCE

   —       —       1,439  

EXTRAORDINARY INCOME

   825,743     582,816     998,855  

EXTRAORDINARY LOSSES

   (366,754 )   (389,544 )   (536,053 )
    

 

 

PRE-TAX PROFIT

   1,762,346     1,231,305     1,152,996  

CORPORATE INCOME TAX AND OTHER TAXES

   (302,009 )   (24,209 )   158,565  
    

 

 

NET INCOME (Note 5)

   1,460,337     1,207,096     1,311,561  
    

 

 

 

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BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.

 

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001 (SUMMARIZED)

 

- Thousands of euros -

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 

APPLICATION OF FUNDS

                  

DIVIDENDS PAID

   1,112,156     1,255,970     1,102,572  

NET PURCHASE OF TREASURY STOCK

   —       97,548     3,178  

SUBORDINATED DEBT

   —       496,521     204,927  

FINANCING, NET OF INVESTMENT, AT BANK OF SPAIN AND CREDIT AND SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS

   —       8,608,296     —    

TOTAL NET LENDING

   10,756,330     1,802,746     8,156,795  

DEBT SECURITIES

   6,978,027     —       5,872,794  

SHORT-TERM EQUITY SECURITIES

   324,153     62,550     458,615  

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

   —       —       785,762  

ACQUISITION OF LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS -

                  

Purchase of investments in Group and associated companies

   5,474,267     6,311,401     5,894,598  

Additions to property and equipment and intangible assets

   355,522     399,968     485,799  
    

 

 

     5,829,789     6,711,369     6,380,397  
    

 

 

TOTAL FUNDS APPLIED

   25,000,455     19,035,000     22,965,040  
    

 

 

SOURCE OF FUNDS

                  

FROM OPERATIONS:

                  

Net income

   1,460,337     1,207,096     1,311,561  

Add-

                  

Depreciation and amortization

   344,338     329,335     270,627  

Net provision for asset writedown and other special provisions

   1,182,798     2,404,260     1,667,620  

Losses on sales of investments and fixed assets

   12,758     62,475     82,972  

Less-

                  

Gains on sales of investments and fixed assets

   (668,477 )   (390,505 )   (821,205 )
    

 

 

     2,331,754     3,612,661     2,511,575  

CAPITAL INCREASES

   136,880     —       104,056  

NET SALE OF TREASURY STOCK

   41,484     —       —    

SUBORDINATED DEBT

   706,503     —       2,626,376  

FINANCING, NET OF INVESTMENT, AT BANK OF SPAIN AND CREDIT AND SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS

   6,267,516     —       10,306,688  

DEPOSITS

   2,946,503     1,857,260     1,435,466  

DEBT SECURITIES

   —       5,656,629     —    

MARKETABLE SECURITIES

   4,916,064     2,640,330     —    

SALE OF LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS-

                  

Sale of investments in Group and associated companies

   7,056,294     4,807,104     5,166,983  

Sale of property and equipment

   114,968     305,184     553,355  
    

 

 

     7,171,262     5,112,288     5,720,338  

OTHER LIABILITY ITEMS LESS ASSET ITEMS

   482,489     155,832     260,541  
    

 

 

TOTAL FUNDS OBTAINED

   25,000,455     19,035,000     22,965,040  
    

 

 

 

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The total assets and financial income of the most subsidiaries of the Group as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are as follows:

 

    

COUNTRY


   Thousands of Euros

      2003

   2002

   2001

      Total Assets

   Financial
Income


   Total Assets

   Financial
Income


   Total Assets

   Financial
Income


BBVA Bancomer Group

  

Mexico

   48,239,259    3,812,987    60,061,343    5,070,718    71,079,719    7,472,793

BBVA Chile Group

  

Chile

   4,566,384    230,695    4,309,550    300,519    4,181,488    363,938

BBVA Puerto Rico Group

  

Puerto Rico

   4,231,283    216,615    4,802,885    289,157    5,415,486    383,764

BBVA Banco Francés Group

  

Argentina

   4,203,309    278,888    5,916,673    1,081,248    11,333,454    1,352,265

Provincial Group

  

Venezuela

   3,407,683    488,796    3,627,193    746,284    6,043,026    810,940

Continental Group

  

Peru

   2,936,889    171,985    3,510,614    204,232    3,740,783    272,926

BBVA Banco Ganadero Group

  

Colombia

   1,923,646    176,967    1,907,398    227,215    2,983,467    292,229

BBVA Brasil Group

  

Brazil

   —      —      4,020,841    1,218,811    6,390,255    761,669

 

The subsidiaries fully consolidated as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 which, based on the information available, were more than 5% owned by non-Group shareholders, were as follows:

 

As of December 31, 2003:

 

- Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A.

 

- Banc Internacional D’Andorra, S.A.

 

- Holding Continental, S.A.

 

- Banco Provincial, S.A.

 

- PSA Finance Argentina Compañía Financiera, S.A.

 

- Inversiones BanPro International Inc., N.V.

 

- BBVA Horizonte Pensiones y Cesantías, S.A.

 

- BBVA Chile, S.A.

 

- Administradora Fondo Pensiones Provida, S.A.

 

- Uno-e Bank, S.A.

 

- BI-BM Gestio D’Actius, S.A.

 

- A.F.P. Crecer, S.A.

 

- BBVA & Partners Alternative Invest, A.V., S.A.

 

As of December 31, 2002:

 

- Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A.

 

- Banc Internacional D’Andorra, S.A.

 

- Holding Continental, S.A.

 

- Banco Provincial, S.A.

 

- PSA Finance Argentina Compañía Financiera, S.A.

 

- Inversiones BanPro International Inc., N.V.

 

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- BBVA Horizonte Pensiones y Cesantías, S.A.

 

- BBVA Chile, S.A.

 

- Administradora Fondo Pensiones Provida, S.A.

 

- Uno-e Bank, S.A.

 

- BI-BM Gestio D’Actius, S.A.

 

- A.F.P. Crecer, S.A.

 

- BBVA & Partners Alternative Invest, A.V., S.A.

 

As of December 31, 2001:

 

- Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A.

 

- Banc Internacional D’Andorra, S.A.

 

- Holding Continental, S.A.

 

- Banco Provincial, S.A.

 

- Inversiones BanPro, S.A.

 

- Inversiones BanPro International Inc., N.V.

 

- BBVA Horizonte Pensiones y Cesantías, S.A.

 

- BBVA Chile, S.A.

 

- Administradora Fondo Pensiones Provida, S.A

 

As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, there were no Spanish or foreign credit institutions outside the Group with significant holdings in fully consolidated companies.

 

Based on the information available as of December 31, 2003, foreign credit institutions outside the Group held significant investments in the following fully consolidated companies:

 

- PSA Finance, a Banque PSA Finance investee

 

- AFP Provida, a Bank of New York investee

 

The main changes in the consolidated Group and the situation as of December 31, 2003, were as follows:

 

BBVA-Bancomer Group (Mexico)-

 

Grupo Financiero BBV-Probursa, S.A. de C.V. and the companies in its group, including most notably Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Mexico, S.A., joined the Group in July 1995.

 

In the first half of 2000, it was resolved to merge Grupo Financiero BBV-Probursa, S.A. de C.V. and Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. (the holdings of which include most notably 100% of BBVA Bancomer, S.A. and 51% of Administradora de Fondos para el Retiro Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. (AFORE Bancomer). This merger was carried out in July 2000, after the Group subscribed in June to a capital increase of US$ 1,400 million at Grupo Financiero BBV-Probursa, S.A. de C.V.

 

The Group’s holding in Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. resulting from the merger, following open-market acquisitions of shares amounting to approximately US$ 325 million, stood at 36.6% as of December 31, 2000.

 

At the end of the year 2000 an agreement was reached with Bank of Montreal to acquire an additional 2.2% of Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. for approximately US$ 125 million, in a transaction which was performed in 2001. Also, on April 4, 2001, the Group reached an agreement with Bank of Montreal to purchase 9% of its holding in Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. (812 million shares) which signified an investment of US$ 558 million. The transaction was performed in two tranches: the first consisting of 500 million shares on April 5, 2001, raised the holding to 45%, and the second, consisting of 312 million shares, raised the holding in Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. to 48%. Also, in 2001 other acquisitions amounting to US$ 140 million were made, leaving the total holding in Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer S.A. de C.V. at 48.76% as of December 31, 2001. The increase in the total goodwill recorded in relation to Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer S.A. de C.V. in 2001 amounted to €739 million.

 

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As part of the placement of Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer S.A. de C.V. shares by the Government of Mexico in 2002, BBVA acquired approximately 276 million shares representing 3% of the entity’s capital stock for €240 million. Additionally, in November 2002 the Group acquired a further 2.5% holding in the capital stock of BBVA Bancomer for €175 million, thus raising the Bank’s ownership interest to 54.67% as of December 31, 2002. The increase in goodwill recorded in 2002 was €338,350 thousand (Note 13).

 

Lastly, in 2003 the Group made additional purchases of 4.76% of the capital stock of BBVA Bancomer for a total of €304 million, leaving the Bank’s holding at 59.43% as of December 31, 2003. The increase in goodwill recorded in 2003 was €160,615 thousand (Note 13).

 

BBVA Banco Francés (Argentina) (Note 3-o)-

 

In December 1996, the Group acquired 30% of BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. (formerly Banco Francés Río de la Plata, S.A.) and took on its management. From that date through December 31, 2001, additional acquisitions were made to increase the Group’s holding in this entity to the 68.25% as of December 31, 2001. The total cost of this holding was US$ 1,179 million. As of December 31, 2001, the Group amortized the unamortized goodwill as of that date relating to BBVA Banco Francés, which amounted to €144,405 thousand (Notes 3-g and 13).

 

On May 30, 2002, BBVA Banco Francés reached an agreement with the Argentine authorities to increase capital, for which BBVA would contribute the subordinated marketable debentures of BBVA Banco Francés held by it amounting to US$ 130 million and a financial loan granted to BBVA Banco Francés amounting to US$ 79 million (Note 3-o). The preemptive subscription period ended on December 26, 2002. In accordance with the issue terms, a total of 158.4 million new shares were issued, which increased the Bank’s capital stock to 368.1 million shares. The Group, as the majority shareholder, increased its ownership interest in the capital of BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. from 68.25% to 79.6% as a result of this capital increase. The resulting goodwill amounted to €34,786 thousand and was written off with a charge to the 2002 consolidated statement of income (Notes 3-o and 13).

 

As of December 31, 2003, the holding was 79.6%.

 

Consolidar Group (Argentina) (Note 3-o)-

 

The Consolidar Group joined the Group in October 1997, when a 63.33% ownership interest was reached through BBVA Banco Francés.

 

As of December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, the Group held all the capital stock of Consolidar Administradora de Fondos de Jubilación y Pensiones (AFJP), S.A., Consolidar Cía de Seguros de Vida, S.A. and Consolidar Seguros de Retiro, S.A. (through Banco Francés, in percentages of between 53.89% and 66.67%). As of December 31, 2001, the Group amortized extraordinarily the unamortized goodwill as of that date relating to Consolidar AFJP, which amounted to €109,030 thousand.

 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Puerto Rico, S.A.-

 

In July 1998 BBV Puerto Rico absorbed PonceBank, an entity with total assets of US$ 1,095 million, through a capital increase of US$ 166 million. Also in 1998, BBV Puerto Rico acquired the assets and liabilities of Chase Manhattan Bank in Puerto Rico for a disbursement of US$ 50 million (Note 13).

 

In March 2000, Citibank’s automobile loan portfolio in Puerto Rico was acquired for a disbursement of US$ 31 million additional to the adjusted net value of the loans.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the holding was 100%.

 

BBVA Group (Chile)-

 

In September 1998, the Group acquired a 44% holding in BBVA Banco BHIF, S.A., currently BBVA Chile, S.A., and assumed the management of the group headed by this Chilean financial institution. In 1999 additional shares were acquired, bringing the Group’s total holding in this entity to 53.3% as of December 31, 1999. In September 2000 the Group completed the contribution of the capital subscribed in September 1998, with an amount of US$ 108 million, which brought the Group’s holding to 62.6% as of December 2000. As of December 2001, 2002 and 2003, the Group’s holding in BBVA Chile, S.A. was 62.89%, 66.098% and 66.27%, respectively.

 

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AFP Provida, S.A. (Chile)-

 

On July 1, 1999, the Group acquired a 41.17% holding in, and assumed the management of, Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Provida, S.A. This acquisition was undertaken through the issue of 19,780,108 new shares resolved by the Special Shareholders’ Meeting on June 30, 1999. These new shares were exchanged for all the shares of the companies that owned the aforementioned holding in AFP Provida, S.A. (Corp Group Pensions Ltd. and Brookline Investment Ltd.). Also, the Group made further investments in AFP Provida, mainly through the majority subscription to a capital increase carried out by this company in October 1999, which, together with the open-market acquisitions of US$ 11 million in 2001 and US$ 51 million in 2000, brought the Group’s holding as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, to 64.32%.

 

Provincial Group (Venezuela)-

 

In March 1997, the Group acquired 40% of the capital stock of Banco Provincial, S.A. and higher holdings in the other Provincial Group companies, thereby assuming management of the group. Additional acquisitions were made in subsequent years which raised the Bank’s holding in the Provincial Group to 54.98% as of December 31, 2001, 55.53% as of December 31, 2002 and to 55.59% as of December 31, 2003.

 

Continental Group (Peru)-

 

In April 1995, the Group acquired a 75% holding in the capital stock of Banco Continental, S.A. through Holding Continental, S.A. Subsequent acquisitions increased the ownership interest in Banco Continental to 81.78% as of December 31, 2001.

 

On November 26, 2002, BBVA, as the owner of 50% of the capital stock of the Peruvian company Holding Continental, S.A., subscribed to a capital increase at this entity amounting to US$ 10 million. This capital increase will be used to finance the tender offer to acquire the shares of Banco Continental which are not currently held by it (143,713,997 shares) at 1.59 soles per share. On November 27, 2002, Holding Continental, S.A. submitted this transaction to the Lima Stock Exchange and to the related National Companies and Securities Supervisory Commission. The tender offer resulted in the acquisition of 8.84% of the capital stock of Banco Continental. In 2002 Holding Continental and its subsidiaries held 91.51% of the aforementioned Bank. The holding in this company was increased to 92.01% in 2003.

 

BBVA Banco Ganadero Group (Colombia)-

 

In August 1996, the Group acquired 40% of the common stock (equal to 35.1% of the total capital) of Banco Ganadero, S.A. (currently BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A.). In 2000 this entity carried out a major financial restructuring and strengthening process which included a capital increase of approximately US$ 254 million, substantially all of which was subscribed by the Group. This capital increase, together with various additional acquisitions resulting in US$ 14 million of disbursements, raised the Group’s holding in BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A. to 85.56% as of December 31, 2000. On January 23, 2001, the Bank’s Board of Directors resolved to launch a tender offer to purchase all the shares of BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A. The tender offer took place on April 9, 2001, and gave rise to a disbursement of US$ 44.4 million and increased the Group’s holding in BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A. to 95.36%. This percentage of ownership was maintained as of December 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2003, the holding was 95.37%.

 

BBV Brasil Group-

 

In August 1998, the Group acquired control of Banco Excel Económico, S.A. (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Brasil, S.A.- BBV Brasil) and acquired substantially all its capital stock by subscribing the full amount of a capital increase carried out by the bank for US$ 853 million.

 

In addition, as part of the capitalization plan agreed upon with the Brazilian authorities, the Group placed a deposit at BBV Brasil amounting to US$ 700 million, convertible into capital in future years. US$ 31 million of this amount were converted in December 2000 and US$ 46 million were converted in 2001. In 2002 the remaining deposit amount (US$ 623 million) was converted into equity.

 

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In 2002 the Group decided to reconsider the business model implemented in Brazil. As a result of the new approach, a strategic agreement was reached in that year with Banco Bradesco, S.A., which was executed on January 13, 2003. The main aspects of the agreement are as follows:

 

- Integration of the banking and insurance business of BBVA in Brazil, carried on by BBV Brasil and its subsidiaries, into Banco Bradesco, S.A. through the transfer of all the shares of BBV Brasil owned by BBVA to Banco Bradesco, S.A.

 

- As a consideration for the transfer of shares, BBVA will receive newly-issued common shares and preferred shares of Banco Bradesco, S.A. representing 4.44% of its capital stock and, additionally, will receive cash amounting to 1,864 million Brazilian reais.

 

As of December 31, 2002, the Group recorded the accounting effects of the agreement with a charge of €245,717 thousand to the “Losses on Disposal of Investments in Fully and Proportionally Consolidated Companies” caption in the accompanying consolidated statement of income and a credit to the “Losses at Consolidated Companies Arising from Negative Exchange Differences on Consolidation” caption (Note 24) to eliminate, as required by Bank of Spain regulations, the accumulated negative exchange differences which were recorded against consolidation reserves and arose from the translation of the financial statements of BBV Brasil from the time of its acquisition. The aforementioned entry has no effect on the Group’s net worth. Also, a capital gain of €92,000 thousand was recorded with a credit to the aforementioned caption in the accompanying consolidated statement of income, and a charge to the “Other Assets” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Finally, a specific provision of €34,719 thousand was recorded with a charge to the “Extraordinary Losses” caption in the consolidated statement of income (Note 28-g) equal to the theoretical goodwill of the shares of Banco Bradesco, S.A. mentioned above.

 

Once the related due diligence reviews were completed and the necessary regulators’ approval had been obtained, the agreement was executed on June 9, 2003.

 

Banco de Crédito Local, S.A.-

 

At the end of 2000 an agreement was entered into with the Dexia Group to terminate the strategic alliance for the institutional business which Argentaria had with that group. The agreement included the purchase by BBVA of the 40% of Banco de Crédito Local, S.A., owned by the Dexia Group since 1998, which was performed in January 2001 and gave rise to the disbursement of €429,435 thousand, generating goodwill of €298,037 thousand (Note 13).

 

As of December 31, 2003, the holding was 100%.

 

Variations in the Group in 2003-

 

The most significant transactions in 2003 were as follows:

 

- On January 13, 2003, the Group reached an agreement with Banco Bradesco, S.A. whereby the Group sold its banking subsidiary in Brazil and its Brazilian subsidiaries in exchange for 4.44% of its capital stock and cash amounting to 1,864 million Brazilian reais. Banco Bradesco, S.A. is accounted for by the equity method.

 

- In 2003 the Group companies BBVA Privanza Banco, S.A. and BBVA Bolsa, S.A. were dissolved without liquidation and their assets and liabilities were transferred to Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.

 

- BBVA, S.A. and Terra Networks, S.A., holders of the 51% and 49% of the share capital of Uno-e Bank, S.A., respectively, in an Extraordinary general Shareholders´ Meeting held on April 23, 2003, unanimously approved (subject to the required approval by Banco de España) an increase of capital in Uno-e Bank, S.A. to be wholly subscribed by Finanzia Banco de Crédito, S.A. (a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA), through the contribution of its Consumer’s Lending Business. Finanzia Banco de Crédito, S.A. also held in the same day an Extraordinary General Shareholders´ Meeting approving the mentioned contribution and subscription of the increase of capital.

 

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The above mentioned increase of capital integrates the Consumer’s Lending Business in Unoe Bank, S.A. and as a result of the referred capital increase, BBVA Group and TERRA hold stakes in Uno-e Bank S.A. share capital of 67% and 33%, respectively.

 

BBVA entered into an agreement with Terra Networks which gives Terra Networks a liquidity mechanism over its shares in the merger entity, that replaces the liquidity mechanism signed on May 15, 2002. The liquidity mechanism provides Terra Networks the right to sell its stake to BBVA between April 1, 2005 and September 30, 2007 at a price equal to the higher of (i) the market value of the securities as determined by an investment bank, and (ii) the amount obtained by multiplying (a) the after-tax profits of Uno-e Bank, by (b) BBVA’s price/earnings ratio, by (c) the percentage holding in Uno-e Bank that Terra Networks intends to sell. However, in no event can the sale price under (i) or (ii) above be less than €148.5 million if Uno-e Bank does not achieve certain net ordinary revenue and pre-tax income targets. Management estimates that this liquidity mechanism will not have a material impact on the earnings of the Group.

 

Variations in the Group in 2002-

 

The most noteworthy transactions in 2002 were as follows:

 

- In 2002 Brunara, S.A., in which the Group has a 14.066% holding, was no longer fully consolidated and was accounted for by the equity method.

 

- On January 25, 2002, the Group and Grupo Progreso announced the launch of BBVA Crecer AFP, a new pension fund manager for the Dominican Republic market. As of December 31, 2002, BBVA had a 70% holding in this company and Grupo Progreso had the remaining 30% holding. The total investment in 2002 was US$ 3.6 million.

 

- The sale of all the shares held by BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. in BBVA Uruguay (60.88%) to BBVA for US$ 55 million was formally executed on May 14, 2002, after obtaining authorization from the Central Bank of Uruguay (Note 3-o). As a result of this transaction, the BBVA Group’s ownership interest in BBVA Uruguay rose from 80.658% to 100%.

 

Variations in the Group in 2001-

 

In 2001 the Group obtained income of €31,319 thousand from the sale of holdings. The most noteworthy of these transactions were as follows:

 

- In February 2000, the Group entered into a strategic agreement with Telefónica, S.A., whereby, inter alia, the Telefónica Group acquired a 49% holding in the capital stock of Uno-e Bank, S.A. The agreement was executed on August 2, 2001, when Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. sold 49% of its holding in Uno-e Bank, S.A. to Terra Networks, S.A.

 

- The Group sold all the shares it held in Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Maroc, which generated income of €5,109 thousand.

 

- Lastly, 80% of Futuro Bolivia, S.A., AFP was sold, generating income of €15,759 thousand.

 

(5) DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME

 

In 2003, the Board of Directors of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. resolved to pay the shareholders three interim dividends out of 2003 income, amounting to a total of €0.27 gross per share. The aggregate amount of the interim dividends declared as of December 31, 2003, net of the amount collected and to be collected by the consolidable Group companies, was €859,896 thousand and is recorded under the “Other Assets” caption in the

 

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related consolidated balance sheet (Note 15). The last of the aforementioned interim dividends, which amounts to €0.09 gross per share, paid to the shareholders on January 12, 2004, and was recorded under the “Other Liabilities – Payment Obligations” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003 (Note 15).

 

The projected 2003 accounting statements prepared by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. in accordance with legal requirements, disclosing the existence of sufficient liquidity for distribution of the interim dividends, were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     05-31-03

   08-31-03

    11-30-03

 
     First

   Second

    Third

 

Interim dividend-

                 

Income at each of the stated dates, after the provision for corporate income tax

   463,187    1,090,843     1,427,397  

Less-

                 

Interim dividends distributed

   —      (287,627 )   (575,254 )
    
  

 

Maximum amount of possible distribution

   463,187    803,216     852,143  
    
  

 

Proposed amount of interim dividend

   287,627    287,627     287,626  
    
  

 

 

The Bank’s Board of Directors will propose to the Shareholders’ Meeting that a final dividend of €0.114 per share be paid out of 2003 income. Based on the number of shares representing the capital stock as of December 31, 2003 (Note 23), the final dividend would amount to €364,327 thousand and income would be distributed as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

2003 net income (Note 4)

   1,460,337
    

Allocation to:

    

Dividends (Note 2-d)

    

- Interim dividend

   826,880

- Final dividend

   364,327

Voluntary reserves

   233,130

 

Notwithstanding the above, at its meeting on February 3, 2004, at which these consolidated financial statements were prepared, the Board of Directors of BBVA resolved, inter alia, to increase capital by a nominal amount of €95,550,000 through the issuance of 195,000,000 ordinary shares of €0.49 par value each, of the same class and series, traded by the book-entry trading system. Article 161.1 of the Spanish Corporations Law provides for the possibility of the capital increase not being fully subscribed (Note 32).

 

The new shares will entitle their owners to share in any distribution of dividends paid after the capital increase is registered in Iberclear’s accounting records, and in assets in the event of liquidation. As regards the dividend to be paid out of 2003 income, holders of the new shares will only be entitled to receive the amount of any final dividend, if any, that the Shareholders’ Meeting resolves to declare, if the shares are issued prior to the date of this Shareholders’ Meeting. If the capital increase has been subscribed and paid as of the date of the Shareholders’ Meeting, the proposed distribution of income shown above will be adjusted on the basis of the new shares issued so that the amount earmarked for dividends is increased by the amount necessary for the final 2003 dividend on all the shares issued and subscribed to be €0.114 per share, and that amount, up to a limit of €22,230 thousand, will be subtracted from the amount initially assigned to “Voluntary Reserves”, as shown in the foregoing table, based on the maximum number of shares shown above.

 

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(6) GOVERNMENT DEBT SECURITIES

 

The balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are made up as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Book Value

   Market
Value


   Book Value

    Market
Value


   Book Value

    Market
Value


Fixed-income portfolio:

                               

Held-to-maturity portfolio-

                               

Listed government debt securities

   613,946    652,625    1,880,783     1,983,010    2,271,905     2,381,703
    
  
  

 
  

 

Available-for-sale portfolio-

                               

Treasury bills

   601,300    601,101    1,145,563     1,146,566    6,502,073     6,526,390

Other listed book-entry debt securities

   12,092,631    12,275,181    9,243,858     9,538,272    8,914,018     9,088,884

Other listed securities

   21,562    21,651    24,784     27,219    75,433     79,514
    
  
  

 
  

 
     12,715,493    12,897,933    10,414,205     10,712,057    15,491,524     15,694,788

Less-

                               

Securities revaluation reserve (Note 2-f)

   —      —      (34 )   —      (6 )   —  
    
  
  

 
  

 
     12,715,493    12,897,933    10,414,171     10,712,057    15,491,518     15,694,788
    
  
  

 
  

 

Trading portfolio-

                               

Treasury bills

   4,804,191    4,804,191    4,697,945     4,697,945    3,113     3,113

Other book-entry debt securities

   811,373    811,373    2,774,877     2,774,877    2,398,833     2,398,833
    
  
  

 
  

 
     5,615,564    5,615,564    7,472,822     7,472,822    2,401,946     2,401,946
    
  
  

 
  

 
     18,945,003    19,166,122    19,767,776     20,167,889    20,165,369     20,478,437
    
  
  

 
  

 

 

In 2003, 2002 and 2001, securities amounting to €717,080 thousand, €1,811,502 thousand and €3,106,078 thousand, respectively, were transferred from the trading portfolio to the available-for-sale portfolio at market prices.

 

The acquisition cost of securities assigned to the trading portfolio amounted to €5,610,704 thousand, €7,378,856 thousand and €2,403,315 thousand as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the balance of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet were as follows:

 

    

Thousands

of Euros


 

Balance at January 1, 2001

   14,735,194  
    

Purchases

   77,638,046  

Sales

   (69,403,453 )

Redemptions

   (2,796,263 )

Other

   (8,155 )
    

Balance at year-end 2001

   20,165,369  
    

Purchases

   67,115,695  

Sales

   (63,935,970 )

Redemptions

   (3,634,226 )

Other

   56,908  
    

Balance at year-end 2002

   19,767,776  
    

Purchases

   58,753,072  

Sales

   (52,778,298 )

Redemptions

   (6,753,702 )

Other

   (43,845 )
    

Balance at year-end 2003

   18,945,003  
    

 

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The average annual interest rate on Treasury bills in 2003 was 2.11% (2.82% in 2002 and 4.58% in 2001). As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, €5,282,381 thousand, €5,991,369 thousand and €5,316,944 thousand, respectively (effective amount), of these assets and of those acquired under resale agreement from credit institutions (Note 7) and from customers (Note 8) had been sold under repurchase agreement by the Group to other financial intermediaries (Note 17) and to customers (Note 18).

 

The nominal interest rates on listed government debt securities ranged from 10.15% to 3.20% at 2003 year end (from 10.9% to 3.25% at 2002 year end and from 11.37% to 3% at 2001 year end). As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, €17,980,643 thousand, €15,185,661 thousand and €15,864,021 thousand (effective amount) respectively of these securities and of those acquired under resale agreement from credit institutions (Note 7) and from customers (Note 8) had been sold under repurchase agreement by the Group to the Bank of Spain and other financial intermediaries (Note 17) and to customers (Note 18).

 

The breakdown of this caption, by maturity, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, disregarding the securities revaluation reserve, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

    

Up to

3 Months


  

3 Months

to 1 Year


   1 to 5 Years

   Over 5 Years

Balances at December 31, 2003-

                   

Fixed-income portfolio:

                   

Held-to-maturity portfolio

   —      —      —      613,946

Available-for-sale portfolio

   15,775    1,652,458    9,367,609    1,679,651

Trading portfolio

   773,089    2,860,267    1,571,849    410,359
    
  
  
  
     788,864    4,512,725    10,939,458    2,703,956
    
  
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2002-

                   

Fixed-income portfolio:

                   

Held-to-maturity portfolio

   —      1,264,802    —      615,981

Available-for-sale portfolio

   1,492,066    2,478,865    4,926,042    1,517,232

Trading portfolio

   520,045    3,018,011    2,423,940    1,510,826
    
  
  
  
     2,012,111    6,761,678    7,349,982    3,644,039
    
  
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2001-

                   

Fixed-income portfolio:

                   

Held-to-maturity portfolio

   376,515    —      1,277,361    618,029

Available-for-sale portfolio

   1,329,025    3,069,565    6,426,546    4,666,388

Trading portfolio

   581,161    184,457    634,885    1,001,443
    
  
  
  
     2,286,701    3,254,022    8,338,792    6,285,860
    
  
  
  

 

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(7) DUE FROM CREDIT INSTITUTIONS

 

The breakdown of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, by currency and type, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

By currency:

                  

In euros

   9,002,257     6,752,842     8,752,036  

In foreign currencies

   11,904,872     14,723,437     14,446,720  
    

 

 

     20,907,129     21,476,279     23,198,756  
    

 

 

By type:

                  

Current accounts-

                  

Current accounts

   237,564     348,420     284,784  

Other accounts

   406,423     1,029,288     2,358,426  
    

 

 

     643,987     1,377,708     2,643,210  

Other-

                  

Deposits at credit and financial institutions

   8,462,098     11,169,447     9,647,849  

Assets acquired under resale agreement (Notes 6, 8, 17 and 18)

   10,659,685     8,301,701     10,694,548  

Other accounts

   1,312,599     750,210     351,682  
    

 

 

     20,434,382     20,221,358     20,694,079  

Less-

                  

Loan loss provisions (Notes 2-f, 3-c and 8)

   (5,582 )   (5,439 )   (34,714 )

Country-risk provisions (Notes 2-f, 3-c and 8)

   (165,658 )   (117,348 )   (103,819 )
    

 

 

     20,907,129     21,476,279     23,198,756  
    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the foregoing “Country-Risk Provisions” account included €162,321 thousand, €93,322 thousand and €98,548 thousand, respectively, relating to provisions recorded to cover intercompany country-risk positions at credit institutions (Notes 2-c and 3-c).

 

The detail, by maturity, of the balances of the “Due from Credit Institutions - Other” caption (except for “Other Accounts”) in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, disregarding the loan loss and country risk provisions, and the average interest rates for each year are as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

   Average
Interest Rate
in the Year


 
    

Up to

3 Months


  

3 Months

to 1 Year


   1 to 5 Years

   Over 5 Years

  

Balances at December 31, 2003-

                          

Deposits at credit and financial institutions

   7,118,241    863,375    356,845    123,637    4.9 %

Assets acquired under resale agreement

   10,576,517    83,168    —      —      4.6 %
    
  
  
  
      
     17,694,758    946,543    356,845    123,637       
    
  
  
  
      

Balances at December 31, 2002-

                          

Deposits at credit and financial institutions

   10,205,195    842,615    75,910    45,727    4.2 %

Assets acquired under resale agreement

   4,664,761    1,623,713    2,013,134    93    6.6 %
    
  
  
  
      
     14,869,956    2,466,328    2,089,044    45,820       
    
  
  
  
      

Balances at December 31, 2001-

                          

Deposits at credit and financial institutions

   7,464,116    1,908,679    217,918    57,136    5.3 %

Assets acquired under resale agreement

   10,574,970    119,578    —      —      5.4 %
    
  
  
  
      
     18,039,086    2,028,257    217,918    57,136       
    
  
  
  
      

 

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(8) TOTAL NET LENDING

 

The detail, by currency and borrower sector, of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

By currency:

                  

In euros

   120,152,594     106,589,553     98,982,084  

In foreign currencies

   28,674,680     34,725,459     51,237,736  
    

 

 

     148,827,274     141,315,012     150,219,820  
    

 

 

By sector:

                  

Public sector

   13,403,575     12,561,840     12,195,701  

Agriculture

   1,056,589     698,161     533,339  

Industrial

   11,991,104     11,970,286     11,377,851  

Real estate and construction

   14,823,377     13,651,669     12,767,362  

Trade and finance

   12,742,051     9,336,199     8,676,667  

Loans to individuals

   44,159,656     38,514,900     36,105,108  

Lease

   4,159,904     3,216,394     2,684,525  

Other

   13,332,683     12,923,030     10,899,947  
    

 

 

Total resident borrowers

   115,668,939     102,872,479     95,240,500  
    

 

 

Non-resident sector

   37,601,874     43,540,228     60,907,023  
    

 

 

Europe

   8,266,581     7,453,873     8,636,490  

USA

   3,126,236     772,262     1,052,007  

Latin America

   25,070,254     31,335,166     46,382,514  

Other countries

   1,138,803     3,978,927     4,836,012  

Less-

                  

Loan loss provisions (Notes 2-f and 3-c)

   (4,001,896 )   (4,771,009 )   (5,715,979 )

Country-risk provisions (Notes 2-f and 3-c)

   (441,643 )   (326,686 )   (211,724 )
    

 

 

     148,827,274     141,315,012     150,219,820  
    

 

 

 

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The detail, by maturity, loan type and status, of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, disregarding the balance of the “Loan Loss Provisions” and “Country-Risk Provisions” accounts in the foregoing detail, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

By maturity:

              

Up to 3 months

   35,213,097    39,559,494    45,470,250

3 months to 1 year

   27,869,528    22,308,438    25,519,364

1 to 5 years

   37,875,262    37,365,648    34,911,609

Over 5 years

   52,312,926    47,179,127    50,246,300
    
  
  
     153,270,813    146,412,707    156,147,523
    
  
  

By loan type and status:

              

Commercial bills

   9,649,948    9,326,491    11,051,537

Financial bills

   34,261    29,154    55,931

Secured loans

   64,008,734    57,590,451    56,485,533

Assets acquired under resale agreement (Notes 6, 7, 17 and 18)

   1,826,238    318,107    406,782

Other term loans

   64,335,445    66,332,030    74,465,447

Demand and other loans

   5,969,772    5,303,066    7,350,174

Financial leases

   4,773,894    4,040,129    3,657,087

Nonperforming loans

   2,672,521    3,473,279    2,675,032
    
  
  
     153,270,813    146,412,707    156,147,523
    
  
  

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the balance of the “Nonperforming Loans” caption included under this heading in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousand of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   3,473,279     2,675,032     2,798,861  
    

 

 

Additions

   2,394,975     4,275,505     3,830,127  

Recoveries

   (1,632,605 )   (1,773,530 )   (2,108,562 )

Transfers to bad debts

   (1,252,221 )   (889,913 )   (1,845,394 )

Exchange differences and other

   (310,907 )   (813,815 )   —    
    

 

 

Ending balance

   2,672,521     3,473,279     2,675,032  
    

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the face amount of the assets, basically loans, credits and securities pledged as security for own and third-party obligations, amounted to €17,367,909 thousand, €18,190,848 thousand and €11,200,566 thousand, respectively, and related basically to the pledge of certain assets as security for financing facilities with the Bank of Spain (Note 17) and to a portion of the assets assigned to mortgage bond issues which, pursuant to the Mortgage Market Law are admitted as security for obligations to third parties.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, there were no loans to customers without fixed maturity dates.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, €2,586,891 thousand, €2,910,899 thousand and €3,328,692 thousand, respectively, of loans were transferred to securitization funds.

 

Assets under financial lease contracts are reflected in the “Financial Leases” account in the foregoing detail at the principal amount of the unmatured lease payments, plus the residual value applicable for purchase option purposes, excluding financial charges and VAT.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the outstanding amounts of the loans granted to employees and customers for the acquisition of shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. were €13,269 thousand, €17,286 thousand and €107,605 thousand, respectively.

 

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The advances and loans granted to Bank directors as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, totaled € 261 thousand, €1,099 thousand and €6,091 thousand, respectively, and earned annual interest between 4% and 5%. As of December 31, 2002, no guarantees had been provided for them. As of December 31, 2001, the guarantees provided for directors amounted to €142 thousand.

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the overall balance of the “Loan Loss Provisions” and “Country-Risk Provisions” accounts in the above detail and of the provisions allocated to credit institutions (Note 7) and to fixed-income securities (Note 9) were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   5,345,883     6,320,008     8,155,054  
    

 

 

Net charge for the year:

                  

Nonperforming loan provision

   1,401,414     1,889,927     2,216,479  

Country-risk provision (Note 2-c)

   258,762     286,195     77,146  

Reversals

   (317,130 )   (433,964 )   (293,588 )
    

 

 

     1,343,046     1,742,158     2,000,037  

Variations in the consolidable Group (Note 4)

   (75,389 )   (1,861 )   11,942  

Transfer from (to) loan writeoffs

   (1,062,758 )   (1,333,611 )   (1,872,345 )

Transfer to foreclosed asset provisions (Note 14)

   (11,410 )   (8,156 )   (8,105 )

Other variations:

                  

Exchange differences

   (710,514 )   (1,441,192 )   715,277  

Use of the specific FOBAPROA promissory note Fund

   —       —       (3,259,265 )

Transfer to provision for off-balance-sheet risks (Note 20)

   62,275     (86,278 )   (38,664 )

Provision recorded for the exchange of fixed-income securities for secured loans in Argentina (Note 3-o) (*)

   —       —       434,874  

Other

   (155,248 )   154,815     181,203  
    

 

 

Ending balance

   4,735,885     5,345,883     6,320,008  
    

 

 


(*) As of December 31, 2002, this amount was recorded in the “Exchange Differences” (€301,224 thousand) and “Transfer to Loan Writeoffs” (€133,650 thousand) accounts.

 

The €227,179 thousand, €207,677 thousand and €287,735 thousand of written-off loans recovered in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively are presented net of the balances of the “Net Loan Loss Provisions” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. This caption also includes the write offs of loans classified as bad debts, which amounted to €161,079 thousand in 2003, €208,857 thousand in 2002 and €206,928 thousand in 2001.

 

The detail of the total risk exposure as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, to third parties outside the Group in countries experiencing differing degrees of debt-servicing difficulty (country-risk) and of the provisions recorded for coverage thereof, which are included in the loan loss provisions (Note 3-c), is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Country-risk

   926,700     1,046,687     1,404,722  

Provision recorded (*)

   613,140     482,719     493,942  

% of coverage

   66.2 %   46.1 %   35.2 %

(*) €447,443 thousand, €353,264 thousand and €218,605 thousand of these amounts as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, were recorded in the “Country-Risk Provision” account. The remaining amounts were recorded in the “Specific Risk Provision” account.

 

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The country-risk amount as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, does not include assets for which insurance policies have been taken out with third parties that include coverage of the risk of confiscation, expropriation, nationalization, nontransfer, nonconvertibility and, if appropriate, war and political violence. The sum insured as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, amounted to US$ 466 million, US$ 584 million and US$ 555 million, respectively (approximately €369 million, €557 million and €629 million).

 

Also, pursuant to current Bank of Spain regulations, the provision for off-balance-sheet risk losses, recorded under the “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses - Other Provisions” caption (Notes 2-f and 20) on the liability side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets amounted to €209,270, €271,545 thousand and €185,268 thousand, respectively, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

(9) DEBENTURES AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES

 

The breakdown, by currency, issuer sector, listing status and type, of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

By currency:

                  

In euros

   24,201,930     18,785,929     22,570,025  

In foreign currencies

   28,734,036     30,347,250     39,080,913  
    

 

 

     52,935,966     49,133,179     61,650,938  
    

 

 

By type:

                  

Held-to-maturity portfolio

   510,709     522,077     596,769  

Available-for-sale portfolio

   32,410,725     28,914,106     41,805,296  

Trading portfolio

   20,014,532     19,696,996     19,248,873  
    

 

 

     52,935,966     49,133,179     61,650,938  
    

 

 

By sector:

                  

Resident public sector

   1,174,997     1,436,106     1,351,886  

Resident credit institutions

   457,427     258,027     459,373  

Other resident sectors

   2,481,168     2,441,327     2,468,122  

Other non-resident sectors

   49,017,438     45,125,706     57,628,725  

Europe

   20,670,609     14,629,779     18,622,973  

USA

   5,161,076     2,905,029     2,533,603  

Latin America

   22,324,498     26,765,261     35,257,299  

Other countries

   861,255     825,637     1,214,850  

Less-

                  

Securities revaluation reserve (Note 2-f)

   (73,958 )   (2,586 )   (3,396 )

Loan loss and country-risk provisions (Notes 2-f, 3-c and 8)

   (121,106 )   (125,401 )   (253,772 )
    

 

 

     52,935,966     49,133,179     61,650,938  
    

 

 

By listing status:

                  

Listed

   46,264,545     37,955,161     45,144,591  

Unlisted

   6,671,421     11,178,018     16,506,347  
    

 

 

     52,935,966     49,133,179     61,650,938  
    

 

 

 

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The breakdown, by maturity, of the balance of the fixed-income portfolio classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, disregarding the “Securities Revaluation Reserve” and the “Loan Loss and Country-Risk Provisions” accounts in the foregoing detail in 2003, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     Up to 1 Year

   1 to 5 Years

   Over 5 Years

Balances at December 31, 2003-

              

Fixed-income portfolio:

              

Held-to-maturity portfolio

   10,361    442,771    57,577

Available-for-sale portfolio

   3,352,499    15,337,545    13,915,745
    
  
  
     3,362,860    15,780,316    13,973,322
    
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2002-

              

Fixed-income portfolio:

              

Held-to-maturity portfolio

   10,355    432,307    79,415

Available-for-sale portfolio

   4,224,678    10,960,229    13,729,199
    
  
  
     4,235,033    11,392,536    13,808,614
    
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2001-

              

Fixed-income portfolio:

              

Held-to-maturity portfolio

   74,755    355,701    166,313

Available-for-sale portfolio

   9,624,030    22,233,218    9,948,048
    
  
  
     9,698,785    22,588,919    10,114,361
    
  
  

 

In 2003 securities in the trading portfolio amounting to €893,242 thousand (€1,054,336 thousand in 2002) were transferred to the available-for-sale portfolio at market prices.

 

The acquisition cost of the securities assigned to the trading portfolio was €19,870,277 thousand as of December 31, 2003 (€19,598,881 thousand as of December 31, 2002 and €19,278,581 thousand as of December 31, 2001).

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the market value of the debentures and other debt securities included in the available-for-sale portfolio amounted to €32,590,300 thousand, €28,971,860 thousand and €41,774,037 thousand, respectively.

 

The market value of the securities assigned to the held-to-maturity portfolio amounted €542,590 thousand, €561,760 thousand and €648,306 thousand as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the face value of the securities which were securing financing lines assigned by the Bank of Spain and other central banks amounted to €12,231,516 thousand (€7,091,312 thousand as of December 31, 2002).

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, a portion of the debt securities on hand had been sold under repurchase agreement basically to private-sector depositors and is recorded under the “Deposits - Other Deposits” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Note 18).

 

The balance of the “Available-for-Sale Portfolio - Other Nonresident Sectors” caption includes promissory notes issued by the Banking Fund for the Protection of Savings (FOBAPROA) in Mexico, now the Banking Institute for the Protection of Savings (IPAB). These promissory notes arose as part of the measures adopted by the Mexican government as a result of the banking crisis suffered due to the economic situation in Mexico at the end of 1994 and in 1995. Under certain regulations, the banks transferred to the Mexican government a portion of the loan portfolio with payment difficulties. These transactions were structured as a transfer of future rights to the flows generated by the loans. In exchange for these rights, the credit institutions received nontransferable FOBAPROA promissory notes of an amount equal to the net book value (net of the provisions) of the assets subject to the scheme. As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, these promissory notes amounted to €9,030,338 thousand, €11,173,894 thousand and €15,661,263 thousand, respectively. The promissory notes earn capitalizable interest and are payable through maturity in 2005. The interest on these promissory notes is recorded under the “Financial Revenues” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In accordance with the terms established in the agreements with FOBAPROA, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer is responsible for 25% of the losses arising from the difference between the amount of the FOBAPROA promissory notes at the commencement of the transaction plus the accumulated accrued interest and the recoveries of the loans subject to the program. This contingency was written off.

 

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The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, disregarding the “Securities Revaluation Reserve” and the “Loan Loss Provisions”, were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   49,261,166     61,908,106     60,642,296  
    

 

 

Purchases

   5,705,603,539     6,215,765,285     4,995,049,443  

Sales and redemptions

   (5,685,935,563 )   (6,220,035,030 )   (4,987,490,780 )

Transfers and other

   (15,798,112 )   (8,377,195 )   (6,292,843 )
    

 

 

Ending balance

   53,131,030     49,261,166     61,908,106  
    

 

 

 

The variations in the balance of the “Securities Revaluation Reserve” account in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

   2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   2,586    3,396     48,706  
    
  

 

Provisions with a charge to asset accrual accounts (Note 3-d)

   69,687    —       —    

Transfers and other

   1,685    (810 )   (45,310 )
    
  

 

Ending balance

   73,958    2,586     3,396  
    
  

 

 

(10) COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES

 

This caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the shares of companies generally less than 20% owned (less than 3% if listed), and units in mutual funds. The detail of the balances of this caption, by currency and listing status, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

By currency:

                  

In euros

   2,390,882     1,986,299     2,357,074  

In foreign currencies

   701,182     1,021,193     1,316,625  
    

 

 

     3,092,064     3,007,492     3,673,699  
    

 

 

By type:

                  

Available-for-sale portfolio

   1,062,650     2,075,564     2,641,419  

Trading portfolio

   2,029,414     931,928     1,032,280  
    

 

 

     3,092,064     3,007,492     3,673,699  
    

 

 

By listing status:

                  

Listed

   2,541,383     2,447,460     2,435,746  

Unlisted

   622,334     800,758     1,391,608  

Less-

                  

Securities revaluation reserve (Notes 2-f and 3-e)

   (71,653 )   (240,726 )   (153,655 )
    

 

 

     3,092,064     3,007,492     3,673,699  
    

 

 

 

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The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, disregarding the securities revaluation reserve, were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   3,248,218     3,827,354     3,154,171  
    

 

 

Purchases

   12,093,943     16,582,585     15,656,407  

Sales

   (12,082,488 )   (16,336,109 )   (15,853,984 )

Other

   (95,956 )   (825,612 )   870,760  
    

 

 

Ending balance

   3,163,717     3,248,218     3,827,354  
    

 

 

 

Exhibit IV lists the Group’s direct or indirect acquisitions of holdings in companies, the percentages of ownership acquired net of subsequent sales, and the notification dates thereof, in compliance with the provisions of Article 86 of the Corporations Law and Article 53 of Securities Market Law 24/1988.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the market value of the shares and other equity securities included under this caption exceeded their book value by €104,680 thousand, €125,789 thousand and €77,645 thousand, respectively.

 

The acquisition cost of the securities assigned to the trading portfolio amounted to €1,943,149 thousand as of December 31, 2003, and €942,194 thousand as of December 31, 2002. As of December 31, 2001, the book value of the securities in the trading portfolio did not significantly differ from their acquisition cost.

 

The variations in the balances of the “Securities Revaluation Reserve” account in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   240,726     153,655     115,472  
    

 

 

Net charge for the year

   (33,252 )   161,794     (12,665 )

Amount used

   (136,187 )   (62,143 )   (5,998 )

Transfer and other

   366     (12,580 )   56,846  
    

 

 

Ending balance

   71,653     240,726     153,655  
    

 

 

 

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(11) INVESTMENTS IN NON-GROUP COMPANIES

 

This caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflects the ownership interests in the capital of other companies which, although not constituting a single decision-making unit, have a lasting relationship with the Group pursuant to Article 185.2 of the Corporations Law and Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991, which generally range from 20% (3% if listed) to 50%.

 

The “Other Investments in Associated Companies” account in the following table includes the holdings in companies acquired by the Group but not intended to be held at long-term and the holdings for which hedging futures transactions have been arranged (Note 2-c).

 

The detail of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

By currency:

                  

In euros

   5,333,309     5,891,886     6,333,502  

In foreign currencies

   259,915     132,289     308,433  
    

 

 

     5,593,224     6,024,175     6,641,935  
    

 

 

By listing status:

                  

Listed

   5,172,770     5,614,439     6,048,381  

Unlisted

   420,492     409,818     595,345  

Less-

                  

Securities revaluation reserve (Notes 2-f and 3-e)

   (38 )   (82 )   (1,791 )
    

 

 

     5,593,224     6,024,175     6,641,935  
    

 

 

By type of investment:

                  

Long-term investments

   4,619,803     4,921,149     5,605,568  

Other investments in associated companies

   973,421     1,103,026     1,036,367  
    

 

 

     5,593,224     6,024,175     6,641,935  
    

 

 

 

€889,243 thousand, €1,024,136 thousand and €1,144,862 thousand of the foregoing balances as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, related to investments in credit institutions, basically Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, S.p.A., Banco Bradesco, S.A. and Banco Atlántico, S.A. in 2003 and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, S.p.A., Credit Lyonnais, S.A., Banco Atlántico, S.A. and Wafabank, S.A. in 2002 and 2001. Exhibit II lists the main associated companies, showing the percentages of direct and indirect ownership, the book values of these investments and other relevant information.

 

The variations in the balances of this caption in the accompanying 2003, 2002 and 2001 consolidated balance sheets, disregarding the securities revaluation reserve, were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   6,024,257     6,643,726     7,468,376  
    

 

 

Capital increase and purchases

   2,128,197     1,707,627     1,461,962  

Sales

   (2,440,890 )   (1,824,169 )   (2,098,674 )

First-time consolidation differences (Note 13), transfers (Note 12) and other

   (118,302 )   (502,927 )   (187,938 )
    

 

 

Year-end balance

   5,593,262     6,024,257     6,643,726  
    

 

 

 

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The most notable transactions in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

 

Investments-

 

2003

 

- In March 2003 Desarrollo Inmobiliario de Lanzarote, S.A. was incorporated, in which BBVA acquired a holding of 40.8% for €4.4 million.

 

- In May a 35% holding in the capital stock of Telefónica Data de Colombia, S.A. was acquired for €4.1 million.

 

- In June 2003, 4.44% of Banco Bradesco, S.A. was acquired as part of the sale of BBVA Brasil and Subsidiaries to this entity (Note 4). During November and December, an additional 0.56% of Banco Bradesco was acquired by BBVA Brasil, raising the BBVA Group’s ownership interest to 5% as of December 31, 2003.

 

- In June 2003 Inensur Brunete, S.L. was formed, in which BBVA acquired a holding of 50% for €9.6 million.

 

- In 2003 further holdings representing 0.176% of the capital stock of Gas Natural, S.A. were acquired for €12.7 million, raising the BBVA Group’s ownership interest to 3.241%.

 

2002

 

- In 2002 further shares representing 0.202% of the capital stock of Gas Natural, S.A. were acquired for €16 million, raising the BBVA Group’s ownership interest to 3.065%.

 

- During 2002 several purchases and sales took place giving rise to a 0.164% increase in the Group’s holding in Telefónica de España, S.A. The sales gave rise to a gain of €8 million.

 

2001

 

- In 2001 a holding of 4.87% in Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, S.p.A. was acquired for €398,074 thousand.

 

- In the last quarter of 2001 a holding of 1.875% in Wafabank, S.A. was acquired for a total of €9,232 thousand.

 

Divestments-

 

2003

 

- In March 2003 25% of Metrovacesa Residencial, S.A. was sold, giving rise to a gain of €2.1 million on the transaction.

 

- In June 2003 the tender offer on the shares of Credit Lyonnais launched by Credit Agricole, S.A. and SACAM Development in December 2002 was performed, giving rise to a gain of approximately €342 million for the Bank’s 3.37% holding in this company.

 

- In July 2003 the Group sold 3% of Gamesa, giving rise to a gain of €29.9 million.

 

- In July 2003 the entire holding in the capital stock of Terra Networks (1.40%) was sold, giving rise to a gain of €1.88 million.

 

- In September 2003 20% of Soc. Adm. P.C. Porvenir was sold, giving rise to a gain of €12.78 million.

 

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- In the last quarter of 2003, 2.465% of the capital stock of Repsol-YPF was sold, giving rise to loss of €73.3 million.

 

- In December 2003 the Group sold its 50% holding in Lend Lease México, giving rise to a gain of €1.35 million.

 

- In 2003 several purchases and sales took place the result of which was a reduction of 0.569% of the holding in Telefónica de España, S.A. The sales generated a gain of €220 million.

 

- In 2003 several purchases and sales took place, the result of which was a reduction of 1.018% of the holding in Iberdrola. The sales generated a gain of €45.32 million.

 

- The Group sold all of its 9.9% holding (641,825 shares) in the Moroccan bank Wafabank, S.A. to Omnium Nord Africain, S.A. The total sale price was 529,505,625 dirhams (approximately €48 million) and gave rise to a gain for the Bank of €3.5 million.

 

Lastly:

 

- In December 2003, Banco Sabadell, S.A. launched a tender offer on the shares of Banco Atlántico, S.A. of €71.79 per share. The transaction is expected to be performed in 2004 and will give rise to a gain of approximately €218 million for the Group’s total holding in this company.

 

- In January 2004, the Group sold 2.2 % of the capital stock of Gas Natural, S.D.G. Using as reference the price of the transaction performed on that date, €70 million of the related consolidation goodwill were amortized early in the 2003 financial statements (Note 13).

 

2002

 

- In 2002 and as a result of certain corporate agreements, shares of Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) were purchased and sold with no variation in the percentage of ownership. Also, in the framework of these corporate agreements there was a dilutive effect which brought the percentage of ownership to 14.614%. These purchases and sales gave rise to a capital loss at the Group amounting to €15 million.

 

- A 1.756% holding in Iberdrola, S.A. was sold in 2002, giving rise to a gain of €75 million

 

- In the first quarter of 2002 the Group sold 3.823% of its holding in Metrovacesa, giving rise to gains of €14 million. In June 2002, BBVA and BAMI, S.A. Inmobiliaria de Construcciones y Terrenos agreed on the sale of 23.9% of the capital stock of Metrovacesa, S.A. for €545.4 million (€36.55 per share), which was formally executed once the authorization from the antitrust authorities was obtained. As a result of this sale, as of December 31, 2002, the BBVA Group had a 0.581% holding in Metrovacesa, S.A. and obtained a gain of approximately €361 million. This holding is recorded under the “Common Stocks and Other Equity Securities” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet (Note 10).

 

- Shares representing 4.612% of the capital stock of Acesa Infraestructuras, S.A. were sold in 2002 for €171 million at a gain of €20 million.

 

- In 2002 the Group sold a 7.641% holding in the capital stock of Acerinox, S.A. at a gain of €66 million.

 

2001

 

- Sale, in the first quarter of 2001, of Axa-Aurora, S.A., giving rise to gains for the Group of €95,825 thousand.

 

- In the first few months of 2001, the holding in Finaxa was reduced by 2.924%, giving rise to gains of €121,134 thousand.

 

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- Also, in the first few months of 2001, the Group’s holding in Profuturo GNP, S.A. de C.V. was sold as part of the reorganization of business activities at Group Bancomer. This transaction gave rise to gains of €77,813 thousand.

 

- In 2001, the Group permanently reduced its holding in Telefónica de España, S.A. to 5.138% as of December 31, 2001, giving rise to gains of €352,926 thousand, arising mainly from the holding hedged by futures transactions.

 

- In 2001, the Group reduced its holding in the capital stock of Iberdrola, S.A. by 0.827%, giving rise to gains of €36,343 thousand.

 

- In 2001 sales and purchases were performed that led to a reduction in the Group’s total holding in Repsol YPF, S.A equivalent to 1.339% of the capital stock and which gave rise to gains of €84,797 thousand.

 

- In December 2001, the Group fully disposed of its 39.073% holding in Bodegas y Bebidas, S.A., giving rise to gains of €50,647 thousand.

 

- In December 2001, the Group sold its entire holding in Seguros BBV Probursa, giving rise to gains of €11,017 thousand.

 

The gains and losses obtained on the aforementioned transactions are recorded under the “Income on Group Transactions” and “Losses on Group Transactions” captions, respectively, in the accompanying 2003, 2002 and 2001 consolidated statements of income.

 

Exhibit IV lists the notifications by the Group in compliance with Article 86 of the Corporations Law and Article 53 of Securities Market Law 24/1988.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the market price of the shares and other equity securities included in this caption of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets exceeded their net book value by approximately €1,319,748 thousand, after taking into account the related goodwill, negative consolidation differences and hedges of certain holdings. As of December 31, 2002, the market price of the shares and other equity securities included in this caption of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets was lower than their net book value by approximately €159,496 thousand and as of December 31, 2001, the market price of the shares and other equity securities included in this caption of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets was higher than their net book value by approximately €2,009,917 thousand (Note 13).

 

The variations in the balances of the “Securities Revaluation Reserve” account in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

 

    

Thousands

of Euros


 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   82     1,791     15,080  
    

 

 

Charge for the year

   —       —       21,300  

Reversals

   —       (3,366 )   (1,695 )

Transfer to common stocks and other equity securities

   —       —       (32,396 )

Other variations

   (44 )   1,657     (498 )
    

 

 

Year-end balance

   38     82     1,791  
    

 

 

 

(12) INVESTMENTS IN GROUP COMPANIES

 

This caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets reflects the investments in subsidiaries, which are generally majority-owned and were not fully consolidated because their business activities are not directly related with those of the Group.

 

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The breakdown, by currency and listing status, of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

By currency:

              

In euros

   795,806    779,876    732,249

In foreign currencies

   259,063    259,812    381,895
    
  
  
     1,054,869    1,039,688    1,114,144
    
  
  

By listing status:

              

Listed

   —      —      3,011

Unlisted

   1,054,869    1,039,688    1,111,133
    
  
  
     1,054,869    1,039,688    1,114,144
    
  
  

 

Exhibit III presents relevant information about the companies comprising the balance of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the balance of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   1,039,688     1,114,144     1,169,684  
    

 

 

Capital increases and purchases

   131,324     75,332     242,899  

Sales

   (58,997 )   (73,490 )   (250,075 )

Exchange differences

   (37,972 )   (95,400 )   (9,544 )

Transfers (Note 11) and other

   (19,174 )   19,102     (38,820 )
    

 

 

Ending balance

   1,054,869     1,039,688     1,114,144  
    

 

 

 

On December 27, 2002, the Special Shareholders’ Meeting of BBVA Seguros, S.A. de Seguros y Reaseguros resolved to increase its capital stock by €30 million, with additional paid-in capital of €19 million, through the issuance of approximately 5 million shares for €9.82 per share (€6.01 par value each and the remainder as additional paid-in capital). The Group subscribed a total of 4.9 million shares for a total amount of €49,085 thousand.

 

In 2003 BBVA Desarrollos Inmobiliarios increased capital by €63 million.

 

As of December 31, 2003, there were no capital increases in progress at nonconsolidable subsidiaries other than the one described above.

 

In 1990, 1994 and 1995, tax assessments for 1986 to 1990 were issued to the nonconsolidable subsidiaries BBVA Seguros, S.A. (formerly Euroseguros, S.A.) and Senorte Vida y Pensiones, S.A. totaling €88,066 thousand of principal and €39,072 thousand of late-payment interest, plus €66,057 thousand of penalties, after adjustment pursuant to the revised General Tax Law. The companies filed pleadings and appeals against the assessments and several administrative decisions and court rulings were handed down in 1997 through 2000. As a result of application of the criteria set forth in these court rulings, some of which have been appealed against by the Group and by the Spanish tax authorities, the tax debts would be reduced to €50,677 thousand of principal and €19,851 thousand of interest. In order to file these appeals, the Bank provided guarantees totaling €85,193 thousand to the tax authorities. In 2003 further court rulings were handed down, which have been appealed against and are being analyzed by the Group’s directors and legal advisers; in any case, however, the possible effects of these rulings would not materially affect the accompanying consolidated financial statements since, in accordance with the accounting principle of prudence, adequate provisions have been recorded therefor.

 

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(13) CONSOLIDATION GOODWILL AND NEGATIVE CONSOLIDATION DIFFERENCE

 

The detail, by company, of the balances of the “Consolidation Goodwill” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, and of the variations therein in 2003, and 2002, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     Balance at
12/31/02


   Additions
(Notes 4
and 11)


  

Retirements

(Notes 4
and 11)


   

Amortization

(Note 3-g)


    Exchange
Differences
and Other


    Balance at
12/31/03


Fully or proportionally consolidated companies (Note 4)-

                                

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   1,955,340    160,615    —       (250,428 )   —       1,865,527

AFORE Bancomer

   310,727    —      —       (39,398 )   (232 )   271,097

Provida Group

   204,049    —      —       (40,848 )   —       163,201

BBVA Chile, S.A.

   66,840    1,043    (337 )   (10,601 )   —       56,945

BBVA Puerto Rico, S.A.

   51,648    —      —       (8,655 )   (6,536 )   36,457

Finanzia, Banco de Crédito, S.A.

   6,890    —      —       (1,728 )   —       5,162

BBVA (Portugal), S.A.

   19,035    —      —       (3,120 )   —       15,915

Banco de Crédito Local, S.A.

   240,907    —      —       (29,808 )   —       211,099

AFP Porvenir, S.A. (Dominican Republic)

   —      11,789    —       (410 )   7     11,386

Other companies

   16,109    9,749    (9,557 )   (1,971 )   (230 )   14,100
    
  
  

 

 

 
     2,871,545    183,196    (9,894 )   (386,967 )   (6,991 )   2,650,889
    
  
  

 

 

 

Companies accounted for by the equity method (Note 11)-

                                

Telefónica, S.A.

   438,046    129,431    (140,089 )   (30,747 )   —       396,641

Repsol YPF, S.A.

   116,609    —      (33,479 )   (7,631 )   —       75,499

Gas Natural, S.D.G.

   189,436    5,434    —       (81,489 )   —       113,381

Seguros Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   162,622    —      —       (18,946 )   (6,997 )   136,679

Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, S.p.A.

   298,796    —      —       (48,336 )   —       250,460

Crédit Lyonnais, S.A.

   71,658    —      (67,288 )   (4,370 )   —       —  

Iberia, S.A.

   35,331    —      —       (2,100 )   —       33,231

Iberdrola, S.A.

   34,785    9,220    (8,150 )   (2,380 )   —       33,475

Acerinox, S.A.

   2,219    —      —       (168 )   —       2,051

Wafabank, S.A.

   17,464    —      (15,001 )   (2,463 )   —       —  

Pensiones Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   10,506    —      —       (1,080 )   (1,649 )   7,777

Bradesco, S.A.

   —      48,589    —       (48,589 )   —       —  

Other companies (Note 3-g)

   8,329    2,965    (1,280 )   (4,083 )   399     6,330
    
  
  

 

 

 
     1,385,801    195,639    (265,287 )   (252,382 )   (8,247 )   1,055,524
    
  
  

 

 

 
     4,257,346    378,835    (275,181 )   (639,349 )   (15,238 )   3,706,413
    
  
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents
    Thousands of Euros

    Balance at
12/31/01


 

Additions
(Notes 4

and 11)


 

Retirements

(Notes 4
and 11)


   

Amortization

(Note 3-g)


    Exchange
Differences
and Other


    Balance at
12/31/02


Fully or proportionally consolidated companies (Note 4)-

                             

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

  1,861,034   338,350   (8,379 )   (235,659 )   (6 )   1,955,340

AFORE Bancomer

  364,387   —     —       (40,139 )   (13,521 )   310,727

Provida Group

  244,894   —     —       (40,848 )   3     204,049

BBVA Chile, S.A.

  74,988   2,574   (368 )   (10,354 )   —       66,840

BBVA Puerto Rico, S.A.

  73,473   —     —       (9,085 )   (12,740 )   51,648

BBVA Horizonte Pensiones y Cesantías,

S.A. – Colombia

  69,183   —     —       (64,960 )   (4,223 )   —  

AFP Horizonte, S.A. – Peru

  28,590   —     —       (28,490 )   (100 )   —  

Midas Group (Portugal)

  18,001   —     (15,459 )   (2,542 )   —       —  

BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. (Note 3-o)

  —     34,789   —       (34,789 )   —       —  

Finanzia, Banco de Crédito, S.A.

  8,618   —     —       (1,728 )   —       6,890

BBVA (Portugal), S.A.

  4,700   15,459   (546 )   (578 )   —       19,035

Banco de Crédito Local, S.A.

  270,715   —     —       (29,808 )   —       240,907

BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A.

  4,429   19   —       (4,448 )   —       —  

Other companies

  21,895   10,956   —       (16,466 )   (276 )   16,109
   
 
 

 

 

 
    3,044,907   402,147   (24,752 )   (519,894 )   (30,863 )   2,871,545
   
 
 

 

 

 

Companies accounted for by the equity method (Note 11)-

                             

Telefónica, S.A.

  424,687   41,101   (4,149 )   (23,593 )   —       438,046

Repsol YPF, S.A.

  124,289   —     —       (7,680 )   —       116,609

Gas Natural, S.D.G.

  191,753   8,681   —       (10,998 )   —       189,436

Seguros Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

  195,659   —     —       (20,526 )   (12,511 )   162,622

Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, S.p.A.

  338,026   29,853   (11,588 )   (57,495 )   —       298,796

Crédit Lyonnais, S.A.

  77,391   4,531   —       (10,264 )   —       71,658

Autopistas Concesionaria Española, S.A.

  59,121   —     (56,856 )   (2,265 )   —       —  

Iberia, S.A.

  37,431   —     —       (2,100 )   —       35,331

Iberdrola, S.A.

  46,717   —     (9,954 )   (1,978 )   —       34,785

Acerinox, S.A.

  22,808   —     (19,881 )   (708 )   —       2,219

Wafabank, S.A.

  20,152   —     —       (2,688 )   —       17,464

Pensiones Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

  14,748   —     —       (1,440 )   (2,802 )   10,506

Other companies

  19,453   10,837   (3,566 )   (17,541 )   (854 )   8,329
   
 
 

 

 

 
    1,572,235   95,003   (105,994 )   (159,276 )   (16,167 )   1,385,801
   
 
 

 

 

 
    4,617,142   497,150   (130,746 )   (679,170 )   (47,030 )   4,257,346
   
 
 

 

 

 

 

€48,589 thousand of the amortization recorded in the 2003 consolidated statement of income (of which €34,719 thousand had been provisioned as of December 2002) relate to the early amortization of the consolidation goodwill of Banco Bradesco, S.A. (Note 4).

 

Also, €70,045 thousand of consolidation goodwill relating to Gas Natural, S.D.G. were amortized early (Note 11).

 

Per the information available, the estimated future revenues attributable to the Group from each of the investments generating goodwill in the remaining amortization period of this goodwill exceed the related unamortized balances as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the balances of the “Negative Consolidation Difference” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   47,554     42,744     47,828  

Additions

   1,507     12,269     14,131  

Retirements

   (10,349 )   (7,459 )   (19,215 )
    

 

 

Ending balance

   38,712     47,554     42,744  
    

 

 

 

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(14) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Property and equipment-

 

The variations in 2003 and 2002 in property and equipment accounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
    

Land and

Buildings

for Own Use


   

Other

Property


   

Furniture,

Fixtures

and Other


    TOTAL

 

Revalued cost-

                        

Balances at 2001 year-end

   3,456,216     1,793,192     5,781,159     11,030,567  

Additions

   25,500     244,981     480,546     751,027  

Retirements

   (111,503 )   (544,393 )   (290,761 )   (946,657 )

Transfers

   (136,913 )   158,576     (21,663 )   —    

Exchange difference and other

   (491,711 )   (467,296 )   (845,944 )   (1,804,951 )

Balances at 2002 year-and

   2,741,589     1,185,060     5,103,337     9,029,986  

Additions

   23,593     151,328     305,999     480,920  

Retirements

   (71,658 )   (236,418 )   (477,636 )   (785,712 )

Transfers

   299,473     (223,136 )   (76,337 )   —    

Exchange difference and other

   (110,693 )   (330,184 )   (363,736 )   (804,613 )
    

 

 

 

Balances at 2003 year-end

   2,882,304     546,650     4,491,627     7,920,581  
    

 

 

 

Accumulated depreciation-

                        

Balances at 2001 year-end

   885,591     27,941     3,553,682     4,467,214  

Additions

   61,592     851     444,889     507,332  

Retirements

   (29,241 )   (29,633 )   (140,017 )   (198,891 )

Transfers

   (18,575 )   19,382     (807 )   —    

Exchange difference and other

   (131,674 )   (1,671 )   (554,807 )   (688,152 )

Balances at 2002 year-end

   767,693     16,870     3,302,940     4,087,503  

Additions

   51,127     1,373     336,467     388,967  

Retirements

   (18,052 )   (8,774 )   (317,251 )   (344,077 )

Transfers

   (41,036 )   11,230     29,806     —    

Exchange difference and other

   (118,710 )   2,805     (261,161 )   (377,066 )
    

 

 

 

Balances at 2003 year-end

   641,022     23,504     3,090,801     3,755,327  
    

 

 

 

Provisions for property and equipment (Note 2-f)-

                        

Balances at 2001 year-end

   39,690     341,105     10,668     391,463  

Additions

   2,236     122,958     13,720     138,914  

Retirements

   (3,172 )   (104,076 )   (13,471 )   (120,719 )

Transfers

   2,718     (5,566 )   2,848     —    

Transfers from loan loss provisions (Note 8)

   —       8,156     —       8,156  

Exchange difference and other

   (5,863 )   (102,460 )   (973 )   (109,296 )

Balances at 2002 year-end

   35,609     260,117     12,792     308,518  

Additions

   —       92,671     11,798     104,469  

Retirements

   (9,802 )   (80,357 )   (3,884 )   (94,043 )

Transfers

   (21 )   (754 )   775     —    

Transfers from loan loss provisions (Note 8)

   —       11,410     —       11,410  

Exchange difference and other

   115,137     (69,548 )   (927 )   44,662  
    

 

 

 

Balances at 2003 year-end

   140,923     213,539     20,554     375,016  
    

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net-

                        

Balance at December 31, 2002

   1,938,287     908,073     1,787,605     4,633,965  
    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

   2,100,359     309,607     1,380,272     3,790,238  
    

 

 

 

 

In 2001, the variation in the property and equipment provision was due mainly to the cancellation of a Mexican Government support program (FOBA-70), which gave rise to the reversal of €470,960 thousand of provisions for the property assigned to this program.

 

The net property and equipment provisions of €86,340 thousand, €122,508 thousand and €111,127 thousand charged to 2003, 2002 and 2001 income, respectively, to supplement the loan loss provisions transferred when loans were foreclosed (Note 8), are recorded under the “Extraordinary Losses - Net Special Provisions” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (Notes 3-h and 28-g).

 

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The gains and losses on property and equipment disposals amounted to €95,884 thousand and €51,636 thousand, respectively, in 2003 (€195,493 thousand and €99,712 thousand, respectively, in 2002 and €325,827 thousand and €70,829 thousand, respectively, in 2001) and are included under the “Extraordinary Income” and “Extraordinary Losses” captions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income (Note 28-g).

 

The net book value as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, of the property and equipment of foreign subsidiaries was €1,659,530 thousand, €2,383,965 thousand and €3,754,114 thousand, respectively. Also, the amount of leased assets on which the purchase option is expected to be exercised was not material as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

Intangible assets-

 

The detail of the balance of intangible asset accounts as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

   Average
Amortization
Period


     2003

   2002

   2001

  

Incorporation and preopening expenses

   19,537    20,946    18,770    5

Computer software acquisition expenses

   265,874    201,187    272,851    3

Other deferred charges

   70,137    167,426    242,841    5

Other intangible assets

   6,480    9,078    7,621    5
    
  
  
    

Total

   362,028    398,637    542,083     
    
  
  
    

 

The variations in 2003 and 2002 in intangible asset accounts were as follows:

 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS


  

Thousands

of Euros


 

Balance at January 1, 2002

   542,083  
    

- Additions

   248,120  

- Period amortization

   (253,164 )

- Exchange differences and other

   (138,402 )
    

Balance at December 31, 2002

   398,637  
    

- Additions

   247,575  

- Period amortization

   (187,315 )

- Exchange differences and other

   (96,869 )
    

Balance at December 31, 2003

   362,028  
    

 

€66,583 thousand of computer software acquisition costs were amortized in 2003 (€129,475 thousand in 2002) with a charge to the “General Administrative Expenses - Other Administrative Expenses” caption in the consolidated statements of income.

 

€120,732 thousand, €123,689 thousand and €151,472 thousand of other expenses were amortized in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and were recorded under the “Depreciation and Amortization” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

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(15) OTHER ASSETS AND OTHER LIABILITIES

 

The detail of the balances of these captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Other assets-

              

Taxes receivable (Notes 3-l and 25):

              

Prepaid income tax

   2,688,983    2,911,123    3,574,478

Tax assets

   1,209,833    1,717,407    1,821,770

Interim dividends (Notes 2-d and 5)

   859,896    860,616    813,957

Checks drawn on credit institutions

   671,356    761,381    689,253

Clearing house

   422,755    369,066    761,248

Transactions in transit

   13,376    20,182    43,808

Options acquired (Note 3-m)

   740,696    665,438    879,142

Exchange differences on forward transactions (Note 3-b)

   362,571    663,091    471,488

Items to be adjusted for hedging futures transactions (Note 3-m)

   3,070,899    2,274,328    1,333,375

Financial transactions pending settlement

   49,412    30,590    25,026

Differences in pension provision less deferred contributions of Group companies in Spain (Note 3-j)

   469,143    507,504    468,300

Differences in pension provision of Group companies abroad (Note 3-j)

   171,854    187,234    —  

Other

   2,440,706    1,330,920    1,118,270
    
  
  
     13,171,480    12,298,880    12,000,115
    
  
  

Other liabilities-

              

Tax collection accounts

   1,937,736    2,089,075    1,867,879

Special accounts

   794,407    862,618    708,095

Payment obligations (Note 5)

   801,216    795,677    960,820

Options written (Note 3-m)

   958,040    993,126    1,251,854

Transactions in transit

   17,175    16,669    110,641

Items to be adjusted for hedging futures transactions (Note 3-m)

   3,013,819    1,696,545    290,890

Deferred income tax (Notes 3-l and 25)

   214,796    246,918    383,836

Financial transactions pending settlement

   233,517    80,797    160,422

Net effect on balance sheet of devaluation of Argentine peso

   —      —      440,235

Other

   2,793,808    2,954,480    2,967,973
    
  
  
     10,764,514    9,735,905    9,142,645
    
  
  

 

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(16) ACCRUAL ACCOUNTS

 

The detail of the balances of these asset and liability captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Assets:

              

Prepaid interest on funds taken at a discount (Note 3-n)

   290,992    308,603    418,521

Accrued interest earned on investments not taken at a Discount

   1,904,578    3,313,166    4,724,809

Prepaid expenses

   332,532    400,391    248,969

Deferred interest expenses

   121,751    50,311    57,090

Other accruals

   327,584    319,091    1,599,678
    
  
  
     2,977,437    4,391,562    7,049,067
    
  
  

Liabilities:

              

Unearned interest revenues on transactions taken at a discount (Note 3-n)

   131,172    110,972    169,654

Accrued costs incurred on funds not taken at a discount

   1,888,083    2,926,966    4,278,768

Accrued expenses

   742,317    763,308    917,126

Other accruals

   557,155    792,531    1,299,526
    
  
  
     3,318,727    4,593,777    6,665,074
    
  
  

 

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(17) DUE TO CREDIT INSTITUTIONS

 

The breakdown, by currency, type and customer residence sector, of the balances of this caption on the liability side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

By currency:

              

In euros

   38,278,736    32,482,221    36,508,793

In foreign currencies

   23,291,052    23,636,827    28,079,202
    
  
  
     61,569,788    56,119,048    64,587,995
    
  
  

By type:

              

Current accounts-

              

Current accounts

   32,275    133,796    52,240

Other accounts

   1,510,157    1,403,561    1,360,578
    
  
  
     1,542,432    1,537,357    1,412,818
    
  
  

Other-

              

Bank of Spain and other central banks:

              

Credit account drawdowns

   13,792,525    7,827,204    3,021,624

Assets sold under repurchase agreement (Notes 6, 7 and 8)

   7,131,686    2,020,801    1,686,789

Due to credit institutions:

              

Time deposits

   26,462,007    26,983,251    34,759,980

Assets sold under repurchase agreement (Notes 6 and 7)

   10,863,009    14,598,398    20,659,474

Security payables

   1,463,227    2,600,588    2,352,866

Other accounts

   314,902    551,449    694,444
    
  
  
     60,027,356    54,581,691    63,175,177
    
  
  
     61,569,788    56,119,048    64,587,995

By sector

              

Resident sector

   33,237,280    22,692,790    20,677,483

Non-resident sector

   28,332,508    33,426,258    43,910,512

Europe

   11,078,197    13,104,189    20,318,646

United States

   1,686,751    3,264,860    3,221,272

Latin America

   11,725,080    11,183,869    13,190,079

Other countries

   3,842,480    5,873,340    7,180,515
    
  
  
     61,569,788    56,119,048    64,587,995
    
  
  

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Group had assets, mainly loans, credits and securities (see Note 8) securing financing lines assigned by the Bank of Spain and other central banks. As of December, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the financing limit assigned to the Group was €16,622,829 thousand, €11,653,181 thousand and €7,667,197 thousand, respectively, of which it had drawn down €13,981,458 thousand, €7,998,063 thousand and €3,021,624 thousand, respectively.

 

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The detail, by due date, of the balances of the “Due to Credit Institutions—Other” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and of the average interest rates for each year, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

  

Average

Interest Rate

in the Year


 
     Up to 3
Months


   3 Months
to 1 Year


  

1 to

5 Years


  

Over

5 Years


  

Balances at December 31, 2003-

                          

Bank of Spain and other central banks

   20,373,300    26,943    296,475    227,493    2.3 %

Due to credit institutions:

                          

Time deposits

   16,418,886    3,803,228    4,654,245    1,585,650    3.0 %

Assets sold under repurchase agreement

   10,063,358    108,443    691,206    —      5.4 %

Security payables and other accounts

   81,101    237,582    938,257    521,189    3.7 %
    
  
  
  
      
     46,936,645    4,176,196    6,580,183    2,334,332       
    
  
  
  
      

Balances at December 31, 2002-

                          

Bank of Spain and other central banks

   9,848,005    —      —      —      4.0 %

Due to credit institutions:

                          

Time deposits

   15,097,271    5,522,083    4,387,679    1,976,218    4.0 %

Assets sold under repurchase agreement

   13,879,667    670,678    48,053    —      5.0 %

Security payables and other accounts

   969,629    76,311    1,306,900    799,197    1.2 %.
    
  
  
  
      
     39,794,572    6,269,072    5,742,632    2,775,415       
    
  
  
  
      

Balances at December 31, 2001-

                          

Bank of Spain and other central banks

   4,708,413    —      —      —      5.7 %

Due to credit institutions:

                          

Time deposits

   22,405,770    4,919,780    4,634,552    2,799,878    5.3 %

Assets sold under repurchase agreement

   19,016,591    1,485,601    157,282    —      6.2 %

Security payables and other accounts

   791,920    120,398    1,353,075    781,917    2.7 %
    
  
  
  
      
     46,922,694    6,525,779    6,144,909    3,581,795       
    
  
  
  
      

 

The detail, by type and customer country of residence, of this caption as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Demand

   Time

   Assets Sold
with
Repurchase
Commitment


   Total

2003:

                   

Resident sector

   10,689,304    12,468,543    10,079,433    33,237,280

Non-resident sector:

                   

Europe

   1,149,918    8,233,250    1,695,029    11,078,197

United States

   212,708    5,117,437    6,394,935    11,725,080

Latin-America

   136,255    1,550,496    —      1,686,751

Other

   158,032    3,684,448    —      3,842,480
    
  
  
  
     1,656,913    18,585,611    8,089,964    28,332,508
    
  
  
  

Total

   12,346,217    31,054,154    18,169,397    61,569,788
    
  
  
  

2002:

                   

Resident sector

   6,174,267    9,656,445    6,862,078    22,692,790

Non-resident sector:

                   

Europe

   1,011,457    9,372,830    2,719,902    13,104,189

United States

   585,166    2,178,033    501,661    6,264,860

Latin-America

   2,165,945    2,482,366    6,535,558    11,183,869

Other

   96,952    5,776,388    —      5,873,340
    
  
  
  
     3,859,520    19,809,617    9,757,121    33,426,258
    
  
  
  

Total

   10,033,787    29,466,062    16,619,199    56,119,048
    
  
  
  

2001:

                   

Resident sector

   4,001,572    9,311,589    7,364,322    20,677,483

Non-resident sector:

                   

Europe

   2,015,085    10,770,088    7,533,473    20,318,646

United States

   235,406    1,957,011    1,028,855    3,221,272

Latin-America

   245,446    6,525,020    6,419,613    13,190,079

Other

   216,264    6,964,251    —      7,180,515
    
  
  
  
     2,712,201    26,216,370    14,981,941    43,910,512
    
  
  
  

Total

   6,713,773    35,527,959    22,346,263    64,587,995
    
  
  
  

 

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(18) DEPOSITS

 

The breakdown, by currency and sector, of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

By currency:

              

In euros

   84,686,645    83,469,150    80,968,079

In foreign currencies

   56,362,262    63,091,215    85,531,355
    
  
  
     141,048,907    146,560,365    166,499,434
    
  
  

By sector:

              

Public sector

   8,114,961    9,264,244    6,637,674

Other resident sectors-

              

Current accounts

   37,018,177    35,508,915    34,653,467

Time deposits (Note 3-j)

   17,465,890    16,943,643    17,007,765

Assets sold under repurchase agreement (Notes 6, 7, 8 and 9)

   11,433,331    11,768,772    13,841,201
    
  
  
     74,032,359    73,485,574    72,140,107
    
  
  

Non-resident sector

              

Europe

   10,914,154    10,375,037    11,277,271

United States

   3,380,749    5,220,043    3,994,320

Latin America

   44,673,444    51,662,008    73,275,468

Other countries

   8,048,201    5,817,703    5,812,268
    
  
  
     67,016,548    73,074,791    94,359,327
    
  
  
     141,048,907    146,560,365    166,499,434
    
  
  

 

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The detail, by due date, of the balances of the “Savings Accounts - Time” and “Other Deposits - Time” captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Savings accounts - Time-

              

Up to 3 months

   26,843,370    43,060,188    40,081,216

3 months to 1 year

   10,288,636    7,841,440    12,770,250

1 to 5 years

   17,367,542    5,338,418    10,829,710

Over 5 years

   988,236    1,196,306    3,830,995
    
  
  
     55,487,784    57,436,352    67,512,171
    
  
  

Other deposits – Time-

              

Up to 3 months

   20,180,434    24,762,519    27,593,148

3 months to 1 year

   316,695    622,128    380,455

1 to 5 years

   21,915    15,621    691

Over 5 years

   17,108    —      —  
    
  
  
     20,536,152    25,400,268    27,974,294
    
  
  

 

The detail, by type and customer country of residence, of this caption as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

    

Non-

interest
bearing


   Demand

   Savings
Accounts


   Time

   Assets Sold with
Repurchase
Commitment


   Total

2003:

                             

Resident sector

   29    26,830,621    17,567,303    13,818,180    15,816,226    74,032,359

Non-resident sector:

                             

Other European Countries

   20,556    1,293,638    37,822    9,471,164    90,974    10,914,154

United States

   2    570,411    474,513    1,692,390    643,433    3,380,749

Latin America

   44,802    12,010,725    6,237,289    22,541,658    3,838,970    44,673,444

Other

   138    1,844    805    7,964,392    81,022    8,048,201
    
  
  
  
  
  
     65,498    13,876,618    6,750,429    41,669,604    4,654,399    67,016,548
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total

   65,527    40,707,239    24,317,732    55,487,784    20,470,625    141,048,907
    
  
  
  
  
  

2002:

                             

Resident sector

   2,287,929    23,761,849    15,092,160    17,168,228    15,175,408    73,485,574

Non-resident sector:

                             

Other European Countries

   23,329    2,143,040    376,254    7,722,321    110,093    10,375,037

United States

   —      639,256    543,490    4,035,634    1,663    5,220,043

Latin America

   81,650    12,895,011    6,233,544    24,731,737    7,720,066    51,662,008

Other

   1    2,030,937    8,204    3,778,432    129    5,817,703
    
  
  
  
  
  
     104,980    17,708,244    7,161,492    40,268,124    7,831,951    73,074,791
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total

   2,392,909    41,470,093    22,253,652    57,436,352    23,007,359    146,560,365
    
  
  
  
  
  

2001:

                             

Resident sector

   2,175,146    23,520,377    14,184,710    17,677,110    14,582,764    72,140,107

Non-resident sector:

                             

Other European Countries

   28,805    1,412,789    340,807    8,129,603    1,365,267    11,277,271

United States

   10,924    650,884    563,186    2,742,938    26,388    3,994,320

Latin America

   104,213    17,501,761    10,338,461    35,663,467    9,667,566    73,275,468

Other

   13,195    2,488,186    11,808    3,299,053    26    5,812,268
    
  
  
  
  
  
     157,137    22,053,620    11,254,262    49,835,061    11,059,247    94,359,327
    
  
  
  
  
  

Total

   2,332,283    45,573,997    25,438,972    67,512,171    25,642,011    166,499,434
    
  
  
  
  
  

 

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(19) MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES

 

The breakdown, by type of security and currency, of the balances of the “Marketable Debt Securities - Bonds and Debentures Outstanding” account in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

In euros-

              

Nonconvertible floating rate bonds and debentures

   11,081,919    6,877,013    7,883,268

Nonconvertible bonds and debentures at weighted fixed rate of 4.71% (*)

   3,944,170    2,993,778    2,238,299

Convertible debentures

   —      5,387    7,879

Mortgage bonds

   11,359,758    8,416,727    5,656,161
    
  
  
     26,385,847    18,292,905    15,785,607
    
  
  

In foreign currencies-

              

Nonconvertible floating rate bonds and debentures

   672,068    2,202,332    2,611,650

Nonconvertible bonds and debentures at weighted fixed rate of 2.83% (**)

   819,367    1,538,140    1,815,471

Floating rate mortgage bonds

   381,691    360,499    426,370
    
  
  
     1,873,126    4,100,971    4,853,491
    
  
  
     28,258,973    22,393,876    20,639,098
    
  
  

(*) The interest rate refers to 2003, the equivalents in 2002 and 2001 were 5.27% and 5.79%.
(**) The interest rate refers to 2003, the equivalents in 2002 and 2001 were 4% and 4.51%.

 

The “Mortgage Bonds” account includes various issues with an average weighted interest rate of 4.65%, 4.82% and 5.83% in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and the final maturity of the last of them is in 2011. The nominal amount outstanding and the interest on the mortgage bonds are guaranteed, without a registration requirement, by such mortgages as may, at any time, be registered in favor of the Bank (the issuer), without prejudice to its financial liability.

 

In 2003, 2002 and 2001, BBVA Global Finance Ltd. launched various issues amounting to €4,678,266 thousand, €5,080,695 thousand and €5,594,750 thousand, respectively, within a medium-term foreign currency euro-bond program with a limit of €20,000 million (Note 21). These issues are denominated in euros, U.S. dollars, Japanese yens and various other currencies, have a fixed or variable yield based, in the latter case, on a floating annual return plus a variable issue or redemption premium dependent on certain factors.

 

The debt securities composing the balance of this caption as of December 31, 2003, are scheduled to mature (disregarding the possibility of the early redemption of certain issues) as follows:

 

Maturity


   Thousands
of Euros


2004

   7,906,732

2005

   5,803,164

2006

   846,538

2007

   3,614,484

2008

   700,119

Subsequent years

   9,387,936
    
     28,258,973
    

 

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Following is a breakdown, by due date and currency, of the balance of “Promissory Notes and Other Securities” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

By due date:

              

Up to 3 months

   4.085.117    4,103,111    3,253,591

3 months to 1 year

   2.038.437    1,018,879    1,189,990

1 to 5 years

   125    7,406    292,995
    
  
  
     6.123.679    5,129,396    4,736,576
    
  
  

By currency:

              

In euros

   5.473.789    3,379,742    3,243,740

In other currencies

   649.890    1,749,654    1,492,836
    
  
  
     6.123.679    5,129,396    4,736,576
    
  
  

 

(20) PROVISIONS FOR CONTINGENCIES AND EXPENSES

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses - Pension Provision” and “Provisions for Contingencies and Expenses - Other Provisions” captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Pension
Provision


    Other
Provisions


    Pension
Provision


    Other
Provisions


    Pension
Provision


    Other
Provisions


 

Beginning balances

   2,621,907     2,221,411     2,358,552     2,425,588     1,823,098     1,209,736  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Add-

                                    

Provisions charged to income for the year

   147,179     575,873     200,734     948,556     79,389     1,054,878  

Provision charged to reserves (Notes 2-h, 3-j and 24)

   799,416     —       499,177     —       731,743     —    

Inclusion of companies in the Group

   —       1,576     —       149     220     8,685  

Transfers of off-balance-sheet risks

   —       —       —       86,278     —       —    

Transfers and other variations

   103,621     324,052     159,927     —       81,067     429,951  

Less-

                                    

Releases

   —       (697,080 )   —       (546,724 )   (84 )   (155,398 )

Payments to personnel taking early retirement (Note 3-j)

   (429,168 )   —       (407,153 )   —       (348,473 )   —    

Amounts used and other variations

   (211,042 )   (91,250 )   (189,330 )   (692,193 )   (8,408 )   (122,264 )

Transfers to off-balance-sheet risks

   —       (62,275 )   —       —       —       —    

Exclusion of companies from the Group

   —       (84,635 )   —       (243 )   —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

 

Ending balances (Note 2-f)

   3,031,913     2,187,672     2,621,907     2,221,411     2,358,552     2,425,588  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

The provisions out of 2003 income to the “Pension Provision” were charged to the “Financial Expenses” (€69,893 thousand), “General Administrative Expenses” (€56,420 thousand) and “Extraordinary Losses” (€20,866

 

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thousand) captions in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The amounts charged to these captions in 2002 were €60,041 thousand, €39,067 thousand and €101,626 thousand, respectively. The amounts charged to these captions in 2001 were €42,480 thousand, €32,203 thousand and €4,706 thousand, respectively (Note 28).

 

The provisions out of 2003 income to “Other Provisions” were mainly charged to the “Market Operations” (€783 thousand) and “Extraordinary Losses” (€575,090 thousand) captions in the accompanying consolidated statement of income. The amounts charged to these captions in 2002 were €141,218 thousand and €785,267 thousand, respectively. The amounts charged to these captions in 2001 were €77,633 thousand and €880,218 thousand, respectively (Note 28). The reversals are recorded mainly in “Extraordinary Income” in the related accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

The breakdown of the balances of the “Other Provisions” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Provisions for other commitments to employees (Notes 3-j and 3-k):

              

Covered by shares (Note 3-i)

   10,351    9,921    12,339

Other commitments

   52,401    46,183    112,395

Provisions for contingencies

   909,510    877,691    624,121

Provisions for off-balance-sheet risks (Notes 3-c and 8)

   209,270    271,545    185,268

Provision for futures transactions (Notes 3-m and 26)

   277,614    280,721    168,229

Other provisions (*)

   728,526    735,350    1,323,236
    
  
  
     2,187,672    2,221,411    2,425,588
    
  
  

(*) Includes the specific provision for Argentina (Note 3-o).

 

Most of the provisions for contingencies are to cover tax contingencies.

 

The variations in 2003, in the “Other Provisions” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Provisions for
other commitments
to employees


    Provisions for
contingencies


    Provisions for
off-balance sheet risks


    Provisions for
futures transactions


    Other
provisions


    Total

 

Beginning Balances

   56,104     877,691     271,545     280,721     735,350     2,221,411  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Add-

                                    

Provisions charged to income for the year

   13,746     45,067     2,572     14,534     499,954     575,873  

Inclusion of companies in the group

   1,443     —       —       —       133     1,576  

Transfers to off-balance-sheet risks

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Transfers and other variations

   353     230,157     29     —       93,513     324,052  

Less-

                                    

Releases

   (4,892 )   (323,858 )   (59,181 )   (11,213 )   (297,936 )   (697,080 )

Amounts used and other variations

   —       —       —       —       —       —    

Exclusion of companies from the Group

   —       —       —       —       (84,635 )   (84,635 )

Transfers and exchanges differencies

   (4,002 )   80,453     (5,695 )   (6,428 )   (155,578 )   (91,250 )

Transfers to off-balance-sheet risks

   —       —             —       (62,275 )   (62,275 )

Ending balances

   62,752     909,510     209,270     277,614     728,526     2,187,672  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

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(21) SUBORDINATED DEBT

 

The detail of the balances of the “Subordinated Debt” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

ISSUER


   Thousands of Euros

  

Interest Rate

at 12/31/03


    Final Maturity
Date


   2003

   2002

   2001

    

Issues in euros-

                         

BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA, S.A.:

                         

July 1996

   84,142    84,142    84,142    9.33 %   December 2006

July 1996

   27,947    27,947    27,947    9.37 %   December 2016

February 1997

   60,101    60,101    60,101    6.97 %   December 2007

September 1997

   36,061    36,061    36,061    6.65 %   December 2007

December 2001

   1,500,000    1,500,000    1,500,000    3.52 %   January 2017

July 2003

   600,000    —      —      2.53 %   July 2013

November 2003

   750,000    —      —      4.50 %   November 2015

BBVA CAPITAL FUNDING, LTD.:

                         

September 1995

   13,613    13,613    13,613    1.57 %   September 2005

March 1997

   45,735    45,735    45,735    2.36 %   March 2007

October 1997

   76,694    76,694    76,694    2.33 %   October 2007

October1997

   228,674    228,674    228,674    6.00 %   December 2009

July 1999

   73,000    73,000    73,000    6.35 %   October 2015

February 2000

   500,000    500,000    500,000    6.38 %   February 2010

December 2000

   750,000    750,000    750,000    2.77 %   December 2010

July 2001

   500,000    500,000    500,000    5.50 %   July 2011

October 2001

   60,000    60,000    60,000    5.73 %   October 2011

October 2001

   40,000    40,000    40,000    6.08 %   October 2016

October 2001

   50,000    50,000    50,000    2.73 %   October 2016

November 2001

   55,000    55,000    55,000    2.86 %   November 2016

December 2001

   56,000    56,000    56,000    4.16 %   December 2016

Issues in foreign currencies-

                         

BBVA GLOBAL FINANCE, LTD.:

                         

July 1995 USD

   118,765    143,034    170,203    6.88 %   July 2005

July 1995 USD

   39,588    47,678    56,734    1.61 %   January 2005

December 1995 USD

   59,382    71,517    85,102    1.36 %   May 2005

December 1995 USD

   59,382    71,517    85,102    1.36 %   May 2006

December 1995 USD

   158,353    190,712    226,937    7.00 %   December 2025

BILBAO VIZCAYA INVESTMENTS BV:

                         

July 1996

   —      —      601    —       July 2006

BBVA CHILE, S.A. CLP

   30,359    41,714    53,083    Several     Several

BBVA BANCO FRANCES, S.A. ARS

   5,294    29,473    88,601    Several     Several

BBVA CAPITAL FUNDING, LTD.:

                         

July 1995 USD

   79,177    95,356    113,469    1.57 %   September 2004

August 1995 JPY

   22,214    24,117    26,013    3.45 %   August 2010

September 1995

   —      —      113,469    —       September 2007

October 1995 JPY

   74,047    80,392    86,707    5.40 %   October 2015

October 1995 USD

   118,765    143,034    170,203    6.88 %   October 2005

February 1996 USD

   197,942    238,391    283,672    6.38 %   February 2006

November 1996 USD

   158,353    190,712    226,937    1.54 %   November 2006

February 1997

   —      —      170,203    —       February 2007

BBVA PUERTO RICO

   —      15,418    —      6.25 %   Several

BBVA BANCOMER:

                         

Convertible debentures - Dec. 1996

   —      —      34,083          December 2006

Nonconvertible debentures – November 1998 MXN

   176,202    232,243    309,753    Several     Several

Bancomer Gran Cayman (various) USD

   198,814    237,883    398,370    Several     2004

BBVA Bancomer

   —      —      32,524    —       Several

Bancomer UDIS - December 1996

   —      —      154,714    —       March 2002

GRUPO FINANCIERO BBVA BANCOMER:

                         

BBVA BANCOMER CAPITAL TRUST:

                         

February 2001 (Note 4) USD

   395,883    476,784    567,344    10.05 %   February 2011
    
  
  
          
     7,399,487    6,486,942    7,610,791           
    
  
  
          

 

These issues are classified as subordinated debt and, accordingly, are deemed to have a lower seniority than all the accounts payable to common creditors.

 

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The detail, by due date, of the balance of the “Subordinated Debt” caption in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, is as follows:

 

Maturity


   Thousands
of Euros


2004

   266,615

2005

   356,396

2006

   677,009

2007

   219,713

2008

   2,702

Subsequent years

   5,877,052
    
     7,399,487
    

 

The issues of BBVA Capital Funding, Ltd. and BBVA Global Finance, Ltd. are guaranteed (secondary liability) by the Bank.

 

The issue by Bilbao Vizcaya Investment BV, of US$ 250 million, was redeemed early in January 2002 through conversion of the bonds into shares of the Bank. This exchange was performed at the fixed conversion rate of €3.99 euros per share, which gave rise to the delivery of 377,330 previously-issued shares. In 2001 bonds with a face value of US$ 5.42 million were exchanged for the equivalent of 1,048,787 Bank shares already issued. These transactions did not give rise to material gains. As of December 31, 2001, the bonds outstanding amounted to US$ 2.4 million (face value).

 

The interest on the subordinated debt amounted to €327,554 thousand in 2003, €405,775 thousand in 2002 and €429,694 thousand in 2001 (Note 28).

 

(22) MINORITY INTERESTS

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Beginning balance

   5,674,163     6,394,029     6,304,286  

Prior year’s net income

   746,919     645,223     681,800  
    

 

 

     6,421,082     7,039,252     6,986,086  

Capital increases and reductions

   (88 )   714,451     226,731  

Dividends paid to minority shareholders

   (353,283 )   (343,029 )   (501,779 )

Changes in the composition of the Group and changes

in the percentages of ownership (Note 4)

   (88,372 )   (438,191 )   (440,247 )

Exchange differences (Note 3-b)

   (210,754 )   (1,364,210 )   172,521  

Other variations (*)

   (342,667 )   65,890     (49,283 )
    

 

 

Share in income for the year

   670,463     746,919     645,223  
    

 

 

Ending balance

   6,096,381     6,421,082     7,039,252  
    

 

 


(*) This caption includes, inter alia, redemptions/issuances of preferred shares that took place in 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

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The breakdown, by company, of the “Minority Interests” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

    2002

   2001

Preferred shares-

               

BBVA International, Ltd. (1)

   3,040,000     3,216,505    2,295,794

BBVA Preferred Capital, Ltd. (2)

   190,024     198,993    523,722

BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar), Ltd. (2)

   55,424     266,152    663,175

BBVA Capital Funding, Ltd. (3)

   255,646     418,496    550,930

BBVA Capital Finance, S.A.

   350,000     —      —  
    

 
  
     3,891,094     4,100,146    4,033,621
    

 
  

By company-

               

BBVA Bancomer Group

   884,710     957,149    1,079,124

BBVA Banco Francés Group

   (3,542 )   18,836    212,115

BBVA Banco Ganadero Group

   8,969     11,748    18,709

BBVA Chile Group

   102,103     103,295    145,511

BBVA Banco Continental Group

   104,043     104,339    159,773

BBVA Banco Provincial Group

   109,862     117,890    271,958

Provida Group

   58,631     50,636    47,558

Banc Internacional d’Andorra, S.A.

   133,803     91,008    69,080

Brunara, SIMCAV, S.A. (Note 4)

   —       —      284,212

Other companies

   136,245     119,116    72,368
    

 
  
     1,534,824     1,574,017    2,360,408
    

 
  
     5,425,918     5,674,163    6,394,029
    

 
  

(1) Listed on the Spanish AIAF fixed-income market, and the Luxembourg, Frankfurt and Amsterdam stock markets.
(2) Listed on the New York stock market
(3) Listed on the London and Frankfurt stock markets.

 

The breakdown, by company, of the share in income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

   2002

    2001

 

Preferred shares-

                 

BBVA International, Ltd.

   165,237    167,743     146,286  

BBVA Preferred Capital, Ltd.

   16,295    29,862     32,280  

BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar), Ltd.

   12,516    43,925     95,074  

BBVA Capital Funding, Ltd.

   20,113    34,099     41,542  

BBVA Capital Finance, S.A.

   288    —       —    
    
  

 

     214,449    275,629     315,182  
    
  

 

By company-

                 

BBVA Bancomer group

   289,779    317,813     427,812  

BBVA Banco Francés group

   932    14,380     (212,115 )

BBVA Banco Ganadero group

   2,412    1,109     535  

BBVA Chile group

   7,413    5,373     8,330  

BBVA Banco Continental group

   27,956    30,900     (15,710 )

BBVA Banco Provincial group

   71,595    65,649     62,619  

Provida group

   11,276    13,232     25,807  

Banc Internacional d’Andorra, S.A.

   34,992    46,498     60,973  

Brunara, SIMCAV, S.A. (Note 4)

   —      —       (20,921 )

Other companies

   9,659    (23,664 )   (7,289 )
    
  

 

     456,014    471,290     330,041  
    
  

 

     670,463    746,919     645,223  
    
  

 

 

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The foregoing balances include various issues of noncumulative, nonvoting, preferred stock guaranteed by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., the detail of which is as follows:

 

          Issued Amount (Millions)

   Fixed Annual Dividend

 
          2003

   2002

   2001

   2003

    2002

    2001

 

BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar), Ltd.-

                                        

December 1992

   US$      —      —      100    —       —       9.00 %

June 1993

   US$      —      248    248    —       8.00 %   8.00 %

June 1997

   US$      70    70    70    7.76 %   7.76 %   7.76 %

June 1997

   US$      —      —      250    —       —       8.00 %

BBVA International, Ltd.-

                                        

March 1998

   US$      —      350    350    —       7.20 %   7.20 %

November 1998

        700    700    700    6.24 %   6.24 %   6.24 %

February 1999

        1,000    1,000    1,000    5.76 %   5.76 %   5.76 %

April 2001

        340    340    340    7.01 %   7.01 %   7.01 %

March 2002

        500    500    —      3.50 %   3.94 %   —    

December 2002

        500    500    —      3.25 %   3.94 %   —    

BBVA Capital Funding, Ltd.-

                                        

April 1995

        —      —      500    —       —       9.00 %

April 1998

        256    256    256    6.35 %   6.35 %   6.35 %

April 1998

   US$      —      200    200    —       7.20 %   7.20 %

BBVA Preferred Capital, Ltd.-

                                        

June 1997

   US$      —      —      250    —       —       7.80 %

June 2001

   US$      240    240    240    7.75 %   7.75 %   7.75 %

BBVA Capital Finance, S.A.

                                        

December 2003

        350    —      —      3.00 %   —       —    

 

These issues were subscribed by third parties outside the Group and are wholly or partially redeemable at the Company’s option after five or ten years from the issue date, depending on the terms of each issue.

 

(23) CAPITAL STOCK

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 the capital stock of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. amounted to €1,565,967,501.07, and consisted of 3,195,852,043 fully subscribed and paid registered shares of €0.49 par value each.

 

There were no variations in the Bank’s capital stock in 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

The shares of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. are listed on the computerized trading system of the Spanish stock exchanges and on the New York, Frankfurt, London, Zurich, Milan and Buenos Aires stock markets. Also, as of December 31, 2003, the shares of Grupo Financiero BBVA-Bancomer, S.A., BBVA Banco Continental, S.A., Banco Provincial C.A., BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A., BBVA Chile, S.A., BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. and AFP Provida were listed on their respective local stock markets and, in the case of the last three entities, on the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. and BBVA Banco Francés, S.A. are listed on the Latin-American market of the Madrid Stock Exchange.

 

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The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the “Treasury Stock” caption on the asset side of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     Par Value

    Remaining
Portion up to
Cost


    Securities
Revaluation
Reserve
(Note 3-i)


    TOTAL

 

Balance at December 31, 2000

   5,169     154,334     (46,795 )   112,708  
    

 

 

 

Purchases (Note 4)

   110,743     3,218,603     —       3,329,346  

Sales

   (112,925 )   (3,291,398 )   —       (3,404,323 )

Net release of the securities revaluation reserve (Note 3-i)

   —       —       38,213     38,213  
    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2001

   2,987     81,539     (8,582 )   75,944  
    

 

 

 

Purchases (Note 4)

   195,077     4,251,285     —       4,446,362  

Sales

   (192,675 )   (4,237,173 )   —       (4,429,848 )

Net release of the securities revaluation reserve (Note 3-i)

   —       —       7,833     7,833  

Other variations

   (105 )   (2,515 )   —       (2,620 )
    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2002

   5,284     93,136     (749 )   97,671  
    

 

 

 

Purchases (Note 4)

   200,711     3,566,322     —       3,767,033  

Sales

   (202,332 )   (3,795,463 )   —       (3,997,795 )

Net charge to the securities revaluation reserve (Note 3-i)

   —       —       (15,115 )   (15,115 )

Other variations

   5     214,260     —       214,265  
    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

   3,668     78,255     (15,864 )   66,059  
    

 

 

 

 

Securities revaluation reserves to cover treasury stock were recorded amounting to €15,864 thousand, €749 thousand and €8,582 thousand, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The net provisions to/releases of securities revaluation reserves in 2003, 2002 and 2001 due to disposals of treasury stock amounted to €2,643 thousand, €1,053 thousand and €40,538 thousand, respectively, and were recorded in 2003 under the “Income on Group Transactions” captions, in 2002 under the “Losses on Group Transactions” caption and in 2001 under the “Income on Group Transactions” caption, in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Bank held treasury stock with a nominal value of €2,509 thousand and €5,242 thousand, respectively, to cover futures transactions related to the performance of certain stock market indexes. As of December 31, 2001, the Bank held treasury stock with a nominal value of less than €1,000 (Note 26).

 

From January 2001 through December 31, 2001, the percentage of outstanding shares held by BBVA and its consolidated companies varied from 0.4506% to 0.0470% calculated on a monthly basis. From January 2002 through December 31, 2002, the percentage of outstanding shares held by BBVA and its consolidated companies varied from 0.13% to 0.74% calculated on a monthly basis. From January 2003 through December 31, 2003, the percentage of outstanding shares held by BBVA and its consolidated companies varied from 0.153% to 0.683% calculated on a monthly basis.

 

The gains and losses on treasury stock transactions, amounting to €16,048 thousand and €18,758 thousand, respectively, in 2003, €15,802 thousand and €23,898 thousand, respectively, in 2002 and €33,843 thousand and €31,859 thousand, respectively, in 2001, are recorded under the “Income on Group Transactions” and “Losses on Group Transactions” captions, respectively, in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

 

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As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, there were no individual equity investments of over 5% in the Bank’s capital stock. However, as of December 31, 2003, Chase Nominees Ltd., in its capacity as an international custodian bank, owned 5.25% of the Bank’s capital stock. As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, Fundación Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, a private not-for-profit charitable, educational and cultural institution set up in 1988 with a contribution of €84,142 thousand from the Bank which was charged to the merger surpluses, owned a total of 34,365,852 shares of the Bank.

 

On March 1, 2003, the Shareholders’ Meeting authorized, in accordance with the stipulations of Article 153.1.a) of the Spanish Corporations Law, a capital increase of €782,983,750 and the delegation to the Board of Directors, for the legally stipulated period of one year, of the required powers to fully or partially execute the aforementioned capital increase, and provided for the possibility of not performing the authorized capital increase. As of December 31, 2003, the Board of Directors had not performed the authorized capital increase. In addition, the aforementioned Shareholders’ Meeting authorized the issuance of up to €6,000 million of debentures convertible to and/or exchangeable for Bank shares. As of December 31, 2003, no issue had been made under this authorization.

 

As of December 31, 2003, the additional capital stock authorized by the Shareholders’ Meeting on March 9, 2002, amounted to €782,983,750. The legally stipulated period within which the directors can carry out this increase is five years. As of December 31, 2003, the directors had not made use of this authorization. Also, the aforementioned Shareholders’ Meeting in March 2002 authorized the Board of Directors, for a five-year period, to issue up to €20,000 million of bonds of any class or type. As of December 31, 2003, an issue of bonds of up to €10,000 million had been recorded.

 

Also, the aforementioned Shareholders’ Meeting in March 2002 authorized the Board of Directors to issue, on one or several occasions, warrants on shares of the Company up to a maximum of €1,500 million, fully or partially convertible to or exchangeable for Company shares over a maximum period of five years. None of these securities had been issued as of December 31, 2003.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, there were no capital increases in progress at any of the companies in the Finance Group.

 

(24) RETAINED EARNINGS

 

The variations in 2003, 2002 and 2001 in the “Retained earnings” captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
    

Additional

Paid-in
Capital


    Retaines
earnings


    Revaluation
Reserves


   Net Reserves
and
Accumulated
Losses at
Consolidated
Companies


    TOTAL

 

Balances at January 1, 2001

   6,873,827     1,027,258     176,281    3,403,778     11,481,144  
    

 

 
  

 

Prior year’s net income

   —       1,380,574     —      593,006     1,973,580  

Dividends out of prior year’s net income

   —       (1,138,773 )   —      8,193     (1,130,580 )

Recording of provisions for early retirement, net of taxes (Notes 2-h, 3-j and 20)

   (38,886 )   (432,894 )   —      (7,461 )   (479,241 )

Exchange differences arising from consolidation (Notes 3-b and 4)

   —       —       —      (593,860 )   (593,860 )

Transfers and other variations

   —       583,053     —      (629,757 )   (46,704 )

Balances at December 31, 2001

   6,834,941     1,419,218     176,281    2,773,899     11,204,339  

Prior year’s net income

   —       1,311,561     —      531,509     1,843,070  

Dividends out of prior year’s net income

   —       (1,224,010 )   —      4,398     (1,219,612 )

Recording of provisions for early retirement, net of taxes (Notes 2-h, 3-j and 20)

   (224,589 )   (96,512 )   —      (3,364 )   (324,465 )

Exchange differences arising from consolidation (Notes 3-b and 4)

   —       —       —      (1,246,358 )   (1,246,358 )

Transfers and other variations

   (97,555 )   (638,773 )   —      754,984     18,656  

Balances at December 31, 2002

   6,512,797     771,484     176,281    2,815,068     10,275,630  
    

 

 
  

 

Prior year’s net income

   —       1,207,096     —      512,033     1,719,129  

Dividends out of prior year’s net income

   —       (1,112,156 )   —      3,120     (1,109,036 )

Recording of provisions for early retirement, net of taxes (Notes 2-h, 3-j and 20)

   (237,382 )   (277,662 )   —      (4,576 )   (519,620 )

Exchange differences arising from consolidation (Notes 3-b and 4)

   —       —       —      (339,284 )   (339,284 )

Transfers and other variations

   (1,514 )   382,715     —      (500,509 )   (119,308 )
    

 

 
  

 

Balance at December 31, 2003

   6,273,901     971,477     176,281    2,485,852     9,907,511  
    

 

 
  

 

 

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Additional paid-in capital-

 

This caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the surpluses arising from the merger of Banco Bilbao, S.A. and Banco Vizcaya, S.A. (Note 1), the detail of which is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 

Revaluation of:

      

- Buildings

   592,243  

- Equity securities portfolio

   278,383  

Less-

      

Appropriations in 1988

   (229,484 )
    

     641,142  
    

 

The revised Corporations Law expressly permits the use of the additional paid-in capital balance to increase capital and establishes no specific restrictions as to its use.

 

Retained earnings and revaluation reserves-

 

The detail of these captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, which include the reserves of the Group attributed to the Bank, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Restricted reserves-

              

Legal reserve

   313,194    313,194    313,194

Restricted reserve for retired capital stock

   87,918    87,918    87,918

Restricted reserve for Parent Company shares

   76,812    121,140    30,923

Restricted reserve for redenomination of capital stock in euros

   1,861    1,861    1,861

Revaluation reserves Royal Decree-Law 7/1996

   176,281    176,281    176,281

Unrestricted reserves-

              

Voluntary and other reserves

   6,551    6,551    6,551

Consolidation reserves attributed to the Bank

   485,141    240,820    978,771
    
  
  
     1,147,758    947,765    1,595,499
    
  
  

 

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Legal reserve-

 

According to the revised Corporations Law, 10% of the income for each year must be transferred to the legal reserve. These amounts must be transferred until the balance of this reserve reaches 20% of capital stock. This limit had already been reached by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. The legal reserve can be used to increase capital provided that the remaining reserve balance does not fall below 10% of the increased capital stock amount.

 

Except as mentioned above, until the legal reserve exceeds 20% of capital stock, it can only be used to offset losses, provided that sufficient other reserves are not available for this purpose.

 

Restricted reserves-

 

According to the revised Corporations Law and to Law 46/1998 on the introduction of the euro, the respective restricted reserves were recorded in relation to treasury stock held by the Group, to customer loans secured by shares of the Bank, to the reduction of the par value of each share in April 2000 and to the redenomination of capital stock in euros.

 

Asset revaluation reserves (Notes 3-e and 3-h)-

 

Prior to the merger, Banco de Bilbao, S.A. and Banco de Vizcaya, S.A. availed themselves of the asset revaluation provisions of the applicable enabling legislation. In addition, on December 31, 1996, the Bank revalued its property and equipment pursuant to Royal Decree-Law 7/1996 by applying the maximum coefficients authorized, up to the limit of the market value arising from the existing valuations. The resulting increases in the cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment and, where appropriate, in the cost of equity securities, were allocated as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 

Legal revaluations of property and equipment:

      

Cost

   186,692  

Less-

      

Single revaluation tax (3%)

   (5,601 )
    

Balance at December 31, 1999

   181,091  
    

Adjustment as a result of review by the tax authorities in 2000

   (4,810 )
    

Balance at December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003

   176,281  
    

 

Subsequent to the review of the balance of the “Revaluation Reserves Royal Decree-Law 7/1996” account by the tax authorities in 2000, it can only be used, free of tax, to offset recorded losses and to increase capital stock through January 1, 2007. From that date, the remaining balance of this account can be taken to unrestricted reserves, provided that the surplus has been depreciated or the revalued assets have been transferred or written off. If this balance were used in a manner other than that provided for in Royal Decree-Law 7/1996, it would be subject to tax.

 

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Reserves and accumulated losses at consolidated companies-

 

The breakdown, by company, of these captions in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Reserves at consolidated companies-

              

Fully or proportionally consolidated companies:

              

Holding Continental, S.A.

   24,714    164,864    89,557

Ancla Investments, S.A.

   89,556    83,430    78,642

Banc Internacional d’Andorra, S.A.

   81,080    75,145    58,527

BBVA Puerto Rico, S.A.

   169,567    158,443    160,596

Banco Industrial de Bilbao, S.A.

   82,649    80,459    66,790

Banco Provincial, S.A.

   213,803    45,520    152,243

BBVA Privanza Bank (Jersey), Ltd.

   59,128    54,781    49,175

Canal International Holding, S.A.

   466,741    494,888    400,082

Cía. de Cartera e Inversiones, S.A.

   29,406    —      107,094

Corporación General Financiera, S.A.

   605,536    586,490    419,464

BBVA Chile, S.A.

   56,195    59,092    57,439

Banco de Crédito Local, S.A.

   —      32,997    61,904

BBVA Cartera de Inversión SIMCAV

   54,783    55,311    56,627

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   —      —      4,760

Cía. Chilena de Inversiones, S.L.

   66,463    108,309    117,973

BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A.

   291,440    230,696    197,607

BBVA Bolsa, S.V., S.A. (Note 4)

   —      90,073    75,355

Sdad. De Estudios y Análisis Financieros, S.A.

   58,316    55,185    58,268

BBV América, S.L.

   203,172    354,912    317,749

BBVA Privanza Bank (Switzerland) Ltd.

   91,734    72,941    52,348

Banco Francés (Cayman) Ltd.

   302,869    36,343    86,371

Bilbao Vizcaya Holding, S.A.

   7,854    33,744    46,404

Corporación Industrial y de Servicios, S.L.

   —      —      162,472

Bilbao Vizcaya América B.V.

   —      —      108,284

Casa de Bolsa BBV Probursa, S.A. de C.V.

   57,655    56,030    51,753

Corporación IBV Servicios y Tecnologías, S.A.

   56,142    114,304    91,005

BBVA Participaciones Internacionales, S.L.

   32,802    28,406    54,518

BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A.

   40,230    48,261    —  

BBVA Banco Francés, S.A.

   —      134,690    95,783

Consolidar A.F.J.P.

   50,203    71,801    4,063

Inversora Otar, S.A.

   95,544    192,444    —  

BBVA Renting, S.A.

   43,222    36,162    32,665

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Brasil, S.A. (Note 4)

   —      283,815    201,687

Administradora de Fondos de Retiro Bancomer, S.A.

   137,472    83,257    22,021

Other companies

   805,558    560,465    515,824
    
  
  
     4,273,834    4,483,258    4,055,050

Companies accounted for by the equity method:

              

Iberdrola, S.A.

   170,663    180,588    130,768

Senorte Vida y Pensiones, S.A.

   33,360    33,377    33,392

Telefónica, S.A.

   335,976    358,556    195,185

Repsol YPF, S.A.

   274,557    397,727    232,682

Banco Atlántico, S.A.

   62,775    59,408    52,985

Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, S.p.A.

   17,529    138,780    12,158

Acerinox, S.A.

   70,751    58,647    55,996

Other companies

   469,663    438,664    337,605
    
  
  
     1,435,274    1,665,747    1,050,771

Exchange gains:

              

Fully or proportionally consolidated companies:

              

BBVA Banco Continental Group

   —      —      20,386

BBVA Banco Ganadero Group

   —      —      19,635

BBVA Bancomer Group

   196,464    61,898    —  

BBVA Puerto Rico, S.A.

   —      37,113    81,088

Other companies

   130,992    201,030    222,117
    
  
  
     327,456    300,041    343,226

Companies accounted for by the equity method:

   60,052    16,230    25,807
    
  
  
     6,096,616    6,465,276    5,474,854
    
  
  

 

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     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Accumulated losses at consolidated companies-

              

Fully or proportionally consolidated companies:

              

Inversora Otar, S.A.

   —      —      268,364

BBVA Banco Continental, S.A.

   28,444    179,108    100,345

BBVA Gestión, S.A. SGIIC

   —      —      77,915

BBVA Banco Ganadero, S.A.

   —      —      308,728

BBVA Portugal, S.A.

   —      54,045    61,441

AFP Horizonte, S.A.

   —      51,527    40,737

BBVA Brasil, S.A. (Note 4)

   —      —      —  

AFP Provida, S.A.

   27,277    47,817    54,663

BBVA Global Finance, Ltd.

   —      25,620    63,593

BBVA International Investment Corporation

   —      61,199    69,892

BBVA Puerto Rico Holding Corporation

   158,454    158,404    155,951

BBVA Banco Francés, S.A.

   13,359    —      —  

Cía. de Cartera e Inversiones, S.A.

   —      87,979    —  

Corporación Industrial y de Servicios, S.L.

   199,599    46,474    —  

Bilbao Vizcaya América B.V.

   78,682    119,592    —  

Fideicomiso de Vivienda Bancomer

   44,636    47,338    52,601

BBVA Bancomer, S.A.

   —      39,293    —  

BBVA Área Inmobiliaria, S.L.

   —      135,748    —  

BBVA Pensiones Chile, S.A.

   103,999    93,223    11,978

Banco de Crédito Local, S.A.

   6,610    —      —  

Grupo Financiero BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   11,203    —      —  

Other companies

   137,272    162,951    215,966
    
  
  
     809,535    1,310,318    1,482,174

Companies accounted for by the equity method:

   201,872    151,054    223,541

Exchange losses in consolidation:

              

Fully or proportionally consolidated companies:

              

BBVA Bancomer Group

   —      —      35,153

BBVA Banco Ganadero Group

   65,394    45,130    —  

Bilbao Vizcaya América, B.V.

   162,078    94,483    —  

Provida Group

   5,132    45,354    11,774

BBVA Brazil Group

   —      86,001    152,958

BBVA Banco Francés Group

   613,460    535,832    408,147

BBVA Banco Provincial Group

   289,958    259,480    88,529

BBVA Banco Continental Group

   4,901    21    —  

BBVA International Investment Corporation

   593,009    337,789    —  

Other companies

   193,074    188,594    517
    
  
  
     1,927,006    1,592,684    697,078

Companies accounted for by the equity method:

   672,351    596,152    298,162
    
  
  
     3,610,764    3,650,208    2,700,955
    
  
  

 

The exchange differences in consolidation include the net cumulative effect of the differences arising in translation and, accordingly, reflect the effect of the devaluation described in Note 3-o.

 

For the purpose of allocating the reserves and accumulated losses at the consolidated companies in the preceding table, the transfers of reserves arising from the dividends paid and the writedowns or transactions between these companies are taken into account in the year in which they took place.

 

The individual financial statements of the subsidiaries which give rise to the balances recorded under the “Reserves” and “Accumulated Losses at Consolidated Companies - Fully and Proportionally Consolidated Companies” captions in the foregoing table as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, include €3,617,649 thousand, €4,059,581 thousand and €2,249,005 thousand, respectively, of restricted reserves, of which €102,658 thousand, €121,893 thousand and €84,502 thousand, respectively, are restricted reserves for Parent Company shares.

 

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(25) TAX MATTERS

 

The balance of the “Other Liabilities - Tax Collection Accounts” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets includes the liability for applicable taxes, including the provision for corporate income tax in each year, net of tax withholdings and prepayments in each year, in the case of companies with a net tax liability. The amount of the tax refunds due to Group companies is included under the “Other Assets - Taxes Receivable” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. and its tax-consolidable subsidiaries file consolidated tax returns. The subsidiaries of Argentaria, which had been in Tax Group 7/90, were included in Tax Group 2/82 from 2000, since the merger had been carried out under the tax neutrality system provided for in Title VIII, Chapter VIII of Corporate Income Tax Law 43/1995. On December 30, 2002, the Group made the pertinent notification to the Ministry of Economy and Finance to extend its taxation under the consolidated taxation regime indefinitely, in accordance with current legislation. The other Group companies file individual tax returns in accordance with the applicable tax regulations.

 

As in prior years, in 2003 certain Group entities performed or participated in corporate restructuring transactions under the special tax neutrality system regulated by Law 29/1991 adapting certain tax items to EU directives and regulations and by Title VIII, Chapter VIII of Corporate Income Tax Law 43/1995. The disclosures required under the aforementioned legislation are included in the notes to financial statements of the relevant Group entities for the year in which the transactions took place.

 

The reconciliation of corporate income tax payable, calculated on the basis of the income per books before taxes, to the provision recorded is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Corporate income tax at the standard rate of 35%

   1,334,249     1,091,741     1,271,930  

Decrease arising from permanent differences:

                  

Tax credits and tax relief at consolidated companies

   (279,618 )   (203,445 )   (302,143 )

Effect of allocation of the Group’s share in the net income of associated companies

   (124,980 )   (7,698 )   (190,063 )

Other items, net

   (42,765 )   (270,774 )   (75,836 )
    

 

 

     (447,363 )   (481,917 )   (568,042 )

Net increase (decrease) arising from timing differences

   (48,275 )   (249,256 )   595,993  

Corporate income tax and other taxes payable

   838,611     360,568     1,299,881  

Recording (use) of prepaid or deferred taxes

   48,275     249,256     (595,993 )

Provision for corporate income tax and other taxes accrued in the year

   886,886     609,824     703,888  

Adjustments to the provision for prior years’ corporate income tax and other taxes

   28,090     43,389     (78,367 )

Corporate income tax and other taxes

   914,976     653,213     625,521  

 

As required by Bank of Spain Circular 4/1991 and related regulations, the deferred tax assets that will foreseeably be recovered during the next ten years are included under the “Other Assets” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Note 15). The main items for which the Group companies have recorded deferred tax assets are provisions to cover pensions and similar obligations to employees (€989,642 thousand at the Spanish companies) and the loan loss provisions (€779,892 thousand at BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. and €316,637 thousand at BBVA, S.A.).

 

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The Bank and certain Group companies have opted to defer corporate income tax on the gains on disposals of property and equipment and shares in investee companies more than 5% owned by them, the breakdown of which by year is as follows:

 

Year


   Thousands
of Euros


1996

   29,187

1997

   378,097

1998

   733,896

1999

   194,980

2000

   707,917

2001

   995,202

 

Pursuant to the regulations in force until December 31, 2001, the amount of the aforementioned gains must be included in equal parts in the taxable income of the seven tax years ending from 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively. Following inclusion of the portion relating to 2001, the amount of the income not yet included was €2,976,931 thousand, with respect to which the Group companies availed themselves of the provisions of the Third Transitory Provision of Law 24/2001 on Administrative, Tax and Social Security Measures, and practically all of this amount (€2,971,625 thousand) constitutes an addition to the 2001 taxable income for timing differences.

 

The share acquisitions giving rise to an ownership interest of more than 5%, particularly investments of this kind in Latin America, have been assigned to meet reinvestment commitments assumed in order to apply the above-mentioned tax deferral.

 

In 2003 the Bank and certain Group companies availed themselves of the corporate income tax credit for reinvestment of extraordinary income obtained on the transfer for consideration of property and of shares in investees more than 5% owned. The income subject to this tax credit amounted to €33,224 thousand. The acquisition in 2002 of shares of Latin American companies, mainly, was included under the group of reinvestment commitments under the aforementioned tax credit.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, certain consolidated companies had tax losses qualifying for carryforward against the taxable income, if any, of the ten years following the year in which they were incurred. As of December 31, 2003, the tax assets recorded for tax loss carryforwards amounted to €759,051 thousand, of which €539,670 thousand relate to BBVA Bancomer, S.A. de C.V. and €151,110 thousand to BBVA Bancomer Servicios, S.A. de C.V. Based on the available financial projections, the income expected to be generated by these two companies will enable these amounts, and the deferred tax assets recorded by them, to be recovered over a period of less than ten years.

 

As a result of the tax audits by the tax inspection authorities, in 2002 tax assessments were issued to certain Group companies for the years through 1997, some of which were contested. Taking into account the timing nature of certain tax assessment items, and in accordance with the principle of prudence, full provisions had been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the amounts that arose in this connection. The other Group companies generally have 1998 and subsequent years open for review by the tax inspection authorities for the main taxes applicable to them.

 

The varying interpretations which can be made of the tax regulations applicable to the operations of banks give rise to certain contingent tax liabilities for the open years that cannot be objectively quantified. However, the Bank’s Board of Directors and its tax advisers consider that the possibility of these contingent liabilities materializing in future reviews by the tax authorities is remote and that, in any event, the tax charge which might arise therefrom would not materially affect the consolidated financial statements.

 

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(26) MEMORANDUM ACCOUNTS AND OTHER OFF-BALANCE-SHEET TRANSACTIONS

 

The detail of the balances of the “Memorandum Accounts” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, which include the main commitments and contingent liabilities that arose in the normal course of banking business, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Contingent liabilities-

              

Deposits, guarantees and sureties

   13,588,729    15,109,713    13,713,924

Rediscounts, endorsements and acceptances

   11,828    5,370    62,097

Other

   3,050,954    3,041,745    2,699,583
    
  
  
     16,651,511    18,156,828    16,475,604
    
  
  

Commitments-

              

Balances drawable by third parties:

              

Credit institutions

   2,723,586    2,521,177    2,349,633

Public sector

   2,591,339    4,288,788    2,994,873

Other resident sectors

   27,578,080    25,842,248    26,183,898

Non-resident sector

   19,934,934    16,101,984    21,388,686
    
  
  
     52,827,939    48,754,197    52,917,090

Other commitments

   3,070,468    2,865,188    2,372,081
    
  
  
     55,898,407    51,619,385    55,289,171
    
  
  
     72,549,918    69,776,213    71,764,775
    
  
  

 

In addition to the above-mentioned contingent liabilities and commitments, at the end of 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Group had other transactions which, pursuant to current legislation, are not reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, The detail of the notional or contractual value of these transactions as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, and of the type of market on which they were arranged, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     Type of Market

   2003

   2002

   2001

Foreign currency purchase and sale transactions and swaps

                   

- Foreign currency purchases against euros

        23,376,814    19,611,600    17,456,059

- Foreign currency purchases against foreign currencies

        18,651,590    21,640,807    9,896,857

- Foreign currency sales against euros

        14,467,407    8,832,980    10,552,226
         
  
  
     Over-the-counter    56,495,811    50,085,387    37,905,142
         
  
  

Financial asset purchase and sale transactions

                   

- Purchases

        725,260    1,085,452    633,455

- Sales

        1,159,737    5,553,424    2,118,309
         
  
  
     Organized    1,884,997    6,638,876    2,751,764
         
  
  

Forward rate agreements (FRA)

                   

- Bought

        37,999,751    13,759,612    57,444,797

- Sold

        29,325,752    8,653,722    53,915,045
         
  
  
     Over-the-counter    67,325,503    22,413,334    111,359,842
         
  
  

Interest rate swaps

   Over-the-counter    533,737,345    454,602,653    463,403,810
         
  
  

Securities swaps

   Over-the-counter    3,973,217    6,921,838    3,848,898
         
  
  

Interest rate futures

                   

- Bought

        12,768,238    13,136,816    15,572,963

- Sold

        37,407,616    36,106,890    26,505,175
         
  
  
     Organized    50,175,854    49,243,706    42,078,138
         
  
  

Securities futures

                   

- Bought

        208,991    33,051    301,546

- Sold

        1,365,939    398,859    755,707
         
  
  
     Organized    1,574,930    431,910    1,057,253
         
  
  

Interest rate options

                   

- Bought

        42,247,845    37,819,076    36,721,077

- Sold

        35,276,947    31,547,425    32,562,187
         
  
  
          77,524,792    69,366,501    69,283,264
         
  
  
     Organized    8,507,711    1,638,260    1,517,281
         
  
  
     Over-the-counter    69,017,081    67,728,241    67,765,983
         
  
  

Securities options

                   

- Bought

        4,934,530    4,303,747    4,878,950

- Sold

        25,835,985    14,748,739    15,484,073
         
  
  
          30,770,515    19,052,486    20,363,023
         
  
  
     Organized    1,668,877    984,495    419,495
         
  
  
     Over-the-counter    29,101,638    18,067,991    19,943,528
         
  
  

Foreign currency options and futures

                   

- Bought

        3,595,772    3,949,889    10,552,096

- Sold

        5,264,581    4,745,871    11,791,166
         
  
  
     Over-the-counter    8,860,353    8,695,760    22,343,262
         
  
  

Other transactions

        788,903    1,292,090    818,597
         
  
  
          833,112,220    688,744,541    775,212,993
         
  
  

 

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The notional or contractual amounts of these transactions do not necessarily reflect the volume of actual risk assumed by the Group, since the net position in these financial instruments is the result of the offset and/or combination of them, This net position, even if it is not deemed a hedge for accounting purposes, is used by the Group basically to eliminate or significantly reduce interest rate, market or exchange risk, The resulting gains or losses on these transactions are included under the “Market Operations” caption in the consolidated statements of income. Any gains or losses on hedging transactions are included as an increase in, or offset of, the results on the positions covered by them,

 

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For the purposes of calculating the minimum capital requirements established by Bank of Spain Circular 5/1993, credit and counterparty risk arising from OTC interest rate and currency derivative transactions is measured by the original risk method, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the risk-weighted assets amounted to €3,870,801 thousand, €4,387,162 thousand and €4,422,028 thousand, respectively, which entails a minimum capital requirement of €309,664 thousand, €350,973 thousand, and €353,762 thousand, respectively, for transactions of this kind, respectively. The detail, by maturity, of these transactions as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

    

Up to

1 Year


  

1 to

5 Years


  

5 to

10 Years


   Over 10
Years


Balances at December 31, 2003-

                   

Interest rate and securities transactions-

                   

Swaps

   369,498,175    88,519,328    50,619,343    29,073,716

Forward rate agreements

   67,261,478    64,025    —      —  

Financial futures

   29,626,989    22,123,664    131    —  

Unmatured financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   1,884,997    —      —      —  

Securities and interest rate options

   34,432,983    44,313,427    19,656,483    9,892,414
    
  
  
  
     502,704,622    155,020,444    70,275,957    38,966,130
    
  
  
  

Exchange rate transactions-

                   

Forward foreign currency purchase and sale transactions and swaps

   36,891,706    7,149,988    12,454,117    —  

Foreign currency options and futures

   1,851,514    1,365,049    46,801    5,596,989

Other transactions

   788,903    —      —      —  
    
  
  
  
     39,532,123    8,515,037    12,500,918    5,596,989
    
  
  
  
     542,236,745    163,535,481    82,776,875    44,563,119
    
  
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2002-

                   

Interest rate and securities transactions-

                   

Swaps

   329,331,193    70,949,128    34,833,180    26,410,990

Forward rate agreements

   20,656,539    1,756,795    —      —  

Financial futures

   35,503,837    14,166,096    5,683    —  

Unmatured financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   6,638,876    —      —      —  

Securities and interest rate options

   20,384,422    36,302,213    24,498,414    7,233,938
    
  
  
  
     412,514,867    123,174,232    59,337,277    33,644,928
    
  
  
  

Exchange rate transactions-

                   

Forward foreign currency purchase and sale transactions and swaps

   47,868,117    2,217,270    —      —  

Foreign currency options and futures

   8,413,004    233,176    30,987    18,593

Other transactions

   1,292,090    —      —      —  
    
  
  
  
     57,573,211    2,450,446    30,987    18,593
    
  
  
  
     470,088,078    125,624,678    59,368,264    33,663,521
    
  
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2001-

                   

Interest rate and securities transactions-

                   

Swaps

   364,213,213    50,607,244    30,695,284    21,736,967

Forward rate agreements

   103,826,959    7,532,883    —      —  

Financial futures

   36,774,654    6,353,789    6,948    —  

Unmatured financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   2,751,764    —      —      —  

Securities and interest rate options

   31,272,253    28,437,416    18,751,158    11,185,460
    
  
  
  
     538,838,843    92,931,332    49,453,390    32,922,427
    
  
  
  

Exchange rate transactions-

                   

Forward foreign currency purchase and sale transactions and swaps

   26,673,787    11,231,355    —      —  

Foreign currency options and futures

   21,498,639    844,623    —      —  

Other transactions

   818,597    —      —      —  
    
  
  
  
     48,991,023    12,075,978    —      —  
    
  
  
  
     587,829,866    105,007,310    49,453,390    32,922,427
    
  
  
  

 

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The detail, by maturity and currency, of the interest rate swaps and forward rate agreements as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, stating the interest rates collected and paid, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros (except for percentages)

 

Balances at December 31, 2003


  

Up to

1 Year


   

1 to

5 Years


   

5 to

10 Years


    Over 10
Years


 

Swaps-

                        

In euros:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   146,519,659     27,535,800     23,685,417     11,541,990  

Average interest rate collected

   2.36 %   4.71 %   5.18 %   5.23 %

Average interest rate paid

   2.14 %   2.38 %   2.32 %   2.25 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   180,944,503     24,265,639     18,652,431     14,238,246  

Average interest rate collected

   2.15 %   2.24 %   2.52 %   2.30 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.83 %   4.91 %   5.43 %   5.90 %

Floating rate/floating rate-

                        

Notional value

   6,199,317     4,463,763     1,705,715     2,166,886  

Average interest rate collected

   1.62 %   2.39 %   2.95 %   2.45 %

Average interest rate paid

   1.57 %   2.30 %   2.46 %   2.46 %
    

 

 

 

     333,663,479     56,265,202     44,043,563     27,947,122  
    

 

 

 

In foreign currencies:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   26,771,781     21,089,552     4,323,442     330,518  

Average interest rate collected

   1.92 %   4.31 %   4.91 %   5.90 %

Average interest rate paid

   1.88 %   2.10 %   2.17 %   2.10 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   8,989,789     11,106,107     2,149,826     796,076  

Average interest rate collected

   2.20 %   2.16 %   2.19 %   2.18 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.83 %   4.63 %   4.76 %   5.59 %

Floating rate/floating rate-

                        

Notional value

   73,126     58,467     102,512     —    

Average interest rate collected

   3.00 %   2.18 %   2.36 %   —    

Average interest rate paid

   2.93 %   1.93 %   2.41 %   —    
    

 

 

 

     35,834,696     32,254,126     6,575,780     1,126,594  
    

 

 

 

     369,498,175     88,519,328     50,619,343     29,073,716  
    

 

 

 

     Up to 3
Months


   

3 to

6 Months


   

6 to

12 Months


   

Over

1 Year


 

Forward rate agreements-

                        

In euros:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   19,577,337     6,845,572     2,523,367     —    

Average interest rate collected

   2.12 %   2.41 %   2.54 %   —    

Average interest rate paid

   2.18 %   2.18 %   2.30 %   —    

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   23,274,945     11,316,680     3,023,045     —    

Average interest rate collected

   2.18 %   2.18 %   2.30 %   —    

Average interest rate paid

   2.12 %   2.38 %   2.69 %   —    
    

 

 

 

     42,852,282     18,162,252     5,546,412     —    
    

 

 

 

In foreign currencies:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   328,371     31,651     24,009     64,025  

Average interest rate collected

   1.38 %   1.81 %   —       —    

Average interest rate paid

   1.15 %   —       —       —    

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   316,501     —       —       —    

Average interest rate collected

   1.15 %   —       —       —    

Average interest rate paid

   1.36 %   —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

     644,872     31,651     24,009     64,025  
    

 

 

 

     43,497,154     18,193,903     5,570,421     64,025  
    

 

 

 

 

F-77


Table of Contents
     Thousands of Euros (except for percentages)

 

Balances at December 31, 2002


  

Up to

1 Year


   

1 to

5 Years


   

5 to

10 Years


   

Over

10 Years


 

Swaps-

                        

In euros:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   133,273,453     23,353,844     15,876,403     11,780,908  

Average interest rate collected

   3.20 %   4.91 %   5.38 %   5.73 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.43 %   3.34 %   3.65 %   3.86 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   152,123,286     19,621,239     13,030,682     11,261,379  

Average interest rate collected

   3.42 %   3.24 %   3.65 %   3.37 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.21 %   5.19 %   5.23 %   5.96 %

Floating rate/floating rate-

                        

Notional value

   2,309,867     5,966,248     1,038,244     1,435,651  

Average interest rate collected

   3.64 %   3.60 %   3.25 %   3.62 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.71 %   3.59 %   3.23 %   3.58 %
    

 

 

 

     287,706,606     48,941,331     29,945,329     24,477,938  
    

 

 

 

In foreign currencies:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   23,417,615     13,973,168     2,238,984     1,055,070  

Average interest rate collected

   5.47 %   7.59 %   6.00 %   6.61 %

Average interest rate paid

   4.05 %   5.35 %   2.89 %   1.68 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   13,034,006     6,915,482     2,126,473     451,839  

Average interest rate collected

   1.30 %   1.65 %   1.63 %   1.57 %

Average interest rate paid

   2.35 %   4.39 %   5.20 %   5.77 %

Floating rate/floating rate-

                        

Notional value

   233,262     85,550     —       —    

Average interest rate collected

   1.22 %   3.64 %   —       —    

Average interest rate paid

   2.05 %   2.61 %   —       —    
    

 

 

 

     36,684,883     20,974,200     4,365,457     1,506,909  
    

 

 

 

     324,391,489     69,915,531     34,310,786     25,984,847  
    

 

 

 

    

Up to

3 Months


   

3 to

6 Months


   

6 to

12 Months


   

Over

1 Year


 

Forward rate agreements-

                        

In euros:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   4,209,934     1,946,625     2,229,355     227,039  

Average interest rate collected

   3.14 %   2.95 %   2.85 %   3.37 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.46 %   2.98 %   2.92 %   4.66 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   5,892,332     2,870,899     2,881,666     564,233  

Average interest rate collected

   3.50 %   3.40 %   2.99 %   3.64 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.09 %   2.93 %   2.86 %   3.15 %
    

 

 

 

     10,102,266     4,817,524     5,111,021     791,272  
    

 

 

 

In foreign currencies:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   410,137     12,242     —       482,762  

Average interest rate collected

   9.33 %   6.59 %   —       2.46 %

Average interest rate paid

   6.29 %   6.36 %   —       4.56 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   123,162     80,187     —       482,761  

Average interest rate collected

   1.40 %   3.27 %   —       4.72 %

Average interest rate paid

   1.89 %   2.19 %   —       2.46 %
    

 

 

 

     533,299     92,429     —       965,523  
    

 

 

 

     10,635,565     4,909,953     5,111,021     1,756,795  
    

 

 

 

 

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Balances at December 31, 2001


   Thousands of Euros (except for percentages)

 
  

Up to

1 Year


   

1 to

5 Years


   

5 to

10 Years


   

Over

10 Years


 

Swaps-

                        

In euros:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   113,803,428     12,932,747     12,303,040     7,342,658  

Average interest rate collected

   3.55 %   4.98 %   5.47 %   5.82 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.60 %   3.78 %   3.75 %   3.70 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   131,488,682     10,259,905     7,561,875     5,220,691  

Average interest rate collected

   3.60 %   3.72 %   3.75 %   3.74 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.57 %   5.23 %   5.44 %   6.29 %

Floating rate/floating rate-

                        

Notional value

   126,265     492,581     1,447,795     3,960,440  

Average interest rate collected

   3.27 %   3.89 %   3.87 %   4.52 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.47 %   3.75 %   3.65 %   4.34 %
    

 

 

 

     245,418,375     23,685,233     21,312,710     16,523,789  
    

 

 

 

In foreign currencies:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   50,058,494     9,697,465     3,990,606     3,369,965  

Average interest rate collected

   4.44 %   5.91 %   5.62 %   6.27 %

Average interest rate paid

   2.74 %   2.75 %   3.09 %   2.96 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   64,445,162     17,055,201     5,301,302     1,833,307  

Average interest rate collected

   3.00 %   3.63 %   3.24 %   5.12 %

Average interest rate paid

   4.02 %   5.40 %   4.36 %   5.44 %

Floating rate/floating rate-

                        

Notional value

   442,284     169,345     90,666     9,906  

Average interest rate collected

   4.25 %   5.45 %   4.65 %   4.25 %

Average interest rate paid

   2.46 %   2.60 %   4.77 %   4.25 %
    

 

 

 

     114,945,940     26,922,011     9,382,574     5,213,178  
    

 

 

 

     360,364,315     50,607,244     30,695,284     21,736,967  
    

 

 

 

    

Up to

3 Months


   

From 3 to

6 Months


   

From 6 to

12 Months


   

Over

1 Year


 

Forward rate agreements-

                        

In euros:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   30,400,003     15,853,600     99,998     1,019,927  

Average interest rate collected

   3.27 %   3.16 %   3.31 %   3.38 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.33 %   3.12 %   3.38 %   3.80 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   31,899,994     8,550,000     6,200,000     2,399,998  

Average interest rate collected

   3.27 %   3.19 %   3.17 %   3.90 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.33 %   3.31 %   3.07 %   3.48 %
    

 

 

 

     62,299,997     24,403,600     6,299,998     3,419,925  
    

 

 

 

In foreign currencies:

                        

Collecting fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   2,583,215     497,616     615,354     2,592,106  

Average interest rate collected

   4.10 %   6.53 %   3.38 %   4.48 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.71 %   5.62 %   3.44 %   3.55 %

Paying fixed interest-

                        

Notional value

   4,464,630     2,322,143     340,406     1,520,852  

Average interest rate collected

   4.10 %   3.95 %   2.46 %   3.85 %

Average interest rate paid

   3.84 %   4.14 %   5.80 %   5.02 %
    

 

 

 

     7,047,845     2,819,759     955,760     4,112,958  
    

 

 

 

     69,347,842     27,223,359     7,255,758     7,532,883  
    

 

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Group had arranged share price risk and interest rate risk macrohedges consisting of securities listed on the main international markets and long-term deposit transactions, respectively (Note 3-m),

 

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The detail of the notional value of hedging and trading futures transactions as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     NOTIONAL AMOUNT

     HEDGING

   TRADING

   TOTAL

Balances at December 31, 2003-

              

Interest rate and securities transactions

   73,367,185    693,599,968    766,967,153

Swaps

   37,650,938    500,059,624    537,710,562

Forward rate agreements

   —      67,325,503    67,325,503

Options and futures

   35,471,788    124,574,303    160,046,091

Unmatured financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   244,459    1,640,538    1,884,997

Exchange rate transactions

   16,857,725    49,287,342    66,145,067

Forward foreign currency purchase and sale transactions, currency futures and swaps

   15,647,638    40,979,629    56,627,267

Foreign currency options

   810,522    7,918,375    8,728,897

Other transactions

   399,565    389,338    788,903
    
  
  
     90,224,910    742,887,310    833,112,220
    
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2002-

              

Interest rate and securities transactions

   67,319,615    561,351,689    628,671,304

Swaps

   28,110,825    433,413,666    461,524,491

Forward rate agreements

   40,762    22,372,572    22,413,334

Options and futures

   38,811,011    99,283,592    138,094,603

Unmatured financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   357,017    6,281,859    6,638,876

Exchange rate transactions

   17,713,727    42,359,510    60,073,237

Forward foreign currency purchase and sale transactions, currency futures and swaps

   15,347,014    37,763,263    53,110,277

Foreign currency options

   1,267,696    4,403,174    5,670,870

Other transactions

   1,099,017    193,073    1,292,090
    
  
  
     85,033,342    603,711,199    688,744,541
    
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2001-

              

Interest rate and securities transactions

   54,176,295    659,969,697    714,145,992

Swaps

   39,659,881    427,592,827    467,252,708

Forward rate agreements

   —      111,359,842    111,359,842

Options and futures

   13,626,874    119,154,804    132,781,678

Unmatured financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   889,540    1,862,224    2,751,764

Exchange rate transactions

   11,586,284    49,480,717    61,067,001

Forward foreign currency purchase and sale transactions, currency futures and swaps

   9,811,197    30,960,364    40,771,561

Foreign currency options

   956,490    18,520,353    19,476,843

Other transactions

   818,597    —      818,957
    
  
  
     65,762,579    709,450,414    775,212,993
    
  
  

 

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Following is a breakdown, by balance-sheet account hedged, of the notional balances of interest rate, securities and exchange rate hedging derivatives as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

B/S ACCOUNT HEDGED


   Thousands of Euros

  

AMOUNT


   NOTIONAL AMOUNT

      SWAPS

   FORWARD
RATE
AGREEMENTS


   OPTIONS
AND
FUTURES


   OTHER

Balances at December 31, 2003-

                        

Total net lending

   5,264,629    1,341,202    —      1,070,084    2,853,343

Due from credit institutions

   7,372,239    2,151,829    —      5,220,410    —  

Securities portfolio

   19,361,815    12,987,084    —      6,374,731    —  

Deposits

   9,608,900    4,786,229    —      792,723    4,029,878

Other assets and liabilities

   48,617,327    16,384,524    —      22,824,362    9,408,441
    
  
  
  
  
     90,224,910    37,650,938    —      36,282,310    16,291,662
    
  
  
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2002-

                        

Total net lending

   3,665,078    2,081,217    —      650,638    933,223

Due from credit institutions

   9,685,367    943,038    —      223,608    8,518,721

Securities portfolio

   25,478,487    7,642,755    —      12,955,835    4,879,897

Deposits

   10,280,687    7,892,260    —      2,388,417    10

Other assets and liabilities

   35,923,723    9,551,555    40,762    24,120,036    2,211,370
    
  
  
  
  
     85,033,342    28,110,825    40,762    40,338,534    16,543,221
    
  
  
  
  

Balances at December 31, 2001-

                        

Total net lending

   3,786,157    2,680,866    —      886,849    218,442

Due from credit institutions

   3,703,965    2,771,588    —      932,377    —  

Securities portfolio

   29,924,107    20,259,558    —      8,137,161    1,527,388

Deposits

   11,061,791    5,326,252    —      958,439    4,777,100

Other assets and liabilities

   17,286,559    8,621,617    —      3,797,752    4,867,190
    
  
  
  
  
     65,762,579    39,659,881    —      14,712,578    11,390,120
    
  
  
  
  

 

The market value of the trading derivatives transactions corresponding to the notional amounts of the underlying assets in the table above as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Interest rate and securities transactions

                  

Swaps

   (367,559 )   (727,839 )   (169,678 )

Forward rate agreements

   (1,935 )   (5,827 )   (13,733 )

Options and futures

   145,992     268,156     148,684  

Unmatured financial asset purchase and sale transactions

   1,950     (13,219 )   9,532  
    

 

 

     (221,552 )   (478,729 )   (25,195 )
    

 

 

Exchange rate transactions

                  

Forward foreign currency purchase and sale transactions, currency futures and swaps

   (369,288 )   (71,853 )   (85,939 )

Foreign currency options

   (58,634 )   (197 )   16,552  

Other transactions

   —       —       —    
    

 

 

     (427,922 )   (72,050 )   (69,387 )
    

 

 

 

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As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the provisions covering unrealized losses on trading interest rate and securities futures transactions (Notes 3-m and 20) amounted to approximately €277,614 thousand, €280,721 thousand and €168,229 thousand, respectively,

 

Off-balance-sheet managed funds

 

The detail of the off-balance-sheet funds managed by the Group as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Mutual funds

   45,751,629    43,581,299    49,900,947

Pension funds

   40,015,408    36,563,294    41,248,849

Assets managed

   27,306,691    28,670,233    33,345,967
    
  
  
     113,073,728    108,814,826    124,495,763
    
  
  

 

(27) TRANSACTIONS WITH PROPORTIONALLY CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES OR COMPANIES ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE EQUITY METHOD

 

Following is a detail of the major balances in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of the Group as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, with proportionally consolidated companies and companies accounted for by the equity method (Note 2-c). These transactions were made at market prices.

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Assets:

                  

Due from credit institutions

   25,831     4,068     167,658  

Total net lending

   3,547,407     3,727,728     4,330,815  

Debentures and other debt securities

   52,178     —       39,006  
    

 

 

     3,625,416     3,731,796     4,537,479  

Liabilities:

                  

Due to credit institutions

   65,295     175,395     318,657  

Deposits

   2,071,304     1,964,815     1,651,894  
    

 

 

     2,136,599     2,140,210     1,970,551  
    

 

 

Memorandum accounts:

                  

Contingent liabilities

   958,066     1,345,629     1,078,841  

Commitments and contingent liabilities

   962,110     489,931     1,002,488  
    

 

 

     1,920,176     1,835,560     2,081,329  
    

 

 

Statement of income:

                  

Financial revenues

   137,888     98,143     105,346  

Financial expenses

   (136,280 )   (142,937 )   (84,665 )

 

There are no other material effects on the financial statements of the Group arising from transactions with these companies, other than the effects arising from valuing the investments in them by the equity method (Notes 2-c and 28-f) and from the insurance policies to cover pension and similar commitments (Note 3-j).

 

The notional amount of the futures transactions arranged by the Group with the main related companies amounts to approximately €7,021,414 thousand (€5,388,845 thousand in 2002).

 

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In addition, as part of its normal activity, the Group has entered into agreements and commitments of various types with shareholders of subsidiaries and associated companies, which have no material impacts on the financial statements.

 

(28) INCOME STATEMENT DISCLOSURES

 

Following is certain relevant information in connection with the accompanying consolidated statements of income:

 

A. GEOGRAPHICAL BREAKDOWN-

 

The table below shows the geographical breakdown of the main revenue balances in the accompanying consolidated statements of income, by country of location of the Bank branches and Group companies giving rise to them:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Financial revenues-

                  

Spain

   6,549,705     7,335,211     7,846,238  

Other European countries

   363,507     633,049     1,714,574  

United States

   349,807     63,872     2,777  

Latin America

   5,186,443     8,289,627     11,387,675  

Rest of the world

   88,003     911,150     656,840  
    

 

 

     12,537,465     17,232,909     21,608,104  
    

 

 

Income from equities portfolio-

                  

Spain

   447,601     329,903     459,450  

Other European countries

   1,662     1,709     2,140  

United States

   239     5     24  

Latin America

   14,602     25,848     32,569  

Rest of the world

   —       597     1,261  
    

 

 

     464,104     358,062     495,444  
    

 

 

Fees collected-

                  

Spain

   1,784,263     1,853,326     1,920,384  

Other European countries

   194,923     204,015     230,602  

United States

   107,429     22,997     71,556  

Latin America

   1,790,566     2,217,039     2,554,778  

Rest of the world

   5,387     33,616     56,297  
    

 

 

     3,882,568     4,330,993     4,833,617  
    

 

 

Market operations-

                  

Spain

   375,226     319,078     179,618  

Other European countries

   21,996     41,938     13,445  

United States

   6,721     (36 )   8,853  

Latin America

   179,916     692,027     310,585  

Rest of the world

   67,645     (287,884 )   (22,406 )
    

 

 

     651,504     765,123     490,095  
    

 

 

Other operating income-

                  

Spain

   4,303     4,179     14,936  

Other European countries

   2,527     8,039     3,263  

United States

   180     254     937  

Latin America

   10,419     21,132     31,001  

Rest of the world

   (7 )   737     1,208  
    

 

 

     17,422     34,341     51,345  
    

 

 

 

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B. BREAKDOWN BY TYPE OF TRANSACTION-

 

The detail, by type of transaction, of certain captions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

   2002

    2001

 

Financial revenues-

                 

Bank of Spain and other central banks

   270,548    352,169     457,707  

Due from credit institutions

   885,508    1,077,074     1,807,592  

Fixed-income portfolio

   3,323,501    4,820,640     7,283,233  

Loans to public authorities

   827,029    1,509,262     1,053,502  

Loans to customers

   7,188,105    9,446,574     10,891,783  

Other revenues

   42,774    27,190     114,287  
    
  

 

     12,537,465    17,232,909     21,608,104  
    
  

 

Financial expenses-

                 

Due to Bank of Spain and other central banks

   241,323    256,433     258,393  

Due to credit institutions

   1,567,741    2,463,730     3,516,840  

Deposits

   3,068,585    5,456,666     7,592,170  

Bonds and other marketable debt securities

   886,868    997,669     1,189,925  

Subordinated debt (Note 21)

   327,554    405,775     429,694  

Cost allocable to the recorded pension provision (Notes 3-j and 20)

   69,893    60,041     42,480  

Other interest

   98,094    143,191     249,944  
    
  

 

     6,260,058    9,783,505     13,279,446  
    
  

 

Fees collected-

                 

Contingent liabilities

   138,715    135,595     136,052  

Collection and payment services

   1,713,291    1,842,831     1,877,845  

Securities services

   1,627,295    1,899,437     2,272,090  

Other transactions

   403,267    453,130     547,630  
    
  

 

     3,882,568    4,330,993     4,833,617  
    
  

 

Fees paid-

                 

Ceded to other entities and correspondents

   433,608    472,780     570,968  

Brokerage on asset and liability transactions

   9,926    15,394     19,383  

Other fees

   176,227    174,438     205,643  
    
  

 

     619,761    662,612     795,994  
    
  

 

Market operations-

                 

Sales and futures transactions on fixed-income securities and on interest rates (Notes 3-m and 26)

   126,982    566,453     115,749  

Sales and futures transactions on equity securities and other assets (Notes 10 and 26)

   226,284    (30,685 )   47,173  

Writedowns of securities and other

   10,523    (194,355 )   (2,759 )

Exchange differences (Note 3-b)

   287,715    423,710     329,932  
    
  

 

     651,504    765,123     490,095  
    
  

 

 

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C. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES - PERSONNEL COSTS-

 

The detail of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Wages and salaries

   2,457,658    2,743,819    3,211,099

Social security costs

   436,404    491,736    529,979

Net charge to in-house pension provisions (Notes 3-j and 20)

   56,420    39,067    32,203

Contributions to external pension funds (Note 3-j)

   78,501    93,557    90,272

Other expenses

   233,604    329,249    379,821
    
  
  
     3,262,587    3,697,428    4,243,374
    
  
  

 

The average total number of employees in the Group in 2003, 2002 and 2001, by category, was as follows:

 

     Number of Employees

     2003

   2002

   2001

Spanish banks-

              

- Executives

   969    166    172

- Supervisors

   20,547    20,746    20,222

- Clerical staff

   9,309    10,779    11,767

- Abroad

   674    676    678
    
  
  
     31,499    32,367    32,839

Companies abroad

              

- Mexico

   25,249    26,304    28,936

- Venezuela

   6,724    7,953    9,211

- Argentina

   3,685    4,375    4,964

- Colombia

   3,473    3,819    4,331

- Peru

   2,373    2,323    2,219

- Other

   4,452    9,374    9,628
    
  
  
     45,956    54,148    59,289

Pension fund managers

   6,181    5,863    6,656

Other nonbanking companies

   3,553    3,604    3,937
    
  
  
     87,189    95,982    102,721
    
  
  

 

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D. DIRECTORSCOMPENSATION AND OTHER BENEFITS-

 

In 2003, 2002 and 2001 the members of the Board of Directors of BBVA earned in this capacity €3,360 thousand, €6,699 thousand and €9,352 thousand, respectively.

 

The detail of the compensation earned in 2003, by item, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

Surname, First Name


   Board

   Board Committees

   TOTAL

      Standing
Committee


   Audit

   Appointments
and
Compensation


   Risk

   Committee
Chairmanship


  

Alvarez Mezquiriz, Juan Carlos

   110         60    36              206

Breeden, Richard C.

   300                             300

Bustamante y de la Mora, Ramón

   110         60         60    45    275

Ferrero Jordi, Ignacio

   110         60              90    260

Knörr Borrás, Román

   110    140                        250

Lacasa Suárez, Ricardo

   110                   60    150    320

Marañón y Bertrán de Lis, Gregorio

   110              36    60         206

Medina Fernández, Enrique

   110    140              60         310

Rodríguez Vidarte, Susana

   110         60                   170

San Martín Espinós, José María

   110    140         36              286

Telefónica de España, S.A.

   110                             110

Tomás Sabaté, Jaume

   110    140         36              286
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

TOTAL

   1,510    560    240    144    240    285    2,979
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

 

Note: in 2003 Mr. José Mª Caínzos Fernández received a total of €381 thousand in his capacity as a member of the Board.

 

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Bank executive directors earned in this capacity €8,032 thousand, €10,847 thousand and €11,125 thousand, respectively in 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

The detail of the compensation received by the executive directors in 2003, by item, is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

POST


   Fixed
Compensation


   Variable
Compensation


   TOTAL

Chairman

   1,461    2,393    3,854

Chief Executive Officer

   1,081    1,999    3,080

Secretary General

   491    607    1,098
    
  
  

TOTAL

   3,033    4,999    8,032
    
  
  

 

As of December 31, 2003, the detail of the welfare commitments to the members of the Board of Directors were as follows:

 

     Thousands
of Euros


SURNAME, FIRST NAME


   2003

Alvarez Mezquiriz, Juan Carlos

   124

Bustamante y de la Mora, Ramón

   147

Ferrero Jordi, Ignacio

   140

Knörr Borrás, Román

   85

Lacasa Suárez, Ricardo

   99

Marañón y Bertrán de Lis, Gregorio

   125

Medina Fernández, Enrique

   219

Rodríguez Vidarte, Susana

   56

San Martín Espinós, José María

   212

Tomás Sabaté, Jaume

   207
    

TOTAL

   1,414
    

 

As of December 31, 2002, the detail of the welfare commitments to the members of the Board of Directors were €1,058 thousand.

 

Also, in 2003 medical and accident insurance premiums amounting to €71 thousand were paid on behalf of members of the Board of Directors.

 

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As of December 31, 2003, the detail of the welfare commitments to executive directors was as follows:

 

POST


   Thousands
of Euros
2003


Chairman

   28,882

Chief Executive Officer

   23,697

Secretary General

   3,090
    

TOTAL

   55,669
    

 

As of December 31, 2002, the detail of the welfare commitments to executive directors was €36,376 thousand.

 

E. GENERAL EXPENSES-

 

The breakdown of the balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

Technology and systems

   370,125    390,541    483,394

Communications

   199,132    260,899    336,993

Advertising

   134,645    157,891    183,429

Buildings and fixtures

   301,354    370,082    458,308

Taxes other than income tax

   148,802    165,957    227,549

Other expenses

   614,411    728,927    791,713
    
  
  
     1,768,469    2,074,297    2,481,386
    
  
  

 

The balance of the “Other Expenses” account includes the fees paid by the Group companies to their respective auditors, which amounted to €12,972 thousand in 2003 (€15,789 thousand for 2002). Of the 2003 total, €8,282 thousand were incurred in company annual audits performed by firms belonging to the Deloitte & Touche world organization and €1,833 thousand were incurred to other audit firms (€5,784 thousand and €2,453 thousand, respectively, for 2002).

 

In 2003 the Group engaged these firms to perform non-attest services, the detail of which is as follows:

 

- Services provided by other audit firms: €1,283 thousand (€3,780 thousand in 2002).

 

- Services provided by Deloitte & Touche: €1,575 thousand (€3,862 thousand in 2002), including fees paid to the aforementioned auditors for various services including the preparation of mandatory audit-related reports required by official bodies.

 

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F. NET INCOME FROM COMPANIES ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE EQUITY METHOD-

 

The breakdown, by company, of the net balances of this caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Share in income and losses of companies accounted for by the equity method, net-

                  

Share in income before taxes of nonconsolidated Group companies (Note 12):

                  

BBVA Seguros, S.A.

   179,491     145,910     135,769  

BBVA Desarrollos Inmobiliarios, S.L.

   29,025     (5,916 )   12,387  

Seguros Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   49,191     44,323     33,741  

Unitaria Inmobiliaria, S.A.

   5,755     13,880     18,072  

BBVA Seguros Ganadero Cía. de Seguros, S.A.

   1,423     1,847     (18,145 )

BBVA Seguros Ganadero Cía. de Seguros de Vida, S.A.

   2,297     1,246     (15,278 )

Fianzas Probursa, S.A. de C.V.

   3,741     (2,561 )   (9,352 )

Pensiones Bancomer, S.A. de C.V.

   20,146     19,669     15,488  

Other companies, net

   54,284     35,203     56,105  
    

 

 

     345,353     253,601     228,787  
    

 

 

Share in net income of associated companies (Note 11):

   357,085     21,995     543,038  

Less-

                  

Correction for payment of dividends-

                  

Final or prior years’ dividends

   (194,158 )   (111,461 )   (171,192 )

Interim dividends paid out of income for the year

   (124,968 )   (130,891 )   (207,962 )
    

 

 

     (319,126 )   (242,352 )   (379,154 )
    

 

 

     383,312     33,244     392,671  
    

 

 

 

G. EXTRAORDINARY INCOME/LOSSES-

 

The breakdown of the net balances of these captions in the accompanying consolidated statements of income is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

Net special provisions (Notes 14 and 20) (*)

   17,951     (384,200 )   (925,775 )

Other losses arising from pension and similar commitments (Notes 3-j and 20)

   (118,328 )   (192,846 )   (86,336 )

Other income arising from adjustment of deferred contributions (Note 3-j)

   —       3,878     —    

Merger expenses

   —       —       (44,325 )

Gains on disposal of property and equipment and long-term investments (Notes 10 and 14)

   44,248     99,646     252,551  

Recovery of interest earned in prior years

   80,043     73,864     271,856  

Adjustment of earnings due to currency redenomination (Note 3-b)

   (56,611 )   4,431     69,279  

Net charge to the theoretical goodwill relating to Bradesco (Note 4)

   —       (34,719 )   —    

Other extraordinary income (losses), net

   (70,238 )   (2,635 )   (263,520 )
    

 

 

     (102,935 )   (432,581 )   (726,270 )
    

 

 


(*) Includes the net charges to the specific provision for Argentina in 2001.

 

The foregoing detail of the “Merger Expenses” account also includes other merger expenses, most notably the accelerated depreciation of nonrecoverable equipment and fixtures in closed branches and the accelerated amortization of computer software which are no longer being used due to the unification of systems.

 

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(29) CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION

 

The 2003, 2002 and 2001 consolidated statements of changes in financial position are as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 

APPLICATION OF FUNDS

                  

Dividends paid

   1,108,492     1,252,870     1,100,240  

External capital contributions-

                  

Purchase of own shares, net

   —       21,990     3,407  

Minority interests, net (Note 22)

   784,410     715,330     1,025,062  

Subordinated debt (Note 21)

   —       505,594     474,849  

Total net lending

   8,151,501     —       15,218,935  

Fixed-income securities

   2,973,901     —       9,423,564  

Equity securities

   51,320     —       656,853  

Marketable securities

   —       —       1,084,011  

Deposits

   5,511,458     19,939,069     —    

Financing, net of investment, at credit institutions

   —       5,540,828     —    

Acquisition of long-term investments-

                  

Purchase of investments in Group and associated companies (Notes 11 and 12)

   2,383,404     2,316,991     2,718,113  

Additions to property and equipment and intangible assets

   1,166,615     999,147     2,824,121  

Other asset items less liability items

   991,993     3,403,194     —    
    

 

 

TOTAL FUNDS APPLIED

   23,123,094     34,695,013     34,529,155  
    

 

 

SOURCE OF FUNDS

                  

From operations-

                  

Net income

   2,226,701     1,719,129     2,363,336  

Add-

                  

- Depreciation and amortization expense

   1,215,631     1,439,666     1,641,663  

- Net provision for asset writedown and to other special provisions

   1,453,532     2,646,688     2,490,035  

- Losses on sales of treasury stock, investments and fixed assets

   124,841     309,651     258,434  

- Minority interests

   670,463     746,919     645,223  

- Income of companies accounted for by the equity method, net of taxes

   —       49,151     —    

Less-

                  

- Income of companies accounted for by the equity method, net of taxes

   (253,445 )   —       (305,290 )

- Gains on sales of treasury stock, investments and fixed assets

   (722,420 )   (770,292 )   (1,295,853 )
    

 

 

     4,715,303     6,140,912     5,797,548  

External capital contributions-

                  

Sale of treasury stock

   13,787     —       —    

Minority interests, net (Note 22)

   —       714,451     260,484  

Subordinated debt (Note 21)

   1,334,582     —       3,253,057  

Financing, net of investment, at credit institutions

   5,911,890     —       6,404,308  

Deposits

   —       —       12,353,241  

Total net lending

   —       8,554,159     —    

Fixed-income securities

   —       13,031,268     —    

Equity securities

   —       504,413     —    

Marketable securities

   6,859,380     2,147,598     —    

Sale of long-term investments-

                  

Sale of investments in Group and associated companies (Notes 11 and 12)

   3,458,192     2,879,384     3,603,288  

Sale of property and equipment and intangible assets

   829,960     722,828     2,531,180  

Other asset items less liability items

   —       —       326,049  
    

 

 

TOTAL FUNDS OBTAINED

   23,123,094     34,695,013     34,529,155  
    

 

 

 

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(30) OTHER INFORMATION

 

On March 22, 2002, BBVA notified the supervisory authorities of the stock markets on which its shares are listed that the Bank of Spain had commenced a proceeding against BBVA and 16 of its former directors and executives. These proceedings arose as a result of the existence of funds belonging to BBV that were not included in the entity’s financial statements until they were voluntarily regularized by being recorded in the 2000 consolidated statement of income as extraordinary income, for which the related corporate income tax was recorded and paid. These funds totaled Ptas. 37,343 million (approximately €225 million) and arose basically from the gains on the sale of shares of Banco de Vizcaya, S.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. from 1987 to 1992, and on the purchase and sale by BBV of shares of Argentaria, Caja Postal and Banco Hipotecario, S.A. in 1997 and 1998.

 

After dissolving the legal vehicles where the unrecorded funds were located and including the funds in its accounting records, BBVA notified the Bank of Spain of these matters on January 19, 2001. The Bank of Spain’s supervisory services commenced an investigation into the origin of the funds, their use and the persons involved, the findings of which were included in the supervisory services’ report dated March 11, 2002. On March 15, 2002, the Bank of Spain notified the Bank of the commencement of a proceeding relating to these events.

 

On April 9, 2002, the Central Examining Court Number 5 of the National Appellate Court ordered that these events be investigated in preliminary proceedings which are being conducted at the Court. Also, it required the Bank of Spain to stay the conduct of its proceeding until the criminal liability that may arise as a result of these events, if any, is determined.

 

On May 22, 2002, the Council of the Spanish National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) commenced a proceeding against BBVA, S.A. for possible contravention of the Securities Market Law (under Article 99 o) thereof) owing to the same events as those which gave rise to the Bank of Spain’s proceeding and the legal proceedings. On January 7, 2003, the CNMV stated that the proceeding was stayed until the final court decision on the criminal proceedings is handed down.

 

As of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements, none of the persons party to the proceedings or accused of the events referred to above is a member of the Board of Directors or the Management Committee or holds executive office at BBVA. Although the stayed proceedings, in which charges have not yet been brought, and the preliminary proceedings are at a very early stage, in view of the events and the surrounding circumstances, the Group’s legal advisers do not expect them to have a material effect on the Bank.

 

(31) DETAIL OF THE DIRECTORS’ HOLDINGS IN COMPANIES WITH SIMILAR BUSINESS ACTIVITIES

 

Pursuant to Article 127 third of the Spanish Corporations Law as introduced by Law 262003 modifying Securities Market Law 24/1988, and the revised Corporations Law, for the purpose of enhancing transparency in listed companies, below is a list of the companies in which the Company’s directors have direct or indirect holdings and whose business activities are the same as, or similar or supplementary to, those making up the corporate purpose of BBVA, S.A.

 

In no case do the directors perform executive or management duties at these companies.

 

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Surname, First Name


  

Holding


  

Company


   Number of Shares

   Type of Holding

Alvarez Mezquiriz, Juan Carlos

   Santander Central Hispano    72    Direct

Breeden, Richard C.

      —     

Bustamante y de la Mora, Ramón

   Santander Central Hispano    1,000    Indirect

Ferrero Jordi, Ignacio

  

Santander Central Hispano

Banco Popular Español

Bankinter

   7,860
340
1
   Indirect
Indirect
Indirect

Goirigolzarri Tellaeche, José Ignacio

      —     

González Rodriguez, Francisco

   Bancoval    76,040    Indirect

Knörr Borrás, Román

   Santander Central Hispano    14,724    Indirect

Lacasa Suárez, Ricardo

   Banco Popular Español    17,168    Direct

Maldonado Ramos, José

      —     

Marañón y Bertrán de Lis, Gregorio

   Banco Español de Crédito    364    Indirect

Medina Fernández, Enrique

  

Santander Central Hispano

Banco Popular Español

Bank of America Corp,

HSBC Holdings

ING Groep, N,V,

Royal Bank of Scotland

   3,193
410
81
801
418
221
   Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect

Rodríguez Vidarte, Susana

      —     

San Martín Espinós, José María

   Santander Central Hispano    947    Direct

Angel Vilá Boix (representante de Telefónica de España, S.A.)

  

Banco Sabadell

BNP Paribas

   2,500
500
   Direct
Direct

Tomás Sabaté, Jaume

        

 

(32) RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPANISH AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES.

 

(32.1) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Increase of capital stock

 

At its meeting on February 3, 2004, at which statutory consolidated financial statements were prepared, the Board of Directors of BBVA resolved, inter alia, to increase capital by a nominal amount of €95,550,000, through the issuance of 195,000,000 ordinary shares of €0.49 par value each, of the same class and series, traded by the book-entry trading system. The aforementioned capital increase, which involved the disapplication of preemptive subscription rights, was performed under the powers granted by the Shareholders’ Meeting on March 9, 2002, in accordance with the stipulations of Article 153.1.b) of the Spanish Corporations Law. Article 161.1 of the Spanish Corporations Law expressly provides for the possibility of the capital increase not being fully subscribed.

 

In accordance with the stipulations of Article 159.2. of the Spanish Corporations Law, the issue price should be the reasonable value of the shares, which in the case of listed companies is taken to be the market price.

 

The capital increase was aimed exclusively at Spanish and foreign institutional investors through a placement method known as Accelerated Bookbuilt Offering (ABO) led by an investment bank. For general interest reasons, and in order to enable the shares to be placed among institutional investors using the aforementioned procedure, the powers granted by the Shareholders’ Meeting on March 9, 2002, were exercised and the BBVA shareholders’ and convertible debenture holders’ have no preemptive subscription rights.

 

The new shares will entitle their owners to share in any distribution of dividends paid after the capital increase is registered in Iberclear’s accounting records, and in assets in the event of liquidation. As regards the dividend to be paid out of 2003 income, holders of the new shares will only be entitled to receive the amount of any final dividend that the Shareholders’ Meeting resolved to declare, if the shares are issued prior to the date of this Shareholders’ Meeting (Note 5).

 

Tender offer for Bancomer

 

This capital increase is part of a global operation to attract funds to strengthen the Group’s equity structure and enable it to undertake its expansionary projects, in particular the tender offer for all the shares of Grupo Financiero BBVA BANCOMER, S.A. de C.V., as resolved at the Board meeting that took place on January 30, 2004, ensure the normal growth of its current business and maintain its solvency above the levels stipulated by Bank of Spain regulations (Note 2-e).

 

As of the date of the beginning of the tender offer, the BBVA Group owned 5,512,708,648 shares of BANCOMER representing 59.4% of its capital stock (Note 4). The offer approved by the Board of Directors is for all the shares not currently owned by BBVA, i.e. 3,763,898,174 BANCOMER shares representing 40.6% of its capital stock.

 

The tender offer concluded at March 19th, 2004. The amount of total cost of the transactions was €3,254 million. BBVA is performing the intangibles assets identification, purchase price allocation and accounting of goodwill under US GAAP.

 

As of the date of preparation of these consolidated financial statements, the BBVA Group owned shares of BANCOMER representing 99.66% of its capital stock.

 

Shareholder’s Meeting

 

The Shareholders’ Meeting held on February 28, 2004 approved, among other agreements, the following:

  · BBVA’s annual report for the year 2003.
  · Approval of the final dividend of €1,249,437 thousand.

 

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  · Annulling the resolution passed by the Shareholders’ Meetings held on March 9, 2002 under item 3 of its agenda, and acknowledging the Board of Directors’ partial exercise of this authorization, conferral of authority on the Board of Directors, in compliance with articles 153.1b) of the Spanish Companies Act, to increase the capital stock to a maximum of 50% of the Company’s subscribed share capital paid up on the date of the authorization. The Board would be able to issue capital for the amount decides, over a period of no more than five years.
  · Annulling, insofar as unused, the authorisation conferred at the Company General Shareholders Meeting of 9th March 2002 under item Four on its agenda, to authorise the Board of Directors to issue fixed-yield securities, of any class or kind, including swappable securities, not convertible into shares, to a maximum nominal sum of 71,750 million Euros.
  · Amendment of articles 24 “Proxy to attend the GSM”; 29 “Shareholders’ right to information”; 31 “Adoption of Resolutions”; 34 “Number and Election”; 35 “Requirements for Directors”; 37 “Vacancies”; 38 “Chairman and Secretary of the Board” and 45 “Creation and composition”; of the Company’s Bylaws.
  · Approval of the Regulations of the BBVA General Shareholders Meeting.
  · Delegation of authority to request listing or de-listing of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. shares on foreign Securities Exchanges.
  · Authorisation of the Company to acquire its treasury stock, directly or through its Group of companies, in accordance with Article 75 of the Spanish Corporate Act.
  · Reelection of auditors for fiscal year 2004.

 

Re-election of three members of the Board of Directors in accordance with the provision stated in Article 36 of BBVA’s by-laws and appointment of Mr. José Antonio Fernández Rivero and Mr. Carlos Loring Martínez de Irujo as members of the Board of Directors for a five-year term.

 

Sale of Banco Atlántico

 

The transaction mentioned in note 11 in which Banco Sabadell, S.A. launched a tender offer on the shares of Banco Atlántico, S.A. performed in March 2004. That gave rise to a gain of €218 millions in 2004.

 

BBVA Banco Francés (“Banco Francés”).

 

On March 18, 2004, the Board of Directors of BBVA Banco Frances, our Argentine affiliate, resolved to implement a plan intended to improve Banco Frances’s adjusted stockholders’ equity and enable Banco Frances to comply with new minimum capital requirements established by the Argentine Central Bank. The plan provides for:

a) a capital increase of up to ARP 385 million (approximately US$132.2 million or €108 million at exchange rate as of March 31, 2004), which will be submitted for approval at an ordinary and extraordinary stockholders meeting and to the appropriate local authorities and
b) the sale of Banco Francés’s entire interest in Banco Francés (Cayman) Limited, which has been approved by regulatory authorities of the Cayman Islands.

 

BBVA, as Banco Francés’s largest shareholder, intends to participate in this plan by:

(1) capitalizing a loan granted by BBVA to BBVA Banco Francés in an amount up to US$ 77.7 million (€63.6 million at exchange rate as of March 31, 2004)
(2) subscribing, if other shareholders will not subscribe it, to a capital increase in an maximum amount up to US$ 40 million (€32.7 million at exchange rate as of March 31, 2004).

 

Furthermore, BBVA have acquired from BBVA Banco Francés its entire interest in Banco Francés (Cayman) Limited for a purchase price of US$ 238.5 million (€195 million at exchange rate as of March 31, 2004), which is based on the independent valuation of Banco Francés (Cayman) Limited by two well-recognized valuation experts.

 

The two transactions involving Banco Frances described above will not affect BBVA’s consolidated operating results because (i) in the case of the loan capitalization, BBVA had previously fully provisioned the loan, and (ii) in the case of the purchase of Banco Frances (Cayman) Limited, this entity was already fully consolidated by BBVA.

 

De-listing of Buenos Aires Stock Exchange

 

Because of our investment in Argentine, the listing in Buenos Aires Stock Exchange was required by local authorities in 2000. However, none share have been traded as of nowadays in this stock exchange. Therefore, accordingly with the delegation of authority to request listing or de-listing of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. shares on foreign Securities Exchanges approved by Shareholders’ meeting mentioned above, on April 1, 2004, BBVA have applied for de-listing of our shares in this stock exchange. On June 15, 2004, de-listing have been approved by Buenos Aires Stock Exchange and National Exchange Commission in Argentine.

 

Sale of Acerinox

 

On June 18, 2004, BBVA sold its entire 5.01% interest in Acerinox, S.A. The total sale price was €146.6 million) and gave rise to a capital gain of €35 million.

 

(32.2) DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SPANISH AND UNITED STATES GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES AND OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES.

 

As described in Note 2, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of the BBVA Group are presented in the formats stipulated by Bank of Spain circulars and were prepared by applying the generally accepted accounting principles for banks in Spain (“Spanish GAAP”), largely dictated by Bank of Spain. Such formats and accounting principles vary in certain respects from those generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). Following is a summary of the main differences between Spanish and U.S. generally accepted accounting principles:

 

•      Significant valuation and income recognition principles under Spanish and U.S. GAAP

   A

•      Net income and Stockholders’ Equity reconciliation between Spanish and U.S. GAAP

   B

•      Consolidated Financial Statements

   C

•      Additional information required by U.S. GAAP

   D

 

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The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and allocations of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimated but any difference should not be material.

 

(32.2.A) SIGNIFICANT VALUATION AND INCOME RECOGNITION PRINCIPLES UNDER SPANISH AND U.S. GAAP

 

Following is a description of the most significant valuation and income recognition principles under Spanish and U.S. GAAP applicable to the financial statements of the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group:

 

SPANISH GAAP


  

US GAAP


Consolidation procedures and Investments in affiliated companies

(See notes 2-c, 3-e, 4, 11 and 12)

    

Consolidation Procedures

Spanish GAAP establishes three consolidation procedures:

   Consolidation Procedures
-   Global Integration Method (full consolidation): this method is applied to all the companies that are directly or indirectly more than 50% owned by the Bank or, if less than 50% owned, are effectively controlled by the Bank, whose business activities do not differ from those of the Bank and which constitute, together with it, a single decision-making unit.    -  Generally, consolidation is required for, and is limited to, all investments that are directly or indirectly controlled by the investor, which is usually evidenced by ownership of a majority of the voting shares of the investee. Even when 50% of the voting interest is not owned, consolidation is appropriate if by contract, lease or agreement the investor has control over the venture.
    There are several subsidiaries that belong to BBVA Banco Continental Group (Perú): Banco Continental, S.A. (parent company), Continental Bolsa, SAB, S.A., Continental, S.A. Sociedad Administradora de Fondos, Continental Sociedad Titulizadora, Inmuebles y Recuperaciones Continental. BBVA Groups holds 46% of Continental Group, however, BBVA Group has the control over Continental Group due to permanent shareholders’ agreements that give the control of the companies to BBVA.     
    The Global Integration method fully consolidates the financial statements of companies controlled by the parent company after eliminating all inter-company transactions and recognizing minority interest. This method follows the rules as expressed by ARB 51 and SFAS 94.     
-   Proportional Integration Method: this method is applied to all the companies whose line of business is directly related to those of the Bank, and which at least 20% owned by the Bank and managed jointly with another shareholders. This method is applied as follows:    -  Proportional Integration Method is not generally permitted under US GAAP.
    1.   Assets, rights, obligations, revenues and expenses of the joint venture are included in consolidated financial statements based on the Group’s holding in the joint venture. For example, if the Group’s holding is 30% then 30% of the joint venture’s assets are included in the consolidated financial statements.     
    2.   The proportional method of consolidation does not result in the recognition of minority interest.     
    3.   Inter-company transactions are eliminated to the extent of the interest held on the Joint Venture.     
    4.   The cost of the parent investment in the joint venture is eliminated as the joint venture’s net assets. At the date of acquisition this difference will be allocated to assets or liabilities and the amount not allocated will be registered as Goodwill or Negative Goodwill. See     

 

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        explanation of differences about “Business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets” in section below.          
    5.   Joint ventures that are less 20% owned by the Bank, are accounted for under Spanish GAAP using the equity method.          
        In note 32.2.D.3 we show the effect of the use the proportional consolidation method on our consolidated financial statements under Spanish GAAP.          
-   Equity Method: it is applied to all the companies that are directly or indirectly more than 50% owned by the Bank or, if lees than 50% owned, are effectively controlled by the Bank, whose business activities differ from those of the Bank (See Note 12 - Investment in Group Companies).    -  These subsidiaries should be consolidated for U.S. GAAP, the effect of consolidating these companies is shown in Note 32.2.D.3 in this 2003 Form 20-F.
Investment in Affiliated Companies    Investment in Affiliated Companies
Investments in listed affiliated companies owned over 3% and in unlisted affiliated companies owned over 20% are generally accounted for by the equity method. See Note 11, “Investments in Non-group companies”.    Investments in affiliated companies which enable the investor to exercise significant influence over the investee are accounted for by the equity method. An investment over 20% but less than 50% should lead to a presumption of significant influence.
-   Sometimes, BBVA Group maintains holdings in specific “Non-Group companies” with different purposes. Under Spanish GAAP despite the different purposes of these holdings and the different accounting treatment of them, as a portion of the specific holding should be classified as “Affiliated Company” (“Non-Group Companies” under Spanish GAAP”) the whole holding is classified as “Non-Group Companies” in the Balance Sheet. The purpose of a portion of the specific holding is to exercise a significant influence over the investee that will be held on a long-term basis. Therefore this portion is classified as “Affiliated Companies” (Long Term Investments in Note 11) and it is accounted for by the equity method. The purpose of any additional interest in an specific holding (“Non-Group company”) can vary (tax purposes, market purposes,…) and this portion is classified as Available for sale or Trading (“Other Investments in associated companies “ in Note 11).   

-  Trading securities are stated at market value, and differences between market value and book value are reported in the statement of income.

 

-  Available-for-sale securities are measured at fair value and unrealized gains and losses, including the effect of hedges, are reported as a net amount within Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

-   Some of the holdings in “Non-group Companies” classified as “Available for Sale” are hedged. BBVA Group trades equity swaps to hedge market risk. The strike prices of equity swaps are always the same as the carrying values of the hedged securities at the inception of the hedges. This means that any variation in the fair value of the hedged item (securities) will be very similar to the variations in the fair value of the equities. This is due to the fact that derivative instruments used are rolled over every month. Under Spanish GAAP the accounting treatment is as follows:         Under US GAAP, this kind of hedges are fair value hedges. Therefore, both hedged item and hedging item should be registered at fair value, and changes in fair value shall be recognized in the income statement. As there is no significant ineffectiveness the net effect in earnings would be close to zero. Accordingly, there are not any adjustments in the reconciliation of Net Income and Stockholders’ equity concerning this matter
    o   All settlements produced by the equity swaps are recorded as an asset or a liability on the balance sheet.          
    o   Net effect in the income statement is nil.          

 

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SPANISH GAAP


 

U.S. GAAP


Deferred charges    
(See Note 3-f)    
Capital increase expenses are amortized over a five-year period.   These expenses are classified as a reduction of Stockholders’ Equity when incurred.
Start up activities expenses are amortized over a five-year period.   These expenses are accounted for as non-interest expenses, as incurred.
Treasury stock    
(See Notes 3-i and 23)    
Gains or losses on transactions with Bank shares owned by consolidated companies are accounted for as extraordinary results.   The results of transactions in parent company shares (treasury stock) are accounted for in “Additional paid-in capital” and have no effect on the income statement.
Loans granted to shareholders and employees for the acquisition of treasury stock are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets under Loans and Leases.   Loans granted to shareholders and employees for the acquisition of parent company stock are recorded as a reduction of Stockholders’ Equity.
Income taxes    
(See Notes 3-l and 25)    
The tax expense for corporate income tax is calculated on the basis of book income before taxes, increased or decreased by permanent differences.   Income tax expense is comprised of two components: current tax payable or refundable and deferred tax expense or benefit. Deferred taxes are computed with respect to all differences between reported earnings and taxable earnings that are attributable to differences in the timing of expected revenue recognition or expense deductibility.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in respect of timing differences that are expected to result in a taxation asset or liability in a period of less than ten years.   With limited exceptions, deferred tax assets and liabilities must be recognized regardless of when the timing difference is likely to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that the future tax benefit will not be realized.

 

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SPANISH GAAP


 

U.S. GAAP


Foreign currency translation    
(See Note 3-b)    
A functional currency approach is used in identifying the consolidated impact of foreign currency transactions. The functional currency is generally the reporting currency of the operating unit. Transactions of individual reporting units in currencies other than the identified functional currency are translated into the functional currency with resulting net gains or losses reported as a component of current period earnings.   A functional currency approach is used in identifying the consolidated impact of foreign currency transactions. The functional currency is generally the reporting or local currency of the operating unit. Transactions and balances of individual reporting units in currencies other than the identified functional currency are translated into the functional currency with resulting net gains or losses reported as a component of current period earnings.
For purpose of translating assets and liabilities, the exchange rate at the balance sheet date is used. Revenues, expenses, gains, and losses are translated using the average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses offset by qualifying hedge transactions are reported consistently with the underlying currency transaction.   For purpose of translating assets and liabilities into the reporting currency, the exchange rate at the balance sheet date is used. Revenues, expenses, gains, and losses are translated into the reporting currency using a weighted average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses offset by qualifying hedge transactions are reported consistently component of accounted other comprehensive income.
For purpose of consolidation, net translation gains and losses resulting from translation of the financial statements of operating units with functional currencies different from the parent, are recorded as a component of reserves.   For purpose of consolidation net translation gains and losses resulting from translation of the financial statements of operating units with functional currencies different from the parent, are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.
Adjustments to income statement allowed under local accounting regulations in high-inflation countries are registered as extraordinary results.   The financial statements of operating units in a highly inflationary economy are remeasured as if the functional currency of the operating unit were the same as that of the parent reporting currency. For the purposes of this requirement, a highly inflationary economy is one that has cumulative inflation of approximately 100 percent or more over a 3-year period.

 

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SPANISH GAAP


  

U.S. GAAP


Investment securities     
(See Notes 6, 9 and 10)     
Debt securities are classified as trading, ordinary investment or held-to-maturity securities, depending on the intent of the investment.     
Equity investments in listed companies owned less than 3% and non-listed companies owned less than 20% are classified as trading, ordinary investment or long term investment securities, depending on the intent of the investment.     
Trading securities are stated at market value, and differences between market value and book value are reported in the statement of income.    Debt securities are classified as trading, available-for-sale or held-to-maturity securities, depending on the intent of the investment.
Ordinary investment securities are measured at lower of cost adjusted for any premium or discount generated when the security was purchased (adjusted acquisition price) or market price, with unrealized losses reported in an accrual account or provisioned in the statement of income if deemed to be permanent creating a specific allowance. Releases from this allowance arise when unrealized losses disappear. Unrealized gains are not recorded.    Equity investments in companies owned less than 20% with readily determinable fair values are classified as trading or available-for-sale, depending on the intent of the investment.
Held-to-maturity and permanent investment securities are stated at acquisition price adjusted by the amount resulting from accrual by the interest method of the positive or negative difference between the redemption value and the acquisition cost over the term to maturity of the security.    Held-to-maturity securities are stated at adjusted acquisition price.
     Non-marketable equity investments of 20% or less are accounted for under the cost method. Carrying values of individual non-marketable equity securities are reduced through write-downs to reflect other-than-temporary impairments in value.
The basis on which cost is determined in computing realized gains or losses is the average amortized cost method.    The basis on which cost is determined in computing realized gains or losses is the average amortized cost method.
For impairment criteria see note 32.2.B.9.    For impairment criteria see note 32.2.B.9.

 

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Premises and equipment     
(See Notes 3-h, 14 and 24)     
Premises and equipment are stated at revalued cost, net of the related accumulated depreciation. Revaluation is permitted only pursuant to relevant legislation.    Premises and equipment are stated at cost after subtracting accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. No revaluation is permitted
Depreciation is computed on the restated value using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the asset. The amount of depreciation and amortization charged to income is deductible for corporate income tax purposes. In addition, gains or losses on sales of the asset are determined as the difference between the selling price and the net restated value.     
Fixed assets acquired and certain of those leased from both related and third parties through 1985, following the provisions of Spanish Royal Decree-Law 2/1985, were depreciated on an accelerated useful lives basis.     

 

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SPANISH GAAP


  

U.S. GAAP


Business combinations, goodwill and intangible assets.     
(See Notes 3-g and 13)     
There are no specific guidelines in accounting for business combinations.    From July 1, 2001, all business combinations must be accounted for using the purchase method.
It should be accounted as pooling of interest when there it implies a deep managerial and economical reorganization, and when the difference in net value of both entities is not significant. Otherwise, it should be recorded as an acquisition.    Purchase accounting: the valuation was based on fair values of the net assets as of the time of the acquisition. The differences between the fair value of the net assets and the consideration paid represent goodwill. Income of the acquired company was reflected only from the acquisition date onwards.
Generally, valuation of acquisitions is based on the book value of the net assets acquired. The difference between net assets and consideration paid is assigned, where appropriate, to those assets and liabilities whose fair value differs from their book value. Any difference remaining after this imputation is classified as goodwill. Income of the acquired company is reflected only from the acquisition date onwards   

Since January 1, 2002, goodwill is generally no longer amortized, but instead it is subject to an impairment test at least annually.

For the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment, all goodwill acquired in a business combination shall be assigned to one or more reporting units as of the acquisition date.

Negative goodwill are recorded in the statement of income after appropriately reducing the assigned values at the recorded assets.

Positive goodwill is amortized over the period estimated to be benefited not exceeding 20 years (reasons for periods in excess of five years should be explained in notes to the financial statements). Under special circumstances, and with the authorization of the Bank of Spain, goodwill may be charged-off against reserves.

 

Negative goodwill are registered in the balance sheet

  

Intangible assets must be recognized as assets apart from goodwill.

 

Intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not amortized but rather are tested at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets that have finite useful lives are amortized over their useful lives.

All intangible assets shall be amortized. The amortization periods differ for each intangible asset class.     

 

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Pension plan and early retirements     
(See Notes 2-f, 2-h, 3-j y 20)     
Pension commitments, since year 2000, are covered either by insurance contracts or external pension funds. All interest and actuarial risks have been transferred to the insurance company or the pension fund together with the plan assets, which are higher than pension liabilities.    U.S. Financial Accounting Standard No. 87 provides detail guidance regarding the accounting for pension liability and cost. This guidance requires the recording of the excess of a defined actuarial valuation of the present value of post retirement benefits over the adjusted fair value of plan assets maintained in an external fund.
Changes in pension liability due to amendment of the plans, are treated as prior service costs. Such differences are amortized over a maximum period of 15 years, that is always lower than the average remaining service period of active employees. These amounts are fully funded as of December, 31 2002.    Changes in pension liability or asset values resulting from experience different from actuarial estimates are treated as actuarial gains and losses. Changes in pension liabilities due to amendment of pension plans are treated as prior service cost. Such gains and losses and prior service cost may be amortized, by the straight-line method over a period not exceeding the average remaining service period of active employees, or by charges to income in the period incurred.
As a consequence, neither assets (apart from the prior service costs) nor liabilities are recorded in the balance as of December 31, 2002.    Amounts recognized as expense may differ from amounts funded in the same year. The accrual of pension expense is intended to effectively match the full cost of the expected pension benefits to the period of employee service.
The Group charges into the income statement, the amortization of the prior service costs and the contributions and insurance payments corresponding to the cost of the service of the employees in the current year.    Early retirement costs are charged against income when they are as incurred.
Early retirement costs charged against income when they are incurred.    These charged to retained earnings are not accepted under U.S. GAAP.
Exceptionally and, when the Bank of Spain deems it appropriate, pension and early retirement costs may be provided for with a charge to retained earning.     

 

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SPANISH GAAP


  

U.S. GAAP


Derivative instruments and hedging activities     
(See Notes 3-m and 26)     
These instruments are registered in off-balance sheet accounts.    All derivatives are recognized either as assets or as liabilities on the Balance Sheet and measured at their fair value.
     Embedded derivative instruments—implicit or explicit terms that affect some or all of the cash flows or the value of other exchanges required by the contract in a manner similar to a derivative instrument—need to be bifurcated from the host contract and accounted for as a derivative instrument.
The accounting of profits or losses from these instruments depends on its designation as part of a hedging relationship.    The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative (that is, gains and losses) depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
Transactions aimed at eliminating or significantly reducing interest, foreign exchange or equity risks of specific assets or liabilities, or other operations, are designated as hedging transactions (specific hedges). Besides, transactions used to hedge global interest or equity risk exposure arising on its management of correlated assets, liabilities and future transactions, are designated as hedging transactions (macro hedges). In addition it is required that they are under the control of a conservative, consistent and integrated system that measures, controls and manages the risk and the results of the operations involved.    For a derivative to be designed as a hedging instrument some explicit conditions must be met, among others the hedge should be documented, identifying the risk to hedge and how effectiveness is being assessed. Also there are some specific elements that are not eligible to part of an accounting hedging relationship.
Non-hedging transactions arranged on organized markets are valued at market price, and market price fluctuations are recorded in full in the consolidated statements of income.    For a derivative not designated as a hedging instrument, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of change.

 

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     A hedging derivative may be specifically designated as:

The gains or losses arising from trading transactions arranged outside organized markets are not recognized in income until they are effectively settled. However, provisions are recorded with a charge to income for unrealized net losses. These provisions are calculated independently for each risk (interest rate, equity price and currency), by grouping them by currency, then netting unrealized profits and losses for each group, and then adding only the net losses of each group.

 

The gains or losses arising from hedging transactions are accrued symmetrically to the revenues or expenses arising from the hedged items, with a balancing entry under “Other Assets” or “Other Liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets.

  

(a) a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment, and its gains or losses are recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged.

 

(b) a hedge of the exposure to variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction. In this case the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or loss is initially reported as a component of other comprehensive income (outside earnings) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the gain or loss is reported in earnings immediately.

 

(c) a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation, an unrecognized firm commitment, an available-for-sale security, or a foreign-currency-denominated forecasted transaction. The gain or loss of these derivatives is reported in other comprehensive income (outside earnings) as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. This amount shall be subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged operation affects earnings.

Net lending

 

Impairment

 

Loans are identified as impaired and placed on a non-accrual basis when any interest or principal is past due for 90 days or more or when it is determined that the collectibility of interest or principal is doubtful. It is doubtfully collectible when the borrower is incurring continued losses, frequent delays in payments, cannot obtain new financing, is reducing its stockholders’ equity, or other reasons based on available information.

 

At the beginning, only the amounts past due for 90 days or more are classified as non-performing. The entire loan is classified as non-performing if one of the following conditions is met:

 

•  Amounts classified as non-performing exceed 25% of the outstanding balance. Additionally, all outstanding loans to a particular customer would be classified as non-performing if more than 25% of the outstanding credit to the customer is non-performing.

 

•  Any principal is past due more than 6 months for loans to individuals or 1 year for other loans.

 

•  The loan is deemed uncollectible.

 

A loan could be on non-accrual status even if it is classified in part as a performing loan.

  

Net lending

 

Impairment

 

A loan is impaired when, based on available information and facts, it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all the amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.

 

The total amount of loans identified as impaired is classified as non-performing and placed on a non-accrual basis.

 

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The same loan could be partially classified as non-performing and as performing.     
Allowance for loan losses    Allowance for loan losses

Pursuant to Bank of Spain regulations, once any portion of a loan is classified as non-performing, a specific loan loss allowance is required to be set up, with scheduled increases to the allowance based on a calendar of the time elapsed since the first event of nonpayment or for which collection is considered to be doubtful. Based on management’s assessment banks may elect to record allowances in excess of this minimum requirement.

 

A generic allowance of 1% of total loans, guarantees, private sector debt securities and contingent liabilities must also be made. This allowance is limited to 0.5% for fully secured mortgage loans.

 

Additionally, a Country Risk allowance must be recorded to cover the transfer risk arising from outstandings loans to borrowers in countries falling into certain risk categories established, including intercompany transactions.

 

Finally, the Bank of Spain requires an allowance for the statistical coverage of credit losses. The amount of this allowance depends on calculations made using different coefficients for each category of the loan portfolio and on the net charges to income statement related to other loan losses.

  

The allowance for loan losses represents managements’ best estimate of probable losses in the loan portfolio.

 

The reserve estimation process is judgmental and includes consideration of identified losses as well as reasonably expected probable losses based on judgmental assessment of historical trends, credit concentrations and other factors. The allowance for loans losses for individual loans specifically reviewed for impairment is determined by one of the following:

 

•  The present value of the expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate,

 

•  The loan’s observable market price, or

 

•  The fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

 

The allowance for loan losses for a group of loans collectively reviewed for impairment is based on representative historical losses updated to reflect current trends and conditions.

Financial statement presentation    Financial statement presentation
On the balance sheet, loans are always presented net of their credit allowances.    Loans are presented as net of allowances for loan losses as well.
The entire loan balance and its credit allowance are maintained on the balance sheet until any portion of it has been classified as non-performing for 3 years, or up to 6 years for some secured mortgage loans. After that period the loan balance and its 100% specific allowance are removed from the balance sheet and recorded in off-balance sheet accounts, with no resulting impact on the net loan balance or on net income at that time.    Actual credit losses, which may be for all or part of a particular loan, are deducted from the allowance and the related loan balance is charged off in the period in which the loan or a portion thereof is deemed uncollectible.
Only under unusual circumstances (bankruptcy, insolvency proceedings, etc.) the credit loss will be directly recognized through write-offs.     
Given that loans are presented on the balance sheet net of their credit allowances, there is not difference in the amounts disclosed on the balance sheet under Spanish or US GAAP     

 

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Transfers of Financial Assets

 

General Criteria

 

Those transactions in which transferor transfers all rights and liabilities of a financial asset or group of financial assets will be considered as “transfer of financial assets”. These transactions must comply with the following requirements to be a “transfer of financial assets”:

 

a)      All the rights owned by the transferor over the financial asset, including management or legal defense, will be transmitted to the transferee.

 

b)      The transmission will be for the remaining life of the financial asset

 

c)      The transmission will be documented in a written contract.

 

d)      The contract will specify transferor does not assume any responsibility over the credit risk of financial asset and that any modification of the conditions of financial asset will only affect the transferee.

 

e)      The transferor will not issue guarantees or repurchase agreements.

 

f)      The transferor will not accept the commitment of paying in advance to the transferee before the debtor pays. It means, the transferor will not finance to the buyer.

 

g)      The transferee will not have any limitation to manage, pledge or transfer the financial asset.

 

h)      If the transferee puts the transferor in charge of the management and legal defense of transferred financial asset, this engagement should be done under revocable contract.

 

All the transfers of assets that satisfies the conditions described above will be accounted for as a sale:

 

a.      All assets sold will be derecognized

 

b.      All assets obtained and liabilities incurred will be initially recognized at fair value

 

c.      Any gain or loss will be recognized in earnings.

 

Otherwise, such transactions would be considered financing liabilities and the gain or loss obtained on the “sale” would be deferred and amortized to income or loss over the remaining life of the loans transferred.

  

 

A transfer of financial assets (or all or a portion of a financial asset) in which the transferor surrenders control over those financial assets shall be accounted for as a sale to the extent that consideration other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets is received in exchange.

 

The transferor has surrendered control over transferred assets if and only if all of the following conditions are met:

 

a.      The transferred assets have been isolated from the transferor—put presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership.

 

b.      Each transferee, has the right to pledge or exchange the assets (or beneficial interests) it received, and no condition both constrains the transferee (or holder) from taking advantage of its right to pledge or exchange and provides more than a trivial benefit to the transferor.

 

c.      The transferor does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through either (1) an agreement that both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase or redeem them before their maturity or (2) the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets, other than through a cleanup call .

 

Upon completion of a transfer of assets that satisfies the conditions to be accounted for as a sale, the transferor (seller) shall:

 

a.      Derecognize all assets sold

 

b.      Recognize all assets obtained and liabilities incurred in consideration as proceeds of the sale, including cash, put or call options held or written (for example, guarantee or recourse obligations), forward commitments (for example, commitments to deliver additional receivables during the revolving periods of some securitizations), swaps (for example, provisions that convert interest rates from fixed to variable), and servicing liabilities, if applicable.

 

c.      Initially measure at fair value assets obtained and liabilities incurred in a sale or, if it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of an asset or a liability, apply alternative measures.

 

d.      Recognize in earnings any gain or loss on the sale.

 

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Securitizations

 

Securitizations that meet the criteria described above will be accounted for as a sale.

 

All financial assets transferred will be derecognized and all financial assets obtained and liabilities incurred by the transferor will be recognized at fair value.

 

Spanish GAAP does not consider Qualifying Special Purpose Entities as contemplated by SFAS 140

 

  

If a transfer of financial assets in exchange for cash or other consideration (other than beneficial interests in the transferred assets) does not meet the 3 criteria for a sale describe above, the transferor and transferee shall account for the transfer as a secured borrowing with pledge of collateral

 

Securitizations that meet the three criteria described above are accounted for as a sale.

 

All financial assets obtained or retained and liabilities incurred by the originator of a securitization that qualifies as a sale shall be recognized and measured as provided at fair value.

 

Qualifying Special Purpose Entities are not consolidated into the financial statements of the transferor or its subsidiaries.

SPANISH GAAP


  

U.S. GAAP


Guarantees, Contingent liabilities and Commitments

 

All of the following are recorded under memorandum accounts for the maximum amount committed by the Group.

 

If any fees are received at the inception of these guarantees, the total amounts are recorded in the caption “Other Liabilities” and are amortized and recognized into income over the lives of the contracts.

 

Additionally, for all guarantees representing potential risks for the Group a provision is recognized following the same provisioning criteria of fair value or potential loss as applied to other relevant risks (i.e. customer loans ).

 

1.      Contingent liabilities:

 

a.      Rediscounts, endorsements and acceptances

 

Consist of rediscounts of bill receivables, in which the Group supports certain risk, and the full amounts of the bills are recorded, except for rediscounts of Spanish Government securities.

 

b.      Assets assigned to sundry obligations

 

Bank of Spain regulations request the pledge of certain assets, mainly debt securities, to allow Banks to operate in several kind of transactions (taking deposits from the public, deal in certain markets, etc.) These assets are accounted for under “Debentures and other fixed income securities” caption of the asset side of the balance sheet, and valued as any other securities. The amount disclosed under memorandum accounts represents their net carrying value.

  

Since January 1, 2003, the inception of a guarantee, the guarantor shall recognize in its statement of financial position a liability for the fair value of the guarantee.

 

When a guarantee is issued as part of a transaction with multiple elements with an unrelated party, the liability recognized at the inception of the guarantee should be an estimate of the guarantee’s fair value, amounting to the greater of:

 

a.      The fair value amount, as:

 

1.      The premium that would be required by the guarantor to issue the same guarantee in a standalone arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated party, or

 

2.      In the absence of observable transactions for identical or similar guarantees, expected present value (the sum of the probability-weighted present values in a range of estimated cash flows, all discounted using the same interest rate convention, according to FASB Concepts Statement No. 7), or

 

3.      Fair value consistent with par. 18 of SFAS 116 criteria.

 

b.      The contingent liability amount required by par.8 SFAS 5.

 

When a guarantee is issued in a standalone arm’s-length transaction with an unrelated party, the liability recognized at the inception of the guarantee should be the premium received or receivable by the guarantor.

 

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2. Guarantees and other sureties

 

a. Guaranties promises

 

Amounts irrevocably committed to be formalized and guaranteed in the future.

 

b. Commercial guarantees

 

Amounts committed to guaranties in connection with the completion of commitments undertaken by the usual business of a client (for example, the guaranties of completion of government contracts, or performance guarantees).

 

c. Financial guarantees

 

Commitments by which the Bank undertakes a contingent obligation to make future payments if specified triggering events or conditions occur. Fair value, taken as the premium received upon issuance of the guarantee, is recorded as a liability and accrued to income over the life of the guarantee. Additionally, this balance is subject to provision.

 

d. Doubtful guarantees

 

Collects the amount of both commercial and financial guarantees, which the Group expects that will be exercised either due to occurrence of triggering events or other reasons. A provision is recorded accordingly.

 

e. Credit default swaps

 

Sales of credit default swaps; the maximum committed amount is recorded under memorandum accounts. Premium received is accounted for as a liability and the swap is marked to market. Several of these swaps are matched to identical swaps acquired; the remaining are valued at the lowest of net carrying amount or fair value, recording any necessary provisions under “Allowance for losses on futures transactions”.

 

3. Other contingent liabilities

 

a. Documentary credits

 

Commitments undertaken by which the Group stands ready to perform over the delivery of documents, including commercial letters of credit, stand-by letters of credit and financial letters of credit. The premium received is recognized as a liability, and additionally, the balance of risk bearing transactions is subject to provisioning

 

b. Other contingent liabilities

 

c. Doubtful contingent liabilities

 

Analogous to item 2.d above.

 

4. Commitments

 

a. Sales with repurchase agreements

 

The amount of the commitments to repurchase assets previously sold is recorded as a liability for the full amount the Bank committed to purchase them.

  

The loss contingency for this item refers to unasserted claims or assessment, but there has been no manifestation by the potential claimant (Bank of Spain) of an awareness of a possible claim or assessment, and it is not considered probable either. Hence this item is out of scope of FIN 45 accounting provisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out of scope of FIN 45, but subject to disclosure

 

 

 

Out of scope of FIN 45, but subject to disclosure

 

 

 

 

 

 

See general criteria above

 

 

 

 

 

See general criteria above

 

 

 

 

Out of scope of FIN 45, but subject to disclosure. Falls within SFAS 133 scope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial letters of credit and other loan commitments (guarantees of funding) are not included in the scope of FIN 45.

 

Financial letters of credit are subject to FIN 45 provisions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subject to disclosure requirements.

 

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(32.2.B) NET INCOME AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY RECONCILIATION BETWEEN SPANISH AND U.S. GAAP.

 

Accounting practices used by the Bank in preparing the consolidated financial statements conform with Spanish GAAP, but do not conform with U.S. GAAP. A summarized reconciliation of stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and net income for the years 2003, 2002 and 2001 to U.S. GAAP is set forth below.

 

The following tables set forth the adjustments to consolidated net income and to consolidated stockholders’ equity which would be required if U.S. GAAP had been applied to the accompanying consolidated financial statements:

 

    

Item

#


  

Increase (Decrease) Year Ended

December 31,


 
      2003

    2002

    2001

 
   (Thousands of Euros, except per share data)  

NET INCOME

                       

As reported in the annual report to stockholders in the statutory approved financial statements

        2,226,701     1,719,129     2,363,336  

Reversal of extraordinary amortization of goodwill

   (*)    —       —       (520,266 )

As reported under Spanish GAAP in the accompanying consolidated statements of income

        2,226,701     1,719,129     1,843,070  

Adjustments to conform to U.S. GAAP:

                       

Business Combination with Argentaria—

                       

Amortization of surplus allocated to specific assets and liabilities

   1    (55,899 )   (154,690 )   (164,930 )

Amortization of remaining Goodwill Merger Argentaria

   1    —       —       (231,029 )

Elimination of over-depreciation relating to restated fixed assets, recognition of additional profits on the sale and disposal of restated items

   2.1    49,978     68,361     78,824  

Elimination of the inflation adjustment in non highly inflationary countries

   2.2    38,654     13,114     (33,911 )

Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies

   3    (108,450 )   (59,731 )   (61,622 )

Pension plan cost and early retirements

   4.1    (811,451 )   (510,954 )   (743,610 )

Termination indemnities

   4.2    2,083     (3,276 )   (38,685 )

Accounting of goodwill

   5    402,429     203,229     (391,210 )

Gains on transactions with parent company shares and stock options owned by subsidiaries accounted for as income for the year

   6    23,363     24,585     (13,865 )

Effect of recording the allowance for probable loan losses

   7    183,759     221,616     196,199  

Valuation of investment securities

   9    (482,089 )   425,795     40,563  

Expenses of capital increases

   10    22,764     21,958     32,556  

Start up expenses

   10    42,894     13,120     (39,074 )

Derivative instruments and hedging activities (SFAS 133)

   11    207,460     (126,660 )   11,219  

Tax effect of above mentioned adjustments

   12    161,705     (22,714 )   182,579  

Effect of following SFAS 109 in the accounting for income taxes for each year

   12    1,999     8,613     13,037  

BBV Brasil transaction

   13    —       4,251     —    
         

 

 

Net income in accordance with U.S. GAAP

        1,905,900     1,845,746     680,111  

Other comprehensive income, (loss) net of tax:

                       

Foreign currency translation adjustments

        (922,506 )   (1,864,977 )   (593,860 )

Unrealized gains on securities:

                       

Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period, net of tax

        2,133,816     (969,526 )   (234,316 )

Reclassification adjustment, net of tax

        (1,079,792 )   (393,139 )   (516,432 )
         

 

 

          1,054,024     (1,362,665 )   (750,748 )

Derivative instruments and hedging activities

        (44,786 )   72,039     12,790  
         

 

 

Comprehensive income (losses) in accordance with U.S. GAAP

   14    1,992,632     (1,309,857 )   (651,707 )

Net income per share (Euros)

   15    0.596     0.577     0.213  

 

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(*) The auditors’ report on the Spanish statutory approved financial statements of the group as of and for the year ended December 31, 2000 was qualified with respect to the early amortization in prior years of certain goodwill arising from the acquisition of Latin American banks and companies. United States securities regulations do not currently allow the filing of financial statements with the Securities Exchange Commission if they contain auditor’s reports that are qualified with respect to a material departure from generally accepted accounting principles. Therefore, in order to avoid a qualification in the auditor’s report, we do not include the early amortization recognized in prior years in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001 and for the year then ended reflect the adjustments made to the Spanish GAAP consolidated financial statements of the Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group solely for the purpose of complying with the United States securities regulations. The adjustments consist of the reversal of the early amortization of goodwill and the amortization of them over a period of five years (the estimated minimum period of economic life) which has the effect of decreasing net income as reported in the Spanish statutorily approved consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2001 by approximately €520 million.

 

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Item

#


  

Increase (Decrease)

December 31,


 
      2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Thousands of Euros  

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                       

As reported under Spanish GAAP in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Note 2-d)

        12,774,225     12,602,440     13,723,476  

Adjustments to conform to U.S. GAAP:

                       

Business Combination with Argentaria Purchase Argentaria Effect

   1    5,622,034     5,677,933     5,733,539  

Reversal of the net effect of the restatement of fixed assets and equity securities

   2.1    (316,110 )   (366,088 )   (533,926 )

Elimination of the inflation adjustments

   2.2    (246,262 )   (158,423 )   (2,115 )

Effect of adjustments to conform to U.S. GAAP for investments in affiliated companies

   3    (423,057 )   (276,004 )   (519,701 )

Pension plan cost and early retirements

   4.1    134,107     146,142     157,919  

Termination indemnities

   4.2    39,573     37,490     45,254  

Accounting of goodwill

   5    (220,925 )   (131,575 )   417,164  

(Gains) losses on transactions with parent company shares and stock options owned by subsidiaries accounted for as income for the year

   6    28,213     26,752     99,472  

Allowance for loan losses

   7    859,725     675,966     459,341  

Reduction for employee loans issued to purchase shares of capital Stock

   8    (1,766 )   (2,479 )   (90,789 )

Valuation of investment securities

   9    2,246,846     1,105,931     2,700,841  

Expenses of capital increases

   10    (32,302 )   (53,051 )   (96,327 )

Start up expenses

   10    (16,750 )   (68,319 )   (80,400 )

Derivative instruments and hedging activities (SFAS 133)

   11    150,378     15,067     30,897  

Tax effect of above mentioned adjustments

   12    (956,926 )   (268,278 )   (749,973 )

Effect of following SFAS 109

   12    (57,969 )   (59,968 )   (68,581 )

BBV Brasil transaction

   13    —       4,251     —    
         

 

 

Stockholders’ equity in accordance with U.S. GAAP

        19,583,034     18,907,787     21,226,091  

 

The differences included in the tables above are explained in the following items:

 

1. Business Combination with Argentaria-

 

As described in Note 1, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya, S.A. and Argentaria, Caja Postal y Banco Hipotecario, S.A. (Argentaria) merged, being January 28, 2000 the date from which such merger was legally effective. The accounting of this business combination under Spanish GAAP was accounted for using the method of pooling of interest and therefore no goodwill was accounted for. Since the transaction did not comply with the requirements of APB 16 for pooling of interest method, under U.S. GAAP this business combination was accounted for using the purchase method. The excess of the fair value of the new shares issued in exchange for the Argentaria shares over the net worth of Argentaria under U.S. GAAP as of the date of the merger, amounted to approximately €6,315,622 thousand and was calculated considering the necessary adjustments to the net worth of Argentaria as of January 28, 2000 under Spanish GAAP:

 

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     (thousands of euro)

 

Approximate Argentaria net worth as of January 28, 2000 under Spanish GAAP

   3,454,449  
    

Reversal of the net effect of the restatement of fixed assets and equity securities

   (129,338 )

Reduction for employees and third party loans issued to purchase shares of capital Stock

   (122,606 )

Goodwill amortization adjustments

   100,734  

Up-front premium reversal

   107.888  

Valuation of investment securities

   1,926,143  

Effect of adjustments to conform to US GAAP for investments in affiliated Companies

   (87,167 )

Tax effect of above mentioned adjustments

   (607,916 )

Other adjustments

   34,601  

Subtotal

   1,222,339  
    

Approximate Argentaria net worth as of January 28, 2000 under US GAAP

   4,676,788  
    

 

- Revaluation of property and equity securities

 

Certain of the Spanish and foreign consolidated companies had stepped up (increased) the cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment and, where appropriate, the carrying values of their equity investment securities pursuant to the relevant local legislation. Also, the buildings and equity securities owned by certain of the companies in the Group, whose shareholders´ meetings adopted merger resolutions in 1991, were stepped up. Under US GAAP these step ups are not permitted to be reflected in the financial statements.

 

- Employee and other third party loans

 

Certain Group banks granted loans to shareholders, employees and customers for the acquisition of Argentaria, Caja Postal y Banco Hipotecario, S.A. shares. Under Spanish GAAP, these loans were recorded in the consolidated financial statements under the caption “Credit, Loans and Discounts”. Under US GAAP, these loans should be recorded as a reduction of stockholders´ equity because the only recourse for collection was the shares themselves.

 

- Goodwill

 

The general policy of the Group was to amortize goodwill over a maximum period of 10 years. However, a different period was used to amortize goodwill in some of the subsidiaries acquired. For purposes of calculating the effect of applying US GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions has been amortized in 10 years.

 

Additionally, in 1998 and as a result of the merger, goodwill from Banco Exterior de España, S.A. was fully written off for Spanish GAAP purposes. Under US GAAP the goodwill is amortized over the estimated economic life as there was no economic or fair value basis for the impairment made under Spanish GAAP.

 

- Up-front premium reversal

 

In 1998 the Bank arranged hedging transactions for which it paid a premium, which was recorded under the “Extraordinary Losses” caption in the statement of income for 1998, to mitigate the adverse effect of the negative spread that arise between the average return on the mortgage loans financed by certain mortgage bonds and the fixed interest rates of such mortgage bonds. Under US GAAP, the premium was recognized at inception as an asset, amortized over the life of the hedging transaction under FAS 80 and that upon adoption of FASB 133 the derivative has been recorded at fair value through income, as it does not qualify for hedge accounting under US GAAP.

 

- Valuation of investment securities

 

Under SFAS 115, available-for-sale securities must be recorded at market value against stockholders´ equity.

 

- Investments in affiliated Companies

 

Under Spanish GAAP, investments in non-consolidated listed affiliated companies owned over 3% and in non-consolidated unlisted affiliated companies owned over 20% are recorded by the equity method. Under US

 

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GAAP investments in affiliated companies over 20% but less than 50% are accounted for by the equity method and those exceeding 50% by the global integration method. Listed investments of less than 20% are accounted for at market value.

 

The excess of the fair value of the new shares issued in exchange for the Argentaria shares over the net worth of Argentaria, was allocated to the following specific items:

 

2000


  

Thousands of

Euros


 

Net Lending

   610,785  

Investment Securities-Held to Maturity

   305,903  

Premises and Equipment

   129,338  

Other assets and liabilities

   (113,255 )

Long Term Debt

   (172,521 )

Tax Effect

   (220,360 )

Goodwill

   5,775,732  
    

     6,315,622  
    

 

For U.S. GAAP purposes, BBVA amortizes the excess of the fair value assigned to the specific items over their remaining life. The amortization of the excess allocated to specific assets and liabilities amounts €55,899 thousand (net of tax), €154,690 thousand (net of tax) and €164,930 thousand (net of tax) in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Up to December 31, 2001 BBVA amortized the goodwill on a straight line basis over a period of 25 years. This amortization amounted to € 231,029 thousand in 2001.

 

From January, 2002 BBVA stopped the amortization of the remaining goodwill pursuant to the SFAS 142 and it has been assigned to different Reporting Units and tested for impairment as described in Item 32.2.B.5.

 

2. Elimination of over-depreciation relating to restated fixed assets, recognition of additional profits on the sale and disposal of restated items, and elimination of the inflation adjustment in non highly inflationary countries-

 

2.1. Revaluation of property and equity securities-

 

As described in Notes 3-e, 3-h, 14 and 24, certain of the Spanish and foreign consolidated companies restated the cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment and, where appropriate, the carrying values of their equity investment securities pursuant to the relevant legislation. Also, the buildings and equity securities owned by certain of the companies in the Group, whose Shareholders’ Meetings adopted merger resolutions in 1988, were restated on the basis of the principles explained in Note 24. Under U.S. GAAP these revaluations are not permitted to be reflected in the financial statements.

 

In accordance with Spanish GAAP, fixed asset depreciation is computed on the restated value and the total amount charged to income is deductible for corporate income tax purposes. In addition, results on sales or dispositions of both fixed assets and equity investments are determined as the difference between the selling price and the net restated value.

 

The amounts of the adjustments indicated below have been calculated to reflect the reversal of the additional depreciation on the revalued property and equipment (€9,757 thousand, €10,088 thousand and €18,945 thousand, in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively) and the additional income that would have resulted if the Group had not restated the equity securities and fixed assets that have been sold (€11,248 thousand, €58,273 thousand, and €59,879 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively). The adjustment to stockholders’ equity reflects the reversal of the unamortized revaluation surplus.

 

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Assets received in payments of debt

 

Under Spanish GAAP, these assets are recorded at the lower of the book value of the assets used to acquire them or market value, net, initially, of any provisions covering the assets received, up to 25% of that value. In accordance with Bank of Spain regulations, additional provisions are recorded in the years following foreclosure of the assets based on their age, type of assets and appraisal by independent appraisers.

 

The provisions recorded with a charge to the “Extraordinary Losses” caption in the accompanying consolidated statements of income are presented as a reduction of the balance of the “Property and Equipment Other Property” caption in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets (Notes 14 and 28 g).

 

Under U.S. GAAP, this provision should not be recorded, therefore an adjustment to net income and stockholders’ equity reflects the reversal of that provision.

 

2.2. Translation of financial statements in high-inflation countries-

 

As indicated in Note 3-b, certain of the dependent companies record charges in the statement of income to protect their net worth from the theoretical depreciation arising from inflation.

 

According to Bank of Spain regulation, inflation accounting adjustments accounted for by subsidiaries under GAAP in their countries can be recorded at consolidated financial statements of the Group. These inflation accounting adjustments are not accepted under US GAAP.

 

Under US GAAP, the financial statements of operating units in a highly inflationary economy are remeasured as if the functional currency of the operating unit were the same as that of the parent reporting currency. For the purposes of this requirement, a highly inflationary economy is one that has cumulative inflation of approximately 100 percent or more over a 3-year period. None of the countries were BBVA owns subsidiaries are highly inflationary countries

 

The adjustment reflects the reversal of the theoretical depreciation arising from inflation registered in dependent companies established in “non highly inflationary economies”.

 

3. Equity investments-

 

As indicated in Note 3-e, under Spanish GAAP, investments in non-consolidated listed affiliated companies owned over 3% and in non-consolidated unlisted affiliated companies owned over 20% are recorded by the equity method.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, investments in affiliated companies over 20% but less than 50% are accounted for by the equity method and those exceeding 50% are consolidated. Listed investments of less than 20% are accounted for at fair value (Note 32.2.A).

 

All affiliates in which the Group holds an ownership interest of less than 20% and are accounted for by the equity method according to Spanish GAAP must be accounted for at market value, if the securities have readily determinable market value, according to U.S. GAAP. If the securities do not have readily determinable market value, they are accounted for at cost under U.S. GAAP.

 

In this adjustment we change the valuation of these holdings (less than 20%) from the equity accounting method to lower of cost or market. The final adjustment to meet SFAS 115 is done, together with all other securities, in the Valuation of Investment securities described in Item 9 below.

 

This adjustment reflects the reversal of effects in net income and stockholders´ equity of accounting by the equity method holdings in affiliated companies less than 20% and in which the Group does not have significant influence. This adjustment includes:

 

  Reversal of the amortization of goodwill recorded under equity method. This effect results in increasing net income in €228,273 thousand, €117,504 thousand and €114,174 thousand in 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

 

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  Reversal of the net income of affiliated companies incorporated to Consolidated Financial Statements by the equity method. This effect results in reversing income of €356,223 thousand in 2003, €45,545 thousand in 2002 and €454,623 thousand in 2001, respectively.

 

  Reversal of gains or losses from sales in affiliated companies due to the book value of an investment less than 20% accounted for by the equity method in the consolidated financial statement differs from the book value recorded under U.S. GAAP. This effect results in increasing net income in €179,559 thousand, €84,103 thousand and €168,662 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

  Reversal of other adjustments performed by the equity method as reversal of revaluation of property made by affiliated companies under Spanish GAAP and not permitted under U.S. GAAP; reversal of elimination of dividends distributed by affiliated companies to the parents companies, and others. The total effect of reversing these adjustments decreases net income by €160,059 thousand in 2003, €215,793 thousand in 2002 and increases net income in €110,165 thousand in 2001.

 

4.1. Pension plan cost, early retirements -

 

Pension plan cost-

 

All personnel employed in Spain are entitled to pension benefits, in addition to Social Security provided by the State.

 

As of December 31, 1988, the total liability for retired and active employees was recorded by a charge to income and to the merger reserves adopted by some companies in 1988.

 

In 1991, the Group recalculated the actuarial liability, changing certain assumptions and varying certain of the items included in the pensionable basis (wage concepts included to determine the cost of pensions). Gains and losses derived from this recalculation were covered with charges to “Retained earnings and other reserves”. Actuarial gains and losses arising in subsequent years until 1999 were recorded in the statement of income.

 

In 2000, as a consequence of the externalization process, in which the financing system was modified through the signature of a collective agreement and new valuation assumptions were used, a difference arose which represents the discounted present value of the contributions yet to be made to the external pension funds. In addition, in 2001 the Plan was amended, resulting in increasing benefits granted to the employees.

 

Because of the mentioned process in year 2000, these obligations are covered through Defined Contribution Pension Plans, and through Insurance Policies adapted to the current regulation in Spain for the externalizing of retirement commitments, which under SFAS No. 87 are treated as annuity contracts for the purpose of that Statement.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, SFAS 87 requires unrecognized net gain or loss and unrecognized prior service cost to be amortized by charges to income in a period not exceeding the average remaining service period of active employees or the average remaining life expectancy of retired participants.

 

These amounts are being amortized over a maximum period of 14 years in the case of external pension plans and 9 years in the case of insurance contracts in accordance with Spanish legislation (under U.S. GAAP maximum period for amortization is higher than under Spanish GAAP both for active employees and inactive participants of the plans). These periods include the year 2000, in which the first installment was paid. The Group has charged to the income statement in 2003 as amortization of these differences the amount of €75,661 thousand (€99,665 thousand and €124,945 thousand in years 2002 and 2001, respectively). After previous years adjustments, unrecognized net gain or loss and unrecognized prior service cost as of December 31, 2003 amount to €746,731 thousand (€849,980 thousand and €1,038,426 thousand in years 2002 and 2001, respectively). As of December 31, 2002 all the amounts corresponding to these obligations of the Pension Plans have already been paid.

 

For year 2003 contributions made by companies in Spain to the defined contribution pension plans amount to €40,123 thousand (€43,037 thousand and €40,567 thousand in years 2002 and 2001, respectively). Additionally, costs of annuity contracts charged to income in 2003, amounts to €28,243 thousand (€36,715 thousand and €31,506 thousand in years 2002 and 2001, respectively).

 

Pension plans of BBVA Bancomer

 

Obligations for pensions and other postretirement benefits in BBVA Bancomer are covered mainly under defined benefit pension plans, whereas others are covered under defined contribution pension plans. Both types of pension plans are carried out as internal provisions.

 

The following table is the reconciliation in the defined benefit pension plan of the Projected Benefit Obligation:

 

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     Thousand of Euros

 

Change in benefit obligation :


   2003

 
     Pension
Benefits


   

Healthcare

benefits


 

Projected benefit obligation (PBO) at the beginning of the year

   434,021     241,151  

Prior service cost

   39,769     —    

Total service cost at year end

   11,194     2,937  

Interest cost

   20,685     7,719  

Benefits paid

   (26,632 )   (4,067 )

Gains & losses

   3,220     6,782  

Settlements

   (112 )   —    

Others

   802     —    

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   (97,759 )   (54,436 )

Projected benefit obligation (PBO) at the end of the year

   385,188     200,086  

 

Weighted average actuarial assumptions used in the accounting for the defined benefit pension plan are as follows:

 

     2003

Life Expectancy table before retirement

   Mexican basic experience 62-67

Life Expectancy table after retirement

   Table Standard Annuity 1937

Discount rate

   5.5%    

Salary increase rate

   1.5%    

Rate of increase in taxation groups of Social security benefits

      0%    

Expected return on assets

   5.5%(*)

(*) Expected rate of return on assets will be determined every year in accordance to the composition of the portfolio attached to the plan during that year. This rate must be always higher than the technical interest rate. The expected return on Assets is calculated by Internal rate of return or Yield to Maturity (YTM), defined as the discount rate al which the present value of all future payments would equal the present price of the assets. The Expected Return on assets assumptions was developed through the analysis of real return on assets of CETES and

 

(**) In the postretirement healthcare benefits the following assumptions are made:
  Medical services cost increase rate 2 % because of the inflation and,
  An age-related table of medical cost increase rate.

 

Those actuarial assumptions were approved by Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (National Banking and Securities Commission).

 

A reconciliation of the fair value of plan assets, is as follows:

 

     Thousand of Euros

 

Change in Plan Assets:


   2003

 
     Pension
Benefits


   

Healthcare

benefits


 

Fair Value of Plan Assets at beginning of the year

   367,858     16,581  

Actual return on plan assets

   41,039     627  

Transfer from Other Entities

   3,093     —    

Settlements

   (112 )   —    

Employer Contribution

   20,850     16,811  

Plan participants’ contribution

   —       —    

Benefits paid

   (26,632 )   (4,067 )

Foreign currency exchange rate changes

   (83,415 )   (3,174 )

Fair Value of Plan Assets at the end of the year

   322,681     26,778  

 

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Funded status as of December 31, 2003:

 

     Thousand of Euros

 

Funded status December 31:


   2003

 
     Pension
Benefits


   

Healthcare

benefits


    TOTAL

 

Fair Value of Assets

   322,681     26,778     349,459  

Accumulated Benefit Obligations

   362,250     148,940     511,190  

Overfunded (unfunded) status of ABO

   (39,569 )   (122,162 )   (161,731 )

Unrecognized Prior Service Cost

   39,769     122,162     161,931  

Prepaid (Accrued) Benefit Cost

   (200 )   —       (200 )

 

Amounting recognized in the financial statements at December 31, 2003 are as follows:

 

     Thousand of Euros

 
     2003

 
     Pension
Benefits


   

Healthcare

benefits


    TOTAL

 

Minimum Liability

   (39,569 )   (122,162 )   (161,731 )

Intangible Assets

   39,769     122,162     161,931  

Net amount recognized at the end of the year

   (200 )   —       (200 )

 

The disclosure of Net Periodic Cost is as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     2003

 

Net Periodic Cost (Income)


   Pension
Benefits


    Healthcare
benefits


 

Prior Service Cost

   3,471     6,763  

Service cost at year end

   11,830     2,993  

Interest cost

   21,644     7,754  

Expected return on Asset

   (15,730 )   (683 )

Net Periodic Cost

   21,215     16,827  

 

Contribution expected to be paid during the next fiscal year:

 

     Thousands of Euros

 
     (*)

 

Net Periodic Cost (Income)


   Pension
Benefits


    Healthcare
benefits


 

Service cost at year end

   10,656     3,430  

Interest cost

   23,396     8,965  

Expected return on Asset

   (17,082 )   (1,401 )

Other

   5,657     7,054  

Net Periodic Cost

   22,627     18,048  

(*) Using the same actuarial assumptions used for the defined benefit pension

 

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Plan Assets

 

Investment strategy

 

The Company’s policy is to invest the assets in a prudent manner for the exclusive purpose o providing benefits to participants. The Company’s investment strategy is designed to provide a total return on assets that, over the long-term, increases the ratio of assets to liabilities. The investment strategy uses allocation as a principal determinant for establishing the risk/reward profile of the assets. This strategy must follow some requirements established by Mexican legislation.

 

According to Mexican legislation, the pension commitments can be hedged by:

 

  At least 30% must be invest in Mexican Federal Government securities;

 

  Other securities authorized by supervisory (Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission); and

 

  Mortgage loans.

 

- Defined benefit pension plan

 

The Pension Plan asset allocation at December 31, 2003 by asset category is as follows:

 

Asset Category


  

Percentage of Plan Assets

at December 31, 2003


 

Mexican Federal Government securities

   34.64 %

Other Debt securities

   52.01 %

Equity securities

   12.32 %

Mortgage loans

   1.03 %

 

- Long services bonus

 

The Pension Plan asset allocation at December 31, 2003 by asset category is as follows:

 

Asset Category


  

Percentage of Plan Assets

at December 31, 2003


 

Mexican Federal Government securities

   62.22 %

Other Debt securities

   32.76 %

Equity securities

   4.99 %

Cash

   0.03 %

 

- Other post-retirement benefits

 

The Pension Plan asset allocation at December 31, 2003 by asset category is as follows:

 

Asset Category


  

Percentage of Plan Assets

at December 31, 2003


 

Mexican Federal Government securities

   100 %

 

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Projected Benefit Payments

 

Benefit Payments projected to be made from the Pension Benefit Plan and Healthcare Benefit Plan are as follows:

 

Year


  

Pension

Benefit Plan


  

Healthcare

Benefit Plan


2004

   29,622.59    4,799.39

2005

   26,391.12    5,447.16

2006

   28,270.88    6,642.21

2007

   30,463.61    8,094.10

2008

   33,265.79    9,880.85

2009

   35,336.50    11,936.22

2010

   37,639.84    14,426.36

2011

   39,832.88    17,404.51

2012

   42,459.20    21,031.91

2013

   45,973.58    25,865.67

 

Defined contribution Plan

 

Also, BBVA Bancomer has an established pension plan denominated “Defined Contribution”, to which defined contributions are made based on a payroll percentage as of March 1, 2001. Over the long term this plan will replace the defined benefits plan, which generates the previous liability, and currently 12,305 employees participate in this plan. Apart from the defined benefit monthly retirement pension, benefits will be paid in the event of early retirement, death, or total permanent disability, through defined contributions to a personal employee fund.

 

During year 2003, 1,277 employees (2,166 employees and 5,651 employees in year 2002 and 2001, respectively) whose pension obligations were covered under the defined benefit pension plan moved to the defined contribution pension plan. As a consequence of this transfer, provision allocated in the defined benefit pension plan was reallocated in the provision for the defined contribution pension plan. Therefore, from the total increase of the internal provisions for the defined contribution pension plan in year 2003 €112 thousand (€2,412 thousand and €22,600 thousand in years 2002 and 2001, respectively) came from the transfer of provisions from the defined benefit pension plan.

 

In addition of this transfer, the cost recognized for the defined contribution pension plan in year 2003 amounts to €7,327 thousand (€9,474 thousand in years 2002).

 

At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the assets of this plan and its obligations are €41,456 thousands (Mexican $588,190 thousand) and €45,627 thousand (Mexican $500,532 thousand), respectively.

 

4.2. Termination indemnities-

 

As indicated in Note 3-k, as required by Bank of Spain Circular 5/2000, the Group has recorded an in-house provision to cover the contractual termination benefits for terminations or dismissals additional to those provided for by current legislation on a general basis. In addition, several companies of the Group have recorded additional provisions to cover future reorganization costs (basically termination indemnities). Under US GAAP, an employer that provides contractual termination benefits shall recognize a liability and a loss when it is probable that employees will be entitled to benefits and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

 

As of December 31, 2003 it is no probable that terminations or dismissals occur. Therefore, under US GAAP these provisions should be reversed. This adjustment gives rise to an increase in net income of €2,083 thousand in 2003 and a decrease in net income of €3,276 and €38,685 thousand in 2002 and 2001, respectively, and an increase in stockholders’ equity of € 39,573 thousand, €37,490 thousand and €45,254 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

5. Accounting of goodwill-

 

The disclosure of this adjustment is as follows:

 

     Thousand of euros

 
     Stockholders’ equity

    Net Income

 
     2003

    2002

    2003

    2002

 

Goodwill charged to reserves in 1998 and 1999

   65,522     65,522     —       —    

Different period of amortization of goodwill reversed

   98,948     98,948     —       —    

Reversal of amortization under SP GAAP in 2002

   970,477     559,400     411,077     559,400  

Amortization under Spanish GAAP not reversed under US GAAP

   (154,074 )   (154,074 )   —       (154,074 )

Impairment under US GAAP

   —       —       —       (66,917 )

Exchange differences

   (1,240,752 )   (748,971 )   —       —    

Sale of BBVA Brasil

   —       —       —       (137,812 )

Others

   242     48     192     (44,920 )

Subtotal

   (259,637 )   (179,127 )   411,269     155,677  

Cancellation Negative Goodwill in consolidation

   38,712     47,552     (8,840 )   47,552  

Adjustment 5 in reconciliation to US GAAP

   (220,925 )   (131,575 )   402,429     203,229  

 

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The mains reasons that cause a difference between Spanish GAAP and US GAAP in the amount of goodwill are the following ones:

 

Goodwill charged to reserves in 1998 and 1999

 

Goodwill that arose in 1998 and 1999 as a result of mergers and acquisitions through share exchanges was amortized in full with a charge to reserves, which was not acceptable under US GAAP. Under US GAAP the goodwill was amortized until 2001 over a period of ten years except for the goodwill arising in 2000 in the merger of Banca Catalana, S.A., Banco de Comercio, S.A., Banco de Negocios Argentaria, S.A. and Banco de Alicante, S.A. where the economic life was five years. Since 2001, as it is required in SFAS 142, goodwill is not amortized.

 

Different period of amortization of goodwill reversed

 

The general policy of the Group, under Spanish regulation is to amortize goodwill through charges to income over a maximum period of 10 years for financial companies and 20 years for non financial companies. The original estimate life for Latin American banks acquisitions was ten years. This original estimated life under Spanish GAAP was also considered the estimated life under US GAAP.

 

In 1996 and 1997, BBV Group accounted for the impairment of part of the goodwill relating to investments in Latin America. This impairment was due to a conservative criterion and not based on any economic or fair value of the Latin America reporting units and therefore an impairment under both Spanish and US GAAP did not apply. Since the impairment did not comply with Spanish GAAP the auditor disclosed a qualification in their local auditors’ report. However under US GAAP this impairment was reversed. This adjustment reflects the register of goodwill that under US GAAP should not be impaired in prior years.

 

Reversal of amortization under SP GAAP

 

As it is required in SFAS 142, it is necessary to reverse the amortization recorded under Spanish GAAP (€411,077 thousand in 2003 and €559,400 thousand in 2002). In 2002 the amortization of Goodwill related to some reporting units was considered impaired based on the test basis performed and therefore it was not reversed amounting to €154,074 thousand.

 

Had SFAS 142 been effective January 1, 2001 and accordingly had goodwill not been amortized for US GAAP purposes in 2001, our net income, basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share would have been as follows:

 

Thousands of Euros


   2003

    2002

    2001

Reported net income in accordance with US GAAP

   1,905,900 (*)   1,845,746 (*)   680,111

Add back: goodwill amortization

   —       —       753,121

Adjusted net income in accordance with US GAAP

   1,905,900     1,845,746     1,433,232

Basic earnings per share

                

Reported net income

   0.596     0.577     0.213

Add back: goodwill amortization

   0.000     0.000     0.235

Adjusted net income

   0.596     0.577     0.448

Diluted earnings per share

                

Reported net income

   0.596     0.577     0.213

Add back: goodwill amortization

   0.000     0.000     0.235

Adjusted net income

   0.596     0.577     0.448

(*) Includes the above mentioned reversal of the goodwill amortization (€559,400 thousand and €411,077 in 2002 and 2003, respectively).

 

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Exchanges differences

 

For Spanish GAAP purposes the goodwill arising on acquisitions, when the parent company is the direct acquirer of companies abroad, is translated to euros at the exchange rates prevailing at the time the goodwill arises. For US GAAP purposes the goodwill is considered as a foreign currency asset and is translated at the year-end exchange rate.

 

Sale of BBVA Brasil

 

As of January 2003, the Bank announced its strategic agreement with Bradesco to sell BBV Brasil, S.A. Since BBVA meet the requirement of SFAS 144 for BBV Brasil, S.A. to be reported as an asset held-for-sale and classified as a discontinued operation as of December 31, 2002, BBVA recorded this investment in BBV Brasil, S.A., including the accumulated foreign currency translation adjustment at the lower of cost or fair value, less costs to sale. The estimated fair value, less costs to sale, for BBV Brasil, S.A., was determined based on the announced agreement with Bradesco to sell BBV Brasil, S.A. As a result, under US GAAP, an adjustment to cancel, the remaining goodwill and the accumulated negative exchange differences related to this goodwill was charged to income. These effects suppose a decrease in net income of €137,812 thousand.

 

Impairment

 

A discounted cash flow model was selected as the main method to determine the fair value of its Reporting Units, although other methodologies such as using quoted market values and market multiples were also used. Cash flow estimates require judgment and the Bank believes that assumptions used in determining the cash flows are consistent with assumptions marketplace participants would use in their estimates of their fair value.

 

The BBVA Group’s goodwill assigned to each Reporting Unit as of December 31, 2003 for annual impairment test purposes are the following:

 

     Millions of
Euros


Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal

   3,934

Wholesale and Investment Banking

   1,669

Pensions in America

   257

México

   1,784

Chile

   61

Puerto Rico

   86

 

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The definition of the Reporting Units is more specific in relation with the Business activities mainly as a result of the different regulations in Latin America for the banking sector in Banking in America and Asset Management and Private Banking (where the Pensions in America are disclosed).

 

Expected cash flows have been calculated using the “maximum payable dividend” for each period, considering net income and excess of minimum capital required. For financial statements and macroeconomics scenarios, a five year horizon was used to determine fair value. The risk free rate, the market risk premium and the country risk premium (when applicable) were considered to determine the discount rate used for each Reporting Unit.

 

Year 2002 analysis

 

As of December 31, 2002, the Bank has performed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill. As a result of Step 1 procedures of the abovementioned impairment test, the carrying amount of the Reporting Unit do not exceed its fair value.

 

The argentinean goodwill originated in 2003 was written-off against income. Management decision was taken considering that there were no clear future benefits associated with it.

 

Year 2003 analysis,

 

As of December 31, 2003, the Bank has performed the required annual impairment tests of goodwill. As a result of Step 1 procedures of the abovementioned impairment test, the carrying amount of the Reporting Unit do not exceed its fair value.

 

6. Result on transactions with parent company shares-

 

Following Circular 4/1991, result of sale transactions with Bank shares owned by subsidiaries must be accounted for as extraordinary profit or losses (Note 3-i).

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the result on transactions with parent company shares must be accounted for in retained earnings.

 

7. Allowance for loan losses-

 

Bank of Spain regulation requires an allowance destined to cover probable losses on intra-group transactions subject to country-risk, which is not necessary under U.S. GAAP. This effect suppose an increase in net income amounted to €68,607 thousand in 2003, a decrease in net income amounted to €4,960 thousand and 54,885 thousand in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Additionally, as indicated in Note 3-c, Bank of Spain Circular 9/1999 made compulsory to record a provision for the statistical coverage of loan losses to supplement, as required, the specific loans provisions. Under U.S. GAAP, this provision should not be recorded. This effect suppose an increase in net income amounted to €319,372 thousand, €226,576 thousand and €251,084 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

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8. Employee loans to purchase Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. shares-

 

As described in Note 8, certain Group banks granted loans to employees for the acquisition of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. shares. Under Spanish GAAP, these loans were recorded in the consolidated financial statements under the caption “Loans and Leases”. Also, Group Banks have granted certain loans secured by Banks’ shares. Under U.S. GAAP, these loans should be recorded as a reduction of stockholders’ equity.

 

9. Valuation of investment securities available for sale portfolio-

 

Group’s criteria of accounting for such securities, following Bank of Spain Circulars, is described in Notes 3-d and 3-e. Under SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, available-for-sale securities (as defined) must be recorded at market value, with changes in value recognized directly in Other Comprehensive Income (See Note 32.2.A-Investment Securities).

 

In the following paragraphs, the main differences between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP concerning the accounting for debt and equity securities are described:

 

Debt securities

 

Under Spanish GAAP debt securities are categorized under three types of portfolios; this classification is similar to the SFAS 115 classification, however, the accounting treatment differs in some aspects between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 

1) Trading portfolio: under Spanish GAAP, this category includes the listed securities held for the purpose of obtaining gains in the short-term, taking advantage of market price fluctuations. These investments are accounted for at fair value and the variations on fair values are recorded to income.

 

This portfolio is similar to the trading portfolio under U.S. GAAP. Therefore, following SFAS 115, there is not any difference with respect to Spanish GAAP. Therefore, no adjustment is needed in the reconciliation from Spanish GAAP to U.S. GAAP.

 

2) Held-to-maturity portfolio: under Spanish GAAP, this portfolio includes the securities that the management has decided to hold until maturity, since it has the financial capacity to do so. The securities of this portfolio are recorded at their acquisition cost adjusted by the amount resulting from accrual by the interest method of the positive or negative difference between the redemption value and the acquisition cost over the term to maturity of the security (amortized cost). Any adjustment to the acquisition cost is recorded to income under Spanish GAAP.

 

This portfolio is similar to the held-to-maturity portfolio under U.S. GAAP. Following SFAS 115, there is not any difference with respect to Spanish GAAP. Therefore, no adjustment is needed in the reconciliation from Spanish GAAP to U.S. GAAP.

 

Under Spanish GAAP if an other-than-temporary loss arises in this portfolio, the impairment would be charged to income. Therefore, the accounting treatment does not differ with respect to U.S. GAAP. Any impairment was charged to income due to “other-than-temporary” losses in this portfolio.

 

3) Available-for-sale portfolio: under Spanish GAAP this portfolio includes all other debt securities not classified in either one of the two portfolios described above. Securities classified in this portfolio are individually recorded at the lower of their acquisition cost or their fair value.

 

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Changes in fair value

 

  - If fair value is higher than amortized cost: Under Spanish GAAP unrealized gains are not recognized in income or in stockholders´ equity. Under U.S. GAAP unrealized gains related to available for sale securities are always recorded to “Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)”. The difference between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP is considered and adjusted in the adjustment 9 in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. This adjustment increases stockholders` equity in € 413,133 thousand.

 

  - If fair value is lower than amortized cost: unrealized losses can be considered as “temporary” or “other than temporary”.

 

  i. Under Spanish GAAP if the decline in fair value is considered “temporary”, then the unrealized losses are recorded to a securities revaluation allowance that is created by debiting an asset accrual account. The accounting entries made to create this allowance are as follows:

 

Db Asset Accrual Account (*)

 

<Cr> Securities Revaluation Reserve (**)

 

(*) These Accrual Accounts are presented in the caption “Accrual Account” on the Asset side of the Balance Sheet. (**) This allowance is presented offsetting “Available-for-sale” portfolio in Consolidated Balance Sheet. However it is disclosed in a footnote to the financial statements.

 

These entries under Spanish GAAP do not affect net income or stockholders’ equity. In the future, if the fair value goes up, the allowance is reduced consequently.

 

Under U.S. GAAP “temporary” losses are recorded to “Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)”. This difference between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP is adjusted in the adjustment 9 in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. This adjustments decreases stockholders’ equity in € 59,233 thousand.

 

  ii. Under Spanish GAAP, as under U.S. GAAP, if the decline in fair value is not temporary then it is considered to be “other-than-temporary” and losses are recorded to income. The carrying amount of the asset is written down and the new fair value becomes the new cost basis under both Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 

Under Spanish GAAP unrealized losses are classified as “other-than-temporary” when management believes that it will not collect or recover all the amounts due (credit risk), or when due to market conditions (volatility, interest rate evolution, macroeconomic variables, etc.) or future expectations, management considers that all or part of unrealized losses will not be recovered (market risk). BBVA performs this analysis at the end of each reporting period.

 

Under Spanish GAAP there are no general rules regarding the methodologies and factors to be used or the period of time needed to consider impairment as other than temporary. BBVA’s management considers that an impairment is other than temporary if, considering the factors explained in the preceding paragraph, the estimated fair value of the debt securities does not show a demonstrable recovery in the near term future (one year).

 

According to SAB 59, the value of investments in marketable securities may decline for various reasons. The market price may be affected by general market conditions which reflect prospects for the economy as a whole or by specific information pertaining to an industry or an individual company. According to this literature, such declines require further investigation by management. Acting upon the premise that a write-down may be required, management should consider all available evidence to evaluate the realizable value of its investment. SAB 59 gives

 

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the following few examples of the factors which, individually or in combination, indicate that a decline is other than temporary and that a write-down of the carrying value is required:

 

a. The length of the time and the extent to which the market value has been less than cost;

 

b. The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer such as changes in technology that may impair the earnings potential of the investment or the discontinuance of a segment of the business that may affect the future earnings potential; or

 

c. The intent and ability of the holder to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

 

Also according to SAB 59, unless evidence exists to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the carrying value of the investment, a write-down accounted for as a realized loss should be recorded. In accordance with the guidance of paragraph 16 of SFAS 115, such loss should be recognized in the determination of net income of the period in which it occurs. The written down value of the investment in the company becomes the new cost basis of the investment.

 

BBVA considers that the criteria used for evaluating if an impairment is “other than temporary” under Spanish GAAP is consistent with the U.S. GAAP literature mentioned above and other literature related to this topic, such as SFAS 115 and EITF D –44.

 

However, under Spanish GAAP, not all unrealized losses in Argentinean debt securities were considered “other-than-temporary”. Under US GAAP, this impairment should be charged to statement of income. This difference between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP is adjusted in the adjustment 9 in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. This adjustments decreases net income in €257,933.

 

· Equity securities

 

Under Spanish GAAP, equity securities are categorized in different portfolios. This classification is similar to SFAS 115 classification, however, the accounting treatment of some portfolios differs between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 

  1) Trading portfolio: under Spanish GAAP, this portfolio includes the listed securities held for the purpose of obtaining gains in the short-term, taking advantage of market price fluctuations. It is accounted for at fair value and the differences arising from fair value are recorded to income.

 

This portfolio is consistent with the trading portfolio under U.S. GAAP. Following SFAS 115, there is no difference from Spanish GAAP. Therefore, no adjustment is needed in the reconciliation from Spanish GAAP to U.S. GAAP.

 

  2) Available-for-sale portfolio: under Spanish GAAP, this portfolio includes all other equity securities not classified in the trading portfolio. This definition is consistent with the available-for-sale portfolio under U.S. GAAP. In this portfolio there are listed and unlisted securities. Securities classified in this portfolio are individually stated at acquisition cost in both cases.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, for unlisted securities, according to APB 18, while practice varies to some extent, the cost method is generally followed for most investments in noncontrolled companies equity investments. For listed securities SFAS 115 literature applies.

 

Changes in fair value

 

Listed Securities

 

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  - If fair value is higher than cost: Under Spanish GAAP unrealized gains are not recognized in income or in stockholders´ equity. Under U.S. GAAP (SFAS 115) unrealized gains for listed securities are recorded in “Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)”. This difference between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP is considered and adjusted in the adjustment 9 in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. This adjustment increases stockholders` equity in € 33,016 thousand.

 

  - If fair value is lower than cost: under Spanish GAAP, if the decline in fair value is considered “temporary”, then the unrealized losses are recorded to a securities revaluation allowance that is created by debiting the income statement. The accounting entries made to create this allowance are as follows:

 

Db Market Operations (Income Statement)

 

<Cr> Securities Revaluation Reserve (*)

 

(*) This allowance is presented offsetting “Available-for-sale” portfolio in Consolidated Balance Sheet. However it is disclosed in a footnote to the financial statements.

 

  i. As these unrealized losses are “temporary”, if they are recovered in future periods, securities revaluation reserve is reversed to income. Under U.S. GAAP “temporary” unrealized losses for listed equity securities are recorded to “Other Comprehensive Income (OCI)”. This difference between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP is considered and adjusted in the adjustment 9 in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. This adjustment increases net income in € 154,902 thousand.

 

  ii. Under Spanish GAAP, as under U.S. GAAP, if the decline in the fair value is not temporary then it is considered to be “other-than-temporary” and losses are recorded to income. The carrying amount of the asset is written down and the new fair value becomes the new cost basis under both Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 

The criteria used by BBVA Group for considering an impairment as “other-than-temporary” are describe above.

 

BBVA considers that the criteria used for evaluating if an impairment is “other than temporary” under Spanish GAAP is consistent with the U.S. GAAP literature mentioned above and other literature related to this topic as SFAS 115 and EITF D –44. No impairment, due to “other-than-tempory” unrealized losses, was registered under Spanish GAAP or US GAAP.

 

Unlisted Securities

 

  - If fair value is higher than cost: Under Spanish GAAP, unrealized gains are not recognized in income or in stockholders´ equity. Since there is no difference with respect to APB 18, no adjustment is made in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.

 

  - If fair value is lower than cost: under Spanish GAAP, if the decline in fair value is considered “temporary”, then the unrealized losses are recorded to a securities revaluation allowance that is created by debiting the income statement. The accounting entries made to create this allowance are as follows:

 

Db Market Operations (Income Statement)

 

<Cr> Securities Revaluation Reserve (*)

 

(*) This allowance is presented offsetting “Available-for-sale” portfolio in Consolidated Balance Sheet. However it is disclosed in a footnote to the financial statements.

 

  i. As these unrealized losses are “temporary”, if they are recovered in future periods, securities revaluation reserve is reversed to income. Under U.S. GAAP “temporary” unrealized losses for unlisted equity securities are not recorded. There were no “temporary” unrealized losses. Therefore no adjustment is made in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.

 

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  ii. Under Spanish GAAP, as under U.S. GAAP, if the decline in the fair value is not temporary, then it is considered to be “other-than-temporary” and losses are recorded to income. The carrying amount of the asset is written down and the new fair value becomes the new cost basis under both Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 

As explained above, BBVA considers that the criteria used for evaluating if an impairment is “other than temporary” under Spanish GAAP is consistent with the U.S. GAAP literature (SAB 59) mentioned above and other literature related to this topic as APB 18 and EITF D –44. All unrealized losses in unlisted equity securities were considered as “other-than-temporary” due to the bad performance of the companies and the very limited liquidity of these securities. These unrealized losses amounted to € 7,995 thousand and they were charged to income statement under Spanish GAAP. Therefore no adjustment is made in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP.

 

In addition, in adjustment 9 BBVA Group applies SFAS 115 to all equity investment accounted for by the equity method under Spanish GAAP but under US GAAP must be accounted for at fair value (see Note 32.2.B.3). The application of SFAS 115 to these investments increases stockholders` equity in € 2,114,035 thousand due to the recognition of net unrealized gains in “Other Comprehensive Income”.

 

10. Intangible assets-

 

As indicated in Note 3-f, under Spanish GAAP the expenses of capital increases carried out at the Bank and dependent companies are amortized under a period of five years. Under U.S. GAAP these expenses should be recorded as incurred by a charge to reserves. This effect supposes an increase in net income and a decrease in Stockholder’s equity in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Also, under Spanish GAAP incorporation and start up expenses are amortized over a period of five years and under U.S. GAAP should be charged to income as incurred. This effect supposes an increase in net income in 2003 and 2002 and a decrease in 2001, respectively, and a decrease in Stockholder’s equity in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

Definite lived intangible assets are mainly integrated by software expenses. Definite lived intangible assets are amortized over their remaining useful lives and the Bank considers that there is no impairment associated to these assets.

 

11. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

11.1. Objectives for the holding of positions in derivatives and strategies for the achievement of these objectives

 

The holding of positions in derivatives is the result of the Group’s need to manage the risks incurred by it in the course of its normal business activities. Derivatives represent another of the tools available to the Group, and are necessary for the management of:

 

  Market Risk: Positions taken by the Group mostly in order to satisfy its customers’ needs (franchise model). In most cases the derivatives used are: Interest-Rate Derivatives, to manage the risks arising as a result of long- and short-term variations in interest rates; Exchange-Rate Derivatives, to mitigate exposure to exchange-rate fluctuations; and Equity Security Derivatives, to manage price risks.

 

  Structural Interest-Rate Risk: Structural interest-rate risk is defined as an entity’s exposure to variations in market interest rates arising from mismatches in the maturity and repricing dates of the entity’s assets and liabilities, including derivatives. The Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) is the body responsible for actively managing BBVA’s balance sheet in order to stabilize net interest income without prejudice to net asset value. Basically, the derivatives used to achieve this goal are interest-rate derivatives.

 

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  Structural Exchange-Rate Risk: An entity’s structural exchange-rate risk refers to the potential losses in the value of structural positions arising from variations in exchange rates. The Asset and Liability Committee (ALCO) is the body responsible for managing this risk, for which purpose it uses exchange- and interest-rate derivatives.

 

11.1.1. Risk Management Policies

 

Market Risk

 

Managed by the Central Market Risk Unit, market risk is to be found in the Group’s market or treasury activities, which are characterized by the holding of positions sensitive to fluctuations in market prices. The Market Risk Unit, which is organically separate from and independent of the business units, is responsible for adapting and administering risk measurement and control tools and for regularly monitoring that the business units comply with the risk limits and policies. The Unit also periodically reports to the Standing Committee, the Lending Committee, the Management Committee and the Internal Risk Committee on levels of risk, results and the degree of compliance with such limits in the Group, at individual and aggregate level.

 

One of the basic pillars of the BBVA Group’s market risk management model is the limit structure, which consists of an overall VaR limit for each business unit, supplemented by a series of specific sublimits by desk, business line, and risk or product type.

 

Proposals for the overall limits for all the business units and for certain sublimits are approved by the Standing Committee. The business units, together with the Risk Area, are responsible for distributing these limits by desk, business line or risk type. These VaR limits are supplemented by others based on non-statistical measures such as delta sensitivity, nominal exposure or stop-loss on the results of the markets areas. This limit structure is part of the Group’s general control system, which includes the definition of a variety of prior warning signs which trigger the contingency plans to attempt to prevent situations that might adversely affect the Bank’s results.

 

The purpose of the market risk management and measurement model currently in place at the BBVA Group is to measure both general market risk and specific risks, for which the Group employs the Value-at-Risk (VaR) methodology, which aims to measure the maximum loss that can occur in the value of the portfolio as a result of fluctuations in general conditions on the financial markets, as shown by changes in interest rates, exchange rates and equity security prices, if the portfolio is maintained for a certain period. To these three major risk factors must be added basis risk (which arises, for example, when there are debt positions the interest-rate risk on which is hedged by swap transactions, generating a risk because there is a variable spread between the interest-rate curves relevant for the valuation of these positions) and spread risk (associated with corporate securities or credit derivatives on corporate issuers), together with, in the case of option positions, volatility and convexity risk and, in certain cases, correlation risk, since all the above are risk factors that might influence the market prices of certain products.

 

The VaR model used is the covariance matrix, with a confidence level of 99% and a time horizon of one day, improved to take into account convexity and other risks associated with option positions and structured derivative products. In addition, periodical supplementary settlement VaR calculations are performed for certain business units, which include adjustments to factor in the specific liquidity of the position, taking into account the liquidity conditions on the financial markets at any time.

 

The Group is also implementing a new risk measurement platform which, in addition to the advantage of enabling market risk to be integrated with credit risk, thus facilitating an overall view of existing risk, makes it possible to calculate market risk using the covariance matrix, the historical simulation and the Monte Carlo simulation methodologies.

 

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The market risk measurement model includes a back-testing or ex post contrast program, which to a certain extent guarantees the suitability of the risk measures that are performed. In order to validate the VaR measurement system, comparisons are made, inter alia, of the levels of ex ante risk provided by the model with the ex post results obtained by the units each day.

 

Stress-testing is an essential supplementary tool for market risk management, especially in the wake of the recent crises in Argentina and Brazil and the upheaval in the financial markets after the events of September 11, 2001. Accordingly, in order to strengthen risk management and control, the BBVA Group periodically calculates the exposure to losses of each business unit in response to events beyond the predetermined confidence interval for the daily measurement of market risk. This enables senior management to ascertain whether the level of exposure to losses under these potential scenarios fits in with the Bank’s appetite for risk, and to design, on the basis of that exposure, the contingency plans that must be implemented immediately if an unusual situation similar to those examined should occur.

 

Structural Interset-rate risk

 

The responsibility for controlling and monitoring structural interest-rate risk falls on the Risk Area, which periodically measures this risk from a dual perspective: on the one hand, from the net interest income standpoint and, on the other, from that of the economic value. In the former case, net interest income is projected for the next 12 months; and in the case of the analysis of economic value, a discounted current value is calculated of expected future flows in the balance sheet. The impacts of fluctuations in interest rates on both measures are calculated by using both parallel displacements in interest-rate curves and shocks that take into account changes of slope and curvature. Several interest-rate curve simulation methodologies have been developed to determine these changes of slope and curvature and these methodologies are used to calculate expected losses in net interest income and in economic value, with a confidence level of 99%.

 

Structural Exchange-Rate Risk

 

The Risk Area periodically measures structural exchange-rate risk using a statistical simulation model that includes certain exchange-rate crisis scenarios to which certain estimated probabilities of occurrence are assigned. Another factor in the model is the projection at one year of the exchange rates of the currencies involved. Every month the total risk is calculated in annual VaR terms with a confidence interval of 99%.

 

11.1.2. Transactions whose risks are hedged for US GAAP purposes

 

    1. Available for sale fixed rate debt securities: this risk is hedged using interest-rate derivatives (interest-rate swaps through which the fixed-coupon of the bond is exchanged for a variable return).

 

    2. Long term fixed rate debt issued: this risk is hedged using interest-rate derivatives (interest-rate swaps which replicate, on the collection leg, the payment resulting from the issue and transform it into a variable cost for the Bank).

 

    3. Foreign currency of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary: the risk of a net investment in a foreign operation is exchanged for the currency in which the investment is denominated.

 

    4. Available for sale equity securities: this risk is hedged using equity swaps through which the risk of variation in the price per books of the portfolio is transferred to the counterparty.

 

    5. Fixed rate loans: this risk is hedged using interest-rate derivatives (interest-rate swaps through which the fixed-coupon of the loans is exchanged for a variable return).

 

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11.1.3. Purpose of the use of macrohedges:

 

Macrohedges are used to facilitate the overall management of the risk to which the Bank is exposed in managing correlated assets, liabilities and other transactions. As of December 31, 2003, the Group had arranged two macrohedges:

Equity Securities

 

A global equity securities macrohedge designed to encompass the price risk positions of BBVA’s Investment Banking Area. This Area conducts its price risk management operations through the following two business units:

 

  Proprietary Trading Desk: including the Investment Banking Area’s directional positions in price risk. The operations of this desk are not covered by the macrohedge set forth under this Technical Standard.

 

  Equity Securities Desk: the operations of this desk are divided into two subunits:

 

  Volatility:

 

This subunit is responsible for managing the products that arise in relation to trading room customers and which in one way or another are affected by equity volatility. This management is performed through options (plain vanilla, exotic or correlation options).

 

  Relative value and arbitrage:

 

This subunit is responsible for exploiting the balance (spot positions assumed at the desk) for the benefit of the results thereof.

 

The businesses of this area are as follows:

 

  Taking and Placing of Securities. Securities are taken and assigned using various mechanisms.

 

  Statistical Arbitrage. This consists of the taking of positions, guided by an expert system, in two environments.

 

  Risk Arbitrage. This consists of exploiting the differences between the theoretical exchange ratio of two companies planning to merge and their current market value.

 

  Baskets. This area is responsible for basic arbitrage and provides support for the short selling of securities.

 

  Trading positions. Aimed at exploiting the spreads observed at corporate level (shares whose price is below their actual value) and at index level.

 

Basically, most of the operations of the Equity Securities Desk relate to euro-zone securities and indexes (primarily IBEX 35 and EUROSTOXX 50) and to a lesser extent to other markets (mainly Dow Jones, S & P 500, Nasdaq and Nikkei).

 

Therefore, the macrohedge includes the operations performed by the Trading Room Equity Securities Desk to manage the price risk of the euro-zone stock market indexes, of the securities listed thereon, and of other indexes and securities which, although not belonging to the euro zone, are managed jointly with those relating to it (securities, options, equity-swaps).

 

Macrohedge of Euro deposits

 

This macrohedge includes the operations deriving from the management of the interest-rate risk resulting from the taking by the Bank of long-term (over 12 months) fixed-rate deposits.

 

This activity exposes the Bank to a long-term interest-rate risk which is managed using correlation through various types of products: basically IRS, futures and bonds, in addition to swaptions in those cases in which it is necessary to hedge existing options on the deposits.

 

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The significant risks relating to these operations are as follows:

 

Market risks:

  Interest-rate risk
  Delta
  Curve
  Basis
  Vega risk
  Gamma risk

 

Based on the description of the macrohedge set forth above, the macrohedge will include the following products:

 

  Fixed-rate deposits (maturing at over 12 months)
  Swaps
  Bonds
  Swaptions

 

These macrohedges maintained by BBVA Group, under Spanish GAAP, do not qualify as hedges under US GAAP.

 

11.2. Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

 

Under U.S. GAAP the Group adopted, effective January 1, 2001, SFAS No.133 (“SFAS 133”), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (embedded derivatives) and for hedging activities. This Statement requires that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value.

 

Under SFAS 133 the accounting for changes in fair value of a derivative instrument depends on its intended use and the resulting designation.

 

If the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings.

 

If the derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings.

 

The gain or loss on a hedging derivative instrument that is designated as, and is effective as, an economic hedge of the net investment in a foreign operation is reported in the same way as a translation adjustment to the extent it is effective as a hedge. The ineffective portion of net investment hedges is reported in earnings.

 

Hedging transactions must be formally documented, designated and the company must describe the way the effectiveness is going to be assessed.

 

On the other hand when the derivative is designated as a trading transaction the changes in the fair value must be recognized currently in earnings.

 

11.3. Impact of SFAS 133 Implementation

 

As mentioned before, under U.S. GAAP, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria Group has adopted, effective January 1, 2001 SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities.

 

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Identification of accounting differences:

 

Regarding derivatives and hedge accounting, the differences between Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP are mainly the following:

 

Hedges

 

Spanish GAAP hedging requirements:

 

Bank of Spain regulations on derivatives and hedge accounting refers to the same topics as US GAAP. As in U.S. GAAP, this regulations address the documentation, measurement, control and accounting matters. Both Spanish and U.S. GAAP deal with the same concepts (e.g., the offsetting effect of hedges and their effectiveness), although using different wording and terminology.

 

The Bank of Spain regulations consider hedging transactions those that meet the following criteria:

 

a) Transactions aimed at eliminating or significantly reducing the foreign exchange rate risk, the interest rate risk or price risk of balance sheet items or other items provided that, in each case, the hedged item and the hedging transactions are explicitly identified at inception of the hedge.

 

b) Transactions aimed at reducing the global risk of correlated groups of assets, liabilities and other transactions, if they are managed through an integrated risk measurement and management control system that allow for the follow-up and explicit identification of the transactions. This system requires a favorable opinion of the external auditor to be issued and reported to the Bank of Spain on an annual basis. Such report specifically addresses the reasonableness, quality, and consistency of the integrated risk measurement and management control system (including compliance with specific documentation requirements) as well as the effectiveness of macro-hedges (80% - 120% range) through the performance of independent stress tests of all macro-hedges in place.

 

In the hedges that meet criteria a), gains or losses of the derivatives are accrued and/or recognized symmetrically to the revenues or expenses arising from the hedged items. This means that whatever impact the hedged item has on net income is offset by the impact recorded in the same line item in the statement of operations under Spanish GAAP for the hedge instrument.

 

In the hedges that meet criteria a) and b) (“macro-hedges”), all the transactions involved are either accrued or marked to market, net losses are always recorded in the statement of income. For certain types of macro-hedges, net gains would be recorded in statement of income. The income statement treatment for all macro-hedges is determined and documented at the inception of the hedging transaction.

 

The Group enters into thousands of derivative transactions, most of which are aimed at eliminating or reducing risks, but only a limited amount of these transactions receive hedge accounting treatment under Spanish GAAP due to the strict qualifying requirements of Bank of Spain regulations. Given that US GAAP does not allow certain types of hedges, derivative transactions accounted for as hedges under U.S. GAAP are only a portion of the hedge transactions under Spanish GAAP.

 

Each type of derivatives accounted for as a hedge under Spanish GAAP is related to a specific type of hedge as classified under U.S. GAAP (fair value or net investment) as follows:

 

Spanish GAAP classification


 

US GAAP classification


Hedges on available-for-sale fixed rate debt securities   Fair value hedge

Hedges on held-to-maturity securities

  Trading

Hedges on long term fixed rate debt issued

  Fair value hedge
Hedges of the foreign currency of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary   Hedges of the foreign currency of a net investment in a foreign operation
Hedged on Available for sale equity securities (non-group investments)   Fair value hedge

Hedges on fixed rate loans

  Fair Value hedge

Macro-hedge

  Trading

 

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In order to conform to U.S. GAAP the Group considers certain derivatives as hedging transactions. These hedges are formally documented, are expected to be effective, and the Group designates and assesses periodically the effectiveness of such hedges. The Group considers these operations as qualified hedges under SFAS 133. The Group has qualified all these hedges as fair value hedges. Therefore, under US GAAP, their gains or losses should have been recognized in earnings in the period of change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged. As there is no significant hedge ineffectiveness to be considered, due to the effectiveness of such hedges, no adjustment was made in the reconciliation of net income and shareholders’ equity to US GAAP.

 

The Bank, under US GAAP, does not have any amounts for cash flow hedges . Therefore there are not any amount for cash flow hedges reported in Other Comprehensive Income.

 

For all other transactions recognized as Hedging Derivatives under Spanish GAAP that do not meet the requirements of hedge accounting under SFAS 133, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument has been recognized through earnings in the reconciliation to US GAAP as hedge accounting has not been applied under U.S. GAAP.

 

Macro hedges

 

The Group uses these instruments to hedge global equity and interest rate risk exposures. These transactions are permanently subject to an integrated, conservative and consistent system of risk management (e.g. estimate value at risk -VaR- of the transactions to check the equity risk is reduced due to the use of derivatives…) that measures, controls and manages the risks and the results of the operations involved.

 

The bank records provisions to cover future losses (generic provisions) based on VaR calculations.

 

The Bank has two different kinds of macro-hedges:

 

Share price risk macro hedge

 

The objective of this kind of macro hedge is to globally hedge the equity risk exposure arising from a trading portfolio, through trading equity derivatives.

 

The Group marks all the derivatives and the hedged assets (trading portfolio) to market, recording gains or losses into the income statement. Additionally, generic provisions are recorded to cover up future losses. Under Spanish GAAP, all the derivatives and the hedged assets are marked to market and the gain or losses are recorded in the income statement.

 

This macro hedge does not qualify as a hedge under US GAAP, thus no adjustment is needed to recognize the fair value of the derivatives because under Spanish GAAP the derivatives are marketed to market with changes in market value reflected in the income statement.

 

The only adjustment in the reconciliation to US GAAP consists in eliminating the generic provisions. As of December 31, 2003 the elimination of this provision gave rise to a decrease of €1,226 thousand in net income which is include in the effect of adoption of SFAS 133 describe later on.

 

Interest rate risk macro hedge

 

The objective of this kind of macro hedge is to globally hedge the interest risk of a portfolio of deposits due to customers.

 

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The Group considers the fair value all the derivatives and the hedged deposits. The net losses are recorded in the income statement, while the net unrealized gains are not recorded into the income statement.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, this macro hedge cannot qualify as a hedge. The adjustment in the reconciliation to US GAAP consists of:

 

  Recognizing fair value of derivative transactions in statement of income

 

  Eliminating the generic provisions (ex; liquidity provisions, market risk provisions…)

 

As of December 31, 2003 the recognition of the fair value of Interest Risk macrohedge and the elimination of the generic provisions gave rise to an increase of €113,353 thousand and €457 thousand in net income, respectively. This adjustment is include in the effect of adoption of SFAS 133 describe later on.

 

Foreign Currency Hedges

 

The Group considers certain derivatives as hedging the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign subsidiary. The derivatives are traded in the same currency of the country in which the foreign subsidiary is located.

 

Under Spanish GAAP, these gains or losses are recorded with a charge in OCI to offset the differences arising in the translation of the subsidiary financial statements. These operations are qualified as a hedge of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation under US GAAP. As a consequence, there is no reconciliation adjustment for this operation.

 

Trading derivatives

 

Under Spanish GAAP, trading transactions are valued, depending on the market on which they are traded, as follows:

 

  Transactions arranged in organized markets are valued at quoted market price in their respective markets and the gains or losses arising as a result of market price fluctuations are recorded in the income statement.

 

  For OTC derivatives, gains or losses are recognized when effectively settled. At every close, the bank values these operations, grouping transactions by type of risk. For each group, net unrealized losses are recorded in the income statement. Unrealized gains are not recognized.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, the gain or loss on a derivative instrument not designated as a hedging instrument shall be recognized through earnings.

 

All derivatives recognized as trading transactions under Spanish GAAP are also considered as trading for US GAAP purposes.

 

The adjustment in the US GAAP reconciliation consists of recognizing the unrealized gains not recognized for Spanish GAAP as described in the preceding paragraphs.

 

Other derivatives

 

All material intercompany accounts and transactions between the consolidated companies are eliminated in consolidation. This consolidation principle also applies with respect to intercompany derivative transactions.

 

The cumulative positive effect arising from the adoption of SFAS 133 amounted to €8,182 thousand as of January 1, 2001. As of December 31, 2003, the application of this method gave rise to a increase of €207,460 thousand in net income and an increase of €58,359 thousand in Other Comprehensive Income. As of December 31, 2002, the application of this method gave rise to a decrease of €126,660 thousand in net income and an increase of €72,039

 

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thousand in Other Comprehensive Income. As of December 31, 2001, the application of this method gave rise to an increase of €11,219 thousand in net income and an increase of €12,790 thousand in Other Comprehensive Income. The effect in Other Comprehensive Income is produced by valuating the derivative instruments hedging the available-for-sale portfolio, that under Spanish GAAP are considered hedged items, and therefore are not marked to market, but under US GAAP are not qualified as a hedge.

 

11.4. Additional disclosures required by U.S. GAAP: Fair Value Methods

 

The methods used by the Group in estimating the fair value of its derivative instruments are as follows:

 

Forward purchases/sales of foreign currency

 

Estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted market prices.

 

Forward purchases/sales of government debt securities

 

Estimated fair value of these financial instruments is based on quoted market prices, since they are mostly traded in organized markets.

 

Options and financial futures

 

Derivatives traded in organized markets are valued based on quoted market prices.

 

For options and futures traded in OTC markets, the fair value is estimated based on theoretical year-end closing prices. These year-end closing prices are calculated according to generally accepted models estimating the amounts the Group would receive or pay based upon the yield curve/ volatilities prevailing at year-end or prices.

 

Forward rate agreements and interest rate swaps

 

Fair values of these contracts are estimated based on the discounted future cash flows related to the interest rates to be collected or paid, using for this purpose the yield curve prevailing at year-end.

 

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The disclosure of the notional principal amounts of the derivatives of the Group by trading or hedging, under US GAAP, operations is as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Thousands of Euros          

Trading

              

Interest risk contracts:

              

Forward rate agreements

   67,325,503    22,413,334    111,359,842

Interest rate swaps

   515,630,158    438,278,729    450,249,865

Options and futures

   113,653,819    113,099,981    111,361,425

Foreign exchange contracts:

              

Forward purchase/sale of foreign currency

   44,926,713    41,291,191    27,175,524

Currency options

   8,728,897    4,067,083    19,476,843

Currency swaps

   8,363,047    7,463,306    7,402,319

Derivatives on securities and commodities

   37,360,860    32,496,504    26,813,840
    
  
  
     795,988,997    659,110,128    753,839,658
    
  
  

Hedging derivatives

              

Interest risk contracts:

              

Interest rate swaps

   18,107,187    16,323,924    13,153,945

Options and futures

   14,046,827    5,510,226    —  

Foreign exchange contracts:

              

Currency options

   —      1,603,787    —  

Currency swaps

   3,337,507    4,355,780    6,193,718

Derivatives on securities and commodities

   1,631,702    1,840,696    2,025,672
    
  
  
     37,123,223    29,634,413    21,373,335
    
  
  

Total trading and hedging derivatives

   833,112,220    688,744,541    775,212,993
    
  
  

 

The following is a detail of the trading transactions notional amount and their year-end fair value for year 2003, 2002 and 2001 disclosed in each type of instrument.

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
    

Notional

Amount


   Fair
Value


    Notional
Amount


   Fair
Value


    Notional
Amount


   Fair
Value


 
     Thousand of euros                             

Trading

                                 

Interest risk contracts:

                                 

Forward rate agreements

   67,325,503    2,776     22,413,334    (5,766 )   111,359,842    (13,734 )

Interest rate swaps

   515,630,158    (530,909 )   438,278,729    (774,073 )   450,249,865    (188,720 )

Options and futures

   113,653,819    121,952     113,099,981    208,442     111,361,425    76,815  

Foreign exchange contracts:

                                 

Forward purchase/sale of foreign currency

   44,926,713    (307,781 )   41,291,191    (434,480 )   27,175,524    608,908  

Currency options

   8,728,897    (23,351 )   4,067,083    8,999     19,476,843    112,300  

Currency swaps

   8,363,047    (178,986 )   7,463,306    83,695     7,402,319    (132,904 )

Derivatives on securities and commodities

   37,360,860    177,100     32,496,504    225,154     26,813,840    23,790  
    
  

 
  

 
  

     795,988,997    (739,199 )   659,110,128    (688,029 )   753,839,658    486,455  
    
  

 
  

 
  

 

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The reconciliation between the disclosures presented above (under US GAAP) and the disclosures presented in Note 26 (under Spanish GAAP) as of December 31, 2003 is as follows:

 

The notional amount and the fair value of derivatives that afforded hedge accounting treatment under Spanish GAAP but did not qualify as hedges under U.S. GAAP as of December, 31 2003 are disclosed in the following table:

 

     Hedging derivatives under Spanish
Gaap not under US Gaap


 
     Notional amount

   Fair value

 

Interest risk contracts:

           

Interest rate swaps

   15,702,477    96,135  

Options and futures

   3,630,590    12,739  

Foreign exchange contracts:

           

Forward purchase/sale of foreign currency

   11,259,770    (29,866 )

Currency options

   810,522    —    

Currency swaps

   1,050,361    (347,835 )

Derivatives on securities and commodities

   20,647,967    (27,937 )
    
  

TOTAL

   53,101,687    (296,764 )
    
  

 

The notional amount and the fair value of derivatives that afforded hedge accounting treatment under Spanish GAAP and qualify as hedges under U.S. GAAP as of December, 31 2003 are disclosed in the following table:

 

     Hedging derivatives under Spanish &
US Gaap


 
     Notional amount (*)

   Fair value (**)

 

Interest risk contracts:

           

Interest rate swaps

   18,107,187    506,091  

Options and futures

   14,046,827    431,583  

Foreign exchange contracts:

           

Currency swaps

   3,337,507    64,763  

Derivatives on securities and commodities

   1,631,702    (214,218 )
    
  

TOTAL

   37,123,223    788,219  
    
  

 

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The reconciliation of the items of Income Statement affected by derivative and hedging accounting between Spanish GAAP and U,S, GAAP is as follows:

 

     Thousand of Euros

 
     2003

    2002

 
     Spanish
GAAP


    Adjustments

    U,S, GAAP

    Spanish
GAAP


    Adjustments

    U,S, GAAP

 

Interest Income

   12,537,465     (246,470 )   12,290,995     17,232,909     (168,195 )   17,064,714  

Interest Expenses

   (6,260,058 )   463,021     (5,797,037 )   (9,783,505 )   35,855     (9,747,650 )

Net Interest Income

   6,277,407     216,551     6,493,958     7,449,404     (132,340 )   7,317,064  

Gain/losses from foreign Exchange, derivatives and others

   651,504     (9,091 )   642,413     765,123     5,680     770,803  

TOTAL

         207,460                 126,660        

 

The columns adjustments includes:

 

  Adjustment to Interest Income and Interest Expenses: these adjustments eliminate the accrual of interest rate swaps accounting as hedging under Spanish GAAP, These swap are not accounted for fair value, Under US GAAP these accrual is eliminate from “Interest Income” and “Interest Expenses” and the interest rate swaps are mark to market,

 

  Adjustment to Gain/losses: this adjustment reflects the impact in net income of mark to market all derivatives accounted as hedges under Spanish GAAP that they not qualify as hedge under US GAAP,

 

12. Tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments and deferred taxation under SFAS No. 109-

 

The previous adjustments to net income and Stockholders’ equity do not include their related effects on corporate tax, except for the adjustment mentioned in Item 1, which are disclosed under “Tax effect of above mentioned adjustments” item on the reconciliation statements.

 

As described in Note 3-l under Spanish GAAP only the timing differences which have a specific reversal period of less than ten years have been recorded. As a result of the application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (“SFAS 109”), Accounting for Income Taxes, the timing differences originated by the provision for the statistical coverage of loan losses (Note 32-2-B-7) and by the allowance assigned to cover probable losses on intra-group transactions subject to country-risk (Note 32-2-B-7) have been reversed.

 

In the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP, the Group has recorded as of December 31, 2003, deferred tax assets of €93,864 thousand (€226,749 thousand and €251,258 thousand as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively) and deferred tax liabilities of €895,537 thousand (€431,862 thousand and €1,030,558 thousand as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively). Deferred tax liabilities arise mainly from valuation of investment securities adjustments in Spanish GAAP to U.S. GAAP reconciliation.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, as of December 31, 2003, a deferred tax asset amounting €614,249 thousand (€53,242 thousand and €156,600 thousand as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively) had been recognized.

 

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SFAS 109 requires providing a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 the valuation allowance amounted to €672,218 thousand, €113,210 thousand and €225,181 thousand, respectively.

 

The following is a reconciliation of the income tax provision under Spanish GAAP to that under U.S.GAAP:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Thousands of Euros  

Income tax provision under Spanish GAAP

   914,976     653,213     625,521  

Tax effect of U.S. GAAP adjustments and deferred taxation under SFAS 109

   (203,762 )   (3,983 )   (195,616 )

Income tax provision under U.S. GAAP

   711,214     649,230     429,905  

 

Following is a reconciliation of the deferred tax assets and liabilities recorded under Spanish GAAP and those that should be recorded under SFAS 109.

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Deferred
tax assets


    Deferred tax
liabilities


   Deferred
tax assets


    Deferred tax
liabilities


   Deferred
tax assets


    Deferred tax
liabilities


     Thousands of Euros

As reported under Spanish GAAP

   3,374,195     140,957    3,838,413     155,979    4,660,724     117,534

Less-

                                

Timing differences recorded under Spanish GAAP and reversed in the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP

   (290,807 )   —      (236,451 )   —      (171,102 )   —  

Plus-

                                

Tax effect of Spanish to U.S. GAAP reconciliation adjustments

   93,864     895,537    226,749     431,862    251,258     1,030,558

Timing differences not recorded under Spanish GAAP and recognized under U.S. GAAP

   614,249     —      53,242     —      156,600     —  
    

 
  

 
  

 

As reported under SFAS 109 (gross)

   3,791,501     1,036,494    3,881,953     587,841    4,897,480     1,148,092

Valuation reserve

   (672,218 )   —      (113,210 )   —      (225,181 )   —  
    

 
  

 
  

 

As reported under SFAS 109 (net)

   3,119,283     1,036,494    3,768,743     587,841    4,672,299     1,148,092

 

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Following is an analysis of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 estimated in accordance with U.S. GAAP:

 

     December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (Thousands of Euros)  

Deferred Tax assets

                  

Loan loss reserves

   1,101,208     1,231,591     1,643,326  

Unrealized losses on securities pension liability

   1,058,713     879,846     703,830  

Fixed assets

   136,318     156,177     264,390  

Net operating loss carryforward

   747,045     1,157,499     1,439,135  

Investments and derivatives

   289,297     239,948     603,916  

Allocated liabilities

   17,172     22,007     27,467  

Other

   441,748     194,885     215,416  
    

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

   3,791,501     3,881,953     4,897,480  

Valuation reserve

   (672,218 )   (113,210 )   (225,181 )
    

 

 

Net tax asset

   3,119,283     3,768,743     4,672,299  

Deferred tax liabilities

                  

Unrealized gains on investments

   732,466     210,966     762,120  

Gains on sales of investments

   —       17,770     58,941  

Fixed assets

   130,347     122,806     73,702  

Allocated assets

   173,681     207,775     243,178  

Other

   —       28,524     10,151  
    

 

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

   (1,036,494 )   587,841     1,148,092  
    

 

 

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

   2,082,789     3,180,902     3,524,207  
    

 

 

 

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A reconciliation between the federal statutory tax rate and the effective income tax rate follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     % percentages  

Corporate income tax at the standard rate of 35%

   35.00     35.00     35.00  

Difference arising for the early amortization of goodwill (Note 2-a)

   0.00     0.00     5.85  

Decrease arising from permanent differences

   (11.74 )   (15.45 )   (18.24 )

Adjustments to the provision for prior years’ corporate income tax and others taxes

   0.74     1.39     (2.52 )

Income tax provision under Spanish GAAP

   24.00     20.94     20.09  

Tax effect of US GAAP adjustments and deferred taxation under SFAS 109

   (5.54 )   (0.13 )   (6.28 )

Income tax provision under US GAAP

   18.46     20.81     13.81  

 

13. BBV Brasil transaction.

 

On January 13, 2003, BBVA reached a strategic agreement with Banco Bradesco, S.A., whereby BBVA sold its Brazilian affiliate, BBV Brasil, S.A., to Banco Bradesco, S.A. in exchange for a stake in the latter’s share capital.

 

The main points of the strategic agreement were as follows:

 

The BBVA Brazilian banking and insurance business activities conducted by BBV Brasil, S.A. and its affiliates, were integrated with Banco Bradesco, S.A. by transferring all the BBV Brasil, S.A. shares held by BBVA to Banco Bradesco, S.A.

 

In return for these shares, BBVA received newly-issued ordinary shares and preferred shares in Banco Bradesco, S.A. totaling 4.5 % of its share capital, as well as approximately 2,000 million Brazilian reais in cash.

 

Under the agreement, BBVA were entitled to appoint a member of the Board of Directors of Banco Bradesco, S.A. and to set up a business area within Bradesco specifically devoted to the origination of business between BBVA and Bradesco, the provision of banking services to BBVA customers by Bradesco, and other areas of cooperation between both banks.

 

At measurement date -end of 2002-, the Group, under Spanish GAAP accounted for the expected net losses from the proposed sale, debited the “Losses on disposal of holdings in entities consolidated by global and proportional integration” caption of the consolidated statement of income with the amount of 246 million euros, and credited the same amount to the caption “Losses at consolidated companies arising from negative exchange differences in consolidation” in order to cancel, pursuant to Bank of Spain regulations, the cumulative exchange losses, recorded against consolidation reserves, derived from the conversion of the financial statements of BBV Brasil since its takeover; this accounting transaction had no effect on the Group’s net worth. The Group had also recorded €92 millions of capital gains, which have been credited to the said caption of the consolidated statement of income and charged to the “Other Assets” caption of the consolidated balance sheet. Lastly, a Specific Fund of €35 millions had been allocated under the “Extraordinary Losses” caption of the statement of income to match the theoretical goodwill that arised as a result of the aforementioned registration of the shares of Banco Bradesco, S.A.

 

As of December 31, 2002, under US GAAP, the remaining goodwill and the accumulated negative exchange differences related to this goodwill must be cancelled, by a charge to income. These effects supposed a decrease in net income of €137,812 thousand in 2002. This goodwill was amortized in prior years under Spanish GAAP (see Note 2.a).

 

Additionally, under US GAAP the transaction should be measured at fair value. This adjustment gave rise to an increase in net income and stockholders´ equity of €4,251 thousand in 2002.

 

Under US GAAP, capital gains as of December 31, 2002 amount to:

 

     Millions of Euros

 

Total gains under Spanish GAAP

   92  

Amortization Goodwill under US GAAP

   (138 )

Measure transactions at fair values

   4  

Other adjustment in reconciliation to US GAAP

   7  
    

Total losses under US GAAP

   (35 )
    

 

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The carrying amounts of the mayor classes of assets and liabilities of Group BBVA without Brazil and Group BBV Brazil is disclosed as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

    

Group

BBVA (*)


  

Group

BBVA
without

Brazil


  

BBV

Brasil

Group


   Total

  

Group

BBVA
without

Brazil


  

BBV

Brasil

Group


   Total

ASSETS

                                  

CASH ON HAND AND DEPOSITS AT CENTRAL BANKS:

                                  

Cash

   1,767,580    1,857,409    10,949    1,868,358    2,388,638    14,256    2,402,894

Bank of Spain

   1,821,301    1,081,684    —      1,081,684    1,828,490    —      1,828,490

Other central banks

   4,520,994    4,913,136    187,150    5,100,286    4,924,806    84,034    5,008,840
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
     8,109,875    7,852,229    198,099    8,050,328    9,141,934    98,290    9,240,224
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

GOVERNMENT DEBT SECURITIES

   18,945,003    19,767,776    —      19,767,776    20,165,369    —      20,165,369
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

DUE FROM CREDIT INSTITUTIONS

                                  

Current accounts

   643,987    1,326,217    2,532    1,328,749    2,621,899    7,909    2,629,808

Other

   20,263,142    19,218,923    928,607    20,147,530    19,473,898    1,095,050    20,568,948
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
     20,907,129    20,545,140    931,139    21,476,279    22,095,797    1,102,959    23,198,756
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

TOTAL NET LENDING

   148,827,274    139,838,025    1,476,987    141,315,012    147,811,649    2,408,171    150,219,820
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

DEBENTURES AND OTHER DEBT SECURITIES

   52,935,966    48,287,905    845,274    49,133,179    60,352,896    1,298,042    61,650,938
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

COMMON STOCKS AND OTHER EQUITY SECURITIES

   3,092,064    2,999,235    8,257    3,007,492    3,658,145    15,554    3,673,699
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

INVESTMENTS IN NON-GROUP COMPANIES

   5,593,224    6,023,975    200    6,024,175    6,641,935    —      6,641,935
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

INVESTMENTS IN GROUP COMPANIES

   1,054,869    1,034,403    5,285    1,039,688    1,104,311    9,833    1,114,144
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

INTANGIBLE ASSETS:

                                  

Incorporation and start-up expenses

   19,537    20,671    275    20,946    11,618    7,152    18,770

Other deferred charges

   342,491    377,045    646    377,691    522,436    877    523,313
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
     362,028    397,716    921    398,637    534,054    8,029    542,083
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

CONSOLIDATION GOODWILL:

                                  

Fully and proportionally consolidated companies

   2,650,889    2,871,545    —      2,871,545    3,041,235    3,672    3,044,907

Companies accounted for by the equity method

   1,055,524    1,385,801    —      1,385,801    1,572,235    —      1,572,235
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
     3,706,413    4,257,346    —      4,257,346    4,613,470    3,672    4,617,142
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

                                  

Land and buildings for own use

   2,100,359    1,920,702    17,585    1,938,287    2,497,579    33,356    2,530,935

Other property

   309,607    903,948    4,125    908,073    1,411,014    13,132    1,424,146

Furniture, fixtures and other

   1,380,272    1,698,193    89,412    1,787,605    2,050,924    165,885    2,216,809
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
     3,790,238    4,522,843    111,122    4,633,965    5,959,517    212,373    6,171,890
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

TREASURY STOCK

   66,059    97,671    —      97,671    75,944    —      75,944
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

OTHER ASSETS

   13,171,480    12,164,256    134,624    12,298,880    11,793,998    206,117    12,000,115
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTS

   2,977,437    4,293,727    97,835    4,391,562    7,037,690    11,377    7,049,067
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

ACCUMULATED LOSSES AT CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES

   3,610,764    3,553,923    96,285    3,650,208    2,400,257    300,698    2,700,955
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

TOTAL ASSETS

   287,149,823    275,636,170    3,906,028    279,542,198    303,386,966    5,675,115    309,062,081
    
  
  
  
  
  
  

(*) Brasil does not belong to BBVA Group as of December 31, 2003

 

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Table of Contents
     2003

   2002

   2001

    

Group

BBVA (*)


   Group BBVA
without Brazil


   BBV Brasil
Group


    Total

   Group BBVA
without Brazil


   BBV Brasil
Group


    Total

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

                                    

DUE TO CREDIT INSTITUTIONS:

                                    

Current accounts

   1,542,432    1,537,353    4     1,537,357    1,412,806    12     1,412,818

Other

   60,027,356    53,777,622    804,069     54,581,691    61,538,573    1,636,604     63,175,177
    
  
  

 
  
  

 
     61,569,788    55,314,975    804,073     56,119,048    62,951,379    1,636,616     64,587,995
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

DEPOSITS:

                                    

Savings accounts-

                                    

Current

   65,024,971    63,488,788    234,957     63,723,745    70,611,301    401,668     71,012,969

Time

   55,487,784    55,981,239    1,455,113     57,436,352    65,784,369    1,727,802     67,512,171

Other deposits-

                                    

Time

   20,536,152    25,382,875    17,393     25,400,268    27,943,264    31,030     27,974,294
    
  
  

 
  
  

 
     141,048,907    144,852,902    1,707,463     146,560,365    164,338,934    2,160,500     166,499,434
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES:

                                    

Bonds and debentures outstanding

   28,258,973    22,219,143    174,733     22,393,876    20,542,654    96,444     20,639,098

Promissory notes and other securities

   6,123,679    5,129,396    —       5,129,396    4,736,576    —       4,736,576
    
  
  

 
  
  

 
     34,382,652    27,348,539    174,733     27,523,272    25,279,230    96,444     25,375,674
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

OTHER LIABILITIES

   10,764,514    9,656,841    79,064     9,735,905    9,053,112    89,533     9,142,645
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTS

   3,318,727    4,574,114    19,663     4,593,777    6,638,119    26,955     6,665,074
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

PROVISIONS FOR CONTINGENCIES AND EXPENSES :

                                    

Pension provision

   3,031,913    2,621,907    —       2,621,907    2,358,552    —       2,358,552

Other provisions

   2,187,672    2,137,048    84,363     2,221,411    2,353,557    72,031     2,425,588
    
  
  

 
  
  

 
     5,219,585    4,758,955    84,363     4,843,318    4,712,109    72,031     4,784,140
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

NEGATIVE CONSOLIDATION DIFFERENCE

   38,712    47,554    —       47,554    42,744    —       42,744
    
  
  

 
  
  

 
                                      

CONSOLIDATED INCOME FOR THE YEAR:

                                    

Group

   2,226,701    1,915,323    (196,194 )   1,719,129    2,062,319    (219,249 )   1,843,070

Minority interests

   670,463    746,918    1     746,919    645,223    —       645,223
    
  
  

 
  
  

 
     2,897,164    2,662,241    (196,193 )   2,466,048    2,707,542    (219,249 )   2,488,293
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

SUBORDINATED DEBT

   7,399,613    6,486,942    —       6,486,942    7,610,791    —       7,610,791
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

MINORITY INTERESTS

   5,425,918    5,674,157    6     5,674,163    6,394,023    6     6,394,029
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

CAPITAL STOCK

   1,565,968    1,565,968    —       1,565,968    1,565,968    —       1,565,968
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL

   6,273,901    6,512,797    —       6,512,797    6,834,941    —       6,834,941
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

RESERVES

   971,477    771,484    —       771,484    1,419,218    —       1,419,218
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

REVALUATION RESERVES

   176,281    176,281    —       176,281    176,281    —       176,281
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

RESERVES AT CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES

   6,096,616    6,150,595    314,681     6,465,276    5,240,646    234,208     5,474,854
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   287,149,823    276,554,345    2,987,853     279,542,198    304,965,037    4,097,044     309,062,081
    
  
  

 
  
  

 

(*) Brasil does not belong to BBVA Group as of December 31, 2003

 

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The contribution of BBV Brasil to the Group’s consolidated statement of income based on spanish gaap during 2002 and 2001 is as follow:

 

NET INCOME

(Thousands of Euros)


   2003

    2002

    2001

 
  

Group

BBVA


    Group
without
Brazil


    BBV
Brasil
Group


    Total

    Group
without
Brazil


    BBV
Brasil
Group


    Total

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

   6,741,511     7,503,489     303,977     7,807,466     8,550,389     273,713     8,824,102  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET FEES

   3,262,807     3,609,948     58,433     3,668,381     3,981,014     56,609     4,037,623  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC MARGIN

   10,004,318     11,113,437     362,410     11,475,847     12,531,403     330,322     12,861,725  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

MARKET OPERATIONS

   651,504     743,402     21,721     765,123     473,808     16,287     490,095  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

ORDINARY REVENUE

   10,655,822     11,856,839     384,131     12,240,970     13,005,210     346,610     13,351,820  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

   (5,031,056 )   (5,570,412 )   (201,313 )   (5,771,725 )   (6,482,408 )   (242,352 )   (6,724,760 )

Personnel costs

   (3,262,587 )   (3,579,785 )   (117,643 )   (3,697,428 )   (4,100,105 )   (143,269 )   (4,243,374 )

Of which: Pensions

   (134,921 )   (132,624 )   —       (132,624 )   (112,474 )   —       (112,474 )

Other Administrative Expenses

   (1,768,469 )   (1,990,627 )   (83,670 )   (2,074,297 )   (2,382,303 )   (99,083 )   (2,481,386 )

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

   (510,656 )   (598,051 )   (32,970 )   (631,021 )   (709,380 )   (32,437 )   (741,817 )

OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES (NET)

   (219,311 )   (259,976 )   (1,504 )   (261,480 )   (282,055 )   (4,363 )   (286,418 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET OPERATING INCOME

   4,894,799     5,428,400     148,344     5,576,744     5,531,367     67,458     5,598,825  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME FROM COMPANIES ACCOUNTED

   383,312     31,061     2,183     33,244     389,293     3,378     392,671  

FOR BY THE EQUITY METHOD

                                          

Share in results of companies accounted for by the equity method

   702,438     273,413     2,183     275,596     767,894     3,931     771,825  

Correction for payment of dividends

   (319,126 )   (242,352 )   —       (242,352 )   (378,601 )   (553 )   (379,154 )

AMORTIZATION OF CONSOLIDATION GOODWILL

   (639,349 )   (675,498 )   (3,672 )   (679,170 )   (922,590 )   (220,787 )   (1,143,377 )

NET INCOME ON GROUP TRANSACTIONS

   553,259     514,713     (153,717 )   360,996     953,987     —       953,987  

NET LOAN LOSS PROVISIONS

   (1,276,946 )   (1,693,720 )   (49,618 )   (1,743,338 )   (1,884,822 )   (34,408 )   (1,919,230 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET SECURITIES WRITEDOWNS

   —       3,366     —       3,366     (42,792 )   —       (42,792 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXTRAORDINARY NET LOSSES

   (102,935 )   (339,889 )   (92,692 )   (432,581 )   (704,243 )   (22,027 )   (726,270 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

PRE-TAX PROFIT

   3,812,140     3,268,433     (149,172 )   3,119,261     3,320,201     (206,387 )   3,113,814  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

CORPORATE INCOME TAX AND OTHER TAXES

   (914,976 )   (606,192 )   (47,021 )   (653,213 )   (612,659 )   (12,862 )   (625,521 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

   2,897,164     2,662,241     (196,193 )   2,466,048     2,707,542     (219,249 )   2,488,293  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

MINORITY INTERESTS

   670,463     746,918     1     746,919     645,223     —       645,223  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT

   2,226,701     1,915,323     (196,194 )   1,719,129     2,062,319     (219,249 )   1,843,070  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 


BBV Brasil Net income has included adjustments of Consolidation.

(*) Included “Translation differences” from BBV Brasil transaction.

 

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Operating results under Spanish GAAP of discontinued operations associated with BBV Brasil were as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (Thousand of euros)  

Income (loss) from continuing operations before federal and foreign taxes

   3,812,140     3,268,433     3,320,201  

Provision (benefit) for federal and foreign taxes

   (914,976 )   (606,192 )   (612,659 )
    

 

 

Income (loss) from continuing operations

   2,897,164     2,662,241     2,707,542  

Discontinued operations:

                  

Income (loss) from operations of discontinued BBV Brasil, S.A. (including federal and foreign taxes charges of €14,821 thousand and 12,862 thousand in 2002 and 2001, respectively, and federal and foreign taxes gains of €8,018 thousand in 2000)

   —       24,443     (219,249 )

Loss on disposal of BBV Brasil, S.A. (including federal and foreign tax charges of €32,200 thousand)

   —       (220,636 )   —    
    

 

 

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

   —       (196,193 )   (219,249 )
    

 

 

Net income (loss)

   2,897,164     2,466,048     2,488,293  
    

 

 

 

The losses on disposal under US GAAP of discontinued operations associated with BBV Brasil were €6,877 thousand.

 

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Table of Contents

14. Other Comprehensive Income

 

SFAS No. 130, Reporting comprehensive income establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of general-purpose financial statements.

 

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.

 

The accumulated balances of other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, were as follows:

 

     Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments


    Unrealized
gains on
securities


    Gains on
Derivative
Instruments


    Other
Comprehensive
income


 
     Thousands of Euros  

Balance as of December 31, 2000

   (32,346 )   2,705,918     —       2,673,572  

Changes in 2001

   (593,860 )   (750,748 )   12,790     (1,331,818 )
    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2001

   (626,206 )   1,955,170     12,790     1,341,754  

Changes in 2002

   (1,864,977 )   (1,362,665 )   72,039     (3,155,603 )
    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2002

   (2,491,183 )   592,505     84,829     (1,813,849 )
    

 

 

 

Changes in 2003

   (922,506 )   1,054,024     (44,786 )   86,732  
    

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2003

   (3,413,689 )   1,646,529     40,043     (1,727,117 )
    

 

 

 

 

Taxes allocated to each component of other comprehensive income in 2003, 2002 and 2001 were as follows:

 

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Table of Contents
    

2003


   

2002


   

2001


 
     Before
Tax
Amount


    Tax
expense
or benefit


    Net of
tax
amount


    Before
Tax
Amount


    Tax
expense
or
benefit


    Net of tax
amount


    Before
Tax
Amount


     Tax
expense
or
benefit


     Net of tax
amount


 
     Thousands of Euros  

Foreign currency translations adjustment

   (922,506 )   —       (922,506 )   (1,864,977 )   —       (1,864,977 )   (593,860 )    —        (593,860 )

Unrealized gains on securities:

                                                        

Total holding gains arising during the period

   3,155,883     (1,022,067 )   2,133,816     (1,316,794 )   347,268     (969,526 )   (160,049 )    (74,267 )    (234,316 )

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income

   1,522,330     (442,538 )   1,079,792     604,828     (211,689 )   393,139     794,513      (278,081 )    516,432  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Net unrealized gains

   1,633,553     (579,529 )   1,054,024     (1,921,622 )   558,957     (1,362,665 )   (954,562 )    203,814      (750,748 )

Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities

   (72,149 )   27,363     (44,786 )   110,830     (38,791 )   72,039     19,678      (6,888 )    12,790  
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Other comprehensive income

   638,898     (552,166 )   86,732     (3,675,769 )   520,166     (3,155,603 )   (1,528,744 )    196,926      (1,331,818 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

 

15. Earnings per share

 

SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, specifies the computation, presentation and disclosure requirements for earnings per share (EPS).

 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders (the numerator) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding (the denominator), which may include contingently issuable shares where all necessary conditions for issuance have been satisfied. Diluted earnings per share includes the determinants of basic earnings per share and, in addition, gives effect to dilutive potential common shares that were outstanding during the period.

 

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The computation of basis and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is presented in the following table:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Thousands of Euros, except per share data  

Spanish GAAP

                  

Consolidated net income for the year

   2,897,164     2,466,048     2,488,293  

Preferred stock dividends

   (214,449 )   (275,629 )   (315,182 )

Net income attributed to minority interest

   (456,014 )   (471,290 )   (330,041 )

U.S. GAAP

                  

Consolidated net income for the year

   2,480,482     2,621,693     1,225,938  

Preferred stock dividends

   (214,161 )   (275,629 )   (315,182 )

Net income attributed to minority interest

   (360,421 )   (500,318 )   (230,645 )

Convertible bond interest

   —       2     145  

Numerator for basic earnings per share

                  

Income available to common stockholders (Spanish GAAP)

   2,226,701     1,719,129     1,843,070  

Continued operations

   2,226,701     1,915,323     2,062,319  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   —       (196,194 )   (219,249 )

Income available to common stockholders (U.S. GAAP)

   1,905,900     1,845,746     680,111  

Continued operations

   1,905,900     2,167,000     856,128  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   —       (321,254 )   (176,017 )

Numerator for diluted earnings per share

                  

Income available to common stockholders (Spanish GAAP)

   2,226,701     1,719,131     1,843,215  

Continued operations

   2,226,701     1,915,325     2,062,464  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   —       (196,194 )   (219,249 )

Income available to common stockholders (U.S. GAAP)

   1,905,900     1,845,748     680,256  

Continued operations

   1,905,900     2,167,002     856,273  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   —       (321,254 )   (176,017 )

Denominator for basic earnings per share

   3,195,852,043     3,196,503,149     3,199,072,510  

Denominator for diluted earnings per share

   3,197,130,013     3,196,988,724     3,200,402,373  

Spanish GAAP

                  

Basic earnings per share (Euros)

   0.697     0.538     0.576  

Continued operations

   0.697     0.599     0.645  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   0.000     (0.061 )   (0.069 )

Diluted earnings per share (Euros)

   0.696     0.538     0.576  

Continued operations

   0.696     0.599     0.645  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   0.000     (0.061 )   (0.069 )

U.S. GAAP after restatement (2000)

                  

Basic earnings per share (Euros)

   0.596     0.577     0.213  

Continued operations

   0.596     0.678     0.268  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   0.000     (0.101 )   (0.055 )

Diluted earnings per share (Euros)

   0.596     0.577     0.213  

Continued operations

   0.596     0.678     0.268  

Discontinued operations (Note 32.2.D.13)

   0.000     (0.101 )   (0.055 )
    

 

 

 

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16. FIN 45

 

In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others (FIN 45). This interpretation requires certain disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under certain guarantees that it has issued. It also requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The initial recognition and measurement provisions of this Interpretation are applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The disclosure requirements are effective for financial statements for periods ending after December 15, 2002.

 

Note 26 to the financial statements contains disclosures about our contingent liabilities and commitments. According to Spanish GAAP, these amounts are recorded in off balance sheet memorandum accounts. Memorandum accounts under Spanish GAAP are not included in the balance sheet and basically consist of disclosures of maximum potential amounts.

 

According to Bank of Spain regulations, all outstanding contingent liabilities and commitments that might in the future affect the net worth of the Bank should be recorded in memorandum accounts. These amounts represent the maximum principal which the Bank may be required to disburse and the maximum potential exposure if all such obligations were ultimately to become worthless. These include, principally, commercial and stand-by letters of credit, bankers acceptances, loan commitments and guarantees.

 

Under Spanish GAAP, if any fees are received at the inception of these guarantees, the total amounts are recorded in the caption “Other Liabilities” and are amortized and recognized into income over the lives of the contracts. Such treatment is consistent with what is required under FIN 45 (par. 9.a.).

 

In addition, under Spanish GAAP, obligations reflected in memorandum accounts which fall within the scope of FIN 45 are evaluated in terms of credit and country risks, following criteria analogous to those described in Note 9.1 “Impairment – allowance for loan losses”, which substantially meet SFAS 5 provisions, and a liability is recorded accordingly.

 

When a guarantee is issued by the Bank as part of a transaction with multiple elements with an unrelated party (i.e. embedded in other contracts), the fair value of such guarantee is recorded as a liability at the inception. The fair value is estimated using the net present value of expected future payments.

 

Based on the discussions above, accounting criteria under Spanish GAAP for treatment of contingent liabilities do not differ significantly from that required by FIN 45 under US GAAP. Therefore, we believe that the adoption of FIN 45 will not have a material impact on the Bank’s financial position or results of operations.

 

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17. New Accounting Standards

 

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities—an interpretation of ARB No. 51 (FIN 46). In December 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No 46-R Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. FIN 46 and FIN 46-R clarify the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 and FIN 46–R explain how to identify variable interest entities and how an enterprise assesses its interests in a variable interest entity to decide whether to consolidate that entity. It requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among parties involved. It also requires certain disclosures by the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity and by an enterprise that holds significant variable interests in a variable interest entity where the enterprise is not the primary beneficiary.

 

The mandatory effective dates of FIN 46-R for enterprises with variable interests in variable interest entities created before February 1, 2003, given certain year-end and frequency of reporting assumptions, are basically for periods beginning January 1, 2004 for SPEs and for periods ending December 31, 2004 provided that no interim financial statements reconciled to US GAAP are being filed semi-annually. However, FIN 46-R must be applied to variable interest entities created after February 1, 2003 in the consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2003.

 

BBVA Group created a variable interest entity, BBVA Capital Finance, S.A.U. in November 2003. Additionally, BBVA Capital Finance, S.A. issued €350,000 thousand of preferred stock (see Note 22). Following the effective rules of FIN 46-R, BBVA applied FIN 46-R to BBVA Capital Finance, S.A.U. As required by FIN-46-R, BBVA does not consolidate Capital Finance, S.A.U because Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. is not the primary beneficiary.

 

Therefore, €350,000 thousand of preferred stock issued by BBVA Capital Finance, S.A.U. in December 2003 have been reclassified from “Minority Interest” caption in the Primary Financial Statements (see Note 22) to “Long Term Debt” caption in the Consolidated Balance Sheet under US GAAP disclosed in note 32.2.C.2. Additionally, €288 thousand of dividends of preferred stock have been reclassified from “Minority Interest” caption in the Primary Financial Statements (see Note 22) to “Time Deposits” caption in the Consolidated Balance Sheet under US GAAP disclosed in note 32.2.C.2.

 

In the Statement of Income disclosed in note 32.2.C.2, €288 thousands should be reclassified from “Minority shareholder’s interest” caption in the Primary Financial Statements to “Interest on long term debt” caption.

 

The Bank is still in process of analyzing the effect, if any, of the application of FIN 46 R to those variable entities created before February 1, 2003. The Bank considers the effective date FIN 46-R for variable interest entities created before February, 1, 2003 as December 31, 2004.

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity. This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. Specifically, this Statement requires an issuer to classify the following instruments as liabilities (or assets in some circumstances): (1) a financial instrument issued in the form of shares that is mandatorily redeemable, (2) a financial instrument, other than an outstanding share, that, at inception, embodies an obligation to repurchase the issuer’s equity shares, or is indexed to such an obligation, and that requires or may require the issuer to settle the obligation by transferring assets, (3) a financial instrument that embodies an unconditional obligation, or a financial instrument other than an outstanding share that embodies a conditional obligation, that the issuer must or may settle by issuing a variable number of its equity shares, if, at inception, the monetary value of the obligation is based solely or predominantly on certain specified criteria.

 

SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The Statement is to be implemented by reporting the cumulative effect of a change in an accounting principle for financial instruments created before its issuance date and still existing at the beginning of the interim period of adoption. Restatement is not permitted.

 

FASB Staff Position 150-3 “Effective Date, Disclosures, and Transition for Mandatorily Redeemable Financial Instruments of Certain Nonpublic Entities and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests under FASB Statement No. 150”. FSP 150-3 defers the effective date of Statement 150 for certain mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests (of all entities, public and nonpublic) that would not have to be classified as liabilities by the subsidiary, under the “only upon liquidation” exception in paragraph 9 of Statement 150, but would be classified as liabilities by the parent in consolidated financial statements, the classification and measurement provisions of Statement 150 are deferred indefinitely pending further Board action.

 

The Group, see Note 22, issued various noncumulative, nonvoting, preferred stock guaranteed by Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A., the parent company. These issues were subscribed by third parties outside the Group and are wholly or partially redeemable at the Company’s option after five or ten years from the issue date, depending on the terms of each issue. According to SFAS 150, as redemption of preferred stock is required upon liquidation or termination of the issuers (BBVA subsidiaries) this Statement does require the obligation to report preferred stock as a liability in the consolidated financial statements of BBVA Group. However, these preferred stocks are included under the Scope of FSP Staff Position 150-3 and therefore, following FSP 150-3, the Group will defer the application of SFAS 150.

 

If the Group would have applied SFAS 150 to all preferred stocks or would have applied FIN 46-R to variable interest entities issuers of preferred stock the impact on financial statements would be as follows:

 

  all preferred stock issued by the Group would be classified as liabilities, or

 

  all variable entities issuers of preferred stock would be deconsolidated

 

It would mean a reclassification amounting to €3,541,094 thousands in the consolidated balance sheet (see note 32.2.C.2) from “Minority Interest” caption to “Time Deposits” caption. The dividends paid by the preferred stock amounting to €214,161 thousands, should be reclassified in the consolidated balance sheet (see note 32.2.C.2) from “Minority Interest” caption to “Time Deposits” caption

 

In the Statement of Income (see note 32.2.C.2), €214,161 thousands should be reclassified from “Minority shareholder’s interest” caption to “Interest on Deposits” caption.

 

The effect of the application of SFAS 150 or FIN 46-R on the “Earnings per Share” (see note 32.2.B.15) as of December 31, 2003, would be as follows:

 

     E.P.S (*)

Spanish GAAP

    

Basic earnings per share (Euros)

   0.697

Diluted earnings per share (Euros)

   0.696

U.S. GAAP

    

Basic earnings per share (Euros)

   0.596

Diluted earnings per share (Euros)

   0.596

(*) If SFAS 150 would have been applied.

 

Emerging Issue Task Force issued in July 2003 EITF 03-01 “The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments”. The issue is to determine the meaning of other-than-temporary impairment and its application to investments classified as either available-for-sale or held-to-maturity under Statement 115 (including individual securities and investments in mutual funds), and investments accounted for under the cost method or the equity method. The application of EITF 03-01 did not have any impact on the financial statements.

 

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18. Consolidated Statements of Cash-Flows-

 

The following combined statements of cash flows for 2003, 2002 and 2001, are presented in connection with U.S. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 95 and reflect the adoption of U.S. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 104.

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (Thousands of Euros)  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:(a)

                  

Net income

   1,905,900     1,845,746     680,111  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                  

Amortization and depreciation

   570,600     1,215,117     2,833,738  

Provision for loan losses and special reserves

   2,799,467     2,846,444     2,986,843  

Net decrease (increase) in trading securities

   (1,168,086 )   (8,284,485 )   (16,424,080 )

Gains on sale of premises and equipment

   (55,497 )   (154,054 )   (313,794 )

Gains on sale of investment securities and affiliated companies securities

   (908,927 )   (822,678 )   (1,022,101 )

Minority interests

   574,582     775,947     645,223  

Increase (Decrease) in taxes payable

   (444,677 )   (648,204 )   893,165  

Net decrease (increase) in interest receivable and payable and other accrued income and expenses

   (17,083 )   690,734     (973,759 )
    

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   3,256,279     (2,535,433 )   (10,694,654 )
    

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                  

Net decrease (increase) in interest bearing with banks

   2,676,783     40,567     8,062,337  

Net decrease in securities purchased under agreements to resell

   (3,866,116 )   2,481,524     2,264,637  

Purchase of investment securities and affiliated companies

   (5,761,158,834 )   (6,284,522,879 )   (5,076,408,085 )

Proceeds from sales of investment securities and affiliated companies

   5,760,759,283     6,307,517,713     5,085,094,538  

Net increase in loans and leases

   (6,592,936 )   8,459,773     (15,371,997 )

Purchase of premises and equipment

   (1,086,698 )   (1,142,896 )   (1,770,975 )

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment

   391,840     722,828     1,712,577  

Other investing activities

   333,844     366,532     (1,632,907 )
    

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

   (8,542,834 )   33,923,162     1,950,125  
    

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                  

Net increase (decrease) in non-interest-bearing deposits

   (2,395,593 )   215,151     158,305  

Net increase in demand deposits

   (1,959 )   (5,589,469 )   450,104  

Net increase in savings deposits

   2,064,080     (3,185,322 )   6,735,783  

Net increase (decrease) in time deposits

   (5,156,727 )   (15,802,230 )   (6,856,641 )

Net increase in other Bank of Spain and Deposit Guarantee Fund

   5,965,321     4,805,580     1,635,748  

Net increase in short-term borrowings

   544,841     (389,711 )   6,317,263  

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

   11,304,197     —       (3,253,057 )

Repayment of long-term debt

   (5,160,119 )   (6,249,660 )   5,030,526  

Other financing activities

   (907,090 )   (4,793,970 )   (90,740 )

Dividends paid

   (1,108,492 )   (1,252,870 )   (1,100,240 )
    

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

   5,148,459     (32,242,501 )   9,027,051  
    

 

 

Net increase in cash and due from banks

   (138,096 )   (854,772 )   282,522  
    

 

 

Cash and due from banks at beginning of the year(b)

   2,999,817     3,854,589     3,572,067  

Cash and due from banks at end of the year(b)

   2,861,721     2,999,817     3,854,589  

(a) The cash paid by the Company for interest and income taxes during 2003, 2002 and 2001 was as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

    2001

     Thousands of Euros

Interest expense

   6,103,750    9,024,465     14,005,475

Income taxes

   167,155    (580,991 )   1,202,079

 

(b) For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Group considers as cash and cash equivalents the cash on hand and at banks.

 

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During 2003, the most important non-cash transactions made by the Group were the transfers of loans to assets acquired through foreclosure amounting €144,619 thousand, approximately.

 

During 2002, the most important non-cash transactions made by the Group were the transfers of loans to assets acquired through foreclosure amounting €237,895 thousand, approximately.

 

During 2001, the most important non-cash transactions made by the Group were the transfers of loans to assets acquired through foreclosure amounting €544,475 thousand, approximately.

 

19. SFAS 140- Accounting For The Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Assets And Extinguishments Of Liabilities

 

In September 2000, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 140 (“SFAS 140”), Accounting For The Transfers And Servicing Of Financial Assets And Extinguishments Of Liabilities, which replaces SFAS 125 (of the same title). SFAS 140 revises certain standards in the accounting for securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral, and requires some disclosures relating to securitization transactions and collateral, but it carries over most of SFAS 125’s provisions. As explained in note 32.2.A the accounting of transfer of Financial Assets under Spanish GAAP does not present significant differences with respect to US GAAP.

 

Under Spanish GAAP securitizations are accounted for following the “transfer of financial assets” rules. During 2003, 2002 and 2001 the Group transferred loans to securizitation funds (See Note 8).

 

Securitization funds (the vehicle where securitized loans are transferred) are independent entities, from BBVA Group. These funds, which are managed by the “Sociedad Gestora” (Managing Society), are registered and regulated by the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV). “Sociedad Gestora” is responsible for the management of the transferred loans by gathering a fixed fee.

 

The “Managing society” is usually controlled by BBVA, however control of BBVA over it does not affect control over the transferred assets. It is considered that control over the financial assets has been surrendered since: (1) there is no agreement that both entitles and obligates the transferor to repurchase o redeem them before their maturity and (2) BBVA does not have the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets Activities of the securitization funds are limited and specified in the legal document that established the fund.

 

Securitizations fund may only held:

 

  Financial assets transferred to it that are passive in nature (loans)

 

  Passive derivative financial instruments that pertain to beneficial interests (other than another derivative financial instrument) issued or sold to parties other than the transferor, its affiliates, or its agents.

 

  Financial assets (for example, guarantees or rights to collateral) that would reimburse it if others were to fail to adequately service financial assets transferred to it or to timely pay obligations due to it and that it entered into when it was established, when assets were transferred to it, or when beneficial interests (other than derivative financial instruments) were issued by the SPE. All the guarantees relating to the transferred loans are transferred to the securitization funds.

 

  Servicing rights related to financial assets that it holds

 

  Temporarily, nonfinancial assets obtained in connection with the collection of financial assets that it holds

 

  Cash collected from assets that it holds and investments purchased with that cash pending distribution to holders of beneficial interests that are appropriate for that purpose (that is, money-market or other relatively risk-free instruments without options and with maturities no later than the expected distribution date).

 

All the conditions described above allows us to consider securitization funds as Qualified SPE under US GAAP with the exception of the following funds:

 

  BCL Municipios I Fondo de Titulización de activos and,

 

  Hipotecario 2 Fondo de Titulización Hipotecaria.

 

These two funds do not meet the conditions of true sale since the bank holds the majority of the beneficial interest issued.

 

No gains or losses were registered in earnings for all securitizations because the selling price was equal to the book value of transferred loans. Therefore no adjustment was made in reconciliation to US GAAP.

 

The outstanding balance of the transferred loans as of December 31, 2003 and the total interest accrued during the year 2003 amounts to:

 

     Thousand of Euros

 
     Qualified SPE

    Non Qualified
SPE


   TOTAL

 

Loans

   2,020,887     1,263,523    3,284,410  

Allowance for loan losses

   (903 )   —      (903 )

Net loans

   2,019,984     1,263,523    3,283,507  

Interest Revenues

   73,604     49,358    122,962  

 

The roll forward of “Allowance for loans losses” in 2003, was as follows:

 

    

Thousand

of Euros


Beginning Balance

   —  

Net charge for the year

   903

Transfer to loans write-off

   —  

Other

   —  

Ending Balance

   903

 

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(32.2.C) CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Differences relating to the financial statements presentation-

 

In addition to differences between Spanish and U.S. GAAP, described above in Note 32.2.B, affecting to net income and/or Stockholders’ Equity, there are several differences relating to the financial statements presentation exist between Spanish and U.S. GAAP presentation following the formatting guidelines in Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States. Although these differences do not cause differences between Spanish and U.S. GAAP reported net income and/or Stockholders’ Equity. It may be useful to understand them to better interpret the Group’s financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Following is a summary of the significant classification differences that pertain to the basic financial statements.

 

Balance Sheet-

 

  a. The captions “Cash on hand and deposit at central banks”, “Due from credit institutions” and “Total Net Lending” (see Notes 7 and 8) include securities purchased under agreements to resell to central banks, financial institutions and other customers, respectively.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, “Securities purchased under agreement to resell” are presented as a separate item.

 

  b. Investments in debt securities issued by the Spanish Government, other public and private issuers and investments in equity securities (other than investments in affiliated companies) are presented as separate items in the balance sheet.

 

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Under U.S. GAAP, investments in debt and equity securities (other than investments in affiliated companies) are presented under the caption “Investment securities”.

 

In this caption the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Elimination of over-depreciation relating to restated fixed assets, recognition of additional profits on the sale and disposal of restated items” (see note 32.2.B.2.1), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €3,029 thousand, in 2003 and 2002.

 

2. “Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies” (see note 32.2.B.3), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €3,638,685 thousand and €4,867,546 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

3. “Valuation of investment securities (equity securities)” (see note 32.2.B.9), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €2,135,981 thousand and €754,378 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

4. “Valuation of investment securities (debt securities)” (see note 32.2.B.9), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €69,160 thousand and €355,606 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

5. “Derivative instruments and hedging activities (SFAS 133)” (see note 32.2.B.11), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €58,359 thousand and €130,508 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

6. “Amortization of surplus allocated to specific assets and liabilities” (see note 32.2.B.1), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €29,035 thousand and €71,954 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

c. In the caption “Total loans and leases, net of unearned income” the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Employee loans issued to purchase shares of capital Stock” (see note 32.2.B.8), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €1,766 thousand and €2,479 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

2. “Amortization of surplus allocated to specific assets and liabilities” (see note 32.2.B.1), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €465,642 thousand and €521,699 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

3. “Allowance for loan losses” (see note 32.2.B.7), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €303,053 thousand in 2003.

 

d. In the caption “Premises and equipment” the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Elimination of over-depreciation relating to restated fixed assets, recognition of additional profits on the sale and disposal of restated items” (see note 32.2.B.2.1), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €313,082 thousand and €363,059 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

2. “Elimination of the inflation adjustment in non highly inflationary countries” (see note 32.2.B.2.2), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €431,496 thousand and €269,039 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

e. Under spanish GAAP investments in affiliated companies are presented under “Investments in non-Group companies” and “Investments in Group companies” (see Notes 11 and 12). The goodwill related to investments in affiliated companies is presented under “Consolidation Goodwill- Companies accounted by the equity method” caption.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, these investments and the goodwill are presented under “Investments in affiliated companies”.

 

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In this caption the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies” (see note 32.2.B.3), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €3,157,004 thousand and €3,943,299 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

2. “Valuation of investment securities (equity securities)” (see note 32.2.B.9), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €5,892 thousand and €4,053 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

f. Assets acquired through foreclosure and waiting disposition, net of the related allowances, are included under “Property and Equipment” in the balance sheet (see Note 14).

 

Under U.S. GAAP, such assets are presented under “Other assets”.

 

g. “Treasury stock” is presented as separate asset items in the balance sheet. Under U.S. GAAP it is reported as a reduction of “Other additional capital”.

 

h. The interim dividends are presented under the “Other Assets” caption under Spanish GAAP. Under U.S. GAAP, such item is reported as a reduction of “Retained earnings”.

 

i. “Accumulated losses at consolidated companies” is presented as a separate item in the balance sheet. Under U.S. GAAP it is presented as a reduction of “Retained earnings” and “Other additional capital”.

 

j. The “Other assets” caption on the asset side of the U.S. GAAP balance sheet includes the main portion of the following Spanish GAAP captions: “Intangible assets”, “Consolidation Goodwill—Fully and proportional consolidated companies”, “Other assets” and “Accrual accounts”.

 

In the caption “Intangible assets” the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Expenses of capital increase” (see note 32.2.B.10), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €32,302 thousand and €53,051 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

2. “Start up expenses” (see note 32.2.B.10), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €19,537 thousand and €98,460 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

In the caption “Goodwill in consolidation” the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Accounting of Goodwill” (see note 32.2.B.5), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €259,637 thousand and €179,129 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

2. “Amortization of remaining Goodwill merger Argentaria” (see note 32.2.B.1), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €5,332,924 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

In the caption “Others” the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Pensions plan cost and early retirements” (see note 32.2.B.4.1), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €134,307 thousand and €146,516 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

2. “Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies” (see note 32.2.B.3), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €904,738 thousand and €1,204,344 in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

3. “Tax effect of above mentioned adjustments” and “Effect of following SFAS 109 in the accounting for income taxes for each year” (see note 32.2.B.12), these adjustments suppose a decrease of these assets amounted to €225,077 thousand and €40,396 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

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4. “Amortization of surplus allocated to specific assets and liabilities” (see note 32.2.B.1), this adjustment supposes an increase of these assets amounted to €17,172 thousand and €22,007 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

5. “Derivative instruments and hedging activities” (SFAS 133) (see note 32.2.B.11), these adjustments suppose an increase of these assets amounted to €90,618 thousand in 2003, and a decrease of these assets amounted to €120,962 thousand in 2002.

 

6. “ BBV Brasil transaction” (see note 32.2.B.13), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these assets amounted to €56,186 in 2002.

 

k. In the caption “Time Deposits”, in 2003, applies the adjustment “Application of SFAS No. 150” (see note 32.2.B.17) which supposes an increase of these liabilities amounted to €350,000 thousand.

 

l. Funds from credit institutions (see Note 17) and from customers (see Note 18), both including securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings, are presented as separate items in the balance sheet.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, such funds are presented under “Deposits” classified by nature, except securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other short-term borrowings, which are presented under the caption “Short term borrowings”.

 

m. The captions “Marketable debt securities” and “Subordinated debt” disclosed in the balance sheet under Spanish GAAP are presented under the caption “Long term debt” under U.S. GAAP, except the item “Promissory Notes and other securities” and bonds and debentures outstanding with maturity in 2004 and 2003 which are included under the “Short term borrowings” caption.

 

In the caption “Long term debt”, the adjustment “Amortization of surplus allocated to specific assets and liabilities” (see note 32.2.B.1) is included. This adjustment supposes an increase of these liabilities amounted to €49,058 thousand and €62,873 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

n. The main portion of the following captions in the liability side in the Spanish GAAP balance sheet are presented under the caption “Other liabilities” in the U.S. GAAP balance sheet: “Other liabilities”, “Accrual accounts” and “Provisions for contingencies and expenses”.

 

In the caption “Taxes payable”, the adjustment “Amortization of surplus allocated to specific assets and liabilities” (see note 32.2.B.1) is included. This adjustment supposes an increase of these liabilities amounted to €173,681 thousand and €207,778 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

In the caption “Accrual accounts”, the adjustment “Application of SFAS No. 150” is included and supposes an increase of these liabilities amounted to €288 thousand in 2003.

 

In the caption “Pension allowance” the adjustment “Pensions plan cost and early retirements” (see note 32.2.B.4.1) is included. This adjustment supposes an increase of these liabilities amounted to €200 thousand and €374 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

In the caption “Other provision” the adjustment “Termination indemnities” (see note 32.2.B.4.2) is included. This adjustment supposes a decrease of these liabilities amounted to €39,573 thousand and €37,490 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

In the caption “Others” of the liabilities the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Accounting of goodwill” (see note 32.2.B.5), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these liabilities amounted to €38,712 thousand and €47,554 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

2. “Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies” (see note 32.2.B.3), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these liabilities amounted to €4,093 thousand in 2002.

 

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3. “Gains on transactions with parent company shares and stock options owned by subsidiaries accounted for as income for the year” (see note 32.2.B.6), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these liabilities amounted to €28,213 thousand and €26,752 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

4. “Effect of recording the allowance for probable loans and losses” (see note 32.2.B.7), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these liabilities amounted to €1,082,747 thousand and €686,058 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

5. “Tax effect of above mentioned adjustments” and “Effect of following SFAS 109 in the accounting for income taxes for each year” (see note 32.2.B.11), this adjustment supposes an increase of these liabilities amounted to €768,863 thousand and €275,368 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

6. “BBV Brasil transaction” (see note 32.2.B.13), this adjustment supposes a decrease of these liabilities amounted to €60,437 thousand in 2002.

 

o. Net income attributed to minority interests is included in the caption “Minority interest” under U.S. GAAP.

 

In the caption “Minority interest” the adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B suppose a decrease of these liabilities amounted to €646,384 thousand and €123,704 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

p. The following captions in the Spanish GAAP balance sheet are presented under the items “Additional Paid-in capital”, “Other additional capital” and “Retained earnings” in the U.S. GAAP balance sheet: “Net income attributed to the Group”, “Additional paid-in capital”, “Reserves”, “Revaluation reserves” and “Reserves at consolidated companies”, in addition to the captions disclosed above.

 

In the caption “Retained earnings and other reserves”, the adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B suppose an increase of these liabilities amounted to €6,808,809 thousand and €6,305,348 thousand in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

Statement of Income-

 

q. The breakdown of interest income and interest expense under Spanish and U.S. GAAP is determined by the classification of the assets and liabilities that generate such income and expenses. However, net interest income under Spanish GAAP includes dividends from common stocks and affiliated companies and the interest cost assigned to the pension plan, which are classified as a part of “Gains (losses) from investment securities”, “Gains (losses) from affiliated company securities” and “Salaries and employee benefits” in the U.S. GAAP statement of income, respectively. In the caption “Interest on deposits” in 2003, is included the adjustment “Application of SFAS No. 150” which supposes a decrease of these interests amounted to €288 thousand

 

r. Commissions and fees received and paid by the Group are presented as separate items in the statement of income for Spanish GAAP purposes.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, we separate the main items and then we distinguish each main item between fees received and paid.

 

s. In the caption “Provisions for loans losses” the adjustment “Effect of recording the allowance for probable loans and losses” (see note 32.2.B.7) is included. This adjustment supposes a decrease of these provisions amounted to €93,636 thousand, €226,717 thousand and €196,199 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

t. In the caption “Gains (losses) from affiliated companies’ securities” the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

  1. “Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies” (see note 32.2.B.3) is included. This adjustment supposes a decrease of these gains amounted to €500,650 thousand, €250,512 thousand and €326,890 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

u. “Market operations” includes results from investment securities and results from foreign exchange and derivatives.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, such gains and losses are disclosed separately under “Gains (losses) from investment securities” and “Other Income”.

 

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v. In the caption “Gains (losses) from investment securities” of the statement of income the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies” (see note 32.2.B.3), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €163,927 thousand, €73,277 thousand and €151,094 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

2. “Valuation of investment securities (equity securities)” (see note 32.2.B.9), this adjustment supposes an decrease of income amounted to €224,155 thousand in 2003, and an increase of income amounted €425,795 thousand and €40,563 thousand in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

3. “Valuation of investment securities (debt securities)” (see note 32.2.B.9), this adjustment supposes a decrease of income amounted to €326,498 thousand in 2003.

 

4. “Amortization of surplus allocated to specific assets and liabilities” (see note 32.2.B.1), this adjustment supposes a decrease of income amounted to €55,899 thousand, €154,690 thousand and €164,930 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

5. “Derivative instruments and hedging activities (SFAS 133)” (see note 32.2.B.11), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €211,580 thousand in 2003 and a decrease of income amounted to €106,123 thousand and €14,839 in 2002 and 2001 respectively.

 

w. In the caption “Other income” of the statement of income the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Elimination of over-depreciation relating to restated fixed assets, recognition of additional profits on the sale and disposal of restated items” (see note 32.2.B.2.1), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €49,978 thousand, €68,360 thousand and €78,824 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

2. “Elimination of the inflation adjustment in non highly inflationary countries” (see note 32.2.B.2.2), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €55,406 thousand in 2003 and a decrease of income amounted to €4,780 thousand and 75,265 in 2002, and 2001, respectively

 

3. “Gains (losses) from affiliated companies’ securities” (see note 32.2.B.6), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €23,363 thousand and €24,585 thousand in 2003, and 2002, respectively, and a decrease of income amounted to €13,865 thousand in 2001.

 

4. “BBV Brasil transaction” (see note 32.2.B.13), this adjustment supposes an increase of these gains amounted to €4,251 thousand in 2002.

 

x. In the caption “Salaries and employee beneficits” of the statement of income the adjustment “Pension plan cost and early retirements” (see note 32.2.B.4.1) is included. This adjustment supposes an increase of expenses amounted to €811,625 thousand, €511,386 thousand and €743,952 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

y. In the caption “Amortization of goodwill” of the statement of income the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Effect of following the equity method of accounting for investments in affiliated companies” (see note 32.2.B.3), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €228,273 thousand, €117,504 thousand and €114,174 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

2. “Accounting of goodwill” (see note 32.2.B.5), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €402,429 thousand and €203,229 thousand in 2003, and 2002, respectively, and a decrease of income amounted to €391,210 thousand in 2001.

 

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3. “Amortization of remaining Goodwill Merger Argentaria” (see note 32.2.B.1), this adjustment supposes a decrease of income amounted to €231,029 thousand in 2001.

 

z. In the caption “Net provision for specific allowances” of the statement of income the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Pension plan cost and early retirements” (see note 32.2.B.4.1), this adjustment supposes an increase of provision amounted to €174 thousand, €432 thousand and €342 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

2. “Effect of recording the allowance for probable loans and losses” (see note 32.2.B.7), this adjustment supposes an increase of income amounted to €2,083 thousand in 2003, and a decrease of income amounted to €23,079 thousand and €58,196 thousand in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

aa. “Other operating revenue” and “Other operating expenses” items are included under “Other income” and “Other expenses”, respectively in the U.S. GAAP statements of income.

 

bb. Occupancy and maintenance expenses of premises and equipment are included under the caption “General administrative expenses—General expenses”.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, such expenses are included as a part of “Occupancy expenses of premises, depreciation and maintenance”.

 

cc. Amortization of intangible assets is included as a part of “Depreciation and amortization”.

 

Under U.S. GAAP, such amortization is included under “Other expenses”.

 

In the caption “Other expenses” of the statement of income, the following adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B are included:

 

1. “Expenses of capital increase” (see note 32.2.B.10), this adjustment supposes a decrease of expenses amounted to €22,764 thousand, €21,958 thousand and €32,556 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

2. “Start up expenses” (see note 32.2.B.10), this adjustment supposes a decrease of expenses amounted to €67,813 thousand and €26,461 thousand in 2003, and 2002, respectively, and an increase of expenses amounted to €82,795 thousand in 2001.

 

dd. The following Spanish GAAP captions relating to operations with affiliated companies “Net income from companies carried by the equity method”, “Income on Group transactions” and “Losses on Group transactions” and the portion of “Amortization of Consolidation Goodwill” related to affiliated companies are included under “Gains (losses) from affiliated company securities” in the U.S. GAAP statement of income.

 

U.S. GAAP description of Extraordinary Income is more restrictive than the Spanish GAAP description (non-banking results), for this reason the main portion of “Extraordinary income” and “Extraordinary expenses” in the Spanish GAAP captions are presented under the “Other income” and “Other expenses” captions, respectively, for U.S. GAAP purposes.

 

In the caption “Minority shareholder’”, the adjustments due to reconciliation in Note 32.2.B suppose a decrease of minority income amounted to €95,881 thousand and €10,577 thousand and €99,393 in 2003 and 2002, respectively.

 

ee. In the caption “Income tax expense” the adjustments “Tax effect of above mentioned adjustments” and “Effect of following SFAS 109 in the accounting for income taxes for each year” (see note 32.2.B.11) are included. These adjustments suppose an increase of expenses amounted to €181,008 thousand in 2003 and a decrease of €25,959 thousand in 2002 and a increase of expenses amounted to €226,867 thousand in 2001.

 

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2. Consolidated Financial Statements under Regulation S-X-

 

Following are the consolidated balance sheets of the BBVA Group as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 and the consolidated statement of income for each of the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, in the format for banks and bank holding companies required by Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States of America, adjusted for the effects of the extraordinary amortization of goodwill mentioned in Note 2-a, and, accordingly, prepared in accordance with Spanish GAAP (before reconciliation adjustments) and under US GAAP (after reconciliation adjustments described above in Note 32.2.B). The companies consolidated by the proportional method under SP GAAP as described in Note 2-c are not fully consolidated. The effect in the total assets would be less than 1%.

 

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BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA GROUP

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001

(Currency—Thousands of Euros)

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

 
    

Before

Reconciliation
adjustments


    Adjustments

   

After

Reconciliation
adjustments


   

Before

Reconciliation
adjustments


    Adjustments

   

After

Reconciliation
adjustments


 

Assets

                                    

Cash and due from banks

   2,861,721     —       2,861,721     2,998,817     —       2,999,817  

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks

   16,750,009     —       16,750,009     19,426,792     —       19,426,792  

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

   12,494,089     —       12,494,089     8,650,080     —       8,650,080  

Trading securities

   27,659,510     58,359     27,717,869     28,101,746     130,508     28,232,254  

Available for sale

   46,188,868     5,869,832     52,058,700     41,403,841     6,046,455     47,450,296  

Held to maturity

   1,124,655     —       1,124,655     2,402,860     —       2,402,860  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Investments securities(1) (2)

   74,973,033     5,928,191     80,901,224     71,908,447     6,176,963     78,085,410  

Loans and leases, net of unearned income

   151,321,389     160,823     151,482,212     146,031,737     519,220     146,550,957  

Less: Allowance for loan losses

   (4,614,779 )   —       (4,614,779 )   (5,225,291 )   —       (5,225,291 )
    

 

 

 

 

 

Net loans and leases(1)

   146,706,610     160,823     146,867,433     140,806,446     519,220     141,325,666  

Premises and equipment, net

   3,628,671     (744,578 )   2,884,093     3,750,741     (632,098 )   3,118,643  

Investments in affiliated companies

   7,689,021     (3,162,896 )   4,526,125     8,429,925     (3,947,352 )   4,482,573  

Intangible assets

   362,028     (51,839 )   310,189     398,637     (151,511 )   247,126  

Goodwill in consolidation

   2,650,889     5,073,287     7,724,176     2,871,545     5,153,795     8,025,340  

Accrual accounts

   2,678,279     —       2,678,279     4,060,846     —       4,060,846  

Others

   10,802,846     (887,718 )   9,915,128     11,484,522     (1,253,365 )   10,231,157  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total other assets

   16,494,042     4,133,730     20,627,772     18,815,550     3,748,919     22,564,469  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   281,597,196     6,315,270     287,912,466     274,787,798     5,865,653     280,653,451  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

                                    

Liabilities

                                    

Non-interest deposits

   859,934     —       859,934     3,255,527     —       3,255,527  

Interest bearing:

                                    

Demand deposits

   43,674,718     —       43,674,718     43,676,677     —       43,676,677  

Savings deposits

   24,317,731     —       24,317,731     22,253,652     —       22,253,652  

Time deposits

   81,833,731     350,000     82,183,731     86,902,413     —       86,902,413  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total deposits

   150,686,114     350,000     151,036,114     156,088,269     —       156,088,269  

Due to Bank of Spain & Deposits Guarantee Fund

   13,792,525     —       13,792,525     7,827,204     —       7,827,204  

Short-term borrowings

   52,743,315     —       52,743,315     52,259,883     —       52,259,883  

Long-term debt

   27,234,416     49,058     27,283,474     21,527,246     62,873     21,590,119  

Taxes payable

   (4,305 )   173,681     169,376     190,532     207,778     398,310  

Accounts payable

   981,925     —       981,925     1,019,553     —       1,019,553  

Accrual accounts

   3,169,674     288     3,169,962     4,434,518     —       4,434,518  

Pension allowance

   3,031,913     200     3,032,113     2,621,906     374     2,622,280  

Other Provisions

   2,187,688     (39,573 )   2,148,115     2,154,460     (37,490 )   2,116,970  

Others

   8,903,325     (380,809 )   8,522,516     7,640,705     (549,526 )   7,091,179  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total other liabilities

   18,270,220     (246,213 )   18,024,007     18,061,674     (378,864 )   17,682,810  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

   262,726,590     152,845     262,879,435     255,764,276     (315,991 )   255,448,285  

Minority interest

   6,096,381     (646,384 )   5,449,997     6,421,082     (123,704 )   6,297,378  

Stockholders’ equity

                                    

Capital stock

   1,565,968     —       1,565,968     1,565,968     —       1,565,968  

Additional paid-in capital

   6,273,901     —       6,273,901     6,512,797     —       6,512,797  

Other additional capital

   (1,322,737 )   —       (1,322,737 )   (1,003,114 )   —       (1,003,114 )

Retained earnings

   6,257,093     6,808,809     13,065,902     5,526,789     6,305,348     11,832,137  

Total stockholders’ equity

   12,774,225     6,808,809     19,583,034     12,602,440     6,305,348     18,907,788  
    

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   281,597,196     6,315,270     287,912,466     274,787,798     5,865,653     280,653,451  

(1) As described in Note 8, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the face amount of the assets, basically loans, credits and securities pledged as security for own and third-party obligations, amounted to €17,367,909 thousand, €18,190,848 thousand and €11,200,566 thousand, respectively.
(2) As of December 31, 2003, this caption includes €227,349 thousand related to securities pledged as collateral by the Group. These securities can be sold or repledged by the transferee.

 

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BANCO BILBAO VIZCAYA ARGENTARIA GROUP

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED

DECEMBER 31, 2003, 2002 AND 2001

(Currency—Thousands of Euros)

 

    Year ended December 31,

 
    2003

    2002

    2001

 
    Before
Reconciliation
adjustments


    Adjustments

    After
Reconciliation
adjustments


    Before
Reconciliation
adjustments


    Adjustments

    After
Reconciliation
adjustments


    Before
Reconciliation
adjustments


    Adjustments

    After
Reconciliation
adjustments


 

Interest Income

                                                     

Interest and fees on loans and leases

  7,973,146     —       7,973,146     10,931,783     —       10,931,783     11,911,050     —       11,911,050  

Interest on deposits in other banks

  679,363     —       679,363     777,137     —       777,137     1,375,086     —       1,375,086  

Interest on securities purchased under agreements to resell

  520,468     —       520,468     629,917     —       629,917     823,056     —       823,056  

Interest on investment securities

  2,055,666     —       2,055,666     3,031,386     —       3,031,386     6,767,438     —       6,767,438  
   

 

 

 

       

 

       

                                                       

Total interest income

  11,228,643     —       11,228,643     15,370,223     —       15,370,223     20,876,630     —       20,876,630  

Interest Expense

                                                     

Interest on deposits

  (3,517,158 )   (288 )   (3,517,446 )   (6,069,297 )   —       (6,069,297 )   (8,477,174 )   —       (8,477,174 )

Interest on Bank of Spain & Deposit Guarantee Fund

  (241,323 )   —       (241,323 )   (256,433 )   —       (256,433 )   (258,393 )   —       (258,393 )

Interest on short-term borrowings

  (1,394,721 )   —       (1,394,721 )   (2,254,921 )   —       (2,254,921 )   (3,135,372 )   —       (3,135,372 )

Interest on long term debt

  (1,038,750 )   —       (1,038,750 )   (1,096,571 )   —       (1,096,571 )   (1,264,638 )   —       (1,264,638 )
   

 

 

 

       

 

       

Total interest expense

  (6,191,952 )   (288 )   (6,192,240 )   (9,677,222 )   —       (9,677,222 )   (13,135,577 )   —       (13,135,577 )
   

 

 

 

       

 

       

Net Interest Income

  5,036,691     (288 )   5,036,403     5,693,001     —       5,693,001     7,741,053     —       7,741,053  
   

 

 

 

       

 

       

Provision for loan losses

  (1,276,946 )   93,636     (1,183,310 )   (1,743,338 )   226,717     (1,516,621 )   (1,919,230 )   196,199     (1,723,031 )
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Interest Income after provision for loan losses

  3,759,745     93,348     3,853,093     3,949,663     226,717     4,176,380     5,821,823     196,199     6,018,022  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-interest income

                                                     

Contingent liabilities (collected)

  138,715     —       138,715     135,595     —       135,595     136,051     —       136,051  

Collection and payments services (collected)

  1,725,955     —       1,725,955     1,859,551     —       1,859,551     1,938,835     —       1,938,835  

Securities services (collected)

  1,643,692     —       1,643,692     1,923,083     —       1,923,083     2,330,821     —       2,330,821  

Other transactions (collected)

  374,206     —       374,206     412,764     —       412,764     427,909     —       427,909  

Ceded to other entities and correspondents (paid)

  (433,608 )   —       (433,608 )   (472,780 )   —       (472,780 )   (570,968 )   —       (570,968 )

Other transactions (paid)

  (186,153 )   —       (186,153 )   (189,832 )   —       (189,832 )   (225,025 )   —       (225,025 )

Gains (losses) from:

                                                     

Affiliated companies’ securities

  1,003,523     (500,650 )   502,873     486,634     (250,512 )   236,122     1,539,210     (326,890 )   1,212,320  

Investment securities

  2,739,185     (231,045 )   2,508,140     4,505,711     238,259     4,743,970     (687,462 )   11,888     (675,574 )

Foreign exchange, derivatives and other, net

  287,715     —       287,715     423,710     —       423,710     329,932     —       329,932  

Other income

  (341,312 )   128,746     (212,566 )   (696,813 )   92,417     (604,396 )   2,673,200     (10,306 )   2,662,894  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-interest income

  6,951,918     (602,949 )   6,348,969     8,387,623     80,164     8,467,787     7,892,503     (325,308 )   7,567,195  

Non-interest expense

                                                     

Salaries and employee benefits

  (3,432,182 )   (811,625 )   (4,243,807 )   (3,851,979 )   (511,386 )   (4,363,365 )   (4,372,189 )   (743,952 )   (5,116,141 )

Occupancy expense of premises, depreciation and maintenance, net

  (762,249 )   —       (762,249 )   (976,651 )   —       (976,651 )   (1,183,026 )   —       (1,183,026 )

General and administrative expenses

  (1,207,759 )   —       (1,207,759 )   (1,414,896 )   —       (1,414,896 )   (1,662,574 )   —       (1,662,574 )

Amortization of goodwill

  (386,967 )   630,702     243,735     (519,894 )   320,733     (199,161 )   (1,003,449 )   (508,065 )   (1,511,514 )

Net provision for specific allowances

  17,951     2,257     20,208     (386,476 )   (22,647 )   (409,123 )   (925,775 )   (57,854 )   (983,629 )

Other expenses

  (1,128,317 )   90,577     (1,037,740 )   (2,068,129 )   48,419     (2,019,710 )   (1,453,500 )   (50,239 )   (1,503,739 )

Minority shareholder’s interest

  (670,463 )   95,881     (574,582 )   (746,919 )   10,577     (736,342 )   (645,223 )   99,393     (545,830 )
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total non-interest expense

  (7,569,986 )   7,792     (7,562,194 )   (9,964,944 )   (154,304 )   (10,119,248 )   (11,245,736 )   (1,260,717 )   (12,506,453 )

Income Before Income Taxes

  3,141,677     (501,809 )   2,639,868     2,372,342     152,577     2,524,919     2,468,591     (1,389,826 )   1,078,764  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

  (914,976 )   181,008     (733,968 )   (653,213 )   (25,959 )   (679,172 )   (625,521 )   226,867     (398,654 )
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Consolidated Income for the year

  2,226,701     (320,801 )   1,905,900     1,719,129     126,618     1,845,746     1,843,070     (1,162,959 )   680,111  
   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3. Condensed Financial Statements of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A (Parent Company Only)-

 

Following are the summarized balance sheets of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     (Thousands of Euros)

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parent company only)

              

Assets

              

Cash and due from banks

   16,956,351    19,089,296    17,176,236

Investment securities

   52,361,144    40,649,146    48,208,707

Investment in subsidiaries and affiliated companies

   11,362,123    13,056,716    13,120,922

Loans, net

   109,068,879    100,510,331    99,012,471

Premises and equipment

   2,032,261    2,100,123    2,224,367

Other assets

   11,292,004    11,816,270    12,225,911
    
  
  

Total assets

   203,072,762    187,221,882    191,968,614
    
  
  

Liabilities

              

Deposits

   118,593,469    117,679,385    119,993,544

Due to Bank of Spain and Deposits Guarantee Fund

   9,442,749    4,372,244    1,815,628

Short-term borrowings

   28,820,921    23,200,105    30,201,367

Long-term debt

   22,258,205    18,369,399    16,247,874

Other liabilities

   14,857,475    14,470,823    14,195,943
    
  
  

Total liabilities

   193,972,819    78,091,956    182,454,356

Stockholders’ equity

              

Capital stock

   1,565,968    1,565,968    1,565,968

Retained earnings and other reserves

   7,533,975    7,563,958    7,948,290
    
  
  

Total stockholder’s equity

   9,099,943    9,129,926    9,514,258
    
  
  

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   203,072,762    187,221,882    191,968,614
    
  
  

 

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Following are the summarized statements of income of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:

 

     Year ended December 31,

 
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     (Thousands of Euros)  

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parent Company only)

                  

Interest income

                  

Interest from earning assets

   6,198,836     7,047,212     8,607,042  

Interest and dividends from subsidiaries

                  

Consolidated

   897,169     1,544,594     1,993,515  

Nonconsolidated

   122,826     223,648     276,502  
    

 

 

     7,218,831     8,815,454     10,877,059  

Interest expense

   (3,602,152 )   (4,627,304 )   (6,675,315 )
    

 

 

Net interest income

   3,616,679     4,188,150     4,201,744  

Provision for possible loan losses

   (548,266 )   (631,928 )   (531,856 )
    

 

 

Net interest income after provisions for possible loan losses

   3,068,413     3,556,222     3,669,888  

Noninterest income

   2,882,654     2,760,177     2,931,304  

Noninterest expense

   (4,188,721 )   (5,085,094 )   (5,448,196 )
    

 

 

Income before income taxes

   1,762,346     1,231,305     1,152,996  

Income tax expense

   (302,009 )   (24,209 )   158,565  
    

 

 

Net income

   1,460,337     1,207,096     1,311,561  
    

 

 

 

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4. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders equity (Notes 1,2-d, 23 and 24)-

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, there have not been variations in the number of registered shares.

 

Composition of stockholders’ equity (considering the final dividend) of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is presented in Note 2-d. The variation in stockholders’ equity as of December 31, 3003, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Thousands of Euros  

Balance at the beginning of the year

   18,907,787     21,226,091     22,579,283  
    

 

 

Net income for the year

   1,905,900     1,845,746     680,111  

Dividends paid

   (1,108,316 )   (1,269,442 )   (1,167,863 )

(Increase) / decrease in treasury stock

   31,612     (21,727 )   36,764  

Other comprehensive income

   86,732     (3,155,603 )   (1,331,818 )

Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment

   (922,506 )   (1,864,977 )   (593,860 )

Unrealized Gains on Securities

   1,054,024     (1,362,665 )   (750,748 )

Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS 133)

   (44,786 )   72,039     12,790  

Other variations

   (240,681 )   282,722     429,614  
    

 

 

Balance at the end of the year

   19,583,034     18,907,787     21,226,091  
    

 

 

 

As described in Note 2-e, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the computable equity of the Group was higher than the minimum requirements stipulated by the Spanish regulation.

 

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(32.2.D) MAIN DISCLOSURES REQUIRED BY U.S. ACCOUNTING REGULATIONS FOR BANKS AND ADDITIONAL DISCLOSURES REQUIRED UNDER U.S. GAAP

 

1. Investment Securities-

 

The breakdown of the Group’s investment securities portfolio by issuer is as follows:

 

     2003

    2002

     2001

 
    

Book

Value


   Fair
Value(1)


   Unrealized
Gains


   Unrealized
Losses


   

Book

Value


   Fair
Value(1)


   Unrealized
Gains


   Unrealized
Losses


    

Book

Value


   Fair
Value(1)


   Unrealized
Gains


  

Unrealized

Losses


 
                                    Thousands of Euros                        

DEBT SECURITIES

                                                                

TRADING PORTFOLIO

                                                                

Spanish Government

   5,615,564    5,615,564    —      —       7,472,822    7,472,822    —      —        2,401,946    2,401,946    —      —    

Other Fixed Interest Securities

   20,014,532    20,014,532    —      —       19,696,996    19,696,996    —      —        19,248,873    19,248,873    —      —    
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

     25,630,096    25,630,096    —      —       27,169,818    27,169,818    —      —        21,650,819    21,650,819    —      —    

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

                                                                

Domestic-

                                                                

Spanish Government

   12,715,493    12,897,933    193,297    (10,857 )   10,414,171    10,712,057    298,787    (901 )    15,491,518    15,694,788    203,276    (6 )

Other Spanish public authorities

   585,427    589,817    5,494    (1,104 )   654,467    657,008    4,533    (1,992 )    5,715    5,794    79    —    

Other domestic issuers

   2,506,271    2,526,922    20,996    (345 )   2,521,579    2,542,443    29,026    (8,162 )    3,444,778    3,473,477    29,252    (553 )
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

     15,807,191    16,014,672    219,787    (12,306 )   13,590,217    13,911,508    332,346    (11,055 )    18,942,011    19,174,059    232,607    (559 )

International-

                                                                

United States-

                                                                

US Treasury and other US Government agencies

   1,526,121    1,521,281    54    (4,894 )   26,099    26,101    17    (15 )    1,506,998    1,514,629    7,631    —    

States and political subdivisions

   1,336    1,358    22    —       263    303    40    —        5,848    5,848    —      —    

Other securities

   435,873    435,615    770    (1,028 )   2,457,42    2,454,130    10,527    (14,339 )    1,020,758    1,019,899    85    (944 )

Other countries-

                                                                

Securities of other foreign Governments

   23,644,808    23,792,171    179,473    (32,110 )   19,969,745    19,983,762    130,548    (116,531 )    30,357,752    30,312,345    22,718    (68,125 )

Other debt securities outside Spain

   3,710,889    3,723,136    21,459    (9,212 )   3,284,011    3,308,113    55,037    (30,935 )    5,463,447    5,442,045    4,622    (26,024 )
     29,319,027    29,473,561    201,778    (47,244 )   25,738,060    25,772,409    196,169    (161,820 )    38,354,803    38,294,766    35,055    (95,092 )
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

     45,126,218    45,488,233    421,565    (59,550 )   39,328,277    39,683,917    528,515    (172,875 )    57,296,814    57,468,825    267,662    (95,651 )
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

HELD TO MATURITY PORFOLIO

                                                                

Domestic-

                                                                

Spanish Government

   613,946    652,625    38,679    —       1,880,783    1,983,010    102,227    —        2,271,905    2,381,703    109,798    —    

Other domestic issuers

   510,709    542,590    31,881    —       522,077    561,760    39,683    —        596,769    648,306    51,537    —    
     1,124,655    1,195,215    70,560    —       2,402,860    2,544,770    141,910    —        2,868,674    3,030,009    161,335    —    
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

TOTAL DEBT SECURITIES (NET)

   71,880,969    72,313,544    492,125    (59,550 )   68,900,955    69,398,505    670,425    (172,875 )    81,816,307    82,149,653    333,346    —    
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

EQUITY SECURITIES

                                                                

TRADING PORTFOLIO

   2,029,414    2,029,414    —      —       931,928    931,928    —      —        1,032,280    1,032,280    —      —    

AVAILABLE FOR SALE PORTFOLIO

                                                                

Domestic

   449,247    529,381    80,190    (56 )   1,127,891    1,231,388    260,200    (156,703 )    1,230,981    1,345,943    129,765    (14,803 )

International-

                                                                

United States

   19,530    20,429    899    —       60,217    50,286    2,606    (12,537 )    381,649    379,611    1,929    (3,967 )

Other countries

   593,873    617,520    24,291    (644 )   887,456    919,679    241,988    (209,765 )    1,028,789    1,054,874    27,984    (1,899 )
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

     1,062,650    1,167,330    105,380    (700 )   2,075,564    2,201,353    504,794    (379,005 )    2,641,419    2,780,428    159,678    (20,669 )
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

TOTAL EQUITY SECURITIES (NET)

   3,092,064    3,196,744    105,380    (700 )   3,007,492    3,133,281    504,794    (379,005 )    3,673,699    3,812,708    159,678    (20,669 )
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  

TOTAL INVESTMENT SECURITIES (NET)

   74,973,033    75,510,288    597,505    (60,250 )   71,908,447    72,531,786    1,175,219    (551,880 )    85,490,006    85,962,361    588,675    (116,320 )
    
  
  
  

 
  
  
  

  
  
  
  


(1) The Fair Values are determined based on year-end quoted market process for listed securities and on management’s estimate for unlisted securities.

 

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An analysis of the book value of investments, exclusive of valuation reserves, by contractual maturity and fair value of the debt securities portfolio is shown below:

 

     2003

     BOOK VALUE

    

Due in one

year or less


  

Due after one

year through
five years


   Due after
five years
through
ten years


   Due after
ten years


   Total

GOVERNMENT DEBT SECURITIES

                        

Domestic:

                        

- Investment securities:

                        

. Spanish Treasury Bills

   601,300    —      —      —      601,300

. Other Spanish Government securities

   1,066,933    9,367,609    1,396,426    283,225    12,114,193

- Held to maturity portfolio

   —      —      —      613,946    613,946

- Trading Portfolio

   3,633,356    1,571,849    374,218    36,141    5,615,564
    
  
  
  
  

TOTAL

   5,301,589    10,939,458    1,770,644    933,312    18,945,003

FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO

                        

- Investment securities:

                        

International:

                        

United States

                        

. U.S. Treasury Securities and other US Government agencies

   254,510    276,563    374,291    620,757    1,526,121

. States and political subdivisions

   —      —      —      1,336    1,336

. Other Securities

   192,899    137,375    21,493    84,106    435,873

Total United States

   447,409    413,938    395,784    706,199    1,963,330

Other countries

                        

. Securities of other foreign Governments

   1,966,160    12,760,526    4,682,341    4,235,781    23,644,808

. Other debt securities outside Spain

   803,455    1,796,998    709,437    400,999    3,710,889

Total other countries

   2,769,615    14,557,524    5,391,778    4,636,780    27,355,697

Total International Inv. Sec.

   3,217,024    14,971,462    5,787,562    5,342,979    29,319,027

Domestic:

                        

. Other securities

   101,058    299,048    839,448    1,852,144    3,091,698

- Held to maturity securities

                        

International

   —      —      —      —      —  

Domestic

   10,361    442,771    27,526    30,051    510,709

Total International

   3,217,024    14,971,462    5,787,562    5,342,979    29,319,027

Total Domestic

   111,419    741,819    866,974    1,882,195    3,602,407

- Trading Portfolio

   —      —      —      —      20,014,532
    
  
  
  
  

TOTAL

   8,630,032    26,652,739    8,425,180    8,158,486    71,880,969
    
  
  
  
  

 

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Table of Contents
     2003

     MARKET VALUE

     Due in one
year or less


   Due after
one year
through five
years


   Due after
five years
through
ten years


   Due after
ten years


   Total

GOVERNMENT DEBT SECURITIES

                        

Domestic:

                        

- Investment securities:

                        

. Spanish Treasury Bills

   601,101    —      —      —      601,101

. Other Spanish Government securities

   1,081,908    9,508,649    1,420,082    286,193    12,296,832

- Held to maturity portfolio

   —      —      —      652,625    652,652

- Trading Portfolio

   3,633,356    1,571,849    374,218    36,141    5,615,564
    
  
  
  
  

TOTAL

   5,316,365    11,080,498    1,794,300    974,959    19,166,122

FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO

                        

- Investment securities:

                        

International:

                        

United States

                        

. U.S. Treasury Securities and other US Government agencies

   254,489    274,075    370,520    622,197    1,521,281

. States and political subdivisions

   —      —      —      1,358    1,358

. Other Securities

   192,876    137,693    21,386    83,660    435,615

Total United States

   447,365    411,768    391,906    707,215    1,958,254

Other

                        

. Securities of other foreign Governments

   1,999,694    12,836,294    4,698,138    4,258,045    23,792,171

. Other debt securities outside Spain

   809,859    1,803,251    711,222    398,804    3,723,136

Total other countries

   2,809,553    14,639,545    5,409,360    4,656,849    27,515,307

Total International Inv. Sec.

   3,256,918    15,051,313    5,801,266    5,364,064    29,473,561

Domestic:

                        

. Other securities

   101,748    303,007    844,437    1,867,547    3,116,739

- Held to maturity securities

                        

International

   —      —      —      —      —  

Domestic

   11,341    472,279    27,768    31,202    542,590

Total International

   3,256,918    15,051,313    5,801,266    5,364,064    29,473,561

Total Domestic

   113,089    775,286    872,205    1,898,749    3,659,329

- Trading Portfolio

   —      —      —      —      —  

TOTAL

   8,686,372    26,907,097    8,467,771    8,237,772    72,313,544
    
  
  
  
  

 

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     2002

     MARKET VALUE

     Due in one
year or less


   Due after one
year through
five years


   Due after five
years through
ten years


   Due after
ten years


   Total

GOVERNMENT DEBT SECURITIES

                        

Domestic:

                        

- Investment securities:

   3,985,471    5,049,901    1,195,096    481,589    10,712,057

. Spanish Treasury Bills

   1,138,504    8,061    —      —      1,146,565

. Other Spanish Government securities

   2,846,967    5,041,840    1,195,096    481,589    9,565,492

- Held to maturity portfolio

   1,328,131    —      —      654,879    1,983,010

- Trading Portfolio

   3,538,056    2,423,940    1,226,987    283,839    7,472,822
    
  
  
  
  

TOTAL

   8,851,658    7,473,841    2,422,083    1,420,307    20,167,889

FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO

                        

- Investment securities:

   4,283,996    10,919,405    4,801,020    8,967,439    28,971,860

International:

                        

United States

                        

. U.S. Treasury Securities and other US Government agencies

   25,461    —      —      640    26,101

. States and political subdivisions

   —      —      —      303    303

. Other Securities

   671,569    522,210    24,436    1,235,915    2,454,130

Total United States

   697,030    522,210    24,436    1,236,858    2,480,534

Other

                        

. Securities of other foreign Governments

   1,874,279    9,234,172    3,692,465    5,182,846    19,983,762

. Other debt securities outside Spain

   1,560,515    901,451    424,521    421,626    3,308,113

Total other countries

   3,434,794    10,135,623    4,116,986    5,604,472    23,291,875

Total International Inv. Sec.

   4,131,824    10,657,833    4,141,422    6,841,330    25,772,409

Domestic:

                        

. Other securities

   152,172    261,572    659,598    2,126,109    3,199,451

- Held to maturity securities

   11,506    461,374    30,610    58,270    561,760

International

   —      —      —      —      —  

Domestic

   11,506    461,374    30,610    58,270    561,760

Total International

   4,131,824    10,657,833    4,141,422    6,841,330    25,772,409

Total Domestic

   163,678    722,946    690,208    2,184,379    3,761,211

- Trading Portfolio

        -Not available information-         19,696,996
                        

TOTAL

   4,295,502    11,380,779    4,831,630    9,025,709    49,230,616
    
  
  
  
  

 

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     2001

     Book Value

   Fair Value

     Thousands of Euros

DEBT SECURITIES

         

Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Portfolio

         

Due in one year or less

   14,473,884    14,496,706

Due after one year through five years

   30,292,826    30,434,338

Due after five years through ten years

   9,083,024    9,221,766

Due after ten years

   6,315,754    6,346,024
    
  
     60,165,488    60,498,834

Trading portfolio

   21,650,819    21,650,819
    
  
     81,816,307    82,149,653
    
  

 

See also Notes 6, 9 and 10 for other breakdowns of the Group’s investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. As of December 2003, 2002 and 2001, the carrying values of non-traded (unlisted) debt securities portfolio amounted to €6,671,421, €11,178,018 and €16,506,347 thousand respectively. As of December 2003, 2002 and 2001, the carrying values of non-traded (unlisted) equity securities portfolio amounted to €561,457, €800,758 and €1,391,608 thousand, respectively.

 

Under both Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP, the methodology used to estimate the fair value of non-traded or unlisted securities is as follows:

 

  - Debt securities: fair value is considered to be the present value of the cash flows, using market interest rates (discounted cash flows).

 

  - Equity securities: underlying book value is the general rule under Spanish GAAP. As previously explained in the general comments, in some cases in which trigger events indicate that a specific investment could be impaired, a specific valuation of fair value is used and all available factors are considered by management to determine the fair value both under Spanish and US GAAP. If it is available a valuation of the company, it is used as a better measure of fair value under both Spanish and US GAAP.

 

These methodologies include an evaluation of credit risk, market conditions (volatility, interest rate evolution, macroeconomic variables, etc…) or futures expectations.

 

The breakdown of unrealized losses as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 200, is as follows:

 

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According to the table, most of unrecognized losses as of December 31, 2002, arose in such year.

 

The total amount of unrealized losses of 551,880 correspond to the sum of temporary plus other-than-temporary impairments. The following table is presented to clarify this and to make reference on the explanations given in response to your questions:

 

Unrealized losses


   Thousand of Euros

     2003

   2002

   2001

- Equity Securities

   —      207,176    —  

- Debt Securities

   —      74,827    —  

(1) Total Impairments Other - than-

temporary(charged to income under both GAAP)

   —      282,003    —  

- Debt securities

   59,550    21,790    95,651

- Equity Securities

   700    169,240    20,669

- Other (*)

   —      78,847    —  

(2) Total Temporary Unrealized losses

   60,250    269,877    116,320

(1) + (2) Total unrecognized losses

   60,250    551,880    116,320

(*) This amount represents the sum of different investment categories that are not significant individually considered. In any case all the accounting process and all methodologies used for this amount are as explained in the general comments sections.

 

As of December 2003, most of unrealized losses correspond to debt securities. These unrealized losses arose during last six moths of 2003. Due to the limited length of unrealized losses and the future expectation of management that expects a substantial recovery of them, these unrealized losses were considered as temporary.

 

The main types of securities or industries regarding unrealized losses in 2002 were as follows:

 

The caption “Securities of other foreign governments” whose unrealized losses amounted to 116,531 thousand euro, mainly included debt securities owned by our subsidiaries in Latin America and issued by the governments of:

 

  Brazil (unrealized losses amounts to 74,827 thousand euro) that were considered as other-than-temporary and the effect was recorded to income under both GAAPs; and

 

  Venezuela (unrealized losses amounts to 21,790 thousand euro) that were sold in 2003 giving rise to gains. Under Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP. BBVA Group considered these declines as temporary.

 

The caption “Equity securities - Domestic” whose unrealized losses amounted to 156,703 thousand of euros, mainly included listed securities issued by Spanish companies held by the parent company. Unrealized losses amounting to 146,190 corresponds to an investment whose market value decreased below carrying value during the second half of 2002 and which had increases in market price during the first semester of 2003. Management considered that the evolution of this quotation in the Spanish market evidenced that an impairment was not necessary. Therefore under Spanish GAAP and US GAAP, this decline was considered as temporary.

 

The caption “Equity securities - International” whose unrealized losses amounted to 222,302 thousand euro, mainly included the following securities:

 

  listed securities issued by U.S. companies (unrealized losses amount to12,537 thousand euro) and in first quarter of 2003 the evolution of their quotation in their markets were increasing its market value.

 

  non-listed securities of Mexican companies held by the Group whose unrealized losses amount to 169,341 thousand euro. The unrealized losses on these securities, due to actual and future expectations about the performance of the issuers, which were considered to be other-than-temporary and therefore impairment charges were recognized in the income statement under both Spanish GAAP and U.S. GAAP.

 

  the rest of unrealized losses (40,424 thousand euro) come from, basically, unlisted international companies. Unrealized losses amounting to 37,835 thousand euro were recorded to income under Spanish GAAP and under U.S. GAAP were not reversed because they were considered as “Other than temporary” and therefore the accounting treatment did not differ under Spanish and U.S. GAAP.

 

In 2001, most of the unrecognized losses related to temporary impairments. These unrecognized losses mainly correspond to debt securities and were recovered in 2002. The remaining amount of unrealized losses in 2001 was not relevant. The Group did not record any relevant other-than-temporary impairments.

 

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2. Loans and Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan-

 

The balance of the recorded investment in impaired loans and of the related valuation allowance as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Thousands of Euros

Impaired loans requiring no reserve

   587,134    1,544,711    1,445,205

Impaired loans requiring valuation allowance

   2,949,247    3,543,273    3,239,614
    
  
  

Total impaired loans

   3,536,381    5,087,984    4,684,819
    
  
  

Valuation allowance on impaired loans

   2,417,274    3,437,163    3,226,698
    
  
  

 

The roll-forward of allowance is shown in Note 8 under Spanish GAAP. The reconciliation item to U.S. GAAP is in Note 32-2-B-7.

 

The approximate amount of interest collected concerning to substandard loans (and included in income) related to the current year amounted to €278,324 thousand, €73,907 thousand and €97,358 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively and those related to prior years amounted to €79,099 thousand, €53,123 thousand and €228,391 thousand in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

 

     2003

     Thousands of Euros

Interest revenue that would have been recorded if accruing

   766,816

Net interest revenue recorded:

    

Related to current year

   278,324

Related to prior years

   79,099

Positive (negative) impact of non-performing loans on interest revenue

   409,393

 

3. Investments In And Indebtedness Of And To Affiliates-

 

See Notes 11 and 12 and Exhibits II and III for detailed information of investments in nonconsolidated Group companies and other affiliates, and Note 27 for transactions of consolidated companies with such affiliates. Aggregated summarized financial information with respect to significant affiliated companies under Spanish GAAP for the years ended December 31, 2003 is presented below:

 

Percentage of ownership -


   50% or more

   Between 3%
and 50%


     Thousands of Euros

2003


   Equity method

   Proportional Method

    

Net sales

   859,997    7,581    5,135,164

Operating income

   17,287    69,351    850,585

Net income

   235,299    122,769    399,161

Current assets

   1,678,019    526,053    15,076,632

Noncurrent assets

   11,170,477    335,653    10,035,435

Current liabilities

   1,186,849    138,902    13,333,951

Non-current liabilities

   11,661,648    722,804    11,778,117

 

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4. Deposits-

 

The breakdowns of deposits from credit entities and customers as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, by domicile and type are included in Notes 17 and 18.

 

As of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the time deposits, both domestic and international, (other than interbank deposits) in denominations of €79 thousand (approximately US$ 100 thousand) or more amounted to €45,548 thousand, €51,059 million and €49,320 million, respectively.

 

5. Short-Term Borrowings-

 

Under Spanish format and regulations, the information about “Short-Term borrowings” is not required as it is under S-X Regulations. Therefore this information is not disclosed in the preceding pages. The analysis of short-term borrowings is as follows. Securities sold under agreement to repurchase were secured by investment securities, mainly Spanish Treasury bills and other governmental securities secured securities.

 

     At December 31,

 
     2002

    2001

 
     Amount

   Average
Rate


    Amount

   Average
Rate


 
     (thousand of euro, except percentages)  

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (principally Spanish Treasury bills):

                      

At December 31

   39,675,007    4.65 %   48,080,073    6.16 %

Average during year

   39,813,951    4.72 %   45,454,491    6.51 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   44,732,472    —       48,080,073    —    

Other short-term borrowings (principally bank promissory notes):

                      

At December 31

   5,100,885    2.85 %   4,641,737    4.87 %

Average during year

   3,967,296    3.12 %   5,844,301    4.11 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   5,100,885    —       5,879,900    —    

Total short-term borrowings at December 31

   44,775,892    4.44 %   52,721,810    6.05 %

 

Additionally, as of December 31 2002, the “Short term borrowings” caption includes “Mortgage Bonds” amounting €7,483,991 thousand.

 

     At December 31,

 
     2003

 
     Amount

   Average
Rate


 
     (in thousands of euro,
except percentages)
 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (principally Spanish Treasury bills):

           

At December 31

   38,483,355    2.81 %

Average during year

   36,759,455    3.52 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   38,483,355    —    

Bank promissory notes:

           

At December 31

   6,086,613    2.11 %

Average during year

   4,665,527    2.13 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   6,218,810    —    

Bonds and subordinated debt

           

At December 31

   8,173,347    3.00 %

Average during year

   7,828,669    3.09 %

Maximum quarter-end balance

   10,763,748    —    

Total short-term borrowings at December 31

   52,743,315    2,76 %

 

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At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, short-term borrowings include €17,994,695 thousand, €16,619,199 thousand and €22,346,263 thousand, respectively of securities sold under agreements to repurchase from Bank of Spain and other Spanish and foreign financial Institutions.

 

Terms of the securities sold under agreements to repurchase that compose the balance at December 31, 2003, are as follows:

 

     Thousands of Euros

Under 3 months

   37,460,900

3 to 12 months

   331,451

12 months to 5 years

   691,004

5 to 10 years

   —  
    

Over 10 years

   —  
    
     38,483,355
    

 

A breakdown of securities sold under agreements to repurchase by type of security at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, is as follows:

 

     December 31,

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Thousands of Euros

Spanish Treasury Bills and Notes

   5,282,381    5,991,369    5,316,944

Securities of, or Guaranteed by, the Spanish Government

   17,980,643    15,300,871    15,864,021

Other investment securities

   15,220,331    18,382,767    26,899,108
    
  
  
     38,483,355    39,675,007    48,080,073
    
  
  

 

6. Long Term Debt-

 

See Notes 19 and 21.

 

7. Minority Interest In Consolidated Subsidiaries

 

The details of minority interest as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 including preferred stock, and variations for the years then ended are included in Note 22.

 

In accordance with the Reg S-X.T. Rule 3-10, Financial Statements of Guarantors and Issuers of Guaranteed Securities Registered or Being Registered, BBVA Preferred Capital, Ltd., BBVA Capital Funding Ltd, BBVA International Limited and BBVA Capital

 

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Finance, S.A and BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar), Ltd.—issuers of registered preference shares guaranteed by BBVA, S.A.—do not file the financial statements required for a registrant by Regulation S-X as:

 

  BBVA Preferred Capital Ltd, BBVA Capital Funding Ltd, BBVA International Limited and BBVA Capital Finance, S.A are a 100% owned finance subsidiaries of BBVA, S.A. who fully and unconditionally guarantees the preferred shares.

 

  BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar), Ltd. is a 100% owned operating subsidiary of BBVA, S.A. who fully and unconditionally guarantees the preferred shares. Following is the condensed financial information for BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar), Ltd. as of December 31, 2003.

 

The other three ones are not listing in United States.

 

The audited financial statements of BBVA Privanza International (Gibraltar), Ltd., BBVA Preferred Capital Ltd, BBVA Capital Funding, BBVA International Limited and BBVA Capital Finance, S.A. are the following:

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET as at 31 December 2003

 

     BBVA Privanza
International
(Gibraltar) Ltd.


    BBVA Preferred
Capital Ltd.


    BBVA Capital
Funding Ltd.


    BBVA International
Limited


    BBVA Capital
Finance, S.A.


     (Thousands of euros)

Assets

                            

Cash

   5     464     3,521     2,242     18

Loans and advanced to banks

   78,177     190,024     3,413,320     3.052,546     350,288

Loans and advanced to clients

   —       —       —       —       —  

Securities portfolio

   —       —       —       —       —  

Tangible fixed assets

   245     —       —       —       —  

Intangible assets

   —       —       —       —       2

Other assets

   —       —       6,177     18,483     —  

Accrual accounts

   50     —       —       —       —  
    

 

 

 

 

Total assets

   78,477     190,488     3,423,018     3,073,271     350,308
    

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

   —       —       —       —        

Amounts owed to banks

   —       —       —       —       —  

Amounts owed to customers

   109     4     20     7     136

Marketable debt securities

   —       —       3,159,304     —       —  

Accrual and deferred income

   89     —       3,432     —       —  

Provisions for contingencies

   —       —       —       —       —  

Capital stock

   2,838     190,025     255,646     475     350,060

Additional paid-in capital

   60,932     —       —       3,039,528     —  

Retained earnings

   15,349     (14,386 )   (15,621 )   (132,985 )   —  

Profit and loss account

   (840 )   14,845     20,237     166,246     112
    

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   78,477     190,488     3,423,018     3,073,271     350,308
    

 

 

 

 

Memorandum accounts

   —       573,720     6,560,386     11,125,809     —  

 

INCOME STATEMENT ACCOUNT for the year ended 31 December 2003

 

     BBVA Privanza
International
(Gibraltar) Ltd.


    BBVA Preferred
Capital Ltd.


    BBVA Capital
Funding Ltd.


    BBVA International
Limited


    BBVA Capital
Finance, S.A.


 
     (Thousands of euros)  

Interest receivable

   12,575     —       —       —       —    

Interest payable

   -30     —       —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

Net interest income

   12,545     —       —       —       —    

Fees and commissions receivable

   73     —       —       —       —    

Dealing profits

   (1 )   —       —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

Operating income

   12,617     —       —       —       —    

Administrative expenses

   (962 )   —       —       —          

Depreciation and amortisation

   (56 )   —       (1 )   (66 )   —    

General expenses

   —       (60 )   (122 )   (115 )   (115 )

Provisions

   62     —       —       —          

Others

   —       16,634     22,719     185,804     287  
    

 

 

 

 

Profit on ordinary activities before tax

   11,661     16,574     22,596     185,623     172  

Taxation

   —       —       —       —       (60 )
    

 

 

 

 

Profit on ordinary activities after tax

   11,661     16,574     22,596     185,623     112  

Extraordinary losses and dividends

   (12,516 )   —       —       —       —    
    

 

 

 

 

Profit retained for the financial year

   (855 )   16,574     22,596     185,623     112  

 

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8. Derivative Financial Instruments-

 

The breakdown of the Derivative Financial Instruments under Spanish GAAP is shown in Note 26. See also Note 32.2-B-11 for the additional disclosures required under SFAS 133.

 

9. Pension liabilities-

 

See Note 3-j for a detail of the pension commitments under Spanish GAAP. Additional disclosures and the reconciliation to U.S. GAAP is shown in Note 32-2-B-4.

 

10. Disclosures About Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (SFAS 107)-

 

As required by SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments, (“SFAS No. 107”) the Group presents estimate fair value information about financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Fair value of a financial instrument is the amount for which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. Fair value is best determined by values quoted through active trading markets. Active trading markets are characterized by numerous transactions of similar financial instruments between willing buyers and willing sellers. Because no active trading market exists for various types of financial instruments, many of the fair values disclosed were derived using present value discounted cash flow or other valuation techniques. As a result, the Group’s ability to actually realize these derived values cannot be assured.

 

The estimated fair values disclosed under SFAS No. 107 may vary significantly between institutions based on the estimates and assumptions used in the various valuation methodologies. SFAS No. 107 excludes disclosure of goodwill, core deposits, nonfinancial assets such as fixed assets as well as certain financial instruments such as investments in affiliated companies.

 

Accordingly, the aggregate estimate fair values presented do not represent the underlying value of the Group. The actual carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the BBVA Group’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, are as follows:

 

     2003

   2002

   2001

     Carrying
Amount


   Fair Value

   Carrying
Amount


   Fair Value

   Carrying
Amount


   Fair Value

     Thousands of Euros

Assets

                             

Cash and due from banks

   2,861,721    2,861,721    2,999,817    2,999,817    3,854,589    3,854,589

Interest-bearing deposits

   16,750,009    16,746,092    19,426,792    19,480,678    19,467,359    19,488,147

Securities purchased under agreements to resell

   12,494,089    12,493,916    8,650,080    8,650,415    11,148,913    11,148,829

Trading securities

   27,659,510    27,659,510    28,101,746    28,101,746    22,683,099    22,683,099

Available for sale and held to maturity investments

   47,313,523    47,313,523    43,806,701    44,430,040    62,806,907    63,279,262

Net loans

   146,706,610    147,049,429    140,806,446    142,286,928    149,496,358    151,006,663

Liabilities

                             

Noninterest bearing deposits

   859,934    859,934    3,255,527    3,255,527    3,040,376    3,040,376

Demand deposits

   43,674,718    43,674,718    43,676,677    43,676,677    49,266,146    49,266,146

Savings deposits

   24,317,731    24,317,731    22,253,652    22,253,652    25,438,973    25,438,973

Time deposits

   81,833,731    81,797,582    86,902,414    86,963,769    102,532,190    102,756,793

Short-term borrowings

   52,743,315    52,702,210    52,259,883    52,238,955    52,721,810    52,729,394

Long-term debt

   27,234,416    26,503,958    21,527,246    21,861,040    28,454,780    28,610,357

 

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The following methods and assumptions were used by the Group in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate such value:

 

a) Cash and due from banks

 

For these short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

b) Interest-bearing deposits in other banks and securities purchased under agreement to resell

 

The fair value represents the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the average year-end market rates for each type of instrument.

 

c) Investment securities

 

c.1) Fixed income:

 

(i) Listed securities: at closing market prices as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

 

(ii) Unlisted securities: on the basis of market prices of other listed fixed-income securities of similar interest rate, credit risk and maturity. If no similar listed fixed-income securities can be identified, the fair value is estimated by discounting future cash-flows using year-end rates based on market rates available on securities with similar credit and maturity characteristics.

 

c.2) Equity securities:

 

(i) Listed securities with less than 3% ownership: fair values are based on the 2003, 2002 and 2001 closing market price.

 

(ii) Unlisted securities: at underlying book value per the December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 financial statements of each investee, or otherwise based on the latest financial statements currently available.

 

d) Loans and leases

 

The fair value of the Group’s loan portfolio is based on the credit and interest rate characteristics of the individual loans within each sector of the portfolio. The fair value of loans was estimated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using prevailing market rates at year-end, and is implemented as follows:

 

d.1) The estimate of the provision for probable loan losses includes consideration of risk premiums applicable to various types of loans based on factors such as the current situation of the economic sector in which each borrower operates, the economic situation of each borrower and guarantees obtained. Accordingly, the allowance for probable loan losses is considered a reasonable estimate of the discount required to reflect the impact of credit risk.

 

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d.2) For fixed and floating-rate loans for which the interest rate was similar to the average rates available for each type of loan (such as commercial or mortgage loans) as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the carrying amount, net of the related allowance for probable loan losses, is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

d.3) For the remaining loans which the Group determined were at rates different to those currently offered, the fair values are estimated as the present value of future cash flows discounted at the average year-end market interest rates at which similar loans are being granted to borrowers with similar credit ratings and remaining maturities.

 

e) Deposits and Short Term Borrowings

 

The fair value represents the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the average year-end market rates for each type of instrument.

 

f) Long-Term Debt

 

The fair value is estimated on the basis of the discounted present value of the cash flows over the remaining term of such debt. The discount rates were determined based on market rates available as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 on debt with similar credit and maturity characteristics of the Group’s.

 

g) Commitments and Contingencies

 

g.1) Guarantees and other sureties provided and documentary credits:

 

It is estimated that the differential, if any, between the fee charged by the Group for these transactions and the average year-end market fee would not give rise to a material difference.

 

g.2) Derivative Products:

 

The fair value of these products as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, considering the related discounted cash-flows and the year-end prevailing rates and market values is presented in Note 26.

 

11. Segment Information-

 

SFAS 131, Disclosures about segment of an enterprise and related information requires some disclosures of the financial statements relating to operating segments of a public business enterprise.

 

Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal: formed by the Group’s retail banking, asset management and private banking businesses in Spain and Portugal, covering the residential customer and small and medium entities (“SME”) segments in these markets. It also includes the Finanzia / Uno-e group (which specializes in the e-banking business, consumer financing, card product distribution and renting activities), BBVA Portugal, the Private Banking business, mutual and pension fund management and insurance businesses.

 

Wholesale and Investment Banking: covers the Group’s business activities with large companies and institutions through national and international corporate banking and institutional banking. In addition, it also includes the trading room businesses located in Spain, Europe and New York, the equity distribution and origination business and the security deposit and custody service business, as well as the business and real estate project businesses that are not conducted through the Group’s holdings in large corporations.

 

Banking in America: covers the business of each of our subsidiary banks in Latin America and their investee companies, including pension management companies and insurance companies, as well as the International Private Banking business. As mentioned above, with the objective of uniformly monitoring the businesses, this area does not include the results of our subsidiaries in Argentina.

 

Corporate Activities: includes the holdings in large industrial corporations and in financial entities, as well as the activities and results of the support units, such as the ‘Assets and Liabilities Management’ Committee (ALCO). In addition, this caption includes the other items that, by their nature, cannot be assigned to the business areas, such as country risk provisions and amortization of goodwill (except for that relating to the holdings owned by the Business and Real Estate Projects unit, which is included in the Wholesale and Investment Banking area).

 

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Argentina: includes our subsidiaries BBVA Banco Francés and Consolidar AFJP.

 

This structure of areas is in line with the internal organization established to manage and monitor the businesses in the BBVA Group during the year 2003. The balances for the financial years 2002 and 2001, which are presented for comparative purposes, were drawn up following the same criteria.

 

The business areas contribution to net attributable profit and total assets are shown in the following tables:

 

     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Millions of Euros  

Business Area contribution to net attributable profit

                  

Retail Banking

   1,239     1,266     1,173  

Wholesale and Investment Banking

   468     382     531  

Banking in América

   715     736     807  

Corporate Activities and others

   (205 )   (656 )   (451 )

Argentina

   10     (9 )   (217 )
    

 

 

Net Attributable profit

   2,227     1,719     1,843  
     2003

    2002

    2001

 
     Millions of Euros  

Business Area contribution to total assets

                  

Retail Banking

   112,481     102,085     94,020  

Wholesale and investment Banking

   158,644     149,290     153,806  

Banking in America

   73,778     83,437     102,784  

Corporate Activities

   27,667     22,884     32,573  

Argentina

   4,356     5,015     13,627  
    

 

 

Total assets for reportable segments

   376,926     362,711     396,810  

Intearea Positions

   (69,472 )   (67,233 )   (56,444 )

Other

   (20,304 )   (15,936 )   (31,304 )

Consolidated total assets

   287,150     279,542     309,062  

 

The differences between “Total Assets for Reportable Segments” and “Consolidated Total Assets” are due to the following reasons:

 

  Balance sheet for reportable segments are designed with management criteria which differs from balance sheet formats for Banks required by Bank of Spain. (e.g.: according to Bank of Spain’s requirements allowance for loans losses are classified as assets, reducing the balance of loans, however in Balance Sheet Reportable Segments are classified as liabilities).

 

  Balance sheet for reportable segments does not eliminate intearea positions.

 

  Balance sheet for reportable segments does not consider the intra-group eliminations made during the consolidation process. As a consequence the amounts of “Total Assets for Reportable Segments” significantly differ from “Consolidated Total Assets”.

 

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The accounting policies of the segments are principally the same as those described in Note 3. The accounting structure has been adjusted to the management structure, through the corresponding internal adjustments. Operating costs are divided among all the business areas in accordance with the scales that measure their distribution on the basis of the nature of the spending and consumption variables. This is also applied to ordinary corporate cost. The business areas are not affected by corporate decisions, such as the treatment of goodwill generated in investment or the constitution of extraordinary provisions.

 

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(Millions of Euros)

 

    Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal

    Wholesale and Investment Banking

    America

    Corporate Activities (*)

 
    2003

  2002

  2001

  03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

  2002

  2001

  03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

  2002

  2001

  03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

 
    (Millions of Euros)  

Lending

  91,295   80,152   72,095   13.9     11.2     39,366   38,002   41,450   3.6     (8.3 )   23,199   27,049   35,175   (14.2 )   (23.1 )   (2,398 )   (1,028 )   503     133.3     n.m.  

Securities portfolio

  535   210   753   154.8     (72.1 )   25,364   27,416   31,897   (7.5 )   (14.0 )   25,313   28,283   31,972   (10.5 )   (11.5 )   29,367     22,284     23,729     31.8     (6.1 )

Liquid assets

  2,048   3,718   4,123   (44.9 )   (9.8 )   43,835   34,767   36,178   26.1     (3.9 )   17,100   17,870   22,958   (4.3 )   (22.2 )   (16,021 )   (14,267 )   (4,986 )   12.3     186.1  

Inter-area positions

  16,975   16,565   15,447   2.5     7.2     43,857   41,502   35,944   5.7     15.5     433   651   119   (33.5 )   447.1     8,205     8,402     3,949     (2.3 )   112.8  

Fixed assets

  659   663   732   (0.6 )   (9.4 )   45   22   51   104.5     (56.9 )   1,965   2,443   3,542   (19.6 )   (31.0 )   1,569     1,817     1,920     (13.6 )   (5.4 )

Other assets

  969   777   870   24.7     (10.7 )   6,177   7,581   8,286   (18.5 )   (8.5 )   5,768   7,141   9,018   (19.2 )   (20.8 )   6,945     5,676     7,458     22.4     (23.9 )

TOTAL ASSETS

  112,481   102,085   94,020   10.2     8.6     158,644   149,290   153,806   6.3     (2.9 )   73,778   83,437   102,784   (11.6 )   (18.8 )   27,667     22,884     32,573     20.9     (29.7 )

Deposits and debt securities

  51,894   52,592   51,342   (1.3 )   2.4     54,458   47,882   44,391   13.7     7.9     46,626   55,685   73,321   (16.3 )   (24.1 )   22,699     18,249     25,218     24.4     (27.6 )

Income for the period

  1,320   1,348   1,256   (2.1 )   7.3     509   428   580   18.9     (26.2 )   1,160   1,260   1,395   (7.9 )   (9.7 )   (92 )   (776 )   (14 )   (88.1 )   n.m.  

Equity assigned

  7,130   6,792   6,295   5.0     7.9     3,450   3,253   3,673   6.1     (11.4 )   4,323   4,565   6,457   (5.3 )   (29.3 )   8,260     8,661     8,300     (4.6 )   4.3  

• Shareholders’ funds

  4,125   3,903   3,821   5.7     2.1     2,003   1,940   2,389   3.2     (18.8 )   2,828   3,022   3,906   (6.4 )   (22.6 )   2,452     3,865     2,646     (36.6 )   46.1  

• Other eligible funds

  3,005   2,889   2,474   4.0     16.8     1,447   1,313   1,284   10.2     2.3     1,495   1,543   2,551   (3.1 )   (39.5 )   5,808     4,796     5,654     21.1     (15.2 )

Liquid liabilities

  3,477   2,701   2,712   28.7     (0.4 )   69,376   59,321   69,516   17.0     (14.7 )   13,056   12,444   14,375   4.9     (13.4 )   —       1,051     3,250     —       (67.7 )

Inter-area positions

  45,257   35,593   29,191   27.2     21.9     23,486   30,850   26,718   (23.9 )   15.5     727   676   527   7.5     28.3     —       —       6     —       (100.0 )

Other liabilities

  3,403   3,059   3,224   11.2     (5.1 )   7,365   7,556   8,928   (2.5 )   (15.4 )   7,886   8,807   6,709   (10.5 )   31.3     (3,200 )   (4,301 )   (4,187 )   (25.6 )   2.7  

TOTAL
LIABILITIES

  112,481   102,085   94,020   10.2     8.6     158,644   149,290   153,806   6.3     (2.9 )   73,778   83,437   102,784   (11.6 )   (18.8 )   27,667     22,884     32,573     20.9     (29.7 )

(*) As a result or our agreement to sell our entire interest in BBV Brazil, S.A. in January 2003, and the closing of such sale in June 2003, our Corporate Activities area now comprises our interest in BBV Brazil for the period January to June 2003, accounted for under the equity method, and for 2002 and 2001, accounted under full consolidation.

 

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    Argentina

    SUBTOTAL

    Others

    TOTAL GROUP

 
    2003

  2002

  2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

  2002

  2001

  03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

  2002

  2001

  03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

 
    (Millions of Euros)                          

Lending

  2,594   2,714   9,977     (4.4 )   (72.8 )   154,056   146,889   159,200   4.9     (7.7 )   (5,229 )   (5,574 )   (8,980 )   (6.2 )   (37.9 )   148,827   141,315   150,220   5.3     (5.9 )

Securities portfolio

  589   886   479     (33.5 )   85.0     81,168   79,079   88,830   2.6     (11.0 )   453     (108 )   4,415     n.m.     (102.4 )   81,621   78,971   93,245   3.4     (15.3 )

Liquid assets

  471   369   2,257     27.6     (83.7 )   47,433   42,457   60,530   11.7     (29.9 )   (18,416 )   (12,931 )   (28,091 )   42.4     (54.0 )   29,017   29,526   32,439   (1.7 )   (9.0 )

Inter-area positions

  2   16   1     (87.5 )   n.m.     69,472   67,136   55,460   3.5     21.1     (69,472 )   (67,136 )   (55,460 )   3.5     21.1     —     —     —     —       —    

Fixed assets

  163   87   511     87.4     (83.0 )   4,401   5,032   6,756   (12.5 )   (25.5 )   3,458     4,258     4,575     (18.8 )   (6.9 )   7,859   9,290   11,331   (15.4 )   (18.0 )

Other assets

  537   943   403     (43.1 )   134.0     20,396   22,118   26,035   (7.8 )   (15.0 )   (570 )   (1,678 )   (4,209 )   (66.1 )   (60.1 )   19,826   20,440   21,826   (3.0 )   (6.4 )

TOTAL ASSETS

  4,356   5,015   13,628     (13.1 )   (63.2 )   376,926   362,711   396,810   3.9     (8.6 )   (89,776 )   (83,169 )   (87,749 )   7.9     (5.2 )   287,150   279,542   309,062   2.7     (9.6 )

Deposits and debt securities

  2,280   2,089   9,778     9.1     (78.6 )   177,957   176,497   204,050   0.8     (13.5 )   (12,306 )   (794 )   (10,133 )   n.m.     (92.2 )   165,651   175,703   193,917   (5.7 )   (9.4 )

Income for the period

  11   5   (429 )   120.0     (101.2 )   2,908   2,265   2,788   28.4     (18.8 )   (11 )   201     (299 )   (105.5 )   (167.2 )   2,897   2,466   2,489   17.5     (0.9 )

Equity assigned

  267   315   1,008     (15.2 )   (68.8 )   23,430   23,586   25,733   (0.7 )   (8.3 )   14,261     2,448     1,701     n.m.     43.9     37,691   26,034   27,434   44.8     (5.1 )

• Shareholders’ funds

  267   315   1,014     (15.2 )   (68.9 )   11,675   13,045   13,776   (10.5 )   (5.3 )   3,409     2,447     1,695     39.3     44.4     15,084   15,492   15,471   (2.6 )   0.1  

• Other eligible funds

  0   0   (6 )   —       (100.0 )   11,755   10,541   11,957   11.5     (11.8 )   10,852     1     6     n.m.     (83.3 )   22,607   10,542   11,963   114.4     (11.9 )

Liquid liabilities

  1,030   1,179   663     (12.6 )   77.8     86,939   76,696   90,516   13.4     (15,.3 )   (25,369 )   (20,577 )   (25,928 )   23.3     (20.6 )   61,570   56,119   64,588   9.7     (13.1 )

Inter-area positions

  2   114   2     (98.2 )   n.m.     69,472   67,233   56,444   3.3     19.1     (69,472 )   (67,233 )   (56,444 )   3.3     19.1     —     —     —     —       —    

Other liabilities

  766   1,313   2,606     (41.7 )   (49.6 )   16,220   16,434   17,279   (1.3 )   (4.9 )   3,121     2,786     3,355     12.1     (17.0 )   19,341   19,220   20,634   0.6     (6.9 )

TOTAL
LIABILITIES

  4,356   5,015   13,628     (13.1 )   (63.2 )   376,926   362,711   396,810   3.9     (8.6 )   (89,776 )   (83,169 )   (87,749 )   7.9     (5.2 )   287,150   279,542   309,062   2.7     (9.6 )

 

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    Retail Banking in Spain and Portugal

    Wholesale and Investment Banking

    America

 
    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

  3,221     3,189     3,025     1.0     5.4     678     718     744     (5.6 )   (3.5 )   2,790     3,391     3,988     (17.7 )   (15.0 )

Net fee income

  1,476     1,510     1,555     (2.3 )   (2.9 )   178     209     225     (14.8 )   (7.1 )   1,630     1,889     1,872     (13.7 )   0.9  

BASIC MARGIN

  4,697     4,699     4,580     0.0     2.6     856     927     969     (7.7 )   (4.3 )   4,420     5,280     5,860     (16.3 )   (9.9 )

Market operations

  44     46     63     (4,3 )   (27.0 )   123     (5 )   125     n.m.     n.m.     196     277     285     (29.2 )   (2.8 )

ORDINARY REVENUE

  4,741     4,745     4,643     (0.1 )   2.2     979     922     1,094     6.2     (15.7 )   4,616     5,557     6,145     (16.9 )   (9.6 )

Personnel costs

  (1,391 )   (1,386 )   (1,465 )   0.4     (5.4 )   (205 )   (212 )   (228 )   (3.3 )   (7.0 )   (1,128 )   (1,444 )   (1,637 )   (21.8 )   (11.8 )

General expenses

  (728 )   (738 )   (783 )   (1.4 )   (5.7 )   (105 )   (117 )   (125 )   (10.3 )   (6.4 )   (906 )   (1,115 )   (1,370 )   (18.8 )   (18.6 )

Depreciation and amortization

  (114 )   (123 )   (125 )   (7.3 )   (1.6 )   (9 )   (12 )   (12 )   (25.0 )   0.0     (213 )   (282 )   (339 )   (24.5 )   (16.8 )

Other operating revenues and expenses

  (43 )   (51 )   (59 )   (15.7 )   (13.6 )   (6 )   (1 )   (2 )   n.m.     (50.0 )   (139 )   (179 )   (198 )   (22.3 )   (9.6 )

OPERATING INCOME

  2,465     2,447     2,211     0.7     (10.7 )   654     580     727     12.8     (20.2 )   2,230     2,537     2,601     (12.1 )   (2.5 )

Net income from companies carried by the equity method

  8     (6 )   28     n.m     n.m.     65     21     26     n.m.     (19.2 )   72     20     8     n.m.     150.0  

Amortization of Goodwill in consolidation

  —       1     —       —       —       (2 )   (5 )   (7 )   (60.0 )   (28.6 )   —       —       —       —       —    

Net income on Group transactions

  (1 )   —       —       —       —       32     88     109     (63.6 )   (19.3 )   14     (3 )   50     n.m.     n.m.  

Net loan Loss provisions

  (492 )   (433 )   (402 )   13.6     7.7     (143 )   (141 )   (130 )   1.4     8.5     (495 )   (691 )   (795 )   (28.4 )   (13.1 )

Extraordinary itmes (net) and other

  (10 )   5     6     n.m.     (16.7 )   38     9     (31 )   n.m.     n.m.     (292 )   (193 )   (21 )   51.3     n.m.  

PRE- TAX PROFIT

  1,970     2,014     1,843     (2.2 )   9.3     644     552     694     16.7     (20.5 )   1,529     1,670     1,843     (8.4 )   (9.4 )

Corporate income tax

  (650 )   (666 )   (587 )   (2.4 )   13.5     (135 )   (124 )   (114 )   8.9     8.8     (369 )   (410 )   (448 )   (10.0 )   (8.5 )

NET INCOME

  1,320     1,348     1,256     (2.1 )   7.3     509     428     580     18.9     (26.2 )   1,160     1,260     1,395     (7.9 )   (9.7 )

Minority interests

  (81 )   (82 )   (83 )   (1.2 )   (1.2 )   (41 )   (46 )   (49 )   (10.9 )   (6.1 )   (445 )   (524 )   (588 )   (15.1 )   (10.9 )

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT

  1,239     1,266     1,173     (2.1 )   7.9     468     382     531     22.5     (28.1 )   715     736     807     (2.9 )   (8.8 )

 

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    Argentina

    Corporate Activities and others

    TOTAL GROUP

 
    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

    2003

    2002

    2001

    03-02 D%

    02-01 D%

 
    (Millions of Euros)                                

NET INTEREST INCOME

  48     323     664     (85.1 )   (51.4 )   4     187     403     (97.9 )   (53.6 )   6,741     7,808     8,824     (13.7 )   (11.5 )

Net fee income

  91     102     435     (10.8 )   (76.6 )   (112 )   (42 )   (50 )   (14.3 )   (16.0 )   3,263     3,668     4,038     (11.0 )   (9.2 )

BASIC MARGIN

  139     425     1,099     (67.3 )   (61.3 )   (108 )   145     354     n.m.     (58.9 )   10,004     11,476     12,862     (12.8 )   (10.8 )

Market operations

  52     101     39     (48.5 )   159.0     237     346     (22 )   (31.5 )   n.m.     652     765     490     (14.8 )   56.1  

ORDINARY REVENUE

  191     526     1,138     (63.7 )   (53.8 )   129     491     332     (73.7 )   47.9     10,656     12,241     13,352     (12.9 )   (8.3 )

Personnel costs

  (85 )   (91 )   (353 )   (6.6 )   (74.2 )   (454 )   (565 )   (560 )   (19.6 )   0.9     (3,263 )   (3,698 )   (4,243 )   (11.8 )   (12.8 )

General expenses

  (67 )   (81 )   (207 )   (17.3 )   (60.9 )   38     (23 )   3     n.m.     n.m.     (1,768 )   (2,074 )   (2,482 )   (14.8 )   (16.4 )

Depreciation and amortization

  (21 )   (19 )   (73 )   10.5     (74.0 )   (154 )   (195 )   (193 )   (21.0 )   1.0     (511 )   (631 )   (742 )   (19.0 )   (15.0 )

Other operating revenues and expenses

  (8 )   (9 )   (16 )   (11.1 )   (43.8 )   (23 )   (21 )   (11 )   9.5     90.9     (219 )   (261 )   (286 )   (16.1 )   (8.7 )

OPERATING INCOME

  10     326     489     (96.9 )   (33.3 )   (464 )   (313 )   (429 )   48.2     (27.0 )   4,895     5,577     5,599     (12.2 )   (0.4 )

Net income from companies carried by the equity method

  10     (9 )   12     n.m.     n.m.     228     7     319     n.m.     (97.8 )   383     33     393     n.m.     (91.6 )

Amortization of Goodwill in consolidation

  —       —       —       —       —       (637 )   (675 )   (1,136 )   (5.6 )   (40.6 )   (639 )   (679 )   (1,143 )   (5.9 )   n.m.  

Net income on Group transactions

  —       —       —       —       —       508     276     795     84.1     (65.3 )   553     361     954     53.2     (62.2 )

Net loan Loss provisions

  (189 )   (249 )   (532 )   (24.1 )   (53.2 )   42     (229 )   (60 )   n.m.     n.m.     (1,277 )   (1,743 )   (1,919 )   (26.7 )   (9.2 )

Extraordinary items (net) and other

  237     (152 )   (751 )   n.m.     (79.8 )   (76 )   (99 )   27     (23.2 )   n.m.     (103 )   (430 )   (770 )   (76.0 )   (44.2 )

PRE- TAX PROFIT

  68     (84 )   (782 )   (181.0 )   (89.3 )   (399 )   (1,033 )   (484 )   (61.4 )   n.m.     3,812     3,119     3,114     22.2     0.2  

Corporate income tax

  (57 )   89     353     (164.0 )   (74.8 )   296     458     171     (35.4 )   n.m     (915 )   (653 )   (625 )   40.1     4.5  

NET INCOME

  11     5     (429 )   120.0     n.m.     (103 )   (575 )   (313 )   (82.1 )   83,7     2,897     2,466     2,489     17.5     (0.9 )

Minority interests

  (1 )   (14 )   212     (92.9 )   n.m.     (102 )   (81 )   (138 )   25.9     (41.3 )   (670 )   (747 )   (646 )   (10.3 )   15.6  

NET ATTRIBUTABLE PROFIT

  10     (9 )   (217 )   (211.1 )   (95.9 )   (205 )   (656 )   (451 )   (68.8 )   45.5     2,227     1,719     1,843     29.6     (6.7 )

 

F-183


Table of Contents
Exhijbit
Number


  

Description


1.1    Amended and Restated Bylaws (Estatutos) of the Registrant
8.1    Consolidated Companies composing Registrant.
10.1    Consent of Deloitte & Touche Espana, S.L.
12.1    Section 302 Chief Executive Officer Certification
12.2    Section 302 President and Chief Operating Officer Certification
12.3    Section 302 Head of the Office of the Chairman Certification
13.1    Section 906 Certification